General Books - Page 16

A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams

Jen Bryant

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Richie's Picks: A RIVER OF WORDS 5 out of 5 stars.
27 of 27 people found this review helpful.

William Carlos Williams is one of those dead American poets about whom I have always had vague-yet-positive sentiments. I believe that some short-time high school girlfriend admired him a lot. I think that I've also seen him listed as an influence on the back of some musician's record sleeve, or perhaps he is mentioned in a young adult novel. And I am confident that I have briefly encountered his work both in a class (undoubtedly, amidst some anthology of poems) and amongst the reading comprehension questions on some long-forgotten standardized test.

And so, as the result of some influence or other stored in the recesses of my brain, I react positively to the name William Carlos Williams and was thus pleased to discover last night that the UPS guy had delivered a copy of A RIVER OF WORDS, a picturebook biography of the poet.

I was even more pleased by the true story I found within the book.

"But when the other boys went inside,
Willie stayed outside..."

William Carlos Williams was not one to text message, play video games, or hang out in the mall. (Not that those diversions existed during his lifetime, but you know what I mean.) Instead, he was one of those kids who wandered in the woods, using his senses to absorb details of the world, and then pouring out his visions into poems.

Of course, writing poetry is oftentimes just slightly more lucrative than is writing Richie's Picks, so Williams's mom persuaded him to become a family doctor. And the wonderful thing is that he became friends with some brilliant and artsy students at the university, which helped him to not lose sight of his first love -- poetry -- when he grew up and subsequently went around doctoring:

"On his prescription pads, he scribbled a few lines
whenever and wherever he could.
In those precious times,
the rhythm of the river he had rested beside
as a child seemed to guide him. Like the water
that sometimes ran slow, smooth, and steady,
and other times came rushing in a hurried flood,
Willie's lines flowed across the page."

I love how the book's illustrations are filled with words, as if Willie could see lines of poetry splashing in the river or scrolling down the side of a patient's house. Written in verse, the text throughout is brief in word count yet full of the essence of the poet's life. A two-page timeline follows the story, while bits and pieces of his poems decorate the endpages

In the same way that I was influenced as a child by THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THOMAS JEFFERSON -- the book that taught me how one can seem to always be doing ten different things at the same time -- A RIVER OF WORDS will be an empowering revelation to creative young adolescents who are beginning to toy with ideas of what they might do in their lives when they grow up.

Editorial Review:

In this picture book biography of William Carlos Williams, Bryant's engaging prose and Sweet's stunning mixed-media illustrations celebrate the amazing man who found a way to earn a living and to honor his calling to be a poet. Full color.

The Ranger's Apprentice Collection

John Flanagan

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

The Ranger's Apprentice Books 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

My son and I absolutely love these books. The development of the characters is excellent and the story is extremely interesting and exciting. Anyone looking for books that a boy OR girl would enjoy should definitely check into these. They would make terrific Christmas presents.

One thing, though, I think the age range is off. I think anyone, even college age and above, would love these.

Great books! 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 5 people found this review helpful.

This is a great series for anyone to read over and over again no matter how old you are.

Enjoyable Juvenile/Teen Fantasy Series - Recommended 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

"The Ranger's Apprentice Collection" includes John Flanagan's first three books in the series, The Ruins of Gorlan (The Ranger's Apprentice, Book 1), The Burning Bridge (The Ranger's Apprentice, Book 2), and The Icebound Land (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 3).

The story lines center around a young Ranger's Apprentice named Will and his circle of friends. Since there are three books in this set I will not go into the individual plots (see the links to books, above). Younger teens will enjoy the way Flanagan treats youth in the series and the overall positive atmosphere.

While these books are written for younger readers, the story telling is engaging enough to keep adults interested as well (both my wife and I also read these).

It should be noted that there are at least 5 additional books in this series now, so this might be a bigger investment than planned since my son wants the rest of them now.

Recommended!

Editorial Review:

Here are the first three titles in John Flanagan’s New York Times bestselling series, all collected in one boxed set, perfect for gift giving! The Ranger’s Apprentice series has taken readers by storm, captivating them with the adventures of Will, apprentice to the secretive Ranger Halt.

Harriet the Spy

Louise Fitzhugh

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 146 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A Story of a Brat with Very Little Action 2 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Here's another book from four decades ago that doesn't hold up well compared to today's superior children's books. I was yearning for way more action. And definitely more wackiness. There are a few wacky and clever happenstances yet I wanted more of that and less of Harriet sitting around thinking, complaining and writing, thinking, writing and complaining. The first half of the book was okay, but after that I lost interest. Harriet was not interesting enough, for me anyway, to care about what happened to her. The pages got harder and harder to turn as the book went on.

This is a work of the early 1960s when many people felt suppressed and angry. That anger, for some, turned into selfishness. This attitude found its way into Harriet. She is a selfish and angry brat. (Whether the author was angry or just commenting on society at the time, I don't know.)

I can only guess that the book's comment on society at the time is what won it the acclaim that it has gotten over the years. For children and adults of 1964, perhaps it was a groundbreaking, gutsy read. But today, it's just a story of an angry, self-centered child that is not very interesting nor exciting to read.

Editorial Review:

Harriet M. Welsch is a spy. In her notebook, she writes down everything she knows about everyone, even her classmates and her best friends. Then Harriet loses track of her notebook, and it ends up in the wrong hands. Before she can stop them, her friends have read the always truthful, sometimes awful things she’s written about each of them. Will Harriet find a way to put her life and her friendships back together?

Dr. Seuss's Sleep Book (Classic Seuss)

Dr. Seuss

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 56 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

If you want your child to fall sleep buy this book! 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I had never heard of this book from Dr. Zuess and I love it!!!!! It is the best sleep book. My son falls sleep half way through this book every time. Fun to read!

A good night read 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

that gets the kids closer to sleep. If everyone else in the world is going to bed, then they might also. Dr. Suess is a wonderful writer & teacher. His books are No. 1.

Great Book 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I read this for my 6 month infant and the first time, she fell asleep. I like the Dr. Seus rhymes...They're very soothing and as another review I read before mentions, very easy to read to a young baby..Even for parents who feel awkward reading. I would recommend the book for young children.

Long and productive 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Puts them to sleep because it's so long. Seriously though an entertaining book from Seuss as were all of his.

What a Treasure 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Of all the Dr. Seuss books I have from my childhood, I hadn't seen this until browsing on Amazon. This is great! (not that I'm surprised coming from the Seuss line). I had a blast reading it, and it's the first book my new daughter has seemed to actually respond to. I'd definitely recommend this for anyone looking for a "new read".

Editorial Review:

Illus. in color. "Deliberately calculated to make its readers yawn. No one

could resist those zillions of astonishing sleepyheads."--The New York

Times.

The Stinky Cheese Man 10th Anniversary (Viking Kestrel picture books)

Jon Scieszka

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 154 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

It's been ten years since Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith introduced the world to the Really Ugly Duckling, Cinderumpelstiltskin, Little Red Running Shorts, Chicken Licken, and the rest of the hilarious cast of characters in The Stinky Cheese Man. Viking is proud to release this special 10th anniversary which includes the lost masterpiece, The Boy Who Cried Cow Patty.

"Irrepressibly zany and fun." (Kirkus Reviews, pointer review)

"Another masterpiece from the team that created The True Story of the Three Little Pigs." (The Horn Book, starred review)

The Stinky Cheese Man has won almost too many awards to count. Some of them include:
* A Caldecott Honor Book
* An ABBY Honor Book
* Publishers Weekly Top Selling Kids Books of All Time List
* ALA Notable Children's Book
* New York Times Notable Book of the Year
* School Library Journal Best Books of the Year
* Booklist Editor's Choice

Illustrated by Lane Smith

Paper Fashions Fancy (Klutz)

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

All the Five Star Reviews say it all -- This is GREAT!! 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

This is a treasure-trove of the coolest stuff for kids, tweens, teens and even playful adults who love paper crafts, design, paper dolls, and anything and everything to do with fashion. What everyone is saying is absolutely true. You must purchase this for the fashion maven in your household (even if it's you!!) because there's so much fun here I'm surprised it's not illegal, immoral or fattening!

If you're going to be purchasing a birthday or holiday gift for someone who'd love Paper Fashions Fancy, I suggest you snag it now, because when word gets out about how really great it is, it may sell out! It's absolute perfection for the fashion fan.

Editorial Review:

Introducing our Spring 2008 collection - Paper Fashions Fancy. This season it's all about glamour. We've designed a brand new set of patterned and colored papers, including some with glitter, foil, and velvety black flocking. There's a new selection of seed beads, sequins, ribbon, and more than a hundred sticky-back "jewels" for embellishing the fashions. And, of course, the tiny wire hangers are back - this time we include clever ideas for decorating those hangers to make them gown-worthy.

Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague (Fablehaven)

Brandon Mull

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 44 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

I enjoyed reading it as much as my kids! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I think earlier reviews have covered the basic plot and premise. I wanted to share our experience with the book. We read the first together this summer as a fun way to past the time, but as the characters grew and the new world opened up, we couldn't put it down. My 11 year old volunteered to cook so that I wouldn't have to stop reading it aloud. The plot is surprising and the characters grow in realistic ways. I found the internal consistency to be good and vocabulary was delightful. We enjoyed them enough from the library that we have bought them to have at home and read again. The questions in the back are great for discussions and offer chances to invite parents to observe their children make tough choices. My husband overheard us reading, and has asked for regular updates on the plot. Good for you, Brandon, for successfully writing a series that appeals to so many readers. Keep writing! We can't wait for the next installment!

Editorial Review:

In the third volume, the peril escalates as an unexplained darkness infects the creatures of Fablehaven.

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village

Laura Amy Schlitz

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 19 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Step back to an English village in 1255, where life plays out in dramatic vignettes illuminating twenty-two unforgettable characters.

Maidens, monks, and millers’ sons — in these pages, readers will meet them all. There’s Hugo, the lord’s nephew, forced to prove his manhood by hunting a wild boar; sharp-tongued Nelly, who supports her family by selling live eels; and the peasant’s daughter, Mogg, who gets a clever lesson in how to save a cow from a greedy landlord. There’s also mud-slinging Barbary (and her noble victim); Jack, the compassionate half-wit; Alice, the singing shepherdess; and many more. With a deep appreciation for the period and a grand affection for both characters and audience, Laura Amy Schlitz creates twenty-two riveting portraits and linguistic gems equally suited to silent reading or performance. Illustrated with pen-and-ink drawings by Robert Byrd — inspired by the Munich-Nuremberg manuscript, an illuminated poem from thirteenth-century Germany — this witty, historically accurate, and utterly human collection forms an exquisite bridge to the people and places of medieval England.

The Three Questions (Creative Classic Series)

Leo Tolstoy

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 62 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Charming and Beautiful Story to Share 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I was delighted by Muth's 'Zen Shorts' and when I read a review for 'The Three Questions' I looked for it immediately and was just thrilled.

Not only is this a lovely story to share with a child, opening the way for discussions about being truly present with the people around us, but this makes for a beautiful gift for an adult friend. I have been so delighted by this retelling of Tolstoy, paired with Muth's beautiful watercolors, that I have purchased this book twice now... and have given each copy away to friends!

Wonderful message with beautiful illustrations 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is a wonderful story about the very old question, What is most important in life?! told through the eyes of a child and through the animals and the situations that arise around him. I purchased two copies to give as gifts to new parents--because it will be a book to keep and read to children again and again. The watercolor illustrations are very
well done and are a great addition to the tale.

Editorial Review:

A king visits a hermit to gain answers to three important questions.

Emma (Konemann Classics)

Jane Austen

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 210 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

A Good Start To My Austen Book Craze 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I have always loved Emma the movie, the one with Gwyneth Paltrow in it. Her Emma is so clueless, so innocent, yet somehow loveable. I finally decided to pick up the classic novel to see if the movie missed anything and to get the full story straight from the author. The book delighted me just as much as the movie did, as I am pleased to say.
Emma Woodhouse is a young, rich woman living with her germaphobe father in the town of Highbury. Bored and eager for some sort of excitement, she decides to matchmake her new friend Harriet Smith with the local vicar Mr.Elton. Emma is convinced that her matchmaking skills are among the best, wrongly taking credit for pairing her governess Miss Taylor with their neighbor Mr.Weston. Many mishaps occur, and many hearts broken and confused, but in the end all is well, with all three of the main couples finding happiness.
It took me a little while to get in the vocabulary of the time, but once I did the book breezed by. Emma is so flawed like all of us; that is why we love her. Just because this book was written almost 200 years ago doesn't make it bad: it makes it better.

Editorial Review:

A reissue of Jane Austen's classic tale of love and match-making, published to tie-in with an ITV adaptation of the novel.