General Books - Page 3

Easy Spanish Reader: A Three-Part Text for Beginning Students

McGraw-Hill

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Subjects -> Reference -> Dictionaries & Thesauruses -> Foreign Language -> Spanish

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 40 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

A fun and easy new way to quickly acquire or enhance basic reading skills

These unique guides are based on the premise that the best way to learn a language is to start reading it, immediately. Suitable for raw beginners to intermediate-level language learners, the new editions of these popular titles feature engaging readings of progressive difficulty that allow learners to rapidly build comprehension.

Easy French Reader begins with the adventures of two friends, an American and a Parisian, as they learn about their respective cultures. This is followed by readings on the history of France, from ancient Gaul to the present. The final section features four abridged short stories by famous French authors.

Similarly, Easy Spanish Reader begins with the story of two high school seniors involved with their Spanish Club, followed by a history of Mexico, from the Conquistadors to the present, and an abridged version of the classic story of "Lazarillo de Tormes."

• Progressive format makes it easy to quickly build comprehension
• Marginal word glossaries conveniently present new words and phrases
• Exercises challenge comprehension and build reading skills
• Attractive new editions, fully updated and featuring appealing new artwork and expanded exercises

Struwwelpeter in English Translation

Heinrich Hoffmann

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 26 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

English Struwwelpeter 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Growing up, my Mom read this book to me and now I can read it to my son. The English translation is accurate and the meaning from the original (German) text is not altered one bit.

Another Blast form the Past 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is another book I loved as a child. I Liked it so much because it was different. I had forgotten about it until I saw show on TV about the Tiger Lilies. I glad the book is still in print. I remember it used to scare me to death whenever I read this book, now I find it so funny.I hope it scares my grandchildren into being good kids.

Happy with "Struwpie" 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I had ordered 2 copies which arrived promptly and in excellent condition. My mom is a native born German and was VERY happy and surprised to receive a memorial gift from her youth!

Struwwelpeter in English 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Was surprised to learn the book had been translated into English. My wife is from Austria and has had a German print for years. When some friends indicated they'd like to have a copy, we went to Amazon and, lo and behold, there it was, and in English, too!!! It made three people happy.

The English version also has the German translation as well as the book's history dating back to the mid-1800's. Thanks, Amazon!

Editorial Review:

1845 children’s book relates the consequences that befall children who torment animals, play with matches, suck their thumbs, etc.

Bonsoir Lune / Goodnight Moon (French Edition)

Margaret Wise Brown

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

A little disappointed... 3 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

In the size and quality of this product. It is exactly how it is described, but in my mind I was picturing the english version. The colors aren't as good, and the translation loses a lot of the charm of the story, but it is still a good tool for anyone teaching their child a second language.

Goodnight Moon in French 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is a great nighttime story book. We use the English version for our kids and I bought the French version of this book to help me work on my French while reading the story to them.

Fun & easy reading 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This story is a favorite of mine in english and, now that I'm teaching french to my children, it has become a favorite of theirs in french! It's easy reading and fun with great illustrations. I was extremely pleased that Amazon had Bonsoir Lune available and my children and I highly recommend it!

It's a classic - fun to have it in French 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is such an American classic - always fun to give the French version to my French friends having kids. And in my experience the book becomes a favorite of the French kids too. This version is paperback, and was smaller than I expected. That's fine though - I just appreciate having a place from which to order it.

Tintin in Tibet (His The adventures of Tintin)

Herge

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 27 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

My favorite Tintin 5 out of 5 stars.
28 of 29 people found this review helpful.

This album was first published in 1960. It is my favorite Tintin. Tintin has a vivid dream in which his friend Tchang is in serious danger. They soon find out that his friend was on a plane that crashed in the Himalayas. There were no survivors reported, but Tintin is still convinced that Tchang is alive. Tintin and Captain Haddock flies to India and then they go to the Nepalese/Tibetan border. The adventure that follows is gripping and full of mystery and it has some great humor. The cold and harsh Himalayan Mountains provides nearly insurmountable challenges and both strange and dangerous things will happen.

Despite the hardships Tintin forges ahead against all odds and against all advice. This story is a little bit slower and more philosophical than most other Tintin adventures, and it includes some paranormal phenomena. However, it is still exciting and gripping, and the humor is superb. I always get a good laugh out of this book no matter how many times I re-read it. The story is very much about the human spirit, hope, and the power of compassion. One thing that stayed with me forever was the lonely cry of the Yeti.

This is my favorite Tintin adventure because it is more than just an adventure. It was also my favorite Tintin album when I was a kid. However, younger children may like "Blue Lotus" or the "The Crab with the Golden Claws" better. I would recommend this album for adults and mature children before any other Tintin album, with the slight reservation that it is an untypical Tintin album and that you may also want to read a couple of the other albums. I should say that I loved the Tintin books as a kid and I still like them, and so does my American kids (I am Swedish). In fact my American X-Box and Wii playing kids read them all the time and like them even more than I did.

Finally I would like to list all the Tintin albums in order from my favorite to the one I liked the least. I will make this list into a list mania list next but put it here for easy access.

Skip this list if you don't want to read it (I know it is very long).

(1) Tintin in Tibet (5 stars). It was published 1960. It is my favorite Tintin. Tintin's friend Tchang (from Blue Lotus) is lost in a plane crash in Tibet. Everyone thinks he is dead, but not Tintin, who sets out to find him against all odds. It contains adventure, humor, and mystery; however, it is also about the human spirit, and compassion. Therefore it is also a very inspiring and thought provoking adventure.

(2) Blue Lotus (5 stars). This is Herge's first master piece; it is one of my favorites. This Tintin adventure from 1934 takes place in 1931 but is still the second best Tintin (after Tintin in Tibet) as far as I am concerned. Tintin is fighting Opium gangs in China when Japan invades. This adventure is dark, scary, exciting and fun. It is also a history lesson to a certain extent.

(3) Flight 714 (5 stars). This book was published in 1968. Tintin and his friends are invited to fly in the private jet of the billionaire Lazlo Careidas. The private jet is hijacked and they are taken by their kidnappers to a very mysterious Island. This adventure is filled with surprises, humor, it is fast paced and exciting, and is therefore one of my favorites.

(4) The Crab with the Golden Claws (5 stars). This was the first Tintin I read as a kid (in Swedish). It was also the first Tintin movie I saw. This is the book where Tintin met Captain Haddock for the first time. Just like the other later works by Herge it is exciting, and well drawn, but this is one is also very funny. It will make you and your kids laugh out loud.

(5) The seven Crystal Balls (5 stars). This Tintin published 1948, is eerie, mysterious, and exciting. It is the first one of a series of two, the second being "Prisoners of the Sun". In this adventure the members of an expedition that investigated the tomb of Rascar Capac an Inca King, become sick with a strange horrible disease. The mummy taken from the tomb mysteriously vanishes (escapes?) during a fierce thunderstorm.

(6) Prisoners of the Sun (5 stars). This is the second book of a series of two. Tintin and company end up in Peru. They save a boy Zorrino from Peruvian racists. Zorrino guides them to the Inca Empire which still exists underground in the Jungle. Towards the end Tintin saves himself and his company by using his knowledge of a coming solar eclipse. It was later plagiarized by Mel Gibson in Apocalypto.

(7) The Castafiore Emerald (5 stars). This adventure was published 1963. It is absolutely the funniest of them all. It is filled with a lot of good humor. However, to get all the jokes you need to be familiar with Tintin and Captain Haddock already. So I would not recommend this as your first Tintin.

(8) The Red Sea Sharks (5 stars). This adventure was written in 1958. Tintin stumbles into an organization selling African slaves (slavery still existed in the Middle East and Africa in 1958). A lot of old crooks from other books show up here, including Captain Allan, Rastapopolous, Dr. Muller, etc. This book is intensely exciting and full of action and is therefore one of my favorites.

(9) Tintin and the Picaros (5 stars). This adventure published 1976 is full of fun and adventure. Castafiore is being held by General Tapioca innocently accused of plotting against him. Well if you know Castafiore you now feel sorry for the poor old dictator.

(10) Explorers of the Moon (5 stars). Written 1954 this is the second book in a series of two. This book is a lot more exciting and fun compared to the first (Destination moon). The movie is, however, better than the comic book (they are the same but this comic makes a good movie). However, reading this science fiction style comic book is a lot of fun.

(11) Land of the Black Gold (4 stars). This book was published in 1950 (original version 1948). It takes place in the middle east and is about oil, war, and the fight against criminals like Dr. Muller (German villains were no longer taboo). Prince Abdullah the son of the Emir of the Arab Emirate of Khemed is kidnapped and Tintin and company sets out to rescue him.

(12) Red Rackham's Treasure (4 stars). This is the second book in a series of two, the first one being "The secret of the Unicorn". In this adventure Tintin and Captain Haddock goes on an expedition to find the treasure of Sir Francis Haddock. It is in this book we meet Professor Calculus for the first time. His underwater machine turns out to be invaluable, even though Tintin and Captain Haddock at first reject it.

(13) The Secret of the Unicorn (4 stars). This adventure was published in French 1943. This is the first book in a series of two (the second being Red Rackhams treasure). In this adventure it is discovered that Captain Haddocks forefather was a feisty sea captain who fought pirates and left a treasure behind. It is not as fast paced as many other Tintin adventures and contains a considerable amount of detective work.

(14) The Calculus Affair (4 stars). In this adventure Professor Calculus is kidnapped in Geneva and Tintin and Captain Haddock set out to save him. It turns out that Professor calculus is working on a secret weapon that the fictional country of Borduria really wants to have. It is an exciting adventure but not as humor filled and exhilarating as some of the other adventures. It was written 1956.

(15) The Cigars of the Pharaoh (4 stars). The Cigars of the Pharaoh is the first of the better Tintin books. In this adventure Tintin is on a holiday cruise but ends up traveling to Egypt and India on a dangerous adventure. It is an exciting and mysterious adventure that is not objectionable (unlike the three first ones).

(16) The broken ear (4 stars). This story from 1937 takes place in South America. Tintin fights dangerous crooks, gets caught up in political turmoil, is nearly executed, travels through the rain forest, encounters piranhas, and lives among the Arumbaya Indians. This is where Tintin meets General Alcazar for the first time. Lots of action but it is still not a top quality Tintin.

(17) King Ottokar's Sceptre (4 stars). Published in 1939 this book is an allegory for fascist aggression. In this adventure Tintin visits the mythical Kingdom of Syldavia. The leaders of Borduria, a neighboring country, plot to unseat King Muskar. They attempt to seize the symbol of the Syldavian monarchy, which is "King Ottokar's Scepter". This adventure was exciting but still not a favorite of mine.

(18) The Black Island (4 stars). FOUR STARS: This one was written 1937. It takes place in England and Scotland. I saw the movie version, and read the book in several languages. In this adventure Tintin is hunting down a gang of forgers. The drawings have a higher quality than "The broken ear" and the story flows smoothly. However, I find the story to be somewhat tedious and too British for me, and this is not one my favorites.

(19) Destination Moon (4 stars). First published 1953, this is the first book in a series of two (the second being Explorers of the moon). It is a very good concept, a sort of Tintin science fiction. However, it is not fast paced and at times tedious.

(20) Tintin and the lake of the sharks (4 stars). Published 1974 and based on a film from 1972, it is a little different than the other Tintin adventures. It is not directly written by Herge, but Herge supervised the creation of the film. The drawings are not typical either; they look like still pictures from the movie. It is also a little shorter. However, it is still a good adventure and my kids like it, so I give it four stars.

(21) The shooting star (4 stars). In this adventure (from 1941) the world comes close to annihilation when earth almost collides with a star. Tintin and Captain Haddock sets out on an expedition together with a team of international scientists to find a piece that broke off and landed in the Ocean. Well, stars are not solid and pieces don't brake off stars, but there are a lot more oddities in this unlikely story.

(22) Tintin in America (3 stars). Tintin in America" portrays America with an old fashioned European prejudice that is unrealistic and unflattering. His portrayal of the Indians is borderline racist, and the plot is essentially "gangster tries to kill Tintin, Tintin miraculously escapes" repeated a couple of dozen times. Having said that, the book is still entertaining, in its own way.

(23) The adventures of Tintin in the land of the Soviets (3 stars). This is anti-communist propaganda, which I don't mind; however, it does not make a good comic book. The drawings are also not that good. However, this comic book shows that people knew about the Soviet horrors back in the 1920's.

(24) Tintin in the Congo (3 stars). It was an exciting adventure with some interesting and fun twists. However, the quality is very far from that of the more modern Tintin books, and it is borderline racists.

Editorial Review:

Journeying through the Himalayas in search of their Chinese friend Chang, whose plane crashed, Tintin and his faithful canine companion come face to face with the Abominable Snowman.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Classics Illustrated (New York, N.Y.), No. 9.)

Michael Ploog, Mark Twain, Willie Schubert

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 293 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Superbly illustrated, it captures the essence of Tom Sawyer the book 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

To understand America in the nineteenth century, you must understand Tom Sawyer. His life, so full of adventure set amidst the bustle of a changing nation, is in many ways the dream of nearly all male children. To spend your time swimming in the creek, gathering "treasures" and eating goodies is truly the good life. Tom's romance with Becky is also the way it is with most boys. Girls are universally considered to have some kind of contagious disease, when I was young, they had cooties, until you see that one perfect girl that you will share everything with.
The wonder and mischief of Tom and Huck are captured in this book, superbly illustrated by Michael Ploog. Tom is wide-eyed, freckled and has bulbous cheeks. Huck has a pointed nose, bright eyes and a suitably scruffy demeanor. With the exception of Sundays, the boy's clothes consist of a series of patches sewn over rags. This book is an excellent introduction to what is the tale of American youth of the nineteenth century, very appropriate for classes in English. Of course, after covering this book, the students should be required to read the original.

Editorial Review:

The adventures of a mischievous young boy and his friends growing up in a Mississippi River town in the nineteenth century. Presented in comic book format.

Numbers 1 to 100 / Números del 1 al 100 Flash Cards (Brighter Child Flash Cards) (Spanish Edition)

School Specialty Publishing

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Brighter Child Numbers 1 to 100/ Números del 1 al 100 Flash Cards offer children a fun and easy way to practice their numbers in English and Spanish. Featuring 54 cards that help reinforce number recognition, counting, and reading readiness skills in English and Spanish with bright, bold words and numbers. A special card also offers creative game ideas designed to reinforce learning.

The popular Brighter Child® Flash Cards give children a fun and easy way to practice important skills. Offering 24 titles encompassing preschool to grade 5, each title focuses on an important subject including early concepts, math, phonics, and U.S. History. Fun game ideas and learning suggestions are included to help children build proficiency and confidence. Game cards also allow children to develop thinking, decision-making, turn-taking, and social skills while playing fun games at the same time.

Selected titles are also available in English-Spanish and Spanish only versions.

The Book of Virtues for Young People: A Treasury of Great Moral Stories

List Price: $16.95 By: Silver Burdett Pr Amazon Marketplace: 41 new & used starting at $0.48

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A collection of childrens' stories 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This is a collection of stories for children that are both entertaining and also introduces them to the world of ethics.

Warm and wonderful way to teach values 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Bill Bennett has done it again with The Book of Virtues For Young People. Reading the stories aloud to my children is an excellent way to talk about and open the discussion of the important virtues brought to light in this book. History, fantasy, poetry are all included in this marvelous book. The stories gently lead and guide young minds to WANT to do the right and to understand why. I highly recommend this to parents and children of all ages!

Granddaughter therapy. 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This was a Christmas gift to a fourteen year old grand daughter. When I signed the book to her I wrote "don't let the title put you off. The stories are wonderful."
At last contact she was halfway thru the book and loved the stories. If nothing else it will give her another resource for decisions.

Editorial Review:

Well-known works including fables, folklore, fiction, drama, and more, by such authors as Aesop, Dickens, Tolstoy, Shakespeare, and Baldwin, are presented to teach virtues, including compassion, courage, honesty, friendship, and faith.

Treasure Island (Classics Illustrated)

Robert Louis Stevenson, Pat Boyette

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 261 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Misfiled classic 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Cracking good pirate tale hits all the high points of treachery, adventure, narrow escapes, and treasure hunting, usually misfiled in the Juvenile section.

"Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum!"

See my review of the new novel Silver: My Own Tale As Written by Me with a Goodly Amount of Murder that tells more of the story behind Long John Silver.

Maybe I'll be a pirate someday! Aye? 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

My dad and I are reading this book, and we think it's totally awesome! If you are 11 or 12, you may want to read this book with an adult, but you'll love the adventure and pirates, the treasure map and the Hispanola. I think I am going to start learning pirate lingo now, so I'll be ready if Long John shows up at my door! If you read this book you'll have to rate it a five star because of the adventure. Kids, hope you can get YOUR dad to read it with you!!

Tense, Readable Adventure 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is a solid condensed version of the classic search for buried treasure in the late 1700's. Author Robert Louis Stevenson draws readers in early as the Captain arrives at the Benbow Inn in Britain, focused on incoming ships, and warning young Jim Hawkins of one-legged visitors. The story picks up as Billy Bones arrives, bringing danger and discovery of the treasure map, a discovery that leads Jim and his companions to risk the long trip in search of riches. I felt the suspense as Jim's group boards ship with a hardened sea crew that includes Long John Silver and other tough cookies. Then the ship finally arrives at the Island, where Jim and his companions must survive treachery and deadly struggles at the fort - before they even see the treasure.

I just taught this abridged version to English-literate students at a high school in Latin America; most liked it although some wanted even more action. This is a solid read for adventure fans, capable young readers, and those that desire a good story.

Editorial Review:

Comic book version of the classic story of an island aswarm with a crew of murderous pirates in greedy pursuit of buried riches.

Red Rackham's treasure (The Adventures of Tintin)

Herge

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Exciting and funny, but still not among the best Tintin adventures 4 out of 5 stars.
4 of 5 people found this review helpful.

This is the second book in a series of two, the first one being "The secret of the Unicorn". In this adventure Tintin and Captain Haddock goes on an expedition to find the treasure of Sir Francis Haddock. It is in this book Tintin meets Professor Cuthbert Calculus for the first time. His underwater machine turns out to be invaluable, even though Tintin and Captain Haddock at first reject it.

This book is faster paced and more interesting than the first of the two and contains a lot of enjoyable humor. Professor Calculus is hard of hearing (almost deaf), and the book is filled with a lot of comic situations arising from the Professors condition. I admit I found these episodes to be funny, but they could also be objectionable to some. Overall a very good comic book, but not among the better of the Tintin adventures.

Colurful and action packed Tintin classic 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Tintin and Captian Haddock prepare to depart on the search for the hidden treasure of Red Rackham, and are approached by an eccentric hard of hearing inventor, Professor Calculus, who simply won't go away.

His shark submarine is to prove invaluable in Tintin and the Captain's search, and Calculus will be a constant figure in all subsequent Tintin books.
They are also joined by the irrepresible Thomp(s)on twins.They take a ship to a remote tropical island and come across all sorts of interesting things like skeleton human remains of pirates, and parrots that have handed down from generation to generation, Haddock's vocabulary.
After much adventure they return home, where the real treasure is waiting and where Captain Haddock inherits the mansion Marlinkspike, his ancestral home, which was previously owned by the criminal Bird brothers (See the Secret of the Unicorn).
Another courful and action packed Tintin classic

Editorial Review:

Tintin, Captain Haddock, and their cartoon friends aboard the traveler Sirius embark on a perilous voyage in search of pirate treasure.

Solaris

Stanislaw Lem

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 88 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Compelling, cerebral science fiction 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Kris Kelvin goes to a space station where strange things have been happening. The planet the station orbits - Solaris - seems to be having a strange influence on the inhabitants of the space station and begins to have an effect of Kelvin.

Solaris explores what it means to be human. This is cerebral sci-fi. Fairly heavy going but worth the effort. The central idea of the novel, which I wont give away here, is awfully compelling and Lem conjures up a wonderful character in Kelvin's lover Rhea.

Solaris has inspired two very different films - Tarkovsky's early 70's effort, which will test your patience, and Soderbergh's recent effort, which is actually very good and retains the spirit of the book.

Editorial Review:

The first of Lem’s novels to be published in americanca and still the best known. A scientist examining the ocean that covers the surface of the planet Solaris is forced to confront the incarnation of a painful, hitherto unconscious memory, inexplicably created by the ocean. An undisputed SF classic. Translated by Joanna Kilmartin and Steve Cox.