The True Story of the Three Little Pigs

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.

History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Average customer rating:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers
Pants on fire?
Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed.
Very Interesting
History as Science Fiction

History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Anatoly Fomenko
Manufacturer: Mithec
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Chinese | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Irish | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Japanese | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Doctors & Medicine | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Lawyers & Criminals | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Love, Sex & Marriage | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Assyria, Babylonia & Sumer | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

Early Civilization | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

General | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

Historiography | Historical Study | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

French | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Victorian | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Epic | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

German | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Russian | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Chinese | Classics | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Conspiracy Theories | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

War on Drugs | Crime & Criminals | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

English (All) | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books

Science | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books

Online Research | Genealogy | Reference | Subjects | Books

Native American | Earth-Based Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | History & Philosophy | Science | Subjects | Books

History of Science | History & Philosophy | Science | Subjects | Books

Magic & Wizards | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Sailor Moon | Popular Characters | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Pilates | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

History | Fashion | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

History: Fiction or Science? Chronology 2 (Chronology)
History: Fiction or Science? Astronomical methods as applied to chronology. Ptolemy's Almagest. Chronology III
Discovering the Mysteries of Ancient America: Lost History And Legends, Unearthed And Explored
Before the Pharaohs: Egypt's Mysterious Prehistory
They Cast No Shadows: A Collection of Essays on the Illuminati, Revisionist History, and Suppressed Technologies

ASIN: 2913621058

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Average customer rating:

High-flying fun

The Tale of Pale Male: A True Story
Jeanette Winter
Manufacturer: Harcourt Children's Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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

The Police Cloud
What Elephant?
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Extreme Animals: The Toughest Creatures on Earth
Nature - Pale Male

ASIN: 0152059725

Book Description

Here is the incredible true story of a Red-tailed Hawk that makes himself at home in the most unlikely of places--atop a high-rise apartment building in New York City. Named Pale Male by his many fans, this majestic bird not only endures in this urban environment, he thrives. But when the residents have Pale Male's nest removed from their building, a historic battle--and triumph--ensues, uniting bird lovers everywhere.

With Jeanette Winter's beloved folk art-inspired illustrations and soulful insight into the spirit of this beautiful hawk, this is a book that will delight nature enthusiasts of all ages.

Includes an author's note.

Customer Reviews:

High-flying fun.......2007-04-24

"The Tale of Pale Male" is a gussied-up true story for the Picture Book set. Remember Pale Male--a Red-tailed hawk--and his Fifth Avenue perch? (Mary Tyler Moore lives in his building.) Remember how Pale Male brought his gal pal Lola to his favorite spot and they built a nest? Remember the birdwatchers down below and the momentous birth of two "hungry chicks"?

Pale Male and Lola set off a media storm when they build their huge nest and begin circling the skies of Manhattan. People lined the street to watch the birds fly and the chicks hatch. Winter chronicles their story and their abrupt eviction from 927 Fifth Avenue when downstairs neighbors complain of the "evidence of Lola's meals" falling on "to the balcony below." (Note: Winter includes only bones, leaves, and twigs in this "evidence.") Media and public outrage follow culminating in the restoration of Pale Male's home.

Winter successfully combines two stories in "The Tale of Pale Male." On the one hand it's the story of people standing up for nature even in the heart of Manhattan. On the other hand, it's a nature story--we learn how Red-tail hawks build nests, what they eat, and how they live.

Winter's pallette of grays, purples, and teals beautifully suits Pale Male's city life, especially when contrasted with the opening pages illustrated in the greens, blues and browns of a Red-tailed hawk's life in nature. An "author's note" at the end of the book gives us the straight story.

"The Tale of Pale Male" is best suited for readers ages four to eight. School-aged children in kindergarten through second grade will especially like "The Tale of Pale Male" at story time. Its dual story line will appeal to city slickers and nature lovers alike.

The Parrot's Lament : And Other True Tales of Animal Intrigue, Intelligence, and Ingenuity

Average customer rating:

They're smarter than you think!
My Goats Bedevil Me!
A good book, with some unsettling errors...
Witty and fulfilling
Excellent

The Parrot's Lament : And Other True Tales of Animal Intrigue, Intelligence, and Ingenuity
Eugene Linden
Manufacturer: Plume
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

The Octopus and the Orangutan: More True Tales of Animal Intrigue, Intelligence, and Ingenuity
The Parrot Who Owns Me: The Story of a Relationship
The Mysteries of Animal Intelligence: True Stories of Animals with Amazing Abilities (Mysteries)
When Elephants Weep: The Emotional Lives of Animals
Minding Animals: Awareness, Emotions, and Heart

ASIN: 0452280680
Release Date: 2000-08-01

Amazon.com

When Eugene Linden was writing The Parrot's Lament--a book subtitled "And Other True Tales of Animal Intrigue, Intelligence, and Ingenuity"--he enjoyed joking around with his 2-year-old daughter Sofia. "Are you a rutabaga?" "I'm not a rutabaga!" she would giggle. "Are you a waterbug?" "I'm not a waterbug!" Soon, Sofia learned to riff off her father's teasing: "I'm not a rutabaga; Daddy is a rutabaga!" or the truly insightful, "I'm not a rutabaga; the baby is a rutabaga. I'm a waterbug!"

As a passionate and accomplished student of animal intelligence since the '70s, Linden--of course--couldn't resist comparing Sofia's reasoning to that of an ape, puzzling over the cognitive cusp upon which she teetered. And it's this affectionate but knowledgeable analysis, the gentle transition from rutabagas to metacognition and emergent symbolic ability, that makes The Parrot's Lament so satisfying, sentimental but still scientifically solid. The science of consciousness and animal intelligence is contentious, but many in the field--Linden included--deeply suspect that animals know more than we can verify. Linden lays down the science with clarity and good humor, but he leaves it to his animal coauthors, the amorous dolphins, escape-artist orangs, enigmatic cats, and lying hyenas that populate the book's scores of anecdotes, to make his argument. --Paul Hughes

Book Description

A gorilla shrewdly sells back a missing key chain to the highest bidder. An orangutan picks a lock to let himself out of his zoo enclosure and two elephants adopt a tag-team strategy to keep their handlers from putting them back into theirs. In The Parrot's Lament, noted environmentalist Eugene Linden offers more than one hundred true anecdotes about animal acts of cooperation, heroism, escape--even tales of deception or manipulation of human beings. Drawing on the first-person experiences of veterinarians, field biologists, researchers, and trainers, Linden has compiled a warmly entertaining and powerfully persuasive argument for animal consciousness that, while not human, far exceeds what humans usually grant animals. Scientifically sound and emotionally compelling, The Parrot's Lament contains remarkable stories that are sure to resonate with animal lovers, turning skeptics everywhere into believers.

"Eugene Linden reveals how animals demonstrate aspects of intelligence as they escape from, cheat, and outfox humans." --Time magazine

"These amazing true stories confirm what many of us always suspected--that animals would make better humans than most humans would." --Carl Hiaasen

Customer Reviews:

They're smarter than you think!.......2006-11-14

This is a wonderful book. Having had companion animals all my life, I've never had any doubt whatsoever that our four-legged and/or feathered friends have a lot more going on in their little heads than some people give them credit for. Just because an animal can't use human words doesn't mean they can't think, feel, or communicate; and this book demonstrates that very well. My only "complaint," such as it is, is that there was no reference whatsoever to a parrot's lament. This rather disappointed me since I have a companion parrot, have read a lot about parrots, and was interested to hear Mr. Linden's story about a lamenting bird. Other than that, it's a great book!

My Goats Bedevil Me!.......2005-05-31

I suspect that my goats have me figured and are now trying to outsmart me. Apparently they don't think it's very hard. Because of the steep hills, hollows and giant boulders here at Flying Goat Ranch, the goats' territory is not securely fenced. Down by the road, where there's little to entice a hungry goat, there's just a wire to let them know their boundary. If I appear when they are outside this line, they crawl back under the wire and scoot up the hill. On the other hand, at the upper end of the ranch, the neighbor's fence is more substantial, but quite old and full of holes. I've tried to patch them, but the goats always find a new outlet so they can explore those greener pastures. If I confront them outside of this fence, they play dumb and wander back down along the fence line toward the front of our place, as if they don't know how to get back inside. Even if I approach them sounding the dinner bell (in response to which which they normally fly straight to their food area), they will still take this indirect and ineffective route, rather than take the quickest way to the food--through the opening of the fence. I suspect they don't want me to know their secret outlet, So I hide while I ring the bell and trick them into taking the quickest way back--the fence hole they came through--and from my hideout I discover their secret opening.
A recent book has collected many stories better than to demonstrate that animals possess several aspects of intelligent awareness, including a sense of humor as well as the ability to deceive. The Parrot's Lament and other true tales of animal intrigue, intelligence, and ingenuity (Dutton) gets its title from a story about a African Grey parrot, Bongo Marie. Its owner had a number of birds at her house, including an Amazon parrot, Paco, that Bongo Marie especially disliked. One day, the owner was removing a roast Cornish game hen from her oven when Bongo Marie flew over and shouted, "Oh no! Paco!" in an excited tone. When the owner produced Paco to show he was still alive, Bongo Marie responded in a disappointed tone, "Oh, no!" and then broke out into raucous laughter. The author of the book, Eugene Linden, an award winning science writer, has collected many of his stories from professional animal handlers (zoo keepers, animal researchers, etc.) and has included research studies, both of which provide a factual and intellectually curious tone to balance the natural sentimentality.
Escape stories involve not only animal cleverness, but also deception. In one case, for example, Fu Manchu, a male orangutan, baffled zoo keepers by his ability to open a door that allowed regular escape. Surreptitious observation revealed that he kept hidden in his cheek a secret tool: a wire he used to pick the lock.
A story of double deception among the animals themselves comes from an observation station created by Jane Goodall in the wilds of Tanzania. Just at the moment that one chimpanzee found a cache of food, a more dominant chimp appeared on the scene. The first chimp walked away from the cache and acted nonchalantly until the second chimp left the scene. When the coast was clear, the first chimp went over to the food and began to eat. However, the second chimp had only appeared to have left. He was observed to have hidden himself in the bushes and spied on the first chimp to learn of its deception. When the secret was exposed, the dominant chimp returned to the scene and claimed the food for himself.
Pet owners often attribute to their animals more intelligence, awareness and cunning than psychologists think they deserve. In the academic community, animal awareness is still as much an anathema as ESP. I don't think the church is as against animal awareness as much as is the university, even though it was the church who invented animal dumbness to create a spiritual gap between them and us. But evidence is mounting to force a conclusion that animals do think, have feelings, and are creative. Some animals, such as chimps and parrots, are even able to learn how to use symbolic language intelligently. Their ability to deceive, as cute or unattractive as it may be, is a quite important clue about their minds. The act of deception shows an awareness of the mental states of others and an understanding of how those mental states can be misled. My goats seem to assume that as long as I don't see them walk through the fence, I won't know there's a hole in it, so they seem to act so as to plant a false belief in my mind.
At a time when threats to the welfare of animals abound, it's good to hear stories that speak to us about their recognizably human qualities. When we empathize with them, it helps us connect to them as beings like us. In that way they become as our teachers, inspiring us to develop a more sensitive and caring relationship with the critters with whom we share this planet.

A good book, with some unsettling errors..........2004-04-01

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this exploration of animal intelligence. Linden writes clearly and succinctly, and does a great job of weaving his stories together to support the points he makes. He has taken examples from both his personal experience, and from numerous print sources and interviews with other people. Most of the stories revolve around captive animals (as pets and in zoos - primarily because these are more easily observed), though some examples from the wild are included. In addition, an overwhelming number of these case studies involve the great apes (particularly orangutans and gorillas) and dolphins. This is to be expected, as these species are generally considered to be among the most intelligent, but there are also tales of birds, pigs, large cats, and others.

The book is divided into nine categories. He begins with "Games and Humor," in which he explores the ways in which animals amuse themselves. "Trade and Barter" was one of the most interesting chapters, detailing the elaborate systems captive apes have been taught, where they can earn "money" for performing tasks for their keepers, and then spend that money on items they want, such as treats or toys. "Deception" discusses ways animals have tried to fool both their human counterparts and others of their own species. In "Mind Reading and Mental Chess" Linden explores the extent to which animals can be aware of others' states of mind. "Cooperation in Work, Conflict, and Healing" is another particularly interesting chapter, offering examples of service animals that have gone beyond their training to help humans. Included are stories of animals that actually seek out ill and injured people in order to offer them solace. "Tools and Intelligence" concerns that very sticky topic of whether humans, as tool-users, are unique. It appears that we are not, and Linden shows us numerous cases where other species have made use of tools to achieve their aims. The seventh chapter talks of escape attempts - cases where captive animals have shown remarkable ingenuity despite all their keepers' efforts to dissuade them. "Empathy and Heroism" gives us examples of animal heroes, and finally "A Place Where Humans are the Novelty" takes a brief look at those few wild places that are still relatively untouched by humans.

While I really liked the book as a whole, however, there are a few things which cause me to knock my rating down to only four stars. First is that Linden undermines much of his own thesis by devoting an entire preface as a disclaimer that none of these stories can be used as scientific evidence. Perhaps the stories are anecdotal, but this is how much of scientific discovery begins - with pure observation of things. For those of us with wide exposure to animals, it is hard to deny that they do possess some remarkable mental capabilities, even without these stories as additional proof.

And secondly, Linden has done a very poor job of checking his facts. Many of his examples come from animals at the Woodland Park Zoo, which is very close to where I live, and which I have visited numerous times. The first error that leapt out at me is relatively minor - the orangutan Linden refers to as "Tawan" is actually named Towan. But more alarming, one of Linden's stories involves the gorillas at Woodland Park. He claims that the gorilla Jumoke, when separated from the father of her baby, repeatedly tried to climb out of her new enclosure to rejoin him. This is all well and good, except that the "father" is billed as Alafia. Anyone can check the Woodland Park Zoo's website (www.zoo.org) and see that Alafia is, in fact, a female. So something is not right with that particular story. It could be that Linden just mixed up the names - there are a LOT of gorillas at Woodland park - but errors like this make me question the accuracy of the other accounts included. Has Linden made other mistakes in his research?

Overall, though, I would still recommend this book to anyone with a casual interest animal intelligence. Some of the stories are heartwarming, others funny, and others downright amazing. The book is friendly to the layman and does not require any scientific knowledge. It is also well-written and easy to read. If you're doing a study or writing a paper, I would strongly advise you to double-check the specifics of any accounts you intend to reference (due to the above mentioned errors), but for general-interest purposes this book is good enough as is. It's a great testament to the often vastly underestimated intellectual powers of our furry, feathery, and scaly friends.

Witty and fulfilling.......2003-03-13

I enjoyed this book of anecdotes about animals behaving in smart, original, creative, and sometimes heroic ways. It was written in a very accessible style, and I enjoyed the author's sense of humor. The book was well-divided into sections: games and humor; trade and barter; deception; mind reading and mental chess; cooperation in work, conflict and healing; tools and intelligence; escapes; empathy and heroism; and a place where humans are the novelty. I would've liked to have read more about the last section, about animals who have no fear of humans in a virtually untouched jungle in Africa. The only thing that puzzled me about the book was the rather apologetic tone regarding animal intelligence. The tone tries to pacify scientists and other people who aren't convinced that animals possess intelligence. I have never doubted that they do. I'm sure most people who have pets or work around animals feel the same way. It's too bad that we have to be apologetic about believing that the important life forms that share our planet have the capacity to think and feel. As the author points out in the last chapter, based on what we're doing to the planet, it's sometimes questionable which species is really the one without intelligence.

Excellent.......2002-07-03

I have a bird myself, and though she doesn't display any higher intelligence, these stories were humerous and fascinating.

Book Description

Amazing true stories to inspire every horse enthusiast!

From Seabiscuit to Black Beauty to The Horse Whisperer, horses have always captured our imaginations with their extraordinary beauty, sensitive personalities, and deep connections to human beings.

In Horse Miracles, the bestselling authors of Dog Miracles, Cat Miracles, and Christmas Miracles offer more than fifty amazing true stories of the blessings horses bring to people around them and of the miraculous trials these noble creatures face with dignity and courage.

Featuring such amazing horses as:

Dan, the faithful farm horse who led his master home safely through a raging Midwest blizzard

Pinto, the brave horse who protected his unconscious fallen master in the midst of bustling big-city traffic

Twinkie, the silver-dappled miniature mare who leads blind people around a Raleigh, North Carolina shopping mall as a "seeing-eye horse"

Horse lover of all ages - as well as anyone who has ever been moved by the grace and nobility of these magnificent animals will treasure Hose Miracles.

Customer Reviews:

An excellent "Gift Book" that is indeed inspirational and heartwarming .......2006-12-12

This is the perfect collection for teenage, horse-crazy girls, and reminds me of the Horse Stories I gobbled up as a kid.

It's a collection of true stories, apparently from people all over the country, each told to a writer and then edited together into this collection. Some are better than others, but they all remind us of how noble, perceptive and kind horses can be when they become partners with their owners instead of beasts of burden.

Horse Miracles.......2006-02-08

This book is plagued with plagerism of already published stories. Most of the details regarding the stories about Ruffian and Secretariat are inaccurate, and they called Riva Ridge, "River Ridge". Very, very, very poorly researched and written. I do not advise anyone to buy this book. I was very disgusted with it. Also, they mention several times that horses are often sold for dog food, and apparently they did NO research on this little fact, HORSES HAVEN"T been used in dog food for nearly 30 years!!!! Perhaps they were trying to cover up for the slaughter industry which buys and slaughters horses for human consumption overseas. I couldn't even finish the book, I didn't trust any of the content as truthful.

Charming! Inspirational ! 'neigh' other way to describe it.......2004-06-14

As a rider and having owned a horse I was so pleased to discover "HORSE MIRACLES". Brad Steiger and Sherry Hansen Steiger's newest delightful collection of true horse tales is an absolute lovely tribute to a long overlooked subject. It easily demonstrates the most noble and important role that horses can miraculously play in the lives of humans. I'm sure that every horse owner can identify with the Steiger's newest book. And if you have never owned a horse it gives a wonderful insight into the oft times ignored talents and sensitivity of these noble creatures. I've enjoyed all of the Steiger storys about other animal miracles but "HORSE MIRACLES" is just especially outstanding! I just could not put it down. And, as usual it is told through the Steigers own special and creative way of writing that lets you, as the reader 'see' and 'feel' the action in each story as it happens.
Does it get any better than Brad Steiger and Sherry Hanson Steiger's "Horse Miracles"? ...'neigh'...Charming and wonderful
is the only way I know to describe their newest book!!!...I will read it over and over as it is highly inspirational! I plan to be sure to use "HORSE MIRACLES" as a top gift consideration to friends and absolutely recommend it as an outstanding book for any member of the family individually or to read aloud from on family night.

The Octopus and the Orangutan: More True Tales of Animal Intrigue, Intelligence, and Ingenuity

Average customer rating:

Who'd a thunk it!
Animal Intelligence
Intriguing animal tales
comprehensive, entertaining, intriguing
Transends True Tales

The Octopus and the Orangutan: More True Tales of Animal Intrigue, Intelligence, and Ingenuity
Eugene Linden
Manufacturer: Dutton Adult
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Mammals | Field Guides | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

The Parrot's Lament: And Other True Tales of Animal Intrigue, Intelligence, and Ingenuity
The Mysteries of Animal Intelligence: True Stories of Animals with Amazing Abilities (Mysteries)
Minding Animals: Awareness, Emotions, and Heart
When Elephants Weep: The Emotional Lives of Animals
Becoming a Tiger : How Baby Animals Learn to Live in the Wild

ASIN: 0525946616
Release Date: 2002-08-22

Book Description

In The Octopus and the Orangutan, Eugene Linden takes readers on another unforgettable journey into the minds and hearts of animals.

The Parrot's Lament, his acclaimed previous book, featured extraordinary true stories of animal consciousness and intelligence. Linden's latest book goes beyond our everyday encounters with animals at home and in the zoo in a wide-ranging collection of real-life anecdotes that offer further compelling evidence of their higher mental capabilities and their awareness of the needs and feelings of others.

The Octopus and the Orangutan reveals extraordinary new details about animals introduced in The Parrot's Lament, and then finds intelligent behavior in surprising new places, ranging from the octopus's garden to the crow's nest. Amazing feats of stealth, deception, and larceny accompany unexpected acts of kindness and friendship. Animals show they are cagey bargainers and tough negotiators both with their human keepers and with one another. The animals themselves are our guides in this fresh look at the question of animal intelligence.

From the beloved pets we think we know to the remarkable survival skills of creatures in the wild, Eugene Linden once again shares his wonder and joy at the infinite variety of animal behavior that continues to inform, amaze, and touch us all.

Customer Reviews:

Who'd a thunk it!.......2006-11-14

Our local newspaper carried a story about octopi and their intelligence and referenced this book. The story intrigued me because I'd never read anywhere that creatures like octopi had much intelligence. Of course, I had to buy the book! And what a book it is! Well written, funny, and very enjoyable, it's also very easy to understand. I particularly like the way it shows that octopi not only display intelligence but a sense of humor as well. Orangutans, of course, are well-known for their intelligence; but I'd never dreamed just how smart these animals really are. If only I could get over their creepy looks...

Animal Intelligence.......2006-02-15

People who enjoy thinking about evolution, artificial and natural intelligence, and consciousness will want to read this book. It is a quick read worth the price.

Intriguing animal tales.......2005-01-08

What an entertaining and interesting read. I totally adored his "The Parrot's Lament" and was really excited to learn he had a new book. Eugene Linden presents some well studied proposals, with lots of information, in a clear format, and he is always careful to point out where the "scientific community" currently stands on each issue discussed. The dialogue surrounding animal intelligence is an intriguing one, and it's nice to see things from a non-scientist position...it is still well-informed, but he feels more free to use anecdotes. Still, each anecdote is presented on its own, not as supporting data, but as themselves...interesting moments that perhaps offer a glimpse not seen in many science journals. Plus, Orangutans are totally awesome.

comprehensive, entertaining, intriguing.......2004-11-09

it doesn't matter that linden's discussion on animal behaviour isn't rocket science, as behavioural studies often seem to be thought.

the beauty about linden's writings is that they come from a prespective innate in every humanbeing - simple/fundamental, unending questioning. his questions and case studies can be appreciated in simplicity. which leads to the question then, of why humans have made the study and evaluation of animal behaviour and intelligence so complicated, tenuous and subjective. does it matter if intelligence is ingrained in instinct or conjured through an anylytical mind?

"The universe is simple at its foundation."

And i believe that's where linden is with his book. throughly entertaining and easy to read, this book can be appreciated by any age and any background. any "thicker" and it'd be a scientific reference book that'd bore or overwhelm most audiences.

Several of his stories are briefs of pending behavioural/intelligence studies in universities, which is interesting to the general public because most of the results of such studies only ever turn up in scientific journals full or jargon and mathematical symbols. he also includes letters of intrigue from readers of his first book The Parrots Lament.

Read this book if you're looking to be intrigued and quirked.

Transends True Tales.......2004-08-10

I grabbed this book looking for a light, entertaining read based on the cute cover and the phrase "true tales." And it was. However, I was delighted to discover the author transcends cute-animal-story mode to craft a lively discussion for rethinking how we judge intelligence. Of particular delight, to me, was the author's obvious joyful and touching regard for animals, while at the same time maintaining judicious restraint in validating stories and their meanings. This book reminds me of Thai food: A complex dance of flavors that somehow fuse into a satisfying meal. Savor.

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf (Elephants)

Average customer rating:

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf (Elephants)

Manufacturer: Anvil Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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

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

Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

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

The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig

ASIN: 1901737357

The Calico Shaman: True Tales of Animal Communication

Average customer rating:

Shamanism 101
The Calico Shaman
Enchanting...
inside the healers mind
Every Animal Lover should have this!

The Calico Shaman: True Tales of Animal Communication
Carla Person
Manufacturer: Coccora Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Similar Items:

The Language of Miracles: A Celebrated Psychic Teaches You to Talk to Animals
Speak to My Heart: Carla Person's Step By Step Method for Shamanic Animal Communication
If Only They Could Talk: The Miracles of Spring Farm
Reflections of the Heart: What Our Animal Companions Tell Us
Beyond Words: Talking with Animals and Nature

ASIN: 0974414506

Book Description

The Calico Shaman: Seven engrossing tales explore these and other deep questions about the spiritual lives of our animals.

- Where do animals go after they die?
- Can loving Spirits really perform healing miracles?

Journey with Carla Person and her spirit teachers as they travel deep into the shamanic world to help animals and their human companions. Carla's touching stories of rescued strays, life after death, and the spirits deep love are spun into classic fables - but these stories are all true. The book sets the stage with a clear description of shamanism, a framework for understanding the mysteries these tales reveal.

This beautiful collection of stories explores the inner worlds of dogs, cats and horses through the shamanic journey. The wonder of these tales is made all the more enchanting by the pen and ink drawings of Ken Hooper, evocative of The Arabian Nights and Alice in Wonderland.

Customer Reviews:

Shamanism 101.......2006-06-27

Once I kind of got in touch with this " other reality" through the first few stories, I found myself wanting to keep reading more. I was actually sorry the book came to an end because I was really interested in delving further into the Authors Samanic Journeys. If you love animals & are willing to open your heart & mind in order to listen to them on their terms then I think you'll learn much from these very rare & personal accounts by Carla Person. I also enjoyed the illustrations by Hillary Johnson, I'll probably fill the pictures in with crayons sometime when I find myself on a long flight between California & Maui!

The Calico Shaman.......2005-10-29

I bought this book because I am an professional animal communicator and I have studied shamanism, but have not used shamanism in my practice. I was curious and also loved the title and the book.

I have been recomending this book to many of my students and friends. This book is so much fun. Each chapter is an amazing adventure with a new animal. The reader journeys with Carla to meet her teachers. The purpose of each journey is to help an animal and their person solve a problem, change a behavior, learn if it is their time to cross over or just understand the animals point of view.

Each case, or story, is an amazing adventure. The book was a very fast read, leaving me wanting more.

I recomend this book to anyone that has an animal companion, that likes animals and/or is interested in learning more about shamanism.

Thank you Carla for sharing your amazing adventures with us.

Enchanting..........2005-02-15

This is NOT "another animal communication book". The stories are so rich in detail, meaning and symbolism and still manage to be both entertaining and informative. This is one that you will read over and over!

inside the healers mind.......2005-01-28

Carla gives us a glimpse in Calico Shaman of that other world and the entities in it that make up the other reality that is so important to understanding the work. Its an enjoyable journey and a fun read. The most amazing thing is it at no time is what you expect.

Every Animal Lover should have this!.......2005-01-28

I am a holistic veterinarian and I have worked with Carla personally, for my own animals, and a lot of my clients have also used her with great success. Indeed a couple of my feline clients stories are told in this book, and I greatly enjoyed reading more about their inner lives and shamnistic journeys. Most intriguing!

This book has some wonderful and heart warming stories of animals and also some funny perspectives. I would highly recommend "The Calico Shaman" to anyhow who loves animals, and is interested in connecting with them at a deeper level.

Elephants and Ivory: True Tales of Hunting and Adventure (Resnick's Library of African Adventure)

Average customer rating:

Elephants and Ivory: True Tales of Hunting and Adventure (Resnick's Library of African Adventure)
John Alfred Jordan , John Prebble , and Mike Resnick
Manufacturer: Alexander Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Hunting | Hunting & Fishing | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Shooting | Hunting & Fishing | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

General | Africa | Travel | Subjects | Books

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Hunter's Choice: Thrilling True Stories (Resnick's Library of African Adventure)
The Company of Adventurers (Resnick Library of African Adventure)
Jungle Man: The Autobiography Of Major P. J. Pretorius
A Hunter's Wanderings in Africa: Being a Narrative of Nine Years Spent Amongst the Game of the Far Interior of South Africa (Resnick Library of African Adventure, No. 6.)
King of the Wa-Kikuyu: A True Story of Travel and Adventure in Africa (Resnick's Library of African Adventure)

ASIN: 1570901848

Book Description

Jordan's true story will make you nostalgic for an Africa that once was and will never be again.

Cat Miracles: Inspiring True Tales of Remarkable Felines

Average customer rating:

Purrrfect!
The Best Cat Book Ever
Full of warm fuzzies (pun intended)!
one of the best books
One Great little Book

Cat Miracles: Inspiring True Tales of Remarkable Felines
Brad Steiger , and Sherry Hansen Steiger
Manufacturer: Adams Media Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Veterinary Medicine | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Animal Husbandry | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Veterinary Medicine | Medicine | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

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

Dog Miracles: Inspirational and Heroic True Stories
Animal Miracles: Inspirational and Heroic True Stories
The Compassion of Animals: True Stories of Animal Courage and Kindness
Horse Miracles: Inspirational True Tales of Remarkable Horses
The Mysteries of Animal Intelligence: True Stories of Animals with Amazing Abilities (Mysteries)

ASIN: 1580627749

Book Description

In this remarkable collection of stories, bestselling authors Brad Steiger and Sherry Hansen Steiger (Dog Miracles, Christmas Miracles) turn their attention to amazing cats that experienced the miraculous. From tales of survival against all odds to stories of courage and heroism, Cat Miracles explores the magic every cat lover knows is a part of the mysterious and inspiring animal that shares our lives and claims our hearts.

Meet some of the fascinating felines in this book:

·Bonnie, who attacked a gang of thieves—and won!
·Prissy, who saved her sleeping owner from a potentially deadly fire
·Kitty, who survived a trip of seventy-five miles under the hood of an automobile
·Ninja, who traveled on his own to his family's former home—850 miles away
·Heidi, who attacked a vicious pitbull—and protected her poodle pal!

Sit back, snuggle up with your favorite feline on your lap, and read these amazing stories!

Customer Reviews:

Purrrfect!.......2006-10-14

A great book for all those feline lovers! The stories made me think of cats in a whole new positive way.

The Best Cat Book Ever.......2006-03-13

If you have ever been a guardian to a cat, or a cat has been a guardian to you, read this book! If you've never had a cat companion, you will probably want to run out and adopt one after reading this book. Cats are marvelous creatures and this book is full of interesting stories about them.

There's a wonderful story about a talking cat. There are stories about how cats have rescued people from almost certain death. These are not far fetched stories, but are amazing and true accounts of some wonderful felines. I highly recommend this book.

Full of warm fuzzies (pun intended)!.......2006-02-17

What a great book. Similar in style to the "chicken soup" type of books, containing a number of true short stories of cats and their owners. You might even shed a tear or two, such as I did in the story of Kitty, who survived a trip under the hood of a car! Recommended!

one of the best books.......2004-03-08

This book is perfect for any cat lover. Someone who loves their feline companion like a child. It has such great true accounts of miracles thats have happened to cats. Cats are very loving intelligent creatures and this book really proves it an dshows how love and heal and save aniamls as well as people an dhow animals can be angels to their people and save their lives as well. This book will really make oyu know that animals have souls

One Great little Book.......2003-09-23

In a world where all around is apparent madness, this is a perfect book to read from just before going to sleep. It is
well written, with a quick easy style that is typical of Hanson and Steiger. The stories are both interesting and
uplifting, with nothing that will bring about any uneasy dreams. Only buy this book if you enjoy reading in bed, the
company of cats or getting a great nights sleep.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books