Children's Books

Of all the books I received as baby gifts, this book has had the longest lifespan. It was my daughter's favorite book as soon as she was old enough to turn regular pages, and almost a year later, it still is. Unlike shorter board books which become very repetitive, this book still has poems that seem "fresh" to me. Everytime we read it's a different experience, depending how many pages we turn at a time. It can be a short book or a long book, depending on the day. The illustrations are incredibly detailed. Even after what seems like a thousand reads, I'm finding clever twists and recognizing characters from elsewhere in the book. This book is a classic and offers lots of bang for your buck.

The illustrations for the rhymes are all of cats and other animals as stand in for humans and are very cute. As for the rhymes, there are not many of them and some are truncated.

This is a very good book, but it's not quite what I'd imagined. Most of the rhymes were not familiar to me. The illustrations are beautiful, though, and it's fun to read. We enjoy it, but if I had seen it before buying, I probably wouldn't have bought it.

When my kids were small, I went into a "Mother Goose" kick. I bought and checked out from the Library every Mother Goose I could find, we read them all, and THIS was by far our favorite. The selection of poems was varied, with old favorites and new poems I'd never heard from my childhood as well. The illustrations are beautiful and very fun, Rosemary Wells knows just how kids minds work!

Publisher's Weekly called this book "exuberant" and that's exactly the right word for it. Bright primary colors make up this book, and Rosemary Wells' adorable characters populate the rhymes. Unlike some Mother Goose books, this one is meaty -- it boasts 108 pages, with a rhyme on almost every page. That's a lot of nights of Mother Goose at bedtime.

Nursery rhymes help build phonological awareness, an important pre-reading skill. Research has actually shown that children who memorize nursery rhymes go on to become better readers than those who do not.

This book makes a great baby gift, and a terrific birthday or holiday gift for a toddler or preschooler. It's the one I grab first when I recommend nursery rhymes to library visitors.

Easy-to-read text on brightly colored pages alternate with photographs of nursing babies. Its simple yet engaging prose written from a baby's point-of-view keeps a wee one listening as mommy or daddy read along. And best of all, its depictions span a wide range of breastfeeding mothers, their babies, children and in a way that normalizes breastfeeding and reinforces the concept that breast really is best for all.

Our friend's baby's older sibling loves this book and so do we!
Finally a book about breastfeeding for children.
Beautifully illustrated. I am going to to buy 2 more for my friends.

This book will warm the hearts of breastfeeding families everywhere, and perhaps win over some undecided parents-to-be (or some not-so-supportive relatives). The photos are beautiful and natural, and depict breastfeeding in various settings and situations. The text has a great message. Together, the text and photos will have nursing families nodding and smiling at the familiar scenes. The families in the photos are ethnically diverse, and the little nurslings range from very young to toddlerhood or older. There are a couple of tandem nursing scenes. All in all, this is a welcome addition to the limited number of books available that portray breastfeeding as a normal and positive part of life. It's suitable for children of any age (my 7-year-old son enjoyed it), and adults will find it appealing and affirming.

Mothers and fathers of breastfeeding babies and toddlers, rejoice! Near Mama's Heart offers photo after photo of sweet nursing moments, with a gentle, affirming, breastfeeding-friendly narrative.

Children's librarians, rejoice! Finally, here is a book that breastfeeding families will be excited to find on your shelves. In this simple, loving photo-essay, there are no bottles, no pacifiers, no highchairs, no playpens... Just families bonding in the most intimate way possible. This is a must-have for every neighborhood library.

Pediatricians, obstetricians, midwives, dentists and the myriad other healthcare professionals with waiting rooms for mothers and children -- rejoice! Now you can offer a book that breastfeeding families will look forward to reading in your waiting room.

And last but not least, children -- rejoice! This book is especially for you! Whether it reminds you of your own family or teaches you something about other children and their families, every page is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (8/06)

Colleen Newman has presented us with a tasteful look at breast-feeding. This book was written to educate young children but has much to offer older children also. Mother's need this type of support.

"Near Mama's Heart" is a delightful book filled with verse and beautiful photography of children nursing at their mother's breast. Colleen Newman presents breast-feeding in a child friendly manner that educates us on the importance of breast-feeding. "Near Momma's Heart" demonstrates the beauty and importance of the most natural and precious gift a child can ever receive."

Breast-feeding is a natural part of motherhood but at one time became taboo. It was a subject that was not discussed in public. What had been a natural part of life for our grandmothers was suddenly something to be hidden. A mother would go off into a room alone and would never think of breast-feeding in public. Over the last few decades, mothers have been taught that breast-feeding was unhealthy and dirty.

The convenience of bottles and formula made bottle-feeding easier. We live in a world that looks for the fast easy way of doing things. Fast and easy is not always the healthiest way.

Breast-feeding, thankfully is back in vogue. Mother's now realize how important it is to their babies' health and well-being. The bonding that takes place when a child nestles at your breast is indescribable. A child needs the nutrients that are available in the breast milk. "Near Mama's heart, I'm safe and secure. Nursing is peaceful, so loving and pure." Colleen says it best, "Near Mama's heart, right where I want to be. Breastfeeding is best for every body!"

"Near Mama's Heart" has brought back fond memories of my daughter nuzzling at my breast, the wonder feel of her tiny hand resting lovingly on my breast. I was pleased when my daughter chose to breast-feed. The benefits to my grandchildren are obvious.

I wish I'd had a book like this for support when I was a young mother breast-feeding my children. "This book is full of nourishing beauty." I like this book and recommend it to all mothers' planning to breast-feed or considering breast-feeding.

We read this book all the time (in the top 3) to our 15-month-old daughter, even though we do have a conventional family. But I wanted to write this review so other people will know that it is a perfect child's book for a non-conventional family.
There is no gender reference to Small. There is no gender reference to Large. There is not even a reference of Large being a parent. There is no reference to any other family member. This would be fabulous for single parents or for guardians who are not "mom" or "dad".

We've had this book for a few years...my children (no 7 and 6) enjoyed this book during their preschool years. The illustrations are wonderful but most of all, the story sends a message of unconditional love. This booked really helped to solidify the message that no matter how much my children were misbehaving, I always loved them and no matter where I was, I always loved them. I highly recommend this book (as I do almost all the Debi Gliori books I've read!).

This is truly the sweetest good-night book I know -- without being the least bit nauseating. The drawings show the little fox being settled down for the night (dinner, bath, brush teeth, bed) and being reassured that no matter how awful he thinks he is or how terrible he feels, his mom will always love him, no matter what. (The drawings are clever and cute -- I like the "Fango" brand toothpaste for the little fox!)

It also has a great long-distance-family angle at the end. "Look up at the stars. They're far, far away, but their love reaches us at the end of each day. It's like that with love. We may be near. We may be far. But our love still surrounds us, wherever we are." It was years before I could read that without tearing up.

My kids love it, and so do I. I think I have literally read this book in my sleep, but I never tire of it.

I have an 18-year old daughter who left for college this year. I also teach first grade. As I was reading this story to my class yesterday,I thought of how my daughter is represented by the character named "Small" and I represent the character, "Large". It is a beautiful story of unconditional love. Not only appropriate for small children, but a reminder for families with children of all ages.

My son enjoys this book almost as much as I do! It just reinforces how much I love him, one last time before bed. Before leaving him with Grandma while I went on a short trip away from him (he was 3), I knelt down to hug him. He asked me if I would cry and I said no, but that I love him so much. He said "I love you Mommy, NO MATTER WHAT!" THEN I cried! He was referring to the end of the book when it says "Even if you're far away, does your love go with you or does it stay?" He always calls out "It stays, It stays!" This is a truly wonderful book with illustrations of a silly fox called "Small" and his mom named "Large," that will keep your child's attention and touch both of your hearts.

I loved this book as a kid and I still love it now!! It was great to read it again and share in this girl's view of the world and the things that scare her and how she overcomes them!!

This was my all time favorite book as a kid. I still will recall parts of it in relation to my life now (im 39) . My daughter is finally eight and I cant wait for her to read it. Love this book, I could not have made it through childhood without Judy Blume and this book.,

My fourth grade teacher read this book to my class over a course of several Friday afternoons. It was the second Judy Blume book she read to us, the first being, "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing". I was introduced to Sheila Tubman in "Tales", and then we got a chance to really get to know her.

Sheila sounds a lot like me at ten, trying to figure out where I fit in and trying to appear "perfect". Unlike Sheila however, I loved dogs, loved to swim, and I had to kill spiders for my sister, who was deathly afraid of them. I thought Blume dealt with Sheila's story with a lot of love and humor and sensitivity. By the end of the story, Sheila soon learns that when she really puts her mind to facing her fears, they're not as bad as it seems. This is an important lesson for us all and the younger you can get it, the better off you'll be.

Since the fourth grade, which was over twenty years ago, I have read many of Judy Blume's books and have enjoyed all of them immensely. I'd recommend this book for boys and girls alike. If anything, it'll make you grab your side and laugh. :)

I read this story named "Otherwise known as Sheila, the Great," by Judy Blume. In my opinion this story is really great because there is a whole family which is the parents and two girls, shiela and Libby. The main character is Sheila. She is 9 years old and she thinks that she deserves everything because she is the smallest one in her family. And her parents dont belive that. There si ehr sister which is Libby she is 13 years old and she thinks that she is the best dancer vere. The whole problem in this story is evry similar in real life because many brothers and sisters do not get along at all and they are always fighting about something.
There is another main character in this story her name is Marry but many peopel call her Mouse. It turns out that Sheila and Mouse get along very well and they bacame very best frineds. Sheila and Moiuse do everything to together. One day Mouse scared so bad sheila that she couldn't sleep at night. Mouse scarred her by saying that there was a headless horseman in Tarrytown is where they live. By mouse telling Sheila she ot so scared that she got to go to sleep to the parents bedroon because. And whenever she hear a sound she thought that it was the hedless horseman. Mouse had told sheila many things that would freak her out and she makes alto of dome things. So if you want to find out what does Mouse tells Sheila and what kind of things she does you should get this book and read.

One of the things Judy Blume does in her writing is that she makes characters kids can easily and fully relate to, and this brilliant feature of her writing isn't missing in this funny novel that is a must read for all young readers.

This book explains what it means to be Christian, to accept the atonement of Jesus Christ, and to model oneself after him.
This is a very powerful book and opens our understanding of what it means to love, to forgive, to be forgiven, to become less selfish, and to bring peace, through story and parables.
It's true - and it is nearly impossible to put down!
A good book to read and to share with friends who do not know Christ.
This book explains why we believe in a way that is easy to grasp.

This is a profound book that has had a profound impact on my life. The treatment of the doctrines surrounding the Atonement of the Savior are made deeply personal for any reader and the bridge between "knowing" and "doing" is effectively constructed. All of this makes The Peacegiver a tremendously important work for anyone serious about discipleship.

Ferrell does an outstanding job on many levels in this book, yet all angles are about the Atonement of Christ and how to apply it in our lives. First of all, he engages in some very insightful and inspiring scriptural interpretation and gleans life-changing principles (truths about the Atonement) from some unexpected sources -- stories that are often overlooked. Second, he presents them in a framework that is personable to just about anyone and helps the reader to empathize with the characters and their predicament. And third, Ferrell challenges the reader to experience learning of the principles for himself or herself and thus to internalize these principles and become a better person through Christ. I could not recommend too many books more than this one.

The Peacegiver: How Christ Offers to Heal Hearts and Homes
This book was really great and is now one of my favorite books. It really made a difference in the way I saw my spouse, my children, my coworkers, and even the people that drive me nuts. It contains some of the most profound insight on the atonement of Christ that I have ever heard. The story used to convey the material is engaging and really helped me to remember the points he was making. Another book I would recommend that contains very similar points but from a non-religious viewpoint is Leadership and Self Deception: Getting Out of the Box. Both are very good for helping you to see people in ways that makes it easier to love and work with them.

This book is great at showing how gospel principals can be applied to your life. It teaches gospel principles by way of a parable of a middle age couple and their struggles. The book can help you change your outlook on your loved ones. An easy read that is easy to go back to for more.

When my son was in preschool, this was hands down one of his favorite books, along with Vol. 1. The stories are simply written yet remain true to the spirit of the Word. We highly recommend these books!

PERFECT FOR TODDLERS! This book offers short bible stories in language that is perfect for preschoolers!

Our family loves the Read-Aloud Bible Stories volumes, I just wish the other volumes were as readily-available! This volume includes several stories from the old testament including David and Goliath, Joshua and the walls of Jericho, Baby Moses (my daughter's favorite), and a few others which I can't remember off the top of my head. Excellent volume and I am actually using this also for our toddler class of sunday school at church. The illustrations are great and do really capture a child's attention, the stories are simple but not dumbed-down. You will not be disappointed with this book!

Our children are all grown now, but these books were their favorite Bible story books. The stories are told in simple words with plenty of repetition. The last page of each story reviews "What did you learn?" for reinforcement. We give volume 2, our favorite, as a baby gift and are always thanked profusely.

I have had this book and others in the series and have read them a hundred times to my daughter. This is a very good introduction to Bible stories and keeps the child's attention. The reading is easy and will probably help the child learn to read as she gets a bit older. The repetition "step, step, step" gets old, but does reinforce the words.

I liked this book well enough. I think Sunny was truly unfair to her mom. I would have stuck right by my moms side. I can see why Dawn got mad at Sunny. She is incredibly selfish and VERY boy-crazy. I liked the other California Diaries a lot better. Thats why i gave it 4 stars. P.S. Maggie is my favorite character.

I think this book was poorly written. It made Sunny seem selfish and stupid. She was incredibly rude to Dawn. Also, she was treating Dawn's house like her private hotel. Also, she acted terrrible to her mom. She could have been there for her mom, knowing she had cancer. Another thing is, Sunny had so many boyfriends in this 1 book and she only cared about what they looked like. Not there personality. All in all, this book was pretty good.

Read betwee the lines

Dr. merwin has stopped talking about good signs and her mother iws never getting better.

Sunny is a selfish, boy-crazed lunatic who doesn't realise that DAWN and MRS. WINSLOW and MR. WINSLOW NEED Sunny to HELP them. SURE she DOES have her OWN PROBLEMS, that's fine, but DON"t MESS EVERYBODY else UP, Sunny, and expect everyone to FORGIVE and FORGET the way Carol, Mrs. Bruen, and Dawn's dad did about the stew pot that YOU LEFT UNATTENDED while CAROL and an unborn BABY were in the house. SUNNY IS SELFISH, STUBBORN and CONCEITED. she doesn't realise that in this time of heartbreak and upset (her mother's illness) she is NOT the only person SUFFERING. Everyone NEEDS to PULL together and SUNNY IS NOT HELPING THIS by running away with loner 17-year olds and nearly burning people's houses down!
DAWN IS THE GREATEST FRIEND< a person always there to help. I can see why she doesn't understand SUnny - sunny is so oneminded and stubborn. Dawn is just TRYING to HELP sunny and bring her back to sanity, but SUNNY PUSHES EVERYONE AWAY aND is that DAwn's fault, i think not!

Sunny #6 was a good book; it was the book in which the fight between Dawn and Sunny REALLY begins; it showed both sides of Dawn and Sunny's personalities; good and bad.
Sunny is a troubled teen dealing with the fact that she may lose her mother to cancer; she has a lot of anger, pain, and sadness to deal with. She, unfortunately, solves her problems by, as Dawn pointed out, running away; and this isn't the greatest thing to do; although one aspect of it is good; you learn from your mistakes and work on solving your problems in a different way; so truly; Sunny is experimenting with how to deal with her pain and grief. This is what Dawn, Sunny's long-time best friend; doesn't see. She sees Sunny as being stubborn, selfish, a changed person; and a person who doesn't visit her mother at all.

I would just like to point out here that Ann M Martin; the author, has done a fantastic job of making us feel sympathetic towards Sunny in this book; so much, that by the next book, Dawn #7, we feel resentful towards Dawn. Great work, Ms Martin!

Anyway, back to the Dawn and Sunny Saga : Dawn is also experiencing grief, she has a close friend and 'second mother'in Mrs Winslow (Sunny's mother), and is just as saddened by Mrs. Winslow's illness as Sunny is. Dawn is also experiencing confusion as her stepmother, Carol, is carrying her father's baby. One interesting thing is this; Dawn visits Mrs. Winslow more often than Sunny does, but Sunny gets on a LOT better than Dawn with Carol. It's almost as if they had switched mothers; and this adds to the tension and rivalry between the two girls.

I think that there are a lot of aspects to this fight; really, i don't side with either Dawn or Sunny; i just try to understand their problems and what they're feeling; the way Ducky does with Sunny.

However, i do believe that Dawn could be more understanding; she could see that Sunny doesn't know how to act because of the situation she's in; Dawn could try to understand Sunny better and empathize, not criticise. Dawn doesn't seem to realise that when people are faced with a tough problem/situation, they don't always know how they'll act; after all, when it boils down to it, this is SUNNY's mother and SUNNY has the bigger problem; her mother is dying. And Dawn may feel equally saddened by this but; she has Carol and her mother in Stoneybrook. So Dawn doesn't TRULY know how Sunny feels...she just THINKS she does.

Sunny, in turn; could also be less stubborn; she definitely let her guard down when she went out to flirt with that guy, putting Carol and her unborn baby in danger, by leaving the stew pot unattended; Sunny was definitely pretty selfish when she did this; but one thing has come of it, Sunny realises her mistakes and apologises. But i do feel Dawn's confusion that Sunny, Mrs. Bruen, Dad and Carol are all sitting around having a friendly chat just hours after Sunny made that tremendous mistake; while Sunny seems to be 'off the hook'. I can also understand Dawn's annoyance that when Sunny makes a mistake, everyone blames it on the turmoil caused by her mother's illness; again, Sunny off the hook...

I do think that Sunny needs to see what a great friend she has in Ducky; after all, he always listens and understands and doesn't judge her by her actions. He's a terrific friend, but Sunny needs to be a good friend back to him. In the book, an example of this was when Ducky was majorly upset about his depressed friend Alex, and Sunny listened for about half a second, cut Ducky off, and started chatting about her upcoming date with another guy. She asks Ducky's fashion advice in the middle of Ducky explaining a serious problem! The ONE time Ducky needs desperate help, and asks Sunny for it, she won't listen. I have to admit that when you don't help a great buddy like Ducky, that's pretty low...

However, Dawn comes across as a patron saint, as Sunny describes; Dawn blocks Sunny's view of Mrs. Winslow and starts spouting 'lies' (as Sunny thinks), "You're looking so GREAT today, Mrs. Winslow, what can i do for you, Mrs. Winslow? Today's such a pretty day, you're looking better than ever, Mrs. Winslow! Come on, Sunny, let's get your mom some food, call the nurse, give her flowers..." I can definitely see how this could REALLY get on Sunny's nerves.

So as you can see there are two very different sides to this fight...keep reading all of the California Diaries to see how it goes! And, oh; by the way, Sunny Diary Two #6, 'Waiting. Watching. Crash." is a great book, definitely worth buying, and an important milestone in the Dawn and Sunny Fight: you can't miss it!

The Water Hole is an amazing book. The illustrations are pieces of art and the message is one of great importance. If you love wildlife and animals, this is a book for you. My daughters love looking for the hidden animals in each picture. I bought it as a Christmas gift for my daughters, but I think I purchased it more for myself.

Another beautiful and entertaining book by Graeme Base! I enjoyed every page and bought more to share with my favorite young readers.

enjoyed by children learning to count and by kids that love to find the hidden animals. What I like is how my 3 and 7 year olds both love it and I can make story time long or short depending on if I just read it or if we search out all the animals. also has a great message.

Don't get me wrong, this is a really great book. This book was just not what I expected. Illustrations were great and words in this book were minimal - very appropriate for preschool kids. I had intended this for my school-age kids and it was too simplistic for them. Also, this book make it sound like the earth will restore itself on its own (raining solving drought problem) when in fact, the earth needs our help to restore it by not wrecking havoc Mother Nature.

I give this book to children all the time and the joy is given ten fold back

As an elementary school counselor I used this book to help students cope with grief and loss.

I wish there was a way to promote her books more. I bought one of Jamie's earlier books for a little boy a couple years ago. Recently, I was very surprised when his Mother said that it was the only book he enjoyed reading and wanted "Where Do Balloons Go?" for a birthday presnt. This little boy doesn't read very much but spends a lot of time in front of the television or computer, so it was very uplifting to know he realized there is more to life than visuals.

Our grandson has this book & loves it so much that we purchased another as a gift for our nephew.

my daughter absolutely loves this book. the age range says 4 and up but my daughter is two and loves it and is addicted to it. she wants me to read it to her before her nap and bedtime. i would say not to leave it down where a child under 4 could rip the pages. this books verbage and artwork is so clever. my daughter and i both get a kick out of it. there are reusable stickers included in the back of the book and you can use them on the pretty inside covers in the front or back (slick surface- either cloud or space background). she always sees them when we are done reading and can't wait until she can one day play with them. she loves stickers but tends to rip them and ruin them at this age- so i'm waiting to let her play with these! i would recommend this book to anyone, and i know i will buying this as gifts!

I think every young child whose ever accidentally released a balloon into the wild blue yonder has wondered what happens to them...and this book gives kids some whimsical ideas about the secret life of balloons that should ease their minds about what happens...I suppose this is a better way for kids to think about it than just popping somewhere up there and plummeting to the ground. The words are written in silly rhymes and the illustrations are lush and whimsical...just plain silly and loads of fun for young readers. Younger kids (2-4) will like having the opportunity to explore each page and older kids (5-8) will enjoy reading all the additional text loaded onto each page (balloons writing post cards, signs for various things, ect...) that should help keep their interest when the simple rhyme is, well, too simple for them to enjoy. Each page feels rather like an explosion of art and whimsy...it is that chaotic splendor that kids can't help but love!! Where to Balloons Go? doesn't provide any scientific explanation...but it's not meant to, it's just plain fun!! Kids and adults alike will have fun reading this and diving right into the incredible illustrations...if you've got a kid 4-8, this is a must read!!

Wonderful! Age appropiate. My horse loving pre-teen is really enjoying them. She started with the #1 series. We are ordering 5 series at a time.

Bought this for my 15 year old daughter. She loved it and actually read it. Which is always nice to have a teenager read!

Amy has decided to take in a horse named Spartan, which is the horse that they went to save in the big storm. Spartan was in the same car wreck that Amy and her mom were in. Spartan is still scarred from the wreck. When he comes to Heartland he remembers Amy, and he doesn't like her because he remembers her from the wreck. Amy has to start working with Spartan, but it is dangerous because he keeps trying to hurt her because he is scared. At first Amy didn't want to work with Spartan, but then after a couple of weeks she decides that she will work with him. She goes into his stall and he starts kicking and raring up at her, but Amy doesn't get hurt. Amy's sister and grandpa just happened to see it all happen. They don't think that Spartan is a safe horse and they want to put him to sleep. Amy doesn't want that though, because she knows that Spartan will get better. Amy's Grandpa and Amy's sister decide to go to the movies and invite Amy to come. Instead Amy acts like she is sick and stays home so she can join up with Spartan, which means she is going to try to get him to trust her again. When they leave to the movies Amy goes to Spartans stall and takes him out to the round pin. She starts lunging him. Then she takes the lunge line off and Spartan doesn't do anything and he doesn't try to hurt Amy. When her grandpa and sister got home she showed them that Spartan wouldn't hurt her. That changed their mind about putting him to sleep. Amy started working with Spartan more and started taking him to some shows. At one show Amy finds Spartans old owner, Larry Boswell. Larry see's how good Spartan is doing and decides that he would like to buy Spartan for his grandaughter Hannah to show. And he did, and Hannah ended up showing Spartan after he was healed at Heartland by Amy.

Attention all Heartland Lovers! I have made a website dedicated to everything about Heartland. It is filled with info on all the books and the author. You also may review a book and log into the chat room. There is also a weekly poll that changes every week. I also have a little section for Chestnut Hill. The URL is http://www.freewebs.com/horse_lvr13/ . Come check it out.

This book is a very good but I think it could of had a better ending because it would be so sad to see someone read this amazing bookand end not finshing it because it is so sad and such a bad ending. Most people like a ending where the person who really wants something it better when they get it.So if you ever read this book you should finsh it to the end because there is no story better than a sad story because it exspress you r true emotions