Animal Books

I read this book when I was a kid and it's wonderful. Anyone who loves dogs should read all of Terhune's books.

As long as you can ignore the bigotry of the author (he was a rich, white aristocrat of the pre WWI variety, so he was a snob and a bigot), his writing about the nobility of dogs, his ability to make them live in your mind is still unsurpassed. The author wouldn't pass a modern "political correctness" test, but if you love dogs and you are mature enough to understand that authors are people and thus flawed, this is a book you should NOT miss.

I asked my grandma if she could take me to the library. We were looking around for books together, her boring adult books, me books by Margaret Peterson Haddix and dog books. I was in the aisle R-V and spoted a book with the word "dog" on it. I quickly grabbed the book and held on to it tightly glad no one else had seen it. I looked at the cover and saw an adorable dog on it and decided to check it out. When I got home the first thing I did was start reading it. It was new stile of writing for me; a bunch of chapters that were in order but SOMEHOW a bunch of short stories about one dog, put together. It got my interest right away. I stayed up till about 3:00 A.M reading it. It still hadn't finished it. The next day I continued to read it and I finished it. It was the most wonderful, exellent, heart-warming, special, terrific, best, most interesting book I have EVER read (until I read Terhune's other books)! I bought the book shortly after. I discovered there was more Lad books and got them all. I decided I loved Terhune's books and went on a book shopping spree.

For the REAL review: I HIGHLY recommend this book as well as all of Terhune's dog books to everyone young and old. It changed my life dramaticly and I am very thankful for the day I found the book. But, this book is different from Terhune's other books. Not the best, but in my opinion, the very most special. After all, it IS Albert Payson Terhune's firt book and the first book of his I read.

Here's my sister, Shannon Hyle's feelings for this book:
"Reading about Lad, a Dog by Albert Payson Terhune fired my desire to own a dog, not just any dog but a faithful tawny collie who would keep me company, lick away my tears and save my life (it might have been from falling through the ice or from that car speeding around the corner or maybe from our cantankerous cow with the cock-eyed horn. Terhune's book series was based on the very real Sunnybank Lad, "a thoroughbred in body and soul."
I also found Terhune's books very satisfying reading and couldn't get enough of them or of Thomas Hinkle's horse stories.

are now legion, as they say. But Terhune was the first person to make them worthwhile to read! I recently came across Albert Payson Terhune's oeuvre, Sunnybank, and Lad, etc. while preparing to purchase a collie for our home. Although we did not eventually get the 'dog of our dreams,' all of my hopes and aspirations, which had been fueled by watching "Lassie" almost fifty years ago, were codified, given life, and made literate in the many books by Mr. Terhune.

His way of writing, (though repetitive in terms and phrases from book to book- a relatively minor point, for the writing is evocative, even if repetitive) is nevertheless easily on a par with many 'good' modern authors today, and is therefore of more merit, than perhaps when they were first written!

As Chronicles of history (the era when cars were first being mass-produced & made available by the 'monthly payment with interest scheme,' so burdensome to modern life) when gentlemanly conduct and lady-like manners were not 'chauvinistic,' all of Terhune's books would make a very nice study of American mores and morals of the 1910-1930's era, especially for boys aged 9-12. Where he [Terhune] shines most evocatively, is in giving that sense of awe and wonder, as one looks with love and affection on a dog that many consider the noblest examplar of the breed as a whole!

What was also pleasant to read, is the honest way in which Terhune describes how literate, intelligent, and societally well-to-do [white] folks looked upon the world, their neighbors, the rise of crime as a mobile menace with the advent of said motorcar (and thus, Terhune makes an eloquent 'apologia' for limiting, rather than expanding[!] mass transportation from inner city to outer suburbs in modern metropolises!) with a frankness that is woefully missing today. In short, when needed, Terhune, like almost all men of his era, is willing to 'call a spade a spade.' Some might call his use of terms for some of the less seemly characters he portrays, 'racially insensitive,' but that is only because we have been brainwashed into thinking civility and crassness are interchangeable cogs on a multicultural wheel!

I, for one, found this utter frankness of Terhune and his overt masculinity (in his descriptions of events and persons) a breath of fresh air- especially after the 'Illegal Alien May First walkout of 2006,' Hurricane Katrina and the Superbowl, the Million Man March, and all the other 'minority grandstanding' one has to endure in this "PC" mad era. Terhune's evocation of an era that should come again reveal that civility, proper manners, respect for property, life, and livestock on a working farm or kennel, are things that any child (or adult!) could/should take a lesson from. Along with Knight's "Lassie-come-home,' these books (in their original issue, and not in modern reprints, which clearly would be 'santized' for 'modern dumbed-down readers') are now prize possessions in my antiquarian bookcase. I will return to them every year, (and read them to my children, whom I homeschool!) to read of a lifestyle, a culture, that once defined what it is to be free, noble, and American. IF I could put it into the fewest words possible, I would say Terhune writes of: Man, dog, and nature. If one could sum up Terhune, these three qualities shine through resplendently in all of his works. I can honestly say, that, for a work of fiction, I am a better man for reading them.

This is the first book that any parent should buy for their child. It is more fun than any other book for the child, parent, grandparent or great grandparent.

This is a real cute story. Its just long enough to keep my two year olds interest before bed so that's a definite plus. Thanks.

We received this book as a gift when my oldest was a baby. It is an amazing little, quirky kind of book - and the song at the end I made up our own little tune too. Even my older children gather around when I read it to the youngest. It is very sweet, simple and beautiful. Great for very young children 0-5.

This is the sweetest little childrens book I have ever seen. I have bought several of them for my grandchildren and friend's grandhildren. And although I'm 81 I'm not ashamed to say that when I'm feeling sort of low I read it myself, too, and it just makes me feel better all over.

This has to got be one of the strangest, coolest, most out-there kids books ever.

I mean, what exactly ARE the little fur family? The dad looks like some kind of furry owl, the mom might be some sort of feminine echidna, the boy looks like a bear, and the grandpa I'm pretty sure is an airedale.

...Pretty sure.

Sometimes the book rhymes, sometimes it doesn't; sometimes the writing is odd and redundant--like living in a "wooden tree," sometimes it's lyrical and beautiful--like "the dark and sunny woods"; and always it's just bizarre.

...The fur family seems peaceful, but they all wear fur coats, evidently from some other animals that got skinned. ...The boy meets his grandfather and has the oddest and most non sequiter exchange about sneezing. ...The little fur boy captures a tiny little furry man, before kissing it and sending it on its way.

What on earth is going on here?

The pictures, by Garth Williams of "Little House on the Prairie" fame, are awesome, every one suitable for framing, and the text, by Margaret Wise Brown, author of "Good Night Moon," makes more sense than say, "The Color Kittens," but still seems somewhat drug-inspired. And the ending is terrific.

This is one of my favorite kids books that I've ever gotten for my daughter, and she seems to like it as well. It's just so incomprehensibly bizarre that I have to love it. Have to.

My kids are two and one and they LOVE this book. It has such a catchy tune and they really enjoy singing along with the CD. It also introduces them to words they ordinarily wouldn't use, such as thyphoid, pneumonia, and colic! I bought three more copies for friends and their school! We have most of John Lithgow's kids' books and this is our favorite by far.

This is a fun book with good repetition and some "big" words. It will make it a book you can revisit when your child is older. I bought it for my 3 1/2 year old who is very picky and talkative. The cd is narrated by the author in front of a live child audience so it is a bit spontaneous and entertaining.

Marsupial Sue is a great song/book for kids. The message of being you is important, and the song sticks with the kids. Having the CD to hear John Lithgow narrate is a must to do this book justice.

My granddaughter introduced me to this book...and it has become my favorite piece of children's literature! I try to give it as a gift to as many children as possible. Perfect for the three year old....and great music for moms to listen to over and over and over...THE GREATEST!

John does it again! My 3-4 year old preschoolers LOVE this book! I love this book. I find myself actually singin along with the book and the kids absolutely love it. One of the best books I have bought them! (and his other ones too!)

As a mom I love Mouse Paint! There is depth to the story. In addition, the innovative introduction of concepts with primary colors is just plain fun. Reading for reading is always good. But reading to teach information opens up new horizons for lifelong learning. The whole book has me smiling all the way through. It is short so when it becomes a beloved favorite -- and it will be a favorite guaranteed! -- you can easily get through it to the satisfaction of all. This is the type of book I tell my friends about.

This edition in hardback would be nice as a gift.

Mouse Paint is a great book for early childhood. I use this book for infant toddler storytime. The colorful pictures make easy eye contact for young children. The book was in excellent condition and delivery was expeditious! Thank you Amazon.

Great book for learning colors. My son just loves it and it teaches how to mix colors as well. Very educational and entertaining.

This is an adorable book, a real must have for kids of any age. It talks all about colors, primary colors, mixing colors, etc.. And the mice in the story are so cute. Simple but entertaining.

This is a super source of creative inspiration for young children. Start them out working with an adult or older child, and they will absolutely take off with creativity and use of colors!

There's hours of educational entertainment inside this slim volume!

Gosh we love Sandra Boynton around here. Boy does she write great books.

This is a quick book of rhymes which *mostly* show opposites (dinosaur weak, dinosaur strong, dinosaurs singing a dinosaur song!) Very fast to read, and cute, engaging pictures for little ones.

Ultimately we love Sandra Boynton. She has a great writing style for little kids.

All of Sandra Boynton's books are a hit at our house, but Oh My Oh My Oh Dinosaurs! is the favorite. The catchy rhymes and funny pictures are a great way to introduce the concept of opposites, counting and colors to small children.

This is one of our favorite books! My son loves seeing the dinosaurs and I really like reading it. It is the best opposites book I've seen, most are boring, but this one is really fun. He loves saying "bye bye" at the end to the dinosaurs too, it's just too cute!

This is probably the most clever and entertaining opposites book I've come across so far.

Like most of Boynton's work, this book is filled with cute illustrations in her classic fun style. The rhymes are great and have that fun-to-recite quality found in most of her books.

If you're drawn to this book because your young child loves dinosaurs, don't pass it up! This is a great story for bedtime, or any time.

In my opinion its hard to grow up in the 80's and not know "Frog and Toad" it was so popular when I was a kid I don't know anyone that didn't read it and with that I had the name Arnold Lobel branded in my mind since. So when I saw this I had to give it a try. "Owl at home" is made up of a handful of little short stories which i find really useful at bedtime cause I can zip through them quickly yet they don't feel rushed and yet amazingly evoke alot of thought and questions afterward. My daughter is the type to pull out 15 books at bedtime so these are a great way to wrap up the night or read something light. "Tear water tea" is my favorite (I find it to be incredibly creative yet true to what you imagine little minds would find sad) cause the images he uses to make himself sad (in order to cry and collect enough tears in a pot for tea) are so cute like spoons that fell behind the stove and are to never be seen again and mornings nobody saw cause they were too busy sleeping! I just love it love it love it I couldn't recommend a beginner book more!

This Arnold Lobel classic should be a fixture on every child's bookshelf. Owl is a gentle soul with whom children can identify, even as they laugh at Owl's silly responses to mundane events in the world around him. Humor ensues when Owl goes too far in anthropomorphizing (tytomorphizing?) winter and the moon, and when he mistakes his own feet for scary bumps under the bed. These stories are a natural for bedtime on a cold winter night, cuddled up under the blankets just before drifting off to sleep.

I originally purchased this book when my children were young, and it was nearly worn out from the numerous readings. My children loved the "bumps" and I always used the "tear water tea" to remind my kids when everything seemed to be going wrong in their world. It is a great little book for children...and some of us adults as well.

My 2 1/2 yr old daughter loves Lobel books and when I moved "up" from the ones in the Easy Fiction area of the library to the Easy - Reader ones I was very pleased as was she. Very short, simple stories with a very clever and imaginative storyline. Like Mousesoup and Mousetails, the stories are just simply good reading stories that my daughter loves hearing over and over and I dont tire of reading.

This book is marvelous. All the stories in this book are so charming, innocent and beautiful. I dont believe my own eyes. Now, all the illustrations are also absolutely wonderful. They are incomparables. As I said, I dont believe my own eyes, because in today's book market (dominated by emptiness, futility and commercial [...]), it is like a glass of pure water in the desert. More, it is a miracle! I read it every night to my children, and cannot put it down myself. I am sad on only one point: I cannot give it 6 stars. Please, buy this beautiful little book to your children. It is a wonderful gift they wont forget. One of these few wonderful souvenirs we all love so much to remember from our childhood.

HOLY SMOKE-ito! This is one of the best children's books I've ever read. The book we bought included a bonus CD read by author Judy Schachner. We've listened to this book countless times and my 4 year old son can't get enough of it. I highly recommend this book to anyone!

LOVE, LOVE Skippyjohn Jones!!! So adorable! Very creative! We are huge Skippyjohn Jones fans!!!

My children love these books and never tire of Skippyjon and his imagination. The stories are light-hearted and fun to read in a sing-song style. My husband likes to make the accent and the kids think that is so great! I would have given the book a 5, but I don't think it is as good as the first two books in the series. However, I can say that my children enjoy the book. I would suggest buying the first book and reading it to them before reading this one.

This is the best series of kid's books...ever. Wonderfully talented imagination, fun to read and colorfully creative illustrations.

Get the hardcovers...they come with a CD (to listen to in the car). The author reads the books. It really adds to your reading experience and lets you read with your child in a much more imaginative fashion.

Should be mandatory reading for Preschool Graduation...

My child and I love to read the book and listen to the CD. The author is so creative and brings to life amazing characters. We are enjoying our reading experience as well learning Spanish phrases.

We've been reading all the 'Bear' books lately and this one too as sort of our Christmas in July. In this story Bear's friends try to keep him up so he can celebrate Christmas. But Bear is sleepy, very, very sleepy.

Wow, just adorable. Great gift idea. Great size book. I pull it out for Christmas and the kids LOVE it. It's such a sweet story of friendship. I love these sweet, wholesome stories. The illustrations are BEAUTIFUL as always with Karma's books. Even after we read it, the kids love to just look through it at the pictures and can read it to themselves that way. Really, I think each little home needs ALL the Bear books.

We have several Christmas books, and this is the favorite in our house. All of Bear's little woodland friends wake him up to join in all the Christmas Eve festivities. The story and illustrations are very simple, yet enchanting. I would love to climb in the pages and stay up for Christmas with Bear!

I purchased this book for my son after receiving the Bear Snores On as a gift. They are his absolute favorites. The pictures are beautiful and the words are lyrical and rhyming. I also like the way it subtly includes both the religious and secular sides of Christmas beneath the overall message of friendship and giving. He has MANY books, but wants me to read this one every night. It's so nice I din't mind.

This book has wonderful illustrations, and is written in a flowing manner that makes it great fun reading to my first grandson. I plan on getting the entire series for him! I want to make sure he knows there is more to life than sports!

A fun read for humans of all ages and their four-legged friends alike. Uniquely written from the dog's perspective. A must-have for Boston Terrier lovers!

A fitting tribute to the Boston Terrier, a remarkably personable, intelligent, loving, and lovable breed of dog-person. My Boston thoroughly enjoyed his brush with fame when he played a little game of ball with the book's "author" during a visit to Mickey's Onancock, VA home.

I find that I share this book more between friends than any other book I have owned! The photos, limericks and insights into everyday life through Mickey and Winnies' eyes are wonderful! This book is a must for Boston Terrier owners or those researching the breed for a companion. Other breed lovers should read it also! My Boston Terriers give it a paw's up also!!!

Took a great sense of humor to write this book as it is written as if the dog is telling the story!

This was a very cute book, it is very rare that I come across a book about Boston's that is so interesting. I received this book as a gift and it was the best Christmas Gift last year. To read about the similiarities that the Boston Terrier's in this book had with my own was so facinating. I shared this book with many of my friends, this is definately a winner!!!!

Good message about real values in a world of too much stuff. My 4 yr old grandson loves this book.

This was the first book we bought to read to our son (he hasn't been born yet). We liked that it discussed the concept of nothing, and that it looks to be a book we won't mind reading over and over again.

A gift of nothing, especially during the holidays, will become part of our annual holiday tradition. The message in the story is that you don't need "things" to be happy. Spending simple, quiet time with loved ones is a gift in itself.

This book has the sweetest message. We give this book out every year for Christmas, and read it to the grandkids every time they come over.

I have always enjoyed "Mutts" daily in the paper - finding their minimalist approach to humour and various topics more than thought provoking. The "Gift of Nothing" achieves that again. In a comforting, humourous way it gets a great message across about the true value of Chrsitmas - the focus on family and friends and the ability to just enjoy the relationships you share with someone close to you.
I have made this gift, of nothing, an annual gift picking one member of my family or friends to demonstrate my appreciate of them.
This Gift of Nothing, really is something to share.