Editorial Review

Llama Llama holidays.
Jingle music. Lights ablaze.
How long till that special date?
Llama Llama has to wait.

If there's one thing Llama Llama doesn't like, it's waiting. He and Mama Llama rush around, shopping for presents, baking cookies, decorating the tree . . . but how long is it until Christmas? Will it ever come? Finally, Llama Llama just can't wait any more! It takes a cuddle from Mama Llama to remind him that "Gifts are nice, but there's another: The true gift is, we have each other." ... Read more

Reviews

Dewdney is a master at books young kids love to have read to them, October 20, 2010
Llama Llama holiday delight.
The book is wonderful. I bought 3, one for each of our grandchild families. But Grandma wants to know where her copy is...oops...nana nana holiday trauma.

The book does NOT fail to bring smiles and squeals of delight from young children being read this drama of Llama Llama waiting through the last days prior to Christmas. Each rhyming page brings more pre-Christmas activity, all in preparation for the big event. But poor llama llama just can't wait. Every child will relate to all the steps that even llamas must go through to arrive at Christmas Day. Truth is...so can Papa's and Nana's, we all hate waiting, but so enjoy all the preliminaries, including now a frequent reading of "Llama Llama Holiday Drama" by Anna Dewdney. In the end, Llama Llama learns a lesson suited for all, from toddlers to elderly seniors.

The illustration art inside is the same great Llama quality as all of the Llama Llama books. The dustcover for this Christmas book has a wonderful snowy background that shimmers, just like real snow on a cold winter's day.

As grandparents, we will not be able to wait, like Llama Llama had to do. We'll give our book gifts early so the grand-kids can enjoy it many times prior to Christmas.

Loved it! Just as great as the others!, November 4, 2010
Just got this for my daughters; 2 & 5; I started reading the llama books to my oldest when she was 3 and she still loves them, my 2 year old loves shouting llama llama! I plan to give them this on ThanksGiving, but read thru it b/c I love reading these books too. At first I was kinda disappointed thinking all llama cares about is gifts (which lets face it, its all most kids care about) but when its momma's turn to talk, she quickly sums up the importance of this special holiday. I loved it and I really think my girls will to. How can you not have fun reading such a cute book. I love rhymes and these are quite clever.

We love all the llama books but I think Misses Momma is one of our favorites, great to read to a child going to school or day care for the first time. I highly recommend all the Llama books, esp this one for the holidays.

Not as good as the others, goes out of way to avoid Christmas controversy, November 26, 2010
I have enjoyed reading all of the previous Llama Llama books, so I preordered this one back in July without hesitation, but unfortunately it is not anywhere as good as the previous books. What really irks me about this book is how it goes WAY out of its way to avoid saying the word, "Christmas," and I don't know why the author felt she had to do so. The book tries to be inclusive of all "winter" holidays, showing a Menorah in the inside front cover, but little llama and his mama are obviously getting ready for the countdown to Christmas day, so why not just say it? Instead saying, "the big day" or special day. It's Christmas! You're writing a Christmas book! Why shy away from the word?! Are you just riding Christmas' coat tails to try and sell more books? Does the author really think putting a menorah in the front inside cover and not mentioning the word 'Christmas' will mean she'll sell more books to families that don't celebrate Christmas? I'm not a right-winger by any stretch of the imagination, but I believe in CHRISTMAS and things like this really bug me, so 2 stars from me. I hope the next one is better, but I will probably browse it at the book store before pre-ordering again.

We love Llama Llama!, December 3, 2010
My first Llama Llama book was actually Llama Llama Mad At Mama and we were hooked from that point on. My son loves the cadence and rhythm of the Llama Llama books and we awaited the arrival of Holiday Drama with much anticipation. It's a great book to add to your holiday kids collection that really focuses on the value of spending time with the people you love. The holiday season can be very busy and overwhelming for little ones and this book helps to bring the holiday season back around to what is important. We love it!

Adorable and Useful Addition to the Llama Llama series, November 19, 2010
Anna Dewdney's Llama books each tackle a common preschool trouble spot with funny and cute rhymes. My kids and I love them. More please! I find a lot of rhyming children's books to be awkward and sappy reads, but Dewdney's rhymes are charming and clever and this new addition to the series is no exception. Waiting for the Big Day is very hard for little ones as the holiday excitement shifts into high gear, I am glad to have such a cute book to relate to my kids on this subject. They love it and the story of Llama overloading and then being calmed by a hug from his mama will give me something to talk about and refer the kids to during the holiday season, in trying to calm frazzed nerves and stave off any Llama-esque meltdowns that are just getting started. Also the book offers a very good preview of all the fun-but-sometimes-stressful things that are likely to happen in a preschool kid's life over the coming weeks, which is another great preventative measure to keep the anxiety at a minimum... the kids are reminded by this book that shopping, baking, crafting, decorating, etc.etc. and especially WAITING will be happening, and they will be expecting it to some extent. This is especially important for us because my twins are on the autism spectrum, but I think it is a great book to share with any preschool age kid at this time of year.

Book is a delight for young ones, November 18, 2010
My grandsons, 4 1/2 and 2 1/2 years, love the Llama Llama books and this one is no exception. I read it to them as they laughed at Llama Llama dealing with anticipation. Young children relate so well to the little worries and emotions with which the character deals. The plan was to give this book at a Christmas gift, but I read the story first and Llama Llama's experiences are for right now.

You gotta love what you gotta read..., December 24, 2010
We love this series. (Also bought "Llama, llama, Red Pyjama" AND the similarly dressed stuffed toy.) The rhymes propel the reader along (and give you a chance to ham-it-up a little(. Also, the presence of a story line and the absence of nonsense words give the reader a lot of help. This reader appreciates that.

Great Find!!!!, December 23, 2010
This book is great! Much bigger than I had originally thought. Its a great book for kids & adults alike. I actually bought it for a girlfriend in her 30s! Great price and GREAT shipping! I ordered it with 2 days shipping, was estimated to be here Christmas eve and actually arrived the 23rd! COuldn't be happier with the product and fast delivery!!

Perfect Christmas Book for Children & Parents, December 22, 2010
LOVE this book, it perfectly describes the Christmas rush from a little Llama's perspective with the most important message emphasized - being together for Christmas! Highly recommend all the Llama, Llama books!

Love this book!, December 21, 2010
We have the rest of the Llama Llama books and my 18 month old daughter loves them. I bought several of these to give out as Christmas gifts and they were a big hit. I would recommend this book to preschool aged kids, they love the story and adults love to read them too! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Serious silliness for all ages. Artist Sandra Boynton is back and better than ever with completely redrawnversions of her multi-million selling board books. These whimsical and hilarious books, featuringnontraditional texts and her famous animal characters, have been printed on thick board pages,and are sure to educate and entertain children of all ages. ... Read more

Reviews

Calming Book for Bedtime, But Also Funny and Engaging!, November 17, 2000
Sandra Boynton's colorful board book is a bedtime treat! An assortment of expressive animals gets ready for bed aboard a giant boat. Boynton amusingly shows then bathing, dressing, brushing teeth ("With some on top and some beneath, they brush and brush and brush their teeth."), and exercising together.

It closes with the animals settling down for the night: "They rock and rock and rock to sleep." Graced by Boynton's well-known illustrations and rhythmic, lullabye-like poetry, this is a great book for infants and toddlers alike. It's one of those books you'll keep long after the kid(s) grow up.

A lovely MEMORY maker!, September 5, 2000
Tonight while surfing through amazon I stumbled upon Sandra Boynton. Remembering how fond my children were of her board books when they were toddlers, I read a few of the reviews. I laughed and cried thinking about how frequently "The Going To Bed Book" was read in our household and how IMPORTANT it became in our bedtime ritual. Out of curiosity I pulled the old book from our library shelves and went to my kids, now 15, 12 and 9 and began to recite a few lines. *NOTE - I didn't actually NEED the book in order to do this. To my delight each of them perked up, smiled and began to chant the lines right along with me. They remembered the characters, the words, the way we used to read the story. You see, for them the memories of this book are wonderful as well!

Sandra Boynton is gifted at coupling wonderful, readable verse with delightful illustration. Don't miss this book and don't hesitiate to purchase others from her collection. We have HUNDREDS of read aloud childrens books in this house. This ranks right up there with the absolute favorites and should be IMHO amongst the first books read to a cherished babe.

P.S. Don't miss "Doggies" either! If you read this one with FEELING they'll be begging for it time and again!

Excellent, December 6, 1999
After reading all of the positive reviews here, I decided to order this book for my two year old son, who loves to read. I must admit, I probably would never have picked it out, but my son absolutely loves it! Everytime we finish reading it, he says, "Mommy, read again." I recommend it to anyone who has a little reader at home.

This is a bedtime MUST!, August 23, 1998
My 17 month old daughter Diana absolutely adores this book, as does her 31 year old mother! It has a remarkably calming effect on her when she's all wound up at the end of the day, and fighting sleep as children her age are wont to do. The wonderful rhythm of the words is soothing, and easy for her to understand. She has begun "reading" along with me, and it's delightful to actually witness her learning. Thank you, Sandra Boynton, for putting your remarkable talent towards such a wonderful thing as children's books!!!

Bedtime with Boynton!, October 15, 2004
I only had one other Boynton book "Snuggle Puppy" which my daughter loves so I wanted to get her another Boynton book. "The Going to Bed" book is a hit!

This book is about several different animals in different shapes and sizes getting ready for bed on a boat. They brush their teeth, excersize and put on pajamas.

The illustrations are cute and her rythmic poetry is perfectly easy to read.

My daughter absolutely loves the pictures and she must like the sound of the words because she gets so excited by this book.

I personally like this book for reading at bedtime because of its length. Its short, sweet and to the point. And the very last page of the book "They rock and rock and rock to sleep" is perfect when read slowly to emphasize the end of the day.

Her books are precious and very inexpensive. This is not a book you will be donating or selling at a garage sale. Your baby/child will love it!

Younger kids, too, June 8, 2006
The other (positive) reviews are all spot on, except for the age ranges discussed. Like all of Boynton's books, this one's not just for toddlers, 2-6 year olds, etc. I've been reading (reciting, really, since I know it so well from our first child) this to our daughter since she was only 3 or 4 months old, and she knows and recognizes its cadence remarkably well even now at not quite 9 months. It's a great tool that I incorporate not only in reading as part of the bedtime routine, with the book in hand in a rocking chair, but also something I recite while dressing her - a great tool, that is, for shifting from the fun and frolic of the bath, to the placidity of the reading/rocking chair.

The Sun has Set not Long Ago, October 24, 2002
Great bed time book. The rhymes are fun, and it is a fantastically silly story. My husband and daughter and I have all had this book memorized since she was 6 months old ( she is two and 1/2 now). We love to recite it to one another, and have had to have two copies of the book (ah that teething stage was hard, she chewed right through everything.) We all love Sandra Boynton, she is a reliable read and a lot of fun.

Cute and fun!, June 10, 2006
Sandra Boynton is one of my favorite children's book authors. She makes even the mundane bedtime rituals fun, and has cute characters as well as fun reading. I have all of her books and have read them to all 3 of my children. My children love pointing to the characters and reading along with me (I have read them so many times, they have the books memorized!). Easy reading for young children, and short enough for the wee little ones. I highly recommend this book, as well as Sandra Boynton's other books!

Best Bedtime Book, December 31, 2003
I have been reading this book to my baby girl since she was 3 months old as part of her bedtime routine. It has a lovely, sing-song quality to the rhymes that she loves. We have read this book so many times that I have it memorized and I can recite it in a quiet voice even when she is too sleepy to sit through a bedtime book (or if we are away from home). The pictures are silly and cute, too.

I know it by heart!, May 1, 2000
Some children's books are just classics, this is certainly one.

I've read it so often to my little girl that I can say the whole thing by heart. By the way she has dozens of books, but picks this one out again and again.

Sandra Boynton seems to have a very special understanding of what children like. ... Read more

Editorial Review

-Ideal for babies and toddlers.

-Stunning large format brings images to life.

-Helps to build a child's vocabulary.
... Read more

Reviews

A beautiful first animal photography book!!!
My son received this book for his first birthday and it has quickly become a favorite. He still chooses this book regularly at storytime and he is now 18 months old. Reasons to buy this book include...

1. Great book for language development. The animals are sorted into groups including Baby Animals, Pets, On the Farm, Birds, and At the Zoo. A great book for playing "Where's the..." and "What's that?" pointing games.

2. Clear, beautiful photos. Each animal photograph is also placed against a solid colored background so that the image really stands out.

3. Unlike other animal photography books, the pages are not an animal collage with all the animals mixed in together. Each animal is shown in a square or rectangle with the name of the animals printed in lowercase underneath. Babies and Young toddlers are often confused by jumbled images and prefer the simplicity of how the animals are presented in this book.

4. The book also has a rhyming, interactive text. For example on the zoo page it says, "I'm hard to see when I'm out in the snow. Who am I? (polar bear) I carry a trunk wherever I go. Who am I? (elephant). My toddler, like most, is highly attracted to rhyming text.

One of the best Animal books
I got this for my one year old twins, and they simply love it! They enjoy looking at the bright and colorful photographs of all the animals and this book enables me to make it a fun way of teaching them what different animals look like and the sounds they make. One of my twins always wails when I am finished and I close the book -- she simply wants to look at the book some more! I highly recommend this book for parents with young children.

An early favorite and a fantastic teaching resource
From the time my son first learned to talk, he has shown a fierce curiosity about what things are called as well as a total fascination with animals. I picked up Priddy's My Big Animal Book to help him identify various animals as well as to build his growing vocabulary, and it was a tremendous success on both levels.

The book features large, sturdy pages that catalog a variety of animals you'd find on a farm, in a zoo, or in people's houses. There is also a section on baby animals. The photos are large and colorful, and never fail to capture my son's attention. Between this book and My Big Truck Book (Priddy Bicknell Big Ideas for Little People), my son's vocabulary and understanding of the world around him increased by leaps and bounds. His first trip to the petting zoo and Zoo Atlanta were even more fascinating to him after seeing the pictures in this book. The day he saw real gorillas for the first time, he turned to me with a stunned look and shouted "Gayayas, Dada!" Thinking about that never fails to put a smile on my face! The book also allowed us to use his curiosity about animals to teach him about sizes, animal sounds, counting, and colors.

My son is two years old now and far more interested in storybooks, and the knowledge he gained from My Big Animal Book was a great help in transitioning him to books like Hug and Where's Spot?. He still takes this book off the shelf time after time just to look at the great photographs of his favorite animals.

I highly recommend this durable, colorful, and inexpensive book to all parents of curious toddlers. As teaching aids go, My Big Animal Book has proven far more effective than many a high-priced electronic gadget or DVD.

Excellent Picture Book
I bought this for my son when he was about one year old. He loves this book. He picks this among other books because it is big. Loves the pictures (very bright and clear pictures. The right number of pictures on each page) He points to each picture and asks us to name it. Or we play the "Where is..." game. He wants to read this everyday. A great way to increase his vocabulary. He can correctly point at a lot of animals now. There are not many BIG board books with real pictures out there. Atleast I havent found many.

A Great Book
I purchased this book for my son when he was just learning to talk. We would look through the pictures each day and began by saying what each animal was. The pictures are well done and show all sorts of animals that a child should learn initially. Many of the pictures show the entire body of the animal, not just the face. After my son learned what the animals were, we used the book again to learn animal sounds. He's 4 now and still loves to look at this book. We used this same book for my now 2 1/2 year old daughter. Both kids have learned the animal names, sounds and I feel this is a great book for assisting with the learning.

A must have for animal lovers
My son (13 months) loves this book. He pulls it out several times a day and flips through it over and over. The pictures are fantastic and include a variety of animals which many other board book fail to include.

Great Picture Book
This is one of our favorite books. Our 15 month old daughter loves to look at all the animals on each page. We also have the trucks, trains, and rescue books. All of the Priddy books are very well put together and entertaining.

In this one, there's a page for baby animals (always popular), one for farm animals (great for talking about going to Grandpa's house), one for zoo animals, and many others. The wonderful thing about these books is that there are bright colors and clear photographs of the objects/animals with labels for parents in case we don't know that a baby goose is a gosling.

Great Book!!!
I bought this book for my 22-month old son and he absolutely loves it. Great pictures of the animals and it offers not only the option of learning animals but counting them as well!!! I would defintely recommend this book! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Is Anything Better Than Getting a New Puppy?Natalie knows a surprise is coming and that it's for her. The clues all point to a new puppy. Natalie has wanted one forever.Then she finds out what the surprise really is, and she's not sure she likes it. ... Read more

Reviews

Cute Imitation
This is a Christian immitation of Junie B. Jones (which I really dislike). The story is cute, but I really don't like Natalie's misuse of words ("she blowed her nose real hard" is a good example, though not from this particular book). I did buy all 6, but want to get rid of them as soon as my daughter reads them once. these are definitely not "keepers."

POIGNANT & FUNNY!
If you don't love this book, something's wrong with you. Our whole family laughs out loud with this one. Great series! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Max and Arthur are friends who share an interest in painting. Arthur is an accomplished painter; Max is a beginner. Max's first attempt at using a paintbrush sends the two friends on a whirlwind trip through various artistic media, which turn out to have unexpected pitfalls. Although Max is inexperienced, he's courageous and a quick learner. His energy and enthusiasm bring the adventure to its triumphant conclusion. Beginners everywhere will take heart. ... Read more

Reviews

Beautfil Book - Art & Max
Wiesner's latest picture book takes readers on an eye popping journey through the art world. Art & Max is the story of two artists: Art, a serious lizard who is painstakingly working on portrait and Max, a carefree, spur of the moment artist who has just picked up a paint brush and is ready to go. With eye-popping illustrations, three-time Caldecott medalist David Wiesner takes creates a stunning journey through the art world. The story magically romps through the world of art as acrylic paints, watercolor, and line drawing are all explored with wonderful whimsy. Art students will recognize the nod to Jackson Pollack, one of my favorite artists. Minimal text accompanies the brilliant illustrations, allowing readers to concentrate on the illustrations. This is a beautiful book - a must have for any art lover - young or old. Could this book earn Wiesner a fourth Caldecott?

Recommended for ages: 4 and up (Adults - you'll like this one, too!)

A Different Take from David Wiesner
Art & Max is a very good picture book. For some, it will be a dull story with good pictures. For others, a fun story with awesome pictures. It certainly contains a second, more thought provoking story in the background.

I enjoyed the book a great deal, but I worried kids would be disinterested; I appear to be wrong. The first-grader's I've worked with loved it; best of all for different reasons. Some loved the exuberance of Max; some the outburst and withering of Arthur. Some even looked beyond the main narrative and followed the silent stories of the other three lizards. There were a few kids who did not care for it; expressive reading can cure much of this.

This book lacks the grandeur of some of Wiesner's other works, such as Flotsam, Sector 7 or my personal favorite June 29th, 1999. Its setting is sparse, with just 5 characters (2 speaking) and (excellent) desert landscape the background. This is not a bad thing, just a different feel that takes some getting used to. Those who are used to Wiesner's work will appreciate Art & Max after a few reads. Those who are new should have no problem at all jumping into the story.

This is a great book that will remain in my library and on my suggestion list for children. Every time I feel I've dissected the book, I discover some new twist in the artwork or storytelling that prompts me to reread again. I do not believe the story will be enjoyed by everyone, but there is so much quality to find for those who do enjoy it.

The Fun of Creative Art
The two haughty, naughty looking lizards had been staring at me for quite some time on Amazon.com's recommended page until I received an email from School Library Journal announcing it as the newest work by Wiesner that prompted me right back to get the book and dive into the outrageous funny and colorful adventure of ART & MAX. Our family's favorite writer, David Wiesner constantly explores new territory to create picture books to inspire, and this time, he spotlights desert animals - a very welcome direction for residents who live in those areas like me and since reptiles are not my type of pets, this is the first time I get to see upfront and close those unsung heroes very handsomely illustrated.

Arthur is a master artist who engrosses himself in realistic portraits and Max is the enthusiastic rising star who is yet to prove he is a painter just as gifted. Their encounter is a hilarious one that turns disastrous as Max accidentally deconstructs the wise ART teacher himself and for all readers to see is layers of layers of artistic mediums that makes up of Arthur are now dispersed/exploded into pieces, colors evaporated into thin air and melted to ground and only the framed wire is left in Max's hand. This book, like Wiesner's Caldecott Medal winning THE THREE PIGS make me burst into laughter for its unexpected, wild-but-well conceived framework of plots and characters. In dire approaches to bring disappeared Arthur back to life, Max discovers his own excellence and uniqueness and the newly-resurrected Arthur has also gone through `massive changes' influenced by Max to renovate his own style. My son loves the wired cartoon monster-Arthur maybe the most while my daughter is so pleased with Arthur's new look: "mom, look, he got polke-dots all over him." Uproariously entertaining with subtle details to teach the rest of us about art, ART & MAX once again with no content similar to Wiesner's previous books, reminds readers reading is full of happiness and new ideas.

The Three Pigs

Loved this book!
This is LOL funny! Every art teacher should own a copy of this book! Wiesner has such an interesting mind where he gets the most fabulous ideas for his books. Search for more of his work if you haven't already. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Llama, Llama red pajamawaiting, waiting for his mama.Mama isn’t coming yet.Baby Llama starts to fret.In this infectious rhyming read-aloud, Baby Llama turns bedtime into an all-out llama drama! Tucked into bed by his mama, Baby Llama immediately starts worrying when she goes downstairs, and his soft whimpers turn to hollers when she doesn’t come right back. But just in time, Mama returns to set things right. Children will relate to Baby Llama’s need for comfort, as much as parents will appreciate Mama Llama’s reassuring message. ... Read more

Reviews

ADDRESSES A COMMON FEAR - WELL DONE LITTLE BOOK.
I certainly liked this one and the kids I read it to, like it too, which is actually a pretty good indorsement for a kids book. This book addresses the common fear so many young children have when their mom leaves the room at night (I had the same fear as the baby Llama when I was that age, years and years ago...some things never change). The story is done if an excellent rhyming fashion (and, no, my mid-west accent/twang does not interfere with the reading one bit) and the illustrations are great and eye catching. Like another reviewer, I love the facial expressions conveyed here. This is an excellent beginning reader and an excellent one to read at bed time with your child. Recommend this one highly.

1 Star Rebuttal
For those who rated this book with one star - I offer this rebuttal. The mother is aware the child would like a drink of water. She was going to finish a task and bring it up when she is interupted by a phone call. Seems like this might happen at my house. Until the child begins to make quite a fuss, she is not aware he is stressed. I will concede the admonishment may be a bit much, but I chose to focus on the comfort given at the end. The lesson being that just because Mom isn't right beside you doesn't mean she isn't close enough to protect you. My 20 month old son loves this book and we discuss why he might be afraid in the dark and if it is a rational fear and how to appropriately deal with those fears. As with any book, this book provides an opportunity to discuss with your child if the behavior of the characters is appropriate and solutions that may work better.

Real life explained to children.
Wow, my Wife and I are loving this series of books and our 2yr old LOVES his llama books! We started with "Llama Llama Mad at Momma" because it was helpful in teaching our son how to behave and be helpful in public. We were a little apprehensive about "...Red Pajama" because some of the reviews seemed to indicate that Little Llama was simply being ignored while he was suffering some traumatic event alone in his room. NOT THE CASE! Basically, Little Llama is put to bed and doesn't fall immediately asleep, which is normal. Then Little Llama bored & alone decides he wants Momma and asks for some water, which is normal. Meanwhile, Momma is downstairs washing dishes and dealing with telemarketers, which is very normal. Then Little Llama decides that throwing a tantrum will accomplish his will and works himself into a panic, normal even for well behaved children. When Momma hears his cries she literally drops everything and comes bolting through the door to find her child in his own manufactured state of despair. The book ends with Momma clearly explaining that sometimes Momma is too busy to come right away but it doesn't mean that she isn't on her way or that she doesn't love him. What a great lesson for children! In the real world sometimes mom & dad are busy but trying. Sometimes mommy is on the potty and baby must wait. Sometimes daddy is watching football and... ok just kidding. Anyway, our son enjoys the rhymes and the amazing artwork, and we love that we can use it as a learning tool.

Great book for 2 year old
I purchased this book sight unseen due to a recommendation from the Texas libraries (they have it on their list of recommended books for 2 year olds). My 28 month old daughter absolutely loves this book. She has me read it to her over and over and over again and has started chiming in with her own narration (e.g., "Mama's downstairs" and "Mama's on the phone" when she sees the pictures). The illustrations are great and I love the big text. I highly recommend this to anyone with children around age 2.

The first one he sat still for
This was the very first book my 18 month old sat still to read. We received this book as a gift, and LOVE it. Being from the midwest, we do say "puh-JAAAAA-muh", so it requires changing our accent to make the book rhyme. We saw a photo of this book on a bulletin board at a bookstore about a month after we began reading the book, and my son instantly recognized it, pointed to it and started shouting "mmammma...mmmaaammma." I couldn't believe it. This one's a keeper. (The book. And the kid.)

llama llama! where's my mama?
this book is ADORABLE...very clever rhyme scheme, very clever plot. baby llama is all tucked in his bed and gets scared when mama llama leaves. he starts to call for her--and his call escalates into a scream as he starts to envision her being gone forever instead of down in the kitchen cleaning up. mama llama does come back upstairs to baby llama (in his red pajamas) and comforts him but explains that just because she isn't right in front of him doesn't mean that she's left him forever. this book parodies a scene any parent has encountered--it's hilarious and well done. highly recommended!

a five star, five times a day fave
My son loves this book. Loves it. When we are not reading it it him, he pulls it out of his pile of books and opens to the same page several times daily: the page where poor little llama is most afraid (and my narration is most overwrought), and he laughs. As fellow Vermonters, we bought this book, finding it charming - well...that was before he was born (lets face it, we bought it for ourselves), and at a year old, it is the only book we find deposited in our laps over, and over, AND over again. A book that is both fun to read and hear - I buy this book for everyone who has (or is going to have) kids. It is a wonderful addition to any little one's library and esp. fantastic when you know this will not be a gift that everybody already has (10 copies of Goodnight Moon and Pat the Bunny, anyone?) and everybody enjoys. Because, after all, you have to read it 5 times a day too, right? Have some fun - buy this book.

My son's favorite book.
This was a book we randomly picked up in the library and had to renew about 3 times. Finally, I figured we needed to buy it so that the library could have their copy back. A fantastic, simple rhyme that any child who doesn't want to go to bed can relate to.

Kali Tarr
We got this book for our 22 month old son because his teacher at school recommended it to us. She said that he loved reading it at school. When I would pick him up he would run to the bookcase yelling "Llama, Llama!!" This is his favorite book and he actually reads the book with me now. We read it every day and most days numerous time. We have ordered more books by this author to that are just as good. ... Read more

Editorial Review

A perfect gift for new parents, birthday celebrations, and happy occasions of all kinds, this collection of five beloved Beginner Books by Dr. Seuss—The Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, and Fox in Socks—will be cherished by young and old alike. Ideal for reading aloud or reading alone, they will begin a child on the adventure of a lifetime! ... Read more

Reviews

Easy reading
My grandaughter hates to do her homework. She is in first grade. I bought the books. She was so amazed that she could read them by herself. It has given her confidence. Great success story.

Classic Book
Bought this set for a baby shower gift, was well received. Such a nice classic group of books to start off a little one with.

Children's Books
Great childrens book collection and it was delivered quickly. The books can be kept easily organized in the cardboard case that they came in. I would recommend this book collection for grandparents like ourselves to purchase for grandchildren between 1 and 8 years old.

GREAT Buy!
I bought this as a gift for my young nephews, and boy was I glad I did! It ended up being the perfect Christmas gift. The bright blue box shown in the picture is actually more like a "sleeve" to hold all the books, which is kind of nice. Each book is in pristine condition, and it is a great collection of Dr. Seuss's most popular items. It came exactly on the day that it was supposed to come. I definitely recommend this item to start off any youngsters book collection.

super for beginners!
The books are great, very funny.. My son is 7.5, and he is in second year learning English. The books are simple enough even for him to understand. But there is one problem, international shipping cost is higher than the packet itself...

nice dr seuss intro
very speedy service, with five great books that introduce the awesomeness of dr seuss to young readers

Dr. Seuss ROCKS !!!
I bought this set for a grand-niece - I read them all to my own children & hope someday to read them to my grandchildren. This is a fabulous collection. It's not every Dr. Seuss book you'll end up wanting (he wrote a lot more), but it sure is a great beginning. What's really great about Dr. Seuss is that the books not only help with bonding with a child, but also reading, counting, rhyming, imagination etc...and the illustrations are bold & bright (think of the animated movie "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" - another great Dr. Seuss book. Buy these books and see where they will take you & your children. Every book in this collection is on the list of top selling childrens books of all time - #4 is 'Green Eggs & Ham' & #9 is 'The Cat in the Hat' What else can I say? It's Dr. Seuss - the best!!

Great books!!
I got these for my daughter after her teacher suggested I get them for her to help her start reading. I am glad I got them for her. Its most of the classic books. We enjoy reading them almost everyday. ... Read more

Editorial Review

As a tiny green caterpillar eats his way through the book, he is transformed into a beautiful butterfly, in a board book edition of the classic picture book. ... Read more

Reviews

Perfect spring reading!
This is one of my all-time favorite children's books. One sunny day, a caterpillar pops out of an egg. He is very hungry and begins searching for food. Now, many of Eric Carle's books have gimmicks--the tactile web in THE VERY BUSY SPIDER and the chirping in THE VERY QUIET CRICKET, for example. The gimmick in this book is that the caterpillar eats holes through all the food, holes that are actually punched into the pages of the book. It's a good gimmick, actually. Also, many of Carle's books teach conventions--telling time in THE VERY GROUCHY LADYBUG and animal sounds in THE VERY BUSY SPIDER, for example. This one teaches the days of the week. On Monday, the caterpillar eats this, on Tuesday he eats that, and so forth. Very cute. Eventually, he becomes a fat caterpillar. He then spins himself a cocoon, where he rests for two weeks. And when he emerges...well, you can guess the results. It's a wonderful story. Best of all, the text is very simple as are the illustrations, so the book will appeal to toddlers as well as the pre-K and kindergarten crowd. In fact, it may appeal more to toddlers, because the story is so very simple. I know I read it as a kindergartener. I loved the holes but found the story rather boring. I read it to my two-year-old this spring, however, and he went nuts over it. The days of the week were lost on him, but he was fascinated by the caterpillar turning into a butterfly--he had no idea! Can't tell you how many times we read it. We also re-enacted it, crawling on the floor and eating, spinning ourselves into cocoons, and popping out with fluttery wings. In fact, he was so taken with the caterpillar-to-butterfly phenomenon that I ordered some caterpillars (I used "Insect Lore"--they are on-line--but I'm sure there are lots of other places to get them). We read THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR at each stage of their development and then right before we released them as butterflies. It was the highlight of our spring.

A fun, witty, classic tale.
Story Synopsis:
- A caterpillar eats his way through different foods until he is full and weaves a cocoon transforming into a beautiful butterfly. Charming colorful illustrations of foods along with the fat caterpillar and catchy little holes in the foods where the caterpillar "had his snack" make this book a hit with young children.

Review:
- Eric Carle's classic, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" has charmed millions over the years with it's simple memorable story, striking illustrations and the gimmicky holes on each of its' pages. To date, more than 12 million copies of this book have been sold in its original, full-sized edition, and mini editions. This beloved tale of science and gluttony has also been translated into 20 languages and counting. Die-cut pages (each page has a hole where the "caterpillar" ate through the food item) illustrate what the caterpillar ate on successive days. Strikingly bold, colorful pictures and a simple text in large, clear type tell the story of a hungry little caterpillar's culinary progress through an amazing variety and quantity of foods. Full at last, he weaves a cocoon around himself and goes to sleep, to emerge a few weeks later as a wonderfully transformed and beautiful butterfly! The final, double-page picture of the butterfly is a joyous explosion of color, a vibrant affirmation of the wonder and beauty of Nature. This story is a hit every time. Carle's bright colors and clever die-cut artwork never cease to entertain even the youngest child, and there is surely nothing in nature closer to magic than the emergence of a butterfly. This is a beautiful, educational and fun book.

Literary Features For Young Readers:
- Simple words appropriate to pre-readers, younger children and ELLs (English Language Learners).
- The predictability of the words and their tie-in with the illustrations makes the book easy for pre-readers to understand.
- The rhythm of the prose makes the book memorable and fun book to read for little people.
- Strikingly bold, colorful pictures tell the story of the hungry little caterpillar in complement with the simple words.
- Eric Carle's art gimmick (i.e. the die-cut holes through the food illustrations on each page) gives small children (and the occasional adult like me!) an extra bit of fun and enjoyment
- The moral lessons of the story are simple and universal: "Don't judge a person by the way they look" and "real beauty is more than skin-deep."

Teaching Tie-ins:
- Counting skills (Foods accumulate progressively)
- The days of the week.
- Nutrition (The best food for the caterpillar is the leaf, not the candy, cake, etc. or why we can't eat chocolate and candy all day long)
- Intro to science and biology:
It is a fun book with its' "holes" that have been eaten through the pages, and become a preschoolers introduction to science/biology when the little caterpillar turns into a beautiful butterfly.
- Shapes (foods)

Possible Projects:
- Food or nutrition mobiles and other related projects.
- Art collages in the style or Eric Carle using torn tissue and other media.
- Simple life cycle science projects (posters are life cycle mobiles)
- Caterpillar art activity: creating caterpillars out of an egg cartoons.
- As a preschool and kindergarten teacher, I had classes perform simple plays for young children based upon this book.
-----------------------------------------------

I highly recommend this charming little book for younger children and ELLs (English Language Learners).

Review by: Maximillian Ben Hanan

Lovely
For my grandson's first birthday, I wanted a gift that would please him visually and stimulate him mentally. A friend suggested this book because her son had enjoyed it many years ago. Feedback from my grandson, through his parents, is that he enjoys the book very much, and the toy is nice but not as captivating as listening to someone reading the book. Thanks for a very good purchase.

Excellent purchase
My grandchildren love this story! The larger format board book is very colorful and easy for little hands to manage. I found it a real bonus to hear the author, Eric Carle, read his own work and the kids can listen and read along.

Spanish version of a classic!
This Spanish version of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" is just as cute as the English version. Children will love the pages of varying sizes with holes where the caterpillar has eaten up the food.

You can also practice counting up to five with your little one as the bug eats one apple on Monday, two pears on Tuesday, etc.

The vocabulary in this book DOES require a Spanish speaker in the home. My husband does not speak Spanish and this book is too hard for him to read to our babies, whereas he can read other Spanish board books. Additionally, as it is only in Spanish, my husband cannot compare the Spanish words to English.

Still, I think it's a great addition to your library if one adult speaks Spanish and you are trying to teach your children the language too.

... Read more

Editorial Review

Serious silliness for all ages. Artist Sandra Boynton is back and better than ever with completely redrawnversions of her multi-million selling board books. These whimsical and hilarious books, featuringnontraditional texts and her famous animal characters, have been printed on thick board pages,and are sure to educate and entertain children of all ages. ... Read more

Reviews

This is a book you MUST have!, April 7, 2000
We got this book for our 4 year old daughter when she was 2, and it became her all-time favorite book. It helped her to increase her speech by saying fun things. We then introduced it to our 2nd daughter when she was 20 months old, and she also adores this book and it is the one she always gets every night and says "book" to have it read. We only say the first part of each page (i.e., "The pigs say...") and she always finishes the second part (i.e., "LaLaLa"). This is an absolute must have along with "But Not The Hippopotamus" by Boynton. These are GREAT gifts for baby showers or 1st birthdays.If you are considering ordering this - Go ahead and do it now! You WON'T be sorry that you did!

No, No, That's All Wrong!, May 23, 2005
Shakespeare knew it, and parents and other adults know it: People love a comedy of errors. Perhaps the most delighted audience is the youngest; toddlers love hearing mistakes and correcting them. It's a surefire hit for their certain sense of humor, and Sandra Boynton exploits this beautifully in this small board book.

Just a few set-up lines and Boynton is ready for the book's main joke:

"A cow says MOO."
"A sheep says BAA."
"Three singing pigs say LA LA LA!"

"'No, no!' you say, 'that isn't right.
The pigs say OINK all day and night.'"

Practice your dramatic abilities and really ham it up (pun intended) when you read the singing pigs and "that isn't right" lines on pages 3 and 4. There's also some action (dogs chasing cats), and a nice quizzical conclusion: ("It's quiet now. What do you [underlined] say?")

Boynton's familiar style is whimsical and slightly tongue-in-cheek. Her animals have very expressive, human-looking emotions, conveyed mostly through the eyes. For example, a quacking duck and a neighing horse aren't intrinsically very interesting, but when they're facing each other with similarly baffled faces, there's a subtle humor. The singing pigs, by the way, are anything but subtle. They're pizzazed out in coordinating striped pants, solid sports coats, and elegant white bow ties. They excited pigs dance in unison and hold canes in a showy vaudeville style. For a short and simple board book aimed at the very young, this is lots of fun. For older toddlers, take a look at Boynton's counting book with a difference: "Hippos Go Berserk!" She knows and loves her animals, and so will your little one.

If I had to choose one single book it would be this one!, August 23, 1998
I am an American, first-time Mom, living overseas and am building a collection of kid's books, in English, for my 7 1/2 month old son. By chance, while on a trip to NY when my son was only 5 months old, I purchased this book. As sort of joke I immediately began reading this and other books to him thinking he was too young to respond. Boy was I surprised! If he even sees the cover from afar he grunts for me to read it to him! As soon as I finish he continues this over & over again! There are other books that he enjoys (Goonight Moon,Time to Sleep, Chicka Chicka ABC), however, none compare to his love for Moo Bah LaLaLa! As soon as those 3 words come out of my mouth he quiets. I am absolutely amazed and recommend this title to all new parents.

My son could "read" every word before he was one!, April 6, 1997
A terrific engaging book for any child, young or old! My 2-year old loves it, and my 7 month old loves it! My Tripp and Luke have begun to develop a sense of humor--realizing that "three singing pigs" could simply not say la la la! While at the zoo's farm exhibit--our 2-year old said, "mom, these pig's can't say la la la! " We all laughed. We use this book as a night time quiet time book--because of the ending--"it's quiet now, what do you say?" We have begun using this line as an invitation to talk about our day, what we've learned, and the mistakes we made. It has become very engaging for our 2-year old to feel free to say what is on his mind

A lesson on how to teach animal sounds, August 23, 2001
I couldn't believe my son's daycare provider when she told me that this was his absolute favorite book. When I bought it for him, I thought it would just be another fun one to read. But, this book really, REALLY teaches kids the sounds animals make. My son wasn't really saying a whole lot of words yet, but when I would read this book, all I would have to say was the first part of the sentence "The cow says..." and he would entusiastically say "MOOOOOOOO". It is now to the point where I don't even need the book. I just say "The sheep says...", and he will say "BAAAA". This is such a cool tool to use to teach animal sounds to little toddlers. I highly recommend it to any parent whose child is just beginning to speak.

Oink?, August 10, 2002
Oh my, the cow and sheep seem to have it right...but what about the pigs? This divinely witty animal-sounds book had my own babies in stitches when they were almost too young to look at the pictures.

The rhythmic cadence of the words (always a grabber for the very young), the simple wording, the silliness that can be enhanced by mom or dad's tone of voice when reading aloud, and most of all, the use of the word "you," bringing the child into the story, combine to make a treasure of a book.

Oh...did I mention Sandra Boynton's incredibly endearing pictures of animals? Rendered in bright, beautiful colors on sturdy, indestructible pages, they are worth the price of the book. I'll bet you anything you sneak one more look long after night-night.

This book is SO great!, February 29, 2004
When I was pregnant this was the first baby gift I received. I read it to myself (in my adult, monotone voice)and thought, "What the?"
Well, after my baby arrived I read it to her and now, 2 years later, I still read it to her and she says the words with me with the greatest animation a 2 year old can give. It is a very funny book to a small child and in turn becomes a funny book for the parent watching them get so much pleasure out of it. I recommend this one to anyone with a child under two. In fact, if I could only have 1 book for my child in her first 2 years, this would be it hands down! La..la..laaaa!

A great way to learn animal sounds, September 8, 1999
My 15-month old daughter knows all her animal sounds, thanks to this book. I first saw it at her daycare, and bought it for her when she was 7-months old. This book was quite the favorite, and before she was a year old, she was making the appropriate sounds, shaking her head, "No, no..." at the, "Three singing pigs go la-la-la," and whispering at the last page, "It's quiet now, what do *you* say?"

Moo, Baa, LA LA LA, September 1, 2000
My daughter is 3 years old now and still loves this book. We received it as a baby shower gift. During some of the long nights when we first got home, I would read her this book because I enjoyed it so much. The rest of the family - even the 2 teenagers - enjoyed reading it also. It quickly became the favorite and the "Moo book" is read every night. The book is falling apart - due to an unexpected trip into the bathtub one night :) - and we try not to use it too much so we just recite it from memory. I'm buying 5 copies for friends that are having babies and a couple more for me. I want to put one away for my daughter to have for her kids some day and "grandma and grandpa" will need one too! Buy it -- you won't regret it!

Both My Daughters Love This Book!, November 14, 2000
This is a great book! I originally checked it out of the library for my older daughter when she was a baby, but wound up buying it because she liked it so much. We eventually acquired another copy, and both are well-worn. My older daughter is now almost 5, and she reads the book to her 15-month-old sister. If we ask my younger daughter what the cow says, she can tell us, "Moo!" and so on. One day she picked up a diaper with a picture of pigs on the tab, and when I asked her what they were, she answered, "La la!" This is one to read over and over! ... Read more

Editorial Review

After the sharp-eyed Jay and the roaring Lion, peace will come on Dove's gentle wing.

The deadly battle between ThunderClan and ShadowClan is over, but the aftermath still echoes around all four Clans. As Dovepaw grapples with the knowledge that there are realms—and cats—her senses cannot reach, Jayfeather and Lionblaze are determined to figure out how StarClan could have allowed this fight to happen. Jayfeather soon finds the answer in the darkest of places, and he and Lionblaze prepare to do whatever they can to staunch the flow of evil into ThunderClan.

The ties that bind the Clans are slowly breaking in the face of the greatest threat that the warriors—and the warrior code—have ever known. As leaf-bare closes its grip upon the territories, Jayfeather, Lionblaze, and Dovepaw realize just how close the battle is, and how far they are from being able to succeed. And before the prey can run again, one more cat will be lost to the fight.

Reviews

A fantastic addition to a great series.
Overall, this book was pretty good. It makes the entire storyline more understandable and also has a good amount of action, though not as much as I would have liked to have seen. But the book makes up for it in the problems within each clan and revealing what's going on in the Dark Forest. Also in the online description it says, "... one more cat will be lost to the fight." It's very suprising who that cat is but what significance it has, I don't know. If you prefer more action in books, save your money. If you are more intrested in the problems within each clan and each cat's personal problems, this book is for you.

Amazing it left me craving more
I woke up at midnight to be the first to read this book ( I also finished it the morning it came out! By the way I was the first to read it.) and it is definitally the best Ever book in my point of veiw!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A great read!!!
I got Night Whispers the day it came out, and regrettably finished it that day too. Flametail's detah was sad, but otherwise I think this was the highest point it Erin Hunter's writing!! Can't wait for Sign of the Moon!!!

Awesome Book!!!
i love this book! i wish that i was one the three, fighting in the battles being the leader and being the medicine cat!
But i do wish that Firestar will die soon, hes starting to get OOOOLLLLDDDD!!!!!!!

Terrific!!!
I thought that Erin Hunter chose about the worst place to end. Ivypaw has gone over to what side? And the killing of Flametail was very VERY bad as well. I am a loyal ShadowClan cat and the chapters on ShadowClan did seem to good to be true. the book itself was good, all of the characters and old stories and conflicts came back, helping the story along a bit. overall the book was well done and gripping, another one of Erin Hunter's masterpeices.
-Leafstorm, ShadowClan warrior ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

A "picture perfect" Children's Book
When so many contemporary Children's Books seem to appeal more to parents than kids, it was quite refreshing to come across this little gem! "The Quiet Book", by Deborah Underwood with illustrations by Renata Liwska, is a perfect example of what a picture book should be. The irresistibly charming art complements the spare text beautifully. It's a deceptively simple book that reveals more with each reading. Although the title might suggest that this is strictly a bedtime storybook, it's really all about the different kinds of "quiet time" a child experiences throughout the day.

This is a special book
The Quiet Book is a precious collection of *different kinds of quiet* such as coloring-in-the-lines-quiet and trying-not-to-hiccup-quiet. The illustrations are a soft palate of earthy pastels and the child-animals are absolutely adorable. There are a couple of reasons why I truly love this book and would highly recommend. 1) It's an entertaining way to help children notice when quiet arises naturally. 2) This book encourages children to discover the emotions behind different kinds of quiet - be it contentment or nervousness, excitement or silent awe. It also makes a perfect gift for the friend in your life (no matter how old) who might need a meditation on quiet and where it can be found. In a world of ever-increasing noise and stimulus, this book is a very special one.

A privilege to write a review for the Quiet Book.
This is a wondrous book about all the different kinds of quiet there are for kids. Happy quiets and worried quiets, scared quiets and "was I being naughty?" quiets.

I have to declare an interest, since I am Deborah Underwood's brother in law. Which means I have had the privilege of knowing the book for many years in draft form (you have NO idea how long it takes for children's picture books to come out.)

The book has always been brilliant but I didn't imagine how great the pictures would be to go with it.

In short I think this is a great book and I don't think you or your children will be disappointed.

bedtime (or anytime!) story
The perfect combo of art and text, this wonderful book is for anyone (big or small) who wants a respite from today's busy - and loud - world. A beautiful little book destined to become a classic!

Get your kids to be quiet!
My two daughters are rarely quiet . . . the one exception is our storytime each night. My 3 yr old regularly pulls this one out of the pile for me and my husband to read again (and again). The artwork is irresistible!

Feelin' quite cozy and ready to write a review for the The Quiet Book
I love children's stories that are short with their words but big in their meaning. The Quiet Book is a perfect blend of soft, effective imagery coupled with simple yet very familiar language that quickly draws in readers young and old. Its message is loud and clear and anyone who reads this story will easily relate to several of its passages. The animal characters are soft and wonderful and each one from the iguana to the bear that drops his jelly sandwich is sweet and lovable. Such a warm and comforting story - perfect for reading before bed or while you are curling up with your young ones on a rainy/snowy day. Lovely work.

My daughter loves it
My daughter and I read this book before naptime, a definite "quiet" time and it helps her unwind and get ready for sleep. The illustrations are so sweet and beautiful. I highly recommend this book to all the parents out there!

Shhhhh!
The Quiet Book lives up to its title. Very gentle text and pictures to soothe a little one whether to sleep or to simply slow down and calm down. Definately a lap and rocking chair book to share.

Shhh...tell everyone
There are all types of quiet--happy quiet, sad quiet, fun quiet and uh-oh quiet. Deborah Underwood captures them with her sweet text and Renata Liwska brings them to life with soft (quiet) illustrations. This book doesn't yell and roar. It grabs you instead with its softness, making you think and smile. A very good thing to do with a little one you love. This is a book I love to read again and again. So will you.

My New Favorite Baby Shower Gift to Give
This is one of my favorite picture books from 2010 and has become my new favorite gift to give for baby showers and little one's birthdays.

The book encompasses the theme of quiet not only in the text, but also the design. It's a smaller than normal size picture book, with adorable little critters depicted in subdued colors, and a gentle narration of the types of quiet throughout. There is also a lot of humor to be found in the illustrations and readers who spend extra time poring over the illustrations will have fun picking up new details.

A couple people have described this book as a "lesson" book, and I think they're missing the point. This is a story that encourages observation and thoughtfulness from children. It's not an instructional book on being quiet. It can be enjoyed simply for the gentle story that it is, but it also can spur additional contemplation and discussion. (Is licking a lollipop a quiet activity for you? What are some things you do during the day that involve quiet? Do you feel different emotions during different quiet activities--maybe "concentrating" while quietly coloring a picture, "anticipation" while waiting for a concert to start.)

I couldn't recommend this book more highly.

... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Powerful message
This book's powerful message could change the way the children in the world see themselves. This is truly the bedtime stories to end all bedtime stories. When I read it to my daughter again and again, he always feels so special. Wish it could be handed out to new parents as they leave the hospital. Thank you to the author for giving us this special memory. The artwork is also beautiful! Another special title that I recommend above all other children books is Why Some Cats are Rascals ( Book 3).

A beautiful book terrific for even an adoptive child too!
When I saw this book I thought oh, I bet this is an absolutely wonderful book for any child who receives it...but I won't be able to read it to my daughter who was "born in my heart & in another mother's tummy". With both my sister and sister-in-law are pregnant I wanted to check out this book and see if my thoughts on this book where the same as the other reviewers.

Not only did I fall in love with this book, but I was also very surprised that this book also can be given to your adoptive child as well! Unlike other books this book focuses completely on your child and not on her or his birthmother. This book speaks of how special your child is, that there is no other child exactly like them and shows you how the world, moon and animals celebrated the night your child was born.

The illustrations are beautiful and some even have musical notes that swirl about the page. The baby is in a basket and you never see the it's face. The words are pure poetry, speaking to the child in all of us on how special, how rare and how there is only one of each of us IN THE WHOLE WORLD!

An awesome book that every child should be given and read to until they know without a doubt of how special they are! Adults too could learn much from this book! And if you are giving this book as a baby shower gift.... you have picked one of the best baby gifts out there in the world today!

PS: Another wonderful book is Twelve Gifts of Birth.

Every child should be read this book
What a wonderful book! Every child needs to be read this book, slowly so the words sink in. They need to know that they are loved and special. I am a new grandma, my granddaughters are ages 3 and 4, they will be read this book over and over again.
thank you Ms. Tillman

This Wonderful Book Says, "I Love You."
You are a very special, unique, one of a kind child, that's the message conveyed in this wonderful book. On the night you were born, the moon smiled with wonder that the stars peeked in to see you. There are many places throughout the book to say your child's name to personalize it, to make it their very own story. It is written in the lovely rhyming verse all children love. Not once had there been such eyes, such a nose, such silly, wiggly, wonderful toes.

In her 4-color illustrations, Ms. Tillman uses geese flying, ladybugs landing, and the moon up at morning to celebrate the birth of a child, it's her hope that even as children grow into adults, whenever they see these events they will be reminded of how valuable they are. The illustrations also contain musical notes floating in the sky, with small messages such as, "You are a miracle." Two giraffes look up at a star filled sky while the moon plays a saxophone surrounded by the words, wonderful...marvelous...you. Instill confidence and self esteem in your child by personalizing each page with their name.

A book your child will cherish for a lifetime.

A lovely, adoption-friendly book.
I first heard this book at the Mother's Day Tea at my daughter's preschool. When I heard the title, my stomach clenched. Because my daughter is adopted, her birth is an event I had no part in. I initially thought that the selection was a little thoughtless.

I should have had more faith in my daughter's wonderful teacher. As "Miss Ro" read the book, I realized that the story was about the birth of a child is a gift to the world of nature (not to her parents and family as most books treat it). I have since given this book to other new children in my world, and consider it one of the loveliest, most magical books I have read. Every child should feel as though her/his birth has impacted the whole world, as this book suggests.

This book is an excellent addition to any pro-adoption collection.

I Love "On the Night You Were Born"
My 4 year old daughter received this book for a Christmas Gift. She loves books, and frequently this is the one she picks for us to read before she goes to bed. One of the things she likes most about the book is that when you are reading it, you insert the child's name. She loves hearing her name as part of the story. It makes it very personal. She also loves the beautifully illustrated artwork. It's a great book, and I would highly recommend it.

You Are Important Too
Dear Nancy,

I can't begin to tell you how much your book, "On The Night You Were Born", has meant to me and my family. Two of my grandchildren were up visiting during their summer vacation; one is a little boy age 9 and the other is his half-sister who is 16. My son is the father of both.

As I read the book it came to me that this was something I should share with both of them. We lay down on the bed together and I explained to them that I wanted to share a very special story with them that would tell them something about themselves. Since my son has been married three times and sees very little of them since he lives 6oo miles away from them.

They were both very quiet as I read the book and after I finished Matthew was smiling and Victoria had tears in her eyes. Matthew said, `Nana, I always knew I was special but I think I know why now'. Victoria's comment was, `Now I understand that I am special and that even though I don't see Dad very often, I am special to him too because I truly the only one of me he ever created.'

I know that this book touched me as an adult also; it is truly a book that I feel will touch the lives of the many who read it or share it with others as I did. My husband is a United Methodist Minister and I plan to share this in Children's Church one Sunday and I know that it will touch the lives of some one who hears it read.

Thank you Nancy from the bottom of my heart.

In HIS love and service,


Sharon H. Holmes

A Book for Every Child
This is a book that every child should have. It is beautifully illustrated and written. The theme focuses on the special qualities that make each of us an individual, unique in all the world. It would make a wonderful gift for any child - and a gift for any parent to share with their child.

A gentle picturebook about celebrating the very special night in which the child reading it was born
On the Night You Were Born is a gentle picturebook about celebrating the very special night in which the child reading it was born. The rhyming verse and colorful, impressionistic art style blend harmoniously, in this story written to boost self-esteem and cultivate wonder for the celebrations of nature. "So whenever you doubt just how special you are / and you wonder who loves you, how much and you far, / listen for geese honking high in the sky. / (They're singing a song to remember you by.)" An excellent read-aloud storybook right before bedtime.
... Read more

Editorial Review

Check out this rollicking, humorous, and heartwarming twist on the classic "first pet" story about a young bear and her favorite pet boy!

When Lucy, a young bear, discovers a boy in the woods, she's absolutely delighted. She brings him home and begs her mom to let her keep him, even though her mom warns, "Children make terrible pets." But mom relents, and Lucy gets to name her new pet Squeaker.

Through a series of hilarious and surprising scenes, readers can join Lucy and Squeaker on their day of fun and decide for themselves whether or not children really do make terrible pets. ... Read more

Reviews

Brilliant! Great Bday Gift
Super story for ages K - 3rd Grade. Pictures as good as the words. Makes a great birthday gift; parents will laugh and kids will love it. Good for girls or boys too! ... Read more

Editorial Review

In her first brand new adventure in three years, Olivia takes her discerning eye for style to beautiful Venice on a family vacation that involves dodging pigeons in the Piazza San Marco, gorging on gelato, and barely staying afloat in a gondola. ... Read more

Reviews

Disappointed, September 30, 2010
I want to start by saying that we LOVE Olivia around here. We have and love all five previous books; we have read them and shared them countless times. I've even defended the books by commenting on reviews here that complained that "Olivia is a bad role model" etc..

We pre-ordered the book and I could not wait to get it. We have great memories of European travel and can't wait to share that with our son. He has shared his first experiences with the beach, the museum, helping around the house, etc., with Olivia. And my son is just discovering the world map and the concept of other languages and so I thought the timing was perfect.

Nope. This book is different from the others.

First, the illustrations. The art is fascinating, and I give it credit. Very different from the three (or rarely 4) colors in the previous books. The Venice streetscape shots populated with the pigs are vivid and interesting. Venice is breathtaking wherever it is. But the simplicity that made the book so accessible to little ones - and so distinctive - is lost.

More disappointing and less forgiveable - because I can understand wanting to experiment with illustration style - is the diction, attitude, and "feel" of the books. "Low blood-sugar?" "near hysteria?" "search for weapons?" "typical tourists" Really? The simple but true language of the earlier books was perfect.

Being run out of Venice? Destroying San Marco Square? A "fat joke"?

Gelato is great but surely could be better introduced and used. Never before has an Olivia book so beat anything to (cliche-filled) death.

Look, this might be a good book for a third grader who is a reluctant reader. I see from the description above that this may have been geared to such a person. But I have known Olivia as one beloved by much, much younger kids (1-3 years). By the time these kids are in third grade I think they will have left Olivia type books behind. I'm guessing the new Olivia is inspired from the same original that inspired the earlier ones, and that real-life Oliva may have the vocabulary and attitude this one has (although it is strange that while Olivia has made developmental leaps, poor William is evidently still an infant in diapers).

But in this case she left the audience behind. (At least our bit of that audience.) And the place she's gone is not that appealing. Olivia's attitude was always tempered with a bit of self-deprecation and tenderness, but that - the charm - is all but absent here.


Might be great for certain older kids, but this one has been shoved under the bed until it makes it to the library donation pile. Arrivederci.

Two stars, just because I had such high hopes, and do love Olivia! But not this one.

I see that others like it and I really am glad. But I want to share our experience so that others who are coming from the same place we are with the books can be warned to keep this one on the shelf, at least for a while.

Olivia goes astray, November 19, 2010
My family loves the Olivia books until now, but this one really goes astray. It lacks the imaginative and harmless fun of the other Olivia books. It's as though the Olivia we've come to know is lost in this book. We hope Falconer rediscovers that Olivia voice in the next book. We can't recommend this one.

olivia continues to capture young hearts, November 8, 2010



While it's always difficult to resist that perky little porker, Olivia, it's impossible now that she's visiting one of the most beautiful cities in the world - Venice. Yes, sporting a gondolier's hat with its ribbons flying she's about to take that storied spot by storm. (almost literally).

As most know by now Ian Falconer has created one of the most appealing children's book characters to be found. Olivia,along with her brother, Ian, and their mother and father have shared many adventures - from forming a band to visiting a circus to preparing for Christmas. Now, they're off to Italy.

It's spring vacation and Olivia wants to take along her snorkel, flippers and water skis lest the city is under water - mother prevails. Happy to hear that she'll find pizza and ice cream everywhere Olivia enjoys their overseas flight.

Upon seeing the beautiful Grand Canal lined with incredible palazzos Olivia begs to live in one of the palazzos. Of course, she was disappointed when this couldn't happen but a gelato or three cheered her. They're all overwhelmed by how much there is to see - Piazza San Marco, the bevy of pigeons, the gondolas, the Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs.

Everything about Venice is grandly overwhelming to Olivia and she decides she must find the perfect souvenir of their trip. Young readers will laugh and be surprised at exactly what that is.......as well as its effects upon the city.

The Olivia stores simply become more delightful with each telling.

- Gail Cooke

Ugly Americans in a picture book, November 20, 2010
I suppose this will sound like I have no sense of humor, but this book is not that amusing. It seems rushed and "too cool" for little kids who love Olivia. No doubt it will continue to sell because of the branding, but if you have to pick one Olivia book or even three or four, leave this one out of the pack. Destroying a fragile city is not funny and that is the result of Olivia's souvenir hunt. A few generations back they talked about "Ugly Americans" who had no respect for other countries and for traditions. This book is like the textbook. I hope that this is NOT the beginning of a series or a book that is made into a television adaptation. Let it die out. If this is the end of the series, so be it.

yep, disappointing, November 5, 2010
My son is a huge Olivia fan and I was looking to get him another book. I wanted an Ian Falconer book not one of the other authors. The whole family's endearing qualities were replaced by annoying stereotypical American tourists. Olivia, the adventurous, friendly and precocious girl we love is lost in this whinny book. A few threads hold on so I'm giving this book 2 stars instead of 1.

Olivia Goes To Venice, October 27, 2010
I first discovered Ian Falconer's Olivia when I was covering for the librarian at my first school and was faced with entertaining a large group of Kindergarten students. We had already finished the lesson the librarian had left and there was still what seemed to me at the time a massive amount of time remaining before the teacher was scheduled to pick up the class. (It was probably only five minutes or so.) So I grabbed a book off the table. It was the original Olivia and I've been in love with this little pig ever since.
In this latest adventure, Olivia and her family spend their vacation in Venice. They tour the city, crossing the canals, feeding the pigeons, taking gondola rides, and eating numerous gelatos - so many gelatos they almost sink the gondola. As the time for returning home nears, Olivia wants to find just the perfect souvenir from the trip. Her choice is pure Olivia and one that will not surprise her fans. As always Falconer's mixture of charcoal and gouache illustrations are a delightful background for the story. This is the original Olivia, not the Saturday morning cartoon spinoff. I love Falconer's stories and illustrations. I am quite disappointed to discover a number of Olivia books being released that are based on the TV series. The illustrations in those books are not Falconer's, but unfortunately a cheap imitation. Olivia Goes to Venice, however, is pure Falconer and a must have for true Olivia fans.

Recommended for ages Preschool - 3rd Grade.

Mrs. Archer's rating: 5 of 5

My Favorite Little Girl Pig! In Venice!, September 28, 2010
I love everything about Olivia, from her little-girl tendencies to her little-pig habits! She is remarkable for so many things: suggesting a trip to Venice, of all places; getting the family to follow her lead; her knowledge of "gelato"; how does she know so much? Why is she so endearing? I think maybe it is due to the stunning illustrations, the background images of Venice, her comical self super-imposed on them, and her astonishing persona super-imposed on all of it! So glad Olivia is back, and is becoming a a world traveler!!! ... Read more

Editorial Review

In award-winning artist Jerry Pinkney's wordless adaptation of one of Aesop's most beloved fables, an unlikely pair learn that no act of kindness is ever wasted. After a ferocious lion spares a cowering mouse that he'd planned to eat, the mouse later comes to his rescue, freeing him from a poacher's trap. With vivid depictions of the landscape of the African Serengeti and expressively-drawn characters, Pinkney makes this a truly special retelling, and his stunning pictures speak volumes. ... Read more

Reviews

Love to eat them mousies. Mousies what I love to eat.
How trustworthy do you find a reviewer who loves a particular author's work, praises it regularly, and then reviews that writer's next book with predictable kisses, cheers, and thrown rose petals? I admit that I am usually that exact reviewing type. If I like someone's work, I'm more likely to review that same person in the future. That's just how the game goes. But for once, I think I should point out that a positive review is all the MORE impressive when it comes from someone who not usually a fan of a particular author or illustrator. Take Jerry Pinkney, for example. The bloke has won his own fair share of Caldecott Honors in his day. He is prolific. He has an eye for a good story. But prior to the publication of The Lion and the Mouse I would have to admit that the only picture book of his that I really truly enjoyed was his version of Little Red Riding Hood and even that wasn't one of my favorite books of its year. I say all this not to degrade Mr. Pinkney but to point out that his newest book has a singular ability to do something most artists do not even hope to try for. It is appealing to both die-hard Pinkney fans and the folks who could take him or leave him. Everybody likes this book. It's actually a little weird, but who are we to argue? The Lion and the Mouse takes a classic Aesop tale and spins it into wordless picture book gold. A must have, and a must purchase.

Set against the African Serengeti of Tanzania and Kenya, a single small mouse escapes the claws of a hungry owl, only to find herself trapped within the paw of a huge lion. On a whim, the lion lets the mouse go and then sets about his merry way. Unfortunately, poachers have been putting up traps, and before he knows it the lion is caught and bound in nasty ropes, high above the ground. To his rescue comes the little mouse, and she nibbles the ropes until they give way and free the lion. In her mouth she leaves with one of the knots of rope, which she gives her family of tiny babies at home to play with. On the final endpapers, the lion and his family of cubs prowl with the mouse and her family safely ensconced on the lion's back.

Go into your local library, ask for the Aesop tales, and you'll find a wide variety of takes on the genre. Generally, it is hard to turn a single Aesop fable into a picture book for the simple fact that Aesop's tales are a bit on the short side. That's why you're more likely to either find his book in collections (as in Animal Fables from Aesop as illustrated by Barbara McClintock) or in greatly expanded texts (as in Lousy Rotten Stinkin' Grapes by Margie Palatini). Pinkney's decision to make this book almost entirely wordless is therefore nothing short of inspired. Without words, Pinkney is free to expand his storyline. To show elements and characters that wouldn't deserve a mention in a straight interpretation of the original text. And at forty pages Pinkney hasn't had to skimp on his storytelling either.

Pinkney places his story within the quiet majesty of the Serengeti. Now I'm sure I'm not the only person who, when hearing the title The Lion and the Mouse immediately thinks of the jungle. It doesn't matter how many times you tell me that lions don't live in the jungle. Certain stories have been so battered into my brain that it will take books like Pinkney's do undo the mental imagery there. Pinkney has also given himself over entirely to the Serengeti landscape. Each animal has been meticulously researched and rendered here. On a first read I was skeptical as to whether or not the owl featured in the book would actually exist in this African landscape. The answer? Yep. It would indeed. Pinkney has researched this puppy out the wazoo, and the result is a book that fairly pops with accuracy.

Mouse feet. I have a strange appreciation for any artist who can accurately portray well-proportioned mouse feet. Mice do not have attractive feet. They are long and pink with their toes all scrunched on one end and their heels too far away to look good on the other. So while I am sure that most folks will be ooing and cooing over Pinkney's depiction of the lion in all his mane-y goodness, I'm all about the mouse and her footsies. And from time to time I did also wonder about scale. There's a wonderful moment when the mouse pauses on the lion's tail, unaware that she is close to a new predator. Next to her three ants walk the length of a single piece of grass, even smaller than the mouse herself. Later you see the mouse and her family on the back of the lion, and they seem a bit big, but it's not overly jarring. I doubt a kid would care two cents about whether or not the mouse is always in direct proportion to the lion, but it's worth noting anyway.

According to the publication page, "The full-color artwork for this book has been prepared using pencil, watercolor, and colored pencils on paper." And within that medium, and without becoming cartoonish, Pinkney gives characters expressions but keeps them well within the realm of realism. The mouse can go from terrified to delighted and still look like a real mouse. And the lion's expression when the mouse finds him in the net? If cats feel shame, the big cats must sometimes feel big time shame. Other choices made in the book are worth noting. The white poachers, for example, have their faces obscured when they appear to set up the trap that will snare the lion. In doing so they take on the faceless void of villainy, without the artist having to render them cartoonish in their badness.

There are words in this book, but they tend to be onomatopoetic. The "who who whoooo" of an owl or the tiny terrified squeak of the mouse when caught by the lion. In the scene where the lion is lifted off the Serengeti floor no sound is made. You just see the wide-open mouth and rolling eyes. It isn't until you turn the page that the "RRROAARRRRRRRRRRR" appears at the top of a two-page spread. Below the sound, four panels show the mouse scurrying to the rescue below. This use of panels gives the already near silent book a kind of silent movie feel. Like a graphic novel, The Lion and the Mouse finds use for panels, white space, timing and inserts of dialogue, such as it is. It is able to use the best of both the comic world and the picture book world. One minute you're limited to panels. The next you turn the page and here's a double spread, full-color, lush and gorgeous. Pinkney has expanded his medium with this book and the payoff is evident.

As a children's librarian, sometimes I find wordless picture books a hard sell to parents. Kids are often willing to dig them, but for a parent a wordless book means a lot of interaction with their child, and some folks are squeamish about poring over a single title for too long. The nice thing about The Lion and the Mouse is that it hooks you from the cover onward. Heck, I suspect that there's many a parent that will completely miss the fact that the book even is wordless until they've gotten more than halfway in, so compelling is Pinkney's visual storytelling. It's been a while since an Aesop fable had this many people talking about it. Worth the buzz. Worth the hype. Worthy.

WHAT A LION! WHAT A MOUSE! WHAT AN ARTIST!
This particular Aesop fable is familiar to most - the story of a wee, insignificant mouse who happens to disturb a lion. Well, of course, the little mouse is a mere tidbit for the lion. Nonetheless, this magnificent king of the jungle decides to let the little fellow go.

Later, the lion is entrapped by poachers and the little mouse remembers the lion's kindness and manages to set the lion free. There is so much to be learned from this fable and there are many different interpretations of the story. This wordless version by noted artist Jerry Pinkney is remarkable not only for the beauty of Pinkney's work but because it allows the reader or in this case story teller to offer a different narrative each time the book is shown. One never tires of looking at the artist's stunning full page paintings, and young listeners don't tire of hearing the story over and over again, each time with a slightly different twist.

The mantel at Pinkney's home must sag with the numerous awards he has received - four New York Times Best Illustrated Awards, five Caldecott and Coretta Scott King Awards, etc. All so richly deserved. Since I've no trophy to offer I merely send thanks for one more beautifully illustrated book that will become a part of our permanent collection.

- Gail Cooke

A Visual Feast

Pencil, watercolor and colored pencils on paper...

That's all that was used to create the new children's book, The Lion & The Mouse. But those simple tools were being wielded in the hands of Jerry Pinkney and that, apparently, was enough. The magical combination of the artist and his skill, of tool and medium has resulted in a masterpiece of beauty and creativity.

Because this retelling of Aesop's fable is presented here with almost no words, it will challenge parents, teachers and others doing the "reading" to find words worthy of doing justice to Pinkney's art. It's just that gorgeous.

I've never encountered Pinkney's work previously and am now looking forward to discovering what other wonders have come from his hands and to collecting and sharing them.

And though it goes against all my beliefs as to how a book should be treated, I'm considering purchasing an additional copy solely to snag the dust jacket and have the cover art matted and framed. I simply can't take my eyes off it!

Highly recommended!

Richie's Picks: THE LION AND THE MOUSE
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." -- Aesop

THE LION AND THE MOUSE is an unusual picture book because Jerry Pinkney -- inspired by living next to a nature preserve with its "vast medley of sounds" -- has retold the beloved Aesop tale of the lion and the mouse wordlessly through his pencil and watercolor illustrations, but has then included in those illustrations the sounds of the lion, the mouse, the poacher's jeep, and the owl (who sets the story in motion by scaring mama mouse who, in turn, runs up the lion's camouflaged back and is caught).

In Pinkney's pictorial retelling, it appears a random act of kindness when the lion leaves mama mouse unscathed and she scurries home to her teensy mouse babies.

Mama mouse is a real show-stealer. Rather than one or two illustrations of the mouse freeing the lion from the poacher's thick-rope trap, we are treated to a fifteen-frame superhero-like action sequence through which mama mouse sits up and sniffs, sensing what has taken place, scurries over and stands (on the rope) eye to eye with the entangled lion, and then "scratch scratch" proceeds to methodically leap from section to section and chew open the ropes. As the lion is freed and is falling to the ground, landing on his back, mama mouse almost appears to be giving him a subtle thumbs-up. The pair then pause and look at one another, before mama mouse grabs up a clump of knotted rope and scurries home, dragging the rope knot along, clearly to become both a plaything and a teaching tool for her young ones who, we can imagine, might someday participate in their own lion-and-mouse tale.

Jerry Pinkney sets THE LION AND THE MOUSE, as he explains, "...in the African Serengeti of Tanzania and Kenya, with its wide horizon and abundant wildlife so awesome yet fragile..." In the course of the story readers are treated to glimpses of everything from small ants and dragonflies to grand elephants and giraffes. (Be sure to check out the cover which has paintings which are entirely different from the images on the dust jacket.)

THE LION AND THE MOUSE is a truly distinguished picture book which one can literally stare at for hours -- as I can tell you from recent experience.

The Lion & the Mouse
I am 65 and often pick of children's books for the little ones in my life. While strolling Macys yesterday afternoon in Chicago I spotted the cover and went right for it. I added and extra copy for me. It is so beautiful! It will "live" amongst my favorites in my bookcase with a key.

So simple yet so much to talk about.
I love picture books. I bought this one for my 2 year old son for his birthday. I'm Thai and I love it that I could tell him this story in Thai in my version. I do that to many other books but the drawings in this book is just so astonishing and full of lifes.

This beautifully illustrated and practically wordless tale illustrates the kindheartedness that creatures show to one another!
The African countryside was teeming with life. A pair of red-necked ostriches and a family of zebras leisurely stood in the grass while a giraffe family loped through the grass in the background. An eland and her fawn watched a baboon stroll by with her baby on her back. An African water buffalo stared at a lion family while the elephants trumpeted in the distance. When night rolled around and the moon rose all was quiet and a mouse came out of her rock den to look over the landscape. When the light was out an owl came swooping down to catch her and she narrowly escaped her clutches, but ended up in the lion's. "GRRR."

He teased her a bit and when he let her loose she ran back to her babies. "Squeak, squeak, squeak . . . " The proud lion roamed the grasses, but elsewhere some poachers began to set a rope trap, hopefully to catch him. He wandered into a wooded area where the baboons and crows watched him. The trap was weighted and when he stepped on the trap . . . whoosh! He was pulled up and he roared in anger and fear. "RRROAARRRRRRRRR! The little mouse heard him and quickly ran to help him. "Scratch, scratch." Would such a little creature be able to free the king of the jungle?

This beautifully illustrated and practically wordless tale illustrates the kindheartedness that one creature can show to another, despite differences. It is directly patterned after Aesop's fable, "The Lion and the Mouse." This is the type of wordless tale that can be retold by any adult to a young child from his or her own perspective. Each person can say what the fable of the lion and the mouse means to them in their own life. This gorgeous book is so sweepingly beautiful that few people would want to pass it up for their personal library!

What a Delight! (Pinkney's Lion and the Mouse told with pictures)
I just read... no, make that viewed Jerry Pinkney's new book with my kids, and it is most wonderful. Wordless -- or nearly so, there are a few words like 'putt' and 'squeak'-- it retells the classic story of the "Lion and the Mouse" using fabulously detailed artwork done in watercolors and colored pencil.

The book itself is large and title-less. On the front is the beautiful golden lion, while on the back is the adorable (and heroic) little mouse. The author follows the traditional story very closely, only adding one additional detail for both of these creatures of the savanna. He gives them families. The mouse is a mama of a passel of little squeaks, and the lion is a daddy.

Talking Points:::
This is a gorgeous book. The light yellow tinted pages perfectly compliment the large, detailed drawings which are done in browns and golden hues. Exquisitely drawn, the images lie on the spectrum somewhere between realism and impressionism. The lion's eyes are so expressive. We all laughed at the face he made when holding the little mouse.

Without words, the book allows adults and children to choose their own vocabulary. The ultimate read aloud.

One thing you might consider is that artwork is so detailed that babies and even some toddlers might not like it. Which is to say that it's the opposite of the bright, simple art that you see in books dedicated to these youngsters. The pages essentially being 'too busy' for little eyes.

Jerry Pinkney's "Lion and the Mouse" would make a wonderful gift for preschoolers on up to Tweeners. (#1039)

Pam T~
mom and reviewer at BooksForKids-reviews

The Golden Rule
Breathtaking spreads of watercolor illustrations seamlessly tell the fable of "The Lion and the Mouse" with wordless art. The lion plays with the mouse in its claws, but sets him free, only to be caught in a snare by poachers. The mouse sees fit to set the lion free, gnawing the rope of the trap until the golden cat falls to the ground. Abundant wildlife from the African Serengeti share in the pages of this tale. Children from three to six will treasure the art and story of this beautiful book, as they take on the role of storyteller. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Another great "My Big..." book!
The "My Big Dinosaur Book" is a great addition to the Big Ideas for Little People series of books (we also have the Trains and Trucks books). Both of my sons love these books -- my 5 year old STUDIES every name, picture, and category and has been reading the Dinosaur book every day since he received it. My 3 year old loves to look at the pictures over and over.

The photos have realistic and colorful models of each dinosaur, most of the full body (a few have just the face). I do agree that pronunciations would be really really nice to have. The heavier board-book style makes it very durable, especially for little ones who are prone to tearing out pages.

This is a must-have addition to the library of any young dinosaur fan!

My son carries this book everywhere
My son absolutely loves this book, he takes it everyone. I am even learning alot about dinosaurs thanks to this book. It is alot of bang for you buck. Hardcover book very sturdy and easy to read.

We love love love this book
Nice heavy board book with lots of colors. The only draw back is there are no pronounciations of the names of the dinosaurs. But all in all this is a perfect book for a little dino lover!

MY CHILDREN LOVE IT!
This book is very colorful and big. My children love to sit and look at the book!

Good dinosaur book for little ones
This book has been a good one for my 3 and 5-year olds. Like all of the Priddy books, the pictures are clear, appealing and colorful and you get value for your money. The amount of information about the dinosaurs is just right for someone wanting to dabble in dinosaurs. It is large, sturdy, and easy to hold for my 3-year old. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Pig family takes a road trip to the beach for a picnic. The road is packed with hundreds of cars and trucks, vans and motorcycles, tractors and buses. The Pigs find chaos and adventure on the way to the beach and the opportunity to see vehicles they have never seen before.It's an exciting day! ... Read more

Reviews

Have an extra for back-up, February 16, 2005
I grew up with this book as my favorite and it got a lot of use in my readings. After lots of scotch tape repairs, the books binding finally fell apart and my mom had to buy another one for me.

Now I have my own child and even though he is a 16 month old and doesn't fully appreciate everything it has to offer, he loves the variety of pictures and the large pages that he can turn. And as he learns the names of more things, he has more to point to in the book.

The main upside of the book is that there is a lot to look at on every page. Not just vehicles, but scenery and action make each turn of the page a new adventure. While there is a story that goes on through the entire book, you can get lots of enjoyment just by flipping through it and this makes it worthwhile for younger children who don't have the longest of attention spans. The pictures are clear and bright and help with building vocabulary and recognition.

Before "Where's Waldo," there was Goldbug. After a while, children will know exactly where he is on each page but having to hunt for him the first several times through adds something else to the charm of Richard Scarry.

The downsides are small and not worth worrying about. The pages are big but that means they are easily ripped. Just keep the tape handy. Also, pagewise, it is a long book for that age and parents can grow tired of reading it. But the actual amount of words is small. Most of the time is taken by looking at everything and searching for Goldbug. And most kids seem to enjoy looking through the book by themselves.

And I can't complain at all if a book keeps kids interested in reading. And I expect to buy another copy someday.

Cars and Trucks and Things That GO, December 1, 1999
This book was my favorite book when I was a little kid. That is part of the reason I gave it five stars. It is not only a fun book to read but it is also fun to look for this little yellow creature on each page. There is an Officer Flossy who rides on a bike and chases a terrible driver in a sports car throughout the entire book, while the Pig family goes on a picnic to the beach. The pictures of all the different types of vehicles are very interesting and fun to look at.

Great fun for all ages!, July 10, 2003
My kids are hooked on these books. Richard Scarry comes up with an amusing collection of cars and trucks that take on anthropomorphic proportions. He leads the reader along with various devices such as "spotting the bug." The book has been translated into many languages, including Lithuanian, making it one of the most widely read children's books in circulation. Best to buy the hardback as it will get plenty of use.

My sons adore this book and insist on it daily!, August 25, 1999
I AM SO SICK OF THIS BOOK! Both of my sons, ages 2 & 4 are obsessed with this book and I have to read it at least once per day. They can also look at it without me as the many cute, silly pictures speak for themselves. It's an adorable book.

Passing Richard Scarry on to the next generation..., July 19, 2005
I loved Richard Scarry books when I was an older sister looking for library books for my younger siblings--the stories and recurring characters were fun, but the most fun was looking for the little jokes scattered throughout the book...the appearances of Lowly Worm or Bugdozer in the margins of pictures, the mix of fanciful (the alligator mobile) with the mundane cars on the same street. It's a book that can be read aloud for the main story, or provide hours of fun looking at the pictures for all the details. I got this particular Richard Scarry book for my 2 year old nephew as he is a big fan of all "things taht go" and my sister told me that it was an extra big hit, since he had previously had a copy of the book that was destroyed in an unfortunate book tearing incident, and he was overjoyed to have a new copy!

What a WONDERFUL "thinking" book!!!, June 11, 2003
This book is so much more than a vocabulary builder! There are dozens of modes of transportation (from motor-scrapers to locomotives to doughnut cars), real and imagined, represented in the humorous illustrations. The settings take children through various seasons and parts of a community (a farm, a Main street, a campground, a beach, etc.). The questions from your child will be endless...How is a road made? What are the firefighters doing? Has Officer Flossy found Dingo Dog yet, so she can give him a ticket? And where, oh where is that Goldbug hiding? Inside the limousine? Behind the ambulance? Inside the broken-down car that is being towed by a small tow truck, which is being towed by a larger tow truck? This is so much more than just an entertaining story to be read, but an opportunity to ask and answer questions together, to find something new each time you read together, and to explore an imagined version of the world around us. My 3 1/2 year old son has loved this book for two years and hasn't stopped requesting it, even though we own many many quality books. Okay, maybe it helps that he is obsessed with cars, trucks, and things that go to begin with. Well done, Richard Scarry!

Prepare yourself to read it over and over and over..., March 15, 2000
My husband and I are both teachers. Of all the books that we bought and read to our two sons (now ages 18 and 21), this is the only one they insisted we read again and again (every night for months for each of them). We even made up a Goldbug song to accompany the search each time.

my favorite childhood book, November 30, 1999
When I was a little kid, this was my favorite book. Between myself and my brother, we read our first copy so much we wore it out and had to buy another one. If I ever have a son, this is the first book I'll buy him (and a daughter will probably like it too!).

Richard Scarry: Cars and Trucks and Things that Go, January 14, 2007
This is a great book for kids. It was my son's favourite and I bought it for his child. It is a book that a child can spend hours with, however the paper and the binding of the book are quite inferior and low quality. It certainly does not have the sturdiness of the older books. Content is great though.

Popular from generation to generation!, October 10, 2005
This was my husband's favorite book from his childhood; since his copy was very worn, I bought a new copy for him to share with our son.
My son loves the book--he reaches for it and picks it up, and when we're reading to him he grabs for all the pictures; he's very interested!
I've never been the world's biggest Richard Scarry fan, but this book is way better than I thought it would be, too--it's so funny. I love the frightened parking meter and other funny details, and finding Goldbug on each set of pages can be quite challenging.
Cars and Trucks and Things That Go is an entertaining book that can hold the whole family's attention! ... Read more

Editorial Review

A wry exchange between an IT-savvy donkey, a book-loving ape and a mouse forms this playful and lighthearted examination of print as a medium in the digital age. With a subversive and signature Lane Smith twist, this satisfying, perfectly executed picture book has something to say about the importance of reading to children and adults alike. ... Read more

Reviews

hilarious spoof on our 21st century computer age, August 11, 2010

More a Picture Book for Grown Ups, July 11, 2010

Great fun!, September 4, 2010
I had already spent my allotted $$ and was on my way out the door of my local independent book store (Saturn Books, Gaylord,MI) when I saw this on a wall display. One of the staff told me to read it, and I did. Promptly bought it. Laughed out loud in the store. Shared it with at least 10 people in the next few days. Plan on taking it with me when I visit the nieces next week. Children adept in the technology of today will enjoy it, as will that age bracket that loves fart jokes and word play. Most children that age know when they can or can't use a word like jackass or bitch . . . that's part of the fun of the language. My spousal unit, basically not a reader, thought it was funny and enjoyed it.

I'm Confused, June 25, 2010

Clever and smart...although nuances will likely be lost on those under the age of 8., December 15, 2010
I bought this book for my father as a gift. He is a high school English teacher. I think this will be a perfect addition to his classroom. It is cleverly written and illustrated--the overall message oozing with slightly twisted satire. The brilliance is that this sadly true social commentary on the state of youth and literature is wrapped in an innocent cartoon-like form which seems to have been misleading to some parents.

I can understand why this book may not be considered age appropriate for the 4-8 yr old range by some parents. I agree with the 8+ age recommendation for content alone. Hence the mixed reviews on a book that deserves 5 stars. This is definitely a 5 star-worthy book that fills a niche for both young and old. My two boys, ages 10 and 12, would love this story--especially the ending. And I would have no problem letting them read it. A few of the references might be lost on them, but the humor of this tongue-in-cheek telling would not entirely escape them.

Torn in the middle, August 19, 2010

"It's a Book" pokes fun at our tech obsessed culture and offers an antidote!, July 13, 2010

Excellent book for an older child..........., November 13, 2010
This book is very, very funny and a great commentary on what is happening to the 'written word' today. As for having a jackass in the story, it's a jackass!

Elbow-nudges readers' funny bones while delivering a Trojan Horse subtext about the power of a good page-turner, September 27, 2010
*Author Talk -- September 24, 2010
A monkey sits contentedly reading his book when his jackass buddy approaches him. What, the jackass wonders, does his friend have?

"It's a book."

The jackass is puzzled. How do you work this thing? Do you scroll down it some way? Do you blog with it? Where's the mouse? (Here, we readers crack up at the four-legged "mouse" who peeps out at us from under Monkey's porkpie hat.)

Monkey continues to try to read while tersely answering his friend's rapid-fire questions. No, he admits, you can't make the characters fight ("Nope. Book.") Also, a big ixnay on the texting, tweeting and Wi-Fi capabilities of Monkey's puzzling object.

Finally, the long-suffering Monkey hands the book over, opened to the page he was trying so hard to read. But the jackass decides he can fix the problem of a Treasure Island passage's "too many letters." He translates it into a brief text message on his laptop computer, complete with emoticons. In Jackass's hands, an exchange between Long John Silver and Jim that is filled with the pirate's fearsome speech and action, Jim's resulting terror, and then the boy's heartfelt relief at the sight of approaching rescue is distilled down to:

LJS: rrr! K? lol!

JIM: :( ! :)

Meanwhile, Monkey's own emotions are hilariously easy for readers to decipher. Finally, after many more questions from the jackass followed by the monkey's repeated answer ("It's a book."), the jackass begins to read it. In a time-lapse spread showing the clock above the engrossed jackass's head, we watch the hours spinning past. However, although the book newbie has been inevitably ensnared by the wonders of story, he still doesn't quite get this whole book thing. His final question brings a snarky (and sooo appropriate) response guaranteed to bring on a fit of the giggles.

A Note to "Adults": Are you looking at IT'S A BOOK and thinking it's for little kids?

Stop right there!

Don't deprive yourself by assuming this is a picture book just for the bedtime story set. It is universally appealing across all age groups, from the little ones, who will appreciate the basic story and the mischievous punch line, to seniors who may sigh a bit at the electronic literacy gap while simultaneously chuckling. IT'S A BOOK pokes good-natured fun at every one of us who has succumbed to the joys of electronic communications. This charming tale elbow-nudges readers' funny bones while delivering a Trojan Horse subtext about the power of a good page-turner, augmented by Lane Smith's droll and expressive illustrations. In short: irresistible good fun for everyone.

Jackass may never quite get it, but we do.

--- Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon

Picture books for high school, October 29, 2010
I am a middle/high school librarian in an all-laptop school, so I'm pretty sure I have the perfect audience for Lane Smith's new book. I've read it aloud to several classes; it takes about five minutes. I preface the book by asking someone to define satire and also asking the students if they are familiar with Smith (most of them remember Stinky Cheese Man!) I include the last line as I'm quite sure they've heard far worse. Plus, satire is a legitimate art form and that last line is a real zinger. I can totally understand the apprehension about using it as a school or storytime read aloud with younger children, but for older students, it's great both as a good laugh and a thoughtful commentary. ... Read more

Editorial Review

When a bus driver takes a break from his route, a very unlikely volunteer springs up to take his place-a pigeon! But you've never met one like this before. As he pleads, wheedles, and begs his way through the book, children will love being able to answer back and decide his fate. In his hilarious picture book debut, popular cartoonist Mo Willems perfectly captures a preschooler's temper tantrum. ... Read more

Reviews

One of the funniest picture books you'll ever peruse, January 23, 2004
Because this book won a 2003 Caldecott Honor, you're probably going to hear a lot of people complaining about it. "Oh the art isn't beautiful". "Oh my four-year-old child could've drawn it". "Oh it isn't Caldecott-worthy" (whatever that may mean). The fact of the matter is, I was a little shocked too. This book won a Caldecott honor? The one where an amusing pigeon tries every bit of persuasion he can think of to wheedle himself into the driving seat of a bus? Now I've loved this book since it was first published. When I first read it I laughed out loud. Quick! Recite the children's books you love that make you laugh out loud! Not so easy to think of, are they? So I've returned to this little treasure in the hopes of discovering why that Caldecott nominating committee loved this book as much as my pretty self. Could it have been the artwork? Deceptively simple is the best way to describe its style. The pigeon isn't exactly a Michaelangelo. He's drawn with thick black lines, shaded in with blue and yellow. But has a Michaelangelo ever really amused you? Look a little closer at this pigeon and you realize the book's genius. His oversized eyeballs exquisitely display every emotion possible. From sweet and innocent to consumed with an all-encompassing rage. The pages wherein the pigeon completely freaks out and screams at the top of his lungs, "LET ME DRIVE THE BUS!!!" is the temper tantrum of a two-year-old rendered into an aviary form.

But do kids like this book? Well, ladies and gentlemen, the answer is yes. In fact, clever readers let the kids hearing this tale say, "NO!" every time the pigeon tries a new tactic. When the pigeon says, "Please", the kids say no. When the pigeon says, "I tell you what: I'll just steer", the kids say no. When the pigeon says, "Hey, I've got an idea. Let's play `Drive the Bus'. I'll go first", the kids say no. And when Mr. Pigeon collapses in a fury, the kids do not relent. Finally, they have been placed in the position of their parents. They get to tell someone exactly what he cannot do. And they love it.

In the end, it's hilarious. Who can resist this foul when he pulls every trick out of his feathery bag? From, "How `bout I give you five bucks", to a mock-innocent wide-eyed, "I have dreams you know!". In the end, the pigeon goes on to bigger and better dreams (complete with CB radio) and the children reading the story know they've participated in the happy ending. Joy all around. Is this book deserving of a Caldecott Honor? No ladies and gentlemen. It is deserving of a Caldecott MEDAL. But like the pigeon's, this is just a dream.

Simply Hilarious!, November 11, 2003
Truly a masterpiece! After many readings, this story still makes me laugh out loud. With only a few simple lines and a minimal amount of dialouge, Mo Willems has created a memorable character in this coniving pigeon who will do anything to drive a bus.

The local librarian told me that this book was a big hit at story hour, with the children actively telling the pigeon "No! You can't drive the bus!" Maybe I still have the mind set of a preschooler, because I found it just as entertaining, so much so that my best friend gave it to me for my 43rd birthday. In my opinion, it's one of the best children's books of the year.

True story.

As much fun for me as for my four-year-old!, July 26, 2004
My four-year-old has gone totally gah-gah over this book (we've read it ever night for the past two weeks since checking it out at the library)! Most of the picture books she's attracted to have brightly colored, detailed illustrations. In contrast, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus utilizes simple line drawings (with a hip 60's flair) in light, cool-toned hues. Initially, I thought the rather plain presentation might not hold my daughters interest, but just the opposite has proved to be true -- rather than spreading her attention all over the page, she concentrates on the subject at hand (usually the pigeon, sometimes the bus driver) and what he is saying. She laughs hysterically at the way in which the pigeon presents his various arguments for driving the bus. She says, "Mom, he sounds just like me when I try to talk you into letting me do things that you say I'm not old enough to do yet." She also says she likes how the pigeon is always looking at us when he talks.

This is a book adult readers will enjoy every bit as much as the young listeners they're reading to.

review from THE BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDRENS BOOKS, April 1, 2003
Willems, writer and animator of Sesame Street fame, makes his picture-book debut with an irresistible bit of fowl play. Though this enterprising blue pigeon dreams of driving a city bus, even before the book starts the bus drive has asked the book's audience not to let the pigeon take the wheel. The pigeon pleads, bargains, and otherwise attempts to trick and cajole the viewer into granting his humble wish to drive the bust (after all, his "cousin Herb drives a bus almost every day. True story"). As a readalone or a readaloud, this increasingly desperate one-sided conversation assumes the cooperative interaction of its audience; even the youngest auditor can join the fun because the answer is always, say it loud, say it often, "NO!" The frustrated fowl's anguish takes center stage in the streamlined yet remarkably articulate illustrations; tidy charcoal outlines that reveal the sure hand of a seasoned animator are set against plain creamy backgrounds of various muted shades. The simplicity of the illustrations and the pigeon's large, expressive eye fix the view in a compellingly dynamic and focused relationship. By putting the child in the deliciously empowering position of being the one to say no to the outrageous request of the pigeon, this avian misadventure begs to be read again and again.

An amusing way to improve anyone's social skills, October 29, 2005
This ridiculous book is the best way I know to teach a child that sometimes it's important to say no, over and over and over again. Teaching a kid how to say no, and how to recognize when somebody else is manipulating you to try and get you to say yes, is one of the most valuable social lessons possible for anyone. (This book strikes me as a better way to prevent sexual molestation and drug abuse than any program I've ever seen put forward by child advocate groups.) Great for older children as well as preschoolers, not to mention adults. Don't miss it.

Funniest book I've read in a long time!, April 18, 2003
The title of this book begs the reader to open it and find out more about this enterprising pigeon and his desire to drive a bus. I couldn't stop laughing as I read this book and then again when I focused on the illustrations. I loved the expressions on the pigeon's face and the way the pigeon behaved in, at times, a cheeky fashion (peeking around the page to see if the bus driver was gone yet). The pigeon definitely reminded me of all of the times children beg their parents to do something. I'm sure children will just LOVE this book, it is already my favorite!

Pigeons are Cool, November 24, 2004
This is the greatest book EVER!! The illustrations are fabulous and the plot line is hilarious. I read this book to my niece's first grade class and they absolutely loved it. My niece liked it so much she needed a copy of her own when the school book fair came around. I definitely recommend it. And make sure to check out the other "Pigeon" books like "The Pigeon Finds a Hotdog"...great book too. There are two more to come out in April '05 and I can't wait!

An instant classic!, June 10, 2003
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus is defintely the best children's book I have seen in a long time. Instantly ranking with me in the Where the Wild Things Are and Harold and the Purple Crayon category of excellence, DLTPDTB combines expressive illustration, thoughtful writing and a wonderful level of interaction with the reader.

Mo Willems has created a very feisty pigeon who will have children and parents telling it "no!" while also secretly rooting for it to succeed. Quick and fun, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus has been as big a hit with the adults in my life as it has with the children. An award-winner for sure.

Imaginative, December 5, 2007

Not only can the pigeon talk, but it would also like to drive the bus! It is an interactive book that lets the reader talk to the pigeon to answer his persuasive requests for driving the bus. It's one of the books that your will want to read (or to listen to) over and over again. Very creative and imaginative. I think that in a sense it is also educational as it can teach some debating skills while holding on to a given promise. Another series of books with great educational value is Why Some Cats are Rascals, Book 2. Here are the cats who talk...

MOST LOVED KIDS' BOOK IN OUR LIBRARY!, October 13, 2005
We've now purchased 3 copies of this book - the original for my grandchildren, a copy for a friend's child, and now one for my granddaughter's kindergarten class library. Every kid in our sphere absolutely LOVES this book! I read it to my granddaughter's kindergarten class when we celebrated her 5th birthday...and gave a copy to the class library...and the kids still come up to me when I go to pick her up after school, talking about the book or pretending to be the pigeon! One of the mothers told me that her daughter made them buy her her own copy, she loved it so much! Absolutely recommend this book for any 4-to-6 year old; and even the younger ones (age 2-to-3) love the book, too. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Chronicles the adventures and misadventures of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III as he tries to pass the important initiation test of his Viking clan, the Tribe of the Hairy Hooligans, by catching and training a dragon. Now available in paperback! ... Read more

Reviews

Great Fun For Kids & Adults Alike!, August 1, 2006
This book is the first in a series about a group of young boys embarking on a journey to become part of their village's viking clan. The boys must each capture a dragon and train it. The book is surprisingly engaging and very funny. The characters speak as you would imagine young vikings would - crude little-boy speak about snot and such, the dragons speak their own language, which you can learn throughout books in this series, and the author's narrative is sublime literary prose. With this blend, Cowell has the most unique literary style I have ever read! Parents will love the quick pace and unique style, boys will think it's cool, and girls will giggle.

Watch out for bad editions, January 11, 2006
The book is fantastic, great story fun illustrations and a great read-a-loud.
However... There are some bad copies of it floating around where a group of pages are doubled up and a group of pages are missing. If you order this wonderful gem, be sure to check the pages around 121-152. Unfortunately this is at one of the very exciting parts of the story so best to find out before beginning reading.
Fortunately the publisher is very friendly and helpful about replacing mis-produced books and you just have to contact their customer service to remedy the situation.
So do enjoy this little treasure.

More fun than you will think!, April 26, 2006
This book looks younger than it really is in both vocabulary and humor. My ten year old girl read it and loved it. The humor is very entertaining. I read it to my 8 year old son at bedtime as well and we all enjoyed it. I recommend this book for 7-12 year old children.

Great for Boys!, July 24, 2006
I have a really hard time finding age-appropriate fun books for my 6th grade son. There's tons of stuff for girls, but my son....wow. Really tough. He ATE this book up! He asked if we could get the Pirate one and the second dragon book in the series.

This is one of my favorite books, July 8, 2010
I am one of the lucky generation that got to experience this book as a child, right in the prime 7-12 demographic it is intended for.

I can tell you with all honesty, I have kept it within reach of my bed for about six years now, even as I have grown to love Shakespeare, Huxley, and quite a few other old masters during my literature-loving days of high school.

(And I see you giving me that funny look- a scribbly little book about a crazed pack of Vikings and an ineffectively housebroken dragon? I am dead serious, and not ashamed to admit it.)

This book is a gem, and a keeper. I have only grown to love it more, now that I, thanks to some great Lit classes, have the tools to REALLY appreciate it. The recent Dreamworks movie, alike in the basics down to its snarky little hero, yet differing completely in conception, has only strengthened this love.

It's a very simple story, with a very simple hero.

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third is small, skinny, and rather unremarkable. He isn't particularly good at sports, prefers a civil conversation to a fistfight, and can almost spell "motivation" correctly.

In other words, he's a terrible Viking. Being son of the Chief and The Hope and Heir of the Tribe of the Hairy Hooligans doesn't help matters much.

Following the ancient traditions of his clan, he and his fellow novices are ordered to capture, raise and train their own dragons in preparation for an all-important initiation ceremony. However, the dragon that Hiccup gets saddled with (and I do not mean that literally, ya movie buffs), though pint-sized and completely toothless, proves to be more than his little trainer can handle using the traditional Viking method (YELL AT IT). Consequently, Hiccup begins to design his own training techniques, talking directly to the beasts rather than relying on intimidation.

When a disaster occurs at the Initiation and a rather ominous Seadragonous Giganticus Maximus (or two) washes up on the shores of Berk, it is up to Hiccup and his crazy new ideas to save his tribe from Certain (Green) Death, and thereby prove himself.

For a book about the crude, violent shenanigans of (author-professed) historically inaccurate Vikings, it is unexpectedly deep. In fact, there's some very genuine, down-to-earth morals and wisdom here that I have only noticed by effectively growing up with this book. (Don't look at me that way! I'm serious!) The movie only scratched the surface of what this book really has to offer when it told the tale of a strange little Viking who ends up succeeding thanks to his strangeness.

"How to Train Your Dragon" is fundamentally a book about problems and how to solve them. It's about putting things in perspective. It explores (a la Hamlet, actually) the equalizing quality of Death. It examines (with incredible humor) the helplessness one can feel under the onslaught of a violent, misguided world, and how eccentricity can be valuable in an environment plagued with stagnant values. It, like the rest of Cowell's Hiccup books, shows a hero who would much rather talk things out with his foe than barge into violence.

The great irony of this book is that the dragon never gets "trained"- at least, not in the way you'd expect it to be. While exuberant, melodramatic and even crude in her execution, Cowell is completely down-to-earth when it comes to the real truths of life.

I will proudly read this, and the other Hiccup books, to my kids.

Aside from being a silent genius, Cowell is a pure delight to read. She plunges into the story unafraid, flinging sea-salt, sarcasm, and excessive capitalization everywhere. The combined effect of her wild, scribbly illustrations and her zany descriptions brings to mind an animated cartoon- it's all very cinematic, and it's not surprising at all that someone felt the itch to make a movie from it. If I made this book sound like a introspective epic, I will tell you now, it's NOT. It's a very light-hearted melodrama with a loose sense of logic, that evokes the bright, brave exuberance of Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake.

Fare carefully, though, sailor- Cowell's humor is colorful and varied. You'll find light humor, black humor, sarcasm, irony and slapstick- there are a few intelligent jokes and lot of really stupid ones. (The Vikings- aside from Hiccup- aren't really known for their eloquent communication skills.)

If there is a low point about this book (and the other Hiccup books), it is that Cowell delights in the disgusting, and is unafraid to make you cringe- snot and excrement are not only discussed- they actually mark significant plot points.

Still, if you can stomach a few (thankfully brief) bathroom gags, a few risque plays on words such as "Big Axe Books", and a distinct lack of female characters (Hiccup's mother- very much alive- is the only one of consequence, who shows up for about four sentences total), you're in for a real treat. If nothing else, it is a very entertaining read that will give your kids the giggles, and give you an opportunity to stretch your acting skills: with its gruff Viking yellers, sarcastic heroes, and self-satisfied dragons, the book BEGS to be read out loud.

(By the way, the book is worth reading for its incarnation of the Green Death alone- he's quite the suave, self-satisfied philosopher of sorts, a fabulous villain that wasn't quite given his full dues in the movie version, because the dragons didn't talk. Hiccup's grandfather Old Wrinkly, the old Gobber, the real role of Snotlout as the ultimate bully, and the original, best-friend role of Fishlegs need some love as well. Plus, unlike the movie, there are no amputees! (That's all in the second book. Har har har.))

This has steadily been one of my favorite books for six years, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

And if you like this little book at all, be sure to check out Hiccup's next adventure, How to Train Your Dragon Book 2: How to Be a Pirate. It's a blast!

How to Train Your Dragon, June 4, 2006
This book was very fun to read! Emma- age 6

Awesome Book, October 26, 2005
"How to Train Your Dragon" by Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III was translated from Old Norse by Cressida Cowell. She "translates" a wonderful fantasy journal about a boy named Hiccup, a scrawny boy that's the chief's son. He is the worst boy for the job, as he isn't the best at heroism or training dragons, the two most wanted aspects in a future chief. It is no surprise when on a dragon hunt, Hiccup gets a Common Garden Dragon, while the bully gets a Monstrous Nightmare, the type of dragon only the Chief or Chief's son should get. When a nasty pair of Seadragonus Giganticus Maximus appear on the beach, only Hiccup has a plan to save the day... but will anyone take him seriously? Especially Toothless who is my favorite character and Hiccup's dragon. She has spunk and courage and can whip anybody in seconds. Her only weakness? Jokes, which she insists on hearing before doing ANYTHING. What I liked most about the book was all the dragon facts. For example, did you know that Gronkles are prone to dragon acne? You'll find funny facts like these and more. My strongest reason for recommending this book is for all the imaginative writing. All in all, this book is fantastic. The writing is wonderful. I like the way it's bound with the funky page tears, which works well with the setting and mood of the book. My only question after reading this is what happens in the next one?????

Imaginative and entertaining, January 23, 2005
Hiccup Horrendous Haddock is supposed to one day lead the Viking tribe that is currently ruled by his father, Stoick the Vast. Unfortunately, he doesn't have any of the traits that Vikings look for in a leader. Before he can inherit leadership of the tribe, he must first pass an initiation (along with 19 other Viking boys) in which he captures a young dragon and trains it to hunt fish for him, as dragons have done for generations.

This book has all of the trademarks of a traditional contemporary teen novel; the social outcast, the single unpopular friend, the strong bullies, and the out-of-touch, demanding father are all familiar figures to us. But in How to Train your Dragon, these conflicts are set against a goofy, over-the-top surreal Viking background, in which the foremost authority on dragon-training has published his advice in a book (which reads, in its entirety: "Yell at it!"). The humor is broad and plentiful, and the book is broken up by graphic insets that range from amusing childish drawings of the characters to reproductions of pages from ancient tomes on dragons.

Even though I thought that the book didn't work on some levels, I enjoyed the originality. The action scenes involving dragons are interesting, and readers will enjoy many of the jokes. The appearance of an enormous sea dragon provides for some truly chilling moments, and the more serious interactions between the sea dragon and Hiccup are probably the best in the book.

Another strength of the book is the ability to evoke the flavor of a fairy tale, by presenting us with initiation rituals and dragons in a way that sometimes seems magical.

The success of this series will depend on whether the writing can be tightened up in future volumes. The backdrop is consistent and interesting, but the scenes seem somewhat disjointed at times, and not enough is done to generate warmth for the hero. Also, the flame-defeating device near the end is too contrived. These weaknesses are what set the book apart from, say, the Harry Potter books.

Overall, I recommend that you give this book a try; it's a quick read, and you might find yourself eagerly awaiting future installments.

Good book for non-readers, October 27, 2009
I bought this for my 10 year old step-son. He usually does not like to read, but I thought this sounded like something he could enjoy.
I was right! He said it was really funny and he would like to continue reading the series. I see that as a good sign for someone who does not enjoy reading!

Must have for young boys!, January 3, 2007
A fun read that makes young (8/9)readers eager for more. ... Read more