Beginners Books

Until recently, I hadn't thought much about cumulative tales helping with memory but they do. I recommend not skipping a word as you go back over the previous steps. Children (and I) love the art work also in this edition.

I also recommend these cumulative tales and songs.
There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly,
The Buggy That Boogied Away, and
She'll be Coming 'Round the Mountain.

My one-year-old son adores this book and brings it to me several times a day to read it to him. It's text-heavy with tons of repetition, so we skip every few verses. He giggles at the rhythm of the text and sometimes even dances side to side. The illustrations are very colorful, consistent with the author's other books and those in this series. I highly recommend!

The illustrator adds a special delight to this old cumulative tale.
In addition to the visual and auditory treat, tales such as this are a great boost to language skills.

I read this book as a child, and now am reading this book to my nieces and nephew. What a joy it is to read such good books to young children. This is a must for anyone with youngsters. Buy it! You will not regret it.

This was a wonderful book to read with my son. He knew most of the word and found the story line extremely funny. Myself, I thought is was cute.

A lurking monster sneaks silently up upon three children -- two boys and one girl -- who, all unaware, sit telling stories to one another on the beach.

Will the hapless Lolly, Spider, and Sam all be gobbled up, and munched by the Monster whose favorite meal is Kids on Toast?!?

Read the book, and find out! :)

This is the story of Lolly, Spider and Sam, three kids who have just eaten lunch and have to wait a while before they can go swimming. To pass the time, they decide to tell each other stories about rats and cats.

The first story, Lolly's, is a dead-on parody of an old-style phonics reader:

'The cat sat by the rat. "I see him," said the cat. "I see the rat."

The rat saw the cat. "I see him," said the rat. "I see the cat." And that was that.'

Spider and Sam naturally hate this story, and they work to top each other with much more entertaining stories, always about cats and rats. This is one of my favorite kids' books, by one of my favorite kids' author/illustrators, the late, great James Marshall.

I think it's an overlooked classic -- even better than some of Marshall's more popular works (such as the "George and Martha" series), and right up there with his other masterpieces: "Miss Nelson Comes Back" (written with Harry Allard) and "Fox and His Friends". All three feature very funny and surprising twist endings.

If you find you like this book as much as I do, you'll want to check out its two sequels: "Four by the Shore" and "Three Up a Tree". Those are also highly enjoyable, but this one is the creme de la creme.

Parents: This is a book they will love, although you may love it more. School librarians: BUY THIS BOOK! Publisher: Please restore this to print in a library-binding edition!

"Three by the Sea," from the classic children's book team of the Marshalls, is a wonderful book for second grade readers (or advanced first graders) that offers up a funny story with a humorous sense of parody. This is a children's book that actually makes fun of children's books. Any young reader who is sick and tired of 'basal readers' (you know, those dull, "The man has a tan can; The dog is on the log," kind of books) will love this story. But best of all, adults will enjoy reading it along with their child. This is a perfect book to experience with your child to help them learn to read on their own. (I used to teach second graders how to read, and this was always their favorite book - they really got into it and loved reading it out loud along with me as we acted it out.)

The book follows three children, Lolly, Spider, and Sam, as they sit on the beach and tell each other stories, with each child trying to out-do the others. The three stories they tell are all gems:

LOLLY'S STORY: A parody of the typical boring school reader. Nothing happens. A Cat and a Dog see a Rat. That's it. Spider and Sam don't like the story one bit, but it's extremely funny to read the simplistic, dull writing style and look at the stick-figure pictures. You can have fun with your child by reading this out loud in the most boring monotone voice you can, and then ask them if they thought it was a good story. They'll agree with Spider and Sam. It's BAAAAD!

SAM'S STORY: Challenged by Lolly to come up with something better - as long as it has a cat and rat in it - Sam creates this funny little story about a very foolish rat who buys a cat at a pet store. The cat won't tell the rat what it is that he really likes to eat... You can have great fun with this story by having your child read the parts out loud and giving the cat and rat different voices. You can also ask them to try to predict what might happen. What do YOU think the cat really likes to eat? (You're in for a funny surprise.)

SPIDER'S STORY. Well, Spider didn't like the twist ending to Sam's story, so he offers up his own cat-rat tale...and he'll make it SCARY as well! With great, serious drama, a rather silly-looking Godzilla-like monster rises from the sea ("And he was really mean!") Is he hungry for...a rat? No! Cheese? No! A cat? No! He likes kids...on toast!...and in fact he sees three kids sitting on the beach telling stories... This is a really fun piece to read out loud with spooky voices, and the repetition of phrases make it a great one for your child to practice reading on his or her own. Provide a big scary voice for the narrator, and your child will be laughing hysterically. (Don't worry, though. It all comes out all right in the end, and who can take the funny illustrations seriously? This is one goofy looking monster, especially when walking on his tip-toes!)

I can't recommend this book highly enough for second graders. You'll have fun reading it along with them, and it teaches great reading skills while offering up something much different from the usual run-of-the-mill kids story. A terrific tool for teaching at home and having quality educational time and play time with your child. Just watch out for those really mean monsters.

And that is that!

This is a sweet tale about pets, cruelty to animals and how they can be loyal to humans in critical situations. Don is a boy who lives on a ranch and wants to get a horse. He has his eye on Ben Gold, a beautiful horse owned by a neighbor. The story opens with Don raking leaves and earning three dollars. Later, as he is going down the road, he sees a man beating a mule with a stick. He yells at him to stop it and the frustrated man offers Don the mule for his three dollars. A sudden handshake and Don owns a mule that he names Sinbad.
Sinbad is ornery, braying in the morning, kicking down things and pushing adults around. However, he is gentle to children and Don and his sister Jenny grow fond of him. Sinbad is put out into the distant wooded pasture and Don goes to visit him. On one visit, Don injures his leg and cannot walk. Sinbad comes to him and lies down beside him, keeping him warm and company throughout the night. In the morning, Don's father is led to him by Sinbad's braying. At the end, Don has both Ben Gold and Sinbad and they become pasture buddies.
Sometimes, the pets we are most attached to are those with flaws. This is the case here, Don rescues Sinbad and even though Sinbad is not what he wants, he learns to love him for what he is. That is a good lesson for children.

My 20 yr old read this book years ago and loved it as much asmy 7 yr old liked it today! This is exciting enough to keep a newreader interested with funny incidents and some exciting happenings. It is very difficult to find something for this stage of reader who is ready for something a lot more stimulating than rhyming picture books. This is particularly true for young boys who would rather be outside playing than reading. Bulla's story has a difficult mule named Sinbad, a 12-yr old boy with a broken leg, a thoroughbred horse,and some cows and chickens thrown in for lots of interest!... The book could be read to a pre-reader, it could be read together (by switching off) with an early reader, or enjoyed by anyone up to the age of 12 when they can read alone. Approved by a homeschooling mom!

My 20 yr old read this book years ago and loved it as much as my 7 yr old liked it today! This is exciting enough to keep a new reader interested with funny incidents and some exciting happenings. It is very difficult to find something for this stage of reader who is ready for something a lot more stimulating than rhyming picture books. This is particularly true for young boys who would rather be outside playing than reading. Bulla's story has a difficult mule named Sinbad, a 12-yr old boy with a broken leg, a thoroughbred horse,and some cows and chickens thrown in for lots of interest! In the end the Three Dollar Mule saves the day! The book could be read to a pre-reader, it could be read together (by switching off) with an early reader, or enjoyed by anyone up to the age of 12 when they can read alone. Approved by a homeschooling mom!

My mom and I have been looking for good books to read. I had been reading the Polk Street School books by Patricia Reilly Giff and have finished them. Mom remembered Clyde Robert Bulla books and how much my older sisters enjoyed them when they were my age. I read THIS great book in one morning. It's about a boy who reluctantly buys an ornery mule for $3 after he sees a man beating him. Don, the 12 yr old boy, really wants a thoroughbred horse but his dad tells him he can't get the horse until he gets rid of Sinbad the mule. Don and his sister Jenny try to give the mule away he's so much trouble for the family, but no one in town wants the mule when they hear how much trouble Sinbad is. In the end Sinbad can stay. Read this exciting story to find out what happened to make Don's dad change his mind!

This book is so cute! This is a great version of the classic rhyme, and my kids absolutely adore it. The illustrations are sweet and old-fashioned, and remind me of one of my all-time favorite illustrators, Rosemary Wells.

I love this! What an adorable tail - er, tale. Get this book!!!

ms. alter has created a gem here, in her second published children's book. the colors are soft and beautiful. i am anxiously awaiting her next creation!

this is a beautiful book. the colors, both rich and soft, contribute to a very warm atmosphere. a wonderful follow up to ms. alter's "estelle and lucy". i cannot wait to see even more books from this talented artist.

I'm not much of a cook but this book has helped me out a lot. Like the title says, the recipes are easy; most of them use 5 ingredients or less and yet produce great results. The dishes I make from it always impress others.

They give you recipes that work. Some really neat stuff I would never have thought I could do.

With my busy schedule, I often do not have time to prepare hearty meals. This book gives quick and easy recipes to accompany any busy professional. I love the banana foster recipe.

I hear this guy on the radio here in Arizona and I was trying to write down the recipes on my McDonald's bag. Had to laugh. I wasn't sure but I ordered the book on-line and they really are good and QUICK. All the recipes are as advertised. Definately try the Chocolate Souffle but put extra chocolate in it. Worked better and was a little richer.

I liked this book because it contained funny stories. For example, Tooter handcuffs herself to the sink in protest over a move to a farm. She also walks around the farm with perfume to block out nasty smells. The end is heartwarming. I would recommend this book to people who like funny stories.

This is a very good book...err...it was when I was five...now I read it again and it's more than a little bland but I definitly recommend it along with the Junie B. Jones books for the littler kids. ;-)

The Library Card is four short stories about kids who never thought they would ever be interested in reading until a "magical and mysterious" library card comes and takes these kids to the library and turns these lazy punks into inquiring minds. This is one of the best books I've ever read. I would recommend this book to anybody!

Have you ever wanted to run away from home? Well, Tooter does - she hates the smell on the farm and will do anything to get away! Tooter won't talk to anybody because she doesn't want to live on Aunt Sally's farm. Aunt Sally likes the silent treatment, but it drives dad crrrraaaaazzzzy! Tooter thinks she's going to croak because there isn't any McDonald's.

What happens to animals in the zoo when there are no people there to observe them? This engrossing book by author Catherine Ipcizade takes us behind the scenes at the zoo the day before people arrive. The text is in humorous and informative verse depicting varying animals' behavior and habits. You meet monkeys, rhinos, llamas, lions, alligators, and elephants, to name a few.

Ben Hodson's illustrations are a delight as he adds extra touches and more fun. Watch each zookeeper's shoulders for their pets and the pets' antics! The creative pages at the end of the book add even more information, questions to answer, and a matching activity. Wouldn't it be fun for a classroom to playact the different jobs people can have at a zoo? Likewise, children at home will enjoy mimicking the animals or just curling up reading the book either by themselves or with mom and dad. A must have for a home or classroom library for ages 3 - 7.

Reviewed by Cayden (age 4) and Max (age 2) Aures and Mom for Reader Views (5/08)

"'Twas the Day Before Zoo Day" is a play on the popular classic "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." In this book we explore how the zookeepers ready the animals in the zoo for Zoo Day. Many of the animals aren't exactly cooperative though as we see the llamas spitting and the elephants rolling in mud and spraying water.

Cayden: "Look at all of the animals on the cover! Can we name them?"
Max: "Animals!"

Cayden: "My favorite animals are the monkeys!"

Max: "Mouse!"
Cayden: "There is a mouse on his shoulder! Why is that mouse up there?"

Cayden: "I thought monkeys hang by their tails and not their feet!"

Cayden: "Rhinos eat grass. See?"
Max: "Grass!"

Cayden: "Why do those things eat bugs? Look that bug is running away so they can't eat it!"

Cayden: "What is a doo-doo?"

Max: "Spray! Spray!"
Cayden: "The elephant sucks the water in his trunk and sprays everyone!"

Cayden: "Why aren't the zebras happy?"

Max: "Bus!"
Cayden: "The bus is bringing the kids to the zoo!"

Cayden: "My favorite part was the game at the end where we matched the animals!"

Parent's comments:

"'Twas the Day Before Zoo Day" is an excellent book that teaches children a lot about the different quirks of the animals in a zoo as well as the job functions of a zookeeper. My children loved looking at the pictures of the animals and even learned some new ones, like the meerkat. Just like "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," this book is written in the format of rhyme.

At the end of the book there is an educational section entitled "For Creative Minds" that contains learning activities based on the material presented throughout the book. My children had a lot of fun with the "Adaptation Matching Activity" and learning about the tasks that the zookeeper performs. "'Twas the Day Before Zoo Day" is a super learning adventure for children and we highly recommend it!

This book sparkles!

A twist on the Night Before Christmas, if offers us a zany view of llamas and zebras and giraffes--oh my!--as animal keepers prepare for zoo day.

The verse is playful and engaging; the illustrations outstanding. It's a keeper--one of those books kids will want to read over and over again.

Catherine Ipcizade's 'Twas the Day Before Zoo Day is a clever adaptation of the classic, `Twas the Night Before Christmas, complete with rhyme. Hang on for a ride, parents. This book is a `giggler,' and you'll have to fight to keep from laughing out loud while you're reading it-and you'll be interrupted by the children's laughter while you're reading it to them. But that's a good thing.

Every person and every animal is getting ready for Zoo Day, but there isn't much that's going the way it should. The animals are not cooperating. Whew! Perhaps when Zoo Day arrives the llamas won't spit, the giraffes won't drool or burp, the elephants won't roll in the dirt and soak everyone with trunks filled with water, and the zebras will finally be satisfied with their stripes. But even then, there are so many more animals in the zoo and other things might happen. Will Zoo Day be successful? You'll just have to read the book to see! I'd watch those pesky monkeys though.

`Twas the Day Before Zoo Day is destined to be a child's favorite with the comical telling of the story and the fun illustrations. The added attraction is the activities and animal fun facts at the back of the book

Armchair Interviews says: Boys and girls will love `Twas the Day Before Zoo Day.

I started drumming about 2 months ago with a basic set, Tommy Igoe's 'Getting Started on the drums' dvd and this book. The book is endless pages of exercises that gradually builds in difficulty. It's great. Each new pattern gets you using all four limbs, and are easy to modify for more practice (open/closed hi hats, crash vs hi hats, etc). It's got sycophated patterns, drum fills, and stuff on establishing a 'groove' with a band/bass player. Not the end-all of drum books, but perfect for beginners.

I really enjoyed using this book as a teaching aide. Obviously, some musical background will allow for faster progress through the book. I have found that someone with no musical background might get off to a slow start, but anyone can improve with more practice. The CD that comes with the book is very helpful.

Without any previous drumming backgroud, I enrolled in a beginers class at college just for fun. We used Rock Drums Basics as one of our textbooks. It soon became my favorite book. It really starts with the basic patterns but gets progressively more complex to the point where you can play along three real songs (included in CD), rock, ballad and shuffle.

With this book you will learn about 19 rock patterns with at least two additional variations of each one plus some fills for each groove. Just make sure you practice on a drum set and not on a practice pad. You will really have fun.

Rock Drums Basics is in fact, one of the easiest ways for you to learn how to count, read notes and play the drums. it's include all the common 2 & 4 snare rhythms, and Also include a chapter about developing a groove with a bass player, which is a very important skill for a rock band. the book can really help you understand the important part of the drummer in a rock band, and even better: anybody can use this great book!

Easy to understand and easy to follow. I am just beginning to study and this book lays everything out in a way that helps me immensely. The use of photos is invaluable for thorough comprehension.

This book is perfect for any individual who wants to learn more about the art of Kung Fu. This author does not center himself on only one style as almost every other kung fu author does. Instead he takes the different styles of kung fu and explains them in a very easy to understand way, revealing their similarities and differences. The training techniques are universal and effective. You really feel like you get a solid and thorough education.
*** the drills and exercises here are a great workout.

I really liked this book. It's not too long and is very detailed and easy to follow. The author dives into Kung Fu training and outlines every part of it. He explains everything so you really feel like you understand it when you're finished. Each chapter of the book covers a different part of Kung Fu and strips it down to the basics. After that he uses key boxes that reveal how experts perform the techniques. This is like the rosetta stone of Kung Fu. It's great for beginners or anyone. I really enjoy how the author looks a Kung Fu. I can't recommend it enough.

This guy just gets how to write and teach martial arts. The book navigates you through the art of kung fu in an easy, yet thorough and enjoyable read. The book is broken down into several chapters, each one discussing different aspects of kung fu. The author's use of "key boxes" in these chapters summarizes the essential mechanics of the art into simple, but still detailed layman's terms. These boxes are a great device to understanding the inner workings of the art and include more than just how to practice properly. Each of the subjects or movements are broken down, revealing kung fu training and application in an easy manner. The pictures in the book are very good; straightforward and not hard to follow like many other martial arts books are. I just got this book and I already believe this is one of the better books on my shelf and in the market. It is not only useful, but very interesting to anyone with even a slight interest of the art.

This is a great book for basic explanations and techniques. It provides a concise, good working knowledge of camera functions, the basics of composition, exposure, low light exposures and flash photography. I have been around cameras and photography for over 35 years, so some of it was redundant to me, but if I were still a beginner, I would think this an excellent guide to start my learning. As someone else mentioned, each point has a photograph to illustrate it, to reinforce the learning. This book would be on my "highly recommended" list for all photography novices!

This is THE best beginner book on photography I've yet seen! Although written in the pre-digital era, the basics have not changed. Accompanied with full-color photos, George Schaub describes in clear and concise prose the basics regarding light & F-stops, aperture & shutter speed, exposure overides, bracketing, depth-of-field, flash photography etc.

HIGHLY recommended for the beginning film or digital photographer!

I would consider this book as right starting point for any beginner who wants to take good photographs. The focus of the book is on making the reader comfortable in the world of photography. Starting from meaning of many technical terms, this book goes into illustrating important techniques of taking good photographs. The hundred around example photographs (taken by George and his wife) in the book cover the different situations that a start-up photographer would face and look for some guidelines. I should congratulate the writer on not going into most difficult techniques of photography as the book is meant for beginners. One thing I expected from this book and did not get was a step-by-step guideline about how a beginner should try to expertise different skills the writer has illustrated.

I consider myself an advanced beginner, and own several books on photography. This, however, is the one I turn to time and again for explanations and techniques. It is concise but more than adequate for a good working knowledge of modern camera functions, composition, exposure, exposure compensation, etc. With help for special circumstances such as existing light, night exposures, pushing film, and flash photography, it is an excellent and beautifully visual guide to beginning photography. Each point has a photograph to illustrate it. Highly recommended. Hope he writes another for more experienced shooters!