Children's Books

This wonderful adventure with a Japanese poet was added to our collection just in time. An article ran about him in National Geographic, and my eldest son would not have had a clue who he was if he had not read this book. I think it is delightful how Mary Pope Osborne uses these texts to expose children to places, ideas and situations that might not otherwise be accessible to them. Definitely pick up this title, and if you haven't already done so, buy the rest as well!

If you are a Mary Pope Osborne fan, this is the place to get her books. Watch the price and jump on it when it is under $10. You can pre-order for even less. This is a wonderful series of books to read together.

I LIKED THIS BOOK BECAUSE It's like I'm in another world.THIS BOOK WAS ABOUT an adventure of Jack and Aaney trying to find the missing dragon.

Magic tree house #37,I LIKED THIS BOOK BECAUSE:THEY GO ON MESHINS.
THIS BOOK WAS ABOUT:TWO KID'S GOING ON MESHINS.
I GIVE THIS BOOK:5 STARS.

I like it the book because it's cool.they went to the tree house they went tothe past.I give it 5 star.

Dragon Sword and Wind Child is one of my favorite novels. What's to like? Saya is a village girl in Toyoashihara (sort of a mystical/magical Japan), a land split by the war between the Gods that created the land: The God of Light and the Goddess of Darkness (and Death). Saya has been raised to love the Light and is shocked when strange people start proclaiming that she is one of the Goddess of Darkness's people, reborn again and again to wage her battle against the children of the Light. This revelation is complicated when Prince Tsukishiro, one half of the children of the Light, comes to Saya's village, trying to woo her to the side of the Light by enlisting her as a handmaiden in his palace.

You've heard this story before, right? Honestly, I normally hate this sort of plot set up and the reluctant heroine type. However, Saya is unique to me because her reactions are understandable and even relatable; you see how she subtlely changes and how she makes her decisions and her mental conflicts. As for the plot? Not all is as it seems. Once Saya comes to the palace, she doesn't particularly fit in the whole court atmosphere and furthermore warrior Princess Teruhi is determined to catch Saya collaborating with the Darkness. Prince Tsukishiro isn't much of a help, as it seems this situation has all been played out before in Saya's previous lives (that she has no memory of), and he's still in love with Saya's last incarnation, who killed herself in the palace pond. And the Palace of Light has many sinister secrets... (The novel continues for much longer, not only through Saya's revelations, her final choice in alliances, but also to the final conclusion to the war that has engulfed the land for as long as it as existed.)

Another interesting part of this book is that it's not your usual elves, fairies, etc. Noriko Ogiwara, influenced by Western writers, used Japanese mythology to create this world. The implications of this are just obvious by the summary of the book above. This isn't Good vs. Evil, Dark v. Light of your normal fantasy epic. The issues the characters have to deal with in this book are immortality, mortality, reincarnation along with loyalty and empathy. Are we cursed to repeat the same mistakes over and over through our lifetimes? Does immortality create an lack of empathy? What is sacrificed during war, what is gained, and is it worth it?

I had worn out checking out the library copy all the time, so I was thrilled this classic finally has gone back into print. The deft translation by Cathy Hirano is still intact, except that mentions to Saya's stone has been changed to "magatama". I somewhat miss the old cover, but some interesting drawings have been added to the chapter title pages. I have heard that there are two more books in the series (about what I don't know, as the book pretty much covers all the bases and closes all plotlines), and I'm hoping the other two will finally be translated for English audiences. And I lied earlier. This is pretty much my favorite book (Tied with Dark Lord of Derkhom by Diana Wynne Jones). And I cry and laugh every time I read it.

SPOILERS
The insertion of Chihaya completely changes the landscape of the book. And amazingly, it doesn't feel random and unwarranted. Like Chihaya's the other main character, he's just been missing. The romance parts of the book are perhaps its weakest point, but understandable, and really do drive the plot.

I first read this book when I was a child. I loved it. I checked it out of my schools library so many times they let me just keep it till the end of the school year. The story line and the people themselves are so hard to put down. The mythology in the book made me look into the shinto myths. I would recommend this book to anyone. I am twenty six now and still love this book!!

Noriko Ogiwara creates riddles which seem unavoidable. And they are. However, like the words of any oracle, they are open to *very* interesting and unexpected interpretations.

Don't debate. Buy this book! Thank yourself later.

I am so happy that the book was brought back in print by Viz. I have been waiting for this book for a really long time. After I saw it on an English book of literature I wanted to have it. But when I learned that it was out of print and that it was on Amazon for more than $3oo dollars I was devastated, and I hoped that some day it would be back in print. I had to settle for the copies that were on my public library. But I really wanted to have my very own copy as well as the sequels of the book. So I remained patient and waited and finally it was brought back. I cannot wait to get my copy and hopefully I will also see the sequels also translated. But in the mean time I will enjoy this book first.

this book is amazing and i loved it! i read it in junior high, too, and i wish it would be back in print. i definitely cannot buy it for $200! this book is amazing with its details and dialogue and interesting adventures that happen! and the innocent mind of chihaya is definitely attractive and also his unknown power over the dragon sword is so alluring. this historical fairytale is the best i've ever read! it keeps you reading and your heart thumping in anxiety over what will occur next.

I love Ed Emberley and the techniques that he uses to teach drawing.

This book is my favorite because it's packed with all kinds of things to draw. Gumball machines, people in action, animals, trucks, planes, you name it.

You really can draw your own little world.

This would be a great gift with some paper and markers for the young budding artist.

I bought this for a friends son who is 7. This is the only Ed Emberely book that he didn't have. He loves them!

A world is right! So many things to draw in this book. Simple and colorful to enlighten young and old imaginations.

Great book for kids who like to draw but have trouble doing it freehand. Nice step-by-step instructions.

I was disappointed that the inside drawings looked just like the cover drawings... duh, I suppose, but I was expecting more. I gave it to the 9-year-old 'patient' anyway, but wasn't excited about doing so.

I love this book as much as my kids do (ages 4 and 2). The illustrations are fun and interesting and the rhymes are clever and fun to read. I can't wait to get her newest book, too!

My six year old grandson laughed and laughed when he first read this book. Actually, he laughed the second, third, fourth, etc. times also! He loves reading it to his four year old sister and he even took it to school and read it to his class. Now everyone is laughing. Falling For Rapunzel is a classic example of "funny!"

A most entertaining rendition of the ever-popular fairy tale. The illustrations are so unique, as is the twist in the melodramatic saga of the damsel in distress. My grandchildren LOVED it - my 8 year-old grandson read it to his 6 year-old brother after I had introduced the story to him. Now THAT'S a recommendation in itself. He also stated that when it was his turn to read a story to his 3rd grade class this was the book he would choose to read.

This is a thoroughly charming spoof of the old Brothers Grimm fairy tale, a new version with a prince who is frustrated by a spaced-out Rapunzel who can't hear him correctly when he asks her to throw down her hair. The rhyming text is fun, and like all of artist Lydia Monks' work, the pictures are packed with clever, funny details. A delightful, truly funny book that will be asked for time and time again. (ReadThatAgain!)

"Once upon a bad hair day, a prince rode up Rapunzel's way..." the opening line reads, and you know you're about to experience something different. This is a delightful twist on the tale of Rapunzel, cleverly written in rhyme. Since she is so high up in the tower, Rapunzel can't hear the prince's requests very well so when he asks her to throw down her hair, she thinks he says UNDERWEAR (what is it about that word that makes kids giggle?) The prince continues with a number of requests, only to be thrown down something else, usually quite silly, which should create a lot of chuckles. This would be a great book to encourage participation. Kids will have fun trying to guess what Rapunzel will throw down next, using their rhyming skills. They are sure to enjoy the surprise ending too.

There are parts of the book that are clearly written in the immature style of a teenager (colloquial speech) and parts that have been edited so much that they seem to come from an entirely different person. The overall book is choppy in terms of style, although the organization is excellent.

I would have preferred that the author articulate more clearly his emotions that accompanied his experiences. I would have hoped that his editor/professional writing mentor would have worked on making the story more compelling. I was a bit sad to get to the end of the book and not feel inspired. I felt like it was an "interesting story," but inspirational--not quite.

The captions below the photos should either not exist or tell additional information that is not contained in the text. I was annoyed to read a summary statement below the photo that I had just read on the previous pages.

It would be a good leisure read for high school students (or anyone for that matter), although as an example of good quality writing, I wouldn't suggest it.

A wonderful book that will give you a firsthand account of the situation surrounding child labor in South East Asia.

The Kielburger story is one of an incredible journey that he took as a twelve year old to explore the problem of child labor. The "journey" has continued since then into his discovery of the problem all over the world, in addition to his solution through his organization. They build schools, spread awareness through lectures (and their website www.freethechildren.com), inspire young leaders through their programs, and so much more. This is a story that needs to be told over and over again to whomever in hopes that the world can work together to "Free the Children" all over the globe. Get this book and pass it on to any one and make sure they pass it on....

Craig and Marc's stories are so amazing. I used to think that I can't make a difference in the world because I am only 14 years old. This book taught me that even the smallest of actions can create a ripple that affects more people than I can ever imagine. The ideas in this book are really quite simple, but when articulated so clearly by Marc and Craig, it just makes so much sense.

Craig Keilburger is an amazing man and is one of the Worlds greatest heroes. I have learned more from this book then any in the whole world. Even Social Studies!

A sweet book (sentimental from my childhood) about how we all should treat others. "Love thy neighbor as thyself". Excellent book for children.

This book teaches a very impotant pinciple from the Bible. It is adorable and told in a way that a child can understand and delight in and any adult can be encouraged, too. It is a MUSY BUY for your child!!
Matthew 25
35For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

If Jesus Came to My House

This is an excellent book for children. I have now purchased 4 copies of this book. One for a baby gift, one for my niece's birthday and two for my grandchildren. What a great way to introduce Jesus as a friend. I think I will now include a copy of this book with all baby shower gifts. It has made a big hit and others have purchased it since being exposed to it.

If Jesus came to my house and knocked upon my door.....
This is a wonderful book I remember verse for verse from my childhood. In simple, heartwarming verses, it describes all the lessons necessary to lead a Christian life. Praying, giving, sharing, trusting, helping others and putting others first, just as you would do if your guest was Jesus himself. A message to remind us to treat others as Jesus would. A perfect model for living for children and adults.
I given numerous copies as baby gifts. Including my own children.

The book is wonderful but in shipping or otherwise the books (3 copies) that we give away as gifts were dirty and looked used (but purchased as new!!
Not happy!!

A sweet book (sentimental from my childhood) about how we all should treat others. "Love thy neighbor as thyself". Excellent book for children.

This book teaches a very impotant pinciple from the Bible. It is adorable and told in a way that a child can understand and delight in and any adult can be encouraged, too. It is a MUSY BUY for your child!!
Matthew 25
35For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

If Jesus Came to My House

This is an excellent book for children. I have now purchased 4 copies of this book. One for a baby gift, one for my niece's birthday and two for my grandchildren. What a great way to introduce Jesus as a friend. I think I will now include a copy of this book with all baby shower gifts. It has made a big hit and others have purchased it since being exposed to it.

If Jesus came to my house and knocked upon my door.....
This is a wonderful book I remember verse for verse from my childhood. In simple, heartwarming verses, it describes all the lessons necessary to lead a Christian life. Praying, giving, sharing, trusting, helping others and putting others first, just as you would do if your guest was Jesus himself. A message to remind us to treat others as Jesus would. A perfect model for living for children and adults.
I given numerous copies as baby gifts. Including my own children.

The book is wonderful but in shipping or otherwise the books (3 copies) that we give away as gifts were dirty and looked used (but purchased as new!!
Not happy!!

In just over a hundred pages, Julia Child wrote down everything she thought absolutely essential to cooking the way she taught her viewers to cook over four decades of television experience. From her very first TV dish, boeuf bourgignonne, to authentic French bread, to roast chicken, soufflés, and quiche, to steaks and cakes and french fries and vegetables and even American-style biscuits, the best of a dozen cookbooks and many TV shows appear here in a simple, readily accessible book that provides the basics of French cooking, American-style.

Mastering The Art of French Cooking is epic, From Julia Child's Kitchen is cozy and pleasantly rambling, Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home is reflective and lots of fun in its tag-teaming approach. All of those, and many others, are essential reads for any serious cook, useful for both the quick-and-dirty weeknight cook and the epic gourmand. But when you need the best, written by the best, and you need it now, this barely-larger-than-a-FAQ book should be right at your fingertips.

Julia's Kitchen Wisdom: Essential Techniques and Recipes from a Lifetime of Cooking

While this book has many basic techniques and basic recipes, it is essentially a condensed version of the more-comprehensive book by Julia Child: The Way to Cook. If you purchase The Way to Cook, this book will disappoint you in comparison. It's a great cookbook on its own, but an unnecessary purchase if you already own The Way to Cook, since every recipe in Kitchen Wisdom is included in The Way to Cook.

When a cook stops regarding his work as
a process of rote food preparation from basic recipes, and
instead views it as a disciplined craft that transcends
way beyond the kitchen confines, then he/she is ready for
this book and others like it.

I have an enormous cookbook collection, but I still buy more... The title of this book says it all - Essential Techniques and Recipes from a Lifetime of Cooking. It's slim but every page has valuable wisdom from Julia Child - you can almost hear her as you read each page. I have already purchased three additional copies of this cookbook as gifts for my two daughters and my mother. It is totally appropriate for the beginning cook as well as the most experienced.

This instantly became my favorite cookbook and I use it so much that it doesn't spend much time on the shelf. This cookbook transcends the "collection of recipes" style of most cookbooks; its style is more "how to improve your cooking skills."

Even so, some of my very favorite recipes are in this book. All the recipes adaptable and are presented in a way to make your own adaptations easier. For example, I love the braised rice recipe and found it easy to adapt the recipe for brown rice by a few minor adjustments. And this rice is good! Really, every recipe that I have tried is good.

In addition to producing wonderful tasting food, these recipes aren't the type that take hours of elaborate preparation. You can use this book to prepare full, decent meals after work in a reasonable amount of time.

This book is suitable for nearly all levels of cooking skills. It assumes some familiarity with basic cooking techniques, so a first-time cook might need a little help.

My son adores this series. The books arrived on time and they can only benefit him.

My daughter is 7 and she reads on a 5th grade level so it is hard to find books that are challenging enough but that she still enjoys.Even though these books are rated for 4-8 yrs they work perfect for her.They are so much better than some of the cheesy books books she brings home from the school library to read that take her 15 minutes to finish.We tried Charlotte's Web because it is a movie she really enjoys and although she was perfectly capable of reading it after the first 5 chapters she had lost interest.Even though she is a good reader I have to keep in mind that she is still only 7.

These are the books she asks for,the ones she reads several times and that is fine with me.They are fantasy however they have bits of historical information throughout and a book that teaches and kids don't even realize they are learning because they enjoy it so much is the best kind in my opinion.My daughter even acts out some of the stories with a little back pack she has.These are the types of books your kids will start doing the did you know questions and believe me nothing feels better than for you child to actually teach YOU something.

Jack and Annie always work together to complete their mission and take notes of historal information along the way.These books are not gender specific so they are great for boys and girls.These are some of the best chapter books and I recommend them to any parent looking for quality books to keep their children interested in reading.5 stars

The seven year old for whom this gift was intended was absolutely thrilled with this boxed set. She is an excellent reader and has already finished previous sets of this Magic Tree House item. She was quite excited when she tore off the wrapping paper.Magic Tree House Boxed Set, Books 9-12: Dolphins at Daybreak / Ghost Town at Sundown / Lions at Lunchtime / Polar Bears Past Bedtime

My son loves these books and they make good book report material and I don't mind the stories either.

I purchased the Magic Tree House books for my eight year old granddaughter. She actually started reading other books by Mary Pope Osborne in first grade. She loves Osborne's books, so we decided to get the Magic Tree House Series and see if she enjoyed them as much as the others she had read in first grade. Well, she loves them and has them by her bedside and reads them every night before going to sleep. I plan on purchasing them for my other 6-1/2 year old granddaughter real soon. Fun, fun stories!

Great Book! I bought it for a math class, but have already used it with my sixth grade son. Must have for anyone with children; great reference material for anyone who even needs to know how to help a child with math at home.

I have 4th grade and 2nd grade kids and It is nice to have a resource to show a different explanation than their textbooks. I like the simple set up. I am sure we will get much more use as the years go on. Wish I had it when I was younger.

My wife really likes this book. Good examples, however, wish there were more practice sheets for the child. It is a good parent reference book and easy to follow.

This math handbook is a terrific compendium for general math for those persons wishing to own a handy reference for general math solutions.

We have many reference books available for our children to utilize during homework time. Many of the books we have currently have been good up until now, but as they have aged, we are ready for the next step of reference. This is the one. I don't normally write reviews but I felt compelled to officially give this book five stars.