Clubs Books

I loved this book! The writer creates an atmosphere that is captivating and hypnotic. Salem at Halloween time is most surreal--it is the perfect night for the commencement of an adventure such as Hawk's.
There is so much going on in this book, that you forget Hawk is still an ordinary kid with ordinary problems. The writer does a nice job of brining you back and forth between the magical world of Prana and Dakkara, and the "ordinary" world of Salem.
Great action, vivid characters and a believable realm of magic and adventure.
I also greatly enjoyed Hawk's "coming of age" and his mystical experiences at the end. It was almost like a visionquest.
We need a sequel, James!!!

I started this book expecting a Harry Potter imitation, but was very pleasantly surprised. This story stands on its own! The characters are believable and you really care about what happens to them, especially Hawk.
The plot is very exciting and keeps you hooked until the very end.The fantasy aspect is delightful, and adds depth to the story. The author does a great job of creating other worlds that seem just as real as ours.
Anyone who likes a good story will enjoy this book, not just kids. There is something here for everyone.

I love this book!!! This book has been the best book I have read all year! It is easy to imagen everything in your head. It feels like you are in the story, like you are one of the characters.(...)It is based on everyday life and fantacy. So I recomend for everyone to either order this book or buy it asap because it is awesome!!! (...)

This book is a amazing magical adventure. It pulls you into the story. It is extremly imagitive and it plays a movie in your mind. I would recomend this book to anyone who is into magic.Harry Potter fans would love this book to.

I started reading this book to my grandchildren and I ended up not being able to put it down. You are in suspense from start to finish. My oldest grandchild, age l0, who has read all of Harry Potter's books, was equally impressed. We are looking forward to the next one. Great job.

I read this book to my son's kindergarten class and they all loved it. They were very excited while I read the story! All of Keiko Kasza'a books are great!!!

I found this story to be very clever and funny. My 3 1/2 yr son thoroughly enjoyed the main character, the wolf, who at first is the typical wolf but shows his loving and caring character at the end. My son enjoyed this story not only for its humor but also because the wolf is so likable. Keiko Kasza's other similar book, Lucky Day, is also funny but my son did not find it as enjoyable simply it didn't have that same likable main character.

The students love this book, we usually read it on 100's day, and hide chicks around the room. The students enjoy how the author always makes the prey in her books smarter than the hunters.

This terrific book says alot with few words. The watercolor pictures are beautiful, and the text is carefully written. We adore the picture of the wolf carrying a 100 pound cake to fatten up the chicken before he eats her. The ending is so sweet it leaves you feeling like life is great. I consider this one of my favorite read alouds.

With all the wonderful picture books out there for children, it seems silly to say that children need only one book on such n' such a topic. Unfortunately, that's sometimes how my little mind works. Take, for example, this book. Now I had been familiar with the amazingly funny and well-written, "My Lucky Day" by Keiko Kasza. What I didn't know was that almost ten years before its publication, Kasza preceded her modern-day classic with something called, "The Wolf's Chicken Stew". Intrigued by other works by this author/illustrator, I decided to seek out this earlier work. After all, "The Wolf's Chicken Stew" appears on the New York Public Library's list of 100 Picture Books Everyone Should Know. Unfortunately, my reaction was akin to those fans who listen to an artist's mature works and then go back to that same artist's earlier (and weaker) material. Using almost exactly the same formula that would later appear in "My Lucky Day", Kasza tries to send up the classic predator/prey fight for supremacy with a twist at the end. But instead of knowing laughs, we're left with a sweet but weak finish.

Says the book, "There once lived a wolf who loved to eat more than anything else in the world". Some of us can sympathize. When he spots a lone chicken ah-walkin' in the woods one day, the wolf sets his heart on a delicious chicken stew. Just the same, he can't deny that the chicken is a scrawny critter. One that undoubtedly needs some fattening up. So off the wolf goes to bake some tasty treats to fill the chicken's belly. He whips up 100 pancakes, 100 doughnuts, and "a scrumptious cake weighing a hundred pounds". Each gift is left on the chicken's doorstep and when he believes the time is right, the wolf peers into bird's home only to be welcome by a still thin chicken. The reason for this is clear enough. It appears that Ms. Chicken has quite a brood of young. The baby chicks thank the wolf profusely and instead of popping them in his mouth, the soft-hearted fellow finds himself charmed and thinking about possibly baking them a hundred scrumptious cookies in the future. The last shot in the book is of a basket filled with cookies and various fluffy chicks vying for a treat.

The ending is unexpected and kids will love the abrupt turnaround the wolf goes through. He starts out snarky and ends up a softy. Kids love it when supposedly "bad" characters go through this kind of redemption. I was impressed especially with Kasza's grasp of subtle words and phrases that dot this book. You don't find the term "scrumptious" in every book (though you probably should) and certainly not in the ones that come from authors that are just as comfortable writing in Japanese as they are English. The illustrations compliment the text beautifully. The wolf is both menacing and oddly fuzzy. Even when he is mere steps away from the oblivious fowl in his pounce position, you never really fear that he's gonna go through with it. Kasza shades and details her pictures with delightful watercolors. You can detect shadows in the wolf's thick fur and every last doughnut is nicely rounded.

Of course, I much prefer "My Lucky Day". THAT, ladies and gentlemen, is an example of picture book brilliance. Just the same, there's a lot to be said for "The Wolf's Chicken Stew". It's fun and funny to the kiddies and has all the makings of a fine family classic. Definitely a pick that would be better for younger picture book readers than older ones. A good readaloud to groups of little ones as well.

This book was required reading for a graduate level somatic psychology class I participated in back in the mid-80s. I've never forgotten it. She has taken ordinary and unremarkable material and placed it next to seemingly unrelated, equally unremarkable material in such a way as to cause the reader to suddenly see both sets of material from another previously overlooked and awakening angle. She writes with an artist's or photographer's eye. For the most part, she leaves the conclusions to us...letting the dance between the two sets of information open little windows of consciousness that let in life and light. Over the last 20 years or so I have returned to it again and again. A beautiful and extraordinary book, both content and style.

Reading this book 15 years ago was like putting on my first pair of glasses -- everything was still there, but the details were SO much clearer! Every written record, every thought put to paper, is only a slant on reality, and should never be mistaken for reality itself. Thank you, Ms. Griffin, from a male reader.

In this amazing book, the author speaks in several voices, weaves the story we have been told down through time, about who and what women are.

This is truly a book to be savored, sipped at, contemplated, and pondered. The author draws from many sources, to find the voices, both of women and the voices that seek to silence and judge and catagorize women.

This is the most creative, informative and spiritual book I have ever read. I cannot reccomend it highly enough, even after all these years.

This is one of the most important books of 'eco-feminism' in existence (although I would rather call it truth than feminism). This book inspired me to be courageous with my own thoughts and to enact a spoken word piece that I had been sitting on for weeks. Thank you Susan Griffin for exposing the truths of the oppression of women. I will be reading this book again and again.
Paige Doughty

Truly unbelievable. If I could write as well as Susan Griffin, maybe then could I express how strongly I feel for this book. It is TRULY poetic. Beautiful! Its almost as if she is painting a picture in your head, tying facts about the history of social (patriarchal) views on woman and nature. It is a writing style I have never seen before, with an explosion of philosophy and poetry. I recommend this book to anybody, but it is an essential for any feminist or environmentalist... A beautiful work of art...

Yellow bird and me is about a girl name Doris and she has a friend named Amir that moved away from 163 st.Doris wanted to se him but so she got a job at the Bee Hive. Her mother and father don't like the idea because it seems like they don't have any money. So one day she wrote a poem and her teacher caught her writing it and her teacher will even read it out or throw it in the trash. The teacher told Doris to give it to her and the teacher took it and Doris said it was birds so the teacher gave it to him. While they were in class Doris looked at birds pocket and saw that the paper wasn't in bird pocket any more. Then later she saw her paper being passed around the classroom and being read out loud. Later that day when school was dismissed Doris was walking down the hallway and bird saw her and ran to her and she pushed him away because what he done in class. When Saturday came she was walking down to hive bird stop and said T.T. took the note out of the back of his pocket. So she told him about the job and asked could he be the lookout. So the signal was 1= mother, 2=dad, 3=mrs.nicols, 4=all clear. So when she was done doing the little girls hair Bird ran to the window and put up 3 and there was Mrs. Nicole with her flowed hat walking in the hive.

Doris Quickly ran to the back to the sink and put a rag over her face so that Mrs. Nichols wouldn't see her. Then the girl working at the named carols came over to Doris and asked her why she was hiding. And she said she didn't want Mrs. Nicole to she her.By: Kevon Starke

Southwood Book Club discuss this book in March 2004. And I think this book is a very good and a easy to read.

Dwayne SOUTHWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL!!!

Yellow Bird and Me is a very good book. It is about a girl named Doris and her friend Bird. Doris has a friend that moved away. Doris writes letters to her friend every time she writes a peom. Doris and her friend are very good friends. I like the book because it is funny and I recommend this book to everybody. I've got to say, it's a big big laugh-out-loud. There is nothing that I don't like about this book. This is a very good book to read.

Sincerely,
Organic

Yellow Bird and Me is one of the best books I have ever read (I have read a lot of books). If I had to rate it 1 - 5, I would give it a 5. This is what it is about... Doris has a friend named Amir who moved away. She also has a friend named Yellow Bird, who has problems reading. This is a good book for little kids. ...

I liked the book Yellow Bird and Me. It was hard to put down, but it was boring at the beginning. It was about Doris, who is trying to earn money to see her friend Amir and Bird, who wants to be in the drama club, but he can't read, so Doris has to help him. ...

I loved the cartoons in this book. It is written with such a playful voice. It is an ease and fun read. I learned a lot, I laughed a lot, I would recommend this book a lot!
Shirley Udoni, Abq, NM

Vaishali provides a fresh perspective for talk radio when it comes to the big spiritual questions; "Who Am I?" & "What is my purpose?". Listeners will be captivated by Vaishali's story telling and humor as they walk away with a new awareness to many self-help questions.

Are you doing what you're meant to do, or do you struggle daily with questions about your value, power and self-worth? Well, that's why God invented Vaishali.

Vaishali provides a fresh perspective for talk radio when it comes to the big spiritual questions; "Who Am I?" & "What is my purpose?". Listeners will be captivated by Vaishali's story telling and humor as they walk away with a new awareness to many self-help questions. Buy this book and all of her others! www.purplev.com

I love this book and all things Vaishali. This woman rocks. What wisdom and humor all rolled into a purple ball of energy. I highly suggest that you check out her website www.purplev.com and listen to her LA KTLK "You Are What You Love" radio show also live-stream.

This book is worth buying just for the cartoons, which are imaginative and very funny. It contains a year's worth of exercises to change your perspective on life. It is uncomplicated; I still use it every day. It has definitely achieved its purpose. It has a section on dreams. Did you know your mind cannot tell the difference between dreams and waking reality? If your answer is no, buy the book so you can start playing more and working less.

This is a great book. I like how she and Kristy were the only ones to solve the mystery. It was really suspensful. Any fan should READ THIS BOOK!!

This book was great. No, more than great. Totally awesome! This was such a creepy mystery, and Abby and Kristy solve it in the coolest way. This was soooo realistic. The first time I read it I could hardly put it down.

The baby sitters club girls rae my favourite book carecters. they are sooo awsom. The mystery Abby and the notorios neibourgh was one of the best books Ann M. Martin ever wrote.

I Liked this book!.
Abby is sick. Not sick enough to sleep all the time, but not enough well to do much. So she watches a lot of TV. Before long she is really bored. Then one afternoon she meets the man she saw in the TV!. It looks like the Baby Sitters have another mystery!

Abby and the Notorious Neighbour is quite simply the best Baby-Sitters Club Mystery book I have ever read, and that is saying a lot, because I have read almost all of the BSC books, including the mysteries and the super specials and also the super mysteries, which are really exciting. In this book, Abby's sick and has to stay home for a long time and at first she;s bored because she has nothing to do, but then she accidentally comes across a show on TV called "Mystery Trackers" where they show the most wanted criminals on the loose and in one of the episodes, the show features a criminal who Abby is positive is her next door neightbour, Mr. Finch. So then she decideds to investigate and has a lot of fun doing it, so she's no longer bored. And there is a very interesting and suitable ending. I would recommend this book to any BSC fan or just anyone who loves a good mystery!

My son (nearly 4) has loved Alfie since he was 2½. He wants "Alfie gets in First" every bedtime. Just beware that this edition is a US edition, and does not feature the original words, using Americanisms that feel weird if you have read the original. e.g. (Alfie's mum is called "Mom"). I think that if you want the original wording you need to look for the "Alfie Treasury".

This collection of Alfie stories stands out as one of my 13 year-old daughter's, and my own, all-time toddler/youngster favorites. The stories are heart-warming, realistic, and so very charming. The illustrations are sweet and detailed, but not over-done. I have saved my daughter's set to hand down to her own children one day. I am disappointed that this set is no longer in print, but it's a testimonial to the quality and endurance of the series that used copies are selling at a premium. I had hoped to purchase a set for my adored grand-nephews!

These stories of Alfie and his little sister, Annie Rose, are truly endearing. Children and parents alike will find the illustrations to be utterly enchanting and the stories amusing and very real. This collection is a "must have" for fans of English illustrator/author, Shirley Hughes.

I often wish I could find other books just like "Alife." We have a little boy who absolutely loves Alfie stories. There are several wonderful things about this book. First, the stories are delightful--gentle but realistic depictions of a boy who can figure things out and actually accomplish some little four-year old feats on his own. I love the interaction among the family members (although I guess the dad is a little removed for my taste...). The illustrations are so true. I agree with the earlier reviewer, I'm also comforted by the little daily messes in Alfie's house. We also love the format of this book. It's big and long (divided into several stories) and our little guy really feels like he's reading a "serious" book. He likes to consider which story to read and we've even had a chance to do some teaching about page numbers. I've bought this book for several kids in the 3-4 year old group and I've heard good things from all of them. This is one I can imagine saving for the grandkids.

My 2 and half year old asks to read this book and other Shirley Hughes' books repeatedly. They are endearing and engaging for both of us (and Dad & big brother too). These realistic and beautiful renderings of a toddler's everday dramas explore small but important truths about behavior... sharing (at a birthday party) , courage (overcoming fear of opening a door by oneself), thoughtfulness (helping a sister in need), and learning about and taking care of one's belongings. But I only came to recognize these subtle messages after several requested readings which is of course most important. In our house this book is highly requested as well as recommended.

As a pre-school teacher, I found the book a good way to explain how letters make words, words, make sentences, and the message at the end....is always needed. I got it for my grandson.....and he loved it. judie Carr

I got this book for our twin girls who are doing 1st grade reading. One has been reading for many months, the other has just recently started "putting it all together". What a sweet story. And even better is how it encourages putting letters together and then putting words together. The version we have (Dragonfly Press) has some fun games in the front and directions for making your own "Alphabet Tree" at home. We are getting ready to make our own on their toy closet door. You've got to love a story that gets them excited to do a hands-on activity!

The Alphabet Tree is a wonderful spring board book to help emergent readers understand the importance of putting letters together to create words. I have used this book as an addition to other ABC books at the beginning of the school year for 1st grade children. They were excited and immediatly suggested ways that they could make words. Our classroom now has our own "Alphabet Tree" that the children put together. This is an excellent teaching tool.

This book touches beyond the basics of letters forming words, and those words making sentences. More importantly, it shows us that all things must work together to obtain harmony. This book is an excellent example of teamwork, and without it, these letters and words could not have done or accomplished anything on their own. What an example to teach our youth of America. I highly recommend this book for everyone.

I first discovered this book 30 years ago as a student teacher. I was thrilled to discover that it is back in print. Leo Lionni demonstrates for the young learner that letters make words and words make sentences. This book is especially useful in a classroom where phonemic spelling is encouraged. I recommend The Alphabet Tree to every Kindergarten teacher.

Can Arthur keep his new pup from being sent away?

In a story that many young readers will identify with, Arthur has a new puppy who misbehaves, as puppies often do! Arthur sets about training him, and brings about a wonderful transformation that amazes everyone, with a fun twist at the conclusion.

If your children are fans of the wonderful TV series, this book is sure to appeal to them.

I liked this book because it has lots of laughs. The story is about a new puppy who really needs trained, but in the end he's well trained.If you like stories like these then read Arthur's New Puppy.It's a tail wagging story.

I liked this book because I really like dogs. And when I get my owen house I am going to get a dog. I loved reading this book. You should buy this book becuse you can lern how to take car of a puppy.

[...]. It is a good book for kids because it helps kids read. It is funny. Arthur gets a new puppy because his mother said he could. Arthur had to give five dollars for the puppy. Arthur was happy to have a puppy. He had been watching a puppy that gave birth to a litter of new puppies and Author got to keep one. I think everyone would enjoy this story, especially if you like puppies!
The end

While children love reading fantastic stories of dragons oraliens or dinosaurs, that doesn't mean they don't also enjoy readingbooks featuring kids just like them.

Or, in the case of the popular Arthur books, aardvarks just like them. Arthur's New Puppy is the eighteenth book in the best-selling series. It follows the misadventures of the lovable aardvark as he attempts to housebreak his bouncy puppy Pal.

Children seem to identify with Arthur as he struggles with everyday problems with the help of his loving parents (and no help from his pesky little sister, D.W.) and friends.

If you have an Arthur fan in the house, or if you have a new puppy in the house, you'll want to check out this book.

All 3 of my children (boys and a girl) loved this book and we read it endless times. I give it as a gift to every new mother. Extra fun at the end when all the bears are on 2 pages together and we played "find the blue bear ... find the thin bear etc... Entertaining for ages 2-4.

In my kindergarten class, my 5 year olds adopted this book as a favorite. After reading it through once, many of the children were 'reading' it on their own. They were so excited! As a mom of 6 pre-school kids, I find my OWN children love it just as much!

My daughter has many, many books. We both love this one. The words are lyrical and fun, the pictures of the bears are interesting for all ages. She has started to pick up the words and "read" the book herself. Our original copy came used and we will be replacing it.

All three of my sons love this book. I have an older hardcover edition of this book my older 14 year old son enjoyed when he was younger. Now I am reading it to my twin boys that are 20 months old. They truely enjoy all the bears in this book. It even has twin bears in it! If you are looking for a book for the under 5 group this is it. Kids love it.

Children adore teddy bears, and this book is just full of them. Bears of every imaginable description! It is a subtle "teaching tool" helping with colors and sizes, plus much much more. I purchase this book for friends 4 and under. My daughter wore out 2 books! We enjoyed it beary much. Hope you do too!