Educational Books

The Daring Book for Girls

Andrea J. Buchanan, Miriam Peskowitz

Amazon Price: $17.79 List Price: $26.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Collins Amazon Marketplace: 81 new & used starting at $11.95

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> People & Places -> Girls & Women -> Nonfiction
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Reference & Nonfiction -> General
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Reference & Nonfiction -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 146 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Great for June Beaver 1 out of 5 stars.
1 of 24 people found this review helpful.

Too boring. Promotes the 1950s stereotypes of girls' interests and does little to broaden their horizon or foster a want to escape those stereotypes. The only redeeming parts were the "occult" and "Satanic" sections. Don't know why others would be so critical of them, when the Bible is no less scary or gruesome...much more so in the macabre and graphic details, in fact. Just look at Christ nailed to the cross oozing with blood. Those who deny this charge have not read both Old and New Testaments.

Regardless, people still read the Bible to their children...Ever wonder why the children grow up to be paranoid, God-terrified adults?

Editorial Review:

The Daring Book for Girls is the manual for everything that girls need to know—and that doesn't mean sewing buttonholes! Whether it's female heroes in history, secret note-passing skills, science projects, friendship bracelets, double dutch, cats cradle, the perfect cartwheel or the eternal mystery of what boys are thinking, this book has it all. But it's not just a guide to giggling at sleepovers—although that's included, of course! Whether readers consider themselves tomboys, girly-girls, or a little bit of both, this book is every girl's invitation to adventure.

Magic Tree House #40: Eve of the Emperor Penguin (A Stepping Stone Book(TM))

Mary Pope Osborne

Amazon Price: $9.40 List Price: $11.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Random House Books for Young Readers Amazon Marketplace: 47 new & used starting at $4.38

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Ages 9-12 -> General
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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Authors & Illustrators, A-Z -> ( O ) -> Osborne, Mary Pope

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

Excellent New Addition to the Series or Standalone Children's Book 5 out of 5 stars.
11 of 11 people found this review helpful.

I have read many of the Magic Treehouse books while recently "studying" for my 6-year old's Magic Treehouse Birthday Party. She really loves this series, reads them ravenously, and plays "Jack and Annie" constantly with her friends. I read around 15 of them, up until now the first part of the series (this is my first of the Merlin Missions), and have found the books to be cute, quick and entertaining.

I have never found anything in them that concerns me for my daughter to be reading, which is more than I can say for many of the series out there for young children, whose main characters are often wisecracking, sibling-hating and constantly in trouble. I love the way Jack and Annie play together and protect one another, even while they don't always agree and have different styles and strengths.

In any case, regarding this specific book, I think it is a wonderful addition to the Magic Tree House Series, or if you child is new to the series, an excellent introduction. My daughter just got it for her birthday.. and I gave it a quick read because now that I've read so many, I wanted to see what the Merlin Missions were all about.

I was quite impressed. This book seemed a little bit more developed and engrossing than some of the early stories. Not in a way that is too difficult for kids, but just more substantial. It was a good mix of fantasy and fact, like usual, with easily digestible facts and lessons, in this case on penguins and the Antarctic. This book was doubly interesting in that it was a culmination of a 4-book set (the magic treehouse books have 4 book sets that circle around a particular theme or type of mission -- in this one they are trying to find 4 secrets of happiness for Merlin who is exceedingly sad and have been asked by Morgan le Fay, the owner of the treehouse, to help). The secrets they share -- nature, curiosity, compassion and taking care of others -- provide just lovely messages for kids.

There are a few scary parts, when they fall down a cliff, or when a predatory bird is attacking a penguin, but Osborne has a gift for having adventure in her stories without the "scary" aspect being too much for kids. My daughter will hardly watch anything these days because of mean or scary characters, and that extends to some books -- but these stories always engage her without frightening her.

If your kids already like the Magic Tree House series, definitely add this one to their collection. If MTH is new for your children, this is a great one to start with. It stands alone nicely (she has a short prologue which explains things well up to this point), and may get your child interested in reading the earlier books. What's so great about Magic Tree House is that it is wonderful for boys and for girls. And it really creates a gentle exposure to history and character often natural science, but in a fun way. And for those kids that love the topic of the book, there are non-fiction research guides, very easily accessible for 5-6 years and up with lots more information on those topic (for this book, the companion research guide is Penguins and Antarctica (Magic Tree House Rsrch Gdes(R)).

This book makes a wonderful gift for any early to mid-level reader. If your child is an early reader, it would be great to read with them. For a mid-level reader, they can spread it out a chapter at a time, or like my daughter, tear through it in an afternoon. Great job, Mary Pope Osborne. Please keep them coming!!!

Editorial Review:

JACK AND ANNIE continue their quest for the secrets of happiness—secrets they need to save Merlin. This time, the Magic Tree House takes them to the one continent they haven’t visited before: Antarctica! What can they hope to learn about happiness in such a barren place? Only the penguins know for sure . . . Jack and Annie are about to find out!

The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book: Boil Ice, Float Water, Measure Gravity-Challenge the World Around You! (Everything Kids Series)

Tom Robinson

Amazon Price: $7.95 List Price: $7.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Adams Media Amazon Marketplace: 54 new & used starting at $3.75

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Reference & Nonfiction -> School & Education

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 22 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Great teaching tool 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

This book contains a well rounded selection of projects for kids so they can experiment with a wide range of science topics. They are all easy to complete and understand and have a good specific message and illustrate scientific ideas very well.

Editorial Review:

The Everything "RM" Kids' series is being relaunched at a phenomenal new price! They're the same great quality you've come to expect, still packed with tons of activities and puzzles in two-color -- now with a lower price that everyone can appreciate! Stock up on these perennial bestsellers that keep your kids active and engaged. The wide scope of subject material -- from jokes to science experiments -- appeals to kids all across the country. And parents and teachers love that the books provide responsible, educational information, while being so much fun that the kids love learning! From discovering why a sunset is red, to becoming a young entrepreneur, to learning new jokes to keep the whole family laughing, kids really love these Everything "RM" Kids' books!

A Very Marley Christmas

John Grogan

Amazon Price: $12.23 List Price: $17.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: HarperCollins Amazon Marketplace: 45 new & used starting at $10.60

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Ages 4-8 -> General
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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Animals -> Dogs -> Fiction

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Hilarious Christmas Story 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Reviewed by Cayden (age 4) and Max (age 2) Aures and Mom for Reader Views (6/08)

"A Very Marley Christmas" is the fun holiday story of Marley the dog's first Christmas. Marley is a very mischievous dog and decorating for Christmas with him around can be very interesting! He gets into everything from the Christmas lights that the mom is hanging, to the paper snowflakes that Cassie cut, to the paint that baby Louie is using to paint a snowman, and makes a huge mess!

Cayden: "Look at the cover! I think that dog was naughty! He has wrapping paper in his mouth. I hope he didn't open all of the presents!"
Max: "No!"

Cayden: "He knocked over all of the ornaments that you are supposed to hang on the Christmas tree! Some are broken!"
Max: "Oh no!"

Cayden: "He knocked the tree over!"

Cayden: "Why does he keep knocking things over and breaking things?"
Max: "Break!"

Cayden: "I like this book! It is real funny! Can we read it again?"
Cayden: "Marley is a funny dog! He does lots of naughty things!"
Max: "Naughty dog!"

Parent's comments:

"A Very Marley Christmas" was definitely a hit with both of my children! They really enjoyed the adventures of Marley and all of the trouble that he got into. The story is very amusing and Marley's antics had my children laughing on almost every page. The illustrations in the book do an excellent job at conveying the humorous situations. We definitely recommend this book for the holiday season and we look forward to reading more Marley books in the future!

Editorial Review:

With all the excitement of Christmas approaching, it's no surprise that Marley, the lovable pup with a nose for trouble, wants to get in on the action. Anticipating his very first snowfall and Santa's arrival, Marley jumps in to help his family every way he can. But Marley, being Marley, always ends up on the wrong side of right. It's not long before he tears down the twinkle lights, attacks a chain of paper snowflakes, and mistakes the Christmas tree for . . . well . . . his very own indoor bathroom. Will Marley's good intentions ruin everything before Christmas begins? Or will he manage to share some Christmas magic with his family after all?

This follow-up to the #1 bestselling Bad Dog, Marley! delivers a heartfelt holiday story with many hilarious Marley mishaps along the way.

The Polar Express

Chris Van Allsburg

Amazon Price: $12.29 List Price: $18.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Houghton Mifflin - Model: HO-0395389496 Amazon Marketplace: 182 new & used starting at $1.49

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Features:

• Christmas Accessories
• For use with your scale model railroad

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Ages 4-8 -> Picture Books
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Ages 4-8 -> General
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 237 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!

A Family Tradition 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

My uncle gave me this book as a gift many years ago. I loved the fact that it came with a cassette (read by William Hurt) and it even has a little bell just like the boy in the story. This story is probably my absolute favorite Christmas book. I am buying it for my Nephew to pass on the tradition.

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

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

David West Reynolds, James Luceno

Amazon Price: $26.40 List Price: $40.00 Usually ships in 10 to 13 days By: DK CHILDREN Amazon Marketplace: 17 new & used starting at $23.47

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Ages 4-8 -> General
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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Arts & Music -> Performing Arts -> Film

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 82 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Great in general, but perhaps not completely accurate 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I really like this book too, it has a ton of detailed info and images on pretty much all the Star Wars creatures and characters. However I noticed that the image of the Boushh costume is not accurate, it is missing her big obi belt, which is a substantial part of her outfit. (Actually I think it's in there but it's under the jacket instead of over it, ...so weird.) I only find this an issue because I am making a Boushh costume and figured this book would be a good reference.

It's still full of info, and a good resource for people interested in learning more about characters in the Star Wars universe, just know that for whatever reason the images might not be completely accurate.

Incredible Reference for Young Star Wars Fans 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I bought this book last Christmas (2007) for my two young sons (6 and 4). They have spent the past year pouring over this book, debating facts about the characters, and writing their own stories to compliment the illustrations in the book. They haven't seen all of the Star Wars films (only A New Hope) but are thrilled by the detailed illustrations and descriptions of the characters, the far away galaxies, and of course the weapons and ships. This is their favorite Star Wars book. As an adult fan of Star Wars I find it is full of great information and back stories about the characters. My husband and I have found answers to many of our Star Wars questions here. This is a great reference and a really fun book.

FYI, another great Star Wars reference is [...]. Great fun!

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.

Gingerbread Friends

Amazon Price: $11.67 List Price: $17.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Putnam Juvenile Amazon Marketplace: 50 new & used starting at $9.89

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Literature -> Action & Adventure

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

Gingerbread Friends 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

My first graders loved Jan Brett's new book, Gingerbread Friends. It is a great sequel to Gingerbread Baby. A must buy to add to a Gingerbread book collection

Jan Brett Scores Again! 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Gingerbread baby needs some friends but can he make them? Can he talk to them? Where do you find friends for gingerbread babies? Well, let's go to town and find out! What a wonderful story and so charming too. Jan Brett has some secrets for us in the corners of her books. It hints at the ending but you have to pay attention to find out!

Editorial Review:

That popular little character is back looking for friends, in an adventure he’ll never forget.

Confident and cocky, the Gingerbread Baby happens upon a bakery, where he dances and prances in front of a sugar cookie girl, trying to make friends. But she just stares and doesn’t say a word, like all the other sweet treats he tries to meet.

Discouraged, the Gingerbread Baby runs home, chased by a long line of hungry creatures, where Mattie has a fantastic surprise for him—gingerbread friends that fill a giant fold-out page.

Irresistible images inside the confectionery and outside in the snowy Swiss countryside will delight Jan Brett fans.

God Gave Us Christmas (God Gave Us...)

Lisa T. Bergren

Amazon Price: $9.99 List Price: $9.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: WaterBrook Press Amazon Marketplace: 41 new & used starting at $5.48

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 37 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

God didn't give you diddly 1 out of 5 stars.
2 of 17 people found this review helpful.

Especially not a holiday that's nothing but a mish mash of other holidays, including evil scary pagan rituals.

A lovely Christmas story. 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Little Cub wants to know who invented Christmas. Mama takes Little Cub on a polar expedition to find God & see how He gave us Christmas.
A beautiful story showing God in creation (enhanced by wonderful illustrations), discovering the true meaning of Christmas & how very much God loves us all.

Editorial Review:

As Little Cub and her family prepare to celebrate the most special day of the year, the curious young polar bear begins to wonder…
“Who invented Christmas?”
Mama’s answer only leads to more questions like “Is God more important than Santa?” So she and Little Cub head off on a polar expedition to find God and to see how he gave them Christmas. Along the way, they find signs that God is at work all around them. Through Mama’s gentle guidance, Little Cub learns about the very first Christmas and discovers that…
Jesus is the best present of all.
This enchanting tale provides the perfect opportunity to help young children celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and to discover how very much God loves them.

Gallop!: A Scanimation Picture Book (Scanimation Books)

Rufus Butler Seder

Amazon Price: $10.15 List Price: $12.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Workman Publishing - Model: 24792 Amazon Marketplace: 88 new & used starting at $5.50

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Ages 4-8 -> General
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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Animals -> Nonfiction

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 60 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

There's never before been a book like Gallop! Employing a patented new technology called Scanimation, each page is a marvel that brings animals, along with one shining star, to life with art that literally moves. It's impossible not to flip the page, and flip it again, and again, and again. A first book of motion for kids, it shows a horse in full gallop and a turtle swimming up the page. A dog runs, a cat springs, an eagle soars, and a butterfly flutters. Created by Rufus Butler Seder, an inventor, artist, and filmmaker fascinated by antique optical toys, Scanimation is a state-of-the-art six-phase animation process that combines the "persistence of vision" principle with a striped acetate overlay to give the illusion of movement. It harkens back to the old magical days of the kinetoscope, and the effect is astonishing, like a Muybridge photo series springing into action�or, in terms kids can relate to, like a video without a screen. Complementing the art is a delightful rhyming text full of simple questions and fun, nonsense replies: Can you gallop like a horse? giddyup-a-loo! Can you strut like a rooster? cock-a-doodle-doo! Every child who opens the book will be amazed�and so will every parent.