Festivals Books

What a great message. I gave this as a gift for my husband and son on one of their birthdays. My husband loves reading it to our son. We actually are buying a second copy since the first has a very taped spine from the many times it's been read and brought on car trips. Our little guy likes reading it to his baby brother and of course takes it on every sleepover at Grandma's and Grandpa's house. We love this book.

My toddler loves this book. It is always one of her first choices when we're reading. She heads right to the tickling page and tickles the baby bear. The book is very sweet and simple and I always make sure we read it when daddy is away on business. The only bad thing I would say is that it would be better as a board book, she has torn out a couple of pages but we love it so much that I'm going to buy it again and keep it on a higher shelf!

I think this book is really beautiful. It's simple, but the story and illustrations are so sweet. I bought it for my new for my grand daughter. My daughter in law read it to her, and she just loved looking at the pictures. The price was very good for a hard cover book.

This is a GREAT book. I bought this for my kids as a fathers day present to their dad on fathers day this past year. My daughter is 2 and my son is one and they both LOVE this book. Almost everyday they ask one of us to read it to them. They love the book so much in fact, I'm jealous now, and am thinking of getting the I love my Mommy version. You wont regret buying this book. Its wonderful

Then, check out this captivating look at the bond between father and son told in the simplistic dialog of a little bear. With poignant pictures by author/illustrator Sebastien Braun (perfect last name), little "readers" can relate to the love that is shared by the family duo.

This is a perfect "primer" for both the child and the dad that needs to know his role.

I got this book because someone who reviewed my book HALLELUJAH, A CAT COMES BACK, said they liked it so much. I couldn't agree more. I almost like it as much as my own book. My grandchildren had to side with me of course, but they loved Jasper too. Not preachy, just perfect. A. B. Curtiss, author of HALLELUJAH, A CAT COMES BACK.

I agree with everyone here.. I now look at my cats twinkling eyes & know they are sending me eyes kisses.. This is up there with my favorite dog book Timbuktu : A Novel (Paperback)
-- a book from the dog's perspective

This is a good book for a young reader that loves cats. The story is entertaining and not violent but has a good storyline that holds the attention. It is not long so would be good reading for age group 8-12 and a good story for parents to read to young ones.

Jasper was a good book, but it was sort of sad. Me being a tad sensitive, I, er, bawled my eyes out(i like using that expression). I would have givin it 4 stars if it wasn't so sad. I still think it should have a sequel, but Michelle Groce, please don't make it so sad. It was a quick read, being 174 pages, but filled with emotions: sadness, fear, happiness, and surprise. I would recommend this book to people who are not sensitive, and have never cried reading any book.

P.S. I liked the warriors(READ THEM!!! They're about cats by erin hunter) better, but this was a good book to read while i waited for the new book to come out.

I have read all of the 10 reviews above and agree with every one of them! So, I just want to add my 5 stars to a beautiful, inciteful book which would be a wonderful gift to all animal lovers from 10 to 100 and beyond.

Recently, I went to pick up my 3.5 year old daughter at preschool. As I helped her pack up her lunch, she pulled me to the carpet and begged me to read her this book. I was intrigued by the triangular shape and as I began reading, 5 of her schoolmates sat down on top of or next to me to listen. They remained silent through the entire book (despite the melee of parents and kids bustling around us). I loved both the illustrations and the message. A week later, as I was kissing my daughter goodnight, she suddenly asked, "Mommy? Could you get me that book? The triangle one about the pine tree? I'd like to have it in my room to read." So here I am ordering it--and spreading the word about what a special book it is.

I read the book The Lonesome Pine by Jane West. This book is about a pine tree that wants to become a christmas tree but instead grows to be something greater. I enjoyed this book because the pictures were beautiful and the author brought the story to life..
The illustrations by Monique Luijan Bakerink were outstanding. She used light fluffy colors when the part of the book was happy. However, when a part of the book was intense, the illustrater would use dark and bold colors. The lush colors swirled through my head as I read the interesting text from this book.
The authors bitter and sweet text from this book brought the book to life. The verbs and adjectives really "spiced this book up."
I think that kids over four should have this book read to them even though this book has some words that are challenging. So remember, if you want to read a great book, read Jane West's The Lonesome Pine.

While the shape and beautiful illustrations immediately catch a child's eye, the theme of this book is just as much for adults --a la the more sophisticated of Dr. Seuss books. The life lesson of losing out on what you've trained for, worked for, and wanted so badly , but in the end finding where you really belong is lovingly presented by a Lonesome Pine quite literally put through the mill. How nice to say to a disappointed child who doesn't get picked for a team, audition, etc. "Remember the Lonesome Pine". What a gift to remember it myself. Our whole family enjoys this book and the CD as well.

I purchased The Lonesome Pine over the internet as it was recommended to me by a friend in the USA. My little daughter has many books but I have never seen anything as original or as inventive as The Lonesome Pine. What Disney did to cartoon fairytales, Ms West has done for children's books. It's the first time I have read a book to Jessie with such excitement in her (and my!) eyes. She was enthralled. It could be read on any level. We couldn't wait to turn the next page! This entertaining story would twist and turn and I had no idea how it was going to end. I have never written a review before, but I was so impressed I felt I had to. I only have one thing to say - Please bring the book to England!

My thanks to a thinking, feeling author who can take her little (and not so little )readers on a safe but emotional journey that lasts a lifetime. As one little reader said to me 'I can never give this book away because it really is my tree.'
I think I know how she felt.
It's a wonderful book, but where are the rest? I can't believe this is a one book only,(for children) author.

This is a really cute book for toddlers/preschoolers/K-2 kids. It helps with colors for the really little ones, then with short sentences to read or write later. I actually bought this for my 10 year old daughter - lol - she always loved this book. I guess the bright colors and sparkle of the foil cut outs of the eggs appealed to her in Kindergarten when she saw it in the school library - she's checked it out every year at least 6 times ever since (4th grade now). Every kid has a few books that they just adore and can't get enough of, so I got it for her to keep and give her own kid(s) some day (she has my old copy of "Bambi's Fragrant Forest" - a 1970's scratch 'n sniff book). It's a visually pleasing book and little ones will enjoy it.

I love the illustrations in this book!!! My 2-year-old may be a little too young for the story, but she loves looking at the pictures.

My son learned his colors because of this book! Each page has a different color of egg, the story rhymes so well, and its a lift-the-flap book! The pictures have so much detail sometimes we spend extra time looking in the background for other animals and talking about what they are doing. We've had this book for a year and it is still very popular at our house!

I purchased this book for my nephew and he absolutely loves it. Beautiful illustrations and a very cute story for children from 1-6 years old. However, the book seemed a bit warped when I purchased it but I attributed it due to the delivery process.

One of the nicest things about this book is how well it is designed. Children love beautiful materials and this book delivers. Today, electronic media is so prevelant in childrens' lives. This book, though, offers children the opportunity to relax and read pages filled with awe and wonder. Quality colors, papers and decorations invite children into the Natural Easter world of the forest and imagination. It's beautifully adorned with sparkling, jeweled pages made to entertain and peak interest.

This is a wonderful book - one of my grandaughters favorites. It's a great one to read aloud.

Great Xmas book for the cat lover, and anyone who loves cat will recognize their cat and the Christmas tree.

author of "Hobo Finds A Home"

Our family sets out A Pussycat's Christmas every year when dressing the house for the holidays. Last year our copy got dropped in a bucket of water. A calamity that required immediate purchase of another copy and express shipping.
It's a charming tale. The illustration is excellent. Especially if you have a "Pussycat" look-a-like as we do this little book will become a part of your Christmas too.

As usual, Margaret Wise Brown is as tuned in to animals as she is with children. She uses a kitten's viewpoint to describe the wonders of Christmas-sights, sounds, smells, and the way cats delight at playing with everything-wrappings, ribbons, ornaments, decorations. A beautiful, descriptive story.

Ann Mortimer's illustrations are outstanding. Margaret's word's capture "cat" PURR-fectly!

I love the way Margaret writes - I have MANY of her books.

For anyone who has a cat and Christmas: "...She went POUNCING around in it... and she ATE some it..." "... she waited for something to fall, ...to crash and to break" SO Cat!

This book is great fun to read outloud with kids listening!

A wonderful book! My one yr old hands me this all the time- she loves it. A very fun Halloween themed book that can be read all year long!

This is a very entertaining and fun book to read aloud to a class or even one child. It is fast paced and interactive and I simply love it.

We had borrowed this book from the library dozens of times and realized it was time to purchase our own. This has been our children's favorite book since the moment we first read it. A family favorite at our house! Sing-song rhythm makes it fun too!

A friend told me about this book and shared a tune she made up for the words. I bought a copy and my son (2) loves it. He brings it out quite often for me to read or sing to him. The illustrations are a fun change from the usual kiddie fare.

This one has great illustrations and greater lyrics. It's a natural to turn into a song, which my (3 & 2-yr old) children love to dance and sing along to. Even my husband doesn't complain when we sing it loudly in the car.

AUTHOR: Flora A. Trebi-Ollennu

Numerous African authors have endeavored to describe the African culture especially to anyone alien to it. In this book, Flora A. Trebi-Ollennu tries to describe how Christmas is celebrated in a particular part of Africa. Targeting elementary students, she addresses the extended family structure ( living in the same compound) to graphically illustrate the African adage that states: "it takes a village to raise a child." Thus, she focuses on relationships between father/mother, father/child, mother/child, parents/grandparents, grandparents/grandchildren, and relationships between uncles, aunties, cousins, nephews, etc., in the conglomerate family during Christmas season. Christmas, in Africa is very special. It is one of the most anticipating days of the year. As much as Africa tries to mimic the western commercially based end-of-the-year event, much emphasis is not on boxed presents but on new clothes.

Christmas day is a big day for children to surprise their friends and relatives their new clothes; women showing off their expensive jewelry and laces; and grandparents showing off what their sons and/or daughters have bought for them to mark this special day. It is a joyous day for the young and old alike as they parade their newly acquired attires. Sharing food to neighbors, relatives and friends marks the opening event on Christmas day. This is followed with a church service in the community church. After church, the big party begins in a carnival-like fashion. You will find various cultural dancers singing and dancing for joy. The party may continue to New Year's day.

Those interested in poetry and theater arts or drama, or even those interested in comparative studies of cultures would find this book valuable to read.

Francis Achus
(Teacher)

I think that Christmas is a very interesting thing in Africa.I guess Sweetie Awo was a very young girl she didn't even know when a week had passed.I really liked this book because it makes me think back about Africa.I think it was a pretty good idea when Awo's aunt was very busy baking cake and making chips because Christmas is a very busy time for bakers in Africa.I also think the Ghanaian names you had were pretty good like Dede and Akos.Ghanaian food like fufu and Ghanaian games like ampe.Africa is a very neat and cool place so it makes the story very realistic.I really enjoyed it.Super Duper!

I think this book was awesome. This book made me want Christmas right now! This book has really made me wonder when the next book will come out. The author has really told all about another country and how they celebrate the holiday. This book is very, very awesome!!!

I liked the illustrations. I enjoyed how the illustrations were done on the computer and that they weren't colored. They really described the topic the picture was about. I'd recommend this book for Grade 4-5 girls. It was fairly easy to read except sometimes I had trouble pronouncing the African words(eg.Fuh deh, Jollof Rice). I liked the idea in the story that all Awo's relatives said "nobody quite like Awo" and her nickname was "Sweetie Awo". I also liked the idea of Christmas Huts and how most families live really close together. I enjoyed how Mrs.Trebi-Ollennu described the dresses and clothing of people on "Our Day". I also liked Awo's Grandma's attitude toward everything. This book really made me think about what Christmas in Africa is like. Over all it was great.

Why not celebrate Christmas without snow? Try Christmas in a warm, African setting. A pleasant read that highlights the uniqueness of a child living in Ghanian culture anticipating the holidays as she makes preparations to celebrate Christmas with her family and friends. It reaches the heart of all young readers as they relate to Sweetie Awo's experiences in school, home and church. The illustrations are an informative addition to the story and helped the reader to better understand different concepts such as the "compound house" and a "hairdress". I liked the attention to details such as the foods and their preparations. The glossary was helpful and I can see how teachers could use this book to springboard into further studies of the African culture, traditions and costumes. A treat for adults and children alike.

It's a common enough story for picture books. Kids band together, learn something new, and accomplish a common, feel-good goal.

And yet, it totally works in this book. It's not heavy handed. It's not overdone. It does have religious aspects (great for Christians, I'd think), but they're not so heavily stated that atheists and agnostics can't get in on it.

I really recommend this one.

I will note that it's a wordy book, and it does deal with some tough concepts, such as Miss Eula's eventual death. Better for the older end of the 4-8 group, I should think.

CHICKEN SUNDAY is another one of my favorite Polacco books. This is a fabulous and emotionally touching story of an interracial friendship and the children's journey of love and service. Young Patricia (who has written another great episode about her rich and colorful life) and her two best friends Stewart and Winston (who happen to be black) want to buy the boy's gramma (Eula Mae) a hat that she has wanted but could not afford to buy. Since the death of her beloved babushka, Eula Mae also serves as Patricia's surrogate grandmother. The children witness an act of racism on the hat shop owned by the Holocaust survivor Mr. Kodinski. They were going to ask Kodinski for a job to raise the money to buy Eula Mae her favorite hat. Mr. Kodinski sees the children and assumes that they are responsible for the act of violence. Ultimately, the children redeem themselves by making Pysanky eggs for Mr. Kodinski to sell in his store. He tells them the story of his life and then gives the trio the hat. Naturally Eula Mae is thrilled.

CHICKEN SUNDAY is named after the chicken dinner that Eula Mae feed the children every Sunday after Church. This is another multi-cultural book teaching children that it is okay to have friendships with people who are different. Incidentally, Patricia remains close to these boys to this very day. It also exposes children to different types of racism. This book has a wonderful lesson for children and adults.

Although they are innocent, some young children make ammends for the harm done to a Holocaust survivor (the old man has the unmistakable tatoo on his forearm). You must purchase the Scholastic book on cassette for an even more motivating storytime (complete with music).

Chicken Sunday is a touching story of friendship and family. Patrica Polacco writes of a childhood recollection. Patricia and two of her childhood friends set out to raise money to buy the beloved Miss Eula an Easter bonnet as a "thank you" for her wonderful Sunday chicken dinners. The three children need to deal with trying to prove their innocence to Mr. Kodinsky and Miss Eula after being wrongly accused of throwing eggs at Mr. Kodinsky's store. The children decide to make Pysanky eggs and hope Mr. Kodinsky will let the children sell the eggs at the hat store. The reader can definitely feel the love between Patricia, the boys and Miss Eula. The realistic drawings and colors are a great addition to this already enjoyable story. Readers of all ages will truly enjoy this book.

This book speaks volumes . . . especially how a life can be changed forever through a simple act of love and kindness. It seemed that Miss Eula was a beautiful person who just loved and cared for everyone around her by continually demonstrating the true principles of faith, hope, and love.

This book truly emphasizes those things that matter most: a faith in God, a loving family, and good friends.

Chicken Sunday was not only heart-warming and touching, but to me it clearly stated the importance of allowing that little "light" within our hearts to shine no matter what!

This book is an excellent educational tool, and can be easily used in various thematic units such as: family and friends.

I have always enjoyed Patricia Polacco books and will continue to read them to my loved ones and classes for many, many years to come!

Dragon's Merry Christmas will be loved by young readers in your family circle. The stories show the sensitivity of Dragon, and his feelings of the Christmas spirit. He finds the perfect Christmas tree, but can't bring himself to chop it down and bring it to his own house. He decorates it right where it grows! Overwhelmed by the sweetness of a candy wreath, Dragon eats and eats! But it is Dragon's discovering the joy of giving -- the meaning of Christmas -- that makes this book so perfect.

The imaginative illustrations add to the quality of the book.

Dragon's Merry Christmas is just one of the great Dragon books written by Dav Pilkey. My 7 year old daughter picked up one of the books at a book fair at her school and read the book over and over again. I came on Amazon in hopes of finding more of these books to keep her intrest alive and found 5 in all. I purchased all of them! They are great books that my daughter can't get enough of. She loves to follow the dragon through is day and while we are reading the books we stop and talk about what we might do if we had some of the same problems as the dragon encounters in the stories. My daughter now will point out problems that she encounters that have similar qualities to those the Dragon encounters. The Dragon's Merry Christmas is a perfect book to read over and over for the holiday.

THIS LITTLE DRAGON MAKES THE BOYS TOTALLY HAPPY TO READ ABOUT BECAUSE HE SO REMINDS THEM OF THERE HERO THEIR GRANDMA (GUMP) ALL KIDS SHOULD HAVE SUCH A FINE SIMPLY EXAMPLE LIKE THE STORIES ABOUT DRAGON & THEY SAY GRANDMA WOULD DO IT THE SAME WAY TOO!!! DRAGON'S BOOKS R ONLY SHARED WITH THEM BY GRANDMA UNLESS THEY REALLY MISS HER THEN INSTEAD WE READ THEM TOGEHER SO THEY WON'T BE SO UNHAPPY THAT SHE'S NOT HERE YET!

This colorful book is a collection of 4 very short Christmas-y stories - none of them actually "religious" in nature, but rather they touch on the spirit of the holiday season. Each story has a sincere message and can be enjoyed at face value, or can serve as a catalyst for a more meaningful discussion with your child. The illustrations and the story are pleasing for both adults and the young audience. It is perfect for reading to an audience of children under the age of 8 - and can also be read by 1st or 2nd graders. This type of book fills a void for young readers that seems to fall between the overly simply picture books and the more advanced chapter books that often lack engaging artwork. My children, ages 4 and 7 both enjoyed the book and we will be buying more Dav Pilkey books.

My daughter loves Dragon stories! They are clever and funny, but always have such a sweet message. I hope to buy them all for me,er, I mean her....They make for a great bed time read that you don't mind reading again, and again, and again, and again.

WOW! This is one of the best Who novels ever. Funny, sad, AND scary. I felt for all the charecters in one way or another, even the computer! This mixed with a time travel story that flowed backwards (but I was able to keep up with) makes this a great book. Also, The Doctor and Romana are captured perfectly. I can't write enough about how great this book is for Who fans. This is also just a good sci-fi novel with a unique premise, so share it with non-who fans as well!

This is a fantastic read. This was the first Doctor Who novel I read, and after reading about a dozen others, this is still the best, far exceeding all the others so far.

The story is extremely well-written, very true to the TV show style, dialogue and characters. The plot is very interesting and exciting. The action moves quickly and there are wonderful plot twists and subplots to follow. The dialogue and supporting characters are marvelously written. I enjoyed every minute reading it, and look forward to rereading it at some point.

I highly recommend this to any Dr. Who fan, especially Tom Baker fans. If I could give it six (heck, ten) stars, I would.

This is pure 4th Doctor in all his glory; or did I say that already? That question rings throughout the entire plot. Time and time again, eddys in time, multiple visits and avoiding a paradox are all wound tightly within this tome. The ending gets a bit confusing but then it's the beginning, isn't it? But then I may have said this already. Read for all 4th Doctor fans a book that has captured all the nuances of his character in a wonderful story.

Festival of Death is full of the illogical wit, wisdom, and fun that made Doctor Who great! Reading this is like finding a lost tv episode. The Doctor, Romana, and K-9 are so well realized it's like watching them on the screen!

The story starts out with Romana insisting that the Doctor take a "time travel proficiency test" a sort of driving test for a Tardis. And being the Doctor, well....

They land on a space station in the aftermath of a catastrophe, dead and wounded lying everywhere. Naturally they jump in to help. Only to find out that they've already helped! The Doctor is recognized as the savior of the G-Lock. And as a saboteur, and a spy, and a friend, and an escaped criminal....

The Doctor and Romana realize they have skipped their own time traces and must go back in time to do whatever they did the first time to save the station.

But they're recognized again. And again! Each time they go back they are faced with solving the present problems without changing what those problems become in the future, and without running into themselves in the process!

Soon the Doctor and Romana are running all over the G-Lock narrowly avoiding their own past and future selves. And the closer they come to the heart of the disaster the more mysterious it becomes. Until the Doctor does what he always knew he must do to save the station.

He dies.

For everyone who likes classic, clean, monstery, funny Doctor Who this is the book for you!

The TARDIS materializes in a tourist park which houses a unique attraction that enables one to experience what it's like to be dead - without being obligated to remain so. But a freak mishap has caused the participants to become murderous zombies. The Doctor arrives just after the crisis has passed, and in a welcome deviation from the norm, he is not blamed for the incident (not at first, anyway), but praised for saving the day.

The strange thing, of course, is that he hasn't done anything yet. The stranger thing is that he died while doing it. So our heroes travel further and further back in time to figure out exactly what happened. It's great fun to see all the bits fall into place as the novel progresses. The author handles the different timelines beautifully, and keeps it from being as confusing as it might have been.

The story may be a bit morbid, but this is an extremely funny book nonetheless. The story, dialogue and supporting cast fit right in with the high camp nature of the era from which it is derived. Most importantly, the characters of The Doctor, Romana and even K9 are flawlessly written, down to the most detailed mannerism. It's such a faithful recreation that you'll swear you'd seen it on TV. If you're a fan of the fourth Doctor, this is a must-read.