Picture Books 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."

Fancy Nancy

Jane O'connor

Amazon Price: $12.23 List Price: $17.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: HarperCollins - Model: 9780060542092 Amazon Marketplace: 54 new & used starting at $7.19

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 161 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Do you really want your child to think like Fancy Nancy? 1 out of 5 stars.
2 of 10 people found this review helpful.

How will this book make children who don't have fancy things at home feel? I think materialism is a vice that doesn't need to be taught in a children's book. Enough people learn this on their own, why try to instill it in a 3 year old? If you want a book about a cute silly girly-girl, buy Madeline.

Creepy Cover 2 out of 5 stars.
1 of 12 people found this review helpful.

The pictures inside and the story may be uber-cute but doesn't anyone find the cover picture a little bit JonBenet Ramsey creepy? It's basically what makes me reluctant to give this to any little girl.

One of our favorites 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Nancy is sweet, cute, fun and fancy!! This book is perfect for any girly girl- big or small! It's also a great way to teach your little ones BIG words!
Mommy's High Heel Shoes

Editorial Review:

Meet Nancy, who believes that more is ALWAYS better when it comes to being fancy. From the top of her tiara down to her sparkly studded shoes, Nancy is determined to teach her family a thing or two about being fancy. How Nancy transforms her parents and little sister for one enchanted evening makes for a story that is funny and warm -- with or without the frills.

Pinkalicious

Elizabeth Kann

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 89 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

I agree - Bad examples for kids 1 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I agree with many of the other reviewers here. I LOVE the illustrations and the story idea is so cute! (we love pink) BUT... there is too much bad behavior in this book. We all know how much little ones like to replicate. Unfortunately, this book gives a lot of bad ideas for kids to copy. Sticking tongue out at Mommy, climbing furniture, being rude and the worst to me was talking about veggies in a negative manner. My girls love veggies! I don't want them to get the idea that veggies are gross!

It is unfortunate the bad behavior is in this book because I really like the "idea" and the illustrations.

Editorial Review:

Pink, pink, pink. More than anything, Pinkalicious loves pink, especially pink cupcakes. Her parents warn her not to eat too many of them, but when Pinkalicious does . . . she turns pink! What to do?

This sparkling picture book, filled with such favorites as pink bubble gum, pink peonies, pink cotton candy, and pink fairy princess dresses, celebrates all things pink while showing that being yourself is best of all.

The Polar Express

Chris Van Allsburg

Amazon Price: $12.89 List Price: $18.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Houghton Mifflin - Model: HO-0395389496 Amazon Marketplace: 194 new & used starting at $1.44

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Features:

• Christmas Accessories
• For use with your scale model railroad

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 236 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Another outstanding Van Allsburg treat! 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

What can one say about an illustrator like Van Allsburg? The Polar Express is almost not a children's story but for the child with a vivid imagination (and may there still be a few in existence!!) they will identify with the little boy who travels in his dreams by the Polar Express. I know they have mad an animated film of this book and done it well but it really is more a nostalgia trip for adults. I have never seen a Van Allsburg done badly they are always incredible books and I would love to own the lot. Highly recommended!

Sparked My Imagination 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is one of my most cherished books from childhood. I always wished that a train would pull up to my house one night and whisk me away to see Santa Claus. The illustrations are wonderful as well. Around Christmas time I still like to make some hot chocolate and sit down and re-read this book.

The Polar Express 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

The book's quality is made well. The art work most colorful and fits well with the movie and gives a great visual adventure for parent and child to share a holiday favorite in the cold winter season of Christmas. A book to indeed have each year to make a tradition.

Editorial Review:

A magical train ride on Christmas Eve takes a boy to the North Pole to receive a special gift from

Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy (Fancy Nancy)

Jane O'connor

Amazon Price: $10.85 List Price: $17.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: HarperCollins - Model: 9780060542139 Amazon Marketplace: 50 new & used starting at $8.42

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

A Must for Little Girls 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

It's not bed time without hearing my four year-old beg for Fancy Nancy. Delightfully written, these books introduce great vocabulary and the illustrations are beautiful. We have spent a lot of time getting "fancy" at our house, which has truly helped develop my daughter's creativity and imagination. Makes a great gift paired with an outfit for dress up!

Just sometimes, Fancy isn't really Fun! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Fancy Nancy is about to get a new dog! Of course, her dog must be the fanciest -- a really Posh Puppy. When Nancy dog-sits a really Posh Pup, she realizes that he's not the right dog for her. (I guess those visits to the salon can get pretty old!)

There's a great lesson here when Nancy and her family go to the animal shelter to find a dog to rescue. Oh, his name is Fancy because it's Frenchy, and all's well that ends well.

Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy is a wonderful example of the beautiful writing and illustrations that make this series so popular with young readers. Very, very recommended!

Editorial Review:

Fancy Nancy is back! And when her family decides to get a dog, she's certain she can be fancier than ever. After all, a papillon�a small, delicate, fluffy dog�is the ultimate accessory. But her family wants a large, plain dog. How unglamorous! With Fancy Nancy's trademark humor and warmth, Nancy discovers that real fanciness does not depend simply on appearance but more on a genuine joie de vivre, which is a fancy phrase for having lots of fun.

Cars and Trucks and Things That Go (Giant Little Golden Book)

Richard Scarry

Amazon Price: $10.19 List Price: $14.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Random House - Model: 0307157857 Amazon Marketplace: 85 new & used starting at $3.18

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 140 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A hit with my 2-year-old 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I bought this book for my 2-year-old son and he loves it. He is into trucks and cars and wouldn't put this down. He now knows about all kinds of trucks. There isn't much of a story. He just likes looking at and saying all of the different trucks (such as a flatbed trailer).

things that go 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Wonderful book. Lots to look at and discuss. My son cannot get enough of this book. It has been his favorite for at least three months so far! We wore out a yard sale copy and bought a new one! It is a great distraction in the car and at restaurants. Excellent at bedtime. Richard Scarry is great.

Cars and Trucks and Things That Go 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

My grandson loves the book. He's into trucks, etc., and the abundance and variety of moving vehicles is fascinating to him.

My daughter loves The Goldbug Hunt 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

My 2-year old daughter *loves* this book, especially finding Goldbug. Although now she's done it so many times, she remembers where he is on each page, so even though it's still fun for her, it's lost a little of the mystery. Can anyone recommend any similar proto-'where's waldo'-type books for toddlers?

Editorial Review:

Description coming soon...

Love You Forever

Robert N. Munsch

Amazon Price: $10.17 List Price: $14.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Firefly Books Amazon Marketplace: 61 new & used starting at $3.44

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 787 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

My favorite book 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

My first baby is about to have his first baby, as long as I'm living my baby he'll be. I just ordered him his own copy, since I still have his original, that I read many times to him and his brothers. I still cry everytime I read it... I think it is absolutely beautiful and sweet.
A Mother's love is for forever and always.

Editorial Review:

The mother sings to her sleeping baby: "I'll love you forever / I'll love you for always / As long as I'm living / My baby you'll be." She still sings the same song when her baby has turned into a fractious 2-year-old, a slovenly 9-year-old, and then a raucous teen. So far so ordinary--but this is one persistent lady. When her son grows up and leaves home, she takes to driving across town with a ladder on the car roof, climbing through her grown son's window, and rocking the sleeping man in the same way. Then, inevitably, the day comes when she's too old and sick to hold him, and the roles are at last reversed. Each stage is illustrated by one of Sheila McGraw's comic and yet poignant pastels. (Ages 4 to 8) --Richard Farr

On the Night You Were Born

Nancy Tillman

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 89 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Two years later, this still brings tears to my eyes... 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book was a gift from my mother in law to my daughter shortly after she was born. The first time I read it to her, it moved me so much that I could hardly finish. The story is simple, beautiful and still brings to me tears every time that I read it to my daughter. It is rare to find in someone else's words the complete expression of how much I love her and how happy I am that she was born into our family. The story tells how special the baby was to the world and how the earth celebrated her birth.

The artwork is stunning, the words lyrical, and I can't think of a book that I enjoyed receiving more since my daughter was born. She's not old enough to enjoy it as much as she will later & we have to be careful of the paper pages so they don't rip as she helps me turn them. Regardless of that, it's a wonderful thing to read & express to your baby how special she is to you.

Editorial Review:

On the night you were born,
the moon smiled with such wonder
that the stars peeked in to see you
and the night wind whispered.
“Life will never be the same.”

On the night you were born, the whole world came alive with thanksgiving. The moon stayed up till morning. The geese flew home to celebrate. Polar bears danced.

On the night you were born you brought wonder and magic to the world. Here is a book that celebrates you. It is meant to be carried wherever life takes you, over all the roads, through all the years.

This debut picture book by Nancy Tillman has touched the hearts of readers of all ages, from the youngest readers, to new mothers, to grandparents. A New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling book, On the Night You Were Born is sure to be a beloved addition to family libraries.

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale (Bccb Blue Ribbon Picture Book Awards (Awards))

Mo Willems

Amazon Price: $10.87 List Price: $15.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Hyperion Book CH Amazon Marketplace: 61 new & used starting at $6.40

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 152 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great pictures - nice story 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Just a nice story and a fun read with younger kids - pictures are very engaging for your minds

Learn Your Lesson to Care About Your Family Too 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Knuffle Bunny is two of my students' favorite book. Check out their reviews below:

Learn Your Lesson to Care About Your Family Too

When Trixe went to the laundromat she put her Knuffle Bunny down to help her father. Knuffle Bunny was her favrite stuffed animal. Then they went back hom. Trixie noticed her Knuffle Bunny was gone. When she got home her mother said "Where's Knuffle Bunny!" Then they ran back ot the landromat. Then they found her. This book Knuffle Bunny is for people that only care for their stuffed animals.

I think that because Trixe got happier when she found her nuffle bunny, and shejumped up and down and screamed "nuffle bunny!"

Another reason I think that is because they had to run all the way back to the laundromat just because of Knuffle Bunny. Instead of just letting it wash, and she made her father hurt himself.

Another reason I think that is because she made her dad stick his head in the washing mashine while the mashine was still on.

If you only care about your stuffed animal, then get off your bottom and run to the library hury up before it closes "go...go...go!"

Trixie and Knuffle Bunny

Trixie goes to the laundromat with her dad. Trixie sees she does not have her bunny knuffle bunny. She started to cry and drag her feet. Then her dad saw the same thing she did not have Knuffle Bunny. Her dad helped her look for it he went crazzy for it. Then her dad looked and looked for the bunny in the wash. Then he found it. When trixie gets it out of the wash she screams Knuffle Bunny wich were her frist words. That is how I know Trixie loves her stuffed bunny Knuffle Bunny. And it is special to her.

One reason I know Trixie loves Knuffle Bunny is because she cries really loud when she does not have it. She also cries all the way to the hosue for him. She also would not leave the house with out Knuffle Bunny.

Another reason I know is because Trixie makes her dad look really hard. She talks Knuffle Bunny everywhere with her. That is how I know she loves Knuffle Bunny.

The last reason Trixie is excited when she gets Knuffle Bunny back. When Trixie got Knuffle Bunny, Trixie said her first words which were "Knuffle Bunny" because she loves him. Trixie is very excited when she gets her bunny back.

This is how I know Trixie loves Knuffle Bunny.

Editorial Review:

Trixie, Daddy, and Knuffle Bunny take a trip to the neighborhood Laundromat. But the exciting adventure takes a dramatic turn when Trixie realizes somebunny was left behind . . .

This 2005 Caldecott Honor book uses a combination of muted black-and-white photographs and expressive illustrations and tells a brilliantly true-to-life tale about what happens when Daddy’s in charge and things go terribly, hilariously wrong.

Olivia Helps with Christmas (Olivia Series)

Amazon Price: $11.50 List Price: $18.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Atheneum Amazon Marketplace: 73 new & used starting at $7.98

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 35 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Everyone's favorite Caldecott honor-winning porcine and #1 Kris Cringle enthusiast is helping to make the season brighter than ever. Christmas is coming, and Olivia is incredibly busy. She has to wait for Santa, make sure dad sets up the tree, wait for Santa, watch mom make the Christmas dinner, wait for Santa, oversee the care with which the stockings are hung and, of course, OPEN HER PRESENTS! Do you see how hard it is to be so helpful during the holidays! A lovingly-told and lavishly-illustrated Olivia Helps With Christmas is the perfect stuffing for any stocking, and the newest star atop the Olivia series.

---

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Olivia's Family Traditions
It did not matter how much discussion there was to be had with his editors during the process of creating Olivia Helps with Christmas, there was one thing that Ian Falconer was absolutely certain about... Santa Claus would appear NOWHERE in the book. Olivia and her brothers and sisters would do everything they could to get ready for Santa, and they sure would be anticipating Santa's arrival, but readers would not see the fabled Kriss Kringle. With all the ideas that were put on the table for this book, that was one Falconer would not stray from.

And with good reason.

This was to be a different type of Christmas book. A book about how a family celebrates Christmas, and how a lot of family holiday traditions really revolve around preparations. In fact, the reason the book has such a personal feel to it is because many of the traditions that Olivia and her family celebrate were taken straight from Ian's childhood memories: Being asked to set the Christmas table was a big honor for Ian (as it is for Olivia in the book). The caroling by the piano, the "Santa watch," the order in which things were done (tree up Christmas Eve, dinner, caroling, hanging stockings), even the phrase "warming your trotters by the fire"--all of it has roots in the Falconer home. And since Ian never did catch a glimpse of Santa at Christmas, neither could Olivia. It's for the best, really. Olivia likes to be the true star of her books--Santa would have met his match.

For your viewing pleasure: A bonus illustration of Olivia not available in Olivia Helps with Christmas!