Siblings Books

I am a speech therapist and have used this book with Spanish speaking parents and siblings. Everyone loves this book. I am going to buy the other book in this series. I also recommend Atravesando las Puertas de Autismo by Temple Grandin.

It's great to see a story about a sibling wanting to play with his brother, especially when his brother has a special need. This is such a good lesson in understanding autism and special needs, and on how to create theraputic fun. What a great way to teach families ways they can interact with children in situations like this. The writing is fantastic and the illustrations are beautiful and very friendly. Well done!

Author Marvie Ellis, pediatric speech-language pathologist, founded Speech Kids Texas Press in 2005 for to publish children's storybooks on communication needs. Tacos Anyone? is the second book in her series of bilingual storybooks in which English and Spanish text appear simultaneously on the same page. This technique reinforces to children and adults alike the multicultural nature of the modern world we live in, and seeing other languages on the same page may encourage children to explore secondary languages. I think this technique is superior to the alternative of publishing two separate translations. Children's brains easily learn multiple languages, so why not give them as much exposure as possible?

The plot in this well-illustrated children's book focuses on Thomas's difficulties playing with his younger brother Michael, who has autism. 4-year-old Michael is prone to fits and doesn't relate in the ways his brother expects him to. A therapist teaches Thomas to looks for clues in Michael's response to activities and to adapt his playing style (Michael dislikes wet paint on his hands, for example, but he likes playing with puzzles). In the end, Thomas learns to play with Michael using his favorite tactile sensations, and the faces of the brothers radiate off the pages of the book.

Every library should invest in a copy of this book, and every child should read it at least once, because you don't have to have an autistic sibling to know that you should look for clues and adapt to the play styles of your friends.

There are many difficulties with having an autistic child (and many joys, by the way). Perhaps one of the difficulties that is sometimes overlooked by those without firsthand experience is the effect of an autistic child on siblings.

Marvie Ellis's "Tacos Anyone?" is a children's book that subtlety addresses this problem. It is delightfully written by Ellis and charmingly illustrated by Jenny Loehr, as though by a child in crayon. In coming up with the "taco" motif and illustration, perhaps Ellis took a cue from Temple Grandin who was the autistic subject of Oliver Sacks' An Anthropologist on Mars: Seven Paradoxical Tales (1995).

To explain: Temple Grandin is famous for being a professor of animal studies at Colorado State University who has completely integrated herself into mainstream society yet remains autistic. One of the things she has tried to do is to show that autistic people may like things that seem to others a bit strange. For example Grandin reported that she loved to be snugly enclosed in some enveloping substance, a bit like we neurotypicals might like to snuggle inside a sleeping bag. So the "taco" in the title of Ellis's children's story is Michael becoming a play taco as he is delightfully nestled in the middle of some sofa pillows, provided by his older brother Thomas.

The point of Ellis's didactic tale is to help the non-autistic brother understand and appreciate his brother's differences and to help parents explain why the autistic child has different needs, and why the child seems to get special attention (which may make the neurotypical child jealous), and why the autistic child sometimes screams or strikes out in frustration at the world.

The text is in both English and Spanish and the book is the recipient of the Barbara Jordan Media Award.

By the way, Ellis has another award-winning children's book called "Keisha's Doors" that looks at this type of family situation from the point of view of two sisters.

Maybe you're looking at this book and wondering what tacos could possibly have to do with autism. A taco's a taco, right? And what do you do with a taco? You eat it. It couldn't be simpler. You don't even have to think about it. It turns out, however, that you've got it all wrong; no one can eat the kind of tacos referred to in this book. I haven't even gotten to the story yet, but this little exercise alone does a great job of showing you what this book is all about. Tacos Anyone? is all about describing some of the characteristics of the autistic child and helping his/her loved ones (especially young siblings) relate to his/her special needs. And to understand the autistic child, you have to step back and change your way of thinking (just like your conception of tacos will change as you get into this story), and it takes a conscious effort to do that each and every time.

Young Thomas already knows that his little brother Michael has autism. He doesn't know what that means exactly, but he does know that he isn't very successful when he tries to get Michael to play with him. He's also bothered by some of the things Michael does for no apparent reason. That's when Michael's therapist comes into the story. First, we see some of the exercises and activities she does with Michael, but then we see her bring Thomas in as well and show him how to better communicate with his little brother. This kind of family involvement is vital in the life of the autistic child, and author Marvie Ellis really succeeds at showing how therapy is for the family as well as the autistic child. An autistic child can have the greatest therapist in the world, but he/she will never reach his/her true potential without the love, support, and assistance of loved ones.

Just like Keisha's Doors, this second book in the Autism Story Book series communicates a wonderful, heart-warming message and would surely benefit anyone who deals directly or indirectly with an autistic child. It is especially good at helping the brothers and sisters of autistic children understand and better relate to their special siblings. The book's dual language format (English and Spanish), along with the wonderfully expressive illustrations of Jenny Loehr, give it a broad, intercultural appeal. Tacos Anyone? truly conveys a most inspirational message and spirit.

Yes I can follow this one. It is crystal clear. I like the plot and the story of the delivery man. I don't like stuffy things. I like this book. It is not heavy like 2012. Easy easy does it. I enjoyed it a lot.

Matts dad, Denny Thurman, dresses up as a UPS Delivery man and goes to Matts school and kidnaps him so that he can take Matt to his sisters and make his sister feel sorry for him and want to give him money. At the same time that Denny is taking Matt to his sisters, Bonnie is leaving her school to go get Matt from his. MAtt and Pookie, his dog, are nowhere to be found in this great book. It was the best book i have ever read! I didnt want to put it down!

It all started when Denny went to Matt's house to get a dog in Matt's so he could make come to his car by telling him that the dog has been runned over.Later Matt wanted to go to the restroom Denny left the dog tied on the post with Matt not noing.The other day Denny told him if he Matt wanted to go to the baseball game he said yes.Bonnie's friends told her if she wanted to go to the game she said yes. When Matt went to the game Bonnie saw Matt,but Matt did not see her.Then they tried to escape from Denny but Denny saw them leave so he got them back.Denny tried to get Bonnie killed, but Matt did not let that happen.The police took them back home safely.

The Amber Alert goes off. You turn on your T.V. faster than a man running across hot coals. Someone has been reported missing. Abduction is a scary thought, especially when you are very young. Most of us have been told to never to talk to strangers. Unfortunately, an eight-year-old boy named Matt encounters this situation in Abduction!
Matt was excused to go to the bathroom one day at school. On the way, he met a stranger. The stranger lied to him and told him his dog Pookie was hurt. He said Pookie was in the car, and Matt went into the car. He doesn't realize his father kidnapped him.
The eight-year-old struggles through many hard times while he was a hostage to his dad, who also was his mom's ex-husband. Matt realizes his father gambles often, and because of that, he loses money frequently. His dad tells another lie, saying his mom and sister were in a car accident and died. In Abduction!, the author shows the importance of family and not talking to strangers. This book is filled with adventure, sadness, and happiness. It teaches a valuable lesson to go along with the twists and turns of the exciting plot.

ABDUCTION is an excellent suspense novel with a lot of good information about what families go through and can do in the event of an abduction. Peg Kehret combines a tremendous amount of facts throughout the tense narrative, such as the fact that most kidnapped children are taken by non-custodial parents and how an Amber alert works.

But the story is the real draw here. Matt, a kindergartener, goes missing from his school. His kidnapper is his biological father, a man he's never laid eyes on. Denny Thurman, Matt's dad, is a gambling addict whose latest scheme involves "borrowing" money from his sister and brother-in-law to raise his son.

Thirteen-year-old Bonnie, Matt's sister, gets caught up in the search for her little brother. Kehret pulls the reader into Bonnie's world, sharing her helplessness and frustration as well as the sharp fear that fills her.

The pacing is frantic as the reader flips back and forth between the scenes involving Bonnie, Matt, the kidnapper, and a few extra characters (like the elderly couple that finds the abandoned family dog, Pookie, and decides to take him home).

The climax of the book is exciting and uses a lot of the Seattle setting shown in the novel. Bonnie is a true heroine, but she's not of the Wonder Woman variety. She uses her wits and her heart, and stands her ground with the kidnapper to protect her little brother.

ABDUCTION is a great read to share with a pre-teen or even to be read to an aggressive third- or fourth-grader who likes being read to. My son and I enjoyed this book a lot, but some of the tense scenes made him nervous. He couldn't stop thinking about Matt and his situation until we turned the last page. More than that, he knows more about Stranger Danger and that there are a lot of agencies that look for missing children.

I bought the book for my 3 sisters and me. I gave them to my sisters for Christmas and asked them to let me know when they read certain stories that reminded them of things they remember. I haven't heard from them yet, but I know I will, as all 4 of us are close at heart though miles apart. They all agreed it was a perfect gift.

I bought this book with the intention of giving it to my sister when I asked her to be my maid of honor at my wedding. I had forgotten that I already bought this book for her (I kept this copy for me). I marked a touching story in the book having to do with a wedding. She didn't get the meaning behind it, but it made her cry anyways and the best part is that she said yes!

I was bawling by the third story in the first chapter! This book is a real tear jerker.
Another great chicken soup book in the series.
A must to share between sisters and friends. There is a chapter dedicated to brothers as well. I would have to say this is probably the best chicken soup book i have read by far!!!

This book really touched me. It taught me to love my sisters whenever they are mean or do bad things. One of these stories was the most awesome story ever! I said that this one girl's sister had cancer and lost all of her hair. When she went to visit her sister she had a hat on that said "having a bad hair day," but when she took the hat off she was bald,she shaved all of the hair on her head off so her sister woulnd't feel bad about having no hair. That was the story that touched me the most.

My First Chicken Soup book that I have read, and this was simply excellent. I laughed, cried, and it brought back all my childhood memories.

This is the best book to read to young children, fantastic story and lovely pictures. My favourite children's book and still amazing. A moral tale

Every family with small children should have this book. The story and illustrations are out of this world.

This is a lovely, lovely story with very good illustrations. My little girl knew the book off by heart by the time she she was 18 months old. I would say it's a must have for all children.

I hadn't read this book since childhood, but recently my girlfriend and I started trading and reading books from our childhoods. I bought a copy of Dogger for her and she read it out loud to me. I started crying, and just couldn't stop. I can remember feeling just like Dave when I was younger and losing something, it was a horrible feeling. If only we could all have a sister like Bella. The wonderful story and pictures will touch you, and stay with you forever.

I have given over 15 copies of Dogger to friends and family when they have an arrival of a second child. Every one of them...every.one.of.them has loved it and weeks/months/years later, I still get glowing feedback on this book.

The way the older child (Bella) helps out her little brother (Dave) when he looses Dogger makes me and anyone I've ever given the story to sniffle at the beauty and kindness of text and illustrations.

Face it, when you were little and you miss placed your favorite toy/lovey, you basically went to DEFCON 5 alert status and nothing was right until your lovey was found. Now as a parent, you know if your child loses their lovey, nothing in your house will be settled until it is found and you would do anything ( beg, bribe and possibly liquidate your IRA to make your child happy (and sleep through the night) again. Bella is every mother's heroine.

She teaches the selfless act of helping and giving better than I ever could.

This book is getting harder to find, so buy it right now to help keep it in print. I need more copies for the next round of friends having children.

This book is a great tool to help siblings, other family members and non-relatives (including teachers and students) to understand some of the world of kids with autism. This is a very touching story deserving of the acclaim it has received and more. Schools systems would do well to include this book in their libraries. Great story and illustrations! Great work!

Author Marvie Ellis, pediatric speech-language pathologist, founded Speech Kids Texas Press in 2005 for to publish children's storybooks on communication needs. Kiesha's Doors is a bilingual storybook in which English and Spanish text appear simultaneously on the same page. This technique reinforces to children and adults alike the multicultural nature of the modern world we live in, and seeing other languages on the same page may encourage children to explore secondary languages. I think this technique is superior to the alternative of publishing two separate translations. Children's brains easily learn multiple languages, so why not give them as much exposure as possible?

In Kiesha's Doors (Las Puertas de Keisha), 2 year-old Kiesha has stopped communicating with her family, become a picky eater, and taken to a favorite rocking chair. Kiesha parents and her older sister Monica (age 9) learn that she has autism, and they must adapt their communication style to reach Kiesha (to "open her doors"). The story is not just about Monica's adjustment to life with Kiesha, but about the Mom and Dad's journey to get a diagnosis and learn how to relate to their child. It is truly a family story, and it raises important diagnosis questions as well as coping skills. The illustrations are vibrant crayon-style (I loved the way the eyes and faces glow!).

Every library should invest in a copy of this book, and every child and parent should read it at least once, to learn about dealing with people who communicate differently from ourselves.

This is another wonderful tool given to us by the author Marvie Ellis and the illustrator/artist, Jenny Loehr. The author uses a little girl, the older sister of an autistic child, Keisha. This is very effective! The author certainly has a way of taking a very complex subject, and through her use of words, bringing that subject to the level that a child is able to understand. I loved her concept of "closed doors" and "opening doors." This is quite understandable to a child, and indeed, an adult faced with this devastating condition. Well done! The author takes us step by step through the process of identifying the condition, its treatment and, again, does it in a way that a young person can well understand.

I was delighted, and in fact thrilled, to see this work presented in both Spanish and English, together between two covers. Over the past five years our area of the country has gone through a change with the influx of Spanish speaking people. Our resources were, and are quite thin, and I am sorry to say, quite limited. Books such as this go along way in correcting this situation. My daughter, a first grade teacher, is faced with this language (and indeed, autistic children) problem each and every year, and works such as this are most helpful.

I personally found the illustrations in this book, by artist Jenny Loehr, quite pleasing as I like her method and style. She has the ability to capture so much with her simple facial expressions. The color choices certainly appeal to children and are quite eye catching in a subdued way. The illustrations go perfectly with the text and each, the text and the art work, complement each other perfectly.

Children have as much of a struggle understanding this devastating condition, even more than most adults. The author has done a wonderful job, in the way of explanation, at their level. I might add that any adult will also find this work quite informative. This is another valuable tool and should be included in any school program or home library were applicable. I, as a fully retired individual, do a tremendous amount of substitute teaching at our local schools. I fully intend to read these books to my younger classes. Ignorance is a horrible thing, and this book and the author's other book, Tacos Anyone?, go a long way in stamping it, the ignorance, out. Well done Ms Ellis! I highly recommend this one!

I have a son w/autism and I purchased this book because I haven't seen any af/am profiled in autism related childrens books before. I enjoyed the book very much. Kudos to the author!

Marvie Ellis is providing a great service to a significant number of people with her Autism Story Books. If you're like me, you know less about autism than you think you do - unless and until someone in your life is born autistic. And if we adults don't really understand what autism is and is not, imagine how hard it would be for a young child to understand it all. Keisha's Doors is told from the perspective of just such a child, a nine-year-old girl who doesn't understand why her three-year-old sister Keisha won't play with her or speak when spoken to. When Keisha is diagnosed with autism, we are there with her family as the doctor and therapist explain what this means and begin to teach them techniques for establishing better communication with the little girl.

The conventional, knee-jerk reaction to a diagnosis of autism would probably be one of alarm and grief, and I'm sure one of the author's purposes in writing this book is to dispel such notions. Here, Keisha's condition is described in terms even her nine-year-old sister can understand: Keisha has certain mental "doors" that are closing her off from some of the people and things around her, and she just needs help opening up some of those closed doors. Rather than tearing the family apart, the situation actually brings them closer together. Now, even Keisha's sister understands why Keisha is different - she even knows a little bit about how to go about helping her expand her awareness.

This is a very positive, heart-warming look at a family caring in the proper way for an autistic child. The story itself is printed in both English and Spanish, while Jenny Loehr's beautiful illustrations speak volumes in and of themselves. Put it all together, and you have a wonderful book - perhaps the only one of its kind - designed to reach as many different people as possible with its important message. I learned something about autism myself in these pages, and I'm sure anyone with any kind of connection to an autistic child will benefit from this book - and Marvie Ellis' succeeding Autism Story Books - immensely.

Reviewed by Rachael Stein (age 15) for Reader Views (11/08)


Sixteen-year-old Margaret Shanley, currently known as Meg, is getting tired of having to move from place to place because her thirty-year-old sister Lucie can't manage to stay in one place long enough for Meg to call it home. Meg does understand that they do not have much money, but she still wishes for more stability in her hectic life. The latest move, to Hollywood, seems to be just as trying as the others, and so Meg writes to Jennifer Aniston for advice, as she's done for years. Never mind that Jen hasn't written in a while; Meg just needs to feel she has a friend in the world, especially after a strange man appears at Meg and Lucie's home. That's when Meg finally discovers the truth that Lucie is actually her mother, and not her older sister as Meg had always thought, and that Meg has a family and a father in New York. And so she goes to the Big Apple, in search of love, acceptance, and her elusive father. And what Meg learns from her trip will change her forever.

"Love, Meg" was a very well-written and moving story that I immensely enjoyed reading. There is a very realistic quality to Purtill's writing which manifests itself in the authenticity of the characters and most of the plot. Each of the characters in "Love, Meg" was evidently crafted with care, from main character Meg to even the smaller ones like her uncle Lonnie and her grandmother Alma. I could really connect with Meg's character through her emotions and the trials she had to go through. I appreciated her maturity and determination as well as her flaws. I really liked how Purtill didn't make Meg's antagonists into strict angels of perfection or evil villains; their flaws are rather large but the reasons behind these flaws or how the characters deal with them make them so human.

Plotwise, "Love, Meg" is sound. I would, however, have liked there to have been some sort of resolution or closure between Meg and her grandmother Alma because I felt their relationship was cut a little short. Even if the story in "Love, Meg" doesn't end completely happily, it is nonetheless full of hope. It would be sweet for Meg to have a happily-ever-after, but it is more realistic that her experience in New York ends with some accomplishments and some disappointments. Reading Meg's story really makes one value whatever family and friends one has.

"Love, Meg" by C. Leigh Purtill was a very satisfying read because of its realistic characters and story and its meaningful message. This novel will be popular among all teen readers, especially fans of Sarah Dessen and Deb Caletti.

In both of her books "Love Meg" and "All About Vee" author Leigh Purtill is speaking in a new voice to a new generation of young people. My recommendation comes from a professional background of thirty eight years of teaching and from my personal history as a mother of two daughters and a grandmother of three teenaged granddaughters. My oldest daughter is a high school counselor for students with high risk behavior and dysfunctional families. I have seen attitudes change from the idealism of Hollywood's romantic fairy tales. These forces have been confronted by Ms. Purtill's insistent ability to tackle the sensitive realities of family dynamics and young lives. I recommend that these important books are not just for young people but should be required reading for entire families. Medora "Wildenberg" de la Cruz, Professor Emeritus, El Camino CA College, CA

This is a beautifully written story that is perfect for young adults. I work in a school where we have lots of students who do not like to read and they all read Love, Meg and thought it was great. The author does an authentic job of capturing the thinking and talking of a teenager. The story is unique and just plain fun. I recommend it to everyone!

I love the fact that her pen pal is "Jennifer Aniston"!!!!
So super cool!!!!
I love it when she reads the letters from her!

I walked into the library looking for a last minute book to read, and came across this book displayed in the young adult section and thought I should give it a go. I am SO happy I did! It was such a good book, and one that I didn't want to put down, wondering what was going to happen next. It did help that there were numerous Jennifer Aniston and "Friends" references, two of my favorite subjects!

Definitely would recommend it!!

These books are great fun. the move very fast with great action.
I have read all of them and do not know how many books the series will have and i do not like this! The web site does not have it and the books read very fast so now I am waiting for Mouse but starting to tire of this.
B

I'm a librarian and I started purchasing this series for my grandson about 3 years ago. Everytime I asked him, he hadn't read them yet. I was sure if he started them, he would like them. This fall he had to have a book to read in school that represented his interests so he took the first one, reluctantly (hates to read). He was about halfway through the book when he called me and said,"Grammy, would you mind getting me the rest of the Five Ancestors books? They're awesome!" He's now reading the second one and looking forward to the rest of the series. He's 11, turning 12 in May. I would reccomend this series any time for boys who think they don't like to read.

Book 2 of Jeff Stone's 'Five Ancestors' series, Monkey really deserves a reading of Book 1 for a smooth transition - and be aware, this is a projected seven-book series - but the action- packed martial-arts story set in 17th century China will win fans wherever they begin. Five young, orphaned monks specializes in a different style of kung-fu reflecting his personality: here Malao faces his temple's destruction and an encounter with a band of wood monkeys who save him and introduce him to a wilder side of his soul.

I think the book was better than hope for. You need to read the frist book first than you will get the story.

The Five Ancestors series by Jeff Stone is an exciting series about five young monks from an ancient Chinese temple called Canghzen, or, literally, Hidden Temple. The books are the same story, but from different views, because they split up. I think these books are a great adventure, and I also liked Tiger.

Todd Mitchell's THE TRAITOR KING tells of Darren and Jackie, who have always known their family was strange - but not by how much. A fantasy mystery revolves around the family and once they discover some of the secrets, a vanished uncle's plight draws them into a world they never imagined.

This novel blends Celtic mythology with modern life as it takes readers on a journey during which the young characters must confront a family secret. I would like to tell more of the story but I don't want to give away the mystery.

Mitchell's writing style is rich and warm, and the worlds of Daylight and Fay are equally believable. I found the character of Darren especially engaging as he struggles to uncover the truth about his family and himself.

Although technically written for 9 - 12 year olds, this book could be enjoyed by readers of any age. The adventure is exciting, the characters intriguing, and the themes captivating.

THE TRAITOR KING is about a boy named Darren Mananann and his sister, Jackie. Their Uncle Will is missing. In order to find him, Darren and Jackie must use their shadow sight (an ability that they can use to see extraordinary things) to help them find the hidden land of Tir na N'Og. That's where they meet a brownie called Nim, who helps them find out about their family history and save their Uncle Will.

This book is perfect for anyone who likes fantasy and adventure in a book.

The Traitor King is an imaginative, well-crafted novel; a blend of fantasy, realism, and mystery that kept me in a reading frenzy from cover to cover. The quirky characters came alive under Mitchell's literary spell, nearly jumping off the page, and I absolutely loved the book's message. Maybe it's the Irish in me, but I have to say it's one of the best y.a. novels I've read. Mitchell knows how to write a good story; I can't wait to see the next card up his sleeve!

I'm in 5th grade and I read all the time. I've read all the Harry Potter
and dozens of other similar books. This book was by far the best! It
was scary and exciting and I couldn't put it down. I hope Mr. Mitchell
is writing a sequel.

T. Griffin

Crystal, a fifth grader at Ruth Fyfe shares: "Do you like a story that has exciting events, leaves you hanging, and it just wants to make you read more? Well if you do, you should read Kidnapped by Gordon Korman. It is filled with all that good and exciting stuff. I strongly believe that Kidnapped deserves 5 stars. This book is part 1 of Meg and Aiden Falconers lives at risk. First, their parents go to jail because they think they are traitors. Meg and Aiden are on the run, running away from the police because they didn't want to go to a temporary home. Then, Meg gets kidnapped and they don't know who it could be. Then the call the agents. The agents keep Aiden away until they have to let him go and deliver 2 million dollars. Next, this clown comes and takes the duffel bag and rollerblades away. Finally, when they think they've got Meg...Read the book to find out what goes on, and what is going to happen next."
Goran adds, "For people who have never heard of Kidnapped, you don't know what your missing. This book is so fun it leaves you hanging and Aided wants his sister out of the kidnappers hands. If you're wondering how Meg got kidnapped, Meg and Aiden were walking home from school when a van pulled beside them and took Meg. So Aiden has to meet the cops who arrested his parents. Also, Aiden has to go through obstacles to get Meg back. Meg escaped twice but got caught. If you want to learn more about Kidnapped, by Gordon Korman, visit your local library.
Shalonda states,"Where's Meg? That's the question everyone has been dying to answer. The Falconer family, which everyone calls traitors have been in very tense/tiring situations from Dr. John and Louise Falconer being sentenced in a 14 month-life sentence for aiding foreign terrorists. To Aiden and Margaret Falconer escaping from juvenile hall, and becoming fugitives. All chargers were dropped from their parents, but still people don't believe the Falconers, whom Aiden and Meg call 'Falconer-Haters.' But one day a car pulls by slowly and when Meg doesn't notice it, she is snatched into the black van. Aiden tries to help, but is too late. Now Meg is taken away...for ransom? The Falconers don't find out why until a letter tells the family that in order to get Meg back Aiden needs to deliver 2 million dollars to the kidnappers. But still, the Falconers worry that Meg's already seen the kidnappers face. This book is a very fun and exciting story, and if you like a book filled with exciting events and characters, then you should read Kidnapped by Gordon Korman.

I just finshed kidnpped and i JUST LOVE it!It is a little weird if you haven't read the first series.but it's cool no AWESOME no fantastic!!!!!!!!

I love this book!!!! I would recommend this book to and child to teen of the ages 10-14!! I love this book sooo much!!

My nine year old is just starting to finally get into chapter books this series has held his interest very well. He is now moving onto more chapter books and a wider variety than just the humorous books he has been reading. I take my advise from Dr.Seuss "Fill the house with books!"

The book I read was Kidnapped:The Abduction. the author is Gordon Korman. This book was published in May 2006. I rate this book a 5 because it has a lot of adventure and it was mysterious when Meg got captured and you didn't know who captured her so it kept you wondering. It started when Meg got captured when her brother Aiden and her were walking home from school and a van pulls over and captures Meg. Aiden tries to stop the van but there's just no way. He's the only one who saw her get captured. Why was she kidnapped? Well you should read the book to find out more.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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