Popular Culture Books

Kingdom Keepers II: Disney At Dawn

Ridley Pearson

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

It's supposed to be a happy day at the Magic Kingdom-the return of the teenaged holographic hosts. But things go very wrong when a sudden lightning storm disrupts the celebration, and Amanda's mysterious sister, Jez, disappears. The only clue is the sighting of a wild monkey in the Magic Kingdom during the storm. The mystery deepens as Finn is contacted by Wayne, an old man he hasn't heard from in months. Wayne tells Finn that there's trouble at the Animal Kingdom: the evil Overtakers have gained control of one of the computer servers that will be used to operate Daylight Holographic Imaging there. That means that if any of the holographic hosts fall asleep, they will go into comas-permanently. Filled with action and brimming with the same meticulous detail as The Kingdom Keepers: Disney After Dark, this second book in the series-Disney at Dawn-is the result of hands-on research behind the scenes at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park. Young and older readers alike will get a glimpse into a second Disney kingdom. The wild rides have only just begun; and the clock is ticking. How long can the teens keep themselves awake in their quest to find their friend-and what happens if they fail?

Holes

Louis Sachar

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3283 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

"If you take a bad boy and make him dig a hole every day in the hot sun, it will turn him into a good boy." Such is the reigning philosophy at Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention facility where there is no lake, and there are no happy campers. In place of what used to be "the largest lake in Texas" is now a dry, flat, sunburned wasteland, pocked with countless identical holes dug by boys improving their character. Stanley Yelnats, of palindromic name and ill-fated pedigree, has landed at Camp Green Lake because it seemed a better option than jail. No matter that his conviction was all a case of mistaken identity, the Yelnats family has become accustomed to a long history of bad luck, thanks to their "no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather!" Despite his innocence, Stanley is quickly enmeshed in the Camp Green Lake routine: rising before dawn to dig a hole five feet deep and five feet in diameter; learning how to get along with the Lord of the Flies-styled pack of boys in Group D; and fearing the warden, who paints her fingernails with rattlesnake venom. But when Stanley realizes that the boys may not just be digging to build character--that in fact the warden is seeking something specific--the plot gets as thick as the irony.

It's a strange story, but strangely compelling and lovely too. Louis Sachar uses poker-faced understatement to create a bizarre but believable landscape--a place where Major Major Major Major of Catch-22 would feel right at home. But while there is humor and absurdity here, there is also a deep understanding of friendship and a searing compassion for society's underdogs. As Stanley unknowingly begins to fulfill his destiny--the dual plots coming together to reveal that fate has big plans in store--we can't help but cheer for the good guys, and all the Yelnats everywhere. (Ages 10 and older) --Brangien Davis

The Complete Visual Dictionary of Star Wars: The Ultimate Guide to Characters and Creatures from the Entire Star Wars Saga

DK Publishing

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 74 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Best book EVER!!! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

WOW!!! This is the perfect book for anyone interested in knowing their stuff in the Star Wars world. Every character is represented according to chapter so some characters are represented more than once. Anakin is shown as a child in Episode I but is shown older in the next episode, etc. The book is divided by Episodes. Information on star ships, Tie Fighters, Light Sabres and more are also included in this book along with photos for each and every reference. This book is not only for children but adults can learn a thing or two from its contents.

Love it! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Got it as birthday present for my 5 year old. We all love it. He pours through the photos by himself, we read it together. I am learning all sorts of details (and they are plenty) about all the star wars characters. Who knew! This book could be the movie prop person's notebook/bible it is so complete and thorough.

The only drawback is my son finds the picture of darth sith too scary and we have to rush past that page. Oh well. Get it, great price, worth every penny.

Editorial Review:

Provides a complete, comprehensive overview of the Prequel movies (Episodes I-III) and the Trilogy (Episodes IV-VI), this is the definitive photographic guide to the entire Star Wars saga.

Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy

Matthew Reinhart

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 177 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Unbelievable 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I purchased this book for my nephew who just turned 7. He had recently seen his first Star Wars movie and seemed to enjoy it. When he opened this book, he was excited, but no where near as excited as when he turned the first page and saw what it contained. He was mesmerized, not only by the pop ups, but by the pictures and the stories behind each item. This is the ultimate Star Wars bible. If you love Star Wars, you have to have this item. The item I thought he would like the best were the light up sabers, and he did. The most amazing part was that the battery power to the sabers could be turned off so that you didn't waste it!!!! How thoughtful. Too bad there aren't more books of this caliber on other subjects.

Editorial Review:

Sabuda and Reinhart Studios have created another spectacular pop-up book for George Lucas's epic STAR WARS movies! Bestselling pop-up artist and engineer Matthew Reinhart has designed a thirtieth anniversary commemorative edition that comes packed with a variety of novelty features -- pop-ups, working light sabers, pull tabs, and other interactive looks at the exciting and popular movies. This beautiful book will impress all fans of STAR WARS and gives a whole new perspective to the films.

MATTHEW REINHART is a renowned paper engineer and bona fide STARS WARS aficionado. He has worked with Robert Sabuda on many wonderful pop-up titles such as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, A B C Disney, Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Dinosaurs, and Movable Mother Goose. He also created Mommy? by Maurice Sendak, The Pop-Up Book of Nightmares, and The Pop-Up Book of Phobias. He lives in New York City.

How to Draw Pokemon

Tracey West

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 31 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Awesome gift for the 7-12 year old Pokemon fan in your life! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I have purchased at least 5 of these books and have given them as gifts to my children and their friends (ages 7-11). The instructions are easy to follow, the drawings are very authentic and kids love that they can draw some of their favorite characters. The ONLY down side, is that I wish it had a greater number of characters to draw. However, IMO it was a real steal for less than $5. All the children we've purchased these for have loved them. I keep an extra one just in case I've forgotten a birthday. You might want to buy an extra one too!

How to Draw Pokemon 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book was bought for my grandchild, who loved it. It has brought hours of fun while developing artistic ability. A great buy for any Pokemon fan.

Editorial Review:

Grab your pencil. Pick up some paper. And get ready to tdraw the coolest, most action-packed Pokemon art ever. Catch step-by-step secret tips on drawing your favorite Pokemon, like Pikachu, Togepi, Chikorita, Meowth, Pichu, Houndour, Lugia, Cyndaquil, and more!Plus, draw bonus poses of Pokemon in action, and create your own battle scenes!You'll be a Pokmon drawing-Master in no time!

WALL-E (Little Golden Book)

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

The Little Golden Binding is Falling Off 2 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

The last few little golden books that I purchased from Amazon have had the golden binding sticker falling off the book when they were delivered. This one immediately fell off on taking it out of the box and I had to glue it back on. Oddly enough, I have had this problem with the Golden Books made in the US, and not with the Golden Books made in China. The quality control at the US plants and Amazon must be very poor for this to be the case.

The book itself is okay. Just the basic outline of the Wall-E story. It is made in the same style as the Pixar 'Cars' Little Golden Book.

Simple overview but kids like it 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Got it because my kids liked the idea of WallE, who they call Fred. They didn't see the movie, just trailers and online at disney.com.
Tells the story simply and my daughter,6, can read it to the other ones.

Editorial Review:

WHEN A LOVABLE, lonely robot named WALL•E falls in love with a sophisticated female robot named EVE, he follows his heart all the way into outer space! Young fans will enjoy this Little Golden Book retelling of Disney•Pixar’s newest film, WALL•E.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars: The Visual Guide (Star Wars)

Jason Fry

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

GREAT BUY!!!!!!! 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 5 people found this review helpful.

If you are a Star Wars fan than this book is definitely for you. It goes over the characters, story, and technology of the new movie and the TV show. I think this book is excellent in every way!

Editorial Review:

Since the first time we heard Luke Skywalker ask Obi-Wan Kenobi "You fought in the Clone Wars!?" in Episode IV: A New Hope, fans the world over have been wondering exactly what the Clone Wars were and what clones in combat would look like. On August 15th, 2008, with the theatrical release of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, much will be explained. The Clone Wars take place between Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Lucasfilm is now bringing the wars to life in an all-new CGI animated series.

The theatrical release will launch this groundbreaking computer-generated animated series, which will then debut on Cartoon Network and TNT in the fall. New characters like female Padawan Ahsoka Tano join old favorites Anakin Skywalker, Yoda, Count Dooku, General Grievous, and others as the Jedi cross lightsabers with the dark side yet again.

© Lucasfilm Ltd. ® & (tm)

The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers (First Time Books(R))

Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 44 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Good, but maybe not for very small children 3 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I guess this is a good place to start, but it's a little too nuanced for small kids. I would recommend this book for five and up, but then again, I'm no expert

Stranger Danger..... 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Effective book for young children. My daughter is just like the sister bear character, so I think she's been able to relate to her character and not be too scared of people she doesn't know. I would definately recommend this book for parents of 4-5 year olds. For a younger child, "Your Body Belongs to You" by Cornelia Spelman, it's easier for them to understand I think. Berenstain Bears is a great series that I will follow.

Great Book About Stranger Danger............ 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This issue is one of the biggest, when it comes to a child's safety, and well being.
Kidnappings have risen over the years, with the changes into today's society. Children are extremely visible to predators. Criminals have found much easier ways, of gaining information, about your child. If these strangers have enough about the child, their family, their friends, being approached, with small talk, could convince a young person to fall into their deadly trap.
These offenders no longer need a street, an internet connection, is all the better.
Though net safety is not included in this book, the basic concepts can fit into about any stranger danger conflicts.
It is a starting source, which aims not to frighten the youngster. It is to help instill safety, in similarity to stop, drop, and roll for fire safety.
After reading with a child, allow for stranger questions. Ask, and help a child setup a safety plan.
Come up with ground rules, the child understands, when dealing with unfamiliar individuals, or places.
Explain the safest places to go if they become lost. Discuss being home alone, and how to handle phone calls,or someone at the door, could allude to the child being alone!

Editorial Review:

When Papa Bear tells the cubs why they should never talk to strangers, Sister begins to view all strangers as evil until Mama brings some common sense to the problem. "The Bears' rules for safe conduct among strangers are listed on the last pages, including a rule about the privacy of a bear's body. A good book to start awareness in young children."--School Library Journal.  

Claws of the Dragon (Star Wars: Legacy, Vol. 3)

John Ostrander

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

A Powerful Ending to a Great Story Arc 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Cade Skywalker is a rebellious and emotionally broken former Jedi. Sought by the evil Sith that now rule the galaxy, scheming factions of the Empire, and his own former teachers, Cade heads to Coruscant, the stronghold of his enemies, to try and make amends for the wrongs he has committed.

Claws of the Dragon is the most powerful and action-oriented addition to the Legacy series so far. Bringing together the various threads and backstories from Shards (Volume 2), CotD presents an excellent story filled with battles, scheming, and death that will rock the Star Wars Legacy universe. As well, the origins of such characters as Darth Krayt and Morrigan Corde are revealed.

CotD is my favorite entry in the SW:L universe so far, and I highly recommend it to both graphic novel enthusiasts and Star Wars fans. Volumes 1 and 2 should be read first, however, as Volume 3 builds significantly on the previously-established storylines.

Note: Star Wars Legacy, Volume 3: Claws of the Dragon collects issues 14 through 19 of the comic book series.

Editorial Review:

"Claws of the Dragon" - one hundred years after the events in Return of the Jedi, Luke's descendent Cade Skywalker is captured by the Sith, Emperor Darth Krayt unveils his true identity, and a secret chapter in the life of Obi-Wan Kenobi is revealed. When Cade attempts to rescue the Jedi he turned over to the Sith during his days as a bounty hunter, the last Skywalker soon finds himself in the clutches of Darth Krayt. There, Cade must confront his past and decide once and for all: will he remain the Emperor's prisoner or become his thrall? Learn whether the Skywalker line lives up to the triumph of Luke or returns to the tragedy of Anakin!

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (Sisterhood of Traveling Pants, Book 1)

Ann Brashares

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1008 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

They were just a soft, ordinary pair of thrift-shop jeans until the four girls took turns trying them on--four girls, that is, who are close friends, about to be parted for the summer, with very different sizes and builds, not to mention backgrounds and personalities. Yet the pants settle on each girl's hips perfectly, making her look sexy and long-legged and feel confident as a teenager can feel. "These are magical Pants!" they realize, and so they make a pact to share them equally, to mail them back and forth over the summer from wherever they are. Beautiful, distant Lena is going to Greece to be with her grandparents; strong, athletic Bridget is off to soccer camp in Baja, California; hot-tempered Carmen plans to have her divorced father all to herself in South Carolina; and Tibby the rebel will be left at home to slave for minimum wage at Wallman's.

Over the summer the Pants come to represent the support of the sisterhood, but they also lead each girl into bruising and ultimately healing confrontations with love and courage, dying and forgiveness. Lena finds her identity in Greece and the courage not to reject love; Bridget gets in over her head with an older camp coach; Carmen finds her father ensconced with a new fiancée and family; and Tibby unwillingly takes on a filmmaking apprentice who is dying of leukemia. Each girl's story is distinct and engrossing, told in a brightly contemporary style. Like the Pants, the reader bounces back and forth among the four unfolding adventures, and the melange is spiced with letters and witty quotes. Ann Brashares has here created four captivating characters and seamlessly interwoven their stories for a young adult novel that is fresh and absorbing. (Ages 12 and older) --Patty Campbell