Issues Books

Okay, so this is probably as preachy as Dr. Suess gets, and it just might get on the nerves of some people, but the tree hugger in me salutes him for it, even as he paints a grimmer picture of environmental destruction than Al Gore ever thought of.

Even so, it's clearly Suess with his imaginative worlds and funny characters.

It's a solemn book of warning that it pretty darn good into scaring kids into being careful with the environment.

And that's not a bad thing.

I could not wait to present this lesson to the class this year. Teaching seventh grade and the 5 themes of geography this book lends itself to many of those themes but mostly human-environmental interaction (how human interact and change the environment to fit their needs). Not only does this book show that but it really visualizes how we negatively impact the Earth for our own selfish needs. Again my students are in love with the facts that I am reading them a storybook and after the discussion they see that it isn't a plain, old storybook but it really does have a significant meaning.

Review by Sherry North, Author, Because You Are My Baby

While most Dr. Suess stories are pure fun without any heavy message, The Lorax delivers an extremely blunt lesson on ecology. What's amazing is that Dr. Suess does this with a narrative that is engaging, entertaining and ultimately inspiring. You might think a book with such a heavy message could be a turn-off to young children, but I have found the opposite. My preschoolers find this story absorbing. I think they understand there is something truly important at stake, so the book means more to them than other Dr. Suess titles.

Is it a coincidence that Thneed rhymes with Deadly Sin #3? Growth for the sake of growth is where we are today. This too shall pass, UNLESS....

Dr. Seuss, turned holier-than-thou by his elevated status in society, decides to preach to us about the evils of industrialization. Does he realize that the many millions of copies of "The Lorax" were all made in factories, using paper that came from trees?

I really liked this book. Even though I'm an older reader (52) who collects horse fiction, and its out of my age bracket, I found it to be very readable and it held my interest. Its a wonderful book for the young teen. The main character, Amy, learns some significant lessons in life after her mother dies in a tragic accident, and she is left to run the horse rescue by herself. She learns that life does go on, and responsibilites must still be realized, even in the face of tragedy. The characters in this book are likeable, the horses and horse terminology are realistic, and the book is not overly mushy or boring. It moves pretty quickly, and has a taste of suspense at times. All in all, I believe this book would be an excellent gift for a young, horse crazy girl! I would have greatly appreciated having it when I was at that age where horses were just about my whole world, and boys came second!

This is a beautiful, touching story of love , strength , hope , and regeneration after an agonizing loss.
Even though it is a young adult novel, I recommend it to anyone of any age.

Heartland-Coming Home

Heartland is a place of dreams and horses and that's where Amy's heart belongs. Heartland is a place like no other, breaks painful memories and teaches horses to trust again. To what I know Amy's calls Heartland home like no other place in the entire world. Amy loves her family very much and especially her mom. She loves her mom because she has don many things for her. I think Amy likes having her mom's gift, having to be able to understand what they need. And saving the animals by teaching them to stay healthy and stay trusting.

This book is mostly about a girl named Amy. And Amy is trying to help these horses that can't trust anyone anymore. And later in the book something bad happens. Someone get into a terrible accident. But you have to read the book to find out.

Bought this for my 15 year old daughter. She loved it and actually read it. Which is always nice to have a teenager read!

This is about a girl who loved horses, and her mother owned a ranch called "Heartland". They take care of and help any type of horse. One day they went to rescue a horse and her mom died from getting hit by a falling tree. Amy is left to save Heartland.
I think this story is really good. It reminds me of my life because I take care of horses. I also think that Amy will safe Heartland and be just like her mother. Also I think Amy and Ty will get together. I would recommend this book to people because this story is sad and truthful about life.

This is a simply wonderful novel that by no means should be pigeonholed as "young adult" if that means being denied an adult audience, though it had more than a few elements in common with "Anne of Green Gables." It works on so many different levels and is both sensitive and intelligent. The characters are memorable and believable. And it doesn't just deal with child abuse, though it does so convincingly and heart-wrenchingly, but is equally good in its descriptions of children being nurtured creatively, and in its depictions of friendships between adults and children. I can hardly think of a thing about it I didn't like, and I look forward eagerly to more from this author.

Timid, scrawny, Willie Beech is the abused child of a single mother. She sends him to Mr. Tom, who lives in the English countryside, because London is being bombed by the Nazis.

The two main adults in this story, the mother and Mr. Tom, seem very similar in the beginning. Yet, by the end, we see that they are completely different. What really hit home was this: hard times can make hard people, but one's true colors shine through when faced with others in need.

Mr. Tom's gruff exterior is only his exterior. He's really got a warm heart, which he opens up to Willie and shows him the love that's supposed to be in a family.

The mother's quiet, strict exterior masks her bitter, mean nature. She has no love for her children, and abuses them in subtle, neglectful ways.

We don't actually see the abuse, we see the end result...which, in my opinion, is far more powerful. I cried for Willie at the end of this book, and cheered Mr. Tom for doing everything he could to save this poor boy. When children are old enough to understand the results of abuse, every family should read this book.

This book is very intense but a good read. It is about evacuees from the London area because WWII was beginning. This particular town is painted different than most during this era. The people are nice and giving. If anyone does misuse the children they are put out for it! The major characters meet each other and both are not too sure of the other. It tells the story of a lost soul bringing healing to another lost soul. There are some intense and disgusting scenes but when you come out on the other side it is worth it! I don't recommend this book for anyone under the age of 12 or 13.

I decided to read this book for seventh grade accellerated reader. This great piece of literature has quickly become one of my all time favorite books. I'm very hard to please when it comes to books. When you read this, you become so attached to every last character. It is truly amazing.

"Good Night, Mr. Tom" puzzles me. When I read it objectively, looking only at the writing, it's not so impressive. The flow isn't particularly good and at times the book clunks along. The dialogue is engaging, though, and thoroughly real.

And the story itself is incredible. "Good Night, Mr. Tom" tells of a young London boy who is sent out to live in the country during World War II for his safety. There, away from an abusive home, Willie is able to grow and learn what it means to be loved.

With a series of remarkably realistic and fun characters, Willie (renamed Will in his new home with "Mr. Tom") moves and grows. Aspects of the book will make the reader cry (quite a few), aspects will chill you, but on the whole you will smile through your tears, because this book is just... special. It's got a very special feel to it, through tears and sad moments.

So while at times the story gets dull, it's an excellent book. I would recommend this to young teens, mostly because it deals with serious issues and might be a bit much for younger kids.

Definitely recommended.

My sons and I learned about this book while visiting a friend in the midwest. I ordered it as soon as we returned home. It is a heartwarming story. I especially love it and have used the story for saying good bye at preschool and when I have to travel for business. I think it would also be a cute gift for anyone nervous about embarking on a new adventure, young or old. Get it! This book will become one of your favorites.

Like many teachers, I used this book on my first day for my kindergarten class. I would also recommend giving this book as a present to all of the parents that have a child going to kindergarten for the first time.

My daughter's kindergarten teacher read this to the kids and the parents the first day of school for orientation. I can tell you not a dry eye with the bunch of us parents! It was so touching that evening as well when my daughter asked me to kiss her hand so she could take it to school with her the first day. This will be an heirloom book for my other child as well as my grandchildren

I bought this book because my daughter bought one at her school for "us" when she was very young(separated because of divorce), it was lost in a move and it had sentimental value for both of us...it's not "the one" she bought, but it's just as good and in great condition.

It's not a bad book, it's just not that interesting to me. And while the kissing hand concept is definitely useful for any child worrying about leaving their parents for the day, I thought it was presented in an excessively sentimental way. I always find too much sentimentality just encourages children to dwell on how upset they are, rather than comforting them.

But if it works for your kid, great.

My one year-old son loves this book. It very quickly became one of his favorites when he received it as a gift and picks it out when it is storytime. The pictures are wonderful and the story is delightful. I loved it so much, I went and bought Anna Dewdney's other Llama Llama book.

We have had a copy of this book for about three years now and it still gets requested regularly. In fact my 4 year old son takes this book with him to Grandma's house for over nighters and on the road with us on family trips. He repeats the lines like lyrics to a song. It has a little "scariness" to it but I think that is what both of my kids like. They like to be a little scared as long as they know that it all worked out in the end.

This is THE favorite bedtime book at our house. I can't say that every kid would react the same way. However, it is worth the time to find out if kids actually look forward to bedtime rather than fighting it.

I purchased "Llama, Llama Mad At Mama" to read to my grandchildren, granddaughter 3 & grandson 2 at the time. They loved it so much I bought another & gave them each a copy. My grandson could identify with it. I searched for "--Red Pajama" at Barnes & Noble & purchased it to have at my house for them. They love it! I purchased another "--red Pajama" for my grandson's 3rd birthday & it is his favorite book. Scary? Ridiculous! My granddaughter is very sensitive to sad or scary stories & movies & she loves these books. I highly recommend the books. I have a grandbaby on the way & will be buying him/her these books as a shower gift, (Mom is a kindergarten teacher & she likes them too!) I'll be checking out other books by this author.

My daughter, who is now 22 months old, was not a big fan of this book in the beginning. We simply couldn't get to the end of it. The pages where baby llama sits in the dark waiting for his mama caused her serious anxiety and she kept saying No! Eventually I managed to get across the point of the story that "Mama Llama's always near, even when she's not here". Now it's the latest most popular bedtime story. I love the rhythm of the story, and quite often rephrase my favorite verse for "Anna, Anna, Anna, stop this drama, and be patient with your mama". Anna laughs, and drama of the moment stops.

My son LOVES this book. We read it at least 3 times before going to bed, it's really cute, gets him to talk about being afraid to go to sleep, it's a new favorite!

I had the pleasure of joining a few hundred people today, in Malibu, to celebrate the birthday of this beautiful and enormously-gifted author! It was truly a pleasure to meet the woman who I have admired since reading, "Lilla Belle the First Stages." "Lilla Belle" stirred my heart, like few books that I have read. I laughed, cried, and it made me think. This is a glue-book. Once I started reading "Lilla Belle," I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read Ms. Cole's latest, "F.A.T. CHANCE." Hats off to you, Ms. Cole! Happy Birthday, and keep bringin' the hits. Thank you for autographing "Lilla Belle" and "F.A.T. CHANCE." And thank you for sharing your talent. You are a class act. You are one in a MILLION!

Lilla Belle touched my heart! This book also made me think. I have read it three times so far, and I just received it on Saturday. Truly an UNFORGETTABLE CLASSIC!

"Lilla Belle" is an unforgettable book, that stirred every emotion that I have as a human being! I was filled with anger, laughter, tears, and much cheer! This book educates, and speaks volumes to ALL! And it certainly didn't hurt that the BEAUTIFUL little girl on the cover, stole my heart!

Lilla Belle is a well-written, heartwarming novel that stirred my heart, especially, in major ways! This is a book for all. Old folks, (like me), and it's a very good book for our young folks, too. I loved the book, and I hope to meet the author one day.

TEARS, JOY, PAIN, LOVE ... YOU'LL EXPERIENCE ALL OF THE ABOVE!
EXCELLENT BOOK THAT TOUCHES THE HEART IN A MAJOR WAY!

I bought this book several years ago when Daniel Pinkwater reviewed it on Public Radio. It perfectly describes a relationship between parent and child, where the parent is the stable rock the child craves, the child the ingenuous spirit the adult has lost.

I don't see it as being limited to adults and children. I have many of the same feelings about some of my adult friends.

I do agree with the reviewer who suggested this is basically an adult book -- I don't think most children will understand what it's about.

The "professional" reviewer who found it overly sentimental seems to have little understanding of human relationships. This book expresses a significant aspect of them in a way I have not seen elsewhere.

This book really warms your heart. Perfect for anyone - parents and children. I give it to all of my friends who had a baby or are having a baby... It made me cry after my daughter was born because the book is so touching, yet so simple. It is one my 18 month old daughters favorite books. ENJOY!

LOVE THIS BOOK! It's a great kid-friendly story about the relationship between a parent and child. The pictures are wonderful also. Gave it as a baby shower gift to a good friend but will absolutely get another copy when I have my own children!

This book is heart moving and precious because it is so real. I can't read it without tears in my eyes.

This beautiful book expresses the love of a parent for a child so well! And because it is not gender specific, it allows any parent and child to see themselves in the story. It works as well for alternative families as for traditional families. Appropriate for single parent families, same sex families and adoptive families. It makes a perfect welcoming gift for a new child!

This has been one of my favorite books to read to children since I was young. It is just a really fun story!

My 6 year old son loves this book. It is a short story and keeps his attention.

We are very happy with this purchase. we were a tad surprised at the size of the book, yet that has been some of the fun of reading it. We have known this story for years and it was nice to add it to our library.

This was my 20 year old daughter's favorite book when she was little. I am attending a baby shower where we are supposed to get a book instead of a card, and since it's for my first grand niece or nephew I wanted to give one that meant a lot to us. My daughter said there was no way she was giving up her copy, so I had to buy a new one. Even after all these years, my daughter and I can still quote over half the book. I was just thankful I was able to find a copy.

This book was my fave when I was a kid so I wanted to buy it for my daughter. I thought I was just buying a book......not the case. This is the biggest book I have ever seen! Literally! I have to store it behind the dresser. If I had known it was going to be this size I would have continued looking. It wasn't clear in the product info how large it was. Overall, I still love the book.

So B. It is such a creative story. Telling the story of a girl and her dysfunctional mother, this is the kind of story that makes even the strongest eyes weep like you've just stuck them in a vat of the strongest onion juice.
Okay, that was lame. But, 'So B. It' is an amazing novel, especially to read to classrooms of YA readers. Even some guys I know have read the book and liked it!
'So B. It' is an exceptional book and I would recommend it to anyone. It's a short, quick read, and is definitely worth your time.

My twelve-year-old daughter loved this book and nagged me for months to read it. I wasn't expecting it to be so compelling and rewarding. Sarah Weeks has a great ear and heart, and her characters are eccentric and vividly drawn. I highly recommend this book for teens and their parents.

This book was on a reading list for my teenage daughter. She seemed to enjoy it.

I enjoyed this book very much! It's a little different. I agree with Amazon on the age range, sort of. I'm not sure about nine year olds but maybe 5th through 7th grade?

I like this book because it is like a mystery because she wants to know her mom but she is living with a girl that they lived next door to. Will she saw pitchers of her mom and was disarmed to find out were she was at. She found out were she was and wanted to see her so she razed money she got a bus ticket and went to were her mom was and could not finder for a long time and then one day she figured out how it was. And then her mom died.
So I thank you should read this book If you like mysteries. It is the best book in the world!!!

I LOVED this book as an upper elementary student after I lost my father very suddenly in an accident. I'm sure over the years I read this at least 10-20 times. I'm so glad to see it is still around so I can add it to my collection for my own children.

I read this book for the first time when I was probably 14. I read the book and remember crying through parts and laughing through others. I am so happy to have a chance to read it again. What an amazing story.

i read this book when i was 14 i'm 21 now and i was just looking for something to pass the time and i forgot how much i loved it!!!!

I read this book over 6 years ago... I still pick it up every once in a while.
It is so sad and sweet and touching, and I really good book.

I would give this book five stars. It is one of the best books I've ever read and I could not put it down. The story was captivating and it made you feel like you were another character watching this story unfold. You are so in touch with the characters emotions that certian points in the book don't really hit you until you see how she is hit by it. Over all this is my favorite book and I think everyone needs to read it.