Readers Books

Frantastic Voyage is book five in this great series of adventures following one of the most interesting and well written child characters to come along in a very long time. For those who have only read this great book and are wondering which of Benton's former books in the series to buy first, I'd recommend Jim Benton's first three Franny K masterpieces Lunch Walks Among Us, Attack of the 50-Ft. Cupid or The Invisible Fran.

I work as a library assistant and when I have asked kids if they enjoyed this and other books in this series the answer is always yes. That's pretty rare for a series of books but this series is that good! I've checked these books out myself to see what all the fuss is about and these books all can be enjoyed by adults as well as kids, a feat not always done by junior fiction writers, even in the really popular kids books. I didn't read these in order either as there's a long wait for some titles so I'll point out they all have individual storylines so if this is the first book you've come across it can easily be read first.

Franny Stein is an interesting character who doesn't follow the stereotype little girl who plays with dolls, has tea parties with stuffed animals and the like, which many authors seem to want to write about. No Franny is a very intelligent girl more interested in bats, snakes, spiders, monsters and her number one passion, being a mad scientist. Interests that gel with many a real life boy or girl these days and lets be honest, always have. The length of these books are fairly short and take my word for it these books are so good, you'll probably want to get a few of them, if not the whole series. They seem to be a lot cheaper buying as a box set (where you get the first four titles, obviously not including this one) which at the time of this review seems to retail for about the same price as just two Franny K. Stein books.

In her fifth adventure Franny invents a doomsday device, just incase her experiments fall in the wrong hands. Unfortunately this device can also destroy half the planet and unfortunately it has also been eaten by her assistant Igor while transfixed to the TV he swallowed handfuls of grapes. Making the situation worse Igor has inadvertently turned the device on while eating it. It is up to Fran to shrink herself down, and go inside Igor to retrieve the doomsday device and disassemble it before it explodes. Igor's eaten a lot of gross stuff though plus Franny hasn't thought everything through. Will she be successful? You'll have to read this great adventure and see!

My 8 year old daughter loves this series. When she read the first one she loved it so much, I ordered her the whole series. She would read them, and not put them down. She would laugh, and come in and ask me to look at the pictures. She is in second grade, and her most recent grade card went from reading at 3rd grade level, to 6 grade level. I am so proud, and I feel these books made her WANT to read. Thanks Jim Benton!!

Thank goodness for these books! My lovable school hating tom boy of a daughter has now become a reading maniac thans to these laugh out loud books! You can hear her upstairs cracking up! Totally entertaining for my 8 year old. Jim Benton is a GOD! LOL

Franny and Igor take us on hilarious adventure in Frantastic Voyage. Igor is constantly getting in Franny's way as she works in the lab. In order to get Igor to leave her alone she puts him in front of the TV. This turns out to be a terrible mistake. Igor gets hooked on watching commercials and doing whatever they tell him to do. While watching TV Igor swallows Franny's doomsday device which is capable of blowing up 1/2 of the Earth.

Franny will have to use all of her wits to solve this problem. With the help of some Root Beer, corn chips and Bubble gum Franny may just save the world!

This book had all of us laughing our heads off and rolling on the ground every day that we read it together. If you enjoy funny adventure stories like Captain Underpants, Garfield, Captain Fact, or Ricci Riccotta's Mighty Robot you will love this book!

...my 8 year old daughter simply devours all his books -- she practically has them memorized...she sits and reads them to her 6 year old sister who also loves them...maybe the writing doesn't quite rank with Charles Dickens but he sure stimulates an appetite for reading.

Freddy is helping his old friend, Mr. Camphor, with a couple of problems. One of them is his aunts; one is too gloomy and another is just plain mean. In addition, Mr. EHA and the rats are planning to take the old hotel. Can Freddy help? This book is great and uses lots of humor. You must read this book!

Freddy is back and going camping! This cute pig always makes every exciting now he is back and flipping flap jacks and solving the crime about the ghosts!!!

This may well be the best of the Freddy books written by Walter R. Brooks (its only competition is Freddy the Magician). Children and adults alike will find this one of the most fun books they've ever read. I can still remember the delicious chills I felt when reading this book at twelve, and still enjoy reading it today. As usual, Freddy gets into trouble trying to help friends -- Mr. Camphor to get rid of his aunts and an innkeeper whose hotel is haunted.

My first encouner with Freddy the pig left me feeling like I had just found Tut's tomb. His stories are loaded with treasures-wit, well-developed characters, and clear evidence that Brooks understood and RESPECTED children's intellect and character. Two foretrotters Up!!

Probably before you were born, the bookmobile would stop off at our school and I looked forward to reading "Freddy" books. I enjoyed all of his adventures and friends (Jinx had a few adventures of his own). Now those books are collector's items and rarely show up in used book stores. As much as I miss the originals he is back and just as ornery as ever. One Day I hope the earlier one will get republished. In the mean time Even thought these books are geared towards young ones, they still can hold the attention of old codgers.

Kurt wise does a good job of illustrating and for those that have never reads Freddy you have a great mystery ahead of you.

The chosen stories are excellent--all of top quality, both from a literary and (often) from a philosophical perspective. It is very easy to use the fine translation side-by-side with the original French.

This is classic literature, a very good book. I'd be interested in a modern works like this as well. Seems like I saw one out there somewhere....

This book includes some great authors - the ones you should at least know about if you are going to learn the French language and appreciate French culture. I have always loved the idea of having the English translation on the opposite page. I think it makes learning structures easier. You see how we would write something in English, and then you see how the structure differs in the French version.

I bought this book for my ailing and flailing French vocabulary. Although I speak fluently, my diminishing vocabulary is directly accredited to my non-use and non-practice of the language. One note - many phrases are translated literally, yet lack the tonality and subtle nuances which are found in true meaning. Otherwise, a very easy read and a useful book for those of us who lack opportunity to speak the language. Would certainly recommend this book for an intermediate level and up.

First the good. These stories are worth reading anyway, even if not trying to improve your French. Can't believe I never read Micromegas before! Can't believe it was written mid 1700s! So the selection of stories is an excellent one and the practice and vocabulary building comes quickly. For that reason, I'd unquestionably buy this again.

The bad. I know enough French to know that the translations are atrocious. Though I am not fluent in French, I believe I could have done a better, truer translation (with help of a French dictionary). Beautiful phrases are translated into mundane English cliches and some unknown French words are, on some occasions, "translated" into the identical (and equally unknown) word on the English side. Did the translater not have access to an English dictionary or did he not know what the French word really meant?

So -- definitely a useful buy for learning and practicing French and (particularly if you can read most of it in French) interesting stories as well. Just try not to refer to the English counterpart more than you must, such as for the periodic word translation.

this book was very informative and nice for teaching kids nature
slonina nature photography
[...]

We purchased this book, along with the follow-on "More Fun with Nature" at the Cabela's in Boise, Idaho.

My daughter always has one of these books nearby - she's sitting on the couch reading this one right now.

A good deal of information is presented in a neat, friendly way. We used this book to identify a luna moth and a douglas squirrel within days of arriving in Washington. Although not as thorough as a field guide, the format makes it very accessible (and therefore more likely to be read) to children.

I highly recommend both books and look forward to purchasing more in the series.

This book has the perfect amount of information for elementary age children; my kids won't put it down. It is the best science resource book that I've found so far- a must have for homeschoolers or kids that are constantly discovering new creatures in the yard. The craft ideas are fun too!

My son is 2 years old and has been looking through this book for months. He likes to see all the animals. The "Turtee" (Turtle) section is his favortie. I can see he is truly going to enjoy this when he is older. It is very informative and fun.

I love this book. I found it when I was at the nature art museum in Jackson Hole. I cannot wait to use this when I become a teacher. I am already using it in my classes for lesson plans. I will definitely use this when I have my own children too.

strong observations,detail&Entertaining. this Book speaks on Business Principals&ways of reaching goals. no matter what the time period or technilogical advances these Principals still are the golden rule. a Must have Book&read.

The Get-To-The-Point Success Reader Volume 1 is a compilation of articles about success and how individuals achieve this success. Success, in this case, is defined as achieving your personal ideal. In other words, you will be most successful when you strive to achieve your ideal self and find your own unique niche. Basically, as one article states "Wrapped up in every human being there are energies which, if unfolded, concentrated, and given proper direction, will develop the ideal". Common threads in these articles include the beating the fear of criticism, changing your pessimistic dominating thoughts to more optimistic ones, and shear stubborn perseverance in the face of seemingly impossible challenges.

The Get-To-The-Point Success Reader Volume 1 is a very uplifting, inspirational book. This book reminds the reader that dreams can only be achieved if he or she moves towards them. Many of the articles, quotes, and quips remind the reader of this fact. This book also realistically states that fear, criticism, and other various challenges are all part of the process, few individuals get success handed to them.

Even with technological advancements, changing methods of doing business, and a changed lifestyle there are elements of success that are as applicable today as they were over 50 years ago.

Rodney Ohebsion, the editor of the book, "The Get-To-The-Point Success Reader, Volume 1", has taken the works of Napoleon Hill, Orison Swett Marden, Samuel Smiles, Herbert N. Casson, and Charles F. Haanel and selected sections of their work that are key to success, not only during the time these authors wrote them but for today's time. Rodney has eliminated sections that are no longer relevant today. He also gives you a brief biography of each author.

The title of the book truly fits the book as you do "get to the point" quickly. It is amazing that the works of these authors and the wisdom in their words still apply today.

I would highly recommend this book. It is a unique book that gives you the knowledge and wisdom of many legendary authors with the key elements of success!

The editor, Rodney Ohebsion has a good idea. Sift through eight classic books dealing with "how to succeed" and condense them to 240 pages of the best-of-the-best concepts. Cull out the shiniest nuggets of advice and put them all in one place, so today's reader (with the attention span of a gnat) doesn't have to wade through a bunch of boring stuff to get what they need.

And indeed, the Success Reader is packed with nuggets of wisdom. It's interesting, fast reading. Still, here is my basic problem with this approach: The passages that made the grade here are the ones the editor found most insightful at the time he put this compendium together. As an avid student of this type of book, I've read some of the volumes in their entirety, some many times. And what I've found is that each time I read, I get something different--and I suspect I glom onto the passages that are most relevant to whatever my issues of the moment are. So some of the passages Mr. Ohebsion included are the same ones I have highlighted in my much worn original copies of these books--but some are passages I skimmed and obviously didn't find so interesting. And some of the gems I underlined and starred were not included.

Still, that's not to say the Success Reader isn't a worthwhile investment. Particularly if you are not familiar with the works of Napoleon Hill, Orison Swett Marden, Samuel Smiles, Herbert N. Casson, and Charles F. Haanel, this book is a fantastic introduction to their concepts. These guys were some of the pioneers who inspired uncounted later books on positive thinking, creative visualization, strategies for success, and overall life satisfaction. They wrote these books before there was a "Self-Help" or "New Age" section in every bookstore. But be aware that this condensed volume is only a launching pad. If the writings of one or more of these authors pique your interest, get the original texts and read them in their totality. See if you don't pick up a few more gems of wisdom you need.

More than 25 years ago, I took part in a self-help workshop entitled "Money Love." Having thought of my poverty with virtuousness for years, I found it hard to sign up for a workshop dedicated to improving my material lot, let alone absorb the message of the instructor shared with us. One of the many books she included was Napoleon Hill's `Think and Grow Rich.' Now at that time, this seemed a preposterous title. How could you do such a thing. Yet, I am here to report that Hill is correct, "What the mind conceives and believes, it will achieve." Yes, you do have to have an idea of where you are going if you intend to get there. And, you have to risk - or "go out on a limb to get the fruit." The biggest risk of all of course is changing the way you think. We humans tend to cling to outmoded thinking long after it no longer serves our purpose.

In THE GET-TO-THE-POINT SUCCESS READER, Rodney Ohebsion has compiled the most salient points from books by Hill and others (Orison Swett Marden, Samuel Smiles, Herbert Casson, and Charles Haanel) who long ago pointed the way to individual success for those who would read, absorb, and practice the principles they taught. I can testify that this material really works in terms of material success and position. Within ten years of being introduced to the material, I moved from a minor position in retail sales to that of an executive with a large corporation, and I did it during the dismal 80s.

Will it work for you? I don't know, but I am willing to bet if you read it, absorb it, and take it to heart it will. I am so immersed in this material, that I am not a good judge of whether a "quickie" version has the same effect. However, if you have read the books summarized in Ohebsion's book, his little "get-to-the-point" book is a good refresher, and if you haven't read the books, his book can give you some insights into the material in the original sources.

Ohebsion has provided the reader with a quick reference to carry around and dip into as time permits. You can carry the book in your back pack and read it standing up on the subway, while eating your lunch on a park bench, or in your favorite chair at home. Go ahead..take a risk and read it.

Very nice book complete with patterns and instructions. One of the best available.

I love making gingerbread houses. I've made quite a few, so I was looking for something with unique ideas. This houses in this book are very detailed. But don't let that scare beginners. One of the best things about this book is how it not only gives great ideas, but tells you how to use them. It starts with the patterns (great to have them full sized already) and tells you how to build the house from structure to finish. The variety and detail are wonderful. You could adapt each project to your own level of artistry. I would definitely recommend this as a keeper for the project shelf.

I am again very impressed by Theresa Layman. The gingerbread houses are just magical, not only because of the easy to use designs, but also because of the attention that has been paid to the details, which make every project just about perfect.

A lot of ideas, not only for Christmas (although I LOVE the Santa sleigh) each and every one just lovely. The directions are extended and clear. I cannot wait to make them all!

I have both of Teresa Layman's books on gingerbread, and this is my favorite of the two. If you enjoy making gingerbread structures, or just like practicing your decorating skill, this book is one you will turn to time and time again. What I like most about both of her books is how clear and detailed her instructions are on how things are put together, and how she uses items and ingredients that anyone can find anywhere, so that it is IMPOSSIBLE to mess it up. And even though the pictures look a bit intimidating, if you break each structure down into steps as she has laid out, and take it one thing at a time, you soon realize how simple they really are - they just LOOK impressive. The Haunted House is worth the price of the book all by itself! I loved making it - so much fun!

I was very happy with this book. It has lots of patterns and ideas and gives full instructions of how to make gingerbread houses, lanterns and santa with his sleigh. I am sure I can make these houses come to life like in the book. The patterns are very simple, some are a bit harder but they are all there for anyone to look at. Thank you so much for my wonderful book.

I started reading GIRLS FOR BREAKFAST on the half-hour bus ride home, and I smirked all the way there. There's so much wicked humor in this book. I'm not Korean and I'm certainly not a guy, but I totally identified with Nick Park. He's both flawed and sympathetic. I laughed hard at his childhood memories of teaching fake martial arts to his friends, his mom's horrible cooking, and his incredibly embarrassing moments around girls and pretty much everyone else. Many times I was smiling and sighing, "Poor guy." Nick manages to come across both awkward and sweet. He seems real enough that I might run into him one day. I very much recommend this book.

I'm not a teen, but just feel like one, reading this excellent semi-autobiographical fiction. Funny and touching, reminiscent of "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius" by Dave Eggers, but for teens. This quick paced books will make you laugh, grimace in embarrassment and shared angst, and root, root, root for Nick.

David Yoo's novel feels a little overextended: did he really have to begin the saga of Nick Park from all the way back in third grade? But in general he knows how to tell a story and capture the reader's attention right away. Nick doesn't have many Korean friends, and he's ashamed of the way his mother serves Korean kimchee with her cheeseburgers, ashamed of his dad's heavy accent. "Hey Mr Park," Mitch said. "Hello, Meech," my dad said. I flinched. Mitch and Paul laughed; they thought he was hilarious. His accent sounded more pronounced around my friends. Other Asian kids in the Korean church Nick sometimes attends call him a "banana," -- yellow on the outside, white on the inside. And yet Yoo makes Nick's struggles with his contested masculinity into a rewarding and heartwarming tale.

He's good at tennis, and that makes him a few friends. And he draws well, so he gets put in the poster club at high school--a wealthy suburb where some of his pals live in actual mansions: Paul's got an bowling alley in his basement. At the same time he is sometimes tolerated, but racist bullies make his life a hell, as when one know-nothing calls him "Long Duk Dong" after the comic exchange student from SIXTEEN CANDLES. Racial epithets fly all over the place in GIRLS FOR BREAKFAST, and there's no safe place for a boy like Nick. The girls he lusts after aren't all that interested in him, but there's always Miss January from an old issue of Playboy. She's been sitting in his closet for ten years or more, and whenever life gets tough for him, he hauls her out and starts spanking it. (In one amusing scene he looks up and finds the cat, Boris, has been watching him [...], so he pulls up his shorts and tries to distract Boris from this traumatic memory. Now, that's self-effacing!)

Apparently David Yoo had the great luck to be able to work with the late, great fiction writer Lucia Berlin, a lady who died way too soon and whose books (published by Black Sparrow and other midrange presses) are pretty much out of print, and who stands the risk of being forgotten. I think Lucia Berlin, one of the finest writers in recent memory, would have been proud of Woo her student; he shares something of her intense interest in humanity, her gifts of penetrating dialogue and concrete observation, and quite a lot of her big-hearted humor, the laugh that could warm one's bones. I expect that GIRLS FOR BREAKFAST, even with its occasional lapses in taste, and its infrequent longueurs, introduces us to a masterful voice.

I was pleasantly surprised by young master Yoo's book about a young Korean boy growing up in the stogy suburbs of Connecticut, going from confrontations with "those guys" to experimentation with women and sex David Yoo has done a great job with this coming of age story, it's got everything you would want in a book, from humor to drama. If you're interested in a great read, pick it up!!!

This is a wonderfully-written, highly-entertaining, and often hilarious novel. Nick Park's just a kid and he's just trying to get by. And yeah, he likes girls. It's nice to see a young adult book tackle the subject of blooming masculinity head on, and Yoo skillfully weaves the issues of race, gender, and sexuality into an intelligent, humorous story. The book will make you laugh throughout, and the ending is beautiful.

i think that people who like magic should read this book. the book is about these kids that try to stop lord spar from controlling peoples mines with the golden wasp. it was one of my favorites.

great books for my 3rd grader.... one of MY favorites.. yes i read them too... it was fun to be able to have a conversation!! with my son.. about the books... we talked... we compared... and it was fun for me to read too!

My daughter is in the 4th grade. She is hooked on the entire Droon series. I wouldn't recommend these for younger children unless they are above average readers. Droon is a magical world full of adventure and mystery.

This book is great because it gets you very excited. All of the kings are invited to a ball but they were tricked by Sparr and they all get stung by the golden wasp. Read another great book in the Droon series.

My name is Jake Grass I have read all of the Secrets Of Droon books. The Secrets Of Droon is just like The Magic Tree House but I think The Secrets Of Droon is lots better than the Magic tree house.

I checked this book out from the library and both my children instantly loved it. The illustration was excellent. It was very animated with bold and beautiful colors. It is definitely a bedtime book to have. I'm getting a copy for my 2 little monkeys!

What memories this book brings back! I have two adult monkey boys now, and these antics ring true to all three of us. Jarrett knows his monkey boys! Thanks for writing/illustrating a book that helps us all connect after the teeth are brushed and the toys are put away. My 7 year old nephew gave up being a power ranger to be a monkey boy when we read this book together....

This book is great. I read it almost every night to my son, who I now call Monkey Boy (although he doesn't quite understand why: "WHY, mama, why am I Monkey Boy?") The illustrations are great, and we love looking at all the details together. It's the perfect bedtime (or non-bedtime) book.

My children absolutely LOVE this book!! We read it every night and then the 4 year old "reads" it to the 2 year old after I leave the room and we can hear them in there laughing like crazy. The illustrations are great and it is a charming book. We got this at the library initially and had to buy our own copy, I will save this one for my grandchildren!

Good Night, Monkey Boy has to be one of the greatest children's books to come out in a while. For all who disobeyed their parents and wanted to stay up just a little longer, this book is all about it. The simple, yet effective message that this book holds, is accessible to kids of any age. Stylistically, (is that a word?), the books characters are all fresh, and new-the colors are bright, and the texture in the paint all adds up to a fine book.
I first learned about this book while attending Montserrat College of art. I am currently striving to become one of the few, and the proud: an illustrator. This sememster at school, a strange new poster appeared in one of the hallways. It read,"good night, Monkey boy". Underneath it was the name: Jarret Krosoczka. it sounded famillier. The images of monkey boy stuck in my head wherever I went, I knew that this was something special. Coincedentally the day I first laid my eyes on monkey boy was the same day I met my new teacher, Jarret Krosoczka. As far as first impressions are concerned, and from what I had seen of his work, I knew it was going to be an extremely fun class. His way of handling class, reflects his work-he can be incredibly fun to be around, but in the end he knows what he is doing. I recommend this book for kids of all ages, and any illustrators out there looking for something fresh. Jarret, you crazy.-

Because her kids demand that she read this book to them everynight before bed. It's gross kid humor, but the story is too cute to dismiss.

My eight-year old son loves these books. He is not an avid reader, so it is wonderful when we come across a series that excites him. I only wish that they would publish more!

I hope more Stinky Boys Club books are written because they are great. All kids would enjoy them alot

I like this book so much. I don't know which Stinky Boys Club books is best they are all so funny. I think all kids would enjoy them especially the fart parts.

I'm pretty sure I have never written a review for any books other than the three Stinky Boys Books. I love them, my kids LOVE them. They are all equally funny. My two sons (even my 13 year old) recite lines from the Stinky Boys Club books by heart around the house. If I didn't think they were so funny, I'd probably be sick of hearing about them. My 10 year old brought them to his class (fifth grade) and the teacher liked them so much he told the librarian about them. And my god daughters love them as much as my sons do. Thank you to the authors.