Childrens Days Books

My introduction to Steve Kluger was with "Almost Like Being In Love." The format threw me for a bit, but, once used to the manner in which the author was to tell his story, I went on to enjoy this delightful story. Next came this book..."Last Days of Summer." I found the author's website and wrote him an e-mail; I was about thirty pages short of the book's end at that moment. I sent another e-mail after finishing the book, heartbroken by the story's ending, yet having thoroughly been moved by spending time with such wonderfully fleshed-out characters. Read the book...no, I'd go so far as to say, "Read anything by Steve Kluger." He's a great storyteller...combining both humor and pathos expertly.

What's the difference between a Young Adult (YA) and a regular ol' adult novel? In this case, only a few words and phrases. Otherwise, this book contains all of the standard YA elements.

The wisecracking loner main character? Check. (Though he becomes less of a loner as the story progresses.) The dysfunctional but eccentrically entertaining family? Check. The unlikely good influence with issues of his own? Check? The Tragic Moment? Check. Only a sprinkling of f-bombs and other salty language keeps "The Last Days of Summer" off high school library shelves everywhere. It's like something Avi would write, only earthier.

This is not to say that it's a poor or childish book. Far from it. The notes & letters format, the imminently likeable characters, and the breezy plot pull you in quickly, making it hard to put it down. Nothing really happens that you didn't expect would happen, yet the ride in so enjoyable that you won't mind.

One thing that really annoyed me was that all of the letters, notes, and whatever used to create the book are written in the same sardonically streetwise style. The two main characters writing similarly is understandable, since their similarity is what brings them together. But Wilke-supporting conservative schoolteachers and busy US Army commanders writing report card comments and internal memos in the same style as witty young Joey Margolis? It's a stretch.

But that's a minor quibble. Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot and would recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind just a little coarseness about the edges.

Been reading Last Days of Summer for a couple of months now. Don't use a bookmark in order to lose my place every time I pick it up. I don't want to finish it! It's that good and I'm going to miss it like a great old friend, when it's read.

Oddly enough, the rereading works pretty well. "Last Days" is filled with so much humor, charm, silliness and stats that I find new life in every old chapter I misread - although misread is the wrong word. I do it on purpose.

It's about baseball. It's about the 40s, Broadway with Merman, coming of age in Brooklyn, Hollywood pin-ups, coping with bullies, FDR and Eleanor, The Green Hornet, The Shadow, Reese and Di Magio, and resistance to blending concurrent American cultures. But, mostly, it's about baseball, serving as father-figure for growth.

I still don't know where fantasy ends and reality begins here - or how it`s combined. But, that's why I won't finish. I don't want the world that's been created for me to be explained just yet. For now, I just want to continue living here for as long as I can.

Mr. Kluger, thank you! And MKA, thank you for finding it for me.

This is one of my favorite books. I usually don't read a book more than once, but I've read this one a couple of times. I recommend it highly.

I can not remember when I enjoyed reading a book so much. I probably should not have been reading it while working out at the gym. I was getting some very odd looks as I laughed aloud.

The book takes place from 1940-42, formative years in the life of Joey Margolis, an extremely precocious 12 year old Jewish boy growing up in Brooklyn. He is a prolific letter writer and an even more prolific schemer and wiseacre. Joey decides that he is going to get the NY Giants' new third baseman and phenom, Charlie Banks, to take him on a road trip and the scheming letters begin. The entire book is in the form of letters to and from the characters - including FDR and his press secretary. Eventually Banks becomes something of a big brother to the boy and the wisdom that is interchanged in the letters between the 24 year old and 12 year old is priceless. Joey even gets the young Protestant star to stand in for his father at his Bar Mitzvah!

This is not the typical book about being Jewish in Brooklyn in the 40's. Those are merely props to the story and in the relationship. It is about a wonderful relationship. What starts as pure hilarity becomes poignant. Most amazingly, the poignancy does not diminish the hilarity and laughter will continue until the last few pages. Although the ending is a bit predictable, it could not have ended any other way.

Once you pick this book up, you will have a hard time putting it down. It will carry you laughing all the way until... Highly recommended. Sometimes you just have to wonder why a book is not a bestseller.

My title review is SO!!!! true. Although this book does put ALOT of pressure on Amy it's the best EVER!!!!. Romantically speaking Amy,Ty,Ben and Soraya were all invited to the Grant's every year christmas party that is the most popular.Ashley Grant only invites them because she likes Ben and because she knows that Ben won't go without them.During that party Matt tries to make a move on Amy since he likes her but she automatically backs off and repeats the message that she only wants to be friends then AMY and Ty get alone on the dance floor and ty sends the message that he in turn likes Amy. At the end the second last page of that lovely book is when finally ty KISSES amy and she is so shocked and confused because she has looked at him as a brother all her life and is afraid that the relationship they had before ty had feelings for her might change and so asks him to give her some more time.And also in other parts grandpa gets pneumonia and gets terribly sick and Lou travels to England in search of her father because of her desperate need to contact him.

I apsolutely LOVED THIS BOOK! I think it's the best book I have read out of the Heartland series I own! Ty and Amy belong together and I love their relationship!!!!! I give this book 5 stars!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is a GREAT book!!! It was the first Heartland book i read after that I couldent stosp! And like the person before me I go CRAZY when i Dont have a Heartland book!!!!(I dont have one now but im DIYING to get book 15!)

This book was AWESOME!!! Ashley invites Matt, Soraya, Ben, Amy and Ty to her christmas party becuase Ashley likes Ben. Matt tries to have Amy as a girlfriend but Amy just wants to be friends. Jack gets sick and it's sad but he gets better. Lou went to England to find their dad. The part I loved the most was when Ty and Amy KISSED in the end. I read it over and over again. They do go out in other books(#10). They make a perfect couple!

I discovered this book series in dec. 04' I bought the vol. 1 edition(and saved tons of money by doing so I recomed doing that)and LOVED it I read all 3 of the books in vol.1 in 3 days!
If that gives you any idea of how additing it can be! It made me cry when pegaus died:( Well anyhow I bought vol. 2 just the other day and have now finished the book! "one day you'll know" is the best one yet! Now I know how the web sites say ages 8-12
well im 13 and I think it just a little bit to "invloved" with the kissing and all(which was really cool I read it over and over agin)for 8&9 year olds no offense to you at all. The party at the Grant's was one of the best parts esepally when Matt tryed to make a move on Amy but she said they were only friends. than Amy danced with Ty (who really hot on the cover! I dont see why amy didn't like him before!)and Matt got mad and started dating Ashley(that was mean!). Then Jack got sick and lue went to londen and Daybreak being stubern and got sick too!
the drama never ends! But thats why Im so hooked! and as a final note read this sereies from the begining even though every book fills you in you miss a lot of drama! This series sould never end well I dont want it to be like the throghbred books there bad and they just keep comen' there's like 82 of them! After you finish heartland I suggest you read the phamtom stallion books there good too! But heartland will alway be the best ever!!!!!!!!!!

This is a book about friendship that entertains both children and adults. Sweet,creative, and a great way to remind someone that you like them :) I highly recommend this book to all those who are young at heart!

When I was a child my father went to Vietnam. My father sent this book to my mother as a gift. I always read it when I was a child. My father signed the book for my mother when he was overseas. It was a book my mother treasured. Well I'm grown up now and this book is a part of my heart. When I first met my husband I bought this book for him on Sweetest Day. I always told him "I like you." and I got many phrases from this book. He couldn't figure it out until I bought the book and now he treasures it. It is such a wonderful book. Friends or Lovers. I so recommend it and it will be a part of my life!! Please enjoy this book no matter who you are!!

The illustrations are light-hearted and amusing, perfectly suiting the text which expresses so many things one thinks about friendship but perhaps never said. I bought copies for some friends and all my grandchildren, too.

I have given this book to all my grandchildren and also close friends. It expresses those feelings that bring people together, family, and friends forever.

A charming way to express your love and friendship.

This book touches my soul. My neice is going to be reading from it at our wedding next year.

This is one of my favorite books from childhood! I especially love the way it reads in a sing-song manner. I purchased it along with others for a baby shower to help the new mom start her child's library.

I just love this book, its addictive! When choosing a book to read my daughter before bed I usually end up picking this one!

Great for pre-schoolers. Some of the rhymes are a bit forced but it is charming nonetheless. A very fun read!

This has become one of our favorite books for our 6 mo old son. Everyone thinks its funny when we read it, including him. If only he could eat the pages!

It bores my son after a couple of weeks and he's not yet three. At first though, he did really like it. Cute rhymes that are easy to remember, and he loved screaming the responses at first.

I was about 5 years old when I discovered this book, and I remember that I would check it out from the library, keep it for 2 weeks, and then renew it. The library had a rule about how many times you could renew before it had to sit on the shelf for a week. If no one else had renewed it, I would snatch it up as soon as I was allowed. This is absolutely my favorite book from childhood. I would stare at it for hours!

In my opinion this is the best children's book ever written and illustrated. I have 3 copies of it because I am so paranoid of it getting lost or worn out. I loved it as a kids and my kids love it. Its worth what ever price it goes for.

This was a favorite when I was a child- my 3 year old discovered it at Grandmas and although it is a pretty long book, she is totally mesmerized when we read it. I would love to buy a copy of this book- I will when I find it! The illustrations are just totally lovely and you just feel happy looking at the children. The story is all over but it really is just like a child's day.

This is such a great book for imagination. My younger sister and I would read this over and over and over again and then read it again! I now read it to my son and he loves it. He's 3 yrs old and loves to make believe as I read it to him. I highly recommend this book!

What a lovely, mesmerizing book! Not only did I share some warm moments with my father while he read this aloud, but it kept me busy just staring at the pages. The illustrations are wonderful. The story is classic: old-fashioned yet captures the hearts and imaginations of children today. Please reprint this book! I have a copy that I've been sharing with my own children, but I'd like to have another just for myself and my memories.

The book is perfect for my 6 year old. She had to read it for school..and we truly enjoy the Frog and Toad books. The seller sent it in a timely fashion and it was in excellent condition :)

The Frog and Toad books have helped my 8 year old grandson learn to read--he has been having trouble and these books were so interesting and fun to him that he finally realized how reading could open up whole new worlds for him. He loves these books.

I've read this book over and over and over again to my kids... they're now adults, but they still remember Frog and Toad.

An absolute classic book of short stories - my favorite is the one where one of them is in bed all winter, and the other one is bored, so he tells the sleeping one to wake up because it's spring, even though it isn't quite spring yet... just too cute. They're friends, they love each other - what more could you want in a story that you'll read to a child? One of my family's favorite bedtime books. I look forward to reading this classic to my grandchildren.

And Remember: all Toads are Frogs, but not all Frogs are Toads.

'Frog and Toad Are Friends' by Arnold Lobel is a story is most appropriate for children ages 4-8. This is a great story of friendship between Frog and Toad. Toad tells stories to Frog when Frog is sick, Frog helps search for Toad's lost button, and Frog writes a letter to Toad because he never receives any mail. This book is full of tales of friendship and adventure. Read this book to see all that Toad and Frog do on their adventures.

The books were in excellent condition and arrived earlier than expected. I had checked all local used bookstores. They were not available because of the high demand in our district. Similar books were the same price as Amazon's including shipment. I will not be going to used bookstores again. Amazon saved me time, money & gas!

Well, this is the final confrontation between Qui-Gon Obi-wan and Xanatos.
After escaping the previous encounter Xanatos goes to the planet Telos and our jedi's quickly follow behind. What they didn't expect was that Xanatos would be treated as a king on Telos. Anyway you'll have to read the book to find out what finaly happens.

This book ended an underlying trilogy story within this series that started in book 6. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon are reunited as Padawan and Master, which isn't really a spoiler if you have ever seen Ep 1.

The further I dive into this series, the more I like it. Each book has a better story and the characters develop more depth as well.

For a quick, easy and fun read I would recommend this entire series.

I have been a star wars fan since I was 8 and this is one of the best star wars books i ever read. I gets to the story of Qui-Gon and obi wan vs. Xanatos. Books 7 and 2 of this seires will help you understand this one better. Qui-Gon and Obi Wan go to Xanato's home planet of Telos to find him and bring him to justice. There they will try to become master and apprintice once again if Xanatos dosen't [destroy] them first. This is a page turner I read it in one day it was so good. The ending is suprising and makes you wonder for a second. Reading all the series leading up to this book will make this a must have for star wars fans. To me there are two parts two this series books 1-8 which is the begining of the master apprintice relationship part two books 9-18 watches the relationship grow overtime and introduce new allies and enemys. out of part one this is the best book. To me it is the 3rd best book in the series the only books that top it are books 15,and 16. The only flaw with this book is that it was predictable except in chapter 2 and the second to last chapter. The cover of the book front and back give away some of the best parts. Still Jude Watson managed to make a great star wars book.

I've been reading the Jedi Apprentice books to my son (Alex) off and on for the last three years, and he's loved them - and so have I. I still read them to him even though he's getting old enough to read them himself, just so I can have an excuse to read young adult books (yes they are that good).

We've followed the early adventures of Qui-Gon Jinn and young Obi-Wan Kenobi and have been enthralled with the ongoing Xanatos conflict (Xanatos is Qui-Gon's former apprentice introduced to us in the second book of the series "Star Wars Jedi Apprentice: The Dark Rival") . Over the last few book there has been a large story arc concerning Obi-Wan leaving the Jedi order that reaches its conclusion here, and we were happy to see its well thought out end (following a story that long has been a challenging task for my son). However about halfway through this well written epic adventure (as good as any published for adults), I realized that story elements that were set in motion during the very first books (the equally great "Star Wars Jedi Apprentice: The Rising Force" and the aforementioned "Dark Rival") were now coming to a head.

At first I was concerned that my son wouldn't remember all that had come before (in the last 8 books) but just as with Bruck's story in the last book ("Star Wars Jedi Apprentice: The Captive Temple") it came back to him and that speaks volumes about the quality of Jude Watson's writing - that in an age were so much is disposable and easily forgotten, these books have left a lasting impression with my boy.

We look forward to breaking the spine of the next book in the series, to see what adventures await Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, and if they are anything like what has come before - I know we're in for a treat.

This is one of my favorite books. I always like books where good guys go bad. Xanatos was Qui-Gon Jinns former padawan. He already went to the dark side. When Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan Kenobi went on a mission to Telos Xanatos' home planet. They ran into a surprise. Xanatos was waiting for them. They fell into many of Xanatos' traps yet in the end of the book the jedi manages to put Xanatos in a similar trap. This is one of the best books yet and I love it. It shows ones evil fall and anothers redemption as a jedi. Qui-gon is finally letting go of Xanatos and accepting Obi-Wan, This sets a background for the entire saga of Star Wars. I would just like to say that I have read all of the Star Wars kids books and I am the biggest fan. I know what I'm talking about. May the force be with all who read this book.

I bought this for my 4 year old and she absolutely loves it! It is really great for kids who have a million questions about how things work and it does a phenomenal job of explaining a typical process (e.g., building a house) from end to end (including laying sewage and water pipes underneath the ground). It gives the details that curious kids really want to know in a fun, darling way.

This delightful book for children which is enjoyable for parents to read as well wonderfully teaches us that we are all part of a family here to help each other with the gifts we have been given. For those with Faith, it is a happy way to show that we need each other, and to be grateful for each person, and appreciate what they do to make the world a better place; that each person is, as Pope Benedict said, "loved, willed and necessary."!

I still have this book from when I was young; it is now 36 years old and has survived all of my children. I cannot bear to part with it and I will save it for my grandchildren. (Along with Richard Scarry's find your ABC's) I am buying a copy for my niece though so she doesn't have to do without. Thank you Richard Scarry

This book will keep your little one occupied for several long minutes and then some. Great book to keep in the car or at Nana's house.

I got this one as a child, back in the sixties. My copy is in Dutch and although a little weathered it's not falling apart yet.
The copy I'm reviewing here is a reprint that misses several spreads, but sad though it may be, if you don't know about it you won't miss it.
Richard Scarry shows different "people" (animals in clothes), all kinds of professions, how they interact and how one depends on the other. And in doing so he introduces a child to society where we all depend on one another.
More than anything else he was responsible that I grew up to be free minded and open spirited person. Whatever a human being does for a living, if he/she does it with love he will make your day.
A policeman, a baker, a newspaper man, a writer, photographer or singer, the postman, the bus driver. We all depend on one another. And as long as we try our best to understand that and accept and respect our fellow citizens we will be on the right path.
His drawings are world famous. They're sweet and funny without being too simplistic. No matter what family, the rabbits, the mice or the pigs, even the worm, they're all lovely characters with different personalities.
It has always been my first choice as a gift for kids.

At first when I tried his suggested program I didn't think anything was different/changing so I stopped the supplements (about two weeks into it at least.) Boy could I tell a difference then! Going the natural route prevented from having to see a professional and going on Ritalin or whatever else they medicate with now. I don't use the program full time anymore but when I feel my attention waxing and feel spacey I start up the vitamin B and whammo my head comes back and I can focus again. I thought this book fantastic and recommend it to anyone. He describes what happens in the body and why the deficiency causes ADHD/ADD issues. Even if you don't have the syndrome the information regarding health and how the body benefits from various vitamins is informative.

This book is extremely helpful for children with ADHD. It gives practical and fast working advice that is right on the money. It is a great place to start when looking for an alternative to drug therapy. I highly recommend this be the first book you read when you are learning about ADHD - it may be the only one you need. Thank you to Dr. Bob for all your research and clinical expertise that went into writing this book and for all the children you have saved!

When I first saw this book I thought... "18 days? Yeah, right." But I thought I didn't have anything to lose but a few dollars so I got it. We had tried all kinds of diets, vitamins, meds. Things would get better but not be entirely "back to normal".

I read through Dr. Bob's book, took notes, implemented some of the thoughts... I read the entry of one of the readers below that talked about the parasites and wondered if perhaps that was it for us too.

We had an appointment and saw a doctor. Parasites it was. Five days on a course of black walnut tincture and my daughter was a new child. She lost her diagnosis of ADHD the next doctor appointment we had. The teachers could not believe the difference. We are still in awe.

Thank you Dr. Bob. Without you and your book, my daughter would still be on Concerta. And the health of our family would never have been improved from your other recommendations.

For this and so much more, Dr. Bob:
THANK YOU !!!

PS We also HIGHLY recommend the daily devotional Dr. Bob has written. I don't have a friend who hasn't bought it after hearing some of the topics discussed in it - turning grey hair back, the hazards of peanut butter, better sleep, back pain solutions, bringing liver enzymes back to normal, migraines, and the list goes on and on with advice we had never ever heard before and my friends and I read A LOT of health books !!!

Dr. Bob in his book is another one of those writers about ADHD who believes (sincerely) that supplements, food, good parenting, and so on is the correct answer for treatment of all types of ADHD/ADD. While certainly, the above would help almost any type of disorder, he never bothers to mention at ANY time when his idea did not work, (ie the vitamins failed to solve the child's problems)--so am I believe it is 100% successful?!! Amazing. My question for Dr. Bob is if pharmaceuticals do not work, then why can I name so many success stories from people who DO USE them. Oh, by the way, they do not work all the time. He is a convincing, good writer, he is just totally wrong. Also, he forgets that we now are seeing adults in their 40s still having the symptoms of ADD, who by the way had them first diagnosed in the 1-3rd grades. I would recommend his book, because it is well written and organized. And, all children do NOT need to take medications to modify their behavior. I do think our society at time has gone overboard with that notion. But his book is not the cure all with his omega oils and patented products he so often wants you to use. He has some very good ideas, and I took this into account. He says sugar impairs you immune system, which is abosolutely false, and has some other non sense he tries to pass on with questionable science to back it up. To me it appears as another one of those who believes you should avoid ALL medications at ALL costs no matter what. Also, how many cases a day does he "treat" for ADHD, and how does he deal with adults who have had it for so long. Does he, while flexing soft tissue as a chiropractor, take time out to express his feeling while giving a massage? ADHD/ADD is a long complex condition-- that foods and vitamins cannot "fix" so easily as this half life of 18 days he speaks about. It often involves moral and personal issues at home, that by avoiding sugar is just not going to cover. guyairey

My 3 year old son had been out of control for a long time. He had many symptoms of ODD. He had a short fuse and got angry easily. He always whined and wouldn't sleep through the night. Both my husband and I were at a breaking point, but knew we did NOT want to go the medication route. I always thought our family ate pretty healthy; we would limited our kids sugar/snack intake and we weren't a milk drinking family so I didn't think that my son's 'attitude' symptoms were food/mineral deficiant related. Boy, were we wrong!
While reading Dr. Bob's book I compared my son's 'symptoms' to those in the book. Dr. Bob's book has been a lifesaver! We noticed a difference in only 5 days!
We started w/ the nigtly salmon oil, added flax, changed to soy and rice milk and we are beginning to add vitamins and whole food minerals. We even started the program for all 3 my children.
This book has added a bright future for our children and has given my husband and I the peace in knowing we are actually getting to the root of the problam instead of just medicating the problem. Thanks Dr. Bob.

I ordered 7 of this pop-up books. One for my six year old and the others all served as great presents for his friends. I like to see the boys' expression when they opened the book and gave off a big "wow".
This book comes up with brilliant ideas, and is well crafted. It is both interesting and instructive. Thanks Amazon for this perfect product in a good price.

I bought this book for two of our grandsons who are 6 and 3 years old. The 3 year old loved the big colorful pop-up pages while the 6 year old loved learning about the story. I, myself, learned a great deal about the medieval days as well. The book is the right size, made well, and very educational. Makes a great gift!

I adore this book and honestly who knew pop up books could be so informative? This book was so much for me to read and great for my little cousin too. She's three years old and she likes to sit on my lap as we look through the pages. Theres even a little catapult inside where you can throw little pieces of paper across the room! (I'll admit I had a bit more fun at that) This book is really a piece of art that I plan to save for her so when she gets older I can give it to her :) that is after I get one for my own collection. Again a great book and an even more fabulous read.

I have looked at Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart's books on their website as well as Amazon.com. I finally bought this book and I love it!

The craftsmanship and artistry is beautiful. Children of any age, including adults like me, will love this book!

Not only is it well-crafted but it's educational and loads of fun. After this book, I ordered another!

This was a huge hit with my nephew who brought it with him
everywhere the first week. He loves playing Runescape, so it was a natural for him. He still loves it, but at least he puts it down while eating! The details are beautiful and it's a high quality pop-up book, well executed, substantial and with great background material.
I'm a pop-up fan myself and could have gladly kept it!