Fitzgerald Books

One of my favorite of the series, very heart-warming! Took me a while to read but every chapter was mysterious and exciting. You can almost see the characters as you read the story. My second-favorite so far. I strongly recommend this book for horse-lovers!

I have read the first thirteen of the Phantom Stallion series, and Desert Dancer is one of my favorites. Like all the Phantom Stallion books, a lot of different story lines are presented throughout the book. You get to know not only the human characters, but also the horses, each of which have their own personality as well. I highly recommend the Phantom Stallion series for any horse lover!

THIS book, Desert Dancer, has got to be the best horse book of I have ever read! Probably becuase I REALLY like the dun mare so much. She's my favorite horse of all times.

I think its cool the way Callie believes that both she and Queen share a bond at first sight, sorta reminded me of love at first sight, lol. And its cool how Sam helps, even if she is kinda skeptical at first.

This is a really poluar book series. And I'm not just saying this. I've seen this book in places of honor that not even the Black Stallion and Heartland have earned. Keep writing these books Terri Farley! I and a lot of other people promise to read them to the very end!

Ah, great book, like always. I thought Callie was sooo cool. And the horse on the cover of the book reminds me of my horsie

This is the best book out of the Phantom Stallion so far! I love this book because its about Queen, my favorite fictional horse of all times! I also liked Callie a lot to, probably because she's out there, which reminds me of myself a little.

I think its cool how Sam helped out. I also think its good taht she sees that others may have a bond like with her and the Phantom. Its nice to see someone else in the series who believes in special bonds between horse and rider other then Sam or Jake.

And I can't to see what happens with Sam and the Phantom. I know there's going o be 16 books in the series. So don't start crying yet! We're only halfway done with the series.

Frantastic Voyage is book five in this great series of adventures following one of the most interesting and well written child characters to come along in a very long time. For those who have only read this great book and are wondering which of Benton's former books in the series to buy first, I'd recommend Jim Benton's first three Franny K masterpieces Lunch Walks Among Us, Attack of the 50-Ft. Cupid or The Invisible Fran.

I work as a library assistant and when I have asked kids if they enjoyed this and other books in this series the answer is always yes. That's pretty rare for a series of books but this series is that good! I've checked these books out myself to see what all the fuss is about and these books all can be enjoyed by adults as well as kids, a feat not always done by junior fiction writers, even in the really popular kids books. I didn't read these in order either as there's a long wait for some titles so I'll point out they all have individual storylines so if this is the first book you've come across it can easily be read first.

Franny Stein is an interesting character who doesn't follow the stereotype little girl who plays with dolls, has tea parties with stuffed animals and the like, which many authors seem to want to write about. No Franny is a very intelligent girl more interested in bats, snakes, spiders, monsters and her number one passion, being a mad scientist. Interests that gel with many a real life boy or girl these days and lets be honest, always have. The length of these books are fairly short and take my word for it these books are so good, you'll probably want to get a few of them, if not the whole series. They seem to be a lot cheaper buying as a box set (where you get the first four titles, obviously not including this one) which at the time of this review seems to retail for about the same price as just two Franny K. Stein books.

In her fifth adventure Franny invents a doomsday device, just incase her experiments fall in the wrong hands. Unfortunately this device can also destroy half the planet and unfortunately it has also been eaten by her assistant Igor while transfixed to the TV he swallowed handfuls of grapes. Making the situation worse Igor has inadvertently turned the device on while eating it. It is up to Fran to shrink herself down, and go inside Igor to retrieve the doomsday device and disassemble it before it explodes. Igor's eaten a lot of gross stuff though plus Franny hasn't thought everything through. Will she be successful? You'll have to read this great adventure and see!

My 8 year old daughter loves this series. When she read the first one she loved it so much, I ordered her the whole series. She would read them, and not put them down. She would laugh, and come in and ask me to look at the pictures. She is in second grade, and her most recent grade card went from reading at 3rd grade level, to 6 grade level. I am so proud, and I feel these books made her WANT to read. Thanks Jim Benton!!

Thank goodness for these books! My lovable school hating tom boy of a daughter has now become a reading maniac thans to these laugh out loud books! You can hear her upstairs cracking up! Totally entertaining for my 8 year old. Jim Benton is a GOD! LOL

Franny and Igor take us on hilarious adventure in Frantastic Voyage. Igor is constantly getting in Franny's way as she works in the lab. In order to get Igor to leave her alone she puts him in front of the TV. This turns out to be a terrible mistake. Igor gets hooked on watching commercials and doing whatever they tell him to do. While watching TV Igor swallows Franny's doomsday device which is capable of blowing up 1/2 of the Earth.

Franny will have to use all of her wits to solve this problem. With the help of some Root Beer, corn chips and Bubble gum Franny may just save the world!

This book had all of us laughing our heads off and rolling on the ground every day that we read it together. If you enjoy funny adventure stories like Captain Underpants, Garfield, Captain Fact, or Ricci Riccotta's Mighty Robot you will love this book!

...my 8 year old daughter simply devours all his books -- she practically has them memorized...she sits and reads them to her 6 year old sister who also loves them...maybe the writing doesn't quite rank with Charles Dickens but he sure stimulates an appetite for reading.

Like most people that lived through the JFK assassination I can remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard the news of his death like time stoped. I never believed what the United States government passed off as factual rationale, for the cause of this tragedy. The Warren Commission report did not make sense. I read it in the 1965 and could sense that something was not right. A friend of mine recommended this book to me she knew I was like a majority of people alive, thinking that we would go to our grave not knowing what really happened to JFK. It was her husband a career law enforcement official that convinced me to read this story; it was the best documentation surrounding the crime he claimed. Mr. Hemingway takes you on a trek that only he and JFK traveled while presenting new facts that I have never heard and would have never thought of. I would have never imagined that murdering someone over a political mistake could have caused the turmoil it did. So much of the story sounds like what is going in the United States today, it borders on surreal. The book made me livid. When I was finished; there was a lot of corruption exposed. Truly I can accept this research as fact and this gives me a sense of closure to this grave incident in United States history. Some minor editing changes could be made but it did not overshadow the ground breaking content and earthshaking ideas made this incredible.

MR. HEMINGWAY SHOULD FIRE HIS PROOFREADER!!! ASIDE FROM THE TYPIGRATHICAL ERRORS THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!!!FINALLY SOMEONE IS GIVING IT TO THE AMERICAN PUBLIC STRAIGHT. THANK YOU MR. HEMINGWAY IT ALL MAKES SENSE NOW. THIS IS A MUST READ.

This is a whole new twist on the JFK assisination. The writer presented some very interesting facts which I think should be looked into further. Possible movie plot???

It is becoming more and more clear that the US Government has not be honest with the masses. This book helps the reader draw a FACTUAL conclusion of what the US Government has been up to using strong and organized evidence. While the first edition has some typographical errors, it remains that Hemingway delivers a strong case.

This book reveals a highly plausible theory as to why JFK was eliminated. It is a fascinating theory full of detail and research on why JFK was killed. A must read for anyone who doubted the Warren Commission findings. This book belongs in our Universities and all JFK buffs' collections.

Once again T.D. is stying to avoid open swindles, and in this book he once again earns some honest money. He also saves the town (of course expecting a reward), and does some actually downright nice things. It's rather obvious that the Great Brain is growing up, and he seems to get much milder as the series goes on. This was the last book published in the series during the author's lifetime, and it was a good end to the series. It looked as if Tom had finally given up the swindling business.

Overall grade: A

Tom and Frankie, the two worst brother to brother connections ever, a family with two younger brothers but at an age of 11, Tom is really smart. He tricks and fools people to take their money. And which the great brain was born. But most of all, he always manages to swindle his little bother each time in his scams. Frankie couldn't take any more. It's time someone got him back. But with a small brain like Frankie's it's going to be hard.
These two brothers with a relationship like a cat and dog have to go through various mysteries solving them one at a time.
Starring the book The Great Brain Does It Again, is a terrific book with great characters with twists and turns on Frankie and Tom.
Tom is the same all the way through the book, dodging and overcoming everything Frankie tries to throw at him. But once Frankie stopped looking down on himself thinking he has a little brain. He found ways to use his brain for the better unlike Tom. In the end though, Tom learned the true meaning of brotherhood and friendship when everyone turned their backs on him with hatred. But still, he will always have a great brain and a money loving heart.
This book is great for everybody at all ages, especially between the ages of 6-13.

The book named "The Great Brain Does It" by John D. Fitzgerald is about two boys solving cases like thievery, stealing and so on.The main character is named Tom.Tom is a smart boy.He knew his alphabets, could write the numbers one thru one-hundred, and knew how to spell some words before going to school.He had help from his mama and papa though.The other character is Tom's brother which they don't mention his name,not until the middle of the book.He and Tom go solve a case which involves a stolen puppy,which by the way is theirs.They have alot of suspects and they're going to find out who stole the puppy.This is a very good book, and to make it better, I won't tell you what happens next.

While the Great Brain aka TD was supposedly reformed two books back, he's at it again wheeling and dealing full force in this book. The Great Brain comes to the rescue in two to the chapters proving his worth to society. However, a couple other stories show his money-loving heart getting the best of him, but Papa manages to put TD in his place atleast once. This book and all the others ones in the series are super entertaining. I highly recommend this series to all ages.

John Dennis Fitzgerald intended to chronicle his youth in Utah for adults, not children. His publisher thought otherwise and the result are these gems. I don't even call them children's lit gems because I find them just as enjoyable as an adult. Before I go on, you should know that Fitzgerald wrote one book about his youth that is for adults, called "Papa Married a Mormon". It is one of the most amazing books on the American west that I have ever read. Sadly, it is out of print, and you may, like me, have to pay an exorbitant sum to get a copy. Trust me, save up and do it. Now back to this book. Every single Great Brain book in the series is pure gold, and the entire set can be had cheaply, so I say buy them all at once. I "put my money where my mouth is" as Tom the Great Brain would say, and bought the lot.

Recommended by my daughter who is teacher & reading specialist - My young child and I liked the book - very cute story, illustrations, short

I remember reading this book to my children a few years ago. It's a fun, imaginative book. The sparse illustrations are perfect for the tone of this book.

Harry is such a cute, lovable little character. You will fall in love with him and his horse. Highly recommended.

Also recommended: Willow King, Moon Shadow, The Toonies Invade Silicon Valley, Cowboy Ned and Andy

Timeless story, heartwarming message, beautiful pictures - yeah, it's a bit outdated (Little Harry wearing his little tie while playing with his little blocks), but my 5-year-old loves it and reads it again and again and again...

I'm glad to see this book is still in print. I don't have anything to add to other reviewers' details about it. I enjoyed it many years ago with my own children. I certainly recommend it.

This book is very helpful for beginning readers. Most of the words are on the Dolch sight word list of words which should be recognized instantly in order for reading to flow smoothly. The quiet nature of the story makes it appropriate for a bedtime story or for developing reading skills.

Rodda immediately captivates in this stunning third book to the Dragons of Deltora series. On thier way to destroy the third Sister Lief, Barda and Jasmine encounter a haunted house, a haunted ship, a haunted casino and haunted coins. And on top of all that the diamond dragon is dead. Jeez they can never catch a break can they?

Emily Rodda continues her sheer and most impressive imagination in this book that takes on the aura of a ghost story in the nautical sense with creativity and plot only seen in the best. Oddly (and I mean this as a compliment) I almost felt as if I were playing a fantasy video game as I read this.

The subject of the spooky is an old lighthouse that must always remain lit to assist travelers to Deltora. It is more than a job, it is a calling, and it is a crime of the highest to let the light burn out. So of course the answer is why? Why would anyone let the light go out?

The answer lies in paintings and glass windows on a haunted ghost ship that is mysteriosly attached to sneaky characters of Deltora.

Emily Rodda makes a story that relies so much on that eerie feeling to tell an already great story.

I read Dragons of Deltora: Isle of the Dead by Emily Rodda. It is the third book of four in the mini series, Dragons of Deltora. The entire Deltora Set is comprised of three mini series, including Dragons of Deltora.

In the Deltora Series, the three main characters are Lief, Jasmine, and Barda. Leif is the young king of Deltora; Jasmine, the friend of Lief, grew up in The Forests of Silence; Barda, the head of Dels' guards, grew up in the palace when the Shadow Lord took power. They are on a mission to destroy all four sisters in Deltora who slowly poison the land.

In Deltora, there are seven dragons left, one for each gemstone of Deltora, diamond, ruby, amethyst, opal, lapis-lazuli, emerald, and topaz. Doran the Dragonlover, also known as Dragonfriend to the dragons, asked all the dragons to go into a deep sleep, until the king, wearing the Belt of Deltora, calls upon them.

Dragonfriend discovered the Shadow Lords plan of starving the people of Deltora using the Four Sisters. He tried to tell every one of the Sisters, but no one believed him. He left a map marking the locations of each Sister and went to the Isle of the Dead to find proof, but failed to complete his mission.

Lief, Barda, and Jasmine try to kill the Four Sisters, and in order to do so, they must awaken the remaining seven dragons. To be able to defeat a sister, they must have the power of a dragon and the power of a gem in the Belt of Deltora. The Shadow Lord found the map that Doran left behind, tore it into four pieces, and hid each piece in separate corners of Deltora. Lief found one of the map sections that led them to Dragon Nest, in the East. They woke the Ruby Dragon, slay the Sister of the East, and discovered a second quarter of the map, leading them northward to Shadowgate. In Shadowgate, they put an end to the Northern Sisters song, awaken the Emerald Dragon, and found the third portion of the map which leads them to the Isle of the Dead, and the Sister of the West.

In order to reach the Isle of the Dead, they must row to the Scarlet Island and cross by foot, over a bridge to the Isle of the Dead. They seek help from a blind prophet, by the name of Ava, to request the use of her boat. On the Scarlet Island, Lief finds the Diamond Dragon in an appalling state, and buried under her chin they find a little baby dragon egg starting to hatch, keeping the Diamond Dragon species alive.

With the Diamond Dragon, Forta, being only a baby, Lief can not depend on her help in killing the Sister of the West. So instead, he calls upon the old Amethyst Dragon, Veritas, but is not sure that he will be able to have the strength to fly to the Isle of the Dead to help defend against the Guardian of the West, and hell take down the West Sister. Is Veritas strong enough to fly from Dune Island, in amethyst territory, to the Isle of the Dead, in the diamond territory? Or will his lack of food in many years make him to weak? Or does the long flight make him too weak to fight? Read Dragons of Deltora: Isle of the Dead to find out the answers to these questions, and to find out the rest to the story, read the fourth book Dragons of Deltora: Sister of the South.

I really like the genre Emily Rodda uses. She takes dragons and magic and incorporates it with adventure. There are a lot of puzzles in the book, which are fun to figure out before finding out what the answer is. When a letter is received or a sign is spotted somewhere, instead of just describing the sign or reading the letter out loud, a picture of the letter or sign is put in the book. That way, if there is a hidden code in a letter that was sent, you get the chance to figure it out before the code is revealed. I like the adventurous plot in this book along with the constant puzzles, plus the traveling in different methods is cool, like flying on Toran magic or on a dragons' back. Another reason I like this series is because of the Belt of Deltora, which is made up of seven very magical stones. Each of the seven stones has different powers and abilities like different types of healing, warning, and cleansing powers. I think people who like magic and adventure would like this book.

This book was a really goog book and it exited me from the moment that I picked it up to the moment I finshed it I loved the way they got stuck In that ghost ship And how when they got off it followed them! But the ending wasn't that good but I still can't wait to read Sister of the south!

Lief, Jasmine and Barda are now on the track of their next destination, the Isle of the Dead.Their next quest will be their hardest and most quizical yet, losing track of their friend and companion, Jasmine, Lief and Barda find themselves in the middle of a mystery between a beautiful young girl with red hair, a lighthouse and his keeper and a ship called the Lady Luck.When they find themselves in the middle of the Lady Luck's gambling and game room, they find themselves in the midsts of many puzzles and secretive tricks.

Well done Emily Rodda!This book is definitely your best yet in your thrilling new series!I loved the dragons and the mysteries with exciting and deadly answers.I especially loved the wonderful secrets about Tom and his siter Ava.This is a magical new fantasy book to this award-winning series.

This is not the best book about JFK I have ever read, but it is up there. I like the pictures on pages 16 (all) 20, 173, 192-199, 268-275, and 242-258. This book is recommended for any Kennedy fan of all ages.

This is a great picture book. I have almost every Kennedy family picture book available. I just happen to come across it in a bookstore near my home. I paid $19.99 for it, pretty good price. You can get here for about $16-17 but remember you have to pay shipping. So it comes out to more but it is soo worth it. When you are going through these pics its like being taken back in time. I'm pretty young my mom was born in 1957 so she was about Caroline's age when these pics were taken.

"John Fitzgerald Kennedy:A Life in Pictures"is a great way to remember President Kennedy.I'm a young,strong admirer of President Kennedy,and not only are there great pictures of Kennedy,there is a biography of Kennedy with speeches he made,including the speech he was going to make on November 22,1963.The best pictures are of Kennedy with Herbert Hoover and a picture of Jack Kennedy with his daughter Caroline and his niece Maria Shriver.I have seen a bunch of great Kennedy photos,and if you ever want the best Kennedy photo,buy Robert Stack's autobiography "Straight Shooting"and see the picture of Stack and Kennedy. "John Fitzgerald Kennedy:A Life In Pictures"is a must read for all Kennedy fans and even all non-Kennedy fans.

I highly recommend this book, primarily for the great picutures of JFK. This 40th anniversary volume succeeds in presenting many rare and never-before-seen photos. I especially like the ones depicting Secret Service agent Gerald Blaine on the rear of the limousine in Italy 7/63. Get this!
[...]

This collection of over 300 pages of the usual suspected photographs, as well as many unseen or rare ones, was published to commemorate the passing of 40 years since our 35th President was vicously cut down in his prime.

The layout of the photographs is great. You see JFK throughout his life, from childhood, to Presidencey and every passing moment between. The photos are powerful, moving, show glamour and fun, you see a politician throughout his political career, you see a loving father, son, brother and husband. I have had quite a few photo books on JFk, but this is by far the best and most desirable one I have seen.

This photograph book would make a wonderful and truly appriciated gift for anyone who has any respect, love or interest in JFK. My sister is a huge JFK fan, she had a bust of him on our dresser growing up.

The price on Amazon, is as always, unbeatable. I saw this at a bookstore tonight for the full price.

This must have been one of the funniest books I've ever read. It has different stories about Andy Griffiths when he was a kid. All stories are about Andy playing practical jokes on his parents, his friends, and total strangers. You won't know what's funny until you've read Just Joking. It is extremely hilarious. One of the main reasons I liked this book is how fast it is. There wasn't a part in the book where I was bored. Andy Griffiths sure knows how to keep the reader just wanting to keep on reading. Just Joking is also a very easy book to read.

This book is intresting and funny.I would simply describe it as hilarious.I've read most of the "Just" books and all of the "butt" books.I recommend this book for kids of all ages.

I liked Just Joking because it was very, very funny. It's a whole bunch of very, very silly stories. He plays very good pranks on people, only most times he gets in trouble. One of the funny parts was when he wanted a milkshake, he wanted a chocolate milkshake, but instead of chocolate syrup, they used slugs! If you like practical jokes, this would be a completely excellent book for you. I would totally recommend this book.

Now I have read all the "Just" books, but I remember Just Joking the most. I was reading one of the funny stories in this book and I laughed so hard that I almost did the number one in my pants! I wish I could read more funny books from this author.

This book was so good! It was the most funny book ever made.when I sat down and started reading the book I coud not stop. I think the authours message was look on the bright side. So if you are looking for a good book read Just Joking.

the story super amazing and i enjoyed wen i was reading it wen i finshed of it i read it agin :)it was fun and good story i think anna mezer is agood righter

cool book, the only problem is it's a quick read, and $5 is kinda pricy or 30 min. of reading.

I love this book, especially when I want a pet meself. My parents are the same as Abby's, they won't let you do anything! I love the part where Abby sneak T-Jeff in to the house,(Her cat.) I was sooooooo excited that I didn't even heard my mother calling me for dinner!

I'm the biggest fan of Abby and Anne Mazer. When I saw one of Abby's books that I haven't got, I'll beg my parents for it! Anne Mazer's books is like collecting the whole world's idea then make it in to a book. And this one has the most of it.

I thought this book was fun to read. I enjoyed it.
Abby Hayes is this cute red-haired girl/ In this story she made me laugh alot. She finished school in June, and during the summer vacation Abby was bored and she was thinking about asking her parents to get her a pet. She was thinking of getting a bunch of weird pets like an elephant, a frog, a horse, a cow, a rabbit and other animals. She finally decided on a pet,and went to her parents to ask if they could buy her a pet. Her parents didn't feel she was responsible, so she had to prove herself to them. She baby-sat for her twin brothers, and did lots of chores around the house. Finally, her parents decided she proved herself and got her a kitten.

From Shalice R. Weber

This book was another one of my favorites in the series and once you read it, it will be yours, too. Abby desperataly wants a pet, and her neighbor, Heather, has a cat named Marshmallow who is just adorable! Plus, she had kittens and Heather doesn't know what to do with them. After Abby takes care of Marshmallow as a favor to Heather, she gets one of Marshmallow's kittens! She uses all of her money to take care of it and finally, Abby's parents say that she can keep it, with the help of one of her SuperSibs (to find out which one, read the book). Plus, while all of this is going on, there is a big diving contest at the pool. Who will win the contest and what will happen to the kitten, now that Abby gets to keep it? To find out, get a copy of this great book!

This series is so fantastic. One thing I really appreciate about it is that it teaches respect for the elderly. This book in particular is my 5 year old son's favorite. It involves several different animals as well as Mr Putter's quirky neighbor. The illustrations are great as usual. Give it a try!

I used the book for my read-aloud story time at the public library. The children, ages 4 through 9, enjoyed the story and the illustrations. It would be an easy book for a reader at about a 1st grade level. The "bat, bat, bat" that the cat did on the fish bowl needed to be explained to the youngest listeners.

I have three sons aged 1, 4 and 6. All of them love the Putter books and this one especially- I think they see similarities between our cat and tabby. Contrary to other reviews, I did not have to explain the 'bat,bat,bat' thing to them- they got it right away- at least the 4 and 6 year old did. Also, they love how Zeke becomes relaxed, sooo relaxed looking at the fish. I'd recommend this series to anyone with preschool- early readers- and to parents who might get tired of reading some of the 'stories' out there without any substance for this age group.

It's true, my six-year-old loves this book. The truly great thing about it, though, is that it is thoroughly entertaining for the adults reading along with her. Everyone who has ever loved a cat, regardless of their age, should read this book. It's priceless.

For last Christmas, I gave my 2 (nearly 3) year old daughter all the Mr. Putter and Tabby books available -- and I eagerly await the newest release: "Write the Book," (because I enjoy them so much myself!) My daughter had all of the books memorized by Spring. The three that make her laugh the most are "Pick the Pears," "Paint the Porch," and, of course, "Feed the Fish." While reading "Feed the Fish," she laughs as soon as we turn to the page were Tabby's pupils are shaped like goldfish silhouettes. Yesterday, I heard her reciting the part where Mr. Putter had to put a pillowcase over the fish bowl so Tabby would finally follow him to bed, although we have not read this particular book for a couple of weeks.

What I love best about the Mr. Putter and Tabby books is that they are about elderly people and their elderly pets in real world situations -- with a twist of humor, of course. (This is in contrast to the many other wonderful books about children, animals, and fantasy.) I believe this series helps a child to realize that in the real world elderly people are very interesting, even when they are restricted by "cranky legs."