Children's Series Books Books

A great book for the child who loves cats.

author of "Hobo Finds A Home"

When Alex loses her kitten it seems like another terrible thing that happens to her after the disease she already has. Fortunately the Adam Hope family comes down with a plan not only to find the little cat but also to collect money to send her to have treatment in London. This is a very cute cuddling story that will make you cry.

Kitten in the Cold
By: Ben M Baglio

This heartwarming story is about Alex Hastings who is sick in Europe. For a Christmas gift Alex and her family are going to America for the operation. Three days before Christmas, Amber, the cat, is missing. Can they find her, or will she freeze?

I like this book because it has excitement. It takes you and draws you in. It's sad when Amber is missing. I like Mandy in this book because she will do anything to save an animal in need.

I think the main idea in this book is that friendship never ends. Alex doesn't want to leave Amber in Europe. See if Alex will solve her problem! Ben Baglio makes you think about your cat or pet and makes you wonder if your pet would run away in the freezing cold.

Mandy and James meet a very ill little girl named Alex who has a beautiful kitten named Amber. Alex has to go to America for a very serious operation, but won't go until she finds Amber, her kitten, because she is too worried about her. Will Mandy and James be able to find Amber to make Alex feel better about getting her operation?

This is an absolutely fabolous book! One of the best books I have ever read! Here is what it is about: Mandy Hope and James Hunter work at The Animal Ark Veterinary Clinic in Welford, England. It is Christmas time. When an ill Alex Hastings {she has a severe heart problem} has to fly to the United States to get an operation, her beloved cat, Amber, mysteriously vanishes. Can Mandy and James find the lost kitty before Christmas Eve, or is she lost forever? Find out in this funny, tense, heartwarming story that deserves 4 paws up!

Abby Lewis has never been comfortable with her weight. But when her father dies and she moves in with her comfort-food cooking grandmother, the problem begins to take hold of her life. In LESS IS MORE, the third installment in Wendy Lawton's Real TV series, a grieving Abby must start all over without her father and adjust to life in the big city. Grieving the loss of her father, friends and everything she once knew, Abby begins to eat away her feelings --- quite literally. As she continues to pack on the pounds, her self esteem begins to plummet. She is excited to receive an invitation to the local youth group but is soon given a cruel nickname by her fellow students, causing further pain.

Luckily, Abby begins to develop a friendship with kind football star Parker and nutrition-crazy Isabella, who help her to reexamine her choices. She decides that she must start to shed some pounds, but with each thought of her father, the binging continues --- and it sure doesn't help that her grandmother is constantly feeding her with some of the most fattening foods on the market.

However, everything begins to change one day when Abby is mysteriously summoned out of class and gets the surprise of her life. Unbeknownst to Abby, new best friend Isabella and gym teacher Coach Matthews submitted an application for her to appear on the hit reality series "Less is More." On the show, contestants undergo a holistic approach to weight loss. Each is assigned to a personal trainer and a nutritionist, and the causes of the weight problems are examined and addressed. "Less is More" has long been Abby's favorite program, and she can't turn down the full scholarship offered to her if she reaches her goal weight. With Coach Matthews as her trainer and Isabella as her nutritionist, can Abby finally drop the pounds that have so long troubled her and reverse the negativity she's constantly surrounded by?

LESS IS MORE gives a fresh and relatable perspective to an issue that many teens struggle with. Not only will readers enjoy the exciting, though at times heartbreaking, plot of the book, they also will take something away from it. The novel aims to teach both those who struggle with weight issues and those who have never even considered their nutritional choices. It offers solid advice on maintaining a healthy diet, without dieting, and keeping fit through regular exercise, which is valuable to any reader. Lawton is careful to encourage a healthy body image, no matter what someone's weight might be. At the same time, the book addresses the unseen consequences of so-called harmless teasing.

The focus on a reality TV show is merely the backdrop for a much larger and more poignant story. Readers undoubtedly will be inspired by Abby's journey and begin to more carefully evaluate their own decisions.

--- Reviewed by Jennifer Crosby

Sixteen-year-old Abby Matthews battles grief after her father's sudden death. Then, when she and her mother move from Suwanee, Georgia to San Francisco, her emotional cocooning and unhealthy eating packs on more weight than she expected. This makes the first days at her new school and in her new youth group miserable. Through her new friendships, she's chosen for the weight loss show, "Less Is More." If only we all had such good friends! This entire book series is based on the current reality TV shows, like Trading Spaces and Discovery Health's National Body Challenge. It's difficult to pick a favorite as Lawton's Changing Faces (Book 1,) and Flip Flop (Book 2,) are also written with a keen insight into relationships, personal struggles and how God doesn't desert us in our troubles, large or small. I've enjoyed all the books so far.

Wonderful book! Real life. Real issues. And reality TV! Wendy Lawton provides a delightful read for girls -- and the moms who love them. Highly recommended!

Wendy Lawton knows how to reach teens, illustrating through relationships among family and friends, the power of words, the power of understanding, and the power of grace. Some things are more important than fame and the perfect figure.

Wendy Lawton gives us a real heroine in Abby. She and her Mom move across country to live with Grandma Cece after Abby's Dad dies. Abby, like most of us, eats to deal with the pain of all the loss and change. She puts on some weight. A student leader of her new youth group gives her an unflattering nick name, but she bears it with grace. She makes new friends. They help her grow spiritually, even the one who's not yet a Christian. This is a great story of the power of words, the power of Grace, and the power of friendship. Great read.

This wonderful book about healing and discovery should not be missed. It's incredibly well crafted. The story is fascinating, painful and uplifting.

Mary Mason, a critically acclaimed author and professor of English Literature bravely examines her own life to give an honest and revealing look at how our culture treats disabilities in particular women with disabilities.

I was completely engaged by this compelling story of this little girl growing up in the thirties with polio who overcame this incredible obstacle in addition to other tragedies to achieve success.

This book is an inspiration not only for women with disabilities but for all women. It examines the struggles we all face with tough odds to beat.

I highly reccommend it. It will touch you deeply.

This memoir is an inspiring insight into the personal life of a successful professor of English literature at a woman's college in Boston.

We gradually discover that her cheerful outward appearance at times masks a deep and profound private pain. The revelations in this book make it a spellbinding read.

Mason's account of her extraordinarily rich and productive life--traveler, educator, writer as well as wife and mother--makes us question our conventional response to what constitutes a "disability." Despite her inability to walk without crutches, Mason covered more ground than many able-bodied contemporaries. The book is a revelation and inspiration.

The author tells a compelling story of life growing up female and disabled. We read a straightforward account of a child growing up in an era when women were supposed to marry and have children first and if necessary work to help support the family. As a disabled woman, there were no expectations that one could attract a man, physically give birth, raise children, or work in any meaningful way. Mary Mason did all of those things but nowhere in this book does she claim to be a superwoman. She moves through her life making choices, and as a scholar, reviewing them over time and finding her way to a truer sense of self. Her feminist beliefs are unimpeachable. Her move toward an understanding of her place in the turbulent world of the disability movement is honest: feminism came first and more easily in both a personal and political way. The movement toward a place in the world as a disabled person required more thought and analysis because there were fewer contemporaries with whom she could share her stories as a young woman. This book is a welcome addition to the genre of memoirs, but it in no way is a familiar story. It is news, and important news about the experience of living at the intersection of the feminist and disability movements at a time when both political bodies are in flux. You will not be bored by rhetoric though you will be challenged by Mason's manner of analyzing her family life, her work life, and her intellectual life, while staying true to her desire to tell her own personal story.

Life Prints: A Memoir Of Healing And Discovery is the story of Mary Grimley, who at the age of 6 years became America's first "poster child", dining with President Roosevelt at the Warm Springs rehabilitation center and posing in her wheelchair for publicity shots. Mary went on to became a remarkable scholar in the 1950s and 60s, refusing to focus on her disability and making herself a part of the revolution of ideas. Mason has spent her life struggling against the common cultural prejudice against disabled people, including the sexism of mentors, friends, family, and even herself. It was only after many years of physical therapy and social isolation, that she could emerge from the social and psychological handicaps imposed upon her because of her physical disability to embrace feminism, discover her life's work, and come to terms with herself. Life Prints is a candid, revealing, informative, and exceptionally well written autobiography that is highly recommended for women's studies and disability issues reading lists.

Entertaining as well as chanllenging. Something I'll keep going back to for fun.

I bought this book for my 11 year old nephew and he was so absorbed in it he almost finished all the puzzles in 2 days. He's a pretty smart kid and loves to challenge himself, so it was the perfect gift. He said some were tougher than others, but he got help from the whole family and it turned out to be a fun family event.

You will not be disappointed by this book. Conrad knows how to entertain and intrigue you without confusing you. You get a total of 80 mysteries for you to solve. Each one more interesting than the previous one. You deal with murderers, thieves, kidnappers, as well as rebel forces. Match your wits against them and see if you can beat them at their own game. Go ahead and buy it, you'll be glad you did.

80 Whodunits, most 2-3 pages in length. 350 pages in total. GREAT book for the car, train, or when you just need to pass a few minutes. These mini-mysteries are challenging and clever. In the event that you try your best and still can't figure out 'whodunit', the solutions are in the back of the book. I have read this book cover to cover several times in the two years that I have had it, and I STILL find it enjoyable, despite remembering the endings to most of them.

The only drawback to this book (and I would imagine this is a trend that runs through the entire "Little Giant Book of..." series) is that the spine of the book is glued and cracks after a while, causing some pages to become loose and the book gets hard to hold onto, depending on where the spine crease develops. Despite that, this is a worthwhile purchase. I intend to purchase myself a new copy and send mine in a care package to a friend in the Armed Forces who is currently stationed in Iraq. Due to it's size and price, this would make an excellent care package item.

This is a great book. I am a math teacher always looking for resources to motivate Junior High and High School students. The students couldn't get enough of these mysteries. I wish there were about a dozen more of them. Fantastic work.

Looking for a smart, funny, verbal frenzy to delight school-age audiences? This one is a MUST DO! Reading it with carte blanche playfulness a la "Southrin' Stah-yle" you will have as much FUN reading this one aloud as any of your listeners. Don't forget to glance up now and then to see all the twinkling eyes. I read this two years ago and maybe stunned the 1st graders into silence with the roaring of the bear but the 3rd grade today quickly piped in the chorus of "...EAT...YOU... UP!!" (heavy emphasis on the "puh!") Dare I say more fun than sharing the stories of Brer' Rabbit? Same vein, but updated/smarter/slicker with Kesey's savvy vocabulary. (4.9 AR level - or, "fourth grade, ninth month" for independent readers). Anyone who loves language, acting, humorous moral tales will LOVE this one.

I loved reading this book to kids in the library. It has tons of great adjectives. It's full of fun and keeps kids guessing as to 'what will happen next?' I want to own this book!

"Tricker the Squirrel" is a wonderful story for young and old alike. I was lucky enough to read the book years ago and came across a videotaped performance of Kesey's rendition that is equally wonderful. When the holidays come around and I get to spend time with my young nephews and niece, it is one of my favorite stories to read. It gives me a chance to open up with fun inerpretations of the characters. The kids love it and they love to take their turns too being "Big Double", "Little Tricker" and the various others that get eaten by Big Double.

The illustrations are drop-dead gorgeous but the story really steals the show. My husband and I are always quoting from this one--"and then I'm gonna DRINK SOME BUTTERMILK!" I love the dialect and the wonderful similies ("like an elevator up a greasy groove"). Can't wait to have kids so I can read it to them.

This is a wonderful children's story in itself. I had it read to me (suprisingly) my Senior year in high school and I have fallen in love with it ever since. What is amazing about the this book is it takes very adult themes and puts them in terms children can understand without exposing the true horrors of man. And even more amazing is the paralells to Kesey's more famous novel "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." For example is Tricker the Squirrel not earily similar to McMurphy? And isn't Big Double the Bear a little too much like Nurse Ratched? But that is why this is such a beautiful book. A great book to read aloud to children and an even better one to read to yourself as an adult.

The prices in this book are out of date - it was published in 2001 and in 2005 the prices across the board were about 30% higher. Budget conscious Las Vegas visitors will want to keep that in mind.

Otherwise it was a terrific resource for "freebies" and kid-friendly attractions.

I have enjoyed Las Vegas as a single tourist in the past, but when I decided to bring my family to Las Vegas, I knew that I needed to do some planning. I never knew just how family-friendly Las Vegas really was! The Lobster Kids' Guide to Exploring Las Vegas was a critical resource that made better use of our time. This book provided me with creativity and adventure. I was able to plan out our vacation and make last minute decisions with the direction from this author, who's descriptions were "right on". And, there was a large variety of activities to choose from. My family absolutely loved our vacation and I loved the ease of it all (descriptions, tips, directions, price info, etc.). Thanks to the help from this book, I know that the memories of our vacation will last a lifetime!

This book is great if you plan on visting Vegas with the kids in mind. It gives a good description of the attractions, addresses, phone numbers, height restrictions, and prices. We've started checking off the things we've done in the table of contents. The only downfall is it doesn't really give a review of great buffets...only some suggestions of kid friendly eateries.

Now that I live in LAs Vegas, the rest of the family, and heir families are coming out. The Lobster Guide is a great tool to help them plan all the litlle trips fand activities for the kids.

I bought two copies and ship one to the folks prior to their coming to visit. They decide what they want to do and see and it saves me hours of hassle.

The book has information on attractions and shows I never knew about.

If you have kids, or have guests who have kids. GET THIS BOOK!

This book saved me a bundle of time and expenses when family came out to visit here in Las Vegas.

I was a big hero to my nephews and nieces because I knew all the best places to take them to see free shows and other exciting things. My sisters and brothers loved me because once the kids had their adventures, they were free to do the adult vegas experience.

Whether you live here (and have family and their children coming to visit) or whether you are bringing your family, this book has a complete list that will keep the little ones happy. From pirate battles to clown museums. Rollercoasters to wild life parks.

BUY this BOOK

Jerry Sykes makes an auspicious, character-drive debut with LOSE THIS SKIN, introducing us to Frank Roscoe, a detective with a lot of things in his past, and a lot on his mind. Just as strong as Sykes' characters are his London locales (particularly Camdentown), which shimmer grittily at the turn of every page. Highly recommended.

According to the book jacket, Jerry Sykes is a two-time winner of the British Crime Writers' Association's Short Story Dagger award. The only other author to have achieved this feat is Ian Rankin. And while this debut novel may not quite be up there with Rankin, Sykes more than hits the ground running and shows that he has lost none of his storytelling skills in the move from the mile to the marathon.

Detective Frank Roscoe is not dealing well with the aftermath of a drive-by shooting that left him with a shattered foot. So when an old friend asks him to look into the death of her son he reluctantly agrees. The boy had been killed under the wheels of a police car and the official line is that it was an accident but his mother thinks differently.

Meanwhile another mother is questioning her role in the death of her son from a drugs overdose as she tries to keep her other son on the straight and narrow. She had been a recreational user as her son was growing up and she is convinced that this contributed to his death somehow.

The two strands eventually intertwine in a finale that is as heartbreaking as it is unexpected.

Readers of a certain age may also take great delight in the many references to The Clash in the book. The story is set in their old stomping ground in North London and reminders of their ongoing influence are littered throughout.

A great crime novel, if you like British author Ian Rankin you'll love this...

Two women who have lost sons in tragic circumstances are at the center of this impressive debut mystery. And the book is as much about their ongoing stories as it is about Detective Frank Roscoe, the nominal main character, as he helps out one of the women, an old family friend, when much to her sorrow and disbelief the death of her son under the wheels of a police cruiser responding to a domestic incident is dubbed a tragic accident.

While the pace and the pull of the plot are strong, it is the veracity of the characters, with all their shortcomings and their small human surprises, that makes this book so good. Roscoe, on medical leave following a drive-by shooting by a gunman still out there in the night, is a particular delight, full of his own foibles and flaws, especially in his burgeoning relationship with a new female colleague.

Like all the best mystery writers, Sykes understands that if you make it real, the readers will come.

In Camdentown, England Detective Inspector Frank Roscoe still seeks the drive by gunman who shattered his left heel seven months ago. Several days a week, Roscoe returns to the Echo Barn bar, the scene of the crime hoping to find a witness, but so far nothing. Physically he is nearly back to what he was, but mentally the wounds remain festering.

Family friend Rhiannon Burns pleads with Roscoe to investigate the death of her ten years old son Karl in a domestic violence incident in which a police car hit the child. She thinks the cops were trying to hit someone else, but a push sent her son into the path of the vehicle. Roscoe assumes this is a grieving mother looking for a purpose to her child's tragic death, but to mollify her he agrees to investigate the incident. He quickly reassesses his first opinion of a tragic accident as it begins to appear the driver, a cop, purposely targeted someone in the crowd. Motivated for the first time since his incident, Frank digs deeper into what happened.

LOSE THIS SKIN is a fascinating private investigative tale starring a cop on medical leave haunted by a personal incident that he cannot let go of until the grieving mother hooks him into making inquiries into her son's wrongful death accident. Readers will initially agree with Frank and the police department that Karl's death was a tragedy and his mom cannot let go, but will begin to change their minds (like Frank does) as the injured detective begins to uncover disparities. Tragic accident or murder of the wrong person, fans will want to know as Jerry Sykes writes a wonderful mystery.

I would recommend this book wholeheartedly. One word of advice though if you have decided to read the book after seeing the series on the Hallmark Channel,like I did, it might take a little bit to figure out where you are until you get a little further into it. Just keep reading you will come to a point in the book that will make the reading seem to match up where the series left off. I would suggest having book 8 and the Prairie Legacy series on hand because once you start reading you will not want to put the books down. If you are wondering if you should start with book 1 rather than starting with book 7 I would suggest that only because they are a great read and they grab your attention making you feel like you are actually there living each situation with the characters.

In Book 7 of the "Love Comes Softly" series, Belinda is spreading her wings and trying new things. She finds that Home is a great place to be.

I loved this book. It was such a fun and sweet story.

Belinda is featured in this seventh book of the series. Her brother, Dr. Luke has trained her well and she is working full time as his nurse. Her job takes a twist when a wealthy, elderly socialite suffers a stroke on the train and must be taken off and cared for in their small town. After the critical period, Belinda then becomes a private duty nurse in their small town.

Meanwhile, she has seen her 2 best friends and nieces Melissa and Amy Jo marry and move out west. Nursing has consumed so much of her time that she has hardly realized that life is passing and she does becomes aware of TWO possible suitors at the same, exact time - Jackson has returned as a Doctor and joins Luke's practice. Rand is an up and coming builder who has plans for a home for Belinda and himself. An offer to accompany the rich old woman to her home in Boston removes Belinda from the predicament of 2 suitors and no real love on her part.

Not only does she accompany, but she stays on at the Boston mansion of her employer. Never has she seen or even dreamed of such finery but she does learn to adjust. "Aunt Virgie" thinks of Belinda more as a daughter than a nurse which causes no small stir among the other household help. Matters are complicated even more when the old woman's grandson Peter comes to America for a visit. Will a friendship or romance develop between the two young people? Aunt Virginia hopes so, to keep her beloved Peter nearby.

Belinda travels abroad with her employer, and even though she is experiencing once in a lifetime events, she is empty and dissatisfied inside. Has she traded her peace of mind in a tiny prairie town for a life of luxury and discontentment?

I am excited to begin book eight in this series, Love Finds a Home.

The continuing saga of Clark and Marty finds Belinda, their youngest child, traveling to faraway Boston as a private nurse. Her new life is much different from the one in the West, but Belinda adapts and enjoys her new life. Janette Oke has written this series so well that you feel that you are there and a part of the Davis family. This book is as rewarding as the six before it. Happy Reading!

In this 5th istalment of the "Love Comes Softly" series Janette Oke continues to take her characters to new levels. Each having their own strengths, weeknesses, and trials. As always a great read and hard to put down. I just want to read from start to finish and start the next book.

Marty and Clark are home from Missy's, and the re-adjustment takes time. Luke has finally left home, studying to become a doctor. Arnie and Anne have married. Nandry is withdrawn and refuses to be a part of the family anymore and Marty is unable to find out why. Clare and Kate are super-anxiously awaiting the birth of their first baby. Are they prepared if things go wrong? Will their faith survive? The LaHayes have decided to visit Willie and Missy in the West, and much to everyone's surprise, they love it! In their absence, we again meet Lane, the humble, trustworthy, handsome young cowboy who works at the Hanging W. Missy and Willy now have three children and Clae and her preacher husband are in the east.

This particular book focuses on Ellie, her strong points and her dreams. She has adequately assumed the role of homemaker and caregiver in spite of the fact she is probably the prettiest, most eligible young woman in the area. Her heart is pure, her motives are right and she is a real blessing to her parents. Will this continue? Or change when she is faced with a life-altering decision? This book makes the reader hurt with Ellie, dream with her, and finally, well, you need to read the book.

There is one major bombshell in this book, but that would spoil it for future readers. Way to go Janette Oke, and keep the books coming in, they are a wonderful escape to a simpler, quieter time. This book ends with the Davis family in awe of passing on UNENDING LEGACIES....not just material, but spiritual as well.

This book was focused on the other children of Marty and Clark.
Very little was mentioned of Missie and Willie, and I didn't know if I would be interested in it. I was!!! I love Ellie and Lane. There were heartbreaking moments, also. Overall, must read again.

I love this series but this is one of my favorite books only because it is so full of fun and surprises. I think that love that Ellie finds is sweet and true. I also love the biggest suprise of all.

This fifth book of Janette Oke's "Love Comes Softly" series continues the story of main characters Clark and Marty Davis. In her dealings with the issues surrounding the family's acceptance of Clark's new handicap and the occurance of other difficult events, Janette Oke gently teaches lessons of faith readers can apply to their own life. Whether describing the emotions of a mother sending her grown children off to fulfill their dreams, or tackling the agonizing question of why God would permit tragedy in the lives of those who serve him, Janette Oke's writing draws the reader into the story and plays those emotions directly upon the strings of the reader's heart. Unlike many lukewarm prarie-era stories, this book does not shy away from unpleasant subjects. Instead it tackles them head on, forcing the reader to grow in his/her own assurance as s/he identifies with the characters in the book, and with their tragedies and triumphs. A must read for anyone who has ever asked the question, "Why, God?"

I purchased the Magic Tree House audio set because my four-year-old daughter is always asking me to tell her stories. Sometimes, I just can't get my imagination going, so I thought this would fill in my blank moments. And, in fact, it has done a wonderful job of it. We play them in the car while driving around. They really captivate my daughter. The subject matter is very interesting to children: dinosaurs, mummies, castles, pirates. The stories increased her interest in these areas.

The CDs have also given me new ideas for stories--using the characters from Magic Tree House--and in other ways stimulated creative interaction between us. They have increased her vocabulary as well.

It is also a great way to motivate her to get in the car when we had to leave: "Come on, let's go hear a story!", I say.

I also love the fact that they are not the Disney-fied, commercialized versions of stories. I intend to purchase all of Osbourne's Magic Tree House CD sets.

My one comment toward improvement would be to put each story on its own CD. This set has four stories on 3 CDs, which is not quite as convenient when wanting to locate/isolate a particular story.

When I was eight I read these books. I am now 12 and in 6th grade and i say these books are great.I recomend these for kids instresed in science or the world.I am currenly reading Stephen Hawking's " A breif History of time" which is a great and understandable book for anyone. These books inspied me to be a Theoretical Quantum physicist. it got me into the fasinating subject of time travel and Unifeild Feild theory.The boottm line is these books are filles with adventure and fun.

Night of the Ninjas is easy to read with short chapters and pictures. This book can hold the interest of children from 8 on up. The characters are fun and children can relate to them. The characters are a brother and sister, so this book will be of interest to either boys or girls. I have found that the Magic Tree House Books make children want to learn more about history.

Since I like scary stories, I really, really liked this one. The best part was when they heard a ghost playing the piano. The ghost's name is Lonesome Luke.

My name is Grant. I am in third grade. Last week I read DOLPHINS AT DAYBREAK because it looked like a really exciting book. DOLPHINS is my favorite Magic Treehouse book so far. I have already read VIKING SHIPS AT SUNRISE and CIVIL WAR ON SUNDAY. I would give all of the Magic Treehouse books I have read 5 stars, but I like DOLPHINS best because I love dolphins and the submarine adventure was really exciting!!!

Here's a bit of what happened: Annie was curious about the mini-submarine and talked Jack into exploring it. Inside the sub Annie pushed the wrong button and it started to go down to the bottom of the sea. They saw an Octopus, which started to grab the submarine...they also saw a hammerhead shark...

That's all I will tell you or it will spoil the story for you.