Staff Favorites Books

Where the Wild Things Are

Maurice Sendak

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 365 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Look into the mind of a child 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I just read this the other day to my first grade class, and it turns out I had forgotten just how gorgeous this book is!

It's the story of a boy named Max who imagines himself to another world: an island dominated by monsters, aka "wild things". No, it's not freakishly complex, but it is a kids' story.

It tells of one of the most important things we have: the power of imagination.

Forgiveness without remorse 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Briefly, the story revolves around Max, a young boy who behaves naughtily and is sent to bed without supper. In his room, he is transported to another world "where the wild things are" where he is made king of the wild things. After having his fill of leading the wild things, he returns to his room to find his supper left on his dresser.

This story strikes an interesting balance between the real world of Max and his family and Max's dream world "where the wild things are". Whereas in the former world his actions are seen as naughty and are decried, the dream world provides Max not only with the ability to act in the way he wants but also to have those actions sanctioned and praised by those around him.

Beyond that, even, is the amount of control Max can exert in each world. The real world limits him and he is almost totally at the mercy of his parents who send him to his room. In the wild world, even before he becomes king of the wild things, he is able to control the other wild things and his power is unlimited. An interesting question to ask is whether Max would be as naughty as he is if he believed himself to have more power in the real world.

The conclusion of the story seems to come mostly as the author stumbles over himself to wrap up the story. It is unclear why the angry parents would reward Max's behavior or why they would negate the punishment meted out at the beginning of the story. I found the warm supper waiting for Max upon his return from the wild world to be somewhat out of place. I understand, perhaps, that even bad kids are loved and that may be the moral being taught here, but it is strange that Max just receives the food out of the blue with no remorse on his part.

The book is a fun story and holds the attention of my 3 year old. He loves when I improvise the roaring and gnashing. Throwing in a little Troggs "Wild Thing" during the rumpus makes story time a little bit more fun too. I don't think the strange lesson at the end ruins the story, and I'm not sure that the target audience of this book would be able to figure it out in the first place. 4 stars for a fun book that holds kids' attentions.

Editorial Review:

The 1964 Caldecott Medal Winner for the Most Distinguished Picture Book of the Year by Maurice Sendak. Brian O'Doherty of The New York Times said the Mr. Sendak's work "disguised in fantasy, springs from his earliest self, from the vagrant child that lurks in the heart of all of us."

The Lorax (Classic Seuss)

Dr. Seuss, Theodor Seuss Geisel

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 130 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

When Dr. Seuss gets serious, you know it must be important. Published in 1971, and perhaps inspired by the "save our planet" mindset of the 1960s, The Lorax is an ecological warning that still rings true today amidst the dangers of clear-cutting, pollution, and disregard for the earth's environment. In The Lorax, we find what we've come to expect from the illustrious doctor: brilliantly whimsical rhymes, delightfully original creatures, and weirdly undulating illustrations. But here there is also something more--a powerful message that Seuss implores both adults and children to heed.

The now remorseful Once-ler--our faceless, bodiless narrator--tells the story himself. Long ago this enterprising villain chances upon a place filled with wondrous Truffula Trees, Swomee-Swans, Brown Bar-ba- loots, and Humming-Fishes. Bewitched by the beauty of the Truffula Tree tufts, he greedily chops them down to produce and mass-market Thneeds. ("It's a shirt. It's a sock. It's a glove. It's a hat.") As the trees swiftly disappear and the denizens leave for greener pastures, the fuzzy yellow Lorax (who speaks for the trees "for the trees have no tongues") repeatedly warns the Once-ler, but his words of wisdom are for naught. Finally the Lorax extricates himself from the scorched earth (by the seat of his own furry pants), leaving only a rock engraved "UNLESS." Thus, with his own colorful version of a compelling morality play, Dr. Seuss teaches readers not to fool with Mother Nature. But as you might expect from Seuss, all hope is not lost--the Once-ler has saved a single Truffula Tree seed! Our fate now rests in the hands of a caring child, who becomes our last chance for a clean, green future. (Ages 4 to 8)

Falling Up

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 65 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

ALWAYS A JOY TO READ. 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

To be frank, I get a kick out of Silverstein's work. It is always a bit quirky, always takes a couple of readings to really "get," and is very entertaining while being quite insightful as to human nature. This work is no different from his other works, same quality, same odd way of looking at life, same delightful black and white drawings. Publisher's Weekly got it pretty right here, in their usual, rather snotty way, which is one of the few reviews I have ever agreed with them on. (except their little shot at some of his art that they felt may no be appropriate for kids...obviously the author of that review has never been around kids very much). This work consists of 171 pages of poetry rhymes and drawings. I first read Silverstein in Playboy magazine years and years ago when I wasted my time with such publications. I did not particularly care for him them, but over the years have developed quite a like for his work. I truely love this book and do highly recommend it.

Editorial Review:

Millie McDeevit screamed a scream
So loud it made her eyebrows steam.
She screamed so loud
Her jawbone broke,
Her tongue caught fire,
Her nostrils smoked...

Poor Screamin' Millie is just one of the unforgettable characters in this wondrous new book of poems and drawings by the creator of Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic. Here you will also meet Allison Beals and her twenty-five eels; Danny O'Dare, the dancin' bear; the Human Balloon; and Headphone Harold.

So come, wander through the Nose Garden, ride the Little Hoarse, eat in the Strange Restaurant, and let the magic of Shel Silverstein open your eyes and tickle your mind.

Harold and the Purple Crayon

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 151 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

"One night, after thinking it over for some time, Harold decided to go for a walk in the moonlight." So begins this gentle story that shows just how far your imagination can take you. Armed only with an oversized purple crayon, young Harold draws himself a landscape full of beauty and excitement. But this is no hare-brained, impulsive flight of fantasy. Cherubic, round-headed Harold conducts his adventure with the utmost prudence, letting his imagination run free, but keeping his wits about him all the while. He takes the necessary purple-crayon precautions: drawing landmarks to ensure he won't get lost; sketching a boat when he finds himself in deep water; and creating a purple pie picnic when he feels the first pangs of hunger.

Crockett Johnson's understated tribute to the imagination was first published in 1955, and has been inspiring readers of all ages ever since. Harold's quiet but magical journey reminds us of the marvels the mind can create, and also gives us the wondrous sense that anything is possible. (Ages 4 to 8)

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales

Jon Scieszka

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 153 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great for the immature 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I guess that this is simply a book that has gone down in history infamy for the bizarre bunch of fairytales. Oh, well. I still have fond memories of laughing myself silly over the deranged mutations of otherwise classic fairy tales.

I know these are silly, but oddly... they are probably best appreciated by those who are most familiar with fairy tales.

Editorial Review:

If geese had graves, Mother Goose would be rolling in hers. The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales retells--and wreaks havoc on--the allegories we all thought we knew by heart. In these irreverent variations on well-known themes, the ugly duckling grows up to be an ugly duck, and the princess who kisses the frog wins only a mouthful of amphibian slime. The Stinky Cheese Man deconstructs not only the tradition of the fairy tale but also the entire notion of a book. Our naughty narrator, Jack, makes a mockery of the title page, the table of contents, and even the endpaper by shuffling, scoffing, and generally paying no mind to structure. Characters slide in and out of tales; Cinderella rebuffs Rumpelstiltskin, and the Giant at the top of the beanstalk snacks on the Little Red Hen. There are no lessons to be learned or morals to take to heart--just good, sarcastic fun that smart-alecks of all ages will love.

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 54 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Fun and emotionally educational 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

A very fun and whimsical story that illustrates Lilly's emotional experience and how she deals with her emotions. I highly recommend. My 3 year old son loves it, and is a common birthday gift, especially for girls.

Adorable, funny book 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is a great book, especially if you have an independent, free-thinking, stong-willed little person to share this with. Lilly is a spunky little mouse that exhibits typical traits of every 4, 5 and 6 year old. This is one book that I don't mind reading over and over again.

Lilly's brand new purse 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This story is about a girl who got a brand new purse. She really wants to show it to her classmates, but her teacher Mr. Slinger wants her to wait at an appropriate time.
I love this book because Lilly is very precious and for giving. I think this book is good for k-2nd grade. So they can have reading.
I think this is a wonderful story. Lilly loves her purse. Plus she's very anxious to show it off, that's why like this book.

Editorial Review:

Lilly, the star of Chester's Way and Julius, the Baby of the World, is back. This time she has her name in the title which is something she's wanted all along. If you thought Lilly was funny before, you are in for a treat. Lilly can't wait for you to find out more about her. Lilly loves school. One Monday she came to school especially happy because she had a brand new purple plastic purse.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Eric Carle

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Features:

• CHILDRENS BOOKS & MUSIC
• Early Childhood
• Books

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 326 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Never received 1 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I remember loving this book as a child, so I was so excited to order it for my kindergarten class. Unfortunately, I purchased the book and never received it. Be careful what you order!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar The book arrived in new condition as stated by the seller.

fun book for toddlers 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Eric Carle's books are very enjoyable for toddlers and young readers. Children enjoy listening to the stories and participating in the story. He is one of my favorite authors.

Very hungry 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Great product. I was hard to find. But of course, I found it on Amazon.

the book is very small 2 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Didn't realize this was a mini-version of the book till I received it. It's about the size of an adult's hand (fingertip to palm). Doesn't make the best gift.

Editorial Review:

The beloved caterpillar once again eats its way through the pages on its way to becoming a beautiful butterfly. Hardcover.

Stellaluna

Janell Cannon

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 104 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Baby bat Stellaluna's life is flitting along right on schedule--until an owl attacks her mother one night, knocking the bewildered batlet out of her mother's loving grasp. The tiny bat is lucky enough to land in a nest of baby birds, but her whole world has just turned upside down. Literally. Stellaluna's adoptive bird mom accepts her into her nest, but only on the condition that Stellaluna will act like a bird, not a bat. Soon Stellaluna has learned to behave like a good bird should--she quits hanging by her feet and starts eating bugs. But when she finally has an opportunity to show her bird siblings what life as a bat is like, all of them are confounded. "How can we be so different and feel so much alike?" one asks. "And how can we feel so different and be so much alike?" asks another. "I agree," Stellaluna responds. "But we're friends. And that's a fact." Anyone who has ever been asked to be someone they're not will understand the conflicts--and possibilities--Stellaluna faces. This gorgeously illustrated book is sure to be an all-time favorite with readers, whether they've left the nest or not. (Click to see a sample spread. Illustration from Stellaluna, © 1993 by Janell Cannon, reproduced by permission of Harcourt Brace & Company) (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter

Math Curse

Jon Scieszka

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 57 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Math Curse 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Have you ever gone through a day with a song stuck in your head? The same thing happened to a young boy, except he couldn't stop seeing math problems!
In this interactive children's book, a boy is told that life can be looked at as a math problem. After that, everything he sees or does is a math problem! He has to break the curse and go back to his normal life.
Math Curse is a well written children's book. It has maturity mixed with adolescence, and helps children develop skills for life. It's humorous and parents will enjoy reading it, too. To Jon Scieska and Lane Smith-well done!

Math Curse 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Have you ever had the math curse? Well, in the book Math Curse, a young boy gets put under the math curse. It all started when his teacher said, "You know, you can think of almost everything as a math problem." That got his mind turning. After that, EVERYTHING was a math problem to him. This little boy had a creative mind. 24 cupcakes, 25 students, 365 days, 52 weeks, 12 months hmm... Will this curse ever leave him alone?
This story is realistic fiction. The author, Jon Scieszka, does a wonderful job explaining every thing. It is easy to understand and to follow. I think that anyone who knows how to read would enjoy this book. Never before have I read a book quite like this one. It is almost like a Roald Dahl book, where your mind will be wondering what will happen untill the very end. Personally, I loved this book, and I am sure that you will too.

Editorial Review:

Did you ever wake up to one of those days where everything is a problem? You have 10 things to do, but only 30 minutes till the bus leaves. Is there enough time? You have 3 shirts and 2 pairs of pants -- can you make 1 good outfit? Don't worry -- it's just the Math Curse striking! An amusing book about dealing with numbers in everyday life.

Three Tales of My Father's Dragon

Ruth Stiles Gannett

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 49 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

My Father's Dragon--a favorite of young readers since the 1940s and a Newbery honor book--captures the nonsensical logic of childhood in an amusingly deadpan fashion. The story begins when Elmer Elevator (the narrator's father as a boy) runs away with an old alley cat to rescue a flying baby dragon being exploited on a faraway island. With the help of two dozen pink lollipops, rubber bands, chewing gum, and a fine-toothed comb, Elmer disarms the fiercest of beasts on Wild Island. The quirky, comical adventure ends with a heroic denouement: the freeing of the dragon. Abundant black-and-white lithographs by Ruth Chrisman Gannett (the author's stepmother) add an evocative, lighthearted mood to an already enchanting story. Author Ruth Stiles Gannett's stand-alone sequel, Elmer and the Dragon, and her third volume, The Dragons of Blueland both received starred reviews in School Library Journal and are as fresh and original as her first. (Ages 4 to 8)