Schools Books

"The Giant Jam Sandwich" is great for any kid with a vivid imagination its laid out in such a way that it flows like honey or in the case of this book STRAWBERRY JAM! The basis of this book is the town of "Itching Down" has one serious dilemma, one day in flew 4 million wasps and of course they were wreaking havoc for everyone and everything so what do you do to try to get rid of these pesky wasps? why build a giant jam sandwich and trap them in it!
From what I see this book came out 30yrs ago its has a fun rhyming text, the illustrations are great I love the expressions of the townsfolk and it showcases a community really coming together to solve a big buzzing problem. A great food fun book a lot like "Cloudy with a chance of meatballs" which I also highly recommend. This book is complete fun for the family a great story to bring along for picnics just don't forget to pack your own jam sandwiches!

My son who is graduating from high school requested this book as a graduation gift. It is one of his favorite memories from childhood and may have even influenced his decision to become a professional pilot. A charming story told in rhyme accompanied by whimsical illustrations. An asset for any child's library.

I grew up with this book and am rapt that amazon could find it for me.
I love the simplicity of the book, the story, pictures etc.
I am now able to read it to my children.

This was a favorite of mine as a child, so I was excited when my daughter was the right age to read it. She enjoys it immensely and loves to point out and name all the details in the colorful pictures.

I love how the paperback version offers a gerat book at an affordable rate for my boys. I remember watching it on "Reading Rainbow" as a child and was happy to share it with my own boys.

Trust me, if you are looking for a book that kids (and adults) will love, one that has humor, wit and great characters, you can NEVER, EVER go wrong with Dav Pilkey. I laugh out loud every time!

This book is a wonderful holiday book! Not only is there great art work, but the story is hilarious! If you go to Dav Pilkey's site, you can download coloring sheets, too. Anyone age 1 to 99 will "howl" with laughter while reading this book, and it has a great lesson about acceptance at the end!

Great book, very funny. I don't mind reading it to my three-year old over and over and over. Cute illustrations.

This is a darling book. The little dog dreams of being something terrifying for Halloween, but to his horror, his well-meaning mother makes him a hot dog costume, complete with mustard. The other dogs make fun of poor Oscar (the book is full of wiener jokes) until Oscar and his ridiculous costume save the day. I put this book on my top ten list for the kindergarten crowd.

I've always been a sucker for the underdogs in life. This book is about a sweet one who in the end teaches us about the real meaning of friendship. I've learned never to judge a book by its cover. This may look like a typical silly book with no thought behind it, but it's so much more! You see, it's about Oscar the dachshund (or as my kids call it - a wiener dog) who just wants to fit in with the other dogs in the neighborhood. They're always teasing him, and it doesn't help when his mother calls him "My little Vienna sausage" or makes him a hot dog bun costume for Halloween. However, Oscar doesn't give up and ends up saving the day and his new pals in the end. Now, wait just a minute! It's not as sappy as it sounds. There are so many funny details in the illustrations and text to enjoy - like the sentence: "Then Oscar showed up, looking quite frank." (Cracked me up!) Be sure to take your time when you come to the classroom scene at Obedience School - hilarious! The teacher reading a book entitled "Dogs who Hate Fleas and the Fleas Who Love Them". I especially liked the dog standing at the chalkboard, writing sentences..."I will not sniff my neighbor". What a cute tale!

Christy Miller is finally engaged. After meeting Todd Spencer on the beach when she was just 14 years old, Christy is now set to marry the man of her dreams. In I PROMISE, the final installment in Robin Jones Gunn's Christy and Todd: The College Years trilogy, Christy is quickly awoken from her dreamy visions of the future to find that she must soon begin the excruciating task of planning a wedding.

Things don't start out well, as Christy and Todd can't even agree on a date to get married. Todd wants to wed right away, while Christy would like to have up to a year to properly plan it. When they add in Christy's mom, her bossy aunt and an un-requested wedding planner to the equation, it seems like nothing will ever be decided upon.

It's not just the wedding that's worrying Christy. Now that she's thinking of Todd as her future husband, she wonders how they will possibly live with one another. Todd is spontaneous and unprepared; Christy is a detail-maniac. It seems like all of their instincts and reactions are polar opposites. As Christy stresses over everything from the wedding to her future marriage, she gets sick and is forced to miss out on a long-planned camping trip with Todd and her friends. Luckily, the time allows her to bond with her mother like she has never done before and gives her the space to finally plan the intricate details of her wedding. Christy and Todd have come to the conclusion that it is their wedding, and it should be the way they want it. While this seems like a reasonable enough sentiment, it is much harder to communicate to demanding family members.

Christy's friends also have some exciting things going on. Maid of Honor Katie gets a blast from her dating past, when former bad-boy Rick Doyle returns, appearing to have reformed his ways. And this time, it looks like their relationship might be serious. Sierra realizes that as great as Paul is, she needs more adventure in her life and prepares to go to Brazil. With all of her friends heading in different directions, and the big day approaching, Christy reflects on the past and envisions the future. She can only hope that everything comes together in time to say "I Promise."

I PROMISE is the conclusion to a story that has been going on for over six years and 15 books (although I wouldn't be surprised to see the emergence of a Christy and Todd: The Parenting Years series). Readers will breathe a sigh of relief as Christy and Todd are finally married off. The book is filled with extremely detailed accounts of weddings and wedding planning, which can be a bit daunting for some. The story, with its wedding theme, also has a very strong "save sex for marriage" message, which is present throughout the book. Those who have followed Robin Jones Gunn's work up to this point will be delighted to have Christy and Todd be blessed with a very beautiful and fitting ending to their story after so many years.

--- Reviewed by Jennifer Crosby

With hearts and eyes focused on God's plan for them, Christy and Todd endured much: separation,decisions to give up plans and dreams and wait for God's plan.Heartbrek, tears, but always trying to seek and abide in God's will. Christy returned Todd's "Forever" bracelet, knew she wouldn't see him again;released Todd to follow what he felt was God's call on his life.
In her beautiful and tender words,Robin Jones Gunn brought the story of God's love and fulfillment to Todd and Christy's hopes and dreams.

A story of friendship, hope, love, trust and fiath. don't miss it!

This one is so sweet! I LOVE the Christy and Sierra series, they're my favorite! I could read until my eyes fall out. I cried over this one, and because it was the last Christy book. Robin Jones MUST write more! There needs to be more, we need to know about the box of letters, the honeymoon, whether they had kids, and whether or not Aunt Marti surrendered her life to Jesus! We need more! Keep on writing Robin Jones! And this one was so sweet, Christy and Todd are so perfect for each other. Their wedding sounded so beautiful. This one especially made me want to hold out for a hero like Todd.

The book I Promise by Robin Jones Gunn was published by the Bethany House Publishers in 2001. There are 285 pages and it is a fiction book. In those 285 pages you'll read through happy moments, sad moments, love, disaster and matrimony.

In I Promise, Christy Miller and Todd Spencer are nearing the point of wanting to permanently dedicate themselves to each other. A wedding proposal leads them on their way to a long road of ups and downs of planning a wedding. Throughout, their differences clash making you wonder, will they make it down the aisle to promise themselves to each other forever? This story is told in 3rd person omniscient and is set in Escondido, California. Many changes will take place with some tragedy, but that's for you to find out.

While reading I Promise I came to find that I really liked this book. There were happy moments that made you feel warm inside, funny moments, and even some that make you want to cry. I loved how it would incorporate every girls' dream of the perfect guy (Todd), and also having the cutest things happen between them that make you want it someday too. The way this story is written with such incredible descriptions makes you want know what they feel. Even though this story doesn't relate to me now, I hope someday it will because this has exactly what I want for me one day.

I thought this was an excellent book and would recommend it to anyone who likes a good love story that puts your imagination to work.

Ever since I began to read Christy, from where it all began in Newport Beach, from under the trellis, I've become addicted to these series. These books are very special to me. Christy has become a part of me, and I hold the books in my heart. I love these books so much.
In this book, Christy and Todd try to plan their wedding, and they try (and succeed!) to get over their differences in order to become a couple. They go through ups and downs, highs and lows, in order to get to say their promises to each other for the rest of their lives.
Their wedding is beautiful, sweet, and romantic. It paints a stunning picture, and you can just imagine it, and want to be there. I cried quite a bit at the end from the beauty of the wedding, and Christy and Todd's romance, and because this was the last Christy book. I feel as if I lost a friend. And there are so many unanswered questions! Like, does Marti become a Christian? How does Todd react to the box of letters? How does their honeymoon go? What about them having kids? RJB, please write more Christy.
I loved the book and all, but I felt as if the very very last part could be better, and a little more romantic. Everything is all beautiful, but it ends with "It is my privilege to introduce to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Todd Spencer" It's sweet and all, but you want it to be a little more romantic.
I'll miss you dearly Christy, but I know you'll always be tucked into a little corner of my heart. Forever and ever.

Very cute illustrations and simple text introduces color mixing. Yellow and blue make green, etc. I always read this story to my kindergarten children and then we experiment with finger paints. Great activity!

This is the best "color" book I've ever read. I love that it has an actual storyline, and a clever one at that! The text is perfectly concise, and the illustrations are simple but engaging. My 5-month-old daughter loves it!

Ellen Stoll Walsh teaches color mixing in this entertaining story about 3 white mice who find three jars of primary colored paint. I read this book to my kinders before they did their own color mixing art project and they just loved it!

The pictures, created with cut-paper, are just darling. This is worth having in any classroom or home library.

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

This edition in hardback would be nice as a gift.

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

I really think this book is one of the best, and not just in the TB series! Samantha is my favorite character, and Pride is my favorite horse! This is a must read in the thoroughbred series and for horse lovers of all kind! It has unexpecting turns, unlike some of the other TB books. Whether you pay 1 penny or 100 dollars for this book, it is definately worth it!

In Prides Challenge, Ashleigh Griffen and Mike Reesse are ingaged and Pride has a new rival. After Pride has recovered from his injury, he is ready to head back on to the track. But Pride wont be alone, Lord Ainsley, Brad and Lavinia's new thoroughbred is on his way to the winners circle himself. Pride is doing very well in training and his workouts so he is entered in another race and Samantha Mclean and Ashleigh Griffen agree that Pride is back to business. Pride is tough competion again, adn so is Lord Ainsley. Fianlly Ashleigh and Samantha both agree that Pride is ready for the three year old test, the Tripple Crown. But Lord Ainsley is right behind them. But now Wonders Pride and Lord Ainsley will race against eachother. But now, Ashleigh is to busy plannign her wedding but will still ride Pride but now its up to Samantha to make sure the lookalike of Ashleighs Wonder (Wonders Pride) does is his best out there. But can Pride beat one of the other best colts in the country of Kentucky? Im sure u will love this book. And if u want to talk im at Blades60@aol.com

This is such a happy,sad,blood boiling,heart thrilling book.Lavinia.UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SHE DRIVES ME CRAZY. Sorry about that. But I had to get it out of my sistem.Well anyway back to the story.Pride is such a great horse. But I don't see why Samantha had to kick Ashleigh out of the picture.Ashleigh only had four books all to herself.so not fair.Lavinia acts like she knows everything there is to know about horses.Like she would know.She is so stupid.Well I hope you enjoy this book.BY

A. Alger's review says it all. Unfortunately, Harper Collins has decided to end the series abruptly after #72. With such a dedicated following and online fan base with members from all over the world, this is a classic and beloved series that has inspired many people and provided horse fans with vicarious thrills and adventure. Ashleigh saved Wonder, now it's up to you to help save Thoroughbred. [...].

I first read Pride's Challenge when I was in second grade. I bought it at a book fair because it had a horse on the cover and reading about a sixteen-year-old sounded glamorous and exciting. Well, I read the book cover-to-cover more times than I can count; I can even still recite the majority of the first chapter (and, bizarrely enough, Joanna Campbell's bio) by heart. It wasn't long before I just had to get the rest of the series. Now, ten years later, I'm still a devoted fan and I still count down the days to the release of the latest book.

Thoroughbred was always a higher caliber than the other horse series I read in elementary and middle school. I was absolutely drawn into the world of Ashleigh, Samantha, and yes, even Cindy. This book was what started it all, though. The author does justice to all her characters -- human and horse. Pride is a racehorse so believeable you keep waiting to hear about him on TV, so incredible you get goosebumps reading some of the racing scenes, and so lovable you want him to come live in your backyard. The storyline is quick-paced with plenty of twists to keep you thrilled to the end. Most of all, though, it sparkles with realism and with candor. I feel like I know the people I read about and that Whitebrook Farm really is hidden somewhere in those Kentucky hills.

That's why I was so upset to hear that Harper Collins plans to end the series after #72 is published. I have been a loyal fan for ten years -- and I know I'm not alone in that. So if you'd like to help save this series, one that has molded the dreams of horse-crazy girls for many a generation, then please check out the Whitebrook Farm [...] website. Sign the petition, send the publisher an email, drop them a letter in the mail. But most of all: do SOMETHING. Pride has his challenge. Now this is ours.

Amy Candler is the perfect person. She was made from many other people. She hasn't felt more alone than she does right now. She can't tell anyone her secret, not even her best friend.

Throughout the book, Amy is trying to figure out who she really is. Until one day, her mother surprised her and she met the scientist that had genetically enhanced her: eye sight, ability to run, and lift things a lot heavier than any other normal 12 year old girl.

In my opinion, the book was great because it doesn't just come out and say what the problem is, you kind of have to guess what is going on. I think it's more like a mystery book.

The only thing that I didn't like was the way the author wrote the book. She wouldn't let you know it was another day until you were half way into the paragraph.

I would recommend this book for young girls that are trying to find who they really are.

Have you ever had the feeling someone's watching you? And you know that your life is in danger even in your own house? Well in the book "Pursuing Amy"
That's how Amy feels every day of her life. But for her it's not just a feeling, its reality.

Amy is not a normal human, actually she's not really human at all. She is a project. Her and seven others exactly like her. This was defiantly an interesting twist to the book. Amy also has numerous problems. She is in desperate need for someone to talk to. Her and her best friend get in a huge fight. Then when she finally finds someone who understands her and someone to talk to, he is murdered. I found this part of the book very interesting, yet depressing.

Amy's mom finally gets a boyfriend Amy approves of. But he turned out to be a horrible person, who tries to kill Amy's mom and capture Amy. He's one of those people who are after Amy. Now Amy's mom is in the hospital dyeing. I couldn't put the book down when I started reading this part.

Amy has no where to go. What can she do? You can find out the shocking background of Amy's life, and what she's going to do about it by reading the book "Pursuing Amy". This book will have you at the edge of your seat wondering what's going to happen next. You will not be disappointed I guarantee it!

Amy finally saw Dr.J. Yes! This book was sad, action packed ,and had trusting friends. This is a book that has a moral for everyone to understand.

This book was the second best book ever. I think the first one was more adventurous though. This book was full of drama and helpful hints on life. I think that 10-13 year old girls should read this. It talks a little bit about relations and a little bit about becoming closer friends to your so called mom. There are secrets in life that thet are best kept hidden. If it doesn't need to be known then leave it alone. Sometimes you need to tell someone though so you can feel a little relieved and it's not a big burden on your shoulders. I like this book because it added a lot to the first book.

This book was the second best book ever. I think the first one was more adventurous though. This book was full of drama and helpful hints on life. I think that 10-13 year old girls should read this. It talks a little bit about relations and a little bit about becoming closer friends to your so called mom. There are secrets in life that thet are best kept hidden. If it doesn't need to be known then leave it alone. Sometimes you need to tell someone though so you can feel a little relieved and it's not a big burden on your shoulders. I like this book because it added a lot to the first book.

I thought that Up Up, Down was a great book. When the father fell down and his bottem was red. That anna repeats the same things. The baby brother because when he said no!! there were great. Yes in the store I always repeated the same thing. All kids read this book!!!

I think it was a wonderful book because the book was funny. My favorite part was when Anna fell down, because it was funny. The funniest part was when Anna said, I'm the queen of the castle mommy is a dirty rascal. Anna was my favorite character, because Anna was the funniest character in the book. The illustrations were very wonderful and colorful. I recommend all children should read this book.

I liked this book because it was a funny story. My favorite part was when Anna said, ouch my favorite character is Anna but I thought this book is all ages to read this book yes, I remembered something about my live. So have fun and buy this book.

I thought the book Up, Up, Down was a great book. My favorite part was when Anna repeated what their parents said to her. Also, I thought the funniest part was when Anna bundled up her parents with humongous band-aids. My favorite character is Anna because I thought she was very funny and always fooling around.

My favorite part of Up, Up, Down is when Anna parents told her, "Don't climb." The funniest part was when Anna sang, "I'm the king of the castle, mommy's a dirty rascal." My favorite character was Anna. I recommend this book to kids in elementary school.

My daughter and I have LOVED sharing Betsy-Tacy as a read-aloud. The way that the author weaves the girls' fantasies right into the chapter is a perfect illustration of just how real imaginary play is to children (or at least used to be when kids were allowed to imagine). Beware, parents: Have a hankie on hand for the Easter Eggs chapter. I had tears running in rivulets down my cheeks. The only sad thing about Betsy-Tacy is that my daughter wishes that she had a kindred spirit of her own as they do. Highly recommended!

I was introduced to Betsy and Tacy at 5 or 6 by my mom. She adored the series growing in the 50/60s. I grew up in the 70s/80s and fell in love with Betsy, Tacy and Tib. I have 3 daughters that now love these books also. If I had to name the best gift I ever received, I would name my Betsy books. I read the books at just the right time in my life. I would look forward to receiving my Besty/Tacy book at Christmas. When I had my 1st child, my mother gave me the final book in the series when Betsy also has a baby. I was overjoyed yet sad because I knew it was the end of the books.
These books were so important to me growing up that I still think of the characters often. They are wonderful classic stories of a simple time and true friendships.

B-T fans rejoice! Sutton Foster acquits herself well, and brings the characters and Maud's distinctive writerly voice alive in her reading of B-T.

Tired of reading the book over and over and over to your children? This audiobook can take over the chore. Or guarantee that you arrive at work in a good mood, by listening during your commute.

Don't hesitate, just get it before it goes out of print. Let's hope they issue more of the books on CD too.

I was recently reminded of the Betsy-Tacy books I loved so much when I was a young girl. You can not imagine my horror at seeing the current editions' illustrations of the girls, though. Part of the original books' charm was the simple illustrations. Whoever decided to change them should be ashamed. Ashamed and fired. Seriously.

Contact me if you want to join a campaign to have the real drawings returned to future editions of these timeless classics so many of us loved so much.

What a delightful book! I cannot believe I missed these books as a child; I picked them up to read with my daughters on a friend's recommendation, and they are a treasure. They remind me of so many other classic children's books -- Lois Lenski, Carolyn Haywood, Beverly Cleary, Eleanor Estes. Not only are the stories sweet and captivating, they take me back to a place where life was so much simpler. It's a return to innocence, and I loved the journey. I would highly recommend these books for little girls; they'll make new friends that they'll cherish for a lifetime.

Wally Hatford is a 10 year old boy who started a war between the Hatfords and the Malloys. He has three brothers, Peter, Josh, and Jake. The Malloys just moved in from Ohio to the Bensons' (The Hatfords' best friends) old house, and the boys want to want to oust the Malloy girls, Caroline, Beth, and Eddie (Edith) out of Buckman.

Wally is in Mrs. Applebaum's class, right in front of Caroline, the wanna be actress. He is the mastermind for the boys in the war between the Hatfords and the Malloys. Wally wants peace between the boys and girls to see how long it takes for a waffle box to travel down the river, to jump off a tree, and to climb a church steeple.

I could relate to Wally. He is like a kid in my class named Jake. Jake, like Wally, can think up of ideas to win a war against anybody, boy, girl, or parent. Jake also is curious of just things in normal life.

The Boys Start the War is a book just for children seeing that adults aren't interested in wars between boys and girls. It is easy to understand all of the humor and vocabulary in the book. I loved the book and went on to read the whole series.

The Hatford boys were looking out the window with their binoculars waiting to see three boys moving in their friends house across the river.When they see their girls moving in and not boys.They makea plan to sent the Malloy girls back to Ohio.Throwing dead animals to dead bodies.Playing bad tricks on the girls.Will the girls get back on them?Is the war barly begining?Are the girls going to get even with the boys. This is a really funny book to read.

This book is a hilarious book. The Hatford brother's best friends, the Bensons, moved away from Buckman to Georgia. The boys were expecting 3 boys to move into the Benson's house, but they were surprised when they found out that it was actually 3 girls. The Hatford brothers decided that they would try to make that the Malloy sisters so miserable that they would want to move back to Ohio and the Bensons would move back because no one would rent their house. The boys are in for a surprise when they have to go against the Malloy sister's cleverness. The pranks go on from dead fish to dead bodies and from floating heads to washing windows. The boys and the girls keep going at each other. They both can't tell their parents because then they would have to tell about all their other pranks. The war goes on and on to other sequels.

I like book because of all the pranks. The pranks are all thought up cleverly but something always goes wrong. A quote that shows something going wrong is, "`You got the flashlight?' Jake asked Wally breathlessly. `Heck, no. You were carrying it.' `I thought you grabbed it,' Josh said. `Someone did!' But that someone was already inside the house." This shows how the Hatfords lost their flashlight while pretending to be a floating head outside Beth Malloy's window.

Another reason I liked this book is because it's a humor book. I don't read many humor books but this book made me laugh. This book is filled with many hilarious events. Caroline Malloy draws a funny picture of her teacher but Wally manages to steal it and blackmails her. The things that go wrong are also funny. Just when one side thinks they've won, the other side finds a way to get even. There are many other books in the series and this is only the first.

My favorite part of the book is at the end of the book when the final prank is played. When the girls go to get Caroline from the Hatford's tool shed, they think they won because they made Jake say to them, "Your faithful, obedient servant." As they were leaving Wally comes out with Mrs. Hatford saying that the girls were coming over to help peel the bushels of apples the Hatfords had picked. I thought this was hilarious and was a great way to end the book to keep you hooked.

Just when the Hatford boys were expecting three boys to move into the house across the river the Malloy girls arrived instead. Wally and his brothers decide to make Caroline and her sisters so miserable that they'll want to go back to Ohio, but they haven't counted on the ingenuity of the girls.

Cast of Characters:
Malloy's:
George Malloy-father-football coach
Jean Malloy-mother
(Edith Anne) Eddie-11-6th grade
Beth-10-5th grade
Caroline-8-4th grade
Hatford's:
Tom Hatford-father-mail man
Ellen Hatford-mother-hardware store worker
Jake and Josh-11-6th grade
Wally-9-4th grade
Peter-7-2nd grade

This is really cool.It can be for 3-??yrs old.Pluse it takes places in my hometown Buckhannon,WV.The school they go to has beem turn into a building for 5-18 year olds,called Stockert Youth Center.The Mallory girls are really cool!!The Boys are trying to get the girls out of their old best friends house by playing tricks and being mean,and the girls try to show the boys the can't tear them away from Buckman wich really is Buckhannon.Read it!!Its cool!!

Interesting tidbits about rare and weird creatures. However, after about 50 pages, enough is enough. The "advice to the lovelorn" format is a little too cutesy.

Ray

This is a fun, somewhat tongue-in-cheek, look at the evolutionary biology of how many different organisms developed their genders and their reproduction methods.

Why not pick this up for your sweetie on Valentine's Day? This book has everything--its funny, scientifically accurate, and a quick read. This book is perfect for anyone who likes natural science, evolutionary biology, or learning about sex.

Dr. Tatiana writes an advice column for members of all species and organisms that wish to write to her. She specializes in answering their questions about sex and dispensing sound advice.
For example, a yellow dung fly wants to know how to make its sperm more attractive; a fig wasp wonders why all the males she knows bite each other in half; an elephant is worried because its penis has turned green; a mother manatee frets because her son appears to prefer other males.
It turns out that homosexuality is common in the animal world, that femals are mostly promiscuous and that monogomy is exceedingly rare in nature, (she calls it one of the most deviant behaviors in biology) and that the battle of the sexes is real and can be brutal (and the females often win).
This book is a breezy read. Tatiana is a witty raconteur with an apparently inexhaustible font of knowledge about the weird and wonderful world of sex. The point of existence, she maintains, is to survive and reproduce. Genetic mutations and behavioral modifications that confer an advantage in pursuing these goals will flourish. Species that do not adapt will die out.
Though written in a jokey way, this is a serious book. It provides a wonderful picture of the sheer vast variation of the natural world and the dynamic pace of evolution.
Perfect for the teen interested in science (and sex) and for all curious adults.
For more about me and my book The Nazi Hunter: A Novel, (where the sex is tastefully done) go to www.alanelsner.com.

What do you get when you cross a biology textbook, a Dr. Ruth show, a Dear Abby column, and a "Far Side" cartoon? Well, the offspring might be a brilliantly original book named Dr. Tatiana's Sex Advice to All Creation. This collection answers the desperate questions from species as varied as the Australian redback spider to the Louisiana black vulture with Dr. Tatiana's practical, reassuring, detailed explanations. It seems the worry on everyone's mind is, "Am I normal?"

Move over, Dr. Phil. Author Olivia Judson is an evolutionary biologist, award-winning science journalist, graduate of Stanford, and doctorate of Oxford University. Writing as Dr. Tatiana, Judson transforms both difficult scientific ideas and the sometimes-awkward discussion of the (ah-hem!) birds and the bees into accessible, often hilarious reading material. Evidently, virgin births, homosexuality, variety in size and shape of genitalia, elaborate courtship rituals, and cannibalism are not so unusual in nature as one may think. Dr. Tatiana gives her readers - be they insect, animal or human - a sigh of relief along with a much-needed chuckle at our own foibles as she explains, from her expert but kind perspective, why we do the things we do.

And herein lies the rub. While I see Dr. Tatiana's Sex Advice ...as a clever way to teach a wealth of knowledge about natural science, biology, animal behavior, and genetics, I know there are many folks who would balk. The first time I read this book, I wished it could have been included in my high school science class, and fondly remembered time spent in the classrooms of Mr. and Mrs. Puskar, where quirky often served as mnemonic. But I know, especially now, that eyebrows would go way up, and corners of mouths would go way down, at the words "SEX ADVICE", let alone that the subtitle, which announces this little volume as "The Definitive Guide to the Evolutionary Biology of Sex." If "sex advice" in any classroom context is murky ground, then "evolutionary" anything these days is a cause for all-out war.

At the end of September of each year, the American Library Association reminds us to celebrate our freedom to read by marking "Banned Book Week." If Dr. Tatiana isn't on the list of banned books, I'm sure it easily could be. That makes me sad, because I don't like that learning details about the stunning array of life on earth could be seen as bad, harmful, or sinful. Whether you believe it's God's creation or just critters, they still do the things so deliciously described here. Few people have a problem with their kids watching a Discovery channel special about the Lamprologus ocellatus, a fish that lives in one of the Great Lakes of tropical Africa? Somehow, this is different. I guess the real debate comes when Dr. Tatiana (or any biology professor) starts explaining the WHY behind behavior in terms of evolution. Then, the main "worry" of living beings is not, as the cute letters of bugs and fish may suggest, about being normal, but about reproducing and spreading your genes. That does shoot a big hole in the theories espoused in Rick Warren's best-selling book, "The Purpose Driven Life". Not to mention some religious texts, like the best-selling book of all time.

I'm not going to provide a neat little resolution to this debate, not that I could even if I wrote a dissertation instead of a book review. I'm just going to recommend that you grab a copy of Dr. Tatiana and take yourself, the whimsical and weird of nature, and the evolutionary debate on the light side for a few hours. Learn a lot, laugh a lot, and celebrate the fact that in the United States, you can read about a subject from all different angles.

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