Animal Books

Sorry, I had to use that title.

Duncton Wood is an entertaining book. It moves slowly in some places, but makes up for it with faster pacing in others. Personally, I have an extremely difficult time accepting naturally portrayed animal characters with human names. Maybe I'm too much of an animal-fiction nerd for my own good, but giving a MOLE a common human name - and one derived from the BIBLE at that - is just a bizarre choice and, I feel, betrays a somewhat sloppy approach in the writing. The sloppiness is borne out in other areas of the book with some plot inconsistencies and general draggy writing that could be tighter and more effective. (Don't take this to mean that I have an issue with profaning the Bible by naming moles after its characters. In my experience, moles are infinitely more real and therefore more important than the characters in the Bible. I just think it's goofy and sloppy to name half your animal characters with appropriately nature-themed names and the other half with Abrahamic names. Whaaa?) The relative carelessness of the writing lowers this from five stars to four.

Still, in spite of slow areas and strange conventions, this is a fun book to read. The ending is quite nice and satisfying, and the relationship between Bracken and Rebecca is pleasant and innocent. I've still got Duncton Wood sitting on my shelf, at least ten years after purchasing it - it has survived at least 120 passes as I weeded through my book shelves to take unwanted book to the local Half Price Books store to trade for credits. So, that says a lot right there.

Not nearly as good as Watership Down, but worth reading.

Rabbits were popular, why not moles?

Or, what other small creatures dig underground in England?

If you are familiar with Watership Down, you will get the idea, here, although Duncton Wood doesn't operate on the same political level as the rabbit book.

A young mole and friend, with guidance from a mentor embarks upon a quest to put mole society back on the correct physical and moral path. (yes, it does get more tedious later on). For a long book about small furry animals, not too bad at all the first installment. Quite good, even.

Duncton Wood is home to one of the seven great systems of the mole world. Many years before the book opens, the system was based at the highest point of the wood, in the shadows of the wood's standing Stone. The Stone was of vital importance at the time, with the system's religious beliefs centred on it. However, in time, the system slowly migrated down the hill - to the point where, now, nomole now lives in the Ancient System. Traditionally, the system's moles travel up the slopes to pray to the Stone on the Longest and Shortest Nights, though few now hold the Stone in any real regard.

Within the modern system, there are a few different districts - each with its own distinct personality. The Westside is home to the biggest, strongest moles while the moles who live on the Eastside are less aggressive, though stockier and better burrowers. The Marshenders, somewhat unfairly, are considered a suspicious, untrustworthy and unhealthy grouping - though the damp soil doesn't make it an ideal area for the average mole. Where the Stone was the natural centre of the Ancient System, Barrow Vale is considered the centre of the modern system. Close to the Elder Burrows, it's free from predators and is considered `neutral' territory.

Life takes a turn for the worse when Mandrake arrives. Originally from Siabod, he arrives from over the Pastures and makes straight for Barrow Vale. Big, strong and vicious, he kills any mole that stands in his way and - when he disposes of one of the Elders - quickly appoints himself as the replacement. Having effectively installed himself as Duncton Wood's leader, the mood of the system becomes a becomes tinged with fear and suspicion. Mandrake more or less operates a system of `divide and conquer' - any contact between the system's different wings is discouraged and movement to the surface is restricted. While some of the elders pledge their support - most notably the malignant, poisonous Rune and the aggressive bully Burrhead - Mandrake doesn't receive full support from the Elders. The ban on the Midsummer and Midwinter pilgrimages to the Stone meets with open opposition from Hulver - an aged mole who is very loyal to the old traditions. Mandrake's constant attacks on the Marshenders, on the other hand, leaves Mekkins unsettled - although he proves to be a little more circumspect than Hulver, he later has a significant role to play.

Things aren't entirely hopeless, though - two moles emerge who may be capable of restoring some light to the system. However, it's maybe a little surprising which two moles provide the hope. One is Bracken, the son of Burrhead. Although physically a little weak, Bracken proves to be not only brave and intelligent, but also a natural explorer - and, from his earliest days, has a great deal of curiosity about the Ancient System. When he eventually leaves the home burrow, he naturally makes his way up the slopes towards the Stone - where he meets Hulver for the first time. Hulver teaches him a great deal about the Stone, the Ancient System and the Holy Burrows at Uffington. The other mole to bring some hope is Rebecca - amazingly, she is Mandrake's favourite daughter. Initially, she isn't entirely popular - many resent her honoured position, and there are those who suffer at Mandrake's claws to make her life a little easier. However, in time, her kindness, patience and love win over all who meet her. Naturally, the pair can't make it alone - and they receive a great deal of help from others - most notably Hulver, Mekkins, Rose the Healer and Boswell, a Scribemole from Uffington.

While the comparison with "Watership Down" is maybe a little obvious, it's certainly a worthwhile comparison - there are certain similarities between some of the characters. Mandrake and General Woundwort have quite a bit in common - as do Comfrey and Fiver, Stonecrop and Bigwig while there's possibly even a touch of both Hazel and Fiver about Bracken. Although a pretty long book, it is an easily read and enjoyable book at the same time.

I find it difficult to reread a book, but I have read Duncton Wood three times and am beginning to reread the rest in the series. I had to order the books from Amazon UK a few years back, but I think now they might be out of print. Do what you can to find every book in the series. You won't be disappointed. I don't know what you can say to convince people to read these books, but they are worth it. Terrific, terrific, terrific. . .

When I started reading the first page of this book 10 years ago, I couldn't put it down. The story takes you on a fascinating adventure, which I can't remember too much about, except that I found some of it very moving. Highly recommended, and I think I'm going to try to find a copy again to have another read...

5 stars for this magnificent family book! Why? I have to very inquisitive daughters who ask many questions. Of course many relate to the natural world, more specifically insects and animals. When the inevitable questions come I say "C'mon let's check the book". We check this book often and have spent hours going through the pictures. What greater way to spend time with your kids,than learning together. The pictures are beautiful, the information is concise and interesting. A truly great book for the family, for browsing, and the coffee table. Great value! I also recommend D.K. publishing's HUMAN. Another amazing book.

Great! Very detailed information but not too lengthy. Nice for quick reference. Clear photographs. It's a thick book with lots of information but it is very organized. Not just about basic animals but nearly every known animals in the world and the areas they live in. I would recommended it for kids, teens, and adults alike.

This is the book I've been looking for- tons of information and beautiful pictures. I highly recommend.

This book is filled with incredible pictures. It also contains topical infromation on different animals. The book is broken into sections that allows the reader to look up information easily. DK gives us another high quality informative book. A must have for lovers of animals!

Overall a great valve for the money. Pictures are clear and all in color. Explaines well the breakdown of species. For a book at this price it cannot be beat, but there are some items that I think should have been included. The first is the average life span of the species. It's mentioned for very few animals but it always facinates me to realize how long or short some of these animals live for. Another puzzling exclusion from the book is that humans are not included ... unless humans are not considered part of the Animal Kingdom. Puzzling choice not to include humans.

I read this book on the recommendation of a friend. I say that I read it, but really this is more like a book you do. What do you do? You solve the mystery of the poetic story by searching the detailed illustrations for clues. Some clues are more obvious than others, but most clues take real sleuthing to discover. I had so much fun with it, and after about two days of study, I came up with the answer, but there was still so much that I had overlooked. Thankfully, the author reveals all to you in a sealed section at the back of the book. I encourage you to resist seeking the answers until you've tried your hardest to find as many clues as you can. Even if you can't figure out the who dunnit, you will be exited with every clue you find, and will likely hear yourself exclaim, "Ah-ha!". This book is marketed to children but it takes a sharp mind to solve the mystery and discover the clues, so it is really better suited for teens and adults, but even small children will enjoy the story and the amazing pictures. I would give this book as a gift to anyone who enjoys a good brain teaser. So get out your magnifying glass, a notepad and pencil, and have fun!

The story is about Horace the elephant who has decided to celebrate his eleventh birthday, with 10 of his friends in the eleventh month (November) on the eleventh day. After all have arrived the eleven characters participate in eleven games in anticipation of a birthday feast at the eleventh hour of the day. Thus the title of the book - The Eleventh Hour. The day is filled with musical activities, indoor/outdoor games, board games, cards, party games and more. The eleventh hour arrives disappointing the guests with the unexpected disappearance of their birthday feast. Apparently a theft perpetrated by one of the invited guests. Horace saves the day by serving healthy whole wheat sandwiches to all and the birthday cake remains because it had been stored away from the feast. With everyone enjoying the birthday cake, the story closes with a happy ending.

However, this is where one story ends and other mysteries begin. On each page of the book there are puzzles to be solved and clues to lead a more intrepid reader along the trail to the thief of the birthday feast.

I'm a freshman in college and I still love this book. My third grade class room had a set but we were NOT allowed to open the pages in the back! The entire class spent lots of time pouring over the sumptuous pictures and trying to spot each and every hidden...well, I won't give it away. I came across the book in a bookstore recently and bought it immediately because I had such fond memories. Do yourself or your kid a huge favor and buy it!

-- And it's a "kids book"!!!

I'm 26 now, but I remember the astonishment and awe I first felt borrowing this book from my 5th grade class's "library" when I was 10 years old. Back then, I gave up after 4 hours of not being able to figure anything at all out and had to look in the Sooper Sikret Section, but this time around, I got a few more of the clues on my own before having to look up the Section :P

A great book to sate the inquisitive mind of a bright child, honestly. Highly recommended!

Horace the elephant is inviting his animal friends over for his
eleventh birthday. Horace has prepared a magnificent feast for he and his friends to enjoy. But while they are romping outside, Horace's food has mysteriously disappeared. Which animal stole the food? Base's lush artwork contains cleverly hidden clues to help the reader solve this mystery. An excellent choice for all ages.

All of the Erin Hunter books are great! I just love them and have read them many times over. I am not a reader, I hate to read!!! But give me a Warrior series book and leave me alone for a few days. They are the best. Thanks Erin for opening up a new world for me.

Imagine that you are a regular household pet cat, but one day you meet another cat and it changes your kittypet life. Wouldn't that be great? This book is set in the country side of some modern nation. The main character is Fireheart, a ginger colored tom.
Fireheart is part of a society of cat tribes which are made up of four clans. Thunderclan, Windclan, Riverclan, and Shadowclan. There is also a Starclan, which is more of a religion than a clan. Fireheart is part of Thunderclan. Winter has finished blowing through the country side, and a thaw causes the river to overflow and drives Riverclan out of their camp. Graystripe, a good friend of Fireheart is traumatized by the death of his mate, Silverstream. With all of this to worry about, Fireheart has uncovered a sinister plot about Tigerclaw, the deputy of Thunderclan. He plans to kill Thunderclan's leader, Bluestar. The theme of this book is that sometimes you need to help others, even if others think its wrong. The meaning of the title is that the forest that the cats live in is full of secrets.
I thought the authors craft in this book was good, but it gets repetitive over time. I recommend this book to people who like cats, and are mystified by their ways.

Pre-teen and early teen girls love the series. It has my 10 year olds attention. She is reading like never before.

This is a geat book. This bbook is so action packed. I love it!

If the clan was attacked what would you do? When the ThunderClan is invaded by rouge cats Fireheart is fighting with his life to protect the leader,Bluestar from...tigerclaw?Why would he try to kill his own leader. Can he do it or will he be stopped find out when you read Warriors Forest of Secrets.

this was a nice book on diversity. i think one of the things people get the most worked up over is spirituality. it's one of those things that can touch a person more deep than anything else, and everyone's perspective will differ, even if only minutely. wars have been started over the issue, and all because we're too pig headed and focused on our own validity. this book starts off with animals and rocks and trees each saying that what they think god is is indeed the true god, and that god seems to resemble the speaker. then the old turtle stops them and tell them of the coming of a new group, humans, and how they are supposed to be a message from god the the earth and a prayer from the earth to god. then people come and after while start to do not so nice things and nature says to stop. then the beings that said god was like themselves at the beginning of the book said they saw god in that which was opposite themselves. i guess the moral being have an open mind about that which is different from yourself, because it really isn't so alien to what you believe.

This book begins with the beings of nature having an argument as to who God is, an age old question. The old turtle speaks up and tells everyone to stop! And tells of a new being that will come and be in the likeness of god out of his love, humans. Then the humans start to argue and fight and destroy the earth. Till again the turtle said stop, and the people began to listen and realize the beauty they were destroying, the earth. The story is not specifically religious but more of a lesson of not to destoy what we have been blessed with. The illustrations are chinese watercolors and they are imaculate! Definately a must to add to your collection.

This is a book for children, but really is a lesson for mankind. Beautiful drawings. A good read out loud for children.Simply beautiful!

"Old Turtle" has become a tradition of giving in our family. When we recieve the announcement that a child has been born, we get a copy for the babe. We like to think that this is one of the ways this child will first hear about creation and our place in it. The illustrations are simple and exquisite, the narrative compelling. I'm a "big kid" and I love it.

I am so torn here. I love this book - my mother would love this book. So what's the problem? It's a feel good book that seems like it would better reach a new parent, a teen, or someone going through hard times better than a child.

The story clearly has a moral tale to convey. I tend to like that, and I love the message on diversity. Unfortunately, as far as plot/story, it falls short. It fails to go beyond just a morality lesson. And for this, it failed to captivate either of my children.

If the target audience are children: For lessons on friendship with story intact, try pumpkin soup. For a story about diversity and acceptance, try The Woman Who Outshone the Sun. For general moral tales - Zen Shorts.

All of the Erin Hunter books are great! I just love them and have read them many times over. I am not a reader, I hate to read!!! But give me a Warrior series book and leave me alone for a few days. They are the best. Thanks Erin for opening up a new world for me.

A good book. Really though if you are new to the series get one first! And Into the Wild book one not Midnight. I had a friend that did that and she didn't get it at all! Besides that spioles it!

Pre-teen and early teen girls love the series. It has my 10 year olds attention. She is reading like never before.

like i said before, it's a pretty good book. the only reasons I'm marking it down is because of Cloudpaw and Bluestar. Cloudpaw constantly gets in trouble and that gets very annoying, especially when Fireheart doesn't punish him enough. And Bluestar's frustrating, thinking that everyone is a traitor and not coming out at all. She has also given up belief of StarClan. Overall, a pretty good book

In this book, Fireheart can't help thinking that Tigerclaw will carry out his threat against Fireheart and Thunderclan. A storm is rising that might distroy the Clan and they don't even know about it.

We love to read this book and act it out with all the BIG KISSES AND HUGS AND SNUGGLES in the appropriate spots.

Well. The nieces also love to run away :)

My daughter gets so excited about this book - she pays rapt attention, smiles, and wants us to read it again. This book was given to us as a present when she was born - and we have been reading it, among others, since then. For the past few months, this has been a clear favorite book. She loves that at points in the book we give her a big smooch, she is attracted to the colors and illustrations and big letters that indicate you are supposed to be singing those words loudly. We sing the words to this book to her - we don't straight read them - but we do this with other books, too, and she doesn't get nearly as excited. Simple book...my husband and I have others we like more...but this one wins hands down for the baby, and that's what really matters!

This fictional work lacks character development, and just about anything else fine literature is supposed to display. But it has furry animals hugging, kissing, singing, dancing, and doing all other manner of cute things, and my 15 month old loves it. Boynton must me laughing all the way to bank...seriously, she must be worth a mint.

This is easily a favorite in our house. we first started reading this to our daughter when she was 9 months old. Since then, she has grown to love it more everyday. She's now 18 months old, and never tires of it. She generally likes all the Boynton books, but this one, she loves.

Here's the gist of the story: a mommy dog is baking cookies with her puppy, and tells him/her a story about how much she loves him. The illustrations are classic Boynton: cute and fun. The rhymes are great. This one isn't as silly as some of her other books, but the sweetness of it makes up for it.

I highly suggest getting the CD that contains the song of "Snuggle Puppy." (I think it's on Philadelphia Chickens...) Once you've learned how the tune goes, you'll love the book even more. And what's even better, is that once you learn the song, you can sing it anywhere. This does wonders for my daughter when she is being uncooperative or grumpy. Whenever I sing her the song, she always smiles, and usually becomes more agreeable.

I bought this book as a valentine gift for my nephew. I had heard the song on one of my grandchilren's CDs. The song and the book are so sweet!! It is a true love song. I can't wait for a visit when I can read it to him myself. I know it will become one of his favorites.

I was pleased with the delivery time and with the quality of the product. I cannot wait to give these 3 books as gifts: one to each of my adult children.

This is a really cute book. But I have an issue with the idea that the most important person is whomever you happen to be with at the time. I think we need to foster in our children an ability to consider loved ones who aren't standing right next to us.

This would make a great present for any age. If we all followed the advice in this book, the world would be a much better place. So simple, yet so complex at the same time. We loved it, and I will read it to my children once a week so they remember always.

This book is a beautifully illustrated journey that explores life questions in a way that is magic for the reader of any age.

My husband has recently started reading on the topic of Zen and Buddhism and wanted to expose our children to the practices as well. This is a wonderful story. Perhaps a little more than they can comprehend yet (ages 4 and 2) but a wonderful, beautiful story.

This is apparently a classic camp song - not one I ever heard growing up, though.

My nieces request this book a *minimum* of once a week (and usually, once they request it, they want me to read it over and over again to boot!), and we love it every time. Then they often want me to help them reenact the story - I'll be the bear, then they'll be the bear, then the teddy bear will be the bear....

If you're paying attention as you read it, you can even see the various members of the family change their mood as the story goes on and they get hit with various forms of minor disasters.

My 3 year old son loves this book. When we go for a walk around the neighborhood, he wants to pretend that we are going on a "bear hunt" and we recite the book. Great book for imagination.

Quite simply a children's classic. My 2.5year old loves this book. We also recommend checking out the Michael Rosen reading of this book on You Tube.

I can't imagine not having this in the board book version with my next child! I actually found my copy at Potterybarnkids and I was so excited and so was my child the first time we read it. It's simply so classic, it totally a read-a-loud story every page has some new exciting nature noise to sound out and the repetition is perfect for little ears. I started reading this to my daughter around 18mos and a year later she still loves it! A must for toddler libraries!

I loved this book and song as a child...so I thought that I would get it for my little one. Well it came and the pages are in reverse order and upside down...oh well.

A very readable & enjoyable book. I especially enjoyed the chapter on autism & the origin of language. Fritjof Capra's book "Hidden Connections" referenced this informative & amusing text including the link between brain function involved with hand gesture, signing, & tongue movements that unexpectedly led to the promotion the uptake of speech in autistic.
There are many insights into the shared psychology of humans & other primates. Despite the physiological and genetic similarities of all primates that have made chimps attractive model organisms for research,it was interesting to read about the reluctance of biological scientists to accept the anthropomorphic traits of chimps. There can be little room for a claim to "value-free" objectivity by biomedical researchers who can apparently dismiss the psychological effects of enforced confinement & sensory deprivation, on the effectiveness of anti-viral medications, or a range of other pharmaceuticals. The author has shown considerable bravery & commitment to expanding this area of learning, despite the threats against his personal career by people with vested interests in ignoring or denying the contradictions to their implicit or explicit values.

A must-read for any animal lover. Roger Fouts and the recently deceased chimpanzee Washoe are my heroes.

At age 62, I still look for writers who will change and deepen my sense of our human nature and our place in the natural world. More than writers about religion per se, I think these writers are able to help us advance our moral and spiritual understanding and reconcile our human/animal natures. For some years I've been reading Goodall and others on primates, but Next of Kin was, for me, a pinnacle illumination. Even if you aren't interested in these types of questions, I think this book will move you deeply. If you ARE interested, may I also suggest the recent Mycelium Running by Paul Stamets.Take Me With You When You Go

Although this book was written some time ago, it is exceptionally timely because the relevance of chimp behavior to our own continues to unfold. The devotion the author invests in his charges and the passion he feels about the atrocities visited on chimps both in the laboratory and in the wild drive his story. This abuse is reinforced by the backward and ignorant thinking that stems from bible thumpers who fear the truth about evolution and man's close relationship to apes. Roger Fouts and his wife have provided an invaluable service to our understanding of chimps, and their research related to sign language is truly stunning. They have succeeded in accomplishing their observation and reporting against considerable odds. All these aspects, and the Fouts' fully rounded examination of their subjects make for a gripping and emotional tale well told.

"Next of Kin: My Conversations with Chimpanzees" is one of the most amazing, heartbreaking, and inspirational books I've ever read. The book is written by Roger Fouts, a primatologist who devoted his life to studying the language patterns of chimpanzees. While in graduate school, Roger was introduced to Washoe, a precocious young chimp who became fluent in American Sign Language. Eventually "Project Washoe" expanded to include many chimpanzees, all who learned to communicate with humans using ASL and demonstrated unique personalities, complex emotions, and astounding intelligence.

I've always been a big animal lover, but reading this book taught me so many things that I never knew before. Anyone who questions an animal's ability to think or feel will get a sharp reality check after reading this book. Chimpanzees are people, too, just as much as human beings are. Unfortunately, the majority if humans in this world don't agree with that logic, and thousands of animals, including chimpanzees, are routinely kidnapped from their natural habitats and bred in captivity for the sole purpose of participating in biomedical research. In many cases, medical laboratories house animals in appalling conditions and literally torture them to death. "Next of Kin" details the horrors that go on behind closed doors at biomedical laboratories, and chronicles the steps Fouts and other animal activists have taken to protect chimpanzees from being treated inhumanely.

I absolutely loved this book. Reading it made me feel close to Washoe and her chimpanzee friends, even though I never met any of them before. (Sadly, Washoe passed away last fall at the age of 42, but I hope to visit members of her family at the Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute in Washington someday.) Parts of this book are incredibly depressing and difficult to read, but hopefully learning about the terrible ways animals are treated will inspire people to take action. I admire everything that Fouts, his family, and his colleagues have done to protect chimpanzees, who are our next of kin on the great evolutionary scale. I hope other readers get as much out of this book as I did.