Charlotte's Web (Trophy Newbery)

Product Description

These are the words in Charlotte's web, high in the barn. Her spiderweb tells of her feelings for a little pig named Wilbur, as well as the feelings of a little girl named Fern ... who loves Wilbur, too. Their love has been shared by millions of readers.

Amazon.com

An affectionate, sometimes bashful pig named Wilbur befriends a spider named Charlotte, who lives in the rafters above his pen. A prancing, playful bloke, Wilbur is devastated when he learns of the destiny that befalls all those of porcine persuasion. Determined to save her friend, Charlotte spins a web that reads "Some Pig," convincing the farmer and surrounding community that Wilbur is no ordinary animal and should be saved. In this story of friendship, hardship, and the passing on into time, E.B. White reminds us to open our eyes to the wonder and miracle often found in the simplest of things.

Customer Reviews:

All Time Classic.......2007-10-03

This is a timeless coming of age story and an all time classic good read. Farmgirl Fern saves the pig Wilbur, the runt of the litter. She raises him like one of the family as much as possible. Wilbur is horrified, afraid and lonely when he's sold to Fern's uncle. To help him through this difficult time, Charlotte the spider becomes his friend and undertakes the writing challenges of her life when she spins words into her web to help save Wilbur's life. Meanwhile, Fern is growing up, becoming interested in boys and spending less time with Wilbur. Wilbur is taken to compete at the county fair and Charlotte goes along, even though it's the twilight of her life. She gives her all for Wilbur at the fair and in return, Wilbur saves her egg sac and takes it back to the farm with him upon her death. The next spring the little spiders hatch and begin to leave and Wilbur, who desperately misses Charlotte, believes he's destined to be alone. However, three of Charlotte's offspring decide to stay at the farm with Wilbur, insuring that he will have friends in the future. Wilbur welcomes them to the farm and tells the baby spiders about their mother and her legacy.

Along with the main characters, there's a cast of additional farm animals that help move the story along. It's good read for kids, and I've reread it as an adult. I liked it just as much then as the first time I read it. So will you.

Life Lessons.......2007-10-01

What a great book. One of the themes of this work is the reality of death. The author approaches this topic with the delicacy required for the young audience.

Wilbur is faced with possibility of an early demise because he is the runt of his litter. His wise and caring friend, Charlotte, devises a plan to save his life and though it works, she looses her life in the end.

The book is much more than this theme alone, but it is the most salient and captivating.

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

A very good children's story that use the mechanism of talking insects,
as well as arachnids, of course, to discuss friendship, life, and
death, and the roles of things in the world.

Perhaps a little sentimental, given the amount of pig saving antics that are found within. People have to eat, after all.

Great Book.......2007-05-29

Thanks for the fast delivery and good condition of the book. Perfect satisfaction!!!!!!

BOOKREADER.......2007-05-27

THIS STORY IS A TRUE COLLECTOR. THE ANIMALS IN THE STORY IS THE BEST PART AS THE SPIDER AND OTHERS COME TO LIFE AND HAVE TRUE FEELINGS...............

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (If You Give...)

Average customer rating:

A Weak Version of "If You Give A Pig..."
We loved it
If You Give a Child a Good Book...
Very enjoyable story
a grat book

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (If You Give...)
Laura Joffe Numeroff
Manufacturer: Laura Geringer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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

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

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If You Give a Moose a Muffin (If You Give...)
If You Give a Pig a Pancake Big Book (If You Give...)
If You Take a Mouse to School (If You Give...)
If You Take a Mouse to the Movies
If You Give a Pig a Party (If You Give...)

ASIN: 0060245867

Product Description

This is a best selling book by Felicia Bond and Laura Numeroff. This is the story of the consequences of giving a cookie to an energetic mouse that runs the host ragged, but young readers will come away smiling at the antics that tumble like dominoes through the pages of this delightful picture book.

Amazon.com

Who would ever suspect that a tiny little mouse could wear out an energetic young boy? Well, if you're going to go around giving an exuberantly bossy rodent a cookie, you'd best be prepared to do one or two more favors for it before your day is through. For example, he'll certainly need a glass of milk to wash down that cookie, won't he? And you can't expect him to drink the milk without a straw, can you? By the time our hero is finished granting all the mouse's very urgent requests--and cleaning up after him--it's no wonder his head is becoming a bit heavy. Laura Joffe Numeroff's tale of warped logic is a sure-fire winner in the giggle-generator category. But concerned parents can rest assured, there's even a little education thrown in for good measure: underneath the folly rest valuable lessons about cause and effect. Felicia Bond's hilarious pictures are full of subtle, fun details. Fans will be happy to know that this dynamic author-illustrator pair teamed up again for If You Give a Moose a Muffin and If You Give a Pig a Pancake. (Great read aloud, ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter

Customer Reviews:

A Weak Version of "If You Give A Pig...".......2007-08-06

We purchased this book because of the otherwise excellent works of the author. Unfortunately, this is a weak story with strained narration. Stick with the Pig version, the Mouse will only let you down.

We loved it.......2007-07-08

This short book was such a favorite in our house when the kids were small, it fell apart. It was a read-aloud for the most part, but also helped the children recognize words.

They memorized the wonderful story, and could then recognize the words as we read together.

It's a repetitive tale, but cute in the same way as Seuss stories, and my kids loved it just as much.

I'm at long last trying to trim the picture book collection down from several hundred volumes, and this one is not going anywhere, I'm afraid. The children, even in their teens, can't part with it.

A real classic.

If You Give a Child a Good Book..........2007-05-24

...he/she will enjoy it for years. I purchased this book after a co-worker highly recommended it. My child was an infant at the time, and although the book has a recommended age range of 4 to 8, I read it to her anyway. It was of course over her head, but I highly enjoyed the story myself - which is almost as important as the child enjoying the book, right? My girl is now approaching three years old and she enjoys the book as much as I do. It's fun to follow the story as the simple act of giving a mouse a cookie escalates into an endless cycle of giving the mouse other things he requires as a result of the cookie gift. It's a silly, lighthearted tale and the illustrations are fun. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie will surely be a family favorite for years to come, and I'm glad I purchased the hardcover version since it's likely to be passed down to the next generation.

Very enjoyable story.......2007-05-15

I bought this for my 2 1/2 yr. old grandson and was immediately his favorite book to read at bedtime. My daughter is now having to read it to him 2-3 times before it is lights out. In fact, even yesterday during the day, he wanted it read to him. It is a great book.

a grat book.......2007-04-11

IF You Give A Mouse A Cookie is wonderful book. It talks about what the mouse like to do in the story. what he likes to do is ask for cookies and milke , and he likes to keep on asking for things. I like this book so much and I hope you too.

Cars and Trucks and Things That Go (Giant Little Golden Book)

Average customer rating:

Eternal delight
Cars and Trucks and Things That Go
Timeless!
Great book for kids, and nostalgic for parents
Lots to see

Cars and Trucks and Things That Go (Giant Little Golden Book)
Richard Scarry
Manufacturer: Golden Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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

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Best Word Book Ever! (Giant Little Golden Book)
Richard Scarry's What Do People Do All Day
Busy, Busy Town (Giant Little Golden Book)
Richard Scarry's Cars and Trucks from A to Z (A Chunky Book(R))
Richard Scarry's Best Storybook Ever! (Giant Little Golden Book)

ASIN: 0307157857
Release Date: 1998-06-01

Product Description

Description coming soon...

Amazon.com

Although this book was around when many of today's parents were youngsters, it has remained a steadfast must-have in every toddler's library. For starters, it's a great vocabulary guide that names the many things that go (and some that haven't a prayer of going, but are great fun to imagine anyway). It's also teeming with detail-rich scenes and characters on every page, teaching children the rewards of looking long and closely (such as finding the hidden "Goldbug" in each spread). Along the way it entertains with the silly and slapstick--everything from toothpaste and toothbrush cars to six fire department vehicles that show up to extinguish a ladybug-size fire in a miniature pink convertible. What's most amazing about this book, however, is its longevity. When you purchase it for your fledgling talker, you should consider it an investment. Even 11-, 12-, and 13-year-olds are known to pore over the book nostalgically, cooing at Lowly Worm and eagerly tracking Officer Flossie's book-long chase after that irresponsible, speedster driver in a cowboy hat. (Ages 2 and older) --Gail Hudson

Customer Reviews:

Eternal delight.......2007-10-08

You will be asked to read this every night. Your child will sleep with it, and bring it out to breakfast. The hardcover binding thankfully is up to repeated page-turning by a toddler, and the printing is vibrant and clear. I prefer "What Do People Do All Day" as it tells more stories, but who can tell a three-year-old!

Cars and Trucks and Things That Go.......2007-09-29

I have been sharing this wonderful book with so many new mothers of boys ever since my 32-year old enjoyed his book as a child. It is so colorful and eye-catching and it is such fun to find Goldbug. It is a wonderful way to share with your child and to help him use his mind.

Timeless!.......2007-09-28

My 37 year old daughter loved this book, especially searching for the Goldbugs. I bought a copy for her almost-three year old daughter and she loves it just as much. Makes me happy!

Great book for kids, and nostalgic for parents.......2007-09-19

My husband wanted to buy this book for our two year old daughter because he remembered it very well from his childhood. Even though there are many pages our daughter loves to flip through them and see the different types of automobiles and trucks, and she loves to find the little goldbug on each page. The book is a little larger than most of her other books, but she doesn't have any trouble turning the pages, especially if it is laying on the floor. As she gets older she should not have any trouble with it if it is in her lap. I think that this book will entertain her for years to come, as there are so many different things to look at on every page, plus the fun of finding goldbug.

Lots to see.......2007-09-14

It probably helps that my son is obsessed with "things that go", but this has been one of his favorites for some time. He could sit and stare at the pages for a long time - well a long time for a 2-year old. There's a lot going on on each page, so I thought he might be a little overwhelmed with it all, but there are things on each page he focuses on. Dingo the dog and Goldbug help tie all the pages together. It helps his observation skills to search for them.

Average customer rating:

Absolutely Fantastic
Money Mama to the Rescue!

Money Mama & The Three Little Pigs
Lori Mackey
Manufacturer: P4K Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Careers | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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

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ASIN: 0974457027

Book Description

This read-aloud book introduces the basics of sound money management and helps children develop a positive money attitude. Featuring whimsical illustrations and engaging child friendly explanations, the book helps parents teach their kids the value of Giving, to help others, Investing for their futures, Saving for retirement and Spending their money wisely, the four components to abundant money management.

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely Fantastic.......2004-01-17

I was thrilled to see a book that teaches children about the value of money. It is extremely well written and the colorful illustrations kept my three year old nephew wanting to read more and more the book.

Money Mama to the Rescue!.......2004-01-17

Money Mama and her three little piggies make the concept of saving as easy as 10/10/10/70! This great little book is beautifully designed, well-written and features bold, colorful illustrations that will immediately appeal to children AND parents alike.

My daughter, like most children, learned her bad spending and non-existent saving habits from her parents, (who learned their bad spending and non-existent saving habits from THEIR parents.) It's a destructive cycle that needed breaking, but I wasn't sure how to do it. Enter: "Money Mama & The Three Little Pigs". I learned about this excellent book (and companion piggy bank) from a friend (who showed me HERS!) I was so captivated by the simplicity with which the daunting subjects of "giving", "investing", and "saving" were communicated, that I HAD to buy a copy for myself and my daughter. By breaking the process down into bite-sized pieces, I learned that anyone can benefit from the lessons taught in the book -- no matter how large or small the amount of money, success can begin with one little dollar.

I highly recommend this book to everyone who has kids and struggles with the subject of saving! You're never too old to learn the invaluable lessons outlined in the book, and I give Ms. Mackey two thumbs WAY up for her ingenous and innovative presentation of a complex subject. This is the gift that keeps on giving (and saving and investing) -- I'm glad I got mine before they ran out! :-)

Mahalia Mouse Goes to College: Book and CD
Average customer rating:

Perfect for a graduate -- preschool through Ph.D.

Mahalia Mouse Goes to College

Illistrations

MAHALIA MOUSE GOES TO COLLEGE

Excellent book!

Mahalia Mouse Goes to College: Book and CD
John Lithgow
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Fiction | Mice, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs & Squirrels | Animals | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
New Experiences | Family Life | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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Marsupial Sue Presents "The Runaway Pancake": Book and CD

I'm a Manatee: (Book and CD)

Marsupial Sue Book and CD

The Remarkable Farkle McBride

Carnival of the Animals

ASIN: 1416927158

Book Description

Mahalia Mouse and her family live underneath Dunster House, an old Harvard dormitory. Foraging for food for her younger brothers and sisters, Mahalia gets trapped in a backpack and then finds herself inside a classroom far from home. Mahalia, intrigued by the lecture, starts attending classes and soon becomes a full-time student -- all the while wondering about the fate of her family. But when graduation day finally arrives, Mahalia has a wonderful surprise waiting for her.

Written as part of his keynote address at Harvard's commencement, this latest book from John Lithgow (class of '67) incorporates his trademark witty rhymes and includes a CD of him reading the text at the commencement. Mahalia's story has an inspiring message for graduates or anyone whose success is worthy of celebration.

Customer Reviews:

Perfect for a graduate -- preschool through Ph.D........2007-09-13

Today I found a rare thing -- a book that would be an excellent graduation gift whether the grad in question is departing preschool or university. It's "Mahalia Mouse Goes to College," by John Lithgow (Harvard Class of `67), illustrated by Igor Oleynikov.
When I taught juniors at Penn State this spring, I discovered they believe children do not like books that contain vocabulary beyond their ken. I argued that encountering new words might increase children's vocabulary and thus be a good thing, and they agreed but claimed that kids often don't like what's good for them. True enough, and if you share my students' conviction, then John Lithgow's books -- which include "The Remarkable Farkle McBride," and "Marsupial Sue" -- are not for you.
If, on the other hand, you think kids get a kick out of mastering words like wisteria (rhymes with cafeteria), allayed (rhymes with paid), and zoology (rhymes with psychology), then Lithgow's rollicking texts will appeal to you. In this case, it's not only the wordplay that is fun. Lithgow has written a parable about the ruthlessness involved in leaving home in order to achieve greater things.
Lithgow's opening lines, coupled with Oleynikov's grim, rain-soaked illustration, evoke an almost Dickensian mood. Or maybe they were shooting for Lemony Snicket? Anyway, the story begins:
"The skies of September were bursting with rain
Pelting the old dormitory
It filled every gutter and choked every drain
Chapter 1 of Mahalia's story."
As if the rain weren't bad enough, Mahalia's mother, consumed by sorrow, sends her daughter out foraging, warning that things are so dire "the babies may die." Dutifully, Mahalia departs, is attracted by the smell of cheese in a college student's backpack, finds herself zipped inside, and next thing you know is entranced by a lecture that "concerns the behavior of atoms in space/Their collisions and fissions, their motion and pace."
The dying babies are forgotten, and Mahalia enrolls in college where she excels not only academically but at extracurriculars like squash and, briefly, square dancing.
The story ends in a hail of confetti and sunshine on graduation day with Mahalia and her family reunited -- the babies, apparently, having survived. It's a great story with just the edge of poignance that accompanies one generation's outstripping its predecessor.

Mahalia Mouse Goes to College.......2007-08-01

Mahalia Mouse Goes to College is a wonderful book, written by John Lithgow. It comes with a cd of the author narrating the story which is great. The illustrations are vivid and bring the story to life. The story is about a mouse that goes to college. This book is a dedication to the Harvard graduating class of 2005. John Lithgow was the guest speaker at that commencement and having had a son in that class of 2005, this was a must have book for my Harvard graduate as a keepsake which he can share with his children some day.

Illistrations.......2007-05-25

I wish the illistrations were a little brighter. They seemed a bit dark & scary.

MAHALIA MOUSE GOES TO COLLEGE.......2007-05-13

This is the cutest book to read to children of all ages. It is a great read for an adult. If you went to a college class you will certainly appreciate how this little mouse attends the college classes. It also comes with a CD.You will love this book. I highly recommed it.

Excellent book!.......2007-05-12

The book arrived in perfect timing and is just what we wanted to give to our grandson who graduates from high school on the 20th and to enter college in the fall.

If You Give a Pig a Party (If You Give...)

Average customer rating:

Love the "If You Give..." books!
Great Fun!
Selfish?...No way.
A never ending cycle
A lesser spinoff from "If You Give a Pig a Pancake", but my daughter still loves it!

If You Give a Pig a Party (If You Give...)
Laura Numeroff
Manufacturer: Laura Geringer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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

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

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If You Take a Mouse to the Movies
If You Give a Moose a Muffin (If You Give...)
If You Take a Mouse to School (If You Give...)
If You Give a Pig a Pancake Big Book (If You Give...)
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (If You Give...)

ASIN: 0060283262
Release Date: 2005-09-06

Book Description

If you give a pig a party,she's going to ask for someballoons. When you give her the balloons, she'll want to decorate the house. When she's finished, she'll put on her favorite dress. Then she'll call all her friends -- Mouse, Moose, and more.

The little pig from If You Give a Pig a Pancake is back, and this time she wants to throw a great big party! Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond have created another winning story for this beloved character in the tradition of the best-selling If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.

Customer Reviews:

Love the "If You Give..." books!.......2007-06-27

What I like the most about these books is the illustration. The stories are fun too!

Great Fun!.......2007-01-04

My grandkids loved this book---they ask over and over to have it read to them. The story is very entertaining and the pictures are very colorful.

Selfish?...No way........2006-12-27

The pig in this book is just like most small children, moving from one whim to another in a the steam of consciousness way that children live their lives. My daughter loves this book. I think it would also be a good read for new parents as well since it shows the constantly changing attention span and imagination that makes childhood so fascinating.

A never ending cycle .......2006-12-15

I loved this book, this was the first If You Give... book I bought for my son and he loves it too. Following this cute pig in story is tons of fun, you decorate the house, and you put on your party dress and call to invite your friends over. Not only is it a good story but there is wonderful illustration and you get to see all the other characters of the If You Give... books. This is a wonderful book, after reading this one to my son I went and bought other If You Give... books.

A lesser spinoff from "If You Give a Pig a Pancake", but my daughter still loves it!.......2006-08-26

Our first "If you give" book was the "Pancake" title. It was an instant hit with my daughter. We moved on to "Party". It is definitely good and entertaining, but it definitely reads and feels like a spinoff. Where "Pancake" flows out of a single gesture, "Party" feels forced, and just doesn't seem as funny and delightful. Plus, in this book, the pig somehow seems more demanding and selfish than in the Pancake book. Hard to explain unless you read it!

I have to say though, my daughter really loves the "Party" book and has not complained. ;-) She'd probably give it four stars. So if your child is a fan of the other books, you probably can't go wrong with this one. Our next purchase are the "Mouse" and "Moose" ones. Based on the reviews, we are really looking forward to them!

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

Average customer rating:

Totally Enchanting!
Loved the mouse, not the story
A Kid's Review
Well written, but not light hearted
Beautiful Tale of Strength

The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread
Kate Dicamillo
Manufacturer: Candlewick
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Kira-Kira

ASIN: 0763625299
Release Date: 2006-04-11

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.

Average customer rating:

Really funny twist to an old classic
Perhaps more funny for adults than for pre-schoolers
This version will blow you away!
A New Point of View on an Old Story
Grandmother's input

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs
Jon Scieszka
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales
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ASIN: 0140544518

Amazon.com

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

This 10th-anniversary edition of Jon Scieszka's New York Times Best Book of the Year, The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!, includes a special, impassioned letter from prisoner A. Wolf himself and a snappy new jacket by Caldecott Honor artist Lane Smith, whose quirky perspectives still color the illustrations throughout. As with The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, the collaborators take a classic story and send it through the wisecracker machine, much to the glee of kids young and old. (Ages 4 to 8 or much, much older) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

In this best-selling collaboration between author (and performer) Jon Scieszka and illustrator Lane Smith, with music by noted composer Kurt Hoffman, you will hear Alexander T. Wolf tell the story from his point of view. Side one features narration and music, while side two has music alone, so that you can read it out loud by yourself.

Customer Reviews:

Really funny twist to an old classic.......2007-10-09

Many think of the story "The three little pigs" as a worn out fairy tale. This book puts a new twist to the tale by adding a different point of view ... particularly from the WOLF's side. My children "howl" at the wolfs version of his mistreatment and being so misunderstood by the world. Opens ears of kids to listen to both sides and make up your mind as to what really happens..... my kids determined the wolf was full of it and the pigs in the end win out in their minds. Very funny book.

Perhaps more funny for adults than for pre-schoolers.......2007-08-30

I really like Jon Scienszka - especially _The Stinky Cheese Man and other tales_; but I suspect his stories are geared for a slightly older audience (age 5 and up) than for younger children, as the humor in _The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs_ is a bit sophisticated for younger (and more literal) children.

With that said, the premise - that the Big Bad Wolf is misunderstood, and the deaths of the 3 Little Pigs was just a big misunderstanding - is great: I like the idea of teaching children to empathize and think beyond the literal. And certainly children will develop this as they grow. I do recommend the book - the art, the story and the telling of it are masterfully done. However think about the relative intellectual maturity of the audience before buying ... it may be good wine before its time.

This version will blow you away!.......2007-08-19

Poor Big Bad Wolf - he always gets a bad rap. But now he is here telling his side of the story. According to him, it's all about a sneeze and a cup of sugar. Once again, Smith's illustrations are highly amusing, as is the story of a misunderstood wolf who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time (Riiiiiiiight). I love how the story has been jazzed up with phrases such as - "Can you believe it? I mean, who in his right mind would build a house of straw?" (as said by the wolf). This book really is short and sweet and hopefully it will make readers think about whose side of the story is correct.

A New Point of View on an Old Story.......2007-08-03

My children (ages 12, 8 and 5) had gotten this book from the library, but since they continued to read it over and over again, I thought we should have our own copy. It is a very clever story of the Three Little Pigs told from the wolf's point of view. As enjoyable it is for the children, it's just as enjoyable for the adult reading with them.

Grandmother's input.......2007-07-28

I bought this for my grandchildren, a boy who is eight and a girl who is seven. They like books so I was curious about their reaction. They both liked the story and the pictures. Their mother was particularly impressed. The humor is appropriate for children and for adults so I would recommend this for any age. It will make you smile.

If You Give a Pig a Pancake (If You Give...)

Average customer rating:

Another great beginning reader book
Not As Good
Great
If You Give a Pig a Pancake by Leonardo
If You Give a Pig a Pancake

If You Give a Pig a Pancake (If You Give...)
Laura Numeroff
Manufacturer: Laura Geringer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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If You Give a Moose a Muffin (If You Give...)
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (If You Give...)
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ASIN: 0060266864

Product Description

If you give a pig a pancake, she'll want some syrup to go with it. You'll give her some of your favorite maple syrup, and she'll probably get all sticky, so she'll want to take a bath. She'll ask you for some bubbles. When you give her the bubbles...

Amazon.com

"If you give a pig a pancake, she'll want some syrup to go with it. You'll give her some of your favorite maple syrup. She'll probably get all sticky, so she'll want to take a bath." You get the idea. Baths lead to bubbles, bubbles lead to rubber ducks, rubber ducks lead to wanting a trip to the farm. If You Give a Pig a Pancake is a delightful exploration of the scenario "if you give an inch, they'll take a mile." But who could refuse the whims of this adorable piglet? Not us, and certainly not the pig's young caretaker. Parents will feel a familiar twinge as they witness the pig's increasingly elaborate demands, and kids will be delighted that the story circles back around to the original pancake. Laura Numeroff and illustrator Felicia Bond--well-loved creators of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and If You Give a Moose a Muffin--succeed again in concocting a marvelously skewed study of cause and effect that inevitably results in a riotous read-aloud. Your kids will ask for this book again and again, and you won't want to refuse. (Ages 4 to 8) --Karin Snelson

Customer Reviews:

Another great beginning reader book.......2007-03-26

My kids love this book. It is a giggle fest!

Not As Good.......2006-12-18

As the "give a mouse" books, but still way better than alot of the mind-numbing books out there for kids.

Great.......2006-11-04

My four year old loves it. Lots of pages but a quick read. Fun pictures to talk about.

If You Give a Pig a Pancake by Leonardo.......2006-01-31

If You Give A Pig A Pancake
By: Laura Numeroff
Reviewed by: Leonardo

Have you ever wondered what happens if you give a pig a pancake? I'll tell you what happens - a big mess! If You Give A Pig A Pancake by Laura Numeroff is what I call a great comedy on how a pig keeps on asking for things until he and the girl...nah, I wont tell you it because it'll ruin the surprise of the book for you.

In the book, the pig shows up on the girl's window during breakfast, so the girl gives him a pancake. Then the pig keeps on asking for things and all sorts of stuff happens to them.

My favorite part of the book was when the plot. The girl goes into hard labor because of the pig. I think that this is important because it helps you see what a tough time the girl is going through.

However, I find that the book was very long. I think that the girl and the pig go through too much. But this doesn't change much about what I think of the book. Never the less, I still think it's a great book.

I believe that this book is great for a kindergartener that is starting to read, just for fun, or if you're in the mood for a hilarious and comical book. I personally love it and I recommend some other Laura Numeroff novels like If You Give A Mouse A Cookie or If You Give A Moose A Muffin.

If You Give a Pig a Pancake.......2005-09-17

I have read this story so much the children I teach can read along with me.

Female Chauvinist Pigs: Women and the Rise of Raunch Culture

Average customer rating:

Horror
finally, somebody showed that sexuality isn't about being a stripper.
Trying To Keep From Drifitng Away While Celebrating Freedom From The Anchor
Great!
Great book

Female Chauvinist Pigs: Women and the Rise of Raunch Culture
Ariel Levy
Manufacturer: Free Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Popular Culture | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Feminist Theory | Women's Studies | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0743284283

Amazon.com

Ariel Levy's debut book is a bold, piercing examination of how twenty-first century American society perceives sex and women. Writing vividly, she brings her readers to places she visited to make her assessment; the elevator of Playboy Enterprises with women auditioning to be Playmates in the fiftieth anniversary edition, a Florida beach where sunbathers urge a woman to take off her bathing suit for the camera crew of Girls Gone Wild, a San Francisco Italian restaurant where a lesbian worries she's not dressed up enough for her date, a CAKE party in New York, with women grinding each other's pelvises in time to pulsating dance rhythms, and outside a juice bar in Oakland where a beautiful high school student shares disappointment at her experiences with sex.

Levy cleverly leads us to explore the role models women aspire to emulate. We are not pursuing the confident, self-determined, powerful, free ideal the women's liberation movement would have dreamed for its daughters. Instead, our icons are porn stars and strippers and prostitutes. Paris Hilton and Jenna Jameson flaunt their successes in the pornography industry, and in doing so seem to earn our adulation.

Levy relates our embracing of this raunchy culture to unresolved tensions thirty years ago between the sexual revolution and the women's liberation movement, and amongst feminists; joy at discovering the delights of our clitoris conflicting with disgust at pornography's objectification of women. She creates a convincing argument by analyzing a diverse spectrum of material; presents a fascinating palette of interviews with revolutionary women's libbers, nouvelle raunchy feminists, and everyday women and men. Detailed facts and recurring names are sometimes cumbersome, albeit worth ploughing through for the `a-ha moments'.

The reality that we model ourselves on images whose "individuality is erased" is harsh, yet Levy's work is imbued with hope - hope that women can celebrate their uniqueness instead of their `hotness', explore their sexuality as delight rather than consume sex as currency, and succeed professionally because of their brilliant minds and personalities, not because of their brilliant bodies.--Megan Jones Ady

Book Description

Meet the Female Chauvinist Pig -- the new brand of "empowered woman" who embraces "raunch culture" wherever she finds it. In her groundbreaking book, New York magazine writer Ariel Levy argues that, if male chauvinist pigs of years past thought of women as pieces of meat, Female Chauvinist Pigs of today are doing them one better, making sex objects of other women -- and of themselves. Irresistibly witty and wickedly intelligent, Female Chauvinist Pigs makes the case that the rise of raunch does not represent how far women have come; it only proves how far they have left to go.

Download Description

"Meet the Female Chauvinist Pig--the new brand of ""empowered woman"" who wears the Playboy bunny as a talisman, bares all for Girls Gone Wild, pursues casual sex as if it were a sport, and embraces ""raunch culture"" wherever she finds it. If male chauvinist pigs of years past thought of women as pieces of meat, Female Chauvinist Pigs of today are doing them one better, making sex objects of other women--and of themselves. They think they're being brave, they think they're being funny, but in Female Chauvinist Pigs, New York magazine writer Ariel Levy asks if the joke is on them. In her quest to uncover why this is happening, Levy interviews college women who flash for the cameras on spring break and teens raised on Paris Hilton and breast implants. She examines a culture in which every music video seems to feature a stripper on a pole, the memoirs of porn stars are climbing the best-seller lists, Olympic athletes parade their Brazilian bikini waxes in the pages of Playboy, and thongs are marketed to prepubescent girls. Levy meets the high-powered women who create raunch culture--the new oinking women warriors of the corporate and entertainment worlds who eagerly defend their efforts to be ""one of the guys."" And she traces the history of this trend back to conflicts between the women's movement and the sexual revolution long left unresolved. In the tradition of Susan Faludi's Backlash and Naomi Wolf's The Beauty Myth, Levy pulls apart the myth of the Female Chauvinist Pig and argues that what has come to pass for liberating rebellion is actually a kind of limiting conformity. Irresistibly witty and wickedly intelligent, Female Chauvinist Pigs makes the case that the rise of raunch does not represent how far women have come, it only proves how far they have left to go. "

Customer Reviews:

Horror.......2007-09-18

This is one of the few books which has me claiming that I am a reader of horror... I read non-fiction.

Regarding the book itself though, the reason why I choose such a designation for it is because there were at least four times in the book at which I just stopped, with a feeling of despair, much like I would feel if I was reading a novel where the protagonist dies. The reason for this phenomena though, was because of the social insights which Ariel Levy reveals.

Not too long ago, I decided to get involved with feminism, and I found it odd that there were a lot of cases of activities within its embodiment which seem to support things which serve to objectify women, under the name of empowerment. This is one of the points Levy points out, although I think it's equally said for both society in general, modern feminism, and the gay community.

Additionally she points out in great detail how the commercialization of sexuality today is expressing itself in many women, which is unfortunate because it has less and less to do with trust and comfort (the minimum I think required for a meaningful sexual encounter) and more to do with accumulation of status and power.

Overall though, I highly recommend this book.

finally, somebody showed that sexuality isn't about being a stripper........2007-09-11

the fascinating thing about this book is the way it challenges its readers...men AND women...to broaden their sexuality. sexuality should never just be strippers, prostitutes and sex workers, or scantily clad women who don't know what they want. after reading plenty about women who are in these professions and chose to be (withOUT a history of abuse plaguing them), it was more noticeable to me that levy was making her main point that these women are doing this because we are told that this is what sexuality is...not because women WANT to do it. as a matter of fact, she touches very explicitly on the fact that most women DON'T know what they want, other than to be wanted...and that they will do anything to feel that desire from others. What happened to a woman's individual sexual desire and why must it be captured in raunch culture? With raunch culture, no one wins--men are told that they're not men if they don't love strippers and fake boobs, so this is all they've got to be turned on by. women aren't sexy then, if they're not doing these things that are supposed to be "sexual." it's a vicious cycle--women give the men what they are supposed to want, and men continued to be attracted to what they are 'supposed' to be attracted to...and no one wins. it's amazing that many men asked levy to write a book about men and raunch culture as well--the segment on 'the man show' really said it all.

not only this, but the ideas of what is 'masculine' and 'feminine' are really challenged in this book. women are either trying to desperately to be a caricature of a man or a caricature of what a woman is supposed to be sexually. you don't have to be frigid to be a feminist...you just have to know that you WANT what you're asking for...that it turns you on, arouses you...that you DESIRE it for more than just being wanted. but stop trying to be a 'man.' the pinnacle in levy's work is when she begins to quote women who don't want to be 'girly girls,' and instead are sleeping with men haphazardly and not caring--not because it arouses them, mind you...but because they don't want to be the committed girly girls--in order to be more like 'men.' but who, levy asks, is this mythological man we are all trying to be like?

women who consistently try to identify traits of theirs as more 'masculine,' will hopefully feel differently after reading this book--if you are a woman, you are feminine...no matter what...by virtue of BEING a WOMAN. and a man who likes to read and dress nicely is still masculine...by virtue of being a man.
excellent read.

Trying To Keep From Drifitng Away While Celebrating Freedom From The Anchor.......2007-07-16

Let me state that this is a combination of a book review and a commentary of Ariel Levy's book "Female Chauvinist Pigs: Women and the Rise of Raunch Culture."

First, this is a book that does need to be written. It does give plenty of slop and mud to wallow in like a pig (I'm trying to score some humor points here): This is not for children. It deals with sexuality not to titilate but to expose, but it still is pretty graphic.

The theme of this book is that true feminism is not expressed by sleaziness, by complete lack of physical and sexual restraint. Levy is right on the money here.

The book is well written, and keeps one's interest. It is well documented, and the documentation does not come across as manipulative. I applaud this book's purpose.

Now for my commentary, which leads to a problem. In pointing out the problem of when one drifts too far from the standard, Levy ignores that this is a natural consequence of rejecting the standard. I can tell she feels the influence of evangelical Christianity in politics is a danger, and she takes the normal stand that abstinance alone doesn't work, ignoring the obvious fact that the only time abstinance fails is when it isn't practiced.

In other words, the real solution to the raunch culture is not to try to be balanced in our rebellion from our Judeo-Christian ethic, but rather a return to it. Levy's system cannot condemn the raunch culture as wrong (at least consistently).

There is much we agree on, but I believe Levy is trying to solve the problem without applying the solution.

Great!.......2007-07-11

Not perfect, though.
Mothers who buy brazilian waxes for their daughters and let them dress like whores are trying to live through them. Too simplistic? Too obvious? The truth can be just that. Mature women are almost openly despised at this point in time, and it is a major feat for a middle aged woman in America to get through her day with all her self-esteem intact.
Historically, women were what men rebelled against; that is, women enforced social rules of decorum, manners, sexual restraint. (as men demanded!) Women also were charged with maintaining order, peace and harmony in the family. Past that, men were charged with protecting their young daughters from sexual predators.
Now, since feminism has become an insult and teenage women are valued for acting out men's pornographic fantasies for approval and money and women think that being like a man is the key to social power, the notion of protecting young girls has become a joke. Over and over the author states that the women screwing around do not do so out of pure sensuality and honest lust. Over and over she reveals that there is a disturbing attitude of misogyny permeating this FCP/"raunch culture", as in, for example, the chapter on lesbian "boyz". The message is that what MEN want and the way MEN act, is of central and overwhelming validity in this culture, and is something for all females to aspire to and imitate at whatever cost to their safety, sanity, intelligence and self respect. Just as I do not consider a male to female transsexual to be a woman, I do not buy the specious "gender" arguments that put down all differences in male and female as culturally conditioned. Specifically,women's sexuality is MORE powerful than men's, as researchers like Dr. Mary Jane Sherfey and Rebecca Chalker, among many, many others, have revealed. But as I stated before, and as the author repeatedly states, the women in their slutgear putting notches on their headboards are not driven by PLEASURE. Most of them do not have orgasms, and she even quoted a teenage girl as saying that it would be "weird" to go after sex out of a simple passionate desire for the experience in and of itself..bliss, orgasm, sensuality, delight.
The book is not perfect; the 60's "sexual revolution" cannot be entirely to blame for "raunch culture". But thank God she wrote it. I hope others, from other authors, will follow.

Great book.......2007-06-19

You don't need to be a feminist to love this book. If you watch the world around you, you will notice that something in it is not right: the way a lot of women define their sexuality. Levy's book contributes to give an explanation of why some women find attractive or think that's necessary to exploit a limited part of their sexuality in order to feel liberated and empowered ... when actually they're contributing to perpetuate those stereotypes and ideas that keep women in disadvantage in our society.

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