Childrens Days Books

This is a good book for youngsters who have mastered the basics of reading. (My kindergartener enjoyed it and only needed help here and there with some of the longer, unfamiliar animal names). The story is phrased similarly to the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas". Its repetitive nature is a good way to help youngsters practice reading longer words. It also encorporates counting/numbers and names of animals found in Alaska. At the end of the book there's even written music of the song tune, complete with these "new" Alaskan lyrics. The illustrations are colorful and a treat to look at. This book would be a great addition to a school library or any child's personal collection.

I found this little book very helpful. The daily entries are written by the teens themselves. The direct, to the point style they bring to issues around living with Alcoholism make this book very readable. Many topics on emotions and issues common to growing up, not just alcoholism are also covered. Adults will also find it helpful. I like that the book is small enough to fit in my purse, so I can carry it anywhere. I would encourage anyone who is bothered by another's drinking to get a copy of this book.

Albert the school handygoose is helping the PTA get ready for the school's annual Thanksgiving feast by harvesting the vegetables and flowers from the school's garden. He just gets started when he receives a note from perky Patsy Pig, PTA President. The continual string of requests from Patsy to do "just one more tiny little job" (such as building tables, baking pumpkin pizzas for the whole school, and cleaning up the picnic area by himself) keeps Albert from his own work and has him nearly tearing out all his feathers in frustration! Leslie Tryon's large, colorful, full-page illustrations capture the flurry of activity that surrounds preparing for Thanksgiving, as well as the exuberence of the feast itself. The comic conclusion will strike a chord with any grown-up who has ever worked on a school committee -- or ever chaired one. This story works well with groups of children ranging from 4 to 8. Their parents like it, too!

Both of my children want to read this book over and over and over....

In spite of the product information above, ALL CALM, ALL BRIGHT is not aimed at children aged 9-12, although they may enjoy many of the poems and especially "How Santa's Reindeer Learned to Fly." But the majority of the poems are intended for a much wider audience, with a number of the longer poems directed to adult readers who are willing to wrestle a bit with image and form.

(Sorry for putting five stars on my own writing, but I'm proud of the book and the many years of work that went into polishing it.)

Tasha Tudor's All For Love provides a fine collection of letters, poems, songs and stories paired with her watercolors - all celebrating love. Adults will find this a fine keepsake album packed with Tudor's notable drawings.

Simple but nice ideas, great pictures and illustrations/directions. Will work well for classroom projects for younger kids to follow along or for older kids to learn to follow directions on their own.

This is a wonderful introduction to the beautiful art form, the Spiritual. Bryan's selection is broad and include familiar tunes along with those not so widespread. The colors are inviting and seem to dance along with the melodic melodies of the notes.

Catherine Chambers, does a marvelous job of tying all the origins of this superstitious holiday together in an entertaining format. It explains the birth of traditions of All Hallow's Eve, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day in Europe, Latin America and the influences upon them in early North American culture. How a ritual of warding off evil spirits and the harbringers of the dark winter evolved into a festival of ghosts and goblins called Halloween! Find out how legitimate pranksters were appeased by the giving of treats during the holiday that soon became a well loved tradition. Overall, a great read for kids and adults as well!

The concept surprised me when I read this book-a children's story featuring a real dog. Amadeus is a beautiful fluffy white dog who gets into adventures that young children can enjoy. My son was dazzled by photos that capture Amadeus as he explores Hawaii's breathtaking beauty. A truly imaginative idea. My family awaits the next book in the series.