The Hello, Goodbye Window

Book Description

The kitchen window at Nanna and Poppy's house is, for one little girl, a magic gateway. Everything important happens near it, through it, or beyond it. Told in her voice, her story is both a voyage of discovery and a celebration of the commonplace wonders that define childhood. It is also a love song devoted to that special relationship between grandparents and grandchild.

Customer Reviews:

Happy mood and wonderful grandparent relationship.......2007-09-10

It can be hard to find books with positive depictions of relationships with grandparents -- there are so many stereotypes of the elderly as being unfriendly or aloof, as well as what it means to be a grandparent (i.e. that being a grandmother is synonymous with a 90 year old knitting in a rocking chair with her white hair tucked in a bun). These seem outdated and inapplicable to most kids' lives these days, and I enjoyed a book that presented a fresh, positive look at the grandchild/grandparent relationship. "The Helo, Goodbye Window" shows the most important aspect of all: true warmth between a girl and her grandparents. She has a wonderful relationship with them that seems to benefit all three of them, and the happy mood created by the words and the pictures makes this an enjoyable reading experience.

The matter of characters' ethnicity(ies) is infinitely more noticeable in the discussions of the book than in the book itself; "Black, white, just right!" this book is not. As in real life, all the characters are brown, and you can draw your own conclusions on what "race" you'd like to classify them as (or not), based on how much that matters to you.

My son was crazy about this book before it won the Caldecott, and that's what matters in my situation. I disagree with those who found the pictures to be inferior, but I see no reason to argue about it. Those who enjoy any book can continue to do so, while others can move on to find others that suit them better.

Nice.......2007-01-15

This is a really nice story about grandparents. My kids and I really enjoy this story.

Calldecott Medal again the best.......2007-01-15

This book was a delight and could be enjoyed by children Young and old. I am a retired librarian as well as a teacher and a grandmother of seven.
This book brought smiles, giggles, and much comment from my grandchildren. I would strongly recommend it to anyone. Many of the situations have taken place with my grandchildren, my husband and myself.

Delightful and Endearing.......2007-01-03

My daughter is 6 years old, and this is one of my all time favorite books we have ever read. It captures the sweet and magical love between children and grandparents. I loved the illustrations and the text is like something taken right from a child's mouth, in the most simple and poignant way. In my mind it is a classic and something I will be buying for children for many years to come.

The Hello, Goodbye Window: A Familiar Experience with Grandparents.......2006-12-01

As a teacher, I used The Hello, Goodbye Window during our family theme to discuss grandparents and the special relationships children have with them. My Pre-K students did not connect with the symbolism of the window, but enjoyed the pictures of the grandparents' house. This book launched a great discussion of the children's experiences with their own grandparents.

Author Norton Jester uses simple events and experiences, such as running through the sprinkler, to describe a child's magical experience at her Nanna and Poppy's house. Chris Raschka's illustrations are colorful and imaginative - almost as if one of my students drew them. However, this open and artistic style did not detract from my students' interest in this text.

This text is a great launching point for a discussion about grandparents for the early childhood and primary education fields. Educators with primary age students would be able to discuss the significance of the window. Relevant for all ages, this text highlights a child's special relationship with her grandparents - a relationship children treasure.

Average customer rating:

Disappointment after "Pat the Bunny"
Perfect for introducing the senses
Not as good as the original
Not sturdy enough for toddlers
Why mess with the original?

Pat the Puppy (Touch-and-Feel)
Edith Kunhardt Davis
Manufacturer: Golden Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

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ASIN: 030712004X
Release Date: 2001-06-11

Book Description

An adorable interactive tale from the pat the bunny collection.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointment after "Pat the Bunny".......2007-09-19

I bought this because my one-year-old daughter loves Pat the Bunny and several similar books. Unfortunately this book is not nearly as fun for her and several pages are torn up after two uses, even though she's not all that destructive.

Several pages are more like a pop-up book, and the items pull right off. Other pages are just too hard for her to do. The content is not as interesting either. The only thing she actually likes are the shoes with Velcro you can work. I would not buy this book again and feel it was a waste of money.

Perfect for introducing the senses.......2006-07-01

As a pet therapy partner with my beloved poodle, Coco, and a "Reading to Dogs" pair, we love this little book as we discuss how to pet and tickle and love a dog.

Not as good as the original.......2005-07-17

My 12 month old daughter loved "Pat the Bunny" so I was excited to get this book for her, but it's not as good as the original. There is too much text in this one... it doesn't hold her interest as much and the activites inside the book are more difficult and not as toddler-friendly. She started destroying the book's activities in a day or two. Maybe for older kids it's better, but whereas the original book was fine for her level, this was a disappointment.

Not sturdy enough for toddlers.......2002-10-26

The idea is a good one, but the very first thing my toddler did was rip the frog off the page. Also, it's not board book, and it doesn't have regular paper pages, it's something in between. More like oak tag folded over to create stiff pages. Pat the Bunny is the only one of this series that I would recommend.

Why mess with the original?.......2001-08-30

Unfortunately, this is one of my 19-month old's favorite books, so I am subjected to it at least 8 times a day. The original, Pat the Bunny, is a sweet book that has an inherant, simple appeal for toddlers. Dated though it may be, it still retains a freshness that my whole family enjoys. I thought I was getting more of the same when I purchased Pat the Puppy and Pat the Pony, but this was not to be. These two books are fraught with political-correctness of a most annoying nature -- why does Granny have to go jogging, and Grandpa bake the brownies? Aren't small children comfortable with seeing stereotypical behavior in books? Give children more credit, and trust them to know that not all families are alike. They don't have to see it in a book to know that people have differences and these differences are to be celebrated. Another annoyance is that the book has too many words. Part of Pat the Bunny's appeal was its simplicity. I don't need to know that the puppy's name is Bailey, and now that I've patted him, do I need to tickle his tummy as well? By the time I read all those words, my daughter is expecting me to turn the page to get on to the next scenario.
Oh, and there's one small grammatical mistake -- we are asked whether Granny's sunglasses feel shiny. Is "shiny" something touchable?
I would not have purchased this book had I known there would be such a feeble attempt at copying the original. In fact, I would rate this book with zero stars if it weren;t for the fact that my daughter likes it. Ugh. Save your money.

Average customer rating:

Very thoughtful twisted
A review
My opinions on Walk Two Moons
Teen finds her way
Jordyn's Reveiw

Walk Two Moons
Sharon Creech
Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0064405176

Amazon.com

Thirteen-year-old Salamanca Tree Hiddle's mother has disappeared. While tracing her steps on a car trip from Ohio to Idaho with her grandparents, Salamanca tells a story to pass the time about a friend named Phoebe Winterbottom whose mother vanished and who received secret messages after her disappearance. One of them read, "Don't judge a man until you have walked two moons in his moccasins." Despite her father's warning that she is "fishing in the air," Salamanca hopes to bring her home. By drawing strength from her Native American ancestry, she is able to face the truth about her mother. Walk Two Moons won the 1995 Newbery Medal.

Book Description

"How about a story? Spin us a yarn."
Instantly, Phoebe Winterbottom came to mind. "I could tell you an extensively strange story," I warned.
"Oh, good!" Gram said. "Delicious!"
And that is how I happened to tell them about Phoebe, her disappearing mother, and the lunatic.

As Sal entertains her grandparents with Phoebe's outrageous story, her own story begins to unfold--the story of a thirteen-year-old girl whose only wish is to be reunited with her missing mother.

In her own award-winning style, Sharon Creech intricately weaves together two tales, one funny, one bittersweet, to create a heartwarming, compelling, and utterly moving story of love, loss, and the complexity of human emotion.

Customer Reviews:

Very thoughtful twisted.......2007-09-05

Walk 2 moons was a very thoughtful book adding details everywhere. and the book misleads you in a good way which i not going to give away how and why. its also twisted but in a good way as well. for example you think one thing and you are so sure its true but then at the end it hits you "wait! thats not right." and then BAM the next sentence tells all. and it just surprises you. I would recommend this book to and boy or girl grades 3-7.
you are never 2 young or old to read this book.

A review.......2007-08-11

My name is Laura and I go to JMS. I am writing this review for my English pre ap course. I liked this book because it was well written and keep my attention from begining to end. It had a little of everything happy parts, and sad parts. Its a real tear jerker. It is a awesome book and I would recommend it for anyone no matter what age.

My opinions on Walk Two Moons.......2007-08-01

My name is Karina and this review is for my pre-ap summer project for Jarman Middle School.I thought this book was great.I really liked the characters. And the author did a great job on creating a mental picture.I would definitely recommend this book for people my own age.The characters are very likeable.And almost everyone is able to relate to losing someone dear to them.And those are some of my wonderful opinions on this great book.

Teen finds her way.......2007-06-10

After getting used to the style of writing, I truly enjoyed this book. The organization was scattered using flashbacks and present story telling, but kept the pace pretty quick. It was interesting to see where the Phoebe storyline was going and how it all tied together in the end. I don't want to give anything away, but I think Sam's way of dealing with situation will help the young reader to deal with theirs.

Jordyn's Reveiw.......2007-05-25

There once lived a girl named Salamanca Tree Hiddle. Her nickname was Sal, a thirteen year old girl that once lived with her mother and father on a farm in Kentucky.
One morning Sal woke up to find that her mother had disappeared. She was very sad to what could have happened to her. Sal's dad didn't know where she had gone either. They were both very frightened at the thought of where she could have went. They thought for a little bit where she may have gone. They assumed that she went to Lewiston for some apparent reason. They still weren't positive though. Her dad drove her three hundred miles to Ohio.
Sal stayed in the car while her dad visited. She saw a face pressed up against the window next door. Sal could tell it looked like an afraid girl. She then noticed it was the face of Phoebe Winterbottom, a girl that would become Sal's friend.
Later that day Sal's grandparents came up with the idea to drive from Kentucky (where they lived) to Ohio so they could pick up Sal and drive two thousand miles to Lewiston for a nice get away. While on their way to Lewiston Sal told them some of Phoebe's stories and stories of her own. For instance, Phoebe's mom also disappeared, and she received letters saying different things. Phoebe and Sal had many things in common. One thing that they always wondered was will they ever find their moms? I personally think Walk Two Moons is a great book, but it is also very sad in parts. I would recommend this book to anyone, boy or girl.

Fablehaven Rise of the Evening Star (Fablehaven) (Fablehaven) (Fablehaven) (Fablehaven)

Average customer rating:

Kudos to Brandon Mull and Fablehaven
Mull does it again
Phenominal Book!
A New Top Author
Fablehaven/Fablehaven Rise of the Evening Star

Fablehaven Rise of the Evening Star (Fablehaven) (Fablehaven) (Fablehaven) (Fablehaven)
Brandon Mull
Manufacturer: Shadow Mountain
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 1590387643
Release Date: 2007-05-01

Product Description

The most dangerous evil has infinite subtlety and patience. Beware: It is rising. At the end of the school year, Kendra and her brother, Seth, find themselves racing back to Fablehaven. Grandpa Sorenson, the caretaker, invites three specialists a potion master, a magical relics collector, and a mystical creature trapper to help protect the property from the Society of the Evening Star, an ancient organization determined to infiltrate the preserve and steal a hidden artifact of great power. Time is running out. The Evening Star is storming the gates. If the artifact falls into the wrong hands, it could mean the downfall of other preserves and possibly the world. Will Kendra learn to use her fairy gifts in time? Will Seth stay out of trouble? Can they overcome paralyzing fear? Find out in book 2 of this bestselling series.

Customer Reviews:

Kudos to Brandon Mull and Fablehaven.......2007-09-23

I think this series might be one of the literary worlds best kept secrets. I had never heard of it before Our school was lucky enough to schedule a visit with Brandon Mull. In preparation I bought the first Fablehaven book. I had no idea what I was missing. I was hooked after the first page and didn't want to put it down. I was ordering the 2nd book as soon as I was finished with the first. Now I am excitedly waiting for book 3.

Mull does it again.......2007-09-13

Like so many of the other reviews Brandon Mull second book is even better than his 5 star first book. It's a shame we can't give more stars. This book is for more than just children's book, its a great read for any age. Truely imagitive and fun for the whole family, what a world to live in.

Phenominal Book!.......2007-09-08

Great book. Don't know where he came from, but he's a wonderful writer that both youth and adults can enjoy. Within the book, the way he's written, you'll find small nuggets of good life guidelines as well as profound truths. Don't buy the book for those things, buy it for the excellent story and wonderful writing. You won't be dissappointed!

A New Top Author.......2007-09-01

Brandon Mull uses his vast imagination to create a wonderful story for children. Parents and grandparents cannot put this book down until they have finished the story. As for the children, I have not seen them so excited about a book in a long time. It is pure delight when we sit around the table and talk about the characters and the story. I have purchased 4 copies for 4 grandchildren. May Brandon Mull write forever!
S. Strickland, Enfield, CT

Fablehaven/Fablehaven Rise of the Evening Star.......2007-08-27

I absolutely loved both of the Fablehaven books. Brandon Mull is a very talented writer that draws you right into his stories. This is such a turnabout on your basic fairytale/mythological creatures that it is enjoyable for all age groups.

Average customer rating:

A wonderful escape.
Great for kids, okay for adults.
Fablehaven/Fablehaven Rise of the Evening Star
Imaginative, adventurous, poignant
Loved Harry Potter! Loved Fablehaven!

Fablehaven
Brandon Mull
Manufacturer: Shadow Mountain
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1590385810

Book Description

For centuries, mystical creatures of all description were gathered to a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic in a cynical world. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite...

Kendra and her brother Seth have no idea their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws give relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken, an arcane evil is unleashed, forcing Kendra and Seth to face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save her family, Fablehaven, and perhaps the world, Kendra must find the courage to do what she fears most.

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful escape........2007-09-23

I bought this book to read in preparation for a visit from Brandon Mull to my sons school. I am so thrilled I did because I have truly enjoyed both Fablehaven books. Mr. Mull knows just how to grab your attention and hold it tight. I am now anxiously awaiting the 3rd Fablehaven book.

Great for kids, okay for adults........2007-09-13

I picked up this book because it looked interesting and the plot seemed intriguing. The story is about two children whose parents go on an extended trip and leave them with an uncle. This uncle, it turns out, is the master of a place called Fablehaven, a refuge for all kinds of magical beasts such as faeries, trolls, and witches.

In the beginning, when I started reading it, I was delighted by the book with some of the interesting twists and turns and the delightful glimpses into the magical world. It had good object and consequenses for ill-advised behaviour. However, about midway through the book, I started to get bored with it because the pattern of the plot became too easy to predict. The boy would do something bad, have a consequense for it, promise not to do anything bad again, and then sure enough, he would be tempted and do something else. For me after a while, this got old. For a child though, it might not get old at all. Perhaps children need that predictability in their stories just as much as they need to know that everything turns out okay in the end. I actualy was so bored with it in the middle though, that I did not finnish this book.

Fablehaven/Fablehaven Rise of the Evening Star.......2007-08-27

Imaginative, adventurous, poignant.......2007-08-25

From the depths of the little-explored world of new writers comes this pure little gem that reminds us just how a children's fantasy should be. I'm sorry, but we do not see writing and story-telling like this much anymore. Since the phenomenon of "Harry Potter" children's fantasy has experienced a growth that is in many cases nothing more than a tumor, but "Fablehaven" proves itself a instant classic.

The story begins the adventures of Kendra and Seth, a sister and brother sent to vacation at their mysterious grandfather's home. Each moment they spend their increases in mystery until the truth is revealed: Dear old grandpa is the caretaker of a preserve that protects what is considered to be the unreal: fairies, goblins, unicorns, etc.

Brandon Mull's characters takes his writing in stride, allowing his characters to explore and deal with each new challenge that comes along. He takes care to describe each detail of this world until Fablehaven is a very real and believable place with its own set of rules.

Be warned: this is not always cutesy. There is a creative darkness that keeps up the storyline. It's fresh, original, and deeply delicious. Mull's characters are not always wild and quirky, but they are three-dimensional, real, and delightfully flawed. Kendra and Seth are people with whom kids can identify, and even adults can remember that uncomfort of the adolescent times.

Not only is this story about the traditional fantasy, it is also an exploration of family and friendship.

"Fablehaven" is a masterpiece in every sense of the word.

Loved Harry Potter! Loved Fablehaven!.......2007-08-21

I loved book 7 of Harry Potter. It was masterful. J.K. Rowling is absolutely brilliant. It wasn't a perfect book, but it was 100% entertaining and rewarding. That said, Brandon Mull must have been a young apprentice to Rowling. And after reading book 2, FABLEHAVEN: RISE OF THE EVENING STAR, I'm certain Mr. Mull took the same master's class in writing as Ms. Rowling.

The FABLEHAVEN series is destined for greatness. I don't think anything will ever reach the success that Potter mania reached, nevertheless, FABLEHAVEN is children's fantasy at its best. A preserve created to protect mythical and magical creatures so they don't go extinct is a wonderful premise. It allows all of us to believe no matter what our age.

As a parent I was very appreciative of the reading guide included. The questions talk about characters and situations dealing with choice and consequence, overcoming fear, finding our strengths, and the role that justice plays and the order it brings, for example. I've spent years trying to teach these moral lessons to my children and this series teaches them and many more all within the magical realm of Fablehaven. The best part is that the messages are so well-disguised within the page-turning story that my kids don't mind learning them. In fact, I've seen my eleven year old begin to live them. Go figure, FABLEHAVEN just might make my kids become better members of society without making me pull my hair out.

FABLEHAVEN will never replace POTTER, but I believe it will become a classic all it's own. It was not a perfect book, but it was 100% entertaining and rewarding. (And FABLEHAVEN, book 2, was even better). And Kendra & Seth and Grandpa & Grandma Sorenson will be lasting, treasured friends in the "Character Hall of Fame" along with Harry & Hermoine and Dumbledore.

Average customer rating:

Chicken Thieves
the best book i've EVER read
I Love Ruby Lavender
Love, Ruby Lavendar ROCKS!
I *LOVE* Love, Ruby Lavender!

Love, Ruby Lavender
Deborah Wiles
Manufacturer: Gulliver Books Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0152054782

Book Description

When Ruby's grandmother, Miss Eula goes to visit her new grandbaby in Hawaii, Ruby is sure that she will have a lonely, empty, horrible summer without her in boring old Halleluia, Mississippi. What happens instead? She makes a new friend, saves the school play, writes plenty of letters to her favorite (and only) grandmother . . . and finally learns to stop blaming herself for her grandfather's death. Not too bad, for a nine-year-old.

Winner of numerous awards and included on seventeen state reading lists, Love, Ruby Lavender is now republished in paperback with the original cover art by Marla Frazee.

Customer Reviews:

Chicken Thieves.......2007-05-30

Love, Ruby Lavender by Deborah Wiles is about a girl with fire-red hair named Ruby Lavender. The plot mostly revolves around Ruby and her grandmother, whom she calls "Miss Eula." Ruby lives in Halleluia, Mississippi.
The book begins when Ruby Lavender and Miss Eula drive over to a chicken farm. They plan to just snag a few chickens for keeping. They just drive away with three chickens just as the owner of the farm sees them driving away with the chickens, whom they later name Ivy, Bemmie, and Bess. The chickens become a big part of the story.
Miss Eula and Ruby do not like to use regular mail when writing to each other. They use a knothole in a big, old oak tree that is perfect for climbing. Ruby and Miss Eula write their notes on bright, pink paper and stuff it into the knothole. Every time they walk past the tree, they check their special mailbox for letters.
When Ruby's grandfather dies, Miss Eula and Ruby paint Miss Eula's house shell-shock pink. Ruby lives with her mother, but is closer to Miss Eula than anyone else in the family. Her grandfather loved gardening, so now Miss Eula and Ruby tend to the garden. Miss Eula and Ruby are very close, and so when Miss Eula has to go to Hawaii to visit Ruby's aunt and uncle who are expecting a baby soon, she feels as if the world is going to blow up. Ruby is hiding in her other Aunt's store when Miss Eula gets on the bus to go to the airport. She does not want to see her leave.
Now with Miss Eula whisked away to Hawaii, only Ruby is there to tend to the chickens and work in the gardens. But when the new teacher's niece, Dove, comes to visit until the beginning of school, Ruby's summer gets just a little bit more interesting. Maybe Ruby will survive Miss Eula's going away.
When you are reading this book, you will be amazed about how realistic the book is. You'll think that nine-year-old Ruby is telling the story to you. Deborah Wiles has really out done herself!

the best book i've EVER read.......2007-03-02

This book I think is the best book ever. Deborah Wiles is a great author. and I can say by only reading one of her books. I now want to read more of her books. also if there was ever a sequal I would read in a millisecond. This book caught my heart in the storyline. It made want to keep reading more. this is also a multigenre book. There are letters, and newspaper articles as well as a normal non-fiction story type of writing. i would suggest this book to anyone. Hands down. So heres some advice to you read the book LOVE RUBY LAVENDER.

CHANDLER 13

I Love Ruby Lavender.......2006-12-09

As I read Deborah Wile's Love, Ruby Lavender, I laughed and cried all at the same time. This simple, yet complex story about a little girl who faces the harsh reality of death, the challenges of friendship, and the joy of quite possibly the world's best, most-loving grandmother had me hooked from the beginning. One of the coolest parts of this book is the way Ms. Wiles weaves letters from Ruby to her grandmother throughout the story. Ruby writes with such spunk, honesty, and wit that I was disappointed I couldn't write her a letter myself! If you read this book, you will love Ruby Lavender!

Love, Ruby Lavendar ROCKS!.......2006-11-21

Love, Ruby Lavendar is an excellent book to read. It has some funny parts and sad parts. For example toward the end of the book one of Ruby's chickens follows her to the school house and wrecks the auditions for the town play. When her chicken does this, it freaks out Melba Jane (one of the characters) and she bumps a ladder with blue paint at the top making it fall. right on her head. Her hair is blue so they have to cut it all off. Also one of the sad parts is Ruby's grandmother leaves for Hawaii and after she leaves Ruby is left alone with her mom who is gone most of the time. Also after Melba gets her hair cut off she gets really mad and throws a rock through the chicken house window and kills two un-born chicks, but one survives. Personaly I think Ruby is the best characer in the book. Also her grandma (miss Eula) is one of the amazing characers. The book has a special that you will love.

I *LOVE* Love, Ruby Lavender!.......2006-08-26

This warm and fuzzy novel is one of the best I've read in a long time...superior to many of the adult novels I've been reading. Wiles is very wiley in her use of letters between Ruby and her grandmother, Miss Eula. How well we get to know and love them by snooping on their intimate thoughts to each other. Every young girl should read this book. I loved every single word. And I cried like a baby through the last four chapters, so taken with Wiles' skill as a storyteller.

Average customer rating:

The warm, emotional colors of award-winning artist Barbara L. Gibson
Jewel's Reading Excellence Review: Helps children understand nature's life cycle
A Message of Hope for Children Who Are Grieving
Beautiful and excellent for all who grieve

The Dragonfly Door
John Adams
Manufacturer: Feather Rock Books, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1934066117

Product Description

Parents will help children identify the beauty and hope in all cycles of life as they follow two insect friends, Lea and Nym, and the struggles one of them endures when her friend disappears. This is a tender story about loss and change, written to help parents express their views about life and death. The book may serve many purposes, such as comforting a grieving child who has lost someone close or providing facts about dragonflies to inquisitive minds. Lea's transformation into a dragonfly may even be used as a metaphor for life-after-death. The Dragonfly Door is beautifully illustrated by award-winning artist Barbara L. Gibson. The book is cherished by parents, grandparents and teachers. It was recently brought to life as a mini-play in Alabama to help children cope with the loss of their classmates. The following is an excerpt from the book: While Nym slept, she heard Lea's voice saying, "Follow me, Nym. I'm going to show you where I am." "Will I see you again?" Nym asked. "Only when it's time for you to die too," Lea replied. "You won't see me in the marsh ever again. But let me show you what I will look like the next time you see me. Here, close your eyes." Nym closed her eyes. "Now look at me," Lea said. Nym opened her eyes and saw ...

Customer Reviews:

The warm, emotional colors of award-winning artist Barbara L. Gibson.......2007-09-07

The debut children's picturebook of author John Adams, The Dragonfly Door dares to confront serious topics - of loss, death, grieving, and transition. Nym and Lea are two close insect friends, but one day after Nym yells at Lea, Lea disappears. Nym searches everywhere for her missing friend, and can't find her. At last Nym falls asleep, grief-stricken, and finally hears Lea's voice one more time. "'I died and went to this special place,' Lea said, her voice full of love. 'But I didn't want you to leave,' Nym pleaded. 'I'm sorry I yelled.' 'I know you're sorry,' Lea assured her. 'I left because my water nymph body died while I was picking flowers in the reeds, not because you yelled.'" The warm, emotional colors of award-winning artist Barbara L. Gibson illustrate this highly recommended picturebook for sharing the bittersweet realities of life with young people.

Jewel's Reading Excellence Review: Helps children understand nature's life cycle.......2007-05-10

John Adams brilliantly invites the reader into the world of Nymphs and Dragonflies to explore the changes that take place when Nym's friend goes to a special place.

When I had lost a family member I had read a wonderful story called, "The Water Bug Story." John Adams adds a fresh approach to this story by focusing on friendship loss and giving a voice to his characters. With the help of Gibson's eye-catching nature illustrations, "The Dragon Fly Door" answers general questions surrounding loss, such as feelings about loss, what happens to the nymph's body when he dies, and how a nymph is transformed into a dragonfly.

Adams creatively normalizes typical friendship rivalry and takes the reader on a nature journey to discover that one chooses to resolve conflict, loss, and changes in different ways. Adams concludes the book with uncomplicated educational facts for the inquisitive science mind.

This is a great educational tool for parents, grandparents or professionals to use to help explain the uncontrollable life cycle changes and loss.

Reviewed by Jewel Sample, MS
Award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses(2006), also translated: Besos y Abrazos Al Aire(2006, Spanish edition) and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book(2007)

A Message of Hope for Children Who Are Grieving.......2007-02-26

As President of a nonprofit organization that reaches out to those who are grieving, I was very pleased to read a book such as The Dragonfly Door. This book provides a much needed way to offer children (and adults) a message of hope following the death of a loved one.

Children can relate to the playful nature of Nym and Lea who are the two young nymph friends, the sorrow of Nym when Lea dies, and the comforting feeling when when Nym realizes that he will one day see Lea again as a dragonfly, when he too has made his transformation into a dragonfly.

Our nonprofit organization recommends this book so highly that we have decided to make it available for purchase at all of our events.
-Valerie Marquardt

Beautiful and excellent for all who grieve.......2007-02-18

I received this wonderfully beautiful book on the 8th anniversary of my son's graduation to Heaven ... that evening, I was able to read it with his daughter, who is now 9... I believe she gained another understanding of her Very Own Daddy in a beautiful place that we have not seen just yet ... and though she already knew he is waiting for her, this was another good reminder of that ... I was unaware of the dragonfly's life cycle and was so blessed to see how it seemingly parallels this life and the next. Thank you, John, for a wonderful way to help us all in our continuing journey with grief and the Hope we can have.

Average customer rating:

Karen Katz is great!
This is a deeper book than you'd think.
Grandma and Me
Great little book!
My toddler loves it

Grandma and Me

Manufacturer: Little Simon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Board book

General | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0689849052

Customer Reviews:

Karen Katz is great!.......2007-10-03

All of Karen Katz's books are great and this is one of the best ones. Grandma and daughter love to read this book, over and over!!! Just a great book for over 1 children. Pretty durable too! Would recommend for any grandma and grandchild combo!

This is a deeper book than you'd think........2007-08-31

My 3 year old granddaughter first introduced this book to me while I was at her house for a visit awaiting the birth of her new little sister. My first thought was, "well it's a board book so it'll be too simple for it to be good"... I read it the first night at bedtime, then the second night, then the third night and it continued on for the entire month I was there! LOL....sure we both knew it by heart very quickly and would read it out loud together, but that was half the fun. I'd do funny voices when I read it and sometimes changed a few of the words to kind of mix it up...But she enjoyed it so very much EVERY time. When I got back to the state where I live, I bought my own copy (just because I'm a kid at heart and I wanted to have something tangible of those beautiful reading memories with her.) I was further rewarded one day when she was having a hard time taking her afternoon nap. When my daughter called, I asked if I could talk to my little "Peanut"...I told her to go get her book and I would read it to her and she had to follow along and open all the little flaps. She did of course and she giggled the whole way through as if it were the first time she was hearing it. It was another priceless moment for this grandma...and she didn't have any trouble going down for her nap after that either. It's amazing what will capture a little ones attention. Sometimes we adults make things too complicated. As for me, I love to see things through the eyes of a child.

Grandma and Me.......2007-07-31

This book too came in excellent condition and in record time. Thank you, my children enjoy reading this book over and over.

Great little book!.......2007-07-21

My granddaughter loves leafing thru this book with me. Lot of look under the tabs for 'surprises'. Well illustrated. Highly recommend.

My toddler loves it.......2007-05-14

She bores easily, but she loves this little book. she has had it for a couple of months, and she's still interested in it. She's 19 months and change now.

Average customer rating:

Not too bad
Inspirational Gift Book
Great Men, Great Thoughts, Perfect Title
Not worth the price...
Beautiful Book

Mankind's Greatest Quotes

Manufacturer: Richer Resources Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Quotations | Reference | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0977626946
Release Date: 2006-04-15

Product Description

Throughout the ages, man has been engaged in a quest for knowledge. Generation upon generation of man have endeavored to discover the truths which make man honorable and life worth living. In that same tradition of humanity the greatest of these philosophers have sought as well to pass along what wisdom they have discovered that others may live a happier life and that mankind's chances of survival be unhanced. This book contains 2500 years of man's greatest wisdom, passed on in that same tradition of humanity that others may share in that wisdom.

Customer Reviews:

Not too bad.......2007-10-11

No issues with this book except it's pretty short. I was hoping there would be a lot more quotes in them. It's only got less than 10 quotes per page.

Inspirational Gift Book.......2007-08-08

This book can be previewed in full on the publisher's website free by following the links to this title in the E-Book section of the site. All of this publisher's books are available on this site so any book can be previewed before purchase.

Great Men, Great Thoughts, Perfect Title .......2007-08-04

I love this book. It may not have 2000 quotes in it, but I have to agree that these are some of mankind's greatest quotes. I received it as a gift and I find it easy to use and lovely to look at. It has over 100 of mankind's most profound insights in one place which makes them easy to refer to. The book was designed so that there are 7 or 8 quotes on a page with a beautiful color photograph next to each page of quotes that is appropriate to the theme of those quotes. The aesthetic affect is a reminder of the depth of life and livingness - something that often gets lost in our day to day lives. The wisdom relayed reminds me that we as mankind have very similar hopes and desires and dreams for ourselves and our family and friends. It is also very therapeutic to be reminded how GREAT each one of us really is. I recommend reading this little book and bringing some joy to your life. You deserve it.

Not worth the price..........2007-08-03

I have to say that I disagree with the majority of the previous reviewers, in that this book is really not that useful in my eyes. While it does have a few famous and inspirational quotes, it is definitley not worth paying $15 for. Like other readers have mentioned, the book is 50 pages long, with half of them being illustrations. The other 25 pages contain from 4-5 quotes each, for a total of maybe 100 quotes in the entire book. This is the type of book that you would expect to pay $3.95 for at a bookstore, and definitly not $14.95. My suggestion would be to stay away from this book. You are better off getting quotes off the Internet. Just my opinion...

Beautiful Book.......2007-06-11

Pick the book up and flip to any page whenever you are in need of an inspirational thought. Great to have in your own library; also makes an excellent gift for a book-lover.

For My Grandchild: A Grandmother's Gift of Memory (AARP)

Average customer rating:

An heirloom for the grandkids

For My Grandchild: A Grandmother's Gift of Memory (AARP)
Paige Gilchrist
Manufacturer: Lark Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Grandparenting | Family Relationships | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

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Accessories:

Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 1402723253

Book Description

Today’s grandmothers lead full and active lives that include everything from working and traveling to taking classes and volunteering. But that’s no surprise. Through the years, they have enjoyed many rich and wonderful experiences, and now it’s time to share them.
This unique memory book gives a new generation of grandmothers a way to do just that. Your grandchildren will love finding out more about you, a fascinating person in your own right. The coolest fashions in high school, how you became engaged, your role models, and the values you cherish most are the types of details that your grandchildren are really interested in. They’ll also like learning about their ancestors to gain a better understanding of themselves.
For My Grandchild will help you open up that dialogue with the special young people in your life. There are straightforward fill-in-the-blanks for specifics such as family-tree information. And you’ll find broader questions followed by plenty of space for writing in longer, more personal answers. This keepsake volume also includes places for pasting in photos and mementos that you would like your grandchildren to have.
Use these pages to pass on traditions, such as your famous cookie recipe, and to offer wisdom, such as an inspiring quote, in a contemporary, appealing way.
Tell your family’s story in For My Grandchild and create a strong connection between generations.

Customer Reviews:

An heirloom for the grandkids.......2007-10-03

A collection of questions and spaces for photos that act as a useful prompt for grandparents to record all those things that a grandchild might wonder about later in life.
Nicely presented, but I worry about the paper sleeve over the hardcover getting torn. Also, it would be nice to provide pockets for photos rather than just spaces.
The questions are good and far ranging however some are USA-specific, for example: 'who was president...'.
All in all a worthwhile purchase.

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