Readers Books

Treat yourself to this charming little jeu d'esprit. It will do wonders for lifting your sagging Latin spirits when struggling with some of the heavy-duty stuff.

I'm so lucky that my high school Latin teacher, in the early 80s, had us read this alongside Virgil, Horace, Ovid, etc. I had never read "Winnie The Pooh" before! -- and read it only after reading both "Winnie Ille Pu" then, much later, "The Tao of Pooh." You don't need to be as weird or backward as I am, though, to love this. The book is terrific. To all Latin teachers: bring this to class, please. It's wonderful. The students in my class loved it, finding it all very familiar to them as we reached each part. It wasn't easy to translate--I don't know how the newer ones compare ("Harry Potter" in Latin, etc.)--but in 3rd or 4th year high school Latin, it was at our level and a lot of fun. The students who knew Winnie the Pooh found translating it easier than I did, as in: "Oh, this is the part when...", thus were able to extrapolate through its accessibility. For them it was a break from difficult or unfamilar Latin writing, rendering it Useful through familiarity with its English version. For me, I got to know Pooh through Latin, and I've loved Pooh and the gang ever since.

The top line is the original English.
The second line is the latin.
The third line is an attempted translation.
(Here I have added additional comments.)

...in which we are introduced to
Quo in capite nobis ostentantur
By which in our heads they are shown
(to show a person into someone elses head
means to introduce)
(nobis our, capite heads, word order in latin
is not the same as in English

Winnie the pooh and some bees.
Winnie ille Pu ataque apues nonnullae
Winne that Pooh, also bees notnone.
(translate nonnullae as some)

And so our stories begin.
et incipient fabulae.
And they begin the stories.
(Latin unlike English had no word "the". To
translate into English this word must be inserted
when this would make sense to do so.)

HERE is Edward Bear, coming downstairs now,
Ecce Eduardus Ursus, scalis nunc.
Look/behold Edward bear. On the staircase now.
(scalis is literally a ladder)

bump, bump,bump,
tump-tump-tump

on the back of his head,
occipite gradus pulsante
back of the head on the grade (stairs) he hits (pulses)
(Occipital region is the back of the head. Think of hits
or pulsations while on a down grade).

behind Christopher Robin.
post Christophorum Robin descendens.
after Christopher Robin he climbs down (descends).

It is, as far as he knows,
Est quod sciat,
It is which he-thinks

the only way of coming downstairs,
unus et solus modus gradibus descendendi,
the-one and only manner of the stairs descending,

But sometimes
Nonnunquam autem
Not-atnotime(sometimes) but (however)
(sometimes however)

he feels that there really is another way,
sentit etiam alterum modum exstare,
he perceives also there-is-one manner to stand apart
(he senses yet another mode exists)

if only he could stop bumping
dummodo pulstationibus desinere (possit)
Provided that the-bumping- to-give-up (it is possible)

for a moment and think of it.
Et de eo modo meditari possit.
And about I go about manner consider it is possible
(de Eo modo the manner you go about something ie method )
( and it is possible to think about the method.)

And then he feels that perhaps there isn't.
Dende censet alios modos non esse.
Then he feels the-other manners to not be.
(so sometimes he thinks there are no other methods).

Anyhow, here he is at the bottom
En, nunc ipse in imo est.
Behold, now himself at the bottom
(note imus form of inferus is used here)

, and ready to be introduced to you.
vobis ostentari paratus
to you to be shown prepared (prepared to be shown to you)

Winnie-the-Pooh.

(OK, so you get the picture. DONT miss this book. Pooh is about to roll in the mud next then take up flying. Do you really wanna miss that?

If you would have had trouble translating that level of Latin on your own, get a copy in English as well. Also get Latin translation software so that you can quickly look up any unknown word. You can plug in words, phrases, sentences, and paragraphs, into the software for immediate translation. I use QuickLatin for this purpose but there are others. Search for Latin translation software on the net. )

Most people who only know a little Latin should hopefully be able to understand Winnie Ille Pu. The ending has a 'notes' section where unusual phrases such as 'scire velim' are listed under their respective chapters for easy reference.

There is something a bit more elegant about the Latin of Winnie Ille Pu compared to Fabulae Mirabiles, but that is caused by the differing genres of the writings. However, Fabulae Mirabliles would be my choice for the Latin beginner.

I sing of a boy and a bear...
Perhaps Vergil would have opted for Pu (Pooh) rather than Aeneid had he the choice, and begun his tome not in the journey from Troy, but rather the journey around the forest.

I have this sitting next to books of equally interesting exercise, such as a translation of modern poetry into Old English. Likewise, Henry Beard's translations of various ordinary statements and phrases in Latin (and cat behaviours in to French) also sit next to this honoured tome.

When I returned from Britain and began to think in theological-training terms, I had to re-acquaint myself with Latin; for an exam I had to memorise one biblical passage, one passage from the Aeneid, and one passage of my choice. I chose Winnie Ille Pu, and, as it had not been excluded from the list, I was permitted this indulgence (I believe that the exam list now has a section of excluded works, including this one, more's the pity).

Do not be frightened off by the fact that this is a book in Latin. It is very accessible, and quite fun to read with the English version of Winnie-the-Pooh at its side. The Latin version has kept many of the original illustrations as well as the page layout forms, for example:

In English:
And then he got up, and said: 'And the only reason for making honey is so as I can eat it.' So he began to climb the tree.

He
climbed
and he
climbed
and he
climbed,
and as he
climbed
he
sang
a little
song
to himself.
It went

like this:

Isn't it funny
How a bear likes honey
Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!
I wonder why he does?

In Latin:

Et nisus est
et
nisus est
et
nisus est
et
nisus est
et nitens carmen sic coepit canere:

Cur ursus clamat?
Cur adeo mel amat?
Burr, burr, burr
Quid est causae cur?

Statements sound much more grand in Latin: 'Ior mi,' dixit sollemniter, 'egomet, Winnie ille Pu, caudam tuam reperiam.' which means, 'Eeyore,' he said solemnly, 'I, Winnie-the-Pooh, will find your tail for you.'

This is a delightful romp through a language study. I have recommended this to friends who want an introduction to Latin, together with the Lingua Latina series, which uses a natural language method for instruction.

Alexander Lenard, the translator, obviously did a great labour of love here, and I agree with the Chicago Tribune's statement that this book 'does more to attract interest in Latin than Cicero, Caesar, and Virgil combined.' One wonders if the Tao of Pooh and the Te of Piglet will be translated into Latin to make them seem 'more philosophical; or indeed, will Winnie ille Pu be likewise translated into Sanskrit and other such languages? It is not uncommon that the entertaining use of language does more for language enrichment and interest than any academic or official push of the tongue. It is no mistake that the Welsh language effort incorporated cartoons from the beginning -- it is natural for people to respond to fun and lively things, and this kind of treatment can be rather tricky, in that the average reader might not be so consciously aware that education is going on...

Winnie-the-Pooh in Akkadian? Hmmm, I feel a Ph.D. dissertation topic coming on...

This work is no small endeavour, but rather a thorough and engaging translation of the entire Pooh story. From the start, when we are introduced to Winnie-the-Pooh, through to the adventures in the Tight Place (in angustias incurrit), when Piglet meets a heffalump (heffalumpum), meeting Kanga and Roo (Canga and Ru), the expedition to the North Pole (Palum Septentrionalem), and finally saying goodbye, the entire story and text is here. One can (as I do) set the Dell Yearling 60th Anniversary Version of Winnie-the-Pooh side-by-side with Winnie-ille-Pu and follow line by line the engaging story, which translates well into this one-time universal language. And why ever not? Surely if there is a story nearly universal appeal, it would be of dear Winnie.

As A.A. Milne was a graduate of the Westminster School (which is housed down the block from my old Parliamentary offices) and of Cambridge, he might consider the translation of his classic work into the classical language a signal honour, and one wonders if, given the fact that Milne studied classical languages himself, if he ever translated any pieces, however small, into those languages that every English schoolboy learns to hate and love.

The story leaves off with Christophorus Robinus heading off to bath (and presumably, bed) ...

Of course, being a person of small importance myself, I identify much more with Porcellus (Piglet) than Pu. I know the struggles against the clerical/hierarchical/academic heffalumpum, and as Pooh has given me a new language of consideration for such conditions, Pu has given me a bilingual command of that language.

Long live the Porcelli amicus!

Wonderful picture. A great thing to add to any kids Library. I have enjoy this book with our 6 year old. She like the movie and she wanted a copy of the book. So I keep looking for the Wizard of Oz with lot of colorful picture and this one was right on.

Thanks so much

Racheal Kirkland

Before I buy any book I always read all the reviews, and go and look at them at a book store. I went and looked at all the available Wizard of Oz books. This one by far beat all the rest. The artwork is so beautiful, and it just keeps on coming, page after page, with lot's of double page spread pictures. There is a lot of detail and enchantment to the pictures. It really takes you to another place in your imagination. The stroy as everyone
already knows is a classic that every child will enjoy. I can't say enough about this book!!!!

The illustrations are beautiful and the story is condensed just enough to keep the interest of my curious 6 yr. old.

I love the Wizard of Oz books.... I just can't seem to get enough of them.... it brings your mind to a whole different world.... its great for young adults, teens, and adults.... I give it an A...

It was very hard to find the Wizard of Oz story for toddlers... it is certainly close to impossible to find it in stores! This book is beautiful and just perfect for the 3-4 year old I purchased it for. Wonderful pictures and story is perfectly written for toddlers to understand and sit through, captivate.

Kearns has an uncanny ability to draw you into his writing. Within the first few sentences of "The World" I was spellbound. I felt a blend of curiosity and empathy for the young artist. I was intrigued by the depth of his feelings of isolation and rejection. The young lifeguard harbored brooding thoughts of anger, retribution and vengeance.

Kearns describes it this way, "The pounding in his head was louder than ever. Almost diabolically...he wanted to scream. He needed to do something or the pain would last forever."

The young student met with his high school guidance counselor, Father Tuar, regarding his junior year classes. The priest noting his excellent grades, his contribution to the sports program on the swimming team, the cross country team, and his flair for writing, gave him a word of encouragement and prophecy. "You can change the world!"

The young student experienced a spiritual revelation. "God was calling him to be an artist, a poet. And his soul was responding as unerringly as naturally as the waters of a stream follow their course or the wind flows through the winds of the trees."

The young artist now experienced an epiphany. He became intent on being a poet, an artist. He also became preoccupied with thought fantasies of Claire. His psyche had changed.

"He had risen from the abyss of despair to heights heretofore unknown to him. This was summer, and the height of summer. The artist was dancing."

His emotions soared then fell again.

Within days his disposition had changed, "The artist could not recall when he had been in a mood more violent." Throughout the summer the young artist planned and plotted his strategy for communicating his feeling to his young flame.

Disappointment and daydreams confronted him daily as the summer slipped away. The young artist vacillated as encouragement replaced disappointment only to find himself back in the depth of resentment and rage.

I found myself rereading entire paragraphs to be sure I hadn't missed any of the masterful phrases, comparisons, descriptions and profound insights Kearns had penned. Kearns revealed a unique understanding into the personality of a complex, troubled genius.

Compelling!

Reviewed by Nina Larson for Reader Views (5/06)

Have you ever wondered what goes on in a 16 year old male's head?

Wonder no more. He is thinking about a girl or his ego. With a possible sprinkling of history.

In his book, "The World," John Kearns drops you into someone's mind. And I do mean drop. There is no introduction, no warning, and no explanation. You, as the reader, must wade deeper into the book as The Youth/ The Artist explores and interprets his life. After discovering his destiny on page 48, the center of his life is the basic boy-meets-girl. Unfortunately, this relationship exists mainly in The Artist's head. In addition, The Artist is consciously separating himself from his parents, even as he unconsciously acts out their neuroses and expects their life. All the while, he swings from one extreme emotion to another; his future on the launch pad waiting for a date with that one special 14 year old girl. But how many teenage crushes are happily-ever-afters? Do not expect a happy ending.

Do expect an enlightening book. This book was much more educational than any "What to Expect When You Have a Teenage Boy" book could ever be. However, this is not a simple and easy book to read. It was 20 years in the making by a Poet with a Master's degree in English. It is practically a textbook example of descriptive writing, and seems to have been written to be Discussed. (Note capital letter.) The Artist takes comfort and self-esteem from describing moments in foreign languages and an embedded part of the book is the layering of what is happening to The Artist now, a flashback of then, bridged and explained by his musing about Irish history and myths. Transitions within the chapter are nonexistent.

Am I glad I read this book? Yes. Could you read this book more than once? Yes. I'm sure reading it multiple times will deepen your understanding of this book since there are many layers of meaning deliberately crafted into this story. While this book has a strong autobiographical feel, I'm sure John Kearns' fans, a fan of Irish history, or anyone who was once a 16 year old boy will resonate with "The World."

In this age of instant gratification and artistic spectacle, the good,old-fashioned art of the novel is alive and well in John's Kearn's latest effort. This succint, trenchant story is one of those where, half-way through, the images of ones own forgotten dramas emerge and color the scenes. The universality of the work is perhaps its greatest asset, and that's saying a great deal for there is much to admire and learn from in this work of fiction. The World is a book that does not leave you hungry, yet never sates the reader with tired motifs. Initially it strikes the reader sort of a Faulkner meets Holden Caufield, with adolecent longings in a stream of consciousness. The style is at times demanding--not hospital gift shop reading here--but craft and intonation are never at a loss. For those who enjoy fiction as one of life's most fulfilling pleasures, you'll be both compelled and entertained by this one.

THE WORLD, by John Kearns is a lyrical, poetic slugfest, running the gamut between coming of age with all its shocking revelations, to a tender adolescent love story and discovery of artistic vocation. Set in the Philadelphia of Kearn's youth and told with compassion, vision, and an in depth analysis of the complexities of existence...THE WORLD simply leaves the reader breathless.

This novel held me spellbound throughout the exquisitely crafted plot, the carefully built tension, and the cathartic climax. 'The World' juxtaposes startling poetic language with an intimate window into a teenage boy's psyche. I truly felt that I was on a coming-of-age journey with 'The Artist', the novel's extremely likable main character. I experienced the young man's daily triumphs, frustrations and the wonders of his first love.

Mr. Kearns fearlessly experiments with plot and language, dialog, and characterization. A natural storyteller, he creates a compelling personality for each of his characters through believable, flowing dialog and sensitive depictions of feelings and motivation.

This fascinating read is influenced by the Irish-American experience, ancient myth, vernacular expression and excerpts from music and film. The fact that Mr. Kearns can combine these diverse inspirations and make the novel pack the punch of a singular strong statement is a testiment to his vision and ability. Highly recommended!!!

This remains my favourite Sweet Dreams book of all time and that's saying a lot as I own 250 books of the series! I'm a sucker for the cliché romantic formula of hate at first sight, even more when it's partnered with the `girl and boy pretend to be a couple' formula. This plot is by no means original but it's a refreshing, fun and witty read. Darby and Bruce meet when their cars collide into each other's and shortly realize it's a small world after all when Darby's cousin sets her up on a blind date later that day with none other than Bruce himself. Accusations of being a `Neanderthal' and a lousy driver are flung back and forth until Darby has to enlist Bruce's help in an attempt to get rid of the unwanted attention from another student.

The characters are endearing without being obnoxious and their run-ins with each other are hilarious. I owned this book when I was a teenager and lost it when I loaned it to a friend. It took another 10 years to track it down through ebay just as I was about ready to buy another copy of it somewhere else for $50!!! I've read this book many times, even now as a 30-year old and I always finish it with a smile on my face.

I read this book when I was in my early teens. It brought me such emense joy, that when asked my favorite book, it always springs to mind. When it is not kosher for a 20-something woman to admit that she still loves a teen romance novel, I do. It always brings back wonderful memories, and it makes me happy just to remember the characters. Bruce and Darby are as much of my teenage years as algebra and history. So, if you are fortunate enough to read this book, savor it.

This one of the best books I've EVER read. I just wish I had my own copy ! It's very funny and romantic but not only that.. The characters and storylines are so well constructed that you feel like you know them. An excellent re-readable book

I read "Wrong Way Romance" many times when I was younger and still remember the characters. At one point I had intended to steal the book from the library, but I returned it and never found it again. "Wrong Way Romance" is an enjoyable read and hopefully I will find it again someday!

I once had a copy of this book but lended it to a friend and never got it back. It took me three years to find a copy again and it was worth it because this book is so funny and so cute that anybody who ever liked young adult romance should have this title in her (or his?) personal library.

I'm a high school student and just LOVE this book. I enjoy reading Captain Underpants and things like that, so I picked this up and laughed the whole way through! I passed it on to my two little sisters (who also loved it) and they actually handed it off to my mom, who got quite a kick out of it. This book is a great read for kids and amusing for everyone!

It used to be difficult to entice my third grade son to read - until now. I am grateful to H. B. Homzie for creating a series that my son found interesting enough to read instead of watching t.v. or playing Gameboy. I actually had to pull it out of his hands because it was past his bed time and he did not want to put this book down! WOW! My son was totally engrossed and was laughing out loud. Of course, I was curious, so I read it after he was asleep... and I was impressed that I enjoyed it, too! Move over J.K. Rowling -- H.B. Homzie has created a great series that appeals to reluctant readers without being scary! She demonstrates a great ability to relate to this age and my son confirmed it by asking when he could get the next book in the series! Thank you, H.B. I would definitely recommend this for everyone's home library.

Abby had the flu, they were picking science fair partners. Casey, her partner was sick also. They couldn't decide what project to do. SO they took a vote on it. You should read this book because there was a problem, so you need to read to find it and you can figure it out. The thing I like most about this book was when they did the project. The thing I liked the least was when the problem happen. I like this activy because it helps me learn to type.

I read my son Two Heads Are Better Than One and he loved it! In fact, we are now reading it for the third time. It is so funny that I'm enjoying it as much as he is. Our favorite character is Beta, the alien. My son is going around saying Zaptopkaka! Otto is a fun character, too. A good old-fashioned villain. I can't wait to go out and buy the next book in this series.

I read this book with my children (6 and 4 years old) over the course of several bedtimes, and they really enjoyed it. "Alien Clones From Outer Space" is entertaining and funny, and it was an enjoyable book to read. Highly recommended.

I love reading Amber Brown to the family, I started to read about Amber Brown when I was in the 2nd grade & I have loved it ever since, So now I pass it on to my younger Brothers and Sister!!
Its Great reading fun with a sense of humor!!! Its perfect for kids and anyone else reading it!!! Really Funny too = )

This was a very good book, great for kids in the third or fourth grade. Ambers best friend moves away, because his father gets a new job. Amber has alot to deal with now. Her parents are not together and she has lost her best friend. This book shows how Amber copes with all these things. It also is helpful in showing you how to make new friends. Great book, would recommend it to everyone who has ever felt a little left out or just lonely at times.

I picked Amber Brown is not a Crayon because I like the book very much and I like reading something that is funny. And like Amber brown she is a teenage girl like I am.She talk about things that I would talk about.She goes through things that most girls and families goes through.There was one book that she wrote was Amber Brown goes to fourth grade and her mom tries so herd to get her up for school and she makes up the most stupid lies that I have ever heard .But in the end her mom makes go to school anyways .And I will rate this book to 5 stars because that is a very good book. I reccomend all people out there read this book.

Amber Brown is not a Crayon is a 5 stars book! I suggest you read this because in the book Amber's friend Justin moves away!! If you've ever had a best friend move away, you would love this book! Amber has had a very tough life because her mom and dad are divoriced. She bairly ever gets to see her dad. She really loves her mom and dad both and wishes that they would get back together again! If your parents are divoriced then you would know how Amber feels. When I read this book I said to myself this is the best book I've ever read and then when I told my class they agreed! So that is how good it is!! If you don't read this you'll be very sorry. So just put down that gameboy and nintendo and get reading!! As I said before I loved this book so much I couldn't put it down!! Other books that are in the Amber Brown series are Amber Brown Forever, Amber Brown You Can't Eat Your Chicken Pox, and Amber Brown goes Fourth!!

I have read all the Amber Brown books, and I LOVE all of them! Amber Brown is in fourth grade. Her life is falling apart. Her parents got divorced, her best friend moved away, and her mom isn't too nice. Plus her mom is getting remarried, she found a new best friend , and her dad is moving back. Amber is real funny and is always getting detention at school. I LOVE the books, and highly recommend them.

Given that this is a debut novel, the prose is remarkable, the voice unique, the insights into human behaviour and relationship profound. Mother-daughter relationships are always complicated, oft times ridden with confusing expectations, dreams of the future/reminiscences of the past, and always always the burden of aging - whether it be of youth blossoming or the prospect of death. This writer captures the emotional complexity of the relationship with great dexterity and compassion. We only hope that she continues to write yet again and again and again, many novels, many works, of which I'm sure she is entirely capable.

Any woman who has ever had a love-hate relationship with their mother will love this book. It's a beautiful and touching story about how different we see a mother's "good" intentions from when we are children to when we become adults. No matter how painful the journey, in the end we see that we all do the best that we can whether we're the mother or the daughter. It brought tears to my eyes.

Mimi never tires of telling her daughter, Silvie that she is named for the king, Elvis. She once dated the king. Mimi has big ideas and intentions, but finds herself stuck in the role of mother and housewife. This is not where she wanted to be. She loves the spotlight, dressing up in her high heels and swirling around in dresses.

Silvie is dowdy by Mimi's comparison, comfortable hiding from the spotlight. Mimi is disappointed that Silvie is not more 'out there', not more like her.

Silvie moves town to get out from under Mimi's shoes, but is driven back to her mother's side when she discovers that she has cancer. It is truly heartbreaking for Silvie to see her mother who was larger than life, slowly disintegrating before her eyes.

This is a good book about mother-daughter relationships, but it was really nothing new. It's all about people finding each other before they are separated forever.

Her mother's blue suede shoes always caused a problem for young Silvie. She wants a traditional, conservative mother, but ended up with Mimi - a headstrong, independant woman whose claim to fame is her dates with Elvis. Silvie believes that she has finally gotten away from her mother's indominable clutches when she moves to New York, but when Mimi is diagnosed with terminal cancer she goes home to help her die.

Through this time together, Silvie embraces her mother. She comes to learn the important elements of her family history. Through this time, Silvie gives and recieves the important elements of her mother's life, and finally comes to accept both her childhood and her future. She learns how to move beyond her mother, yet how to more fully embrace her special qualities.

The book is an excellent read for women. It gives a remarkable portrayal of the mother-daughter bond, with all of its pain and promise. Overall, highly recommended.

With compassion, insight and elegance, Kathryn Stern's wonderful debut novel, "Another Song about the King," traces the tensions and fissures between a repressed but talented mother and her daughter, whose own life's experiences sadly reflect the disappointments, resentments and fears felt by her mother. Stern paints a vivid picture of Simone, whose mothering skills mirror the venomous pressures and arid emotional wasteland of her own childhood. Simone is so repressive and begruding of her daughter's right to a life that, at times, it appears that she could not be more deliberate in her emotional abuse. Silvie, in turn, at a very early age, deliberately withdraws from her mother and builds such an anguished anger and sense of disappointment with her circumstances that she refuses to call her mother any other name than Mimi.

The central conceit of the novel turns around Simone's teen-age "relationship" with Elvis Presley, a "date" whose scope is never completely determined but whose impact on the dissatisfied Simone grows and distorts her own ability to live as a functional adult. Simone's discontent is the central fact of her life. "For a long time, I liked being married, the routine, the security. But then it was the late sixties...and there I was in the suburbs, just planning a week of dinner and making them." The adult daughter, Silvie (whose own name, incidentally, is a semi-anagram of Elvis), understood "her discontent, the discontent of all women caught between the work of staying home and raising children and the larger work of the world."

Stern's masterful talent of characterization reveals itself fully through Silvie, a sensitive and inquisitive child who bears the brunt of her mother's smoldering fury. How should a child respond to a parent who insists the child develop her talents, but once expressed, elicits a competitive anger from the very adult she yearns to please? Silvie decides to withdraw, to finish in second place, to acquiesce to her mother. This tremendously affecting character pushes her sadness "down into that tight little bead no one could see, filling the space with emptiness, nothingness...I feared I lacked a self."

"Another Song" is not just about the evolving relationship between a mother and her daughter. This deeply reflective novel also treats the issues of insanity, suicide, depression, divorce, existential anguish and terminal illness. Never forgotten is the humanity of the central characters, and that compassion animates Stern's ability to make even a Simone a character about whom we care. This author, with a sure and sensitive hand, understands the quest all children, regardless of age, have to understand and forgive their parents.

"...Christmas is such a special time that very special, almost magical things can happen. And the most magical thing of all is Santa Bear: I'd say he has the best job in the whole world, because the joy of giving is what Christmas is all about." -- From the book

This lovely book by Stan and Jan Berenstain follows the Bear family as they navigate through the trappings of Christmas: making lists, feeling the tug of store-front windows loaded with toys, kids worrying if they've been good enough to merit Santa Bear's visit, the spirit of giving and more.

I love that this book doesn't demonize wanting things (like The Berenstain Bears Get the Gimmies), and shows kids deciding to spend their own money to buy their parents special gifts from Christmas.

One adorable scene in this book is when the kids encounter a bell ringing Santa outside the mall, standing in front of a pot that says "Help the Needy". Paper Bear explains "His job is to collect money to help the needy--birds who need seed, squirrels who didn't put enough aside for the winter".

Especially good for Christmastime, The Berenstain Bears Meet Santa Bear is a heartwarming story with an uplifting message that children will no doubt enjoy.

This is such a cute book! This one has the Bear family going to the mall two days after Thanksgiving and finding that it's all decorated for Christmas. Mama thinks it's too early, but Papa thinks that the kids will be fine and they will be able to handle it. Then the next page shows the cubs jumping up and down in front of the toy store way too excited for the season to begin. Sister has a ton of questions about Santa, like how does he get down our skinny chimney, how does he drive his sleigh when there's no snow, etc., etc. Just the same questions just about every child has at one time or another. It also goes through how hard it is to wait until Christmas Eve and all the things a kid goes through waiting for that wonderful event. Lastly, it shows the cubs buying thoughtful gifts for their parents and being very excited when they open them on Christmas. The book closes with Papa explaining all of Sister's questions on Christmas Eve while they are looking up into the sky, waiting for Santa Bear to come. Then, it starts to snow and blankets the entire town with Christmas snow.

This is such a great little book - it shows all the joys of Christmas through a child's eyes but also teaches about giving. When Sister says that Santa Bear has the hardest job in the world making all those presents and then delivering them, Papa counters with the fact that he thinks that Santa Bear has the best job because he gets to give all those gifts to so many cubs. That's the last sentence in the book too - when the cubs give their gifts to their parents, they realize that Papa was right - Santa Bear did have the best job in the whole world because it feels better to give than to receive.

We LOVE this book in our house and I just can't recommend it enough!

I got this book as a christmas present in 1990 and really enjoyed it. All the toys looked exciting to me and I really loved the illustrations.

I gave this book four stars because it is a great book for children dealing with questions about Santa Claus. Papa Bear answers all these questions with a simple answer, "Christmas is such a special time of year that very special, almost magical things can happen. And the most magical thing of all is Santa Bear."

This book is about how the cubs start wanting their presents for Christmas. Brother bear wants just a couple of things and makes a small Christmas list, while sister bear makes a really long one. Sister gets thiknking and she realizes she's being greedy.

I reccomend this book to any child who is havinbg a want problem. The point of this story is don't be greedy. This is for children 5-8 yrs. of age.

LOVE IT!! My baby boy loves this book. He stares at the pictures all the time and loves turning the pages. This is perfect for babies since it has pictures of all sorts of animals and and other babies.

Vicky Ceelen is on to something. Although this book has no text and the images aren't as crisp and focused as they could have been, the simple juxtaposition of human babies with animal babies seems to really appeal. I like that the babies aren't all camera-ready airbrushed babies. They are much more real looking. My nine month old doesn't squeal with delight and point at the pictures like she does with other books. But these images definitely hold her attention and must get her thinking on some level. She likes it!

I read about this book in a parenting magazine and it is a great picture book. It is very simplistic, there are only two photographs on each page, one of an animal, and one of a similar-looking baby (it's ADORABLE!). My daughter was 7 months when we bought this book, and she ALWAYS prefers to look at the babies. It's fun to watch her process the two pictures, and disregard the animal one in preference of the human baby!

It's also a very sturdy board book, and I expect it to last a long time!

This book is beautifully done!! It is so simple and yet so impactful for our little one - he loves staring at it and reaching out for the babies and animals. The colors are great and the photos are priceless. One of my favorite baby book purchases from Amazon.com!!

My daughter LOVES this book, when I first got it for her, she did not seem to care too much. But, now, she brings it to me all the time to look at the baby and animal faces. She likes pointing out things, like tongues sticking out, etc. Highly recommend.

This book was one of my sons favorites. It had a surprise ending.

I read a book called The Bald Bandit by Ron Roy. It's about a bandit who robs the Green Lawn Savings Bank. The three detectives (Dink, Josh, Ruth Rose) solved the mystery. When a private detective named Reddy came to look for the videotape the three detectives decided to help him. Reddy said if they found the videotape they would earn a hundred bucks.

My favorite part of the book was when Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose got the videotape and they watched the tape and they noticed it was Reddy who robbed the bank. When Reddy was at Dink's house ready to get the video, Dink hid it and gave him a tape of soccer. Ruth Rose sneaks into her house and calls the police. I think the thief was pretty smart.

I think the book was a perfect fit for me because I love reading mystery books. When I read this book at home I can't stop reading it until I finish.

This is one of the best books in the series. I think this is the best book. I liked this book because I like mysteries. I like the whole series but this one was the best so far.
If you like mysteries you should read the series.
Michael grade 4

I THINK THAT THIS BOOK IS AWSOME! WHEN I FINISHED THIS BOOK I WAS SO SAD THAT THE BOOK HAD ENDED. I LOVE THESE KIND OF BOOKS. MYSTERYS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN MY FAVORITE KIND OF BOOKS. AND THE THING THAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK IS THAT ALL THE CLUES COME TOGETHER!

The book takes about 45 minutes for an adult to read.
It has a surprise ending.
Sheri Myers' 6-year-old must be smarter than I am.