Children's Series Books Books

This is the book, in this format, my mother read to me 50-plus years ago, and it is still as good. I recently purchased four copies. One each for two adult friends who are very ill. Both responded with uplifted spirits. One each for two young women who will be welcoming new "Young" ones soon.
Please note "Disbobedience" was set to music in the '60s by, I believe, the Chad Mitchell Trio, and James James Morrison Morrison Weatherby George Dupree is still warning his mother "not to go down to the end of town unless you go down with me ..."
"Vespers", at the very end, not only brings back memories of your own and your children's innocent childhoods, but also contains a very important message, "Oh, I quite forgot/God bless me."
And God bless you and those with whom you share this book.

One day, I found one of these poems running around in my head 40 years after I first began reading them to my boys when they were very young. As my older son took possession of that copy some time back, I had to order a new one for my 67-year old self just to get the lines absolutely right. It was worth it. My only regret is that I have no grandchildren to drum them into. Charming, literate and comforting.

This is one very good book and can be enjoyed by people from 2 to 92. I've read it to senior citizens as well as my grandchildren. The subjects are universal. The rhyme and rhythm are delightful.

My copy of this book is 51 years old and has my grandmother's autograph. Talk about a lasting gift! I love books as gifts, and this is my all-time favorite.

I had to read this for a little while before I got to a poem I really liked. The first 10 or so poems just seemed incomplete to me. "Independence" caught my eye first. In very few words it pretty much tells us adults that our kids are going to do what they want, despite all the things we say. It's followed by the wonderful poem "Nursery Chairs" where a child pretends the chairs in his house are different things. Then after "Nursery Chairs" is another strong poem, "Market Square" where we learn that there are things all around us in nature that we don't need to get from the market.

"Disobedience" is another interesting poem. It's kind of a role-reversal story about a kid whose mother disobeys his orders to stay away from the end of town, and she gets lost as the result of her disobedience.

"Spring Morning" emphasizes the beauty of nature to us, saying, "It's awful fun to be born at all." Next is "The Island" which has a wonderful closing message that screams, "God made it all - FOR US!" to me.

And there are so many other joyous poems in this quick read too. There's "Jonathan Jo," "Rice Pudding," "The Wrong House," "The Dormouse and the Doctor" (which has some terrific rhythm), a very touching "Little Bo-Peep and Little Boy Blue," "The Invaders," "If I Were King," etc., etc.

But perhaps my favorite poem in the collection is "Halfway Down" which is about nothing more than sitting on stairs. Man, if someone can take such a simple act and make it so astoundingly wondrous, then that person truly must be one of the greatest writers ever.

The plot of the story takes place in Holland during World War II, it shows the challenges Dutch people faced while coexisting with the Germans. One thing I disliked happened during the winter period when the oldest members of the family made the little kids go from door to door begging for food while they sat at home waiting for them. One thing I liked was when the Verhagen family took the youngest kids into the house and supplied them with food, shoes, and warmth. I also liked that they had joined into the resistance of the Nazis and took in the Jewish army men.
The setting truly showed how hard it was to live during World War II, in occupied Holland. The author showed me this by having the Dutch have a curfew. If they were caught they would be chased down until they were captured. One of the Dutch was so desperate he rode on the wings of the windmill to stay safe. The windmill also played an important roll in the story because that is where they would live and even hide people in them.
The conflict of the story is that the Verhagen family doesn't have any good crop growing soil so they can not produce any food. This conflict is man vs. man and man vs. nature. The resolution is that the Verhagen family destroys the dike and water floods the whole farming community. This in turn waters the soil so it can produce crops. Since they did this the family is rewarded with many presents like food or other household items. One thing I enjoyed about this conflict was that it was realistic and showed that anything could happen. I disliked that it was something someone would have done.

I loved The winged Watchman when I was growing up and am pleased to see that it has been reissued for a whole new generation of readers. In my opinion, it should be required reading for all kids-- it depicts a family living under Nazi occupation and facing it with courage. The Vorhagen Family lives in the Netherlands, and as the occupation and the war proceeds, the family becomes more drawn into the resistance movement.

They shelter several refugees from the Nazis-- Trixie, a baby whose mother has been sent to a conentration camp, Charles, an airman who is hiding from the Nazi troops, Koba and Betsy, who take refuge with the Verhagens because they have nothing to eat in their own home, and Hildebrand, a student who wishes to study rather than fight. With frequent visits from Uncle Cor, who is active in the resistance, the family draws together, determined not to succumb to the brutality they see all around them.

This book serves as an excellent example to children of a family's bravery and of the importance of doing the right thing. It's a terrific book and is one that will touch your children's hearts as it is teaching them a valuable lesson.

The Winged Watchman is a fictional story about a Dutch family, the Verhagens, who live in a mill in the middle of WWII. They include Mother, Father, Joris, and Dirk Jan. Throughout the process of the book there are many additions to the Verhagen family. They include Trixie (a little Jewish girl who's parents were taken away at the beginning of the war), Freya (an abused dog rescued by Joris), Charles (an English aviator), Uncle Cor (a member of the Underground Resistance Movement), Koba and Betsy (two young girls who came to stay with them because of lack of food at their own house), and Hildebrand (a young man who was interested in studying rather than working in the resistance). The Verhagen family eventually becomes very involved in the resistance movement. It is sad when Uncle Cor dies, but the book actually has a very happy theme to it. This book mixes adventure, history, and suspense, and it's okay for children. They do mention shooting and concentration camps, but they aren't graphically described. They don't happen at the same time. They are mentioned as something that happened somewhere else. This book is a perfect example of the spirit of teamwork.

This book was about how a boy, who lived in holland during WW2 survived. He took part in helping the resistance by housing a pilot and acting as a distraction. He also helped to keep Holland from flooding when the electric pumps went out. I would recommend this book to others because it was veary enteraining.

I first heard of Hilda Van Stockum when I bought a used book by her, "Pegeen" for a mere quarter a few years ago -- oh my! What a find!!! Couldn't put the book down, started researching all of Mrs. Van Stockum's books, and read them as fast as I could find them. Bought several from amazon and ebay, and they are WONDERFUL. They're written for children, but utterly held the interest of this 51 year old reader. What a shame these books aren't still widely circulated and read by today's kids. If you read the reviews posted here, you'll get an idea of The Winged Watchman's story -- a riveting account, clearly truth-based, and perfectly told. All of the Van Stockum books have made me cry with their impact, yet they are told in an utterly natural way, no grandstanding. These are the kind of characters that stay with you, in the best sense, like Francie from "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" or the Moffats, or Scarlett O'Hara. They are unforgettable. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND The Winged Watchman and all of Hilda Van Stockum's books. And you should Google her! A fascinating and accomplished person, her life will impress and inspire you. Sorry to ramble on! Thanks.

I have no earthly idea why all three books in this series are rated as five stars. After being deceived by that I bought and read this book. It was OK, a bit amateurish, and rather derivative, with very few moments of originality. Granted, I am an adult, but there is much better juvenile sci-fi/ fantasy out there, like Cofler's Artemis Fowl series or Pratchett's Tiffany Aching series.

i really enjoyed this book. it was very magical and exciting! i could just imagine myself going through the same troubles that gerald/jarret went through. such as battling the scralers to save skitter. i also wanted to get answers to the questions that gerald/jarret was asking. the strange animals were described so well, i could picture it inside my head. the ending was so unpredictable, it made the whole book turn around!i definetly want to read the next book!

One of the most unique and refreshing stories I have read in quite some time. If Wizard Chase, Wizard Girl, and Wizard's End received even a miniscule fraction of the publicity enjoyed by books from the major publishing houses, it would be an instant best-seller, and we would already have heard about who is being cast for the movie version.
If you truly love innovative, exciting stories, you'll read these books.

The book was a very very cool and awesome book, I'm 15 right now and I loved this book. This book could be read by someone of all ages. I loved the book in gereral but the only thing I didn't like was the ending. The ending was sad and there should be a way for him to go back. He should be able to go back and see his friends. I think that it would be very very cool if you made a sequel to this book in which he goes back and somehow gets away from the animals and things in his way, the gryphons. I was very mad at the ending, and hope that you will find someway to get Gerrald back to Kimyra.

A rich jewel of a series: original, imaginative, and wonderfully crafted.

If, like me, your tastes in reading lean more towards sci-fi than fantasy, don't be deterred by the title of this terrific series, which begins when a young Idaho boy stumbles upon a hidden cave. Chasing his errant cat, he soon finds that the cave is a gateway to another world, Kimyra, where talking(!) cats are joined by such strange creatures as ribeks, wallacatoons, trolls, and gryphons in a battle between good and evil `wizards.'

For the Kimyrans, everything is explainable as `magic,' but thirteen year old Gerrald, a.k.a., `Jarrett' in Kimyran, is a bit of a skeptic, less amenable to accepting explanations involving the supernatural when nature is known to have more tricks up its sleeve than an army of wizards could conjure up in a lifetime of trying. But to get back to Earth, Gerrald will need all the `magic' he can muster to steal two jewel eyes that were stolen from a stone dragon by the evil wizard Mantigore.

Together, Wizard Chase, Wizard Girl, and Wizard's End make up one heck of a good tale.

This book is a must read story for any horse lover. I was lucky enough to meet Blackjack in person and he is a beautiful horse. Reading this book will take you on a wonderful horse adventure! Thank you Ellen Feld for writing such an amazing book.

This book is a must have for all who love horses! It is entertaining, heartwarming, and inspiring. No teenage girl should be without it!!

AWSOME!! I can't wait to read the other ones!!!

Its the best horse book I have ever read. Any horse lover or owner like me will fall in love with the horses and the characters. I laughed and even came near to tears in this heart filled story. I highly recommend it.

I love Ellen Feld's Morgan Horse books. I love them because they don't ask the reader to believe that teenaged girls can solve crimes, stop the destruction of rural America, or take a half-starved rescue horse on Monday and win the KY Derby on him the following weekend. OK; I'm exaggerating. It usually takes them at least 6 months before they win the Derby.
Ms. Feld's books are realistic in their portrayal of the human and equine characters, and accurate in their descriptions of tack, veterinary care, etc.
As a once-upon-a-time horse-crazy teenager grown into a horse-crazy middle aged person, and both a bookseller and tack store owner in years past, I appreciate the fact that Ms. Feld's books aren't filled with inaccuracy and improbable fantasy. It has always seemed to me that many YA stories that are, presuppose that the readers are not very knowledgeable about horses.
Five stars and a bag of carrots to Ellen Feld's books.

Although my baby is only 8 weeks old we already have lots of baby books that have been given to us. But I liked that your books have the purpose of "bonding" with baby. The fact that some proceeds go to charity made it doubly enticing to me. Lastly the price is reasonable.

I am a certified English teacher and know the importantce of reading to young children. I read about your book in Parents magazine and thought it would make a perfect gift. I have read to all three of my own children and they absolutely love to read now...Thanks for this great opportunity.

I am an avid reader and I want to teach my child the importance of reading from the beginning. So I am happy to see these perfect little board books help me spend time bonding with her, as well as to open up the world of books and reading to her at a early age.

I am an avid reader and I want to teach my child the importance of reading from the beginning. I am happy to see these perfect little board books help me spend time bonding with her, as well as to open up the world of books and reading to her at a early age.

I'm interested in early development (i.e. even for my newborn). I've had many other mothers recommend CDs and videos such as Baby Einstein, but liked the higher interaction that reading books provides. Also, I'm a first time mother, so I'm really walking into new territory. Bonding with Baby books offer the kind of guidance I'm looking for.

If there was going to be a Charmed movie, this is the story they should use.

I guess I'm just a huge fan no matter what, because I love ALL the Charmed books, and own them all! Each one has a great and unique story, I'm addicted to collecting AND reading them!

I watch the show every day, sometimes twice a day, every episode, haven't missed one yet, and don't plan on it, ever. I would love to get all the books on the series, especially shadow of the sphinx. That sounds so good. I give the series books 5 stars, cause its the best show on tv except for wwe raw and smackdown.

This book circles around the 3 new strangers who are close to each of the sisters, and each time they meet, something strange happens. Piper's emotions are unruly, Paige seems to be exhausted for nothing and Phoebe has short-term memory loss, and all 3 of their powers are getting weaker and weaker. Just like that. And the more times the sisters meet these "strangers", their sudden-weaknesses seem to be worsening (both magical and non-magical). At last, they discover that there is something sinister going on, and they have to pit against these strangers to defeat them AND get their powers back, as all the Ks (strangers) want in revenge, to what happened to their ancestors nearly 3000 years ago. Dark Vengeance indeed.

Find out what happens to this awesome story penned by Diana G. Gallagher. Definitely worth your money and your time to read it. Happy reading!!

this is my favourite charmed book!!! this is mainly because it gives each of the sisters an equal part bringing them all together at the end to kick but. although there are parts in this book that mirror the crimson spell this book has more levels plus a good twist at the end plus the charmed ones get a few good one liner jokes in. although the bad guys are pretty see through the ending is pretty solid.

overall this is a great book even if your not a mjor charmed fan and if you are it's better

In case you are unfamiliar with the Elfquest series, I highly suggest reading some of the past graphic novels in print starting with Fire and Flight and The Forbidden Grove before tackling the Hidden Years.

Wendy and Richard Pini, despite being well known in the fantasy circle, are still relatively unknown comic book artists. Which is a SHAME because their timeless Elfquest stories are extremely well-written. Often, Elfquest fans (such as myself) are very loyal and devoted fans that have been reading their stories for years (in my case 15 years).

In the Hidden Years, we get to see the years in between with Cutter and the Wolfriders after Rayak whisked the Palace of the High Ones into the near future along with his family: Leetah, Ember, Suntop. There are also stories that take place during different time periods like when Bearclaw was still chief and Cutter a mere boy. The stories are heartbreaking and center around the importance of family and finding a place to belong. Cutter somewhat adopts Tyleet, in place of Ember, and she becomes the "daughter of the whole tribe." The best story, as most have already indicated, is Tyleet's rescue of an abandoned human baby (sadly, due to his scar) and raising him. The second best story is the tragedy of Skywise's parents.

As always, the artwork done by Wendy is breathtaking. No other artist can draw Elfquest like she can. Richard is a master storyteller leaving the reader always wanting MORE. By far, this was my favorite graphic novel out of all the stories. Flawless artwork, and inspiring story telling.

Wendy Pini has certainly outdone herself! Her artwork has always been versatile, changing to fit the mood of the story. In this graphic novel, she used vivid watercolors to tell the tale. It's amazing! The stories are also superb, in the honored tradition of Elfquest. My favorite story is the one about Tyleet and her adopted human cub, Little Patch. Wendy Pini is definetly my favorite artist! :)

A collection of short stories, _Hidden Years_ fills in some missing spots in the storyline, mostly from the time period before the 'Shards'and Kings of the Broken Wheel timeline. It was really nice to see that a story could indeed be covered in the equivalent of one issue of a comic book. My favorites are the story depicted on the cover and the origin story for Skywise. No spoilers here, just go out and get it.

Wendy is arguably the best comic book artist of our time, and this little gem has got to be her greatest work ever. This is the very first book by the Pinis that I bought. (Which may I recommend that you don't get this first. You will be very confused, even though the stories are great in themselves.) This one book started the Elf-mania in my family. Now, I buy all of them, even the off-the-wall side stories that are more humorous than anything (see "New Blood" and "Worldpool"). It's really great artwork and rich color are the best. And Strongbow is a heartthrob.;)

In a slightly smaller format than the original paperback volumes, the Elfquest tales that occurred between the great espiodes of the elfin adventures on The World of Two Moons are all presented in full, glaring colors that really blinds your eyes which are more accustomed to the gentler tones of the colorized comic-book collections. Here you meet Strongbow and his wolffriend, Kyavek and her winged boyfriend, Ember and her coming-of-age discoveries, Tyleet and her foster kid, and Skywise and his ill-fated parents. Personally, I feel that the gentle little Tyleet had inherited her mother's child-hunger, so she had a chance to fulfill her aching maternal instincts with an abandoned infant from a nearby human camp. Pretty sappy, in my opinion. But all the Elfquest fans get to unlock even more mysteries about their most favorite elfin characters as well as color-saturated new stories to boot!

I honestly think this is the best book yet! This spellbinding book had me on the edge of my seat the whole time! I really appreciate Patricia's hard work and effort in writing this series. Keep up the good work!

"Forgotten" has got to be the best so far in the entire Jennie McGrady series. I first started reading these when I was 11 I am now 19 and although this may be a little old to be reading them I think they are a great series especially considering the disgusting rubbish that is around these days for teenagers. The books are a good clean exciting christian read. "Forgotten" had that extra element of excitement and interest for me the idea of making Jennie lose her memory was a really good idea and kept u on the edge of your seat. It also gave me an insight into what it must be like to lose your memory especially when she was trying to remember her family. I really hope that Patricia continues this series. An excellent read!!!!

I really loved this book! The more you read into it, the less you can put it down! It takes twists and turns in the plot that you would never expect, and holds your attention the whole time. I read it in less than 24 hours! I loved the way that the mystery started out as something sort of small, and then built right up to the climax. It's a MUST READ!!!

I have been reading the Jennie McGrady series since I was 12. Along with the Helen Bradley also. I find both series very interesting. Patricia Rushford writes beautifully. I only wish I had her talent. Not too long ago I got to meet her personally. She visited me and my family to come talk to my school about being an author. Along with writing books. She is a wonderful bubbly person who has an excentric personality and energy to do anything. I found that she is a lot like her characters. The first book I ever read was #3. It was addicting. I had to start from the beginning. So I did I have now read every one except for her latest McGrady book. I know that I will also enjoy this one as well. So please read her facinating books. All of the series!

This book is one of the best books in the series. It is a frightning but also entertaining book. A great read. I recomend that no one under about 8 or 7 years old should read this. I am 9 years old, and it was a tiny bit scary in some parts like when.. oh I probably shouldn't tell you if you're going to read it, and those of you who aren't, well you'll have to find out for yourselves! Enjoy!!

Castles and courts suck.


Skeeve is left with a lot more than he really wants to have to deal with, let alone just the whole court magician gig. The king bails out due to impending nuptials, and this then leaves someone's mother mad at him, not to mention a fairy godfather, of the somewhat mafioso flavor, as opposed to the Glinda flavour.

This Myth book is the fourth in the series. Like the others, this book is chock-full of marry mischiefmaking as Skeeve, the young magic apprentice, and his master Aahz, the powerless demon, continue to experience eeary adventures.

In this volume, Aahz is spirited back to his dimension just as Skeeve is being commanded to replace the king so the king can go on vacation. Now, why would a king want a vacation, asks Skeeve about one moment too late? Because of some deals that will likely cause him to be killed. Skeeve manages to extricate himself from this mess by creative use of his talents and his friends including Hugh Badaxe, Big Julie, Tanda, and Chumly.

Just as Aahz returns and the story ends, the second story line develops. In this one, Skeeve gets tangled up with the mob and the whole gang has to figure out how to get them away from Postillum, Klah, and the Bazaar at Deva.

Needless the say, there are plot twists aplenty as well as much of the quirky humor that is written in so well by the author. For instance, at one point, there is a wrestling match provided by midget wrestlers with four arms from the dimension Tue (sounds like too). So, of course, the puns commence: The team is known as the "terrible Tues" etc.

The book is great fun and will not take long to read. Pay close attention to the quotes that grace the beginning of each chapter. They are a hoot and a holler in their own right.

This is the fourth book in Asprin's Myth series and it's just as good if not better. Aahz is transported back to his home dimension, Perv, and Skeeve is left to handle his job as court magician on his own. He soon ends up with a homicidal queen, Hemlock, and the Mob's fairy godfather, Bruce, after him.

Hit or Myth is just as entertaining as the previous books in this series. Even though Aahz was out of the story for most of the book, the storyline continued to work. It allowed the reader and Aahz to realize how far Skeeve has come in his apprenticeship. It was nice to see Skeeve develop throughout the book from an apprentice to a magician in his own rite.

This was the first book by Robert Asprin I ever bought, it was the first I had ever seen and most of my friends have spent the last few years being regailed with how brilliant this guy is. The pottential this book showed made me spend ever since looking for anything written by this guy in the hope that he maintained the passion of this book. For the most part I have not been dissapointed, and I am still convinced I was one of the first Brittish people to hear of this guy.. I have one important thing left to say.... BUY THIS BOOK....

This was my first Robert Asprin book, and it will not be my last. With a quirky cast of characters including a murderous princess, a kidnapped mentor, a silly pet dragon, a war unicorn, an absent king, and the mafia, not to mention the apprentice this story revolves around, this is truly an enjoyable read.

It goes quickly enough to be a great vacation book, but don't wait to pick it up! Run out to your nearest bookstore, grab a copy and start enjoying, and laughing. You'll be glad that you did!

And for those that won't trust me and want a preview of the plot, Skeeve, an apprentice magician, is tricked into assuming the kings likeness and place on the throne, by King Rodrick himself! The king then runs away. Why? Because he's about to be married to an infinitely rich princess! Right about then the mob shows up and things really get bad from there, but if you want to know what happens next, buy the book!

This is a helpful informative book, especially helpful for new teachers.
However, I would also recommend it for experienced teachers for some new ideas.

This book is simple and clear in focus and structure. It has great strategies and suggestions for implementation in classrooms of various grade levels. This is a great resource if you are looking to improve your classroom community and overall communication skills of your students.

Wonderful, applicable strategies to build community in every classroom! In every school building! Great resource full of ideas.

I am a 6th grade teacher moving to 2nd grade this year. This book was a HUGE help in preparing me to organize my morning meeting. It is an easy read and has lots of helpful tips. I can't wait to start school this year and start my morning meetings!
If you are an elementary teacher, buy this book! You won't regret it!The Morning Meeting Book (Strategies for Teachers, 1)

This resource is an excellent buy. After cutting morning meeting out of my classroom routines, I realized that it's not what I should have done. I wish that I had this book in the beginning of the year to help me with the morning meeting. There are so many wonderful ideas and activities in this book. If you get this book, I would also highly recommend Morning Meeting, Afternoon Wrap-up by Donna Whyte. That is also an excellent resource. The two together will give you what you need for your morning meeting.