Humorous Fiction Books

This first of the Harry Potter series is easily the best. It introduces all the characters with which we will become familiar through succeeding years, and provides a plot that will delight children while fascinating adult readers like myself who grew up on fantasy.

One problem, not of the author's making. What on earth is a sorcerer's stone? The original title of this book, and the title used in most markets, refers to a philosopher's stone. Most educated readers will recognise this reference to an age-old quest for longer life, but the reference has gone by the time the American reader reaches the bookshelf. Do American publishers really think they have to talk down to their audience? Or did some nitwit in the publishing industry really have no clue? Either way, this is a monumental stuff-up which treats the American reader as an uneducated dummy rather than going with the author's original intent.

Publishers, give your readers a little more credit. The relatively low score I give this book is a result of your error rather than the author's.

I went into this novel with some apprehension considering its massive hype. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable it truly was. Sure, there are plenty of people that bash it, and while I will agree that it is not the most "important" novel to come out of the last twenty years, it is truly good fun. I am currently re-reading all of the Harry Potter novels because I never did get around to reading the seventh one and I am astounded at how much fun they are to read a second time. I have a really hard time looking at these novels critically, however, mainly because I don't think about the subtext or the writing style as I read it. I'm too absorbed in the world. I don't think this is a negative thing, if anything it is the opposite. This book is one hundred percent a guilty pleasure. It is on par with most people's obsessions with reality TV or my personal obssesion with the TV show Friends. I know that it is not the best thing ever produced, but I love it regardless. Rowling has written such delightful characters that I have honestly come to love, that I barely care what happens in the series as long as I get to keep reading about them. Try it reading it when you've have a horrible day and see if you can keep a smile from showing up in the corners of your mouth.

I've just recently started reading this series, and I have to admit that I have been very entertained. This book was a bit "young" I noticed in the writing, but understandably so, since the main character is only 11. Since I had seen the movie before I'd read this, I didn't have very many surprises, but all in all, it was worth the read.

I love this book, but lost it, so I had to order another one. I have the complete set now, and have to read them at least once a year or so. IT is a great start to the Harry Potter series. Thank you.

Let me start like this.. I was never into Harry Potter. Well, at least not like I am now. I was a fan of the movies but that was about it. Then I was told to read the books, I figured, what the hell. So I started with Half Blood Prince and then Deathly Hollows. Wow. If I read pretty much the last 1/4 of this series and got so sucked into it, I owed it to myself to take the whole trip through this world that cannot be described in words.

I finished The Sorcerer's Stone totally forgetting about the movie so it was like I had never seen it. The SS is the perfect stepping stone to get the series started. It introduces most of the main characters and gives you an idea of how to understand whats going on (which considering the twists and turns of the series, you'll need all the info you can get.)

From beginning to end, you're thrown into Harrys life. You feel everything he feels, his emotions, his thoughts. You feel sorry for him when he's living with his family, and you can't wait to find out what happens the next year at Hogwarts. And that is what makes this an amazing story, your connection with him and the anticipation for what is going to happen to him next. This book is a must buy for any fan of fantasy stories, don't let the fact that it's in the childrens section of a book store throw you off. The road Harry walks will get a lot darker. See this as the calm before the storm.

While I firmly believe that the Prisoner of Azkaban is the true beginning of the series that is now known as the Harry Potter series, this is the novel that truly cements its grandeur. All of the characters begin to grow in this novel and Rowling seems to be truly growing as writer. She seems to have a firm grip on where this novel is going to go and she also seems less intimated about bringing in the true darkness of the "bad" characters. It was not until this novel that I saw why some parents would not think that it is age appropriate. I do not agree with this opinion, however I do understand it. There are some genuinely creepy, moments in this book, but I truly appreciate because I think of how many children have grown up with these books and how Rowling allows the characters in the novel to grow with them. I believe this is one of the series' greatest strengths. The complexity of the characters grow intensely and I also think that this is the story that truly connects Harry to the other important characters in the novel: Dumbledore and Voldemort. Rowling is no longer writing archetypal characters; she embrasses the archetypes that she has created, but truly allows them to become characters outside of the stereotypes. I always felt that Dumbledore was a little to similar to Gandalf the Grey, but Dumbledore starts to transcend his stereotypes as well as others in the novel. Defintely worth a read, however I would begin at least with Prisoner of Azkaban before jumping into this novel.

This,In My Opinion Is The Best Book.It definitly Is Where It Goes Into a
darker genre of books.I Would Just About Recommend This Exciting,Page-
turner,to just about anyone!

Summary:
This is the 4th book in the Harry Potter series. It follows the same style, darkening tone, similar formulas as the prior three books -- new mode of transport / new magic device, new Dark Arts Teacher that is obviously a bad guy and nice convenient wrap-up of the various elements introduced. I would have given this 5 stars if there is not the huge plothole of why does Harry have to be the winner of the Triwizard tournament when undercover Death Eater could have just given Harry a Potkey at anyone point in the year.

Setting:
Rowling continues to develop a great fantasty milieu for YA (Young adults). The world is a great combination of mundane and magical. The World Cup of Quiddich is inspired and does a great job of showing the extent of the wizard world around the globe. The interface between Muggles and Wizards could use a bit of work as the method shown in the book is clearly problematic for keeping the wizard world secret.

Characters:
The main characters do advance a certain amount but still a bit on the thin side. The introduction of boy-girl relationships is an interesting element and needed given the age of the characters. Harry and Ron are clearly thick with regards to Hermiene. It is unfortunate but a needed part of a boy growing up. Hermiene is handled quite well and show an advanced maturity fitting her character (she even has some fun for a change).

Action:
The action is consistent in tone and description from the prior books. Harry is entered into the Tri-wizards tournament by someone else to get him lured into dangerous situations. Note: this is a lame plot device for getting him to Valdamort. The tests could have been a bit more difficult / interesting -- the dragon task description is a bit thin for my taste and the maze was clearly there just to get some Harry character development and move him to Valdamort. The confrontation in the graveyard was well done and helped save a poor plot device.

Prose:
The prose style is basically the same from prior three novels with a bit of expansion that is done nicely in the first part of the book. The World Cup of Quiddich is very well done.

Summary:
Overall: 3 stars
Setting: 5 stars
Characters: 2.5 stars
Action: 2.5 stars
Prose: 2.5 to 3 stars

I love all of the Harry Potter books and think that JK Rowling is a master storyteller, but whoever decided that Jim Dale would be a good narrator for this series was seriously mistaken. Aside from the fact that he makes almost all of the characters sound like they are from the East End of London and have a mouth full of bread (aside from Hermione and Ginny who he makes WHINE all of the time), he also mispronounces many of the words, which is quite annoying. He says "Voldermort" without pronouncing the "t", and "accio" as assio, just to name a few! I mean, did they actually have JK Rowling listen to his reading before they hired him to do the WHOLE series??? If it is at all possible, DON'T waste your money on this audio of Harry Potter, go on Amazon.co.uk and get the version read by Stephen Fry. He reads this series the way they are supposed to be read!!! Stephen Fry is FANTASTIC!

I have read the first five books in the Harry Potter series this summer. My favorite book in this series that I have read so far is Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This book was so interesting that I just could not put it down. From the Quidditch World Cup championship at the beginning, to the last page of the book I was hooked. The Tri-Wizard Championship was a great new twist at Hogwarts that had never before been done, and the arrangement of the book was slightly changed from the previous three. This made this book more fun and exciting to read than the very first one, because the reader never knew what was going to happen or what to expect. The ending was the best part of the book, and was impossible to figure out until you got there. I have not read the sixth or seventh book of this series by J.K. Rowling yet, but I feel that so far this book is the best.

I love Prisoner of Azkaban. I think that this was the novel that really hooked me into the series. I have a hard time writing a literary review of any of the Rowling novels mainly because I do not feel like I'm reading a novel when I read these books, I feel like I'm on vacation. I'm transported into another world and forget to look at the subtext or deeply analyze anything that the writer is trying to say because it is just to much fun to just read it. This is a book to read when you are stressed out because of your real life. Try reading it when you are in a wretched mood and see if you are not instantly a little bit happier. Harry begins to evolve in this novel and the books from here begin to feel a little bit more "grown up". To me, this book is virtually the first in the series that is now so infamous. The characters are impossible to not fall in love with. Rowling seems to have her feet firmly planted in the ground at this point in the series and I knew when I finished the final pages that the series could only get better. Which of course it does.

I really enjoyed it and would have given 5 stars except for the fact that I'm a sucker for happy endings. It was sad that Harry couldn't keep his newly found friends. I did find that the writing matured as Harry did, which probably made an easier read.

This is my favorite novel of the series so far. In his second year, Harry was able to overcome an incompetent professor to thwart Voldemort yet again. But this novel was even better. I never saw the ending coming. The relationship between Snape and Lupin caught me completely by surprise. And the incredible revelations about Harry's parents death add even more depth to Harry's third year. JK Rowling has an amazing imagination and I look forward to finishing the rest of her novels.

Summary: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the third book in the Harry Potter series. The book introduces some key characters for the later books and gives the reader more backstory on Harry's parents. The writing seems as if J. K. Rowling was debating on doing more description or keeping the book length down -- I would have gone for more descriptions and more pages.

Setting:
The world of Harry Potter continues to expand into a more interesting fantasty setting with each book. Rowling does a good job of creating the setting using existing fantasty elements with a slight tweak to keep it non-cliche (for the most part). The Marauder's Map is a fantastic idea! It will be interesting to see if it is re-used in later novels. Note: There is starting to become a bit predictable in that each book has a new magic item which is central to the story.

Characters:
Sirius Black is introduced to the setting as a murderous wizard. The Sirius Black character is developed to a certain degree but when he has some actual dialog near the end of the book, he comes across as a bit out of sorts (Understandable after being in Azkaban for 12 years). I saw the movie version before reading the book which has colored my opinion of book and the book's characterization of Sirius Black and Remus Lupin. I do prefer the movie adaptation a bit more; it could be the actors did a fantastic job.

Harry, Ron and Hermaine continue to develop a bit. Their character development is secondary to plot advancement.

Action:
The action is typical Harry Potter style where things get hairy but everyone comes out ok. The description of the mass dementor attack was weak and really should have been more developed as this is a critical scene showing what Harry can do magically and has some connection to his parent's spirits.

The relative danger level to the character is weak but appropriate for what is going on in the story.

Prose:
The prose is tight and to the point. The descriptions are not very detailed which is a bit frustrating as I keep wanting more hear with each book especially to see a difference in the movie set work (which is amazing) to see if there was something the set designers did not do for the movies. Generally, a book does a better job of describing a world than a movie -- kudos to the movie setting designers and craftsmen.

Overall: 4 stars
Setting: 5 stars
Characters: 2.5 - 3 stars
Action: 3 stars
Prose: 2.5 - 3 stars

My family has enjoyed listening to the Harry Potter audio books for several years. Jim Dale's readings include a host of characters with remarkably distinctive voices that carry over from the first book, the Sorcerer's Stone, to the last. He reads with fabulous energy and makes these great stories come to life like nothing I've ever heard before.
The Prisoner of Azkaban is no exception. This audiobook is a fabulous way to enjoy several afternoon in the car or in your favorite chair at home.

i absolutely ADORE this book. i fell in love with it for the first time when i was 12. i am 18 now, but the storyline and the characters are endearing to me every time i read it i must have read Ella enchanted about five times. the romance between ella and char is innocent, but it captures my heart every time. I was very disappointed when i saw the movie. I dont think the movie captured the essence of Ella and the magic that Levine bestowed in her book. If I could, I'd create a movie that is true to the book and its characters. Even though it is a children's book, it is still accessible to adults (though i am still kind of a child at heart- i LOVE fantasy stories)

1000000% RECOMMENDED

I actually saw the movie before I read the book and I loved the movie, but it's vastly different from the book. It was interesting to see the differences. I can see why some of the changes were made for the movie, but both are great in their own right.

I liked the treatment of Lucinda in the book better than in the movie. In the movie, Lucinda never learned or understood what she did to people, but in the book she did when Mandy tricked her into experiencing what she put Ella through.

I also liked that Ella had to find the inner-strength to break the curse, opposed to having an easy quick fix of undoing it. To be honest, Ella would have probably in more trouble if Lucinda had reversed the spell, so even if she wanted to obey at times, she would then be under a curse to never obey.

I also like that the prince was treated as a real person and given a real personality. Rewatching Disney's Cinderella as an adult, I was shocked how truly vapid the prince was. He had no personality. He was just a stereotypical pretty boy.

It was also nice reading the progression of Ella and Char's relationship, instead of her going to a ball and just falling in love with him.

This is a great book, which I'll definitely read again.

Romance, although also could be fantasy. Upper elementary to middle school. Reading level is supposed to be grade four, but it seems higher to me. 232 pages.

I read quite a bit of this book before I started to enjoy it, but because the librarian recommended it, I stuck with it. The book is the back story of Cinderella, although the reader doesn't realize it until near the end. Instantly, the story of Cinderella--which I never really liked--has a profound truth I now see: When we walk in another's shoes, our perceptions change. Honor book. No illustrations.

Ella Enchanted
By Gail Carson Levine

Ella only wanted to be a regular girl. But instead the day she was born, a curse was bestowed upon her. The gift of obedience. The fairy Lucinda does not think before she gives these silly curses and so when Ella is told to do something, she has to do it. If someone told Ella to kill herself she would have to obey. When Ella's mother gets very sick and dies, Ella is left with Mandy her cook that is her fairy godmother and her father. Ella's father traveled all the time and he doesn't know about her curse. Just like her mother said "Don't tell anyone about your curse." Ella had to obey.
But when Ella's dad introduces her to Dame Olga and her dreadfully bossy daughters, Ella realizes that the elder one, Hattie knows that Ella will do anything she says. Hattie commands Ella to give her the necklace that Ella's mom gave to her. But there is a silver lining on the story. Ella becomes dear friends with Prince Charmont, or as his friends call him, Char. Just when Ella thinks that Char and her are becoming great friends, Ella's father ships her off to finishing school so she can become a true lady with Hattie and the spoiled Olive (Hattie's sister).
Finishing school is the worst place for Ella. She must obey every command no matter how awful or difficult. When Ella cannot stand it anymore she runs away, and decides to quest for her fairy godmother and reverse the spell. But Hattie had forbidden Ella to see Char. So how will she be able to tell him how she really feels when he thinks she never wants to see him again?

Many young girls dream of having a fairy tale life just like the ones that appear in Disney movies such as Cinderella, but what happens when these girls grow into young ladies and expect a little more than your usual fairy tale? In her novel Ella Enchanted, Gail Carson Levine adds a whole new twist to the familiar story of Cinderella. With the use of point of view, characterizations and themes, she achieves to appeal to a budding, young female audience that already has a love for the classic Disney tale.

Point of View
Carson presents a first person point of view that allows Ella to narrate her own story. Her thoughts, her commentary and each of her actions are plain for the reader to enjoy and experience a first hand look into Ella's world. The reader is allowed to relate her character, as she seems more realistic (as far as a fairy tale goes) than ever before, as she goes through every day teenage trials with boys (a prince, to be exact), friendship, fitting in, envy and such problems that still happen today.

Characterizations
Ella
While Disney's Cinderella is an upbeat, optimistic girl that seems to have the whole world set out for her, Levine's Ella is given a whole new dimension as a character. Ella, as a child, receives the "gift" of obedience by the wayward fairy, Lucinda. Forced to do everything she is told, Ella develops a strong, rebellious character determined to become her own person, despite what others command her to do. She may subdue physically, but mentally and spiritually, she is a character that is intelligent beyond her years that refuses to conformity, aesthetics and propriety for the wrong reasons. Carson develops Ella in such a way that her flaws and struggles with herself and others are present. Ella is not a glorified storybook character that has everything going perfectly for her; she fights for what she believes in, she makes mistakes to learn from them and goes through the motions just like her young female audience.

Prince Charmont
When the thoughts of a charming prince come to mind, what is available is only the idea of a charming prince who is just there to both save the day and marry the girl. While in most fairy tales, the female lead character usually overshadows the male equivalent; Prince Charmont is far from hidden. Carson develops Char (as he is cleverly nicknamed) in such a way that he breaks away from the usual princely stereotypes by adding a little more to his personality but still maintaining the characteristics that would most likely still make any female weak in the knees. When Ella first meets Char, she keeps her distance in a demonstration of respect of his nobility, but he refuses to be regarded of higher ranking and asks to be addressed as any other person. He is kind hearted and humble but still he holds strong and true to the convictions that he is instructed as a young ruler. One example of this is when he pauses the beginning of a military journey to get on his hands and knees to help a merchant whose cart is overturned, instead of leaving off and ignoring the lower class. Another defining characteristic is that he, like Ella, struggles to create his own identity under the overpowering shadow of his future as the ruler of the kingdom of Frell. Char's authentic infatuation for Ella and his deep respect for her are what make the reader believe him as the true charming prince.

The Fairy Godmother
One may expect a flick of the wand and a bibidi boppidi boo to describe a fairy; Carson declines to this generic view. Mandy, Ella's fairy godmother is described as aging, overweight, speckled with freckles and frizzy hair. She hides her true identity from Ella and for the first 16 years of Ella's life, she is known as the kitchen maid and nanny. Her real self is only discovered after Ella's mother died and Ella is left to the care of no one but her father. The way that Carson portrays Mandy is in a stern, parental way so the reader can see her as a mother figure for Ella, more than just a fairy godmother that provides every single wish. Carson makes Mandy out to be a lovable character towards the reader because she nurtures and takes care of Ella while still remaining firm to what she thinks is best for her goddaughter.

Themes
In this novel, Carson explores themes that are of interest to a young female audience. One of these is the search for an identity and a place in the world. Carson develops her main theme as Ella is trying to establish herself as a person with her beliefs and convictions, and not just become a pawn to anybody's game that has knowledge of her curse. She demonstrates to the audience that they do not have to conform to a popular idea and encourages the reader to form opinions by gaining knowledge by Ella's example of maintaining her integrity and refusal to ignorance.

Another theme that goes hand-in-hand with the one mentioned before is integrity, being true to who you are. Carson encourages this by making Ella such a strong character that even though she is forced to be someone else, in her mind, she is determined to be who she truly is. Char is also another example of integrity. He is a prince, a trait that may give way to arrogance and to discrimination by status, but he denies any association of himself as a person to his nobility.

With these different literary aspects, Gail Carson Levine creates a fairy tale all her own that only alludes to the commonly known storyline. She creates a story for young girls to be immersed with such believable characters in a fictional world that teach very valuable lessons while also having those key elements that happen to draw the audience in.

I am going to make this simple. I read an old paperback copy of the original "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy". Having enjoyed reading the original, I found the "Ultimate" version in the discount section at Barnes and Noble. What a great buy for ten dollars.

Not all may like the series. For those that do, I highly recommend all additional books to the original. You will not be let down, as (the late) Mr. Adams continues to entertain again and again as things move on. Just about any science fiction fan with a sense of humor will love these books.

Great read, I didn't even know about the Zaphod short story (my own words) that was included in this book. Happy to have all of the stories all in one book and makes it easy for me to go back and reference parts from the earlier stories, especially since I enjoy noting the really good lines.

I've lost track of the number of times I've read the Guide novels over the years. This compilation of a 'trilogy in 5 parts' makes it nice and easy to read them all as one continuous story. I don't really need to elaborate on how good these stories are as those who have read them will already know. But to the uninitiated I strongly urge you to purchase a copy, prop yourself up against your towel, and eat plenty of peanuts. And most importantly, Don't Panic!

If finding out your house is about to be bulldozed to make way for a highway bypass is unnerving and life changing, imagine finding out the same is about to happen to your planet. Thus begin the adventures of human Arthur Dent in The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide by Douglas Adams.

Of course Adams is not the first writer to use science fiction to satirize the foibles of the human race and its institutions and culture (including science fiction), but he does does so with a rare combination of sophistication, style, and humor. His description of why the bypass is being built and why Arthur doesn't know about it alone starts the series off on a scathing note. In the universe of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (the book within a book), people sometimes survive government and corporate bureaucracy and personal greed and thoughtlessness, but more often destruction and waste seem to result.

Throughout his post-Earth adventures with Ford Prefect, the two-headed Zaphod Beeblebrox, fellow human Trillian (Tricia McMillan), and Marvin the perpetually downcast robot who takes lows to new highs, Arthur is the proverbial Everyman, whose struggles to make tea (and thus achieve some sense of ordinariness) in his new life result in near-destruction. At one point, he happily serves as "Sandwich Maker" on a pre-technological world that views this skill with awe.

Adams is perhaps strongest in his numerous asides in which he talks about The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, the publication for which Ford Prefect researches and writes, and the Encyclopedia Galactica; the nature of improbability; the humorously and seemingly invariable and inevitable tragic histories of various planets and races; and various theories surrounding such things as time, space, and infinity, almost always with a slyly serious wink about the absurdity of it all. These digressions allow his imagination and his intellect to soar and in many cases are more interesting than the story itself. This may go back to how The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy begins--that people want to move between Points A and B very fast, and that people at Point C in between (Everyman Arthur Dent) "often wish that people would just once and for all work out where the hell they wanted to be." There seem to be no Points A and B in Arthur's new universe; there are infinite points and lines and continuums, most of them absurd in one way or another.

With the exception of Trillian, Arthur's fellow travelers are well drawn. The most amusing is, sadly, Marvin, whose programmed depression is annoying and whose perception is accurate.

There are ingenious ideas scattered throughout the six stories, including the irony of a lorry driver who hates the perpetual rain that follows him no matter where he goes because, unbeknownst to him, he is a Rain God.

The problem is that many of these ideas, like life events, crop up randomly, play themselves out, and then seem to fall flat in the end. Undoubtedly, this is part of the universe as Adams sees it; it is made up of absurdity upon absurdity, which may not have neat Point A to Point B progressions. Some of this lack of cohesion also may be the result of transforming material written for episodic radio into book form; a certain sense and continuity may have been lost as the author diverts his tale to Points E, M, and T.

The first two books, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and The Restaurant at the End of the Universe, are the best in the series. Life, the Universe and Everything is, almost as the title promises, too contorted and meandering. So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish, which takes place on Earth, lacks an engaging focal point, which makes it seem long and tedious at times. "Young Zaphod Plays It Safe" appears to be a throwaway story reflecting the author's views. Mostly Harmless, written at what Adams admitted was a bad time in his life, lacks the élan of the earliest books; it is more downbeat in attitude than its predecessors and borders on determined and grim. Marvin is long gone as comic relief; the weakest character, Tricia/Trillian, now moves to the forefront but without further development; and even Ford Prefect has sobered up, quite out of character. It as though Adams wanted his characters, most notably Random, to reflect his anger and depression and his universe to end without possibility of resurrection--in the same way that Arthur Conan Doyle tried to kill off Sherlock Holmes.

Underneath the satire, the humor, and the bitterness, The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide is imaginative and thought provoking, revealing a rare story-telling and writing gift that is brilliant both on the surface and in the depths.

As usual the movie can't live up to the book. This is a must-read -- one of those points of cultural brilliance that will still be read three hundred years from now. Be prepared for very dry humor, British-style...

I enjoyed this story, and the sequels, as a young girl. Wrede creates a magical world that has a unique feel while incorporating common elements from fairytales. I've read in several times since and still enjoy it. Dealing with Dragons is very much a girl power book - almost all of the good main characters are female, Princess Cimerone rejects the staid life society thrusts upon her and charts her own course, and the King of the Dragons ends up being a female (King is just the title of the job, designating nothing about gender). It is well written, something that can certainly not be said of all fantasy novels written for this age group, and the story is fun and engaging.

An excellent book for young children that enjoy fantasy with an odd twist. Highly recommended.

I loved this series in middle school and would highly recommend it as a fun leisure read for children in that age bracket.

The book is extremely entertaining. Cimorene is certainly the kind of princess you don't often see in fantasy. And Kazul is not the typical dragon either. The book is really funny and is guaranteed to make you laugh

Princess Cimorene is tired of embroidery, etiquette, and protocol classes. She wants to take Latin, fencing, magic, and cooking lessons instead. But, that's just "not done." So to avoid a betrothal to a handsome and charming (but not particularly bright) prince, she runs away to become housekeeper for a dragon. As a dragon's princess, Cimorene gets the freedom to cook and clean and to organize libraries and treasure rooms. She also has to fend off persistent knights who come to rescue her, and investigate the actions of a couple of sneaky wizards.

Patricia C. Wrede's Dealing with Dragons is a refreshing change from some of the more recent fantasy epics aimed at teenage girls. It's light, fun, and often hilarious as it pokes fun at several fairy tales and fantasy clichés. The plot moves rapidly and the writing is clear and precise. The dialogue is particularly good.

I listened to Dealing With Dragons on audiobook. Listening Library does an excellent job recording this with a full cast of actors; I highly recommend this format. --FanLit.net

We use this book as a completion/graduation gift for a summer program for high school students that gives them experience in working at a university-level research project. The program is called SHARP. The book edition is hardback with a color-embossed jacket, so it will hold up as a keepsake, and the kids use it as they would a yearbook--collecting autographs and keep-in-touch messages from their friends and teachers.

This makes a great book. I gave one to a friend who's daughter is going to Kindergarten, I bought one for my little one and sent one to my brother who needed a little pick me up to get back on the right track. Its very motivational and I recommend it to every one of all ages.

We bought this book for our daughter graduating high school. We wanted her to know that the sky was the limit for her. This says it all.

I've always appreciated the way Dr. Suess can speak to adults. This is a classic graduation book, and that's where I got my copy.

But it's still very much kid-friendly and just as inspirational to them as to anyone.

This is a story about chane and going for it, with a healthy dose of realism that reminds us that the world is not a fairy tale and that bad things will happen but that they are still no reason to give up.

The products on Amazon are amazing, however, the shipping cost are OUTRAGEOUS! That why I will not purchase fom Amazon again. I will now shop locally only.

I purchased two books for a total of about $25 and it cost $13 to ship! That is almost 50% shippping cost - which in OUTRAGEOUS!

"I stumbled upon this book in my school library looking for a good book for a book report. I had no idea it was going to be so good! Even though it's fantasy, it is written so well you could almost believe it being real! This book had many mind-boggling ideas included, but that just made the whole plot more interesting! I don't know how anyone could not absolutely love this book! This is almost a monument in human literature."

Wow, this book is exciting and thrilling! If you are interested in adventures, you will love this book. Join Ben, Tom, Lindy, and the Professor as they try to travel to Whangdoodleland.
These children met the professor in an animal zoo and they discuss what animal they would have if they could have something unusual. The professor spoke about the unique Whangdoodle, and the children seem to be interested. However, the professor kept it a secret about how he knew about the Whangdoodle. On Halloween, Lindy, Ben and Tom went to a "haunted house," but to their surprise, the professor owned the creepy house. The children started visiting the professor, who began teaching them how to get to Whangdoodleland, an imaginary place where imagined creatures roam free, including the Whangdoodle! It took many tries, but they used their scrappy caps and imagination to succeeed. If you would like to meet some imaginary creatures, like the Whiffle Bird, read this book!
Some of the themes, or lessons we learned, were not to prejudge others, that your imagination is a really important thing, that you should always believe in yourself, and that you should never give up even if you feel greedy, selfish, or weak. A big theme is that genetics and cloning are difficult and controversial. If you want to learn more about these lessons, you have to read The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles!

I first discovered this book while working in a bookstore about 20 years ago. We had one dusty hardcover edition and employees were allowed to borrow hardcovers so long as we were careful to keep them in salable condition. I was intrigued by the flap description and began to read. Two hours later and by the end of the book I caught my breath and wanted more. I bought it because I couldn't stand the thought of not having it in my library. And then I ordered two more for the bookstore. Whenever anyone came in looking for "just the right book for a gift" I lauded it as "a book that will be the one they will never forget and will love forever". Over and over I would have customers come back to thank me for recommending "The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles" because it turned out to be the Most Favorite Gift of the child receiving the book. Quite often they would buy another copy for themselves or another child. If you don't have this book in your library, you should. In fact, you might want to buy two. One to keep, one to loan. You will treasure it in your heart for the rest of your days.

Last year, my daughter read this book and came home saying it was the best book she had ever read. She recommended it to me. At first, I was a little bit skeptical. I thought it was just a little fairytale for children, but I was wrong. My daughter began learning and sharing new and healthy lessons with me that she had learned from the book. Now, I can't wait to read it.

I read this to my 7yo son and 8yo daughter. I enjoyed it as much as they did!

Absolutely for preschoolers. My son loved this book almost as much as I did. Everything about this book was adorable- the silliness, the electric blankets, and the diving board. He and I couldn't stop laughing. The reader (most likely the adult) will love how often the neutral party isn't neutral at all. I'm an animal lover, so this book will always have a soft spot in my heart.

Your political leanings, notwithstanding, Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin, is a wonderful book that will have children and adults laughing out loud. Farmer Brown is angered when he learns that not only does he own literate cows, but that they can type, and type they do with a daily list of demands to make their life more comfortable. Soon the cows are joined in their endeavor by the chickens, along with their demands, and more fun ensues. At first Farmer Brown refuses to deal with what he sees as recalcitrant bovine, but reconsiders when the animals enlist the aid of a duck mediator. Through a series of negotiations the cows and chickens get their demands met, but alas, the farmer learns too late, ducks also know how to type.

I don't know if this book really teaches children about mediation and cooperation as some reviews suggest, however, I do know that it will teach children how to laugh. The story is aided by wonderful watercolor illustrations by Betsy Lewin. Her very simple renderings add to the humor of the story, and the expressions on the faces of animals is worth the price of the book alone.

Quill says: This fantastic book also earned the Caldecott Honor in 2000, and is worth revisiting.

This is just a book of sheer silliness.

The cows, having obtained a typewriter, unionize for better conditions (they want lights and electric blankets).

When the farmer finally gives in to their demands... the duck runs off with the typewriter. (They want a diving board.)

There's no pretense of a moral here, it's just a silly book about a silly situation. Just what's needed sometimes :)

My students love this story (ages 7-12)! And I use it to teach students about the democratic process. This is a wonderful story about the options open to people in a democratic society. I have used it to talk about strikes, expressing your opinions and negotiations. DO my 7 year olds get all that from Click Clack Moo, not that they can articulate but they are getting it on some level. And it allows me to explain what a typewriter is. Do not underestimate what young people are picking up from a story such as this.

Every year, I use this book to help teach fourth graders to write letters- they really get it from this book! It's funny and appealing. I highly recommend it!

A wonderful book with great illustrations, and the brushing teeth of course is a bonus, anything to get a child to do so is always welcome.

A good bedtime story.

Another great Boynton classic with funny pictures and not a lot of words on every page. Whole family likes this one!

My two little girls really enjoyed this book. It's a nice big board book that fits in your lap easily with up to two little ones!

This is a great book for going to bed. It is oversized so it is easier to hold onto when kids get tired and it has a great story. Highly recommended.

Sandra Boynton's books are the PERFECT GIFT for baby showers....they are wonderfully rhythmic to read and babies love these! I always purchase these little board books for new parents who generally get all kinds of baby clothes etc. for showers but rarely get books to start a baby libary. You just can't go wrong with any of the books by Sandra Boynton, they beg to be read aloud!