Beginners Books

The Mr. Putter and Tabby series is a delightful and whimsical set of tales about an older man and his pet cat. These are simple tales, no complex Russian novel-like characters with conflicted psyches (although his neighbor Mrs. Teaberry is a little strange). Arthur Howard's illustrations are a perfect match for the story - just the right mix of whimsy, expression and humor. The last illustration of Zeke looking out the window at the incoming pears still makes me laugh.

Pick the Pears is one of best in the series (along with "Walk the Dog" and "Feed the Fish"). Our kids range from five to eight and each loves the book which has put the book on heavy rotation in the bedtime story schedule.

I agree with all the reviews. The Mr. Putter books are all wonderful beginning-readers, but this one is especially enjoyable. My Kindergardener read it to me over the last few days, and he was laughing out loud! He really enjoyed reading this book. He thought that Mr. Putter shooting apples through the air with a sling shot was increadibly funny (as were his pink poodle underwear!) He loves the characters, Mr. Putter and Tabby. I'd recommend any book in this series for children learning to read, but I highly recommend this one because it is so much fun!

I use the Mr. Putter & Tabby books for my ESL students. Mr. Putter & Tabby Pick the Pears is their favorite. The language is perfect for either children to build vocabulary or for older language learners for translation and acquisition. The stories are cute and charming. The illustrations are delightful. They look deceptively simple, but really are extremely well done with watercolor. The artist truly brings the characters' personalities to life.

What is particularly nice is the gentle humor used and the continuing themes. Mr. Putter is constantly referred to as "old" or not receptive to silly jokes (i.e. the poodle boxers) during the books but there are flashes of his playfulness throughout the series. while he is set in his ways with his garden, his tea and his love of opera, he still loves toys, trains, car rides and planes. Mr. Putter & Tabby are perfect companions who also have a very close relationship with Mrs. Teaberry, the next-door neighbor and her good dog Zeke. Tabby and Zeke have no dialog but their personalities shines through as well.

This series of books cherishes the differences between people and respect for the elderly. It has been my honor to present seven of these books to my students. They love them. Mr. Putter & Tabby Pick the Pears is the best of the series although they are all gems.

Mr. Putter and Tabby are just a delightful reading experience. Pick the pears invokes the fun and creativity sometimes forgotten in today's much more fast paced world. We have this entire series and read from it at least weekly, but Pick the Pears is easily in the top three.

Some books have magic in them. You know the ones. They stay with you long after you've closed the cover. The rhythm of Ryland's words along with Howard's whimsical illustrations will have you "zinging pears" right along with Mr. Putter.

The Mr. Putter series is just about as good as children's writing gets. You can't go wrong with any one of them. But this one is our favorite.

Nice illustrations, good strong story line. For being such an imaginative story, it's fairly realistic in how to think of solutions, instead of quiting. Very good story for young readers.

Steven Kellogg is an excellent artist and storyteller. This is my favorite of his works. I often wished, when I was young, that my uncle in Scotland would send me a huge tadpole, but my uncle only lived 10 miles away in the desert. Not much chance of that!

This book has a great story and is fun! Children will love the vivid pictures as well as the exciting turn of events! I give it two thumbs up! There are two editions out there, the original, and the second edition which has several different illustrations and a few story differences. I like both, but for different reasons and whichever you get, you'll love it!

Sure, the plot is silly. What do you expect when the premise is that a tadpole caught in Loch Ness turns out to be more than Uncle McAllister bargained for? The Mysterious Tadpole is a rollicking romp, rich in absurdity (Only after Alphonse grows four legs and reaches the size of a Volkswagen does the teacher conclude that he's not an ordinary tadpole.), and chock full of Steven Kellog's usual hilarious illustrations. Grab the nearest child, curl up in a big chair, and enjoy The Mysterious Tadpole.

I loved this book as a child and have loved reading it to my son. He received the 25th Anniversary edition for Christmas and while it's very, very good, it has been rewritten and simply lacks the charm of the original (which I would rate an enthusiastic 5 stars). The story is still wonderful and if this is the only copy you have access to, you won't be disappointed. The original, though, is the best and that's why I have to give this edition 4-stars.

This was one of my favorite stories as a kid, but i forgot the name. i asked every kindergarden teacher i could find if they knew the book about the kid who gets a baby loch ness monster from his uncle and no one had any idea what i was talking about. I'm so happy i found it here because now i can get it for my son to enjoy. This is such a cute story!

Simon and Schuster present the original, unabridged tale of Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie to a new generation of readers. The 1911 tale is in a large sized book with 134 pages and colorfully illustrated life-like pictures.

I remember the story of Wendy Darling, her brothers, parents, Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, Neverland, the mermaids, Tiger Lily, and all the wonderful situations that made up this animated fairytale in print. From the moment Wendy and Peter Pan meet, to the first flight, to the trips to Neverland and all the escapades that followed, to the end with a grown up Wendy and her own child -- it's all here in the manner in which it was really meant to be told. It's too unique to be missed by young or old. Rereading it as a grown-up was a magical experience.

Although I see nothing wrong with the Disney adaptation of Peter Pan, I am glad to see the original version back in fresh print. There isn't anything in Peter Pan I feel would affect young children, it's just a lengthy tale that would most likely take a week of bedtime reads to finish.

For those who have never read J. M. Barrie's long, quirky & involved story of a boy who can fly, loses his shadow & talks with fairies & the girl who befriends him & learns to fly too. It's all there & I was surprised at how long it is. It could take a month of daily reading to your children to finish it!

This complete & unabridged original tale of Neverland(no, it was not ever Never Never Land!) is rich in Victorian/Edwardian England's sense of humor & propriety; of starched strangers getting to know each other across social barriers; of precious parents torn with guilt & passionate dogs bereft of duty. Of cocky young boys & mean-spirited pirates; of exotic redskins & luring mermaids & that dreadful ticking crocodile! Certainly not for the politically correct!

It is also rich in an entirely new way for Raquel Jaramillo has set Barrie's story to photographs in an immediate, fantastically textured, dreamy & magical way. This illustrator has refreshed the images to this oft-abbreviated story & revived its delightful & scary philosophies.

Psychology & political correctness aside, Raquel Jaramillo has done well with this master storyteller's greatest tale. Adults & children alike will be able to identify with the whole cast & once again become immersed in the magic.

"Second to the right & then straight on until morning..." how many nights did I slip into sleep, murmuring that phrase & dreaming I was on my way to Neverland where the Lost Boys made their homes(after all, girls were much too clever ever to fall out of their prams & get lost!)

Truly, I was taken aback when I first pulled this gorgeous book out of its wrappings. The illustration and pure magic that jumps out from every page will enchant children all of ages (even big kids like me!) This edition of Peter Pan was written and designed with love for the story; that is evident! You'll find a map inside the cover, showing the Lost Boys Territory, Buccaneer Zone, Deadman's Isles, among other things.

Peter Pan presented like this makes a beautiful coffee table book. You'll be anxious to read this to your children, and your older kids will engross themselves over it, too.  

This is not the Peter Pan we had growing up! I highly recommend this book to parents and children who really appreciate a classic and a keepsake.

I've read the story/play before getting this book, and I must say the digital images really elaborates a new wave of magic. The digital imaging photographs are great in company with the writing. The colors are fantastic and the typography really promotes the tension of the plotline. For any illustration or fine art student this is one book you must have for reference. It is like taking Disney's Peter Pan into live action, except with lesser background scenes.

This book tells the original story that started the Pan legend before TV and movies hooked it into something else. The story remains timeless as expected of a classic, but this time awesome new illustrations by Raquel Jaramillo will send parents and children to Neverland in spite of the cost. Computer graphics enhance the illustrator's classy depictions and add to the wonder of a tale that remains ageless and beautiful. The youngster inside all of us will love this great rendition that the author would have loved to read and show to his friend's children.

Harriet Klausner

The book was more than I could have imagined. I've never quilted a day in my life, but with this book I feel as if I can make anything my mind can illustrate. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to learn how to quilt. Thanks!

This is a wonderful how-to book for beginning quilters. It has step-by-step instructions for many different projects and includes many of the most popular quilting patterns. The projects are modest (squares, runners, placemats, totes, wall hangings, etc.) and well matched to a beginner's skill progression. The price is very reasonable also. All in all, it is a very good buy.

I have a good amount of sewing experience so I was hesitant about purchasing this book thinking it might be too basic. Also, I wondered if I would be interested in actually completing many of the projects. I am glad I made the purchase! I have no experience in machine quilting so I appreciate the detailed, simple instructions. Most of the projects are ones I actually want to make and use or could give as gifts. I would say more except that I would just be echoing all the positive things previously written. If you would rather learn machine quilting from a book rather than a in a quilting class, this is the book for you!

A friend bought this book for my 13 year old daughter. She is new to quilting and using a sewing machine, and has found this book so easy to follow.

So far seems to be a good basic book for the beginner

We'll Paint the Octopus Red is a book about a little girl named Emma, who is going to become a big sister soon. Through the first half of the book Emma and her dad talk about all of the things, she is going to be able to do with her new little brother. She wants to kick the ball, go on safari in Africa, and paint the octopus. Then when her little brother is born, her dad tells her that he has Down Syndrome. She then thinks of all the things she wanted to do, and tells her dad she guesses he will not be able to do those things after all. Then her dad and her go through each thing and decide that if they are patient and take time with her new brother, he will be able to do all of those things in life. Therefore, Emma decides that Downs will not be that big of a deal, and goes to see her little brother at the hospital, and tells him that she will teach him to paint the octopus red when he is older. The end of the book also has questions and answers for children about Down Syndrome.

A little girl eagerly anticipates the birth of her little sister and she pictures all the things they will do together. When her sister is born with Downs Syndrome, she must realize that they won't be able to do all of those things, but there are still fun things they can do together and be loving siblings.

This is a very positive book that is excellent for a child with a special need-learning to love your sibling no matter what and finding things to do with her has to be one of the hardest parts for any big sister, and this book lovingly shows how to do that. Excellent for read aloud and early readers, up through about 3rd grade.

Great book. Like an earlier review, it also made me cry the first time I read it. It really captures the feelings associated with having a Down Syndrome child. Definitely a must buy for anyone who has a Down Syndrome child, with or without siblings.

This book is wonderful for siblings and young children that are related to a child with down's sydrome. Very educational. I gave it as a gift to my nephews and neices to help them to understand how their cousin would be a little different than them but can do the same things in time.

I bought this book while pregnant because I'm sure that someday my daughter will have questions about her big brother who has Down syndrome. I'm hoping that this book will help both of them understand why when the day comes that she is able to do things that he hasn't learned yet. Being only 23 months apart, I felt the need to be prepared as soon as possible.

This is a beautiful book that very sweetly explains that delays don't mean that someone will never be able. I like the fact that this book doesn't dwell on the negatives of a Down syndrome diagnosis, but also includes the idea that Mom & Dad may be sad. I hope that my daughter someday cherishes the book and why I bought it for her.

Our grandson was very excited with this book--it is just at the level he is at! He is so proud of himself being able to read a new book, new stories. As for me, I remember growing up on these stories. Even today they are perfect for the beginning reader!

Dick & Jane are awesome. My son loves to read me a couple pages every night before he goes to bed. I highly recommend this. He loves the illustrations and named his newest webkinz "Puff." Very cute.

Thank You,
The book arrived when expected, and in brand new condition.
It was a gift for my 70 year old Mother who remembered this book from her childhood. She loved looking it through it again.
Thank You, for great service at a wonderful price!

This is "Great" for your new little reader. It's easy and what most all your mothers and fathers learned from in the 50's - 70's
It really helped our grandson where his K-teacher was having trouble helping him. This book gets a big A+

I remember reading the Dick and Janes books when I was in 1st and 2nd grade and decided I wanted to allow my 5 year old to get a start with reading. She reads out of both books every night, normally 3-4 stories per night, and had progress greatly with her reading in the past month with these two great books.

Good book for beginner, if you are just learning get this book.There are things in this book that took me years to learn by trial and error unfortunaely for me I only learned a couple of new things, but it did give me some certainty in what I did know. However Im now looking for a intermediate book which is what I really needed.

The book lives up to its reputation as being a beginners guide. Good resource for those now getting into computers. And, it also has some good steps for Vista too.

Like most people,i avoided the 21st century technology by continuly saying to myself it was not something i needed.I finally took the plunge,a friend set up my Toshiba A2125 and found the"Absolute beginners guide on your web page.It,s format coinsides with my 73 year old mindset.Congradulations Michael Miller

This a great book for aquainting yourself with your computer. If you are new to the computer world as I was you will find this book very helpful in taking control of your computer instead of it controlling you. It covers both versions of Windows: XP & Vista. I would recommend it to anyone just starting out. I think it would be safe to say it could save you a lot of time in the longrun and maybe keep you from pulling your hair out!

I have been using a computer for many years and still did not understand all the task/programs I could have been using. This book has been extremely helpful working as a primer explaining everything very clearly and is still up to date with the Windows Vista. I would highly recommend this book.

... and now I am considered the coolest uncle ever!

Who knew one spritely hedgehog could mean so much to the world? Evidently, one Charlotte Fullerton did!

Charlotte Fullerton rocks. She is the voice of blue generation.

First groundhogs, and now hedgehogs - clearly the author has a firm grasp of the intricacies of porcine life. I have avidly followed the author's professional career, and consider this a fine addition to her resume. And can only hope that this gem will be closely followed by a tome detailing the mental workings of an evil, genius, megalomaniac lab mouse and his idiot sidekick!

The Sonic books by Charlotte Fullerton are real knuckle-biters! She writes thrillers and keeps your full attention----each page is a cliffhanger! My son has never seen the television show-LOVES her books!

I think the title of my review sums it up. If you took War and Peace, Anna Karenina, and the Sonic the Hedgehog video game series and mixed them together, you'd get the sweet words of Charlotte Fullerton.

This is the best book to read to young children, fantastic story and lovely pictures. My favourite children's book and still amazing. A moral tale

Every family with small children should have this book. The story and illustrations are out of this world.

This is a lovely, lovely story with very good illustrations. My little girl knew the book off by heart by the time she she was 18 months old. I would say it's a must have for all children.

I hadn't read this book since childhood, but recently my girlfriend and I started trading and reading books from our childhoods. I bought a copy of Dogger for her and she read it out loud to me. I started crying, and just couldn't stop. I can remember feeling just like Dave when I was younger and losing something, it was a horrible feeling. If only we could all have a sister like Bella. The wonderful story and pictures will touch you, and stay with you forever.

I have given over 15 copies of Dogger to friends and family when they have an arrival of a second child. Every one of them...every.one.of.them has loved it and weeks/months/years later, I still get glowing feedback on this book.

The way the older child (Bella) helps out her little brother (Dave) when he looses Dogger makes me and anyone I've ever given the story to sniffle at the beauty and kindness of text and illustrations.

Face it, when you were little and you miss placed your favorite toy/lovey, you basically went to DEFCON 5 alert status and nothing was right until your lovey was found. Now as a parent, you know if your child loses their lovey, nothing in your house will be settled until it is found and you would do anything ( beg, bribe and possibly liquidate your IRA to make your child happy (and sleep through the night) again. Bella is every mother's heroine.

She teaches the selfless act of helping and giving better than I ever could.

This book is getting harder to find, so buy it right now to help keep it in print. I need more copies for the next round of friends having children.

Dragon's Merry Christmas will be loved by young readers in your family circle. The stories show the sensitivity of Dragon, and his feelings of the Christmas spirit. He finds the perfect Christmas tree, but can't bring himself to chop it down and bring it to his own house. He decorates it right where it grows! Overwhelmed by the sweetness of a candy wreath, Dragon eats and eats! But it is Dragon's discovering the joy of giving -- the meaning of Christmas -- that makes this book so perfect.

The imaginative illustrations add to the quality of the book.

Dragon's Merry Christmas is just one of the great Dragon books written by Dav Pilkey. My 7 year old daughter picked up one of the books at a book fair at her school and read the book over and over again. I came on Amazon in hopes of finding more of these books to keep her intrest alive and found 5 in all. I purchased all of them! They are great books that my daughter can't get enough of. She loves to follow the dragon through is day and while we are reading the books we stop and talk about what we might do if we had some of the same problems as the dragon encounters in the stories. My daughter now will point out problems that she encounters that have similar qualities to those the Dragon encounters. The Dragon's Merry Christmas is a perfect book to read over and over for the holiday.

THIS LITTLE DRAGON MAKES THE BOYS TOTALLY HAPPY TO READ ABOUT BECAUSE HE SO REMINDS THEM OF THERE HERO THEIR GRANDMA (GUMP) ALL KIDS SHOULD HAVE SUCH A FINE SIMPLY EXAMPLE LIKE THE STORIES ABOUT DRAGON & THEY SAY GRANDMA WOULD DO IT THE SAME WAY TOO!!! DRAGON'S BOOKS R ONLY SHARED WITH THEM BY GRANDMA UNLESS THEY REALLY MISS HER THEN INSTEAD WE READ THEM TOGEHER SO THEY WON'T BE SO UNHAPPY THAT SHE'S NOT HERE YET!

This colorful book is a collection of 4 very short Christmas-y stories - none of them actually "religious" in nature, but rather they touch on the spirit of the holiday season. Each story has a sincere message and can be enjoyed at face value, or can serve as a catalyst for a more meaningful discussion with your child. The illustrations and the story are pleasing for both adults and the young audience. It is perfect for reading to an audience of children under the age of 8 - and can also be read by 1st or 2nd graders. This type of book fills a void for young readers that seems to fall between the overly simply picture books and the more advanced chapter books that often lack engaging artwork. My children, ages 4 and 7 both enjoyed the book and we will be buying more Dav Pilkey books.

My daughter loves Dragon stories! They are clever and funny, but always have such a sweet message. I hope to buy them all for me,er, I mean her....They make for a great bed time read that you don't mind reading again, and again, and again, and again.