Wood Books

First of all, let me say that it's been nearly ten years since I read this book, but I can still remember what a great impact it has had on my life. One of my personal favorites. If memory serves, I rate up there with the Lord of the Rings and Narnia. It's hard to describe the plot of the book, it's been so long, but here goes.

Duncton Wood follows the life of Bracken, a poor mole born to a poor society of moles. He's a curious and adventurous youngling and befriends and later falls in love with Rebecca. Rebecca is the daughter of the ruthless dictactor, Mandrake, and must endure the abuse and infatuation of her father for many years. Their childhood is innocent enough. They explore, get in trouble, almost die on a number of occasions (what kids don't? o_O), and slowly learn the hardships of life in Duncton Wood.

Bracken's adulthood is mostly adventure. He and Boswell, a scholar of sorts, search for ancient stones (like stone henge) that are central to the mole religion and Bracken's suffering society. There is urgency but the quest takes a life time. (Like the urgency and length of lord of the rings).

I can't wait to read this book again and follow up with the sequels. I apologize if some plot points are wrong. It's how I remember it. :)

Sorry, I had to use that title.

Duncton Wood is an entertaining book. It moves slowly in some places, but makes up for it with faster pacing in others. Personally, I have an extremely difficult time accepting naturally portrayed animal characters with human names. Maybe I'm too much of an animal-fiction nerd for my own good, but giving a MOLE a common human name - and one derived from the BIBLE at that - is just a bizarre choice and, I feel, betrays a somewhat sloppy approach in the writing. The sloppiness is borne out in other areas of the book with some plot inconsistencies and general draggy writing that could be tighter and more effective. (Don't take this to mean that I have an issue with profaning the Bible by naming moles after its characters. In my experience, moles are infinitely more real and therefore more important than the characters in the Bible. I just think it's goofy and sloppy to name half your animal characters with appropriately nature-themed names and the other half with Abrahamic names. Whaaa?) The relative carelessness of the writing lowers this from five stars to four.

Still, in spite of slow areas and strange conventions, this is a fun book to read. The ending is quite nice and satisfying, and the relationship between Bracken and Rebecca is pleasant and innocent. I've still got Duncton Wood sitting on my shelf, at least ten years after purchasing it - it has survived at least 120 passes as I weeded through my book shelves to take unwanted book to the local Half Price Books store to trade for credits. So, that says a lot right there.

Not nearly as good as Watership Down, but worth reading.

Rabbits were popular, why not moles?

Or, what other small creatures dig underground in England?

If you are familiar with Watership Down, you will get the idea, here, although Duncton Wood doesn't operate on the same political level as the rabbit book.

A young mole and friend, with guidance from a mentor embarks upon a quest to put mole society back on the correct physical and moral path. (yes, it does get more tedious later on). For a long book about small furry animals, not too bad at all the first installment. Quite good, even.

I find it difficult to reread a book, but I have read Duncton Wood three times and am beginning to reread the rest in the series. I had to order the books from Amazon UK a few years back, but I think now they might be out of print. Do what you can to find every book in the series. You won't be disappointed. I don't know what you can say to convince people to read these books, but they are worth it. Terrific, terrific, terrific. . .

Duncton Wood is home to one of the seven great systems of the mole world. Many years before the book opens, the system was based at the highest point of the wood, in the shadows of the wood's standing Stone. The Stone was of vital importance at the time, with the system's religious beliefs centred on it. However, in time, the system slowly migrated down the hill - to the point where, now, nomole now lives in the Ancient System. Traditionally, the system's moles travel up the slopes to pray to the Stone on the Longest and Shortest Nights, though few now hold the Stone in any real regard.

Within the modern system, there are a few different districts - each with its own distinct personality. The Westside is home to the biggest, strongest moles while the moles who live on the Eastside are less aggressive, though stockier and better burrowers. The Marshenders, somewhat unfairly, are considered a suspicious, untrustworthy and unhealthy grouping - though the damp soil doesn't make it an ideal area for the average mole. Where the Stone was the natural centre of the Ancient System, Barrow Vale is considered the centre of the modern system. Close to the Elder Burrows, it's free from predators and is considered `neutral' territory.

Life takes a turn for the worse when Mandrake arrives. Originally from Siabod, he arrives from over the Pastures and makes straight for Barrow Vale. Big, strong and vicious, he kills any mole that stands in his way and - when he disposes of one of the Elders - quickly appoints himself as the replacement. Having effectively installed himself as Duncton Wood's leader, the mood of the system becomes a becomes tinged with fear and suspicion. Mandrake more or less operates a system of `divide and conquer' - any contact between the system's different wings is discouraged and movement to the surface is restricted. While some of the elders pledge their support - most notably the malignant, poisonous Rune and the aggressive bully Burrhead - Mandrake doesn't receive full support from the Elders. The ban on the Midsummer and Midwinter pilgrimages to the Stone meets with open opposition from Hulver - an aged mole who is very loyal to the old traditions. Mandrake's constant attacks on the Marshenders, on the other hand, leaves Mekkins unsettled - although he proves to be a little more circumspect than Hulver, he later has a significant role to play.

Things aren't entirely hopeless, though - two moles emerge who may be capable of restoring some light to the system. However, it's maybe a little surprising which two moles provide the hope. One is Bracken, the son of Burrhead. Although physically a little weak, Bracken proves to be not only brave and intelligent, but also a natural explorer - and, from his earliest days, has a great deal of curiosity about the Ancient System. When he eventually leaves the home burrow, he naturally makes his way up the slopes towards the Stone - where he meets Hulver for the first time. Hulver teaches him a great deal about the Stone, the Ancient System and the Holy Burrows at Uffington. The other mole to bring some hope is Rebecca - amazingly, she is Mandrake's favourite daughter. Initially, she isn't entirely popular - many resent her honoured position, and there are those who suffer at Mandrake's claws to make her life a little easier. However, in time, her kindness, patience and love win over all who meet her. Naturally, the pair can't make it alone - and they receive a great deal of help from others - most notably Hulver, Mekkins, Rose the Healer and Boswell, a Scribemole from Uffington.

While the comparison with "Watership Down" is maybe a little obvious, it's certainly a worthwhile comparison - there are certain similarities between some of the characters. Mandrake and General Woundwort have quite a bit in common - as do Comfrey and Fiver, Stonecrop and Bigwig while there's possibly even a touch of both Hazel and Fiver about Bracken. Although a pretty long book, it is an easily read and enjoyable book at the same time.

I grew up on Homer Price (along with Danny Dunn and Henry Huggins). I don't even own a copy of the book and haven't read it in 45 years but I can still recite from memory: "Forty two pounds of Edible Fungus, in the wilderness a-growin, saved the settlers from starvation helped the founding of our nation!"

Make sure your kids read this book. And "Centerburg Tales" too!

You'll roll on the floor holding your splitting sides when you read about Homer Price and the crazy doughnut machine. This is great midwestern 40s stuff, still suitable today for both early teens and self-actualized adults alike.

Homer Price is a kid who's oblivious to difficult challenges. His antics causes each of us to mentally return to the days when frutrations were few and obstructions to new dillemmas just simply did not exist. Homer just takes on each situation as it arises and, somehow, things always turn out okay.

Originally published in 1943, this is one of my two favorite books for young people, (the other being "The Trolley Car Family," by Eleanor Clymer, 1947). The six short stories in this Homer Price volume include:

1. The Case of the Sensational Scent

2. The Case of the Cosmic Comic

3. The Doughnuts

4. Mystery Yarn

5. Nothing New Under the Sun (Hardly)

6. Wheels of Progress

This book is also available in softcover, which is the one I own. You COULD get this book for your kids, especially for boys, but the heck with that idea -- get it for yourself and you won't regret it! My highest recommendation.

The author of Homer Price, Robert McCloskey, has written six tales for readers to enjoy:

THE CASE OF THE SENSATIONAL SCENT: Homer catches a group of robbers with the help of his pet skunk, Aroma.
THE CASE OF THE COSMIC COMIC: Homer's friend, Freddy, learns what Homer already knows about comic book characters.
THE DOUGHNUTS: Homer can't stop his Uncle Ulysses doughnut machine! Now there are way too many doughnuts, and a lost bracelet cooked inside one of them. Let the eating begin!
MYSTERY YARN: Homer's Uncle Telly and the sheriff both save string. Whoever becomes the World's Champion String Saver is supposed to win the hand of Miss Terwilliger in marriage. But what does Miss Terwilliger think of this little agreement?
NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN: There's a stranger in town. Is he a nice man, or a fugitive in disguise? Homer is on the case.
WHEELS OF PROGRESS: A new part of town is built in Centerburg.

I loved this book ever since grade school, and The Doughnuts is the tale I enjoyed most. I remember that my teacher read this book in a way that made the characters come to life for me; especially the sheriff, who gets his words a bit twisted every now and then. And the illustrations done by the author are some of the best I have ever seen! Parents everywhere should add this book to their child's collection.

For the first selection to receive a retro review, you best believe it had to be a winner. Homer Price does not disappoint. Puffin recently released this book with updated cover art under the moniker "Modern Classic", and indeed it is. The book is separated into six chapters, with each acting as it's own short story. There are a few things you should know about Homer:

* He enjoys a good doughnut (hence the cover art).
* He lives just outside the small Midwestern town of Centerburg where everyone is in each others business.
* He apparently is more intelligent that most (ok, all) of the adults in town.

McCloskey keeps the action moving along - from catching criminals to stopping an out of control doughnut making machine, each story contains a large dollop of interest-piquing situations and characters. How could you not love a story about two men taking part in a contest to see who has the largest collection of string, with the winner getting the opportunity to propose to the woman they're both in love with? Or how about a story with a mysterious Rip Van Winkle type character who has devised a ingenious way to rid Centerburg of mice - without harming a single one?

Reading Homer Price reminded me of listening to an album where the first few songs are so good that you're nervous about the rest of the tracks living up the high standard. In this book, there really isn't a letdown. As you might expect with a book that was written in the days of yore (c. 1943) there is some dated content, but that is minor and unlikely to make much of an impression to young readers who will be too engrossed in the story to notice much. A classic for modern times.

Homer Price
A collection of heartwarming tales from a small town in the USA, as told by one of its younger residents. Shades of Bill Bryson, except that Homer Price predates him by a generation or more.
Wonderful, quirky illustrations by the author himself, who has a an eye for detail similar to that of Norman Rockwell.

I am a Christian who knows Christ as her savior and strives to follow biblical principals. I just have to say that I don't recommend this book to anyone. I found the book to be very confusing for children around my daughter's age (3). I agree with the other reviewers that the "He/She" references just don't make any sense to children and could be wrong altogether. I have to pose the question, Is the author trying to convey that God is whoever we want " him/her" to be? Because if that's the case, that simply isn't true. Perhaps, the author is trying to explain God's omnipotence, omnipresence, etc. That is true. He is all-knowing and everywhere all at the same time. I just don't think this book is the proper avenue to teach that to a child. They will learn that better through their interaction with the world around them. (i.e. taking them outside, feeling the wind, explaining that God is like the wind in that you can't see Him, but there is evidence all around us that He is there just like the way you see the trees move when the wind blows). Bible stories and how you apply them to a child's life will teach them all about who God is and the life lessons He wants us to learn. Not this book.
From what I could find about the author on his own website, he is referred to as one connected with nature. Yet while he acknowledges God in his books, I haven't seen anything that refers to any kind of biblical background in his own personal life. To me that is a red flag. If someone is going to explain God to my daughter, I want that person to know the Lord and have a close personal walk with Him. If this author does, I would like to know more about that concerning him.

this was a nice book on diversity. i think one of the things people get the most worked up over is spirituality. it's one of those things that can touch a person more deep than anything else, and everyone's perspective will differ, even if only minutely. wars have been started over the issue, and all because we're too pig headed and focused on our own validity. this book starts off with animals and rocks and trees each saying that what they think god is is indeed the true god, and that god seems to resemble the speaker. then the old turtle stops them and tell them of the coming of a new group, humans, and how they are supposed to be a message from god the the earth and a prayer from the earth to god. then people come and after while start to do not so nice things and nature says to stop. then the beings that said god was like themselves at the beginning of the book said they saw god in that which was opposite themselves. i guess the moral being have an open mind about that which is different from yourself, because it really isn't so alien to what you believe.

This book begins with the beings of nature having an argument as to who God is, an age old question. The old turtle speaks up and tells everyone to stop! And tells of a new being that will come and be in the likeness of god out of his love, humans. Then the humans start to argue and fight and destroy the earth. Till again the turtle said stop, and the people began to listen and realize the beauty they were destroying, the earth. The story is not specifically religious but more of a lesson of not to destoy what we have been blessed with. The illustrations are chinese watercolors and they are imaculate! Definately a must to add to your collection.

This is a book for children, but really is a lesson for mankind. Beautiful drawings. A good read out loud for children.Simply beautiful!

I am so torn here. I love this book - my mother would love this book. So what's the problem? It's a feel good book that seems like it would better reach a new parent, a teen, or someone going through hard times better than a child.

The story clearly has a moral tale to convey. I tend to like that, and I love the message on diversity. Unfortunately, as far as plot/story, it falls short. It fails to go beyond just a morality lesson. And for this, it failed to captivate either of my children.

If the target audience are children: For lessons on friendship with story intact, try pumpkin soup. For a story about diversity and acceptance, try The Woman Who Outshone the Sun. For general moral tales - Zen Shorts.

It's a beautiful story that is passionate about nature and the relationship between a father and a daughter. Jane Yolen's writing turns down a notch as she focuses on making the most beautiful moonlit knight you could imagine for a winter. It's not so much about looking for owls as it is about being out in nature with someone you care about. The description of the cold, snowy night is amazing, and the illustrations epitomize that feeling.
A beautifully written and illustrated romance.

He liked the book alot, but only when I read it with alot of inflection in my voice - especially whispering to emphasize quiet while owling. The book is lovely but the prose is a little long on each page for my 3 year old to really take in.

This is a story about a young child who goes owling with her father. This is clearly important to her - there's a family connection, it's something she's wanted to do for a "long, long time".

The writing is simple. The pictures are majestic. I can't recommend this one highly enough, and I really wish I lived in an area where I could go owling too :(

I read to my children every night, religiously. This is one of a very few books that we are happy to pick up and re-read. They enjoyed it when they were 3 and 5, and they still enjoy it when they're now 7 and 9.

As an added bonus for fathers, the theme is about little things we might share with our children that leave a lifelong impression. My dream is that I am creating one or more lasting legacies with my children.

I used this book in my classroom as an example for my students to write thier own story. My 3rd and 4th graders loved the story and it worked great for the lesson I was teaching.

I first read this book when I was about ten years old, and I remember it instantly becoming one of my favorite books. Re-reading it again at age twenty-three, I continue to be impressed by the compelling characters, the heartbreaking plot, and the undeniable compassion the author has for telling this story. As explained in the author's note, the author had a brother who had Down's syndrome, and this book was written as a tribute to him. What a compelling, compassionate, heartfelt tribute it is, too. Beautifully written, the story flows nicely but readers should be warned that it deals with some tough topics (parental death, misconceptions of mentally handicapped, death of a "sibling"/relative, low-self esteem issues, and first love). I personally recommend this book for only children over ten, due to the difficult subject matter.

This is a beautiful, wonderfully written book. Though a work of fiction about a young man named "Punky", author Wood's wrote this book as a tribute to her late brother. I myself am a sibling of a man with Down Syndrome and as such this book is very close to my heart. People with Down Syndrome possess personality traits such as blunt honesty, obsessive/compulsive-like reliance on routine, stubbornness, finding great joy in simple things and in a job well done. Wood's depiction of Punky, who possesses all these traits and more, is dead-on. So much in her characterization of Punky describes my own brother. I am also from Missouri, where the story is set, and can attest to her descriptions of the settings being very accurate. I own this book in paperback and only wish I could still find it in hardback because it will be a permanant part of our family library.

This book is a "must-read", it is sad at parts but I won't spoil the book for you!!! If you are looking for a great book read this, you should also read the sequel Turtle On A Fence Post, it is also great! The Man Who Loved Clowns is about Delrita, a girl who's uncle "Punky" just turned 35 years old, he has down-syndrome.I won't tell you any more but trust me READ THIS BOOK!!!

This is the greatest book. Perfect for children of all ages. ITs a heart touching story, and shows how families need to stick together no matter the circumstance. This story is a great example of how no families are perfect. Punky is a wonderful character/person, he touched my life. This book makes you want to smile and cry at the same time. Its an amazing book, don't just take my word for it, go ahead and read it yourself.

This is the most sincere book that I have ever read. I actually read it aloud to my 6th grade students. We were all moved and touched so much by the main characters, Punky and Delrita. This book exposed my students to many morals and excellent character traits as they learned the importance of accepting others, even if they are different. My students have missed this book so much since we finished it. I think it will leave an everlasting impact on their lives, and they will always treasure this story that we shared together.

I first saw this book at an airport bookstore. After reading the summary I instantly purchased this book to read on the plane. The moment I start reading it kept me moving to the next page, next page, next page.
The story is moving! Great book. Another suggestion is The Dream - a self-made entreprenur who made millions during his teenage life. Very inspiring! Refreshing to mind too.

Enjoy reading.

Sarala
email: sarala1jan@yahoo.com

As another reviewer said, this is one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. If you are in a job that is not that fulfilling, but you're afraid of making the leap, Wood's journey from Microsoft to the non-profit sector will be educational. If you are happy with your job, but just want to make your job inspiring, Wood's lessons from Microsoft that he applied to Room To Read will show you ways to do that, too. Thank you, John, for writing such a heartfelt memoir of your emotional journey.

This book is a must have, I have recommended to all my friends and family. Kudos to the Author for publishing such a wonderful book.

Namaste John. Kasto Cha??

You have made all Nepalese indebted with your incomparable deeds. You are true hero in our hearts. Yes, we salute you from the core of our heart.

This is one of the best books I have ever read. John Wood does what all of us dreamers out there imagine we could do: quits his excellent job at Microsoft to do his part in saving the world. Wood's style of writing is so smooth and easy to read, he never bores you. If you're at all familiar with the inside workings of the Microsoft company (my boyfriend interned there, so I am), you'll get a good laugh here and there when he talks about someone like Steve Ballmer and some other inside jokes. I highly recommend you read this book if you have any interests at all in poverty alleviation and humanitarian aid.

A positively adorable book, from its hilarious and sweet story to the bright illustrations. Great for read-alouds, as kids instantly like the somewhat stuffy police officer and his whimsical dog. Excellent message.

this is the book our 16 month old picks up every morning when he wakes up and wants to read... a great story.

I absolutely LOVE this book...............I have my special copy, and I am 'over 37'........and I also give it to special people in my life. It is delicately beautiful....and....lets us all know that puppies are more human than human beings.....

I use Officer Buckle and Gloria with kindergartners when I teach my humane education classes. I found it well-written because it was "engaging" for the students, keeping the attention of the children as it moved forward to its happy conclusion. The colorful illustrations throughout the book were great for helping communicate the action. I recommend it for pre-K and K children as a way to enhance their love and appreciation of dogs! Donna Forst, M.A., Education Coordinator, Hawaii Dog Foundation

Abbot and Costello, Laurel and Hardy, Gracie and George--one the straight guy, the other the comic! Welcome Officer Buckle and Gloria! They've been around delighting children and grown-ups for 13 years now. Officer Buckle and Gloria.

A local police officer dedicated to the safety of children, Officer Buckle speaks to auditoriums full of kids about rules of safety, then passes four safety hazards without seeing them. The principal herself is breaking several safety rules.

One day Officer Buckle got a partner--a dog. When he gave his safety tips, unbeknownst to Officer Buckle, Gloria was acting out the tips or--mimicking Officer Buckle. The team became a rip-roaring success. Dozens of thank you notes came in the next day--all with a picture of Gloria on it. Soon the two were visiting every school in the county. Finally, the television station decided to film the presentation. Of course, that night when Officer Buckle watches it, he discovers the truth.

The story has a big bang ending with banana pudding in there somewhere. Don't worry, this is a happy children's book and award winner!

The Caldecott Awards are sometimes strange and mysterious. Some years, like 1995, the year of Officer Buckle an Gloria, the winner is an awesome book. Some years, the winner is a great big puzzle.

Great book...good quality...arrived in record time. I will highly recommend ordering this book for a Christmas present for any age.

This story will rank among my all time favorite Christmas stories! It is heartwarming and humorous, and conveys the true spirit of Christmas!

This book is a GREAT human interest story that uses a man's skill-carving, with a family need for a nativity. In the process of carving the characters and the friendliness of a woman and her son, Jonathan changes from a bitter, lonely man to a believer.

Each year I buy myself a new Christmas book, looking for something unique..Just ran up on this book at a company book sale and stood in awe as I read the story. I knew this was "the one" for this year. Not only is the story heartwarming but the illustrations are perfect. My children are grown as well as my granddaughters and I plan to buy copies for all of them.

A friend and I are often comparing notes on wonderful new and old books and stories for children (and adults), especially at Christmastime. When I saw this book, I knew it would fill the bill as a perfect gift to her to add to her wonderful collection of children's books. I was right--she loved it. I'd never heard of this story before, but, in my opinion, it should be much better known and read. It's so sweet. I'm certainly sharing it. It's perfect for reading aloud. Again, a real good experience with you folks.

She recieved this book for a 2 year birthday present and she reads it every day and asks to play the CD so much that I had to put it on the ipod and keep a copy in the car. She loved it so much that I bought a copy for pre-school becuase she kept taking it there. The drawings are beautiful and the story is so funny. We use different voices for the different characters and laugh and laugh reading this book!

This children's book is about a King who is very reluctant to get out of the bathtub. His court makes several unsuccessful attempts throughout the course of the day to lure him out of the tub. Instead of getting him out of his bubble bath they end up joining him in the bath partaking in the activity they requested. It takes a creative thought from an unlikely source to figure out how to get King Bidgood to finally get out.

The story line is humorous, repetitive, and entertaining. You can't help but chuckle or at least smile when you turn the page after a failed character has left the bathtub and are standing in the court dripping wet from head to toe. The simple text has a repetitive pattern that is easy for children to catch on to and join in with. The repetition pattern has minor changes from time to time that keep the story progressing. For instance, the line "come in cried the king" is repeated throughout the book but is followed by a different word repeated three times depending on the activity requested; "yum yum yum", "jig jig jig".

The incredibly detailed life like illustrations will keep your attention long after the text on the page has been read. From the small delicate bubbles that float out of the King's bathroom to the elaborate and accurate period clothing of the court. The color use throughout the book changes gradually with each turn of the page. At the beginning of the book "when the sun came up" the general color of the page is yellow then fades into light blue during the day, pink and red in the evening, and finally purple and navy blue "when the night got dark".

I enjoyed this book as a child just as much as I do now as an adult. It's one of those books that every time you read it you'll find something different that wasn't previously noticed. I recommend it for everyone but in particularly grades 1-3 who will comprehend and enjoy this masterpiece.

This is my all-time favorite childrens picture book! The story is simple and delightful. The pictures are fantastic! My kids have studied the details in these pages. Reading it always made them want to go play in the tub for hours. We have worn out our copy and I most recently bought this for a grandchild. If only all childrens picture books were this lovely.

King Bidgood's in the bathtub and he won't get out! This book has been a favorite in my household for years. The illustrations are exquisite and the meter of the verse makes it fun to read. The Wood team have done another wonderful job with this book.

I bought this book many years ago when my now 25 year old daughter was a baby. It is extraordinary. The illustrations are breathtaking, and I remember getting lost in them - much to the disappointment of my children who wanted to get on with the story. I still have the book and still enjoy getting lost in King Bidgood's world.

"Silly Sally" is one of those especially-for-fun books that are really great to read to pre-schoolers! The love and bonding between adult and child and child and book that happens when reading and talking about good books is magic! And, the word play is an invaluable pre-reading skill that will enhance learning to read. Have fun with this story--no one needs to know you are "teaching." Older children also love the rhythm and rhyme and enjoy this story.

Great little book. Both my husband and I love reading this to our daughter who seems to really like it. Very quick, but entertaining. We have it memorized.

My daughter, Chloe, loves this book, and so do I. We have fun reading it together. She brings it up all the time. She will be hanging upside down off of the couch and she will say "Silly Chloe went to town, walking backwards upside down!" Silly Sally gets an A+ in my book!

My 5 year old loves this book. She has it memorized and "reads" it to us over and over again. It's very cute, building on the page before. The illustrations are great and silly and there is a definite resolution. A must read for all.

Great book as it plays on the the silly humor that we all share. Simple story line with colorful illustrations that my 3 year old could relate to. I sent this book to my daugher's daycare and her teacher commented how the other children loved the story too. That really made my day. Its a great book to make kids laugh.