Festivals Books

This was the first Robin Pilcher novel I've read, and I enjoyed it very much. I was impressed with all the variety of detail Mr. Pilcher wove into his tale. I also enjoyed how the characters all came together, and it was quite an ensemble to work with.

The only thing that bothered me, and I'm probably quite alone in this, was how Albert Dessuin started out as a potentially sympathetic character, then ended up as the villain. That was apparently Mr. Pilcher's intent, but it seemed a little strange to me that after Albert recalls what he did to Angelique and is overcome with remorse, he suddenly turns around and decides it was all her fault. Albert struck me as a tragic figure who I hoped would end up with some sort of happy ending along with everyone else. Maybe I'm just weird that way.

I think it would be really cool if Mr. Pilcher could take up Albert's story as he tries to put the pieces of his life back together and become a better person.

This latest from Robin Pilcher is certainly his best; it lacks some of the stiffness and self-consciousness that occasionally marked his earlier works.

Set against the very interesting backdrop of the annual Edinburgh Festival, the plot revolves against several key figures, each of whom in some way is involved with the festivities, either on or off the stage. Having been to Edinburgh during this fabulous time of every type of cultural and folk activity you can imagine, I was fascinated by the behind-the-scenes information, which was woven effortlessly into the story rather than just being presented as specious information.

I found the characters believable and for the most part likeable (there is at least one villain), and the plot lines quick and easy to read. The book held my interest throughout, and I finished it with a smile on my face.

Highly recommended!

This is one of the best books that I've read in quite a while. Mr. Pilcher is an excellent story teller and this book exhibits his talents to the fullest. It's not often that I would read a book a second time, but this book will definitely be re-read. The introduction of the many characters and the weaving together of their lives made this book difficult to put down. Outstanding!

This novel is different & somewhat less predictable than his earlier books. It is an entertaining novel about what can happen when one boldly believes in hope & dreams. Angelique Pascal is a fine Violinist excited by her invitation to perform at the Edinburgh International festival. the main conflict comes from the very unwanted overtures of her manager, a man obsessed with her unique beauty. She gets panicked after a very threatening confrontation with him, & spills her soul to Jamie Stratton a young graduate who insists she take refuge with him.

As the subplots develop, so to do the characters. There is an aspiring comedian who works as a brash bartender, a misguided thief, an elderly director, & a younger beautiful director. All the characters to varying degrees shoud be on the therapists couch. Their individual baggage adds to the main story. Most of their paths will cross during the festivals run as they all search for their own road to happiness. A good fast read.

What a gem of a book! And how sad it's probably two years until next time!

Everybody who has seen Robin Pilcher as having not only inherited his mother's (Rosamunde Pilcher) talent but also her writing style, is in for a BIG surprise with this book. "Starburst" is quite different from the author's other novels, and positively so. This book is a genuine Robin Pilcher novel, written in his own unique style. The only thing remaining from his mother being the name.

"Starburst" takes place in Edinburgh during the annual festival. We are following some very different people/destinies through those three weeks in August, first separately and then when they accidently intertwine.

Robin Pilcher's knowledge of the various aspects of the festival and the professional secrets behind the many kinds of art being performed, as well as his insight into the human mind, whether it's world famous violinist Angélique, retired cameraman Leonard, comedienne cum housewife Rene or young car thief T.K. struggling to go straight, is impressive. These people are made so alive they literally walk out of the book.

I've got to especially mention "the two roses", Rene from "'artlepool", Yorkshire and Matti from Lancashire. I'm convinced their show at the "Underbelly" is real, and would somebody please get me a ticket for next year?

"Starburst" is warm, funny and beautifully written. Often I just stopped and repeated sentences, enjoying the masterful use of the English language. Rene's hilarious remarks in cockney, Angélique's stilted speech with charming bits of French thrown in, Leonard's polite gentleman English and T.K.'s badly twisting of his mother tongue.

The description of the city of Edinburgh during the festival, from classical concerts in famous concert halls to simple street performances, is vivid. I have never been to Edinburgh - until now!

The book is not without drama. It's not only a colourful description of partakers and events. Destinies are determined, lives changed forever.

With "Starburst" Robin Pilcher has taken a huge step forward in his authorship. A professional reviewer has written "why has this guy not started to write earlier?" Agreed. But how glad I am that he finally did!

It's so hard to explain just how beautiful the illustrations in this book are. My son learned the entire poem the first year we read it when he was 3 1/2 and it is a book he looks forward to getting out every year. There are other great illustrators who have done Twas the Night Before Christmas, but there is something so special about these dot illustrations that I'm so grateful we happened upon THIS book.

This book has nice black and white illustrations, and "old English" spellings. The cover is a subtle forest green, wine red binding and some gold.

What a contrast from the brightly-colored character-loaded images from other books and videos that fill our children's lives.

Children love colors, but wouldn't it be good to expose them to different things once in while?

I purchased this book for my family for Christmas. I found it absolutely beautiful! There is a short introduction in the beginning that tells the history of the poem. The drawings are exquisite and the binding is simply elegant. I love everything about this book! I intend to keep it in our family and pass it down for generations!

I received this book quickly and was pleased to see the pictures were exactly what I had hoped for and the words were exactly the ones used in the original "Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus".
My little 3 year old grandson listened intently as we read it to him. He wanted to see the pictures as the story was read and explained to him. This book will become a treasure of our family, to be read and re-read year after year.

My mother used to read me this poem every christmas eve which became a magical tradition. The book was misplaced in a move and my mother and i have not read it since I was young. So I ordered this version for her christmas this year and when it arrived I was more than pleased. The book is stunning in more ways than one, and the artwork really shows how magical and heartwarming the story is. I shall give it to my mother on christmas eve and I know she will treasure it.. as will my kids and there kids after them. This book without a doubt will become an heirloom. Wether you are looking for a new copy or buying twas the night before christmas for the first time, I highly recommend this version. Enjoy.

My son is one of the most fickle readers I have ever come across. He pushes away the old books in favor of new ones. However, Who Said Moo? has been a constant favorite for over a year. I wish I had it sooner.

My son received this book as a gift when he was just a baby. He loved it then--so much so that some of the flaps were "loved" off the pages--and he loves it now.

Perfectly adorable. This is the first book that he can recite in its entirety by heart. Like some others have said, he never tires of yelling out the animal sounds when flipping the flaps on each page to reveal the animal hidden underneath. I am buying a second copy just in case.

my twin daughters love this book more than any other book they have, except Richard Scarry books. they love how the rooster and the other animal (pig, cat, donkey, dog, sheep, cow) changes when you flip the half-page, and they never seem to tire of announcing the animal's names and sounds they make every time we turn a page. the illustrations are colorful and fun for adults to look at, and the last page has all the animals again, so the girls get to recite their inventories of names and sounds all over again. best of all, i'm amazed at how well this book has lasted, considering it's not a board book, and we've read it a dozen times a day for months now.

We received this book as a gift when my son was born, and I started to read it to him when he was just a few weeks old. Even then this book captivated him because the colors and pictures are so engaging. My son is still little (only 10 months), but it's clear that this is his favorite book -- he pulls it off the shelf to look at the pictures and brings it to us to read. Even after reading and re-reading this book for almost a year, the book is still in great condition (only one broken flap), we haven't tired of the story yet, and I'm sure we'll be reading it for a long time to come!

Mem Fox has done it again! Fox uses the special animals of Australia to illustrate that eachof us has a special place in life that we're each suited for. Love the illustration and the possitive way the animals handled finding that special place for Wombat. It was a favorite of ours this last Christmas, but we also keep it out year round and visitors to our home love reading it.

This Australian story about a young wombat wanting the lead in the school Christmas play, tugs at the heart strings of those who don't always get what they want. In the end the young wombat learns that all the parts in the Christmas play are important and together the actors create a wonderful experience for all in their animal rendition of the Christmas Story. Beautiful illustrations.

Although not the best of Mem Fox's work Wombat Divine is a very good story about an enthusiastic main character who doesn't quite have the ability to be initially succeed where he wants but has his dream come through in the end. A wombat has always dreamed of being in a nativity play but each character he tries out for, he finds out he is unsuited for.

The great story though is let down by very average illustrations by Kerry Argent, which is a shame as those who have read the wombat tale Sebastian Lives in a Hat know she can do a very good job when she puts in the effort and can draw very realistic looking wombats. None of the Australian animals in Wombat Devine actually resemble the Australian wildlife they are supposed to be. Wombat looks like a bear, the emu for some reason has wings that can come out of the front of its body like arms which emus in real life no doubt wish for but don't have, the echidna is just the platypus with a lot of yellow triangles coming out of its body, the bilby looks like a rabbit (no wonder Mem Fox dumped this illustrator and went with Pamela Lofts for the sensational Hunwick's Egg where the bilby actually looks like a bilby.

See my review for Time for Bed. This is another book from Mem Fox and an animal from Australia.

Wombat Divine is an Australian Classic and in my opinion one of Mem Fox's best. My family now own hundreds of childrens' picture books, but this was the first one I ever bought my son. It still remains a firm favourite with us. The illustrations are delightful, as is the story. It's a must have for the Christmas book collection - something a little different and makes a great gift. You can't help but fall in love with Wombat.

My in-laws got this book for all of their grandkids one year at Christmas. My son is only two and a half, but I've read it to him the past two Christmas seasons and it always makes me cry. It is a beautifully written book, with words that speak to the heart. It's nearly impossible to express in words the love that parents have for their children, but this book does a great job at doing just that. I will definitely be buying "You are My I Love You" as well.

an outstanding children's book - nice price break on it - arrived on time and in perfect shape

What a sweet, sweet message this book has...describes in a unique way just how much a child is loved.

!!!!!!Wonderful "lyrics" and beautiful message- reads like a song. This is a beautiful gift from any parent to a child who brightens your life. This would also be a lovely gift to a new parent.

Wonderful book at the chirstmas season, to help parents take a moment and read with their children. It is such a sweet book.

Our great grandsons (ages 2 and 4) are enjoying the book and begging constantly to have them read.

My 3 1/2yr old bug lover is enamored with this book (and Jingle Bugs too). He LOVES to sing the 12-bugs-of Christmas and it is good for his memory skills to try to remember them all. When he hears the 12-Days-of-Christmas on the radio, he always points out how it is so similar to HIS song! Ha!

My children never tire of hearing Mom sing "The 12 Bugs of Christmas" offkey! They ask for it year-round, but I have relegated it to "Christmas only", except on very special occasions during the year. The book is fragile, but the excitement of the pop ups is well worth the money.

I am a big fan of David Carter's bug pop up books. At first the concept seems a bit odd and off setting, but they really are cute bugs, and the interactive elements are quite thoughtful and inventive.

This book goes through the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas," but makes up new words that are related to his buggy creations. Throughout the book, you open each present (lift the flap), to see the bugs inside. Inside each package is some type of pop up element (my favorite is the one that comes complete with tinsel). Each is creative, delicate (as one reader mentioned), and attention getting.

My only reservation about this book is that the interactive elements are not as diverse as in his other Christmas book, Jingle Bugs. With this book, it is basically entirely lift the flap, whereas the other one has different types of activities throughout. However, I do like the fact that you can sing to this one (a great plus in keeping little ones interested).

My 6 and 2 year old kids love this book and wanted to read it over and over during Christmas. The bugs are really cute and Christmas themed. There are tinsel bugs, gingerbread bugs, fruitcake bugs, yodeling Christmas tree bugs. The pop ups work smoothly.

You can even sing the book to the tune of 12 days of Christmas - if you can stand it.

My niece is into dancing and reading books, so the Angelina Ballerina series if perfect for her. I chose to give her this book for Christmas because it fit the holiday theme.

I really loved this book. It was my very first book I got. Of course I got it because my name is Angelina. When I was little I used to think the book was actually about me! I own the first publication of this book and noticed that in the original one I've got it says "Santa Clause" and in the new one that my little cousin has it says "Father Christmas". I don't understand the change. Although I still recommend this book for any little girl who loves to dance, or who's name is Angelina!

I came across Angelina's books a while ago. ...Great book, speaks to the kids for real

This beautifully illustrated tale gives the reader a warm feeling when a retired postal worker, who is alone in the world, is visited by Angelina and invited to appear as Father Christmas at the school Christmas show. The community appreciates his contribution and he is invited to the school show every year. This is a wonderful reminder to us all that the elderly should not only be cherished, but that they still have much to offer to the community.

Young Angelina Ballerina couldn't be more upset when she spots old Mr. Bell sitting all by his lonesome at Christmastime, looking like a sad puppy. Mr. Bell used to be the jovial postman in town, who brought gifts and cards to everyone during the holidays, and played the town Santa Claus for all of the little mouselings. Angelina, full of Christmas spirit, decides that it is up to her to make Mr. Bell's season bright. So, with the help of her young cousin Henry, as well as her father, Angelina bundles up some cookies and cakes to bring to Mr. Bell. But when they arrive, Henry is too concerned about Christmas Eve, and whether or not he will have the chance to see Santa Claus in the flesh, to notice the joy that twinkles in Mr. Bell's eyes at the prospect of visitors and good, old-fashioned holiday cheer. When Henry learns that Santa Claus comes in the middle of the night, and that he won't get to speak to the illustrious Saint Nick, he bursts out in tears. That is, until he learns that there's a live Santa Claus living amongst them all, right here in town, and that his presence will not only bring a smile to young Henry's face, but fill old Mr. Bell with the joy of the holiday, as well.

ANGELINA BALLERINA can be called nothing less than a children's icon. Her presence in numerous glorious children's books, and now in her own TV show make her more and more well-known, while her lovable, kind heart grows bigger by the day. Katharine Holabird works wonders with a pen, as she tells the tales of the young, ballet-loving mouseling who has big dreams, accompanied by an even bigger heart; while the gorgeous, full-color illustrations by Helen Craig bring each and every Angelina "tail" to life. ANGELINA'S CHRISTMAS is a charming addition to the mouseling library, and a wonderful holiday classic for all!

Erika Sorocco

The pictures are adorable and hilarious. The text is wonderful. This is a great book for kids and is the best I've found in helping to dispel their fear of monsters.

We checked this book out from our local library on a whim because our daughter loves monster stories. She loved it so much, we got it for her for Christmas. We love the illustrations, the fun spin on "scary things in the night," and the parts of the book that are perfect for shouting together with our daughter as we read. It has definitely earned its place on her "favorites" shelf.

I bought this specifically because my son (35 months) is scared of "things" in his room at night. I believe reading this as well as doing other things has really helped! It is very cute and helps emaphasize that monsters are scared of little boys and girls.

We read it over and over (and over) again, and my 3 year old gets a kick out of it every time. After reading this, he's not afraid of monsters anymore. I highly recommend this clever and funny book.

Purchased Brave Little Monster recently and my daughter loves it!!! We've read it everyday. This book is great, brings the imaginative idea of monsters to mind without being overly scary. Would love to see more childrens books from this author. Book has awesome illustrations, and is written beautifully. Excellent Book!!!

Candle is a gentle, refined Basenji who "brought a glow into human hearts when she was near." Her story explains several Basenji physical traits as relating to the birth of Christ and her journey with the wise men. This must have been written by someone who loves a Basenji as much as I love my Basenji companion. The care given to the illustrations and the joy within them captures the Basenji spirit and soul. It may seem like a child's Christmas story but anyone who loves a Basenji will delight in it. It is a small cost for something that brings deep joy and although I bought it on a whim it has become one of my most treasured books. If you know a Basenji lover, scoop this one up.

This story is not only wonderful for children, but also adult basenji lovers. A must for ever family who has ever had or known a basenji. Candle will find a place in your heart forever!

A must for a Basenji lover's library.

A delightful story for all ages, this beautifully illustrated tale of the little Basenji who shares in the joy and wonder of the first Christmas is truly a timeless classic!

A basenji friendly household boasted of a pair of breeding basenjis and their two adorable puppies. The senior basenjis told their puppies the story of Candle, a basenji ancestor who really did show everyone the way.

An African breed that boasts of a more than 2,000 year history, the famed "barkless" dog (basenjis yodel and make laughing noises instead), these dogs were the loved pets of Egyptian aristocracy and nobility. The story of Candle takes place in Egypt.

A lovable young basenji named Candle is the adored pet in a royal household. Basenjis, naturally intelligent and curious were aware that something wonderful and miraculous was about to take place. The "basenji network" were aware that the days of excess and idolatry were soon to be challenged; a miracle was on the way.

Candle and her owner, a young Egyptian gentleman saw the Star shining brightly in the East and knew they had to follow it....

Readers will yodel with delight as well. This is truly a wonderful family bonding book and it is certainly a beautiful illustration of love and faith. I can't recommend it highly enough. I love it! The lovely illustrations and the gentle story will captivate readers of all ages.

Candle will light a path to the hearts of all who read her story.

This book has playful and engaging illustrations, and helped my toddler daughter fall in love with Dragon Tales! She loved the pictures so much that the book eventually fell apart! For that reason, it is well worth the money to give your little Dragon Tales fan.
However, most Dragon Tales TV episodes have wonderful lessons about how to act and how to treat other people, but I don't believe this story fits. An earlier reviewer wrote that this is a "story about experiencing disappointment and then solving your problem." But Cassie does not solve her own problem; instead, she pouts that she was not chosen for the dragon parade, so her friends create a parade just for her. This did not bother me much at first, but when my husband read the book to our daughter for the first time, he was surprised. "This book teaches you that if you whine and feel sorry for yourself, you can get your way!" he told me. I tend to agree. Your young one may learn that pouting will make others feel sorry for her and give her what she wants. I don't think that's a lesson anyone wants to teach his or her child!

This book is a great example of how to novelize a TV episode. Unlike the Between the Lions book "Red Hat, Green Hat", this book follows the TV episode faithfully, scene per scene, from the point where Max and Emmy are still in the playroom to the point where they're leaving Dragon Land. The illustrations are faithful to the TV series.

Also on the illustration, these are some of the best I've ever seen. They looked like they're lifted directly from the TV series, and I'd believe that too if I didn't take a closer look at the pictures. They're all redone, and this time, with added shadow and highlights to bring out the extra depth in the images.

As for the story, the book's story remain true to the episode on TV. No changes were made and details added. There is the slight bit of the scenes after Max and Emmy returns to the playroom cut off at the end, but it's no big deal.

Overall, this is an excellent book. I give it 5 stars and two thumbs up.

If you and/or your kid enjoy watching Cassie, the smart, somewhat shy pink dragon on "Dragon Tales," then you're going to love this book!

This is a book release of a TV story by the same name. In it, Cassie wants to be in the Dragon Land Parade, but is terribly upset when some other dragons are picked instead. She first shrinks to a very small size, then cries. Fortunately, she meets a new friend and her spirits are soon looking up.

A great, touching story about experiencing disappointment and then solving your problem. Each page is fully and vibrantly illustrated in the style of the show. Enjoy!

This book was very simple and just long enough that my children did not lose interest in a drawn out tale. As usual, the characters work together to find a solution that makes everybody feel good, and it helps my children talk about their feelings and come up with solutions. I love Dragon Tales, and this book is no exception! I am very glad that I ordered it!

As a proud mother of a 2.5 year old "shrinking dragon", I really enjoyed reading this book with my daughter. She is shy and seems to relate to Cassie more than the other characters on the show. When she saw this book, I knew I would only be reading this book to her for some time to come! I truly believe it helps her with her own shyness as well. The repeating passages that she is familiar with from the show make her eyes light up. It is fun to have her read it to me because she remembers so much of what happens from page to page. A must for preschoolers!