School Time Books

A Time Apart by Diane Stanley was by far one of the worst books I have ever read. It about a girl named Ginny who goes to live with her dad in London because her mom, back in Houston is sick with cancer. Her dad is a part of this Iron Age project where a group of people came together and lived as they did in the Iron Age where there were small huts, clay pots and stone tools. Most of the book is about her every day life on the project grounds. It is interesting at first, but after describing every day in her life on the project, every day is exactly the same. I did not like this book because it was slow moving, and was a story that could have been told in 30 pages, instead of 272 pages.

This book is truly fascinating. I recommend all you to somehow read this book. It truly a GREAT book. Listen to me. It is a good book. I won't tell you any details so that You as readers will find out. Oh I hope I can find another book like this one it was a great good book. I really loved it. Now Listen to me you might think I'm lieing. But think again. I not! So read this spectacular book. I liked it so much I bought instead of just reading it from the library. It is a truly fascinating book. PLEASE read it.

A Time Apart is a captivating story about 13 year old Ginny Dorris. When school lets out, Ginny is looking forward to a summer of relaxation and drama camp. Then, when Ginny finds out her mother has cancer, she is packed off to live with a father she barely knows who is conducting an Iron Age project in England. Ginny finds herself living with a group of strangers in a replicated Iron Age farm, cut off from modern life. As Ginny struggles to keep her mind off her mother and get along with her father (not to mention the rest of the Iron Age community), she discovers that living in the Iron Age isn't as bad as she expected it to be, and even finds herself reluctant to leave. A Time Apart is a beautifully written book. The author describes Iron Age life vividly, so that you have a clear picture of the community in your head throughout the entire book. Unlike many other books, this one never has a dull moment; I often had trouble putting it down. The bottom line is, this book's a winner. Try as I might, I can't find any flaws with it.

Considering the popular "reality TV" shows, and the experiments of living in earlier times in programs like "Victorian House," this book should be flying off the shelves. It is the story of Ginny, a thirteen-year-old girl from Houston, whose parents are divorced. When her mother has to undergo chemotherapy, Ginny is sent to England, where her father is working at a university. Expecting to spend a comfortable summer in London as a visiting professor's daughter, Ginny is shocked to discover that she will join him at his "project" of living in a Celtic Iron Age village. If Ginny finds it hard to be enthusiastic about living with 14 strangers in one wattle and daub roundhouse, she is even less pleased with the primitive foods and her "job" as the baby sitter for 5-year-old Daisy.
The book is well researched and historically accurate, and the backdrop of Celtic culture is fascinating. Additionally, the skills Ginny acquires in living the Celtic life, and the need to reflect on the stark differences between Iron Age and modern life help her to find her own balance. This book is a refreshing change of pace from most young adult literature, which suffers from a current rash of brutally accurate coming-of-age books and escapist magic-drenched fiction. I highly recommend this book, whether for enjoyment, school, or youth reading circles; it poses a variety of issues for consideration.

I just finished A Time Apart and I loved it. It's about a girl named Ginny who is sent to live with her father in England while her mother recovers from cancer treatment. When she gets there, she finds out that she and her father will be living on a farm modeled after Iron Age villiages with no electricity, modern tools, or contact with the outside world. The book shows how she is slowly adapting to her new life and finding a different side to her father from the one she knew. I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend it kids/teens ages 11-14.

I'll warn you before buying this book, you might find it to be a real wakeup call. Brother and Sister get involved in a TON of activities and are literally being drug by their parents someplace every day. Whether it's horseback riding, swimming, soccer or dance, Mama is toting them from here to there while trying to fit her own schedule into the mess. Papa helps sometimes, but he's busy with his work too. When the car finally breaks down and Sister and Brother are late for some event, Mama just goes upstairs and cries. This upsets the cubs and Brother runs off into the woods to get his Papa. Mama is okay when he arrives and they have a family meeting right then and there to decide what part of their schedules is going to be eliminated. It really helps you put into place how busy your life can become when you're not looking. Love this book in our house and we HIGHLY recommend it!

This was a very chaotic book. It has lots of color and I would recommend it for ages 6-11. This book teaches you how to balance responsibilities, interests, talents, and make time out for family fun, chores, and sharing.

This book is about to much pressure. Brother and Sister Bear get involved in swimming, computer club, baseball, ballet, art, horse back riding and many other things also. When they are getting ready to go to ballet and baseball practice the car will not start. And the cubs are yelling and screaming go Mama go. We are going to be late. After all of that ciaos Mama Bear is just fed up with all of that and so then she starts to break down crying. Brother Bear runs and goes and gets Papa Bear and they go into the house with Mama and Sister Bear. The lesson this book teaches is that if you get to involved or busy with things you might get to much pressure from it. I was not to sure on the age level for this book. But the book can teach you how to level things out, because if you do to much you get under pressure.

The Bear Family has become the busiest family in Bear Country. Not because of all the work they have to do, but because of all the activities and organizations they are involved. After the family has a night of bad dreams involving the overworked schedule and Mama has a crying spell when the car won't start, the family sits down to straighten things out.

This book, in a subtle way, reminds us all about how precious life is and how valuable time is. It illustrates how overcommitting oneself can be detrimental and it even touches upon the dangers of listening to peer pressure. In this era of go-go-go, it's a helpful reminder to us all.

Being 14 I remember reading many of teh Berenstain Bears Series. This one I picked from the library not too long ago, for a project at school. This book not only shows the result of pressure, but also the result of following friends, as Brother and Sister did when they decided to join up for certain activites.

The book was in terrible condition due to heavy highlighting and pen markings. I am sorely disappointed I purchased the book and will not purchase any books in future from this seller.

I bought this book on a whim. For a long time I had been interested in law and wanted to see what studying it was all about. I don't think I could have picked a better place to start. From the word go this book delivered interesting cases with in-depth analysis at the end of each one. The analysis was especially helpful in picking apart the important points of law that the case represented. Now when I watch Law and Order and The Practice, I can tell my girlfriend about what is going on (in the legal parts) and sound like a total know-it-all, which is totally awesome.

If you could call a casebook awesome I would use those words here. This book is great for outlining and it leads you through Criminal Law step by step. You'll be amazed at your deep understanding of Criminal Law when you finish with this casebook.

It's a well written book for the first year, but it would not hurt if the schools used previous edition which can be available at mush cheaper price.

OK, 1Ls of the world...this book is organized very well for outlining. The text covers all of the areas of criminal law, peppered with interesting cases drawn from around the country, and really does a good job of giving the reader a variety of perspectives on the contentious issues that comprise criminal law.

I think this is a very good book because it describes the fun-filled adventures Henry and Mudge have in full detail. What I mostly liked about the book was the vocabulary the author uses. The author uses simple words that everyone can understand so that people of all ages can join in on Henry and Mudge's good times.

I think this is a very good book because it describes the fun-filled adventures Henry and Mudge have in full detail. What I mostly liked about the book was the vocabulary the author uses. The author uses simple words that everyone can understand so that people of all ages can join in on Henry and Mudge's good times.

Henry and Mudge books are some of the best books available to beginning readers, and parents would be hard-pressed not to enjoy them as well. While a few of the books in the series show Henry's idyllically happy parents in a way that might make children from less traditional families sad or "homesick" for that situation, this particular book is purely about a little boy, his big dog, their imaginations, and being a kid in the summer. Cynthia Rylant's writing is fun yet poetic, and Sucie Stevenson's illustrations are charming as always.

My 4-year-old son, Frank, has 16 of the 18 (?) books that are available in this collection, and although all of them come hightly recommended, I believe Green Time to be the best. This book highlights all that is good about a boy and his dog. Rylant never personifies Mudge too much but depicts their relationship beutifully. When my son read about Mudge getting a bath, he giggled as each part was washed. But the biggest surprise was watching his sheer delight as Mudge shook from head-to-toe. He understands that Henry would cry when he gets stung by a bee, and he laughed when Mudge eats popcorn. These books are simple and kind, and I hope there are more.

Henry and Mudge are the best of friends. It doesn't matter at all that one of them walks on four legs and drools a lot!!

In this third book in the H&M series, summertime has arrived with adventures galore for boy & dog. Divided into chapters, each functioning as a mini story but related to each other, Henry and his 180-pound dog Mudge explore the wide, green world of summer. In one of the most notable chapters, a bee stings Henry, and boy does it HURT!! Fortunately, good ol' Mudge is there to make Henry feel better (a good face-licking by Mudge helps Henry forget his pain at being stung-Mudge likes the salty taste of tears).

As a teacher I love the H&M series because the illustrations are always bright, vibrant and immediately draw my students into the story. I also love the short, easy sentences, which are perfect for beginning-to-intermediate readers who feel that they're ready to tackle chapter books. As a parent, I love the way that this series is about the small adventures in life that are right on the level of the reader. Nothing blows up, aliens don't invade the countryside sucking out peoples' innards, and the world isn't narrowly saved from oblivion. Mudge is a wonderfully realistic dog that is completely devoted to Henry, like most real dogs are devoted to the children they live with.

As of this writing, there are some 20 H&M books, each a small treasure and each a wonderful read. Though they're numbered, it's not at all necessary to begin with #1 and progress up to #20; readers can grab whichever title catches their whim and follow along with the adventures. I myself have read them all and am not so patiently waiting for the next ones to come out. Each book comes highly recommended.

I love this book, and all the other ones as well! It was about Melanie leaving Jesse when they finally were back together. And when Miguel helps out at the hospital and with Leah and is having so much fun over the summer. Nicole's mom's having a baby and she is so embaressed, but Jenna tells her how lucky she is. And how she's gonna have this cute little person in the house. And I thought, Just another one of her fabulous books! After I read that #20 is going to be the last one, I felt so sad! It's like one those books that you can never put down, you know? The books are so real, and you feel the characters too. That's how good the books are! I don't know how I'll ever find another series as good as this one. And if the author is reading, to me you are my favorite author! Thanx for writing!

Like the last few books in this series, I have to say that this one is so good! Things just continue to look up for everyone in Prime Eight.

If you're familiar with the series, it's not hard to say that you seem to know each character. However, in this book, I felt myself feeling proud of some characters- like Jesse, for how he seems to have cleaned up his life, and Miguel buying a house for his family. I felt happy for Melanie, who especially has faced difficult times in the past. All that seems to be changing, as she has found happiness with Jesse, her father has quit drinking, and she's gotten to know more of her family. Even Nicole, despite her constant obsession to lose weight, it showing a glimmer of hope that she might change her attitude about somethings- maybe.

Though this is a Christian series, Peter and Jenna have really been the only ones to practise their faith. However, besides Melanie's increased interest in the Bible, Leah has also started to question some facts she has always known as science. Since one of the reasons I was originally interested in this series was because of it's Christian content, I was pleased to read in this book how at least there is somewhat of a Christian focus.

If you're a fan of the Clearwater Crossing series, this book is a fantastic- and welcome- addition. My only disappointment was how is seemed to focus on particular characters. Ben, though not the most interesting, was hardly mentioned, and Peter also was more in the background this time. However, it was still a terrific read. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

I'm not one who likes to read often, usually at all, but this series really got my attention. I'm a teenager, and I could hardly put these books down. I can't wait for the next one to come out, so keep up the awesome work!

I have read every book in the Clearwater Crossing series. I like them a lot and it only takes me a few hours to read them. This book was really good. If you are thinking of reading the Clearwater books, start with book one, because you won't understand all what is going on. I am anxious to read book 19 to find out more about Nicole and her new brother or sister, more about Miguel and Leah, Ben and Bernie, Jesse, Melanie, and Melanie's dad's job. I also want to read more about Jenna joining Guy's band, and especially Caitlin and David's wedding plans!!! Clearwater Crossing rocks!

Summer's in full swing, and things are going great for most of Eight Prime!

Leah and Miguel are spending every minute together before she leaves for California. Jesse and Melanie are finally a couple and so happy! Melanie can't believe how her life has changed: she's in love, and her father has stopped drinking and has a new job. Things can't get much better, or can they? A pet kitten named Min shows her that they can!

Jenna's happy too; she's started singing with Guy's band. But will anyone hire them? And how will she write songs when she can barely rhyme?

Nicole's still obsessing over her critical new boyfriend, who seems to spot every little flaw. And Ben is terrified his new girlfriend will find out that he's not really cool at all.

This book was a great addition to the rest of the series; it really showed how all of the group has changed in one short year.

This is really good book. Going into an attic and dressing up then going into another world through a mirror, who wouldn't want to? This is a book for kids about seven or older. This book is one of my favorite of the series.

Leigh H.M.

My daughter (6) found this to be a fairly easy to understand book (I did most of the reading). Although published for slightly older readers, my daughter understood the concepts (and she has all the Magic Attic dolls, so she acted out some of the scenes). Anyway, the book stimulated her imagination, it was a well-done introduction to the four girls and Ellie.

this book is awsome it is fun and has a good adventure in the story if you haven't read this yet, i asume you should get to read it.it is so good

This book was a very good way to reaveal the girls feelings. For example I read the book to find I knew exactly how they felt being transferd through the mirror,falling through the lake during an ice-skating party or just being different. I would reccomend this book to all eight year olds and older.

What can be more fun than to escape through the attic to another time and place? Easy to read, fun, and similar to the American Girls, but without the history lesson.

Our faith begins and ends with the love of God. In the face of life's struggles, how deeply we need to trust in a love greater than ourselves - a love we can count on to hold us, to never let us go, and to instill in us a worth that our best efforts can never earn and our worst failings can't diminish.

That's the love God has for you. It's a love that delights in you, cherishes the simple things that give you joy, meets you in the sorrows no one else can touch, and whispers your name in unguarded, unexpected moments. No one else knows you like your heavenly Father, and no one else loves you as wisely, powerfully, and completely.

With sensitivity and insight, Women of Faith authors share devotional reflections on the character of God's heart. Distilled from the Bible's timeless truths and the experiences of everyday life, these meditations are like precious notes from your Father revealing the nature of his love for you.

In the words of Sheila Walsh, "Our prayer as we sat down to write this book to you was that you would know you are loved - boundlessly, fearlessly, stubbornly, lavishly, outlandishly, intentionally - by the God of the universe, the One who created you and calls you by name."
--- from book's back cover

these women are very appealing in their ability to be gracious and see the goodness of God in difficult and even tragic situations. i set out to read one short story each night and, without fail, read three or four before i forced myself to put the book down and go to sleep! i found the book to be a wonderful way to end the day and be reminded of the beauty of God in the simple and the complex. the stories are insightful, inspirational, and often very funny. one of the most impressive aspects of the book was the expression of the ability to overcome devastating circumstances and not only trust God but trust Him enough to share Him with others. this book would make a great gift for the women in your life.

Boundless Love written by a wonderful group of women is an inspirational little book. It has everything you could ask for.
Humor, tears, spiritual lessons. I loved the stories that the women share about their personal experiences. Most of which I could easily relate. I highly recommend reading this book!

This is a "warm and fuzzy" book. It doesn't get in your face or make you nervous. There are challenges, but so gently delivered you might not even notice. However, the gentle approach does nothing to lessen the impact of the truth, so joyfully shared, that God loves us forever, for always and no matter what. This is a great summer beach read or a gift to give to a friend who needs to know how much God loves them.

This is a "warm and fuzzy" book. It doesn't get in your face or make you nervous. There are challenges, but so gently delivered you might not even notice. However, the gentle approach does nothing to lessen the impact of the truth, so joyfully shared, that God loves us forever, for always and no matter what. This is a great summer beach read or a gift to give to a friend who needs to know how much God loves them.

Terrible Times
By: Philip Ardagh
Reviewed by: A. Quizon (Firecracker)
Period: 1

A young boy named Eddie Dickens was forced to go to America because his mom wanted him to. Of course, he certainly did not want to go there. Then one unpleasant day, Eddie found himself sailing on a ship, on the way to America. He was so worried. He did not even know if he would make it through the ship ride. Eddie was so scared sailing on a ship alone, with strangers all around him. He was in one of those leaky ships, not the real fancy, cruise looking ships. Anyways, Eddie thought he would never make it. This ship ride took forever. Eddie was sailing with some of the most dangerous people in which of course made him extremely frightened. On this leaky ship, there was a mysterious stowaway and some faces he knew of from his own past which was not very good. With the familiar faces he knew of, they tied him up and set adrift a leaky rowboat. He hated this and surely wanted to go back home. There was absolutely no doubt about that! He was waiting to reach America, and it seems like it is taking years to get there. Every time Eddie thought of this, he was thinking "Unbelievable!" because he was on a ship with many bad guys who had the world-famous Dog's Bone Diamond along with a cargo hold full of left shoes. Then in conclusion, Eddie's most dangerous companions got caught, and Eddie happily got sent back home to England, and went to trial.

What I like about this book is that Eddie did not go to America, and the most dangerous companions of his got caught! This ending was one of the best endings I have ever read. This ending was so unexpected, which I loved about this. "Once the cargo of left shoes was unloaded and the Dog's Bone Diamond delivered, there were brought back to England and ended up on trial. I also love the fact that he got back home, and went to trial. This keeps him safer, and more away from these bad guys because they probably got sent to a jail for what they did. Now Eddie wouldn't have to worry about dying because of his horrible companions. It makes me happy in the end because no one really got hurt in this story.

What I dislike about this book is that Eddie was forced to go to America in the first place. Then, on the day he found himself on the ship, sailing to America, he started freaking out. I did not really like that part because if someone imagined if that was them, they would have a very unpleasant time on the ship. I also disliked the ship. I don't like those nasty, creepy-looking, leaking ships. Those ships looks like it sunk a long time ago and many people died on it. Then, people found the boat, took it out of the water, and cleaned it a little bit. It is scary, imagining people who died on it, and thinking that the ship would be haunted. Those kinds of ships give me the creeps. I feel very sorry for Eddie because it was bad enough that he had to stay on that nasty old ship, sailing to a place that he didn't want to go to. But there's more: "The poor Eddie Dickens finds himself sailing to America with some of the most dangerous traveling companions anyone might have the misfortune to share a ship with." Of course I certainly would not want to share a ship with those kinds of people.

My favorite part of this book is the ending (obviously). This is because the ending was so unexpected. What I thought was going to happen was that Eddie would not even make it on the ship ride. By the time that ship reaches America, he would probably already be dead by then because some of the familiar faces he knew and the other most dangerous companions would probably kill Eddie. That is certainly not a pleasant idea to think of. I was so wrong once I read the ending because the ending ended up as something good happening. I love it when Eddie goes back home because everything is back to normal and he feels safe again, and not like on the ship. He felt very unsafe, worried, and as if someone would kill him. I love the feeling whenever a person feels so safe. That was how Eddie felt when he went back home to England. My least favorite part of this book was in the beginning. This was when Eddie's mother wanted him to go to America. This is when the whole thing started. I thought that it was sad that he got sent on a ship with a bunch of strangers who were very dangerous. Other than that, this book was fantastic!

Terrible Times is Book 3 of the 'Eddie Dickens Trilogy' and requires familiarity with the past plots, but will nonetheless delight fans who have enjoyed the story of hero Eddie, who now finds himself en route to North America aboard the sail ship The Pompous Pig. Zany misfortunes and disreputable traveling companions abound with mystery and an involving, lively plot.

As the final book in his Eddie Dickens trilogy, Philip Ardagh has made "Terrible Times" a fitting end. The mishaps and adventures of Eddie Dickens began in the first book when he was mistaken for an orphan. The general whackiness that began the series is ever-present in the third and final installment.

In "Terrible Times" Eddie finds out that he is supposed to go to America to see what is wrong with the family's newspaper known as the 'Terrible Times'. Eddie never makes it to America because his adventures at sea include a traveling companion whose previous employers have all died and left all their money to her. What could she possibly have planned for Eddie on their fateful voyage?

Philip Ardagh has a sharp and ready wit. The story is quickly paced in spit of all the wanderings off course. Yet some of the novelty has worn off by the third book, especially since some of his shtick is a take off of Lemony Snicket's style. Still it is a light-hearted and enjoyable read that will make the reader laugh.

Philip Ardagh is one author who knows precisely how to grab the attention of young readers and never let it go. He's wry, humorous, and incomparable. Attesting to his winning ways is the popularity of the first two books in his Eddie Dickens Trilogy: "A House Called Awful End" and "Dreadful Acts."

Now comes "Terrible Times" read by the immensely talented Martin Rayner.

Expressing surprise at the success of these books Mr. Ardagh relates that their genesis is found in letters that he wrote to a nephew at boarding school. Whatever the case, they're gems and, in this reviewer's estimation will be enjoyed by generations of young people.

North America is the destination of Eddie, the young protagonist, in "Terrible Times." He finds himself aboard a sailing ship carrying an unlikely cargo - countless left shoes. The unforgettable Dog's Bone Diamond has also booked passage, along with a gaggle of shipmates who should be forced to walk planks.

As if that weren't enough, of course, there's a stowaway.

Before long the hapless Eddie is set adrift in a leaky rowboat. Chances are slim that he can backstroke all the way to America. What's to become of him now?

Philip Ardagh is one author who knows precisely how to grab the attention of young readers and never let it go. He's wry, humorous, and incomparable. Attesting to his winning ways is the popularity of the first two books in his Eddie Dickens Trilogy: "A House Called Awful End" and "Dreadful Acts."

Now comes "Terrible Times" read by the immensely talented Martin Rayner.

Expressing surprise at the success of these books Mr. Ardagh relates that their genesis is found in letters that he wrote to a nephew at boarding school. Whatever the case, they're gems and, in this reviewer's estimation will be enjoyed by generations of young people.

North America is the destination of Eddie, the young protagonist, in "Terrible Times." He finds himself aboard a sailing ship carrying an unlikely cargo - countless left shoes. The unforgettable Dog's Bone Diamond has also booked passage, along with a gaggle of shipmates who should be forced to walk planks.

As if that weren't enough, of course, there's a stowaway.

Before long the hapless Eddie is set adrift in a leaky rowboat. Chances are slim that he can backstroke all the way to America. What's to become of him now?

- Gail Cooke

My five year old has had this book for 3 years. It was a favorite when he received it and is still a favorite. The whole family enjoys this short little board book. I plan to purchase one for my new nephew:-)

Now you already know that my now 8-year-old sister, Rhiannon, can't tell time on an analog clock, and I still love this book two years later, since I wrote a previous review in 2004. Tom and his family do many things according to the time--getting out of bed, going to school, brushing teeth, etc. Of course I don't get up on the same time as Tom does; I have lunch at school at 1:58 but at 12:00 Tom eats lunch. Lucky him, because he has lunch at an earlier time, but we also go to bed at almost the same time--9:00! Pretty nice, huh? There's also his sister, Rosey, and I surely can't wait to see her! There's a clock on each page to show kids what the time is, and if they can't say it then their parents or older siblings can say it for them. There's also Bob and Larry, and they join Tom in the usual activities. Then there's the flashback. When I looked at the cover, it seemed familiar to me. I thought I might have read the part where Tom goes to school and tried my best to peek at some pages, but of course was too shy, because I've never seen VeggieTales before back then (silly me!). Anyway, I recommend this book for anyone who loves teaching time to their kids, especially me!

Like I told you before, my six-year-old sister, Rhiannon, never knew time and has never learned time at all. So I think this book is the easiest way to learn to tell time. A clock on each page encourages children to tell time and if they don't know how, their big sisters or brothers or even parents can say it for them. Once again, thank you VeggieTales!!!

The bright, colorful pictures and the short, catchy rhymes make this book a winner for any age at any time. There is repetition; here's the ringing refrain, "It's time for Tom...." is said again and again. A clock on each page shows the time that is said, from rising at 8 'til at 9 Tom's in bed. The only regret I have as I read is the times for Tom's life do not match our speed. He rises at 8 and his school starts at 9; we lunch at eleven while at noontime Tom dines. The reading is easy, the rhymes are quite fun, the pictures are pretty, and my writing is done.

I'm 11 years old but kinda enjoyed the book. I'ts about Tom the Grape doing his daily stuff like most of us(waking up for school,taking a bath,having dinner with his family,etc).

Younger kids will enjoy the book,but adults as well.

Caldecott Honoree Denise Fleming is back with a great introduction to the concept of hibernation. Bear sees that it's time to go to sleep for the winter, and the message is passed from snails to skunks in the forest so that all are prepared for the impending season and model the idea of looking out for others. Ms. Fleming's unusual illustrations process, combining complimentary colors, stencils and cotton pulp, provide unforgettable results. Alliteration abounds, encouraging phonological awareness in the early reader. While "Sleepy Bear" by Lydia Dabcovich also explores hibernation, "Time to Sleep" remains a superior choice, due to the tremendous world Fleming builds through patterned language and evocative vocabulary, where woodchucks sigh and turtles ramble

The leaves are changing color and the days are getting cooler. " I smell winter in the air," said bear. " It is time for me to crawl into my cave and sleep." " But I must tell snail first." As a forest of friends, realize that the leaves are changing and that winter is coming, they must tell each other. It starts with bear, and she tells snail. Snail tells skunk then skunk must tell turtle and the list goes on. Finally, ladybug gets the message and she goes to tell bear. When she gets there, bear is already sleeping in her cave. Lady bug wakes up bear and tells her that winter is near and that is time for her to crawl into her cave and sleep. Bear says "Ladybug, I am in my cave and I was sleeping." Ladybug says she is sorry. Then all the animals say goodnight to each other. This book is not very exciting compared to most children's books. There is not really a turning point. All that the tale does is repeat the same thing from animal to animal. The animals just tell each other that winter is coming and that it is time to sleep. Author Denise Fleming did a poor job of writing the story. The moral of the story, which is to go to sleep when it is bedtime, was weak. She could have easily put in more detail and action and still get the same point across. Even though the author did a bad job with lack of excitement she did do a good job of describing the setting and what was going on. When snail is moving Fleming used the words " slowly slithered", when she described how turtle moved, she used the words " trudged up Woodchucks hill," and she used the words " scritch and scratch" to describe how skunk was digging. By using these words the reader can picture how the animals were moving. Although the writing was bad the illustrations were good. The pictures are the only thing that the book has going for it. The illustrator did a great job of showing detail and using bright colors. The leaves were bright and different colors, just as they would be expected to be in the fall. Good detail was also used with the shape of the leaves, trees, animals, and each animal's house. Some other good things about the book are that the print is big, there are only a few sentence on each page, and there are not very many big words. These are good examples of why this book would be good for kids who are learning how to read. Because there are not a lot of big words, so kids would be able to understand what they are reading. Time to Sleep would make a great bedtime story, because it would probably bore kids to death. This book would be a great story for kids to read, but because of its lack of excitement it wouldn't be a very good book to read to them. - Jessica Pace

This book is another stunning sucess for Fleming. Beautiful illustrations, which employ autumn-ish color schemes, make for a visual treat, while the story conveys a wonderful message of social responsibility. Highly recommended for bedtime as well as discussions about hibernation (all the information about each animal's hibernation behavior is accurate, and obviously researched).

My 3 year old loves this book for the beautiful illustrations of the animals and the forest during Autumn. However, one night after we read it a bedtime, she looked over at me and said that she liked "how all of the animals took care of each other." If she can get this simple, yet crucially important lesson from a children's book, I would say that the author has gone above and beyond her intentions.

This is a wonderful book to use when explaining the concept of hibernation and change of season. There is a terrific flow from page to page with a "surprise" ending that my students loved. It is a wonderful spring-board for class discussions and "acting - out" activities!