Animals Books

Cara's instructions from her grandmother, Ivy, were very clear. Cara was to protect the amulet and to give the unicorn queen a message-one that ultimately means Cara must return to Earth to save her grandmother, known as the Wanderer. And she must return to Luster with Ivy as it is time to heal old wounds.

But returning to Earth is not as easy as it was traveling to Luster. Cara enlists the help of M'Gama (the Geomancer) who will plot Cara's journey. That journey will be arduous and dangerous and it will be accomplished with the help of Cara's many friends from Luster.

Cara successfully returns to Earth but finds Ivy trapped in a mysterious and strange dimension by Beloved, the evil ancestor of Cara. Beloved's only goal is to kill all the unicorns.

The man who is a Hunter and who stalked Cara and her friends in Book I make a return appearance in Song of the Wanderer and the relationship between the Hunter and Cara is settled. There are further secrets revealed about Ivy's past and there are threads left open that will undoubtably be answered in Book III.

Song of the Wanderer is an exciting sequel to Book I and I suggest that the books be read in order. It just makes the experience richer. The plot is more intricate and has more depth in Book II and in effect draws in the reader deeper into the story and helps make a stronger connection to the characters. When the final page was read, I couldn't wait to begin Book III.

Armchair Interviews says: Song of the Wanderer is a compelling story for any Middle Reader.

My daughter hasn't made it to this book yet but she is looking forward to it!

Song of the Wanderer by Bruce Coville is a great fantasy book. I definitely recommend it to people who LOVE using there IMAGINATION. The story begins when a girl named Cara is in the wonderful yet dangerous land of the unicorns, Luster. Cara was summoned by the queen of the unicorns to find the wanderer(Cara's grandmother) so that the queen(Arabella Skydancer) can rest in peace. Soon after that meeting Cara sets off on her mission to find her grandmother. The night she set off she had a dream of her many times great grandmother (that hates unicorns) Beloved, contacts Cara in her dream. The next day Cara, Moonheart, Belle, the squijem, and Finder set off to M'Gama's mountain. Cara and the rest of the group follow M'Gama's servant deep down into the mountain, to the point that they are almost under the surface of the earth to do a spell that will help tell the way to the gate that leads from Luster to Earth. Also M'Gama will do something that will surprise you. Trust me.
This paragraph is just about a character that comes later in the book. That character is Lightfoot. Lightfoot is a smart alec, cocky little(well he is not really small he actually is a rather large unicorn) that is also very sweet and protective of Cara. He risk's his life for Cara at one point in the book. And you will find out in what way. Oh and you will find that a unsuspecting person will finally meet Cara. And all you need to do is read the book to find what adventure lies in it. I'm not going to you what is going to happen in the rest of the book.

After being cast into the mysterious land of Luster not too long ago, twelve-year-old Cara Diana Hunter is finally just moments away from meeting the Unicorn Queen - Arabella Skydancer. During her time in Luster, while Cara has missed Grandmother Morris dearly, she has made friends with mythical creatures of all shapes and sizes - from Thomas the Tinker to Lightfoot the Unicorn, and a squirrel-like creature called Squijum to the half bear/half human Dimblethum, and many, many more. But the time has come to buckle down and complete the mission at hand to save Luster forever as we know it. The Unicorn Queen has reached old age. She is fading slowly but surely; however, she refuses to say farewell to her friends and family until she has had the opportunity to see Grandmother Morris - aka The Wanderer - one last time. This is where Cara enters the story. It is the Unicorn Queen's request that Cara, along with a glory of unicorns - Moonheart, Finder, and Belle. Together, Cara and the glory of unicorns - along with Thomas the Tinker and Squijum - will make their way back to Earth, in order to save Grandmother Morris from Beloved and the rest of the Hunter's, and return her to her rightful home right here in Luster. Cara is convinced that, with the assistance of her strong, and powerful friends, the task will be simple. However, she soon realizes that heading back to Earth and locating Grandmother Morris is a much more difficult task than she ever could have imagined. For one, their days are numbered before the dynamics of Luster shift for Autumn, and make it impossible to re-enter Luster in the same location where they departed. Two, the companions will have to find a way to make it to the back of the dragon, Ebillan's cave, in an attempt to reach the secret door that bridges the gap between Earth and Luster. And three, with various moments of contact with the wicked Beloved, Cara has no idea what to expect when she takes her first steps back onto Earth's soil. She's also reluctant to find out. As much as she wants to see Grandmother Morris again, she can't help but feel nervous about leaving the quiet, shimmery world of Luster. But, alas, Cara accepts the task, and begins her journey. This time, however, the journey is much more tiring than her first travels through Luster. With a request to pay a visit to the Geomancer, M'Gama, Cara visits the magician of sorts, where she is given provisions and protection to help her during her quest. But her time with M'Gama is not nearly as important as her time with Grimwold, the individual who records all of the Unicorn Chronicles, and has a very special story waiting for Cara and her companions when they arrive at his front door during their journey. With Grimwold and M'Gama's instructions and information close at hand, Cara sets her mind on accomplishing her task, and finding Grandmother Morris. But through battles with vicious delvers, and encounters with enough mythical creatures to make your head spin; Cara becomes to wonder whether she'll be able to accomplish her task in the set amount of days, or if she'll be the ruination of Luster altogether.

I absolutely adored Bruce Coville's INTO THE LAND OF THE UNICORNS, which I read a little over a year ago. However, upon beginning SONG OF THE WANDERER, I quickly realized that, as fabulous as its predecessor was, it couldn't hold a candle to the magic and adventure found within the pages of SONG OF THE WANDERER. Coville has returned with the rest of Cara's story, painting Cara, once more, as an understanding, brave, kind individual; whose loyalty to her Grandmother, her friends, and the secret world of Luster is admirable; while her determination to complete any task that may find its way to her is thrilling. The fact that, like with INTO THE LAND OF THE UNICORNS, Coville has kept many secondary characters around, and introduced many more only adds to the excitement of the tale, and makes it impossible to stop reading. The Squijum is still one of my favorite characters. His constant ramblings are humorous; while his ability to brighten the mood in any situation makes him a much-needed character. Thomas the Tinker is also a fun individual. The fact that he owns a caravan that can be folded into the size of a piece of paper adds a little magic to the story; while his protectiveness over Cara makes him appear quite similar to a father-like character, whom you can't help but love. I was absolutely ecstatic to see that the faces of Lightfoot the Unicorn and the Dimblethum made appearances throughout SONG OF THE WANDERER, as they are two very important characters whom I certainly wouldn't want to see cut from the story. Coville's descriptions of the vicious delvers, and their surprise attacks send shivers up your spine; while the stories that Grimwold recants regarding Unicorn history are absorbing, and hard to resist. Coville's lyrical writing takes you on a whimsical adventure that won't soon be forgotten!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

I thought this book was really great. Bruce Coville did a great job with this book as he did with the last one. Cara is one of my favorite book characters and I just loved all the twists this book had. Thses books are not your average unicorn books! Some good news for anyone who has already read these books and want to know if there's more there is. Book 3 is supposed to come out around April 2008 and called Dark Whispers. There will also be a book 4.

I got the book faster than anticipated. I also read the book faster than anticipated. Now I need to get the last book of the series. I can't believe how easy it is to read these books, and I mean that in a way that adults will enjoy it too. I would recommend ALL of Tamora Pierce's books for anyone, but especially for women and teen girls. It's full of strength and spirit for females without being abusive to males. Check it out!

I loved this book. I am hoping for a realtionship between Daine and the Numair. I loved the story line and the plot was quite interesting. I cant wait to read the fourth of this series.

This book is no disappointment for anyone who likes Tamora Pierce's Tortall books. A great read. Recommended for anyone looking for adventure. This book, of course, is a sequel, and is well worth reading. Tamora Pierce does not disappoint with her intriguing plot, life-like characters, thrilling adventures. Brilliant cover art for this edition. As usual a wonderful installment in her Tortall adventures.

Ever wished you could trash an empiral palace using dinosaurs? Then this book is for you! Animal lovers unite to take out the bad guy.

Daine and her teacher Numair Salamin are sent to Carthak as part of the peace legion. But although Ozorne says that he didn't attack Tortall Daine can tell that he's up to something. She can feel it.

In this book Daine is captured by...sorry I won't tell you. Numair tries to save her and...another thing I won't say. Ozorne is growing powerful and Daine see's her power growing in strange ways. Are these powers good or bad?

While Daine is here she meets Kaddar the prince of Carthak and maybe, just maybe they can do something to stop the war and to defeat Ozorne...

Please read this book. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. It has magic, fantasy, action, adventure and a touch of romance.

My son LOVES this book. We read it at least 3 times before going to bed, it's really cute, gets him to talk about being afraid to go to sleep, it's a new favorite!

It makes me and my 2 year old laugh every time we read it. It's cute, funny, and gets a sweet message across.

Out of nowhere, my 2 year old started having trouble going to sleep and also waking up during the night. He cried and didn't want us to leave his room. I borrowed a bunch of bedtime stories from the library dealing with going to sleep and being afraid of the dark. We have read "Llama, Llama" every night for about a week now and his fears have subsided. I really think he has identified with the little llama being afraid that his mommy had left him alone in the dark. I even quote the book (we read it last right before bedtime) and remind him that even though mama is not right here, she is near. And he goes to sleep. We are all sleeping again. Now, I have to buy the book :). Thank you, Anna!

My two year old loves this book. Every single night this is what he wants to hear, and I never get tired of this fun, rhyming read. He always asks 'what's that?!' when the Llama is having his tantrum, or when he is scared, so it's also a great book for helping kids understand and verbalize emotions. I strongly recommend this book to anyone with kids who love to read and laugh!

Gave this book as a baby shower gift! The mama to be was thrilled and read it right then. It was a big hit.

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.

The forest is in its darkest hour, and frightening new prophecies come up:
"Four will become two.
Lion and tiger will meet in battle,
and blood will rule the forest."

To find out if the Clans will survive this hardship, you have to read The Darkest Hour.
This fantasy novel, part of the ever-growing Warriors series, takes place in a forest near a highway, some time in 21st century mainland ("modern times"). There are four Clans in the forest: ThunderClan, RiverClan, ShadowClan, and WindClan. Fireheart (later known as Firestar) is the new leader of ThunderClan. He is described as a `handsome ginger tom", and like his name implies, he is brave and will stand up for whatever he thinks is right. Tigerstar, the vicious leader of ShadowClan, is a tyrant and will stop at nothing to take over the forest.
StarClan can be described as cat heaven or the cats living in cat heaven. When a cat becomes leader of his Clan, he receives nine lives from StarClan (get that: cats don't come with nine lives; they have to earn it): courage, justice, loyalty, tireless energy, protection, mentoring, compassion, love, and nobility, certainty, and faith. Of course, all this life receiving is very painful.
Something bad is coming to the forest, something bad enough to have its own prophecy. Firestar is sure this has to do with Tigerstar, but he can't really be sure. When Tigerstar brings up the idea of joint Clans, Firestar is convinced. How could he even mention the idea? There`ve always been four clans in the forest, and it's the will of StarClan to be that way, right? But Tigerstar is definitely hiding something here...
This fast-paced book was easier to read than maybe Brian Jacques' books but not so easy as Guardians of Ga'hoole. I think the theme would be courage. Yes. Stand up for what you believe in. The title is what it is because the Clans faced a looming crisis, bigger than even a forest fire. Erin Hunter uses lots of descriptive words to give you a good picture of what's going on in the novel, and keeps you reading until you're done. I think it showed some Christian perspective in one of StarClan's many visits to Firestar. Contrary to what the cats are taught, StarClan do not control everything; they give the Clans free will and don't force things onto them, kind of like God does.
I really enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to middle-school-and-up people who enjoy reading fantasy things or likes to contemplate what their cat might be dreaming of.

The forest is in its darkest hour, and frightening new prophecies come up:
"Four will become two.
Lion and tiger will meet in battle,
and blood will rule the forest."

To find out if the Clans will survive this hardship, you have to read The Darkest Hour.
This fantasy novel, part of the ever-growing Warriors series, takes place in a forest near a highway, some time in 21st century mainland ("modern times"). There are four Clans in the forest: ThunderClan, RiverClan, ShadowClan, and WindClan. Fireheart (later known as Firestar) is the new leader of ThunderClan. He is described as a `handsome ginger tom", and like his name implies, he is brave and will stand up for whatever he thinks is right. Tigerstar, the vicious leader of ShadowClan, is a tyrant and will stop at nothing to take over the forest.
StarClan can be described as cat heaven or the cats living in cat heaven. When a cat becomes leader of his Clan, he receives nine lives from StarClan (get that: cats don't come with nine lives; they have to earn it): courage, justice, loyalty, tireless energy, protection, mentoring, compassion, love, and nobility, certainty, and faith. Of course, all this life receiving is very painful.
Something bad is coming to the forest, something bad enough to have its own prophecy. Firestar is sure this has to do with Tigerstar, but he can't really be sure. When Tigerstar brings up the idea of joint Clans, Firestar is convinced. How could he even mention the idea? There`ve always been four clans in the forest, and it's the will of StarClan to be that way, right? But Tigerstar is definitely hiding something here...
This fast-paced book was easier to read than maybe Brian Jacques' books but not so easy as Guardians of Ga'hoole. I think the theme would be courage. Yes. Stand up for what you believe in. The title is what it is because the Clans faced a looming crisis, bigger than even a forest fire. Erin Hunter uses lots of descriptive words to give you a good picture of what's going on in the novel, and keeps you reading until you're done. I think it showed some Christian perspective in one of StarClan's many visits to Firestar. Contrary to what the cats are taught, StarClan do not control everything; they give the Clans free will and don't force things onto them, kind of like God does.
I really enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to middle-school-and-up people who enjoy reading fantasy things or likes to contemplate what their cat might be dreaming of.

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

"Today is a good day to die, but tomorrow is better. Unless, those doing the dying are six foot, mutated chipmunks with blaster rifles. But I'm getting ahead of myself. I should start at the beginning. If you ask me, the end makes a fine beginning. Things come together and things fall apart, and the fur flies a little easier with the help of a Rolling Thunderä shotgun, as long as that fur isn't mine, and I'm the one pulling the trigger. Yep, it's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, but I ain't Mr. Rogers."

"But, I should introduce myself, you can call me Ishmael. Just kidding, bit of classical allusion there. Call me Hobo, warrior, poet, and one fine-looking feline, that's me. See, all cats are warriors, at least at heart, and that's why I'm the best one to introduce the series, Warriors."

Warriors is a book series first published in 2003 by Kate Cary and Cherith Baldry, under the pen name Erin Hunter, and introduced to me by cat and book lover Billy Waltz. The second series was written under the title Warriors: The New Prophecy. The third series, The Power of Three, and two more books, Firestar's Quest and Secrets of the Clans, are coming in 2007.

The series starts off with Into the Wild and a young "kitty pet"(house cat) name Rusty who yearns for adventure and has vivid dreams of the wilds. He meets a young feral cat, and this meeting leads to a chance to join a clan of wild cats called Thunderclan. He's renamed Firepaw and becomes an apprentice warrior. He finds himself in the middle of a tribal war with three other clans who coexist and compete for food and resources.

Allegiances are constantly shifting among the clans of warrior cats that roam the forest. With tensions so delicately balanced, former friends can become enemies overnight, and some cats are willing to kill to get what they want. Our young protagonist quickly moves from apprentice to warrior, to second-in-command, to leader of his clan. He must learn wisdom, deal with betrayal, and ultimately save his clan and the forest way of life.

The author has created an intriguing world with an intricate structure and mythology. There is intrigue, themes of loyalty, friendship and death, and an engaging young hero. The difficult life of a feral cat is described in some detail. (Oct. 16 is national feral cat day. Check out www.nationalferalcatday.org ) The cats, anthropomorphism aside, are true to their feline nature, which should delight cat and animal lovers alike. There is some violence. Some characters are killed through fighting and natural disasters, and there is treachery, betrayal and traitors, and even murder among the cats and clans, though it is crucial to the plot and not excessive.

Overall, I believe readers will find a fun-to-read series of books. Though not as elegantly written as Brian Jacques' Redwall series. The superb storytelling drew me into a realm so vivid that it could almost be real and I really came to care about the characters I found myself staying up late, with the old flashlight under the cover trick, to finish the books, and that Sand Storm sounds like a babe. Wonder what she's doing Saturday night? Hey, this cat is a fighter and a lover....

Author of "Hobo Finds A Home" editor "Of A Predatory Heart"

My daughter's kindergarten teacher read this to the kids and the parents the first day of school for orientation. I can tell you not a dry eye with the bunch of us parents! It was so touching that evening as well when my daughter asked me to kiss her hand so she could take it to school with her the first day. This will be an heirloom book for my other child as well as my grandchildren

I bought this book because my daughter bought one at her school for "us" when she was very young(separated because of divorce), it was lost in a move and it had sentimental value for both of us...it's not "the one" she bought, but it's just as good and in great condition.

The Kissing hand is a wonderful book that show's how strong the bond is between a mother and her child. We started reading this book to my daughter when she was two years old. She is now seven and we still do the "Kissing Hand". It is a sweet story that you will fall in love with and your children will ask for it for years to come. I would strongly recommend this book to everyone, especially to any parents who need to be seperated from their child for any length of time.
5 stars!!!

A wonderful book that helped my son get through the tough times of going to pre-school and being away from Mom. It helped him to know that I was always with him.

Beautiful children's story -- PERFECT for young, elementary school-aged children who get homesick easily or have a hard time being apart from parents. Illustrations are high quality. Excellent choice!

"All Creatures Great and Small" is the first of four books in this brilliantly written series. The companion volumes are "All Things Bright and Beautiful", "All Things Wise and Wonderful", and "The Lord God Made Them All". James Herriot (whose actual name was James Alfred Wight) began his veterinary practice in 1939 and continued serving his community for half a century. Each story that he penned carries the reader deep into the Yorkshire countryside of England and into the lives of many colorful and entertaining characters, both people and animals. You will be captured by the tales and find yourself laughing out loud at the antics of man and beast, relecting on the beauty of the close friendship of a pet, and weeping over losses that we all suffer when one of our animal friends pass. These are books to read again and again because they show the depth of compassion that one man had for God's creatures through a life lived in simplicity, and yet his writings are a profound example to all who love and care for animals.

I bought the book for my 11 yo cause it was recommended. i ended up reading and enjoying the book, but how someone can imagine it suitable for youngsers under 18 is beyond me.

god blessed james . author/vet herriot wrote one of the most beautiful , loving , detailed and moving books you'd ever have the good fortune of stumbling across . i read a portion in a jr. college reader and then swiftly got the book . james was clearly one of the greatest writer/humans of any time . what a gift his insight and stories are . required reading for all humanity .

The classic story based on the real life experience of a veterinarian in Yorkshire, England. James Herriot comes to Darrowby during a time when jobs are scarce and he needs to stay. But he finds he loves the people and the animals.

His associates are a lively bunch. His boss, Siegfried Farnon, is kindhearted, but has an annoying habit of contradicting himself (and then blaming it on James). Siegfried's brother, Tristan Farnon, is the younger almost-vet who is stuck with the worst jobs, loves the ladies and a drink or two. The farmers and neighbors are generally are hardworking lot. Their stories give the true color of the place and time. James also meets Helen Alderson, the beautiful and enchanting daughter of a farmer.

The classic tale was also turned into a BBC series (7 seasons). I would highly recommend both!

Mr. James Herriot is an uncommon writer, possessed of extraordinary skill and a mastery of the English language. When speaking of works of fiction, he is my favorite writer. His ability to choose perfectly appropriate and descriptive words, phrases, and metaphors to verbally illustrate unique characteristics, landscapes, feelings, and situations still has me mesmerized.

"All Creatures Great and Small" is autobiographical in that Mr. Herriot is the central character of the book, though James Herriot is the pen name of the real author, Jim Wight. However, since the work is defined as a novel, then one may assume that Mr. Herriot took certain liberties in relating many of the tales he unfolds. Mr. Herriot is a veterinary surgeon, and much of his novel specifically involves dealing with particular cases of sick livestock and ailing house pets. One should not quickly conclude, however, that this story is merely about the ramblings of a country animal doctor who at times finds himself in interesting situations, as some reviewers would suggest.

Instead, my feeling is that Mr. Herriot utilized his visits to multiple and varied farms and residences in the British countryside to highlight the individual conditions, attitudes, and distinctive persons he discovered at each location. The book becomes absolutely delightful and poignant, for instance, when Mr. Herriot kindly sits at an aging woman's bedside and tenderly comforts her with his voiced belief that her devoted, loving dogs and cats are indeed possessed of souls and that she need not fear that they will again be her companions in the afterlife.

And I do not believe I have laughed out loud so frequently while reading one book. Some of my personal favorites are when his brakes go out on his car and he must navigate a steep and winding descent to the bottom of a low valley, where his next veterinary visit is scheduled, and when he finds himself on his first date with the woman he is destined to marry and the only respectable dress suit he owns is several years out of fashion and far too tight-fitting, which is partly why he becomes far too nervous and a bout of awkward conversation and actions follow. Additionally, much might be said here about the quirky relationship Mr. Herriot has with his unpredictable and explosive yet perfectly harmless and generous employer, a Mr. Siegfried Farnon, and Siegfried's younger brother, Tristan. Farnon's demanding attitude regarding his veterinary business affairs, especially in the face of Tristan's irresponsibility in mishandling assignments and responsibilities, is often the basis for much of the hilarity in the book.

In speaking of his relationships with those to whom he is closest on a personal level and the frequently visited owners of his animal patients, Mr. Herriot has an especially profound gift when it comes to praising the best characteristics that are found in the human race. He speaks with eloquent fondness when describing the beautiful traits he sees in his lovely Helen, his soon-to-be wife. And when he stumbles upon a man or woman who he feels is in ownership of certain admirable exceptionality, such as industry or thrift or honesty or discipline or gentleness, his written accolades of such persons is heartwarming and deeply inspiring.

Thus I would say that this book has everything. It touches upon the topics of death, faith, humor, love, devotion, stewardship, human strengths and frailties, prosperity and poverty, work and idleness, occupation, and the list goes on. Given that these interesting topics are handled so capably by Mr. Herriot's writing talent, I doubt that any sensitive reader would find this book to be anything but delightful and praiseworthy.

I bought this book several years ago when Daniel Pinkwater reviewed it on Public Radio. It perfectly describes a relationship between parent and child, where the parent is the stable rock the child craves, the child the ingenuous spirit the adult has lost.

I don't see it as being limited to adults and children. I have many of the same feelings about some of my adult friends.

I do agree with the reviewer who suggested this is basically an adult book -- I don't think most children will understand what it's about.

The "professional" reviewer who found it overly sentimental seems to have little understanding of human relationships. This book expresses a significant aspect of them in a way I have not seen elsewhere.

This book really warms your heart. Perfect for anyone - parents and children. I give it to all of my friends who had a baby or are having a baby... It made me cry after my daughter was born because the book is so touching, yet so simple. It is one my 18 month old daughters favorite books. ENJOY!

LOVE THIS BOOK! It's a great kid-friendly story about the relationship between a parent and child. The pictures are wonderful also. Gave it as a baby shower gift to a good friend but will absolutely get another copy when I have my own children!

This book is heart moving and precious because it is so real. I can't read it without tears in my eyes.

This beautiful book expresses the love of a parent for a child so well! And because it is not gender specific, it allows any parent and child to see themselves in the story. It works as well for alternative families as for traditional families. Appropriate for single parent families, same sex families and adoptive families. It makes a perfect welcoming gift for a new child!

THROW ALL YOUR "DIET" BOOKS OUT THE WINDOW! THIS BOOK WILL TRULY OPEN YOUR EYE'S AND YOU WILL "FINALLY" DISCOVER THE TRUTH ABOUT HOW WE SHOULD BE EATING, WEIGHT LOSS AND, EVEN MORE IMPORTANTLY, HELP TO PUT AN END TO THE HORRENDOUS TORTURE OF INNOCENT ANIMALS. ALSO HIGHLY RECOMMEND "THE CHINA STUDY" BY T. COLEN CAMPBELL PHD. YOU WON'T BE DISSAPOINTED.

I ordered The Food Revolution as a gift. I had absolutely "zero" problems with this transaction. PS. I love this book/author.
Wendy

The Food Revolution has a message for anyone who never thinks twice about the consequences of their food choices. It will even enlighten those who feel confident that they make the right food choices because they listen to their doctors. And its message is strong even to those who think vegetarians are prudes and are missing out on "the finer things." Robbins lays out the facts, using research articles as evidence, to criticize the food industry's claims and present the contradicting findings resulting from good sound science. Using this method he exposes the stark realities of the American diet that for the most part will get you to wonder why you have lived your life without ever wondering about such things as where your food comes from, how it was made, and what impact it has on the environment. Robbins explains to you the enormous impact that the single act of eating has on your body, the human population, and the planet itself. This book is huge in its scope and contains facts from hundreds of sources, and its rather objective delivery makes it a necessary read for anyone interested in studying diet, nutrition, disease, environmental protection, science, and agriculture. His sources are sometimes repetitive, be it the same person or organization, and as a result at these times his arguments lack clout. But these sources are solid and true, therefore not taking very much away from Robbins' message to America about the hazards of the current American diet.

While it was vegan ultra-runner Scott Jurek who convinced me to change my diet, about 6 months later a friend recommended this book to me, and for the most part it's this man and this book that have convinced me plant-based nutrition is the future.

In answering a question for me that I submitted on his website, John Robbins led me to Vegsource and the rest of the gang. While it took a little time for a response to my question, when I did receive it, it came directly from John Robbins. I was quite surprised by this, and felt that I shouldn't "needlessly" bother him again, even with a thank you.

THANK YOU JOHN ROBBINSHealthy at 100: The Scientifically Proven Secrets of the World's Healthiest and Longest-Lived Peoples

If this book doesn't make you want to go vegan, nothing will! Help save the Earth, prolong your life and go veg!

This is a book that my mother read to me as a child and, later, as I learned to read, would read to her. Now, 30 years later, I am reading this to my daughter and sharing one of my childhood favorites with her. Some of the ideas are a little dated, Miss Suzy is a stay-at-home squirrel who enjoys cooking and cleaning, but it also a tale of kindness and respect.

My Mom read this to me when I was a little boy and it was my favorite book. Now, thirty-some years later, I was delighted to find it in a box. It's the same copy, which sadly, the cover had been ripped off somewhere, with "Property of Tony" scrawled proudly in pencil on the first page. It brought a tear to my eye remembering sitting in my Dad's recliner in the living room and having my Mom read Miss Suzy to me. I don't have any children myself, but I ordered two copies for friends with small children, and would recommend this book to anyone in a second. I think I'll order a new copy for myself just so I have a new one but my old copy, I will cherish forever.

My mom gave away our books when we were teens and I've been restoring the collection bit by bit as an adult. I found Miss Suzy a few years ago in an antique store and bought it, but now that it's back in print I'll be able to give it away to friends.

My favorite part was the big spider Miss Suzy scares away and the soldiers helping her get her house back.

This was my absolute favorite book when I was a little girl. I discovered it in first grade at my school's library. I just loved the tall oak tree where Ms. Suzy had her little house. My parents purchased a copy for me to have at home. Everything about this book stuck with me into adulthood. Many, many years later I just had to get it for my little girl, I know that she loves it too. I was so happy to see that it is still in print and children are still enjoying this adorable story.

When I was growing up I owned very few books thankfully I went to the library often but out of the few books I did own this was one of them! I finally introduced it to my own little girl and its as timeless today as it was 25 yrs ago. Any reader is sure to fall in love with sweet little Miss Suzy she has a heart of gold!

This book was my fave when I was a kid so I wanted to buy it for my daughter. I thought I was just buying a book......not the case. This is the biggest book I have ever seen! Literally! I have to store it behind the dresser. If I had known it was going to be this size I would have continued looking. It wasn't clear in the product info how large it was. Overall, I still love the book.

I'll admit I was hesitant to order this book--it didn't seem to be as "flashy" as some of the other children's books. But with such great reviews, I thought I'd try it out. After a few days this quickly become my 8 month old's favorite book. He loves hearing about the "big hungry bear" and I love the mouse's expressions on each page. Both the artwork & story are absolutely adorable. Highly recommended!

When my daughter was in Kindergarten, we purchased this book. We loved acting out the narrator's part and had so much fun! She loved this book so very much, she took it to share day. Her teacher adored the book, as did all of the children in her class. My daughter was a HUGE hit. When her teacher left to have a baby, we gifted her with her own copy of this book. She used it for years, we found out later at a chance meeting. My daughter is now 22. My niece is turning 3 and this book is going to be part of her birthday. I'm already planning out how to read it to her!

This book is written in the form of a narrator talking directly to the main character, the little mouse. (Spoiler alert - there probably isn't really a bear.)

Very cute, very simple - each page has only one or two lines on it - and some clever illustrations (one one page, the mouse disguises his strawberry in a pair of fake glasses with a nose).

Only thing is that this book has been abridged slightly. The non-board book versions have a few illustrations that were left out of this version, and some of the two-page spreads in the other versions were cut down into one page in this version, making a few pages look a little choppy. Also, the last page of the book has become this book's back cover and blurb.

It doesn't ruin the book, or make it close to unreadable, but if I had to do it again I'd just buy the longer version to start with.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1TTRY7U6R935X In this video I take you through this classic children's book by reading you this short story much the same way I did for my son. He loved this book so much that we bought two so we always had a backup. I read it so many times I knew it by heart. You can't read this book without expressing delight because the story is so charming and the illustrations so heart warming. This is an all time classic children's book.