Animals Books

I bought this because I am a fan of Clay Aiken. He is so good at reading stories and does a great job of changing his voice to suit the various characters.

We gave this CD to our daughter for her birthday as she recently has started listening to audiobooks and has enjoyed Arthur for awhile. This has been very nice to listen to in the car, and we were pleased to see that some of the profits go to a good cause. The only glitch is that many of the Arthur stories rely on the talented artistry of Marc Brown to convey the scene. Without the book directly in front of the child, parents really may need to explain what was visually shown by Marc Brown. Ex: In Arthur's Tooth, Arthur loses his first tooth because he is shoved by Francine. This is shown in the book, but never said in the story. My daughter wondered why Arthur was grateful to be pushed roughly. Aside from this, it has been great fun.

This is a fantastic choice for children who love Arthur. The stories are so well read by the celebrities that they really capture my son's attention (he's almost 3), and mine too as I listened to some of my favorite stars (Kelly Ripa). I usually played this in his room when he was having quiet time/nap time. He would be able to play quietly because he was listening to the stories, which are his favorite anyway.

My kids love Arthur and this product is a nice treat! Each of the celebrities brought their own unique personality to the Arthur stories and make the entire Audiobook really enjoyable. It's also nice to see such wonderful celebrities take time out to record stories for charity.

Aside from the feel good factor, this is a really fun product that includes some of my favorite Arthur stories, pictures from his beloved books, the catchy Ziggy Marley theme song and a host of interactive games to keep the kids occupied. Don't be fooled! There's a lot on this little CD!

I highly recommend it.

I bought this for my cousin who is obsessed with Arthur. After listening to it with her -- I just had to go out and buy one for myself! It is so much fun hearing the celebrities read -- and who doesn't love Arthur??!!

This book is part of the curriculum for 3 year-old children at private Carden schools, along with Good Night Moon. Both are Classics and belong in every child's library. The pictures, although sketches, look like the real animals, which is a plus compared to many cartoons, and the premise Disney's more modern Baby Einstein is based on too. It introduces children to the Real World. It also teaches the quality of being giving and sharing what you have, and how a gift doesn't always have to be tangible, since a hug can be a great gift to give and receive too.

Ask Mr. Bear is a wonderful little classic. I like to read it but more important, my 3 littlest cherubs love to have it read to them. It has a good storyline and the older artwork adds variety. They love the ending -- a big bear hug for mom! It is a favorite at our house with the under 7 year old group.

Wonderful children's classic to add to your child's collection. Heartwarming story about a little boy wanting to buy his mom a birthday gift and along the way he asks all his animal friends. The end is sweet and endearing.

I loved this book as a child, now my children love it. It gets them thinking about gifts they can give, and understand that a hug and a kiss for Mom is one of the best presents they can give. I've gotten a lot more of them since reading this book to them.

I can recall reading this book to my much younger siblings and then to my own 4 children; now I am reading it
to my grandson. I especially like the way the animals help the little boy find a gift for his mother with the perfect
gift not being something material but just a lovely big hug. What a wonderful message to pass on to a child.

This book is adorable, smart, and cleverly photographed. This has proved helpful to friends whose little ones are about to become big brothers or sisters. And it was even entertaining to me as an adult! I highly recommend it!

What is it about golden retrievers that makes a dog lover, young or old, go wild?

In Baby Dog Beans Comes Home, author Jennie Hale captures the sweet "magic" of these gentle, devoted, intelligent dogs while offering young children an important message they can identify with.

The story is seen from the perspective of Paul, the older dog who until now has been the only "child" in the family, and Beans, the new baby brother. More than anything, Beans wishes to be accepted by his older brother, but Paul is not ready to be friends, play catch, or share any of his toys. As a matter of fact, Paul liked it a lot better when it was just him. All this changes when Beans runs into serious trouble and Paul rescues him.

As Paul realizes in the end, "It's not always easy when a new brother or sister comes into the family. But even if you're not best friends right away... give them a chance and you'll have someone who'll be there for you your whole life. And that's pretty great."

This is a book that can be read to a very young child, and one that early readers will relish on their own. The large, adorable photographs are sure to delight people of all ages.

***This review was originally published in The Bloomsbury Review

I loved this book.
It's got great pictures, and my kids loved it.
Great book!

This is a wonderful book for children whether or not they're experiencing the event of a new baby in the family, The photographs amazingly fit the text. In a very few pages we are captivated by these lovely pups, and come away with a smile in our hearts.

Thinking that I was about to read a nice children's story about two Golden Retrievers, I was surprised and delighted to find that, as I continued reading, this little book has a huge heart. Jennie Hale has captured the magic and wonder of two siblings who realize how much they care for and love one another. Children who read this story, or have it read to them, will certainly hear its heartfelt whisper of kindness and feel its joy. Great job.

We stumbled across this book at a church rummage sale this past week. What a delightful find! The illustrations are wonderful. The rhythm inherent in the story had me putting the words to a spontaneously inspired tune starting on page one. We have been singing this book before bedtime all week. My 4yr and nearly 2yr love it.

This is a wonderful book to read with passion. It is a favorite of mine to read to my primary students - sharing the excitement of a barn dance, while preserving the mysteriousness of a full-moon night. Important addition to a library - but only for those who want to stay up late with all of nature! A fabulous book. I adore it.

I love this book, and frequently give it as a gift. Its perfect for young boys. The verses have a great cadence, and the illustrations are beautiful.

One of the best kids books around and a favorite of my four little ones.

As one of our family's favorite books, Barn Dance! by Bill Martin has been worn out twice at our house. The story is set on a farm at night as a "skinny kid" discovers that there is more going on after dark than the old owl lets on. The farm animals show him that a certain kind of magic exists if you just believe. The book is fantastically written with a slightly irregular-sounding rhythm that is fun for adults to read to their children, and our kids beg to read along--making this one of the first books they would try to read alone. We have also read this aloud to our daughter's class to rave reviews. This is a great book to dive into over and over, you'll find the magic will have you tapping your toe along to the "music" too!

There are a variety of popular books on the biology of spiders but this seems to be the only recent one in English at the professional level except for Barth's `A Spider's World' (2001),likewise dated and quite expensive. Foelix's 330 pages are packed with details on every aspect of spider life. As a former physiologist I found it fascinating, and, though it has much of interest for any intelligent person, the general reader will be less than enthralled by details of digestive, circulatory and reproductive and nervous systems.

It is well illustrated with many drawings, photos and tables.

This is an excellent translation from the 1992 German edition but 16 years have passed so the enormous recent progress in genetics and molecular biology, RFID tagging and computer analysis is missing. In contrast to what the nonspecialist might think, they are an extraordinarily diverse group in their genetics, physiology, anatomy and behavior. I expect that when the genetics have been worked out, there will be a gulf between the 40,000 or so species at least as vast as that between sharks and gorillas.

There is no reference to the `web' which you can easily remedy eg, at www.arachnology.be/Arachnology.html and its links. The very old book by the famous naturalist Fabre is still in print and is even available online at http://www.worldwideschool.org/library/books/youth/howandwhy/TheLifeoftheSpider

There are some more recent excellent books in foreign languages such as Vanuytven's `Spinnen' in Dutch but so far as I know, none has been translated. An Introduction to the Spiders of South East Asia(2000) is superb but out of print.

This is an excellent review of the biology of spiders. It was amazing discover that spiders can learn. I recommend this book.

It's amazing how much I know about these little creatures now that I've read this book. I never knew how clever some species of spiders are. Like how some can trick other spiders to come out of their homes and the ingenius methods they employ to catch their prey. I think it would be fun to be an arachnologist.

This book is worthy of being considered a text book for serious students of spiders but it is easily readable for the average person. It absolutely tells you everything you could want to know about the life of these creatures. Excellent diagrams of each subject matter. I recommend it highly for the detailed information you need to have. While it did have pictures of various spiders, I was disappointed it did not have pictures of specific spiders so that you might be able to identify ones you find. It is a little pricey and complex so it isn't for casual interest.

Don't be misled, this is not a field guide for identification of spiders. This is a college level biology textbook. All photographs are in black and white. I was hard pressed to even recognize a common garden spider (Argiope Aurantia) in this book, even though I have one in my front yard shrubbery that I watch every day. This book probably contains more biological information than most people fascinated by spiders want to know.

Bought this book as a gift for a 12 year old girl and she loved it! You should see the Thank You note I received!

This book is a must read story for any horse lover. I was lucky enough to meet Blackjack in person and he is a beautiful horse. Reading this book will take you on a wonderful horse adventure! Thank you Ellen Feld for writing such an amazing book.

AWSOME!! I can't wait to read the other ones!!!

Its the best horse book I have ever read. Any horse lover or owner like me will fall in love with the horses and the characters. I laughed and even came near to tears in this heart filled story. I highly recommend it.

I love Ellen Feld's Morgan Horse books. I love them because they don't ask the reader to believe that teenaged girls can solve crimes, stop the destruction of rural America, or take a half-starved rescue horse on Monday and win the KY Derby on him the following weekend. OK; I'm exaggerating. It usually takes them at least 6 months before they win the Derby.
Ms. Feld's books are realistic in their portrayal of the human and equine characters, and accurate in their descriptions of tack, veterinary care, etc.
As a once-upon-a-time horse-crazy teenager grown into a horse-crazy middle aged person, and both a bookseller and tack store owner in years past, I appreciate the fact that Ms. Feld's books aren't filled with inaccuracy and improbable fantasy. It has always seemed to me that many YA stories that are, presuppose that the readers are not very knowledgeable about horses.
Five stars and a bag of carrots to Ellen Feld's books.

Just as I feel about their first book, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to this one too! Let's hope these true stories inspire others so be so kind. Enjoy.

Ginny's unique talents in locating sick and injured cats had rendered her numerous appearances in CNN, Animal Planet and major news. Her rescue stories were illustrated by two national best selling books: The Dog who Rescues Cats and the Blessing of the Animals. Ginny passed away on August 25th, 2005.



With the passing of Ginny, her unfinished mission of cat rescuing is continued by her caretaker Philip Gonzalez everyday. A non profit organization, The Ginny Fund, has been established to raise fund for cat rescuing in Long Beach New York.
For more information about Ginny, Pleas visit ginnyfanclub website.

Today's New York Daily News reported on the passing of Ginny, a/k/a the Mother Theresa of Cats, gone at the age of 17. She succumbed to old age yesterday afternoon on a blanket in Philip Gonzalez's care. As for Ginny's story, this is one of my favorite books. The stories are truly heartwarming and this book was a "gotta have it" purchase. Browsing the pet section in a local bookstore, I found this and it jogged my memory: Ginny's story was familiar to me due to a Reader's Digest article, but what happened next? This book captures all the tails...er, TALES, lol. I will definitely re-read this now. How could a dog love cats she doesn't live with? As a cat person, I've always been intrigued by this. How ironic that such incredible humanity could have come from one of god's furry creatures. Rest in peace, Ginny. Let us hope there are more of you in the world.

A continuation of a very sweet story. I have a few stray cats around my home and even though my inside cats aren't as willing to share as Ginny (LOL), I make sure to feed them and give them shelter. I highly recommend this book and also the one that came before it! (Not sure of the exact title).

I read this book in one afternoon and handed it off to my husband, who could not put it down. I relate to the author in one respect: after having animals all my life, I connected with one cat so profoundly that I have devoted my life and work to alleviating animal suffering and overcoming the devastating problem of pet overpopulation. It's bittersweet. I love animals with a depth that is so satisfying, and enjoy human and animal company more than I ever was able. But I am now so attuned to animal suffering (generally due to human neglect or abuse -- I'm not trying to fight the forces of nature) that it is difficult to focus on anything else. Just read this book. It feels so good!

Blue Planet I was disappointed to see that the book, promised to be unread, had indeed been read. I was astonished to see that the seller had placed stickers bearing his logo on the dust jacket -- three times!

Got this for my 7 year son who loves anything to do with whales and the ocean. Great pictures and interesting facts. It is a beautiful book.

I bought this book for my 9-year-old daughter when she wanted to learn more about the ocean. It's a very beautiful book with amazing pictures.

The Blue Planet - Seas of Life is the companion book to the BBC documentary of the same name. As has been mentioned in earlier reviews, the photography is stunning. The book is very concise, easy to follow (although at times it can get a little technical) and really, just fun to read.

Seeing as how it's the companion book to the series, it has a lot of shared information and is quite similar. Still, there is plenty of new information not mentioned in the series. There are, though, a few differences in the order of programs from the series and chapters from the book...


Programs:

1. OCEAN WORLD

2. FROZEN SEAS

3. OPEN OCEAN

4. THE DEEP

5. SEASONAL SEAS

6. CORAL SEAS

7. TIDAL SEAS

8. COASTS


Chapters:

1. THE WATER PLANET: With water generally so available to us at the turn of a tap, it is easy to forget how essential it is for life on Earth. Water, collected in the great ocean basins, regulates the planet's temperature and climate as well as providing numerous habitats for plant and animal life.

2. LIFE ON THE EDGE: Around the borders of the ocean, where the land meets the sea, lie some of the most challenging of the ocean habitats. From sandy beaches to rocky shores and river estuaries, waves and weather constantly erode coastal areas. While many creatures come here to breed, there are few permanent residents. Those that do live here must be hardy and adaptable enough to survive the daily ebb and flow of the tides, which transform their habitat on a daily basis.

3. TROPICAL SEAS: The warm waters of the tropics are relatively poor in nutrients and oxygen, making substantial stretches of the shallows somewhat barren. However, in certain areas, where conditions are favourable, seagrass beds, mangroves and the most diverse marine communities of all - coral reefs - can be found. The efficient recycling of nutrients in these habitats allows them to flourish.

4. TEMPERATE SEAS: The green, algae-rich waters of the world's temperate zones are some of the most productive on the planet. These intensely seasonal areas see an annual cycle of boom and bust that depends upon the plankton: a bounty for which many animals will migrate thousands of miles to harvest. These waters are also home to most of the world's seaweed and the underwater cliffs are festooned with invertebrates that are as colorful as any coral reef.

5. FROZEN SEAS: The perimeters of the frozen seas of the Arctic and Antarctic attract surprising numbers of birds, seals and whales. But most of these migrate away as the annual sea ice forms in autumn; only a handful remain to cope with the rigours of a polar winter.

6. THE OPEN OCEAN: Much of this seemingly limitless wilderness is a virtual desert, yet in the right conditions life explodes into intense productivity. This is a world in perpetual motion: plankton engage in an incessant daily migration from the dark depths to the surface and back, and many of the most powerful marine predators cruise these shelterless seas in search of prey. But simply finding food is not enough: somehow each species must ensure the survival of their offspring in this most unforgiving of habitats.

7. THE DEEP: Below 150 m (492 feet), where there is no longer enough light for photosynthesis, the deep ocean begins. By far the largest habitat for life on Earth, it is also the one about which we know least, since the enormous pressures and perpetual darkness make exploration extremely difficult. Until very recently thought to be barren, we now know that in these inhospitable waters lives a rich variety of extraordinary creatures that have adapted in a variety of ways for life in this challenging environment.


A great companion book to the series (can also work as a stand-alone volume) is well worth the time it takes to read it, (and it does take a while, seeing as how there's 380+ pages) highly recommended!

This was a very good book and it goes great with the Blue Planet video series. Ocean creatures are amazing. I bet you'll at least find at least one thing in this book you have never known before. If you love the ocean and want to know what's in it, this will be an excellent book to read.

The author of this book get Bull Terriers down pat. The story is funny, very tongue in cheek, and my 4 yr old daughter loves it. We have a Bull Terrier, so it is that much more personal for us. But we bought a copy of the book for our 2.5 yr old nephew too, and he asks for it every night. Definitely a great story - that both kids and adults can enjoy!

I dont know why, but this was always one of my favorite books when I was younger, even though I thought the dog was ugly. Its very interesting. I always liked how Boodil was so lazy and how the narrarator always thought best of her no matter what.
I gave this book 5 stars.
Kathy Weirauch

This book was given to my 4 year old son recently, and he absolutely howls with laughter everytime we read it. The irony is not lost on him at all. He laughs so much, he usually has the hiccups by the time we read how Boodil is barely restraining herself from tearing the vacuum cleaner to pieces, while the picture shows Boodil cowering under the couch as the vacuum is pushed toward her. This book is my son's new favorite, and one of my favorites too.

Truly one of the most peculiar and adorable dogs on earth is the Bull Terrier. The illustrator captures not only the breed, but the unique personality of the book's subject, Boodil. Like all terriers, she's playful, odd and opinionated. She calls the shots and while others who don't know Boodil may think she's disobedient or a bit dim, her owner knows different.

A positive spin is put on all of her antics. She is a strong-willed child who is obviously deeply loved and appreciated, warts and all.

The illustrations are so sweet and hilarious, you'll find yourself wondering if you shouldn't add a Bull Terrier to your family. The cute little pink highlights on the thin fur around her muzzle and belly are just to die for. Boodil is a good dog, and a good book.

I was given this book when I purchased by bull terrier who fits the sketches of Boodil exactly. The description of Boodil and my dog Willie could not be more exact. This book is a delightful description of a bull terriers exact personality. It is an incredible book which will bring laughter along with great entertainment for all ages. I hope she continues to write more about Boodil.

I tell you now from the words of Red Moon, from the great spirit was born the wolf and man became his messenger, in other words the human race was created from wolves, or so says the author of the Book of The Moon.

Brother Wolf: A Forgotten Promise starts off with an emotional "letter" from wolves to men, focusing on how humans and wolves used to live together in harmony, and how men are now killers, of wolves and other creatures. The letter ends with 'I do not think I know you anymore.' It is highly emotional, and nearly made me cry!

After that, the book switches to its true form...a book with captivating text and even better photos of wolves, taken ina areas where they are very elusive and have lots of foliage to be hidden among.

Jim Brandenburg, a very well-known wildlife photographer and the author of multiple wolf books, even goes far enough to explain his first encounter with wolves and how he felt at that time. The book is highly educational, but also very touching.

Overall, the book has great text with even greater photographs, and is definitely a good read. The high price, however, is quite a problem. But if you like wolves, and if you're willing to pay the price, definitely buy this book. It's excellent.

Jim Brandenburg succinctly captures the essence of the wolf. The wolf has been so unfairly persecuted throughout our history; due on no small part to ranchers. Incredible photographs, this book will make you a wolf lover if you aren't already. Incredible text and photos!!!!

This book had drown my attention at the very first sight, as I had been trying to find a good book with lots wolf photos for ages and fail at almost every bookshop I went to. The photos in the book are magnificent, also other then wolves, there are wonderful photos of landscape and other wildlife.

I know this isn't really a review, but I'm so excited to read/look at the pictures in this book (I just ordered it) I just had to say something. Wolves are my favorite animals and it always makes me a little angery when people talk about them as vicious man-eaters, because they're not. This book really looks like it sets the record strait. I'm really looking forward to reading this book!