Beginners Books

I love all the Hank books, and this is a great one for the Christmas season. These books are hilarious and more important to the young reader, fun to read. I'd also check the rest of the series.

Author of "Hobo Finds A Home" editor "Of A Predatory Heart"

This is the first book our 2nd/3rd/4th grade bookclub did. It is funny! The characters are colorful and the narration by Hank the Cowdog is clever and enjoyable to read. It is a light-hearted, fun read and we were able to have a great discussion if it.

This book to me is very funny. In the book a new dog comes to the ranch and Hank has to prove to Benny that he is the top dog. Hank gets mad because Benny tries to take the dog the Hank likes. He tries to prove to his master that he is the top dog but gets tied up why Benny has the time of his life. Hank acts like he is the head of security, which is called Head of Ranch Security. Hank is in a battle to keep his job at the round off. If you want a book that is super funny, then this book is for you.

Among his many other attributes, Hank the Cowdog has an uncanny ability to keep our entire family amused on long trips. Next to The Original Adventures of Hank The Cowdog (Vol. 1), this one is our favorite. Benny, the prize-winning cowdog-for-hire, very quickly gets under Hank's skin when he bumps Hank off the job of a roundup. Erickson's voicing of Benny is oddly reminiscent of William F. Buckley Jr., and works to great effect. Add the romantic element of Hank's love interest, Miss Beulah ("Mercy!", exclaims Hank) and the perceived threat Benny places there too, and the story becomes even more interesting. All against the regular backdrop of ranch life and supporting characters Drover, Plato, Loper and the rest of the gang, and the story is one of Hank's best romps. Enjoy!

This is a great and heartwarming addition to the "Hank the Cowdog" series. Along with tons of hillarious gags, this is one of Hank's best!

Since we have moved to the South from California, my 5 year old has been a little frightened of thunder and lightning. This book explains what creates thunder and lightning in language a child of her age can understand. I highly recommend any book in this series.

My son likes this book quite a bit. It's pretty informative and the illustrations are good. He knew most of the information already but the illustrations and the couple of new bits of information held his interest.

This book is designed to provide beginning readers with information about thunderstorms, and safety. It includes information on how to make a cloud, rain gauge and web sites. Very good reading for grade levels 1-3.

My two boys, now aged 3 and almost 5, have asked for this constantly over a period of two years. They put it in the top five the top of their favorite books list and we have a LOT of outstanding books. My older boy has wowed several adults with his lectures on how lightening and thunder work. I highly recommend the book/cassette combination. My husband and I also enjoy listening to it after many, many hearings. It is entertaining, soothing, interesting, and educational.

This book gives a great description that EVERYONE can understand about rain, thunder and lightning. We have tried in so many different ways to teach our daughter about this phenomena and when we read the book she realized that we were telling the truth!

Franklin's Little Sister is a fantastic little book that really helped us prepare our son for the arrival of his sister when we adopted her. The Franklin books all have very good lessons for kids, but I was particularly thankful for this one :)

My Little Boy Loves the Franklin series. I bought this book to add to our collection

My middle son (then 4)loved this book while waiting for his own baby sister to arrive. The secondary storyline about Franklin worrying over his bean sprout is so sweet.
Now that my daughter is 2, this is her bedtime story of choice. As we get her ready for bed and I ask what book she'd like to read, we have to smile when she says, "Baby sister book!" We tell her all about when we were waiting for her to be born and remember the first time we held her. The boys will listen in, thinking back to that first day in the hospital when their waiting was finally over.

Franklin is impatient for his baby sister to arrive. He feels left out. Just like most kids do when there is a new arrival. He keeps trying to get spring to come so his mom can have the baby. The is so true to want most kids go through when they are waiting for their new baby to come. They get put on the back burner while everyone is focusing on the new arrival.

I absolutely loved reading this story to my daughter. This is a great addition the Franklin series and an excellent story for a child who is expecting a new brother or sister.

There is so much to this book than noted at first glance. First, we get a great dose of history told in a way children can understand it. Secondly, we learn some little known facts about our first president. Thirdly, we have animals, something neither kids nor adults can ever get enough of and fourthly, we get a story packed full of morals. But that is not all. The illustrations are very well executed and a delight. The text is simple an to the point and goes quite well with the illustrations. The book makes some very complicated situations and states them simply in a very nice story. I enjoy this one almost as much as the children do. This is a good work to read to the class as it generates good discussions. Recommend this one highly.

This easy reader is a delightful story to share with all students. The information gained about President Washington is unforgettable. Children will love that George named his dog "Sweetlips" and they won't forget that he was super kind and honest to one of his enemies! This book will be a staple in classrooms across the country and this true story of George may replace his "Cherry Tree" tale.

I used this title with a class I teach to American children overseas. They really enjoyed it as a read-aloud and couldn't believe that it was true! I like that the back page had a copy of the original note sent as well as photos of drawings/paintings of Howe and Washington. The illustrations aren't spectacular, but the children loved it.

This book is great for kids and parents. Teachers should read this book because it teaches good morals, foe children. I also like this book because of the dogs, and writing crafts in it. Hopefully Frank Murphy will keep writing kids books. If you buy this book you will be satisfied
SCOTT 11

My six-year-old son brought this title home from his school library. We read it together several times, and one night I found him meticulously copying a page from the book. My son hated to return the book, and I knew I had to buy it--for both of us! It tells a little-known story about Washington in a charming, beautifully illustrated manner that everyone (especially dog lovers) will love.

My husband and I have been married for almost 2 years. I didn't really know how to cook good meals when we got married, and even took a cooking class for help. I was okay at cooking the basics: tacos, spaghetti, meatloaf, etc, but those get old and we had both finally given up hope that I would produce a really good meal. LUCKILY I started searching for help and came across this book and another book, both sounded hopeful.

This book is AWESOME, not a bad meal after 3 weeks of cooking its recipes (I tried one meal in the other book and haven't opened it since). And, not only that, but there are still a lot of things that I haven't made yet, it's full of great recipes.

The book offers tons of tips like how to roast and freeze your own peppers, etc. The book is written in a way so that you feel like you are talking to a friend over coffee, it's really cute! There are tons of ideas for entertaining, whole meals for celebrations, and appetizers and desserts. One note: this book is NOT for quick meals. There are a few fast meals, but most of the ones I have made take a couple hours to prepare. But they are DEFINITELY worth every minute!! And I'm sure they will be quicker the second time around.

The BEST PART is that my husband LOVES the food, and has told me after most of the meals that it is better than any restaurant he could go to. He can't wait for me to make the food AGAIN and told me that we don't need any more cookbooks after this one. I am so encouraged by his responses that I have been trying some of the things in the cookbook that would have completely intimidated me before, like Roasting a Chicken... it was excellent!! I am planning to take the book with me when I visit my parents in a couple months so I can make them some good food, they will be so impressed.

I would recommend this book for anyone who has had enough of the basics (tacos, spaghetti, chicken casserole), likes to entertain, or wants to add a little spice to their table. I can't say enough GREAT things about this book!!

This is the ideal book for people who love and don't love to cook. The recipes are straight foward and the ingredients are easy to find (or substitute.) I have not had a bad recipe from the book yet and have bought copies for friends and family. Unlike most general cook books The Girl Can't Cook has a touch of elegance but nothing to be intimidated by. Every recipe is simple and fail safe. A must have in any cook book collection.

Don't let the title fool you, this is not some dumbed-down version of a cookbook (e.g., how to boil water, how to make toast, whatever). Check out the index to get an idea of the variety of tastes and styles on offer in this book. I don't eat meat and, while this is not a vegetarian cookbook, I have found plenty of recipes in here that work for me (I eat eggs & dairy). I've had more "hits" than "misses" with this cookbook than with others (it seems every cookbook I buy has some "misses" -- maybe it's me?). Most importantly, the recipes are relatively easy to make and you don't have to go to 5 different specialty shops to buy some random ingredient. I'll reach for this cookbook before I reach for a Williams-Sonoma one any day. Don't get me wrong, I love W-S's recipes, but they can often be time-consuming. Why put in the time when I can whip up something equally tasty and with less effort?

My Dad bought me this book as a joke because, as the title says, "this girl can't cook". To my surprise I found tons of easy recipes that I can accomplish. And the fact that they are interesting and not common makes me actually look forward to throwing these recipes together. And surprise of all surprises... they're edible!! I'm right proud of myself.

While the title of this cookbook might appeal to the novice cook, I can confirm that the recipes will suit a more experienced chef and delight the palates of all. Happily, this is achieved with a minimum of time spent by the cook. Helpful cooking tips (useful even for this seasoned cook) are found on many pages. From Chavich's new book I have prepared numerous dishes from the simple, perfect shrimp cocktail to the excellent tiramisu. Everything from North American classics to East Indian specialties and other trendy ethnic foods are included. When preparing food for a dinner party, a brunch or a meeting in my home, this is the cookbook I now reach for. The lively illustrations by Kirsten Horel contribute to the light, optimistic quality of this volume.

I was really skeptical of this book when I received it as a gift over 10 years ago. I have dozens of cookbooks and have at least one from most of the authors whose recipes are featured in the book. Why in the world would I want what basically amounts to a recipe anthology?

Well, the first recipe I tried changed all that. It was Pasta with Vodka, and it's since become my go-to version of that dish. And it wasn't long before I'd tried many others that became favorites: Pasta with Gorgonzola, Wondrous Carrots, James Beard's Cream Biscuits, brussels sprouts with lime, butter, and pepper. The beauty of this book is that you don't have to slog through multiple volumes to pull out a quick but elegant dish that is perfect for company.

Being a cook of long experience, I can't speak to some of the issues one reviewer raised about its usefulness for novice cooks. I found the directions simple and straightforward. And generally the authors chose recipes that use fresh ingredients very well, so you aren't compromising flavor for convenience.

I don't know why everyone doesn't own a copy of this book!

I'm with the other reviewers of this great book. I love to cook, but don't have the time or patience to follow laborious time consuming recipes anymore.

This cookbook has a range of recipes that not only present innovative pairings of a few good ingredients; the recipes and course sections also have a "variations" section that give ideas for improvising with ingredients you have on hand.

My copy is battered and food impaired with lots of notes on it. I'm really surprised how few people are onto this good thing. I would buy another copy if I had too.

I just wish there were a cookbook this good for a celiac/veganish/cholestral diet, as my husband is on a restricted diet. although many recipes in this book are useful, I can't find a reference this good for that kind of thing.

Without a doubt, this book delivers. Easy, tasty food from the very best chefs. Try the Roasted Peppers, Potatoes and Onions or any of the Pork recipes.

A real favorite. In fact, I find myself going back to this over and over again, and am never disappointed.

I have over 120 cookbooks and this is the best!!!!! This is the one cookbook I keep coming back to. I have honestly tried almost every recipe in the book, and so far everything has been very, very good and very, very easy to make. My only sadness about this book is that it is now out of print and I have to buy a used copy to replace my first one which is falling apart at the seams.

It may never rate as a "classic" cookbook, but over the last 5 years this slim tome has pulled me out of more than one last minute menu scrapes. Recipes like Arrosto di Maile all'Alloro (Pork with Bay Leaves) and Dried Apricots baked with Vanilla set the tone - non-labor intesive recipes with a short list of ingredients -- the emphasis being on the quality of meat, produce & spices rather than fancy techniques or sauces. Barbara Kafka's classic 500 degree roasted chicken and much maligned (but delicious) microwave risotto are by themselves worth the cost of this book!

Great book. Great story. Great pictures. My son loves all of Syd Hoff's books.

Grizzwold was one of my favourite books as a child, and upon rereading it, it is easy to see why. It's not a difficult or a condescending book, and the adventures of this bear are literally amazing. I would be proud to be his friend, if such a thing were possible.
Also, another reason for my love is that he has almost the same name as me, and for years (until I knew better) I thought the book was written about me, albeit as an anthromorpothic bear.
I must dig this out again.

This story is adout a bear Grizzwold. He was bigger than other bears. Other bears could fit in their caves, but Grizzlywold couldn't fit in his cave. So he slept outside by himself. He didn't mind. He had a nice coat of fur to keep him warm. I hope that people like it. I thought it was a great book.

This was one of my favorite books as a kid, and was in fact the first book that i ever read by myself. I made my parents read it to me so often that i just looked at the words one day and realized i could read it. Now, thirty years later, i'm buying a copy for my little neice. I hope she loves it too.

Grizzwold was a good book written by Syd Hoff. The story was about a huge bear named Grizzwold. He lived in the forest. The men came and cut down all the trees for paper. Grizzwold looked in the city zoo and circus. He found his home in the national park. I recommend this book because it is funny and sad. My favorite part was when Grizzwold went to the dance. The people thought he was wearing a costume. I was happy when he found a home.

I BOUGHT THE BOOK BECAUSE PART OF THE PROCEEDS GO TO MAKE-A-WISH. IT IS A GOOD BOOK TO OWN.

The important message of "If you beleive in yourself, you can become whatever you want to be" is so simple yet essential. Children will love to travel this journey with the darling little lamb Loukoumi, and learn something valuable in the process. A great book for parents to read with their kids.

This book is an excellent boost to any child's dreams. It is an inspiring book and has a positive message encouraging a child to go after their dreams and to work hard and that anything is possible. I highly recommend this book to any child. Children need positive enforcers in their life. Constantine Maroulis from American Idol, also the star in two Broadway shows, "The Wedding Singer" and "Jaquels Brel" beginning Jan 9th in New York, is funny, and enlightening to the kids who love him.

Great book for young children. You will not be disappointed.

This is a favorite in my classroom! Loukoumi explores many jobs, from farmer to singer, in this sweet story. The CD features many successful Greek people and is beautifully done. Rocker Constantine Maroulis as Farmer Gus is priceless!

When my 2 sons were young I got this book from the library and read it to them...they never forgot it...It is a wonderfully written book with great illustrations...Although my sons are now in their teens they still talk about this book...therefore I am online buying each one a copy for Xmas to take with them when they leave home and to read to their children someday...

My parents used to read this to me when I was really small. I remembered it for twenty years, and even when I asked them about a creature who was mischevious and got a little boy in trouble, they didn't have any idea what I was talking about. I realized I wasn't crazy when I suddenly remembered the title and found the book online.

Anyway, the reason I remembered it for so long is that it scared me a little... I started looking out for odd-looking creatures doing misdeeds. It has good morals and a sweet ending. A nice read-to-your-kids book.

When I was in elementary school, this book was in the library and became my favorite children's book. Have you ever had things happen in your house that you can't explain? Many think they have ghosts, but perhaps there is a Grumpus in your home. A small boy is accused of the messes that are in the house and punished by his mother when he told her that a Grumpus did it. An adorable book with great pictures and realistic themes of parent and child interaction. I highly recommend this book to your child's collection.

This was my son's favorite book when he was a child. I read it over and over to him. The Grumpus is a wonderful character, very impish and fun loving. Incidently my son never did any of the things the Grumpus did , or that was his excuse. He is in college now and still remembers this fun loving book.

A wonderful, mischievous picture and story book to read to small children

I love it. The explanation are so easy, it moves little by little, graphicaly with excercises that you can learn to our own pace.
Sooner, you could be playing guitar.

This is a nice book which is aided by a nicely produced DVD. The DVD corresponds with the material presented in the book. Anyone (9 and older) will love how everything is explained and diagrammed clearly. The graphics are clean and not cluttered. There is mostly strumming but also broken chords played with a pick. TAB is explained. Note reading exercises are provided as you learn the names of notes on the guitar in first position with the aid of TAB as a reference for finger placement.

The play along examples are not recognizable children's songs like other books. These examples are the original creation of the author herself. She begins with easy chords and downstrums and then moves on to full chords and down/up/down strums. I like the pleasant sounding backing tracks. It makes playing along fun and provides incentive to continue without giving up too soon. Good book/DVD for adults as well who are picking up guitar at a later age. Susan really connects with female learners who seem to like her pleasant demeanor on the DVD.

There are different editions of this book so make sure you're buying the right one. There's a book only, a book/CD, a DVD only with no book, and a book/DVD combination. The DVD itself is not a book, even though that's what the description states. No booklet is included, everything is onscreen. A little confused? Yeah I was too.

This is a nice book with a video guide that shows you, up close how each lesson is performed -- a great plus for someone who knows NOTHING about playing guitar. However, if you know anything at all about playing, you will find these lessons too elementary. The lessons teach everything from tuning the guitar, what are the different parts of the guitar, and on to putting the lessons taught all together to play a simple song. My only problem with the DVD is that sometimes I had a hard time seeing exactly where her fingers were on the strings (just follow along with the lessons in the book - as you're supposed to - and you'll know what she's performing. Don't try to use the video alone.)

Being married to a musician, I have always wanted to learn to play guitar. After the first day, my husband was amazed by how much I'd learned and said I had picked it up much faster than he, which made me so proud! If you're willing to dedicate some time, strengthen your fingers and get ready for the sore fingertips (your first initiations into guitar-playing!), this makes a great "newbie" package!

This is an excellent book for biginners. The DVD follows the book exactly. Ms. Mazer does an excellent job explaining the guitar parts, cords, etc. Her demonstrations are easy to follow and she gives one plenty of time to play along with her.

I bought this for my boyfreind to go with his new guitar and I've been using ever since. The dvd instructor adds just the extra visual touch that a beginner needs. Love it.