Junior Books

I love how true to life Benny and Penny: Just Pretend is! Benny is busy pretending he is a pirate and doesn't want to play with his little sister, Penny. But when Benny can't find Penny, he realizes how much he loves his sister. I think most children will understand both sides of the story. Besides, Benny and Penny are just adorable. The sound effects are really cute and they might actually help new readers think about sounding words out. This book entertains a fairly wide age range, especially because the pictures are so beautiful, and the story is something so many kids experience.

This delightful children's classic is CUTE CUTE CUTE, but not TOO cute that my six year old boy doesn't relate to its message. Benny and Penny are honest and heart-warming little mice. Geoffrey Haye's illustrating work shines in this neat, little package.

Benny is the typical older sibling who doesn't initially want to play with his little sister, Penny, but he soon discovers how brave and how much fun she can actually be. Hayes's adorable cartoons elucidate the dynamics of sibling interactions in something as simple as "just pretending." An enjoyable book that both kids and adults can relate to.

I've been a fan of Geoffrey Hayes' books since "Bear By Himself". I've given them regularly as gifts and enjoyed reading them to my nieces, who are now reading them to their children. The narratives are always gentle, but involving, with just enough excitement to keep older children engaged. The whimsical drawings are full of colorful detail and hold up to repeated viewing. (Close scrutiny of the pictures and posters hanging on various walls can be fun for even an adult!) "Benny & Penny" might prove to be particularly useful in those families with sibling issues, as it deftly shatters boy/girl stereotypes and demonstrates the benefits of cooperation and good will. Highly recommended.

I just used this book for my student this afternoon and it was a great decision. He's 4 years old and was able to read most of the words by himself. He seemed a bit perplexed about the idea of comics (i.e., structure, the amount of visuals, etc) but loved being able to follow the story and couldn't wait to turn the page. The other two toon books (Silly Sally and Otto's Orange Day) will probably be better for a younger child and an older child, respectively. Can't wait for the other three toon books to come out this autumn.

A year full of fun and adventure. That is what Best Ray and her friends make make of their highschool junior year. Excited to finally be a junior, Besty has lots of plans for the great year ahead of her. Yet most of her plans fail, but but Besty always makes the best out od a bad situation.
Besty was a Junior, by Muad Hart Lovelace, has its good and bad poitns. Some of the bad points were that charcters were always happy mopst of the time, and that was very unrealistic. The good points were thoguh, that it was a very fun book to read, and there never was a dull moment.
As a result I would rate this bok a 9 out of 10, mostly because it was very exciting, and captivating. I would definatly recomend this book.

When I first read these books twenty years ago I had a hard time finding them and I did not read them in order. I started with "Betsy and Joe" and then read whatever ones I could find. I thought I was the only one in the world that enjoyed these books!!Thank you Harper for reissuing these books. I bought the entire set online and have been reading them in order! These past few weeks I have been in another world--Betsy's world, and it has been wonderful. The new books with the pictures and history of Maude's family and friends have made the characters in these stories come alive.

These books reminded of the "Little House" books and I hope someone makes a TV series out of these stories. They are timeless.

I would give the entire series more than five stars. My obsession with the Betsy-Tacy books began as a young girl reading my mother's hardcover copies. These had been given to her as gifts by her aunt. My great-aunt then began giving me each book in the series, in hard-cover. Unfortunately, all of these were destroyed in a fire that destroyed our family home. My mother was successful in obtaining all the Betsy-Tacy books in hardcover again. I grew up mere miles from the town on which Deep Valley is based, Mankato, MN. I am grown and married and have children of my own, all boys. But I look forward to sharing the timeless treasure of these books with my niece and friends' daughters. I still reread them regularly. These books transcend the period in which they were written. Give yourself a gift and read this series; then share it with a friend and with all the young women/girls you know. There are also two peripheral Lovelace books not directly part of the Betsy-Tacy series, but placed in Deep Valley: Carney's House Party and Emily of Deep Valley. I believe they may be out-of-print; publisher, please bring them back as you revitalized the Betsy-Tacy books.

When Maud Hart Lovelace first wrote the "Betsy-Tacy" seires, did she know how much so many people, from children to adults, would love them? The series has at least one book that anyone of any age can relate to. 10-year-olds will love "Over the big Hill," high-schoolers will love the books about when Betsy was attending Deep Valley High, etc. And it doesn't end there! Even if you're not the age that Betsy was in one of the books, you can still love all of them! Maud has a way of capturing real feelings and expiriences--even bad ones--and turning them into works of art. The "Betsy-Tacy" series really is a work of art, even if it was painted with a pen, not a paint brush.

Betsy Was a Junior evokes Betsy's year in the heart of high school, beginning with Tib's sudden return to Deep Valley. Based on Maud Hart Lovelace's real-life junior year, the book evokes the Okto Delta sorority, which has so many good times you can hardly believe it. Please get it.

California Sizzles is a must-have cookbook. It has a wide range of dishes and contains suggestions for food combos for a variety of events. I've found that the menus produce quality results without those "oops" that you find with recipes in some cookbooks. It makes a great gift.

My husband and I both like to cook. We have quite a varied collection of cookbooks, and this is still the best all around source for reliable, tasty meals. We make notes on the pages, recording dates we tried things, and ways we may have tweaked something. Now when I give a copy to anyone (I think I am on #10), I add my own notes of favorites. Recipes are not complicated, but sure to impress. From appetizers to desserts, you will not be disappointed.

Love the balboa broccoli salad and carrot cake made with baby food! great if you don't like shredding carrots! Lots of great recipes

California Sizzles provides excellent recipes that are devoid of the blood-sweat-and tears with which many of us are too familiar.
I learned of this book at a lunch where one of the cookbook's praiseworthy recipes was served. There was almost a stunned silence when the group learned I didn't have it on my bookshelf. Well, I do now and don't regret it for a minute. American cuisine has long been extremely underrated.

Collecting and using new cookbooks has been a thiry-five year hobby. "Sizzles" is truly the book that I consult first whether I'm planning an event or a family meal. At least one half of the recipes have been tried and have become favorites at our house. I am ordering another copy of this today as a gift for a friend....this makes four that I've purchased.

One of the few cookbooks you can pick up and count on a great meal (appetizer, dessert. etc)without testing it first. You can try a recipe the first time and serve it for company without fear. Recipes are diverse and delicious. I've owned this cookbook for nearly 30 years. The one I recently purchased was a gift for a new friend. The rest of my friends already have it!! It makes a great gift.

I used to live in Denver, and I bought this cookbook for myself, as well as for family and friends. My original cookbook fell apart, so I ordered a new one. Needless to say, I Love this cookbook. Thank you. Karen Gould Stuart, Florida

Junior League cookbooks can be a mixed bag. But generally keep in mind that they represent a community's best cooks showing off for attention.
Southern cookbooks should reflect Southern cooking traditions and so on.
Colorado Cache is a very inviting collection of newer cooking traditions, often new twists on older recipes. Great gift for newlyweds, as it reflects more recent but dependable trends in cuisine. Always keep in mind that a Jr. League cookbook has earned its price if it only generates 4 to 6 favorite recipes for you! Colorado Cache provides wonderful Denver summer and winter favorites.

and is the only Denver Junior League cookbook that features original art, easy to use recipes, and is truly a classic.

I grew up eating many meals made from this cook book! And now I use it for my own family. There are great recipes that are not difficult, not time consuming, and use all the basics you already have in your kitchen. Healthy cooking too! I like the Chicken Spagetti-great for potluck dinners!

This is a book for anyone starting a business or anyone in businsee today. It is a brilliant step by step workbook .When you read this book you will have a lot of things to think about.You will begin to probe yourself and your business. This book is an attempt to help stop the madness and tangibly improve your odds for sucess. A book like this gives you the tools for success in your life and business life. You are the only one capable of changing your business. To realize a true return on your time invested in reading this book , you must take action with what you've read. It cannot be done for you. Bottom line : it's a book about ideas and facts that can drive success in your business. Creating Your Marketing Blueprint is focused on helping you discover, develop and identify ideas-ideas for new products, services and businesses as well as ideas for advertising and marketing communication in support of your existing business. The wookbook style lends itself to action. It's not pie-in-the-sky theory, but practical solutions to growing one's business. Listen, learn and take action on them NOW!" This book will not only bring more business to your life-if you act now it will bring more life to your business"

This is a must read book for all current and future entrepreneurs. It assists readers to think outside of the box. If you apply the 9 simple steps, your business will definitely take off. LaTonya Junior appeals to your sense of logic and reason. It is very comprehesive.

If you have been struggling with how to effectively market your products or services to your target audience this is the book for you. Creating Your Marketing Blue Print will help erase the guessing game for advertising and marketing. Ms. Junior has created a useful and appliable resource to help answer all the questions small business people need answered. This book is a wonderful guide.

Great book. Gives sound direction and helps to get you thinking out of the box. Easy to read and understand. It provides a practical marketing plan process.

This book/tool helped me to realize that there is much more to starting a successful business than just having a good product/service. By answering the questions, it helped me to see clearly my business goals. It showed me what kind of information I need and where I can get it. The book is easy to understand, the definitions of the business terms where helpful. I know I'll reference it often.

The story is lovely, and the facts are true to science. A very nice combination.

Farfallina and Marcel is a true story of friendship. It teaches us that even through natural changes in life we can remain friends. This is a favorite story of my 4 year old son who likes to hear it over and over again. The water color pictures are beautiful and add a soft warm feeling to the book. I believe it's message is timeless and we will enjoy reading it to our children for years to come.

This wonderful, gentle story is a perfect end to a busy day. Our two ball-of-energy boys gladly climb into our laps at bedtime for another rereading of "Farfallina and Marcel." It's one of my husband's favorite bedtime stories to read aloud, and it always gives us all a warm, snuggly feeling (very conducive to quickly falling asleep!). This tale of enduring friendship and loyalty is enhanced by Keller's precise, yet accessible prose and the quiet beauty of her watercolor illustrations. Everyone from Papa to our kitties enjoys curling up on the bed together for this one.

I came across this gentle book while shopping for gifts for my daughter's 6th birthday. This is a book about friendship and that is a very important subject to kindergarteners. I felt the author approached the subject in a beautiful and touching way, showing how friendship can endure through the many changes that life will bring. I can't wait to read the book to my daughter. I plan on buying more copies to give to my friends, too.

Holly Keller's story of growing up and changing is a fantastic story wrapped in beautiful watercolor illustrations. She weaves the story of everlasting friendship that we all long for and cherish in a charming and simple way. Keller's accomplishments include more than 30 books that she has written with "as many illustrated (that were) written by other people." It's easy to see why she has accomplished so much. I love this book.
Keller's story opens with little Farfallina, a caterpillar, munching on a leaf during a gentle spring rain. Her munching disturbs a handsome gosling that quickly befriends the caterpillar. Despite the fact that they make an unlikely pair, they become the warmest of friends. Their friendship is rocked by separation however when one day Farfallina must rest. For weeks she is gone and Marcel realizes that he must grow up without her. A happy reunion finds them still fast friends despite the growth and change each has had to face.
The illustrations in this book are fantastic. Kellers use of watercolors, is alive with bold vibrant colors that capture the attention of any reader. Her pictures are incredibly cute and resemble the sweet friendship Marcel and Farfallina share. Keller's illustrations encourage readers to peruse each page liesurely. I have always loved finding hidden pictures, and although Keller does not necessarily intend this, children can look for Farfallina's cocoon in the tree tops or note the changes in Marcel's feathers. Without the pictures, the story wouldn't be the same.
I look forward to sharing this book with little ones during story time at the public library. Allowing the children the opportunity to visualize the colorful pictures as this heartwarming story is told will truly be a pleasure. I hope that they enjoy the story as much as I have. I've added it to my wish list and look forward to giving a second copy to my nieces.

I love to cook and this is my absolute favorite cookbook! The food is amazing. I've given this cookbook as a gift many times.

I have been extremely pleased with this cookbook. The recipes are not complicated and can be served for a weeknight dinner or a special occassion. Would love for the Birmingham JL to release another edition!

You must buy this book and make the Gourmet Cheese Grits!! They are out of this world. This book is a must for entertaining recipes!!!

My husband and I cook a LOT and this is, by far, our favorite cookbook. Each and every recipe is simply delicious. You can prepare a fantastic meal without being a culinary graduate. Everything is well laid out and -- again -- DELICIOUS. I am so confident in this book that I will try new recipes from it on company. Buy it NOW!

This is one of the best cookbooks we own. The recipes are easy to follow and execute. There are a number of new ways to cook old dishes. Not one recipe has been a clunker. This cookbook gets used more than any other around our house. We have enjoyed preparing the recipes and tasting the wonderful results.
This is a cookbook worth having whether you have only a few cookbooks or a few rooms of cookbooks.

I had the distinct privilege of working with Ben as his teaching assistant a few years ago, and I can say that he created pure magic in the classroom!! The way he works with children and their ideas is very respectful and provocative at the same time. Children are encouraged to try things, to make mistakes, and to learn. It was one of my favourite teaching experiences to date, and I looked forward to all that we did in the classroom every day. I read this book while working with him, and found that the real life experience of working with Ben was very memorable and amazing, as he showed his enthusiasm and dedication in all he did. And the children love him!! I would highly recommend this book to all who are interested in early childhood education, and to all who want to encourage children to do their best learning in the classroom and at home.

I am a kingergarten teacher, and I learned so much from this book. It was amazing cover to cover. Every teacher should read this book, this man has the teaching motivation and philosphy that all teachers should have! Teach what you love, create excitement and sucess in your students. Also if you want to learn more about project approach, this is it. I love this book.

This is an excellent book about reaching very young children by teaching what one loves.

It is only natural that the Beatle reference and title would draw the attention of many. Including the Beatles in the curriculum is a wonderful way of sharing culture; it is a form of cultural enrichment.

I know someone in the Midwest who teaches preschool students and has included a unit on the Beatles. Some of the Beatle themed projects have been to make a Yellow Submarine bulletin board; point out which pupils have Beatle haircuts; having the children identify each Beatle and learning Beatle songs. As a major Beatle fan, it is only natural that I would love this and delight in seeing Beatles 101 included in the curriculum.

I am a early childhood major so I decided to read this book to come up with new ideas on how to make teaching interesting to young students. Ben Mardell does a great job in writing this book and letting us experience the type of curriculum he, along with his students, discovered. Before reading this book, I was not sure on how to go about teaching young children lessons in life that will stick with them for a long time. I was also afraid seeming boring to them and not getting their attention. Mardell showed me that by incorporating in my curriculum the subjects that I love and the things they love at that age, the school year will benefit them not only at school, but at home. He also has them doing activities that relate to that part of the subject. He not only has them reading and listening, he has them role-playing, singing, dancing, and doing project both in school and on fieldtrips. He seems not only to be their teacher but most importantly, their friend.

I am a early childhood major so I decided to read this book to come up with new ideas on how to make teaching interesting to young students. Ben Mardell does a great job in writing this book and letting us experience the type of curriculum he, along with his students, discovered. Before reading this book, I was not sure on how to go about teaching young children lessons in life that will stick with them for a long time. I was also afraid seeming boring to them and not getting their attention. Mardell showed me that by incorporating in my curriculum the subjects that I love and the things they love at that age, the school year will benefit them not only at school, but at home. He also has them doing activities that relate to that part of the subject. He not only has them reading and listening, he has them role-playing, singing, dancing, and doing project both in school and on fieldtrips. He seems not only to be their teacher but most importantly, their friend.

It's guaranteed the entire series of "Petit Nicolas" can bring you all the joy / laughters / tears (joyful one) + a total satisfaction. You never have enough after reading and always want to read it again and again. Try the original French version for it's using the "easy understanding" child French. Vive "Petit Nicolas"! J'adore Goscinny Sempe!!!

Our French class is enjoying the escapades of this charming little boy and his friends.

This is the best book ever It helped me a lot while learing French it's much easier and funnier than any other book i've rea d in french It makes french seem fun

I too found this book at a (used) bookstore and immediately fell in love with the characters, however oblivious they are of the trouble they cause. And the french is definitely navigable by even the lowest-level speakers!

I spent the past year learning French and found this book at a local bookstore. It is HYSTERICAL! It has made learning and maintaining French truly an enjoyable experience. There is so much wonderful humor in this book. I am excited to learn there are more in the series. The situations are funny, nothing is too precious, the kids seem to act like real kids and those poor adults...! I wish I could find an English version to send to my nephew. This is great reading and if you disagree, je vous donnerai une claque!

Being born & raised in Southwest Louisiana, I learned how to cook from generations before me. This cook book is the closest thing to real Southwest Louisiana food. I have had my copy for numerous years and have worn it out but continue to use it. I give this book as a gift on every occasion that is appropriate (& some that are not). This is the only book I would recommend to anyone with an interest in Cajun food. It's awesome! Karen - Lake Charles, Louisiana transplanted to Omaha, Nebraska.

I've had (earlier printing - plastic bound) version of this cook book for at least 25 years. I absolutely love it. Unfortunately, after much use the binding broke and my cook book was a total mess, although I still frequently used it. I actually went online to order one for my new daughter-in-law and was delighted to see it in hard cover. So, I bought four (my daughter-in-law, my daughter, one as a gift for a friend and another for myself). I am delighted with the quality of this cook book. I come from a long line of great cajun cooks (my mom and both sister also have the cook book). I've eaten cajun food all of my life. These recipes are delicious, truly cajun and easy to prepare. The informative welcome to each section is a delightful extra. I would strongly recommend this cook book for anyone who enjoys cooking delicious meals. I will purchase them again for gifts for friends and family.

I think every single woman I know has this cookbook. It's as if you get one after a certain age as a "right of passage" or something in this town. I have this cookbook, my mother has it and my Grandmother had it. We have never ran across a recipe in this book that was not great! Buy it! You will NOT be disappointed.

Octavia's Fried Chicken is the best, most foolproof fried chicken in the world. Octavia: whereever you are out there, thanks for making me EXTREMELY popular!

I have had this cookbook for many years. I first purchased it back in 1977, and it is without a doubt the best in authentic Cajun cooking. My original Pirate's Pantry finally fell apart from many years of use; but, although I recently replaced it, I still have my old original stuffed into a manila envelope. I love this cookbook!!!