( Z ) Books - Page 2

The Pigman

Paul Zindel

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 344 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Interesting but disturbing 3 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This was my 8th grader's summer reading book. I read it too. Very funny and interesting style of writing with every other chapter from one of the two main characters. However I was disturbed by the things the kids did like bombs in the boys bathroom, drinking, smoking, etc. since the characters were tenth grade but it was assigned to 7th grade.

A touching if not altogether happy relationship. 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

A few years ago my little sisters kept going on and on about this book, which they were reading for some English class or another. The book must have been introduced into the high school curriculum after my time. Finally, last week, whilst going through one sister's room, we stumbled upon her old copy ad I thought "hey, my sisters loved this book. Why not give it a try?"

And since I don't like to think of myself as a morose person obsessed with deep and depressing thoughts and sad stuff, I didn't think I would take to this book.

But Zindel's writing is grabbing and full of character even if outdated. That alone instantly drew me into the story, a surprisingly good one that relies more on the decisions of the characters than the force of Zindel's pen. His characters are real, and it was only garrish details of 60s life that reminded me that this was not in fact taking place in the contemporary age. I think that is a pretty good sign of a timeless story. These kids are probably now my parents' age but I think I related to them well when I was that age.

I guess the story appealed to the soft spot of my heart, for I am a sap like that. It never makes the cheese factor--instead it is a thoroughly honest story about friendship, growing up, and the choices we make. Yes, that makes some roll their eyes, but I will happily call those people cynics who are completely out of touch with humanity.

Editorial Review:

A Most Unusual Friendship

When sophomores John and Lorraine played a practical joke a few months ago on a stranger named Angelo Pignati, they had no idea what they were starting. Virtually overnight, almost against their will, the two befriended the lonely old man; it wasn't long before they were more comfortable in his house than their own. But now Mr. Pignati is dead. And for John and Lorraine, the only way to find peace is to write down their friend's story -- the story of the Pigman.

Hansel and Gretel

Rika Lesser

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Authors & Illustrators, A-Z -> ( Z ) -> Zelinsky, Paul O.

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

The first Grimm tale illustrated by 1998 Caldecott medalist Paul O. Zelinsky is once again available in hardcover. Originally published in 1984, Zelinsky's paintings for Hansel and Gretel are as compelling as his later work and will captivate readers with their mysterious beauty, emotional power, and brilliant originality. Each spread brings to life a world as rich and real as our own—detailed, colorful, sensual—yet filled with the unearthly shadowed magic of the Hansel and Gretel folktale. Whether portraying the fear and anguish of children abandoned by their parents, the delicious sumptuousness of a candy house, or the joy of being reunited with one's family, the artist captures the subtle nuances of emotion and the tactile quality of the physical world with exquisite accuracy and elegance. The hauntingly spare retelling of this perennial favorite by the poet Rika Lesser perfectly complements the vivid storytelling of Zelinsky's artwork. Once again this gifted artist gives us a unique interpretation of a beloved fairy tale, allowing us to both see it anew and rediscover its eternal truths.

Dear Mr. Henshaw

Beverly Cleary

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 155 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great Realistic Fiction! By JS from North Boulevard 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

The book I am reviewing is written by Beverly Cleary. It is a great book named Dear Mr. Henshaw. It is a book about a boy named Leigh Botts, he writes letters to his favorite author Mr.Henshaw. He writes about many of his problems such as his parents' divorce and trouble at school. I think this book deserves four stars because I like reading about realistic problems and people. I recommend this book to people who like realistic fiction in grades 3-5. Beverly Cleary also writes many stories like Ramona the Pest and Mouse and the motorcycle.

Editorial Review:

Dear Mr. Henshaw,

I wish somebody would stop stealing the good stuff out of my lunchbag. I guess I wish a lot of other things, too. I wish someday Dad and Bandit would pull up in front in the rig ... Dad would yell out of the cab, "Come on, Leigh. Hop in and I'll give you a lift to school."

Leigh Botts has been author Boyd Henshaw's number one fan ever since he was in second grade. Now in sixth grade, Leigh lives with his mother and is the new kid at school. He's lonely, troubled by the absence of his father, a cross-country trucker, and angry because a mysterious thief steals from his lunchbag. Then Leigh's teacher assigns a letter-writing project. Naturally Leigh chooses to write to Mr. Henshaw, whose surprising answer changes Leigh's life.

Harry the Dirty Dog Board Book

Gene Zion

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

love it! 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This was one of my favorite books as a kid so I knew that I HAD to get it for my son, especially since he loves dogs too. This edition is so cute, and the board book makes it perfect for little hands that like to rip paper. I plan to get this for future kid gifts.

Yeay for Harry 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

My three children grew up with Harry - now my grandchildren are enjoying all of the books in the series. Simple stories are the best ...

harry the dirty dog 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is a classic every child should have. I ordered two for my most recent born grandchildren.

Editorial Review:

Harry is a white dog with black spots who hates to take a bath.

One day he gets so dirty he has black fur with white spots!

Where's Harry?

Ralph S. Mouse

Beverly Cleary

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Animals -> Mice, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs & Squirrels -> Fiction

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 29 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

WHIMSY AND LIFE IN THIS READING 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Many children have grown up reading books by Beverly Cleary. They couldn't have better companions as this author's stories are warm, entertaining, and filled with ideas that young readers can wrap their minds around.

Some of our favorites are in the Ramona series, which were named Newbery Honor books and also adapted for television. So great is this author's popularity that her stories appear in 14 languages and her characters often become a part of our language. A case in point is Ralph S. Mouse whose adventures have been shown on ABC-TV.

In this particular story there is no longer peace and quiet at the Mountain View Inn where Ralph lives. His pal, the handyman, is in trouble because there are mice at the Inn, so Ralph thinks he'd best skedaddle.

Fortunately for Ralph he has some young friends, children who understand him. One of these is Ryan who agrees to take Ralph and his motorcycle to school with him. Just think of those polished floors on which Ralph can ride his motorcycle!

Unfortunately, his motorcycle is broken when Ryan and a classmate get into a shoving match. Further, Ralph is put on display. School isn't so great after all. What's a mouse, even one as smart as Ralph to do?

Actor B. D. Wong made his Broadway debut in M. Butterfly. For this performance he received the Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, Clarence Derwent Award, and Theater World Award. He is the only actor to be so honored. He merits another shelf of awards for his narration of Ralph S. Mouse. He brings whimsy and life to his reading. For fans of Ralph, Mr. Wong also reads Mouse and the Motorcycle and Runaway Ralph.

All are highly recommended!

- Gail Cooke

Editorial Review:

Presents the further adventures of a motorcycle-riding mouse who goes to school and becomes the instigator of an investigation of rodents and the peacemaker for two lonely boys.

Harry and the Lady Next Door (I Can Read Book 1)

Gene Zion

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

As Much Fun Now As When I was a Kid 4 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

I grew up with this book and never knew of the others in the series. Seeing as my daughter loves dogs I had to buy this when I saw it in this new edition.

An opera singer has moved into the house next to Harry's. The singer practices all day long, singing loud and high. Harry does not like this sound. Harry tries a number of ways to get her to stop. These do not please his family. But finally, a good way is found and everyone is happy.

As a parent, one of the things I like about this book is that it is clear that Harry is not being good when he howls, leads cows or a marching band, or other tricks. Although we want Harry to succeed, we also want it to be in the right and good way. This book knows the difference.

I loved this book as a kid and I still do. My daughter loves it (hopefully my son will too).

Editorial Review:

Harry's had it!

The lady next door sings too loudly and too often, but every time Harry tries to stop her he gets in trouble. Can Harry solve the neighborhood's problem before he's sent to the doghouse?

Knick Knack Paddywhack (New York Times Best Illustrated Books (Awards))

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

Not for little ones 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

The book was cute and my kids loved it. Unfortunately they got into it while I wasn't watching and ripped the pull outs off. :'(

18 month old loved it 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I bought this for my son for Christmas last year. He was 18 months old then. We had to read it every night. The only thing is that he wasn't old enough to take care of it so a couple of things got torn but that was to be expected. He loves this book still and I would recommend it to any parent.

Editorial Review:

Caldecott Medal winner Paul O. Zelinsky's first moving-parts book since the best-selling Wheels on the Bus is a beauty. To the verses of "This Old Man," an ingenious visual narrative follows a young boy as he ventures outside. Along the way, children can push tabs, turn wheels, or lift flaps to see ten different old men pop out of hiding to play Knick-Knack. Children (and critics) agree that Knick-Knack Paddywhack! takes the interactive book to a new level of imagination.

€ Smithsonian magazine Notable Book for Children 2002
€ Parenting magazine Book of the Year
€ Newsweek magazine Top Pick for Kids
€ New York Times Best Illustrated Book for 2002

Five Children and It (Books of Wonder)

E. Nesbit

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 28 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

To Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane, and their baby brother, the house in the country promises a summer of freedom and play.But when they accidently uncover an accident Psammead--or Sand-fairy--who has the power to make wishes come true, they find themselves having the holiday of a lifetime, sharing one thrilling adventure after another.

Asleep since dinosaurs roamed the earth, the ill-tempered, odd--looking Psammead --with his spider-shaped body, bat's ears, and snail's eyes --grudgingly agrees to grant the children one wish per day. Soon, though the children discover that their wishes have a tendancy to turn out quite differnetly than expected. Whatever they wish whether it's to fly like a bird, live in a mighty castle, or have an immense fortune --something goes terribly wrong, hilariously wrong.

Then an accidental wish has horrible consequences, and the children are faced with a difficult choice: to let an innoncent manbe charged with a crime or to lose for all time their gift of magical wishes. Five Children and It is on of E. Nesbit's most beloved tales of enchantment. This deluxe gift edition, featuring twelve beautiful watercolor paintings by Caldecott medalist Paul O. Zelinsky, is sure to be treasured addition to every family's library.

The Enchanted Castle

Edith Nesbit, Peter Glassman

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 29 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

This children's classic enchanted me ... Brilliant! 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I've always been enraptured by children's books with magic in them, especially when the author writes about ordinary children, weaving magic into the plot with such ease that it's entirely believable.

I found this book in a collection of my granddaughter's childhood books, was out of reading material, so picked it up just for a quick glance. Well, that "quick glance" turned into several hours of pure reading pleasure as I followed elder brother Gerald, his sister Kathleen, and younger brother Jimmy through a cave that ends in a magical garden surrounding an enchanted castle.

When they meet a "sleeping princess" who is not really a princess, but the niece of ... well, that would be a spoiler if I told you more, so I'll refrain from temptation.

Who is this mysterious girl named Mable who leads them on a tour of the castle, showing them some of its mysteries? Are the jewels she conjures real or figments of their imagination? What does a magical ring have to do with it? And how do they become invisible? And just where is the elusive owner of the castle and what connection does he have with the French mistress of Kathleen's school who is in charge of the children for the summer?

Those questions and more are answered by this fantastic author, Edith Nesbitt, in the most charming, believable way. Her writing style is impeccable.

This children's classic was written almost a century before the great HARRY POTTER books, with the adventures being just as original and exciting. THE ENCHANTED CASTLE has everything, including a heart-breaking, old-fashioned love story.

This book held me captive from beginning to end and is written in the style of Edith Nesbit's most popular book, FIVE CHILDREN AND IT!

A must read for all kids ... and kids at heart, like you and me!

Editorial Review:

Afterword by Peter Glassman. "Originally published in 1907, this book concerns four likable English children and their adventures with a magic ring. It's hard to imagine a more appealing showcase for Nesbit's fantasy than this handsome volume....Zelinsky's artwork is as lively as the story and very much of the period....Beautiful."--Booklist. A Books of Wonder Classic.

Henry and Mudge Under the Yellow Moon (Ready to Read)

Cynthia Rylant, Charlotte Zolotow

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

We love Mudge! 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

In this book Henry and his big dog, Mudge, enjoy the escapades of fall. They shake together as Henry's mom tells scary Halloween stories and together they endure the Thanksgiving visit from Aunt Sally. These books are a favorite for my reluctant reader. The love between Henry and his dog Mudge is heart-warming.

Editorial Review:

Another of the charming stories of the adventures of Henry and his closest companion, Mudge. "These stories deserve a place in every library collection."--The Kirkus Reviews Full-color illustrations.