Toys and Games Books

I love Prisoner of Azkaban. I think that this was the novel that really hooked me into the series. I have a hard time writing a literary review of any of the Rowling novels mainly because I do not feel like I'm reading a novel when I read these books, I feel like I'm on vacation. I'm transported into another world and forget to look at the subtext or deeply analyze anything that the writer is trying to say because it is just to much fun to just read it. This is a book to read when you are stressed out because of your real life. Try reading it when you are in a wretched mood and see if you are not instantly a little bit happier. Harry begins to evolve in this novel and the books from here begin to feel a little bit more "grown up". To me, this book is virtually the first in the series that is now so infamous. The characters are impossible to not fall in love with. Rowling seems to have her feet firmly planted in the ground at this point in the series and I knew when I finished the final pages that the series could only get better. Which of course it does.

I really enjoyed it and would have given 5 stars except for the fact that I'm a sucker for happy endings. It was sad that Harry couldn't keep his newly found friends. I did find that the writing matured as Harry did, which probably made an easier read.

This is my favorite novel of the series so far. In his second year, Harry was able to overcome an incompetent professor to thwart Voldemort yet again. But this novel was even better. I never saw the ending coming. The relationship between Snape and Lupin caught me completely by surprise. And the incredible revelations about Harry's parents death add even more depth to Harry's third year. JK Rowling has an amazing imagination and I look forward to finishing the rest of her novels.

Summary: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the third book in the Harry Potter series. The book introduces some key characters for the later books and gives the reader more backstory on Harry's parents. The writing seems as if J. K. Rowling was debating on doing more description or keeping the book length down -- I would have gone for more descriptions and more pages.

Setting:
The world of Harry Potter continues to expand into a more interesting fantasty setting with each book. Rowling does a good job of creating the setting using existing fantasty elements with a slight tweak to keep it non-cliche (for the most part). The Marauder's Map is a fantastic idea! It will be interesting to see if it is re-used in later novels. Note: There is starting to become a bit predictable in that each book has a new magic item which is central to the story.

Characters:
Sirius Black is introduced to the setting as a murderous wizard. The Sirius Black character is developed to a certain degree but when he has some actual dialog near the end of the book, he comes across as a bit out of sorts (Understandable after being in Azkaban for 12 years). I saw the movie version before reading the book which has colored my opinion of book and the book's characterization of Sirius Black and Remus Lupin. I do prefer the movie adaptation a bit more; it could be the actors did a fantastic job.

Harry, Ron and Hermaine continue to develop a bit. Their character development is secondary to plot advancement.

Action:
The action is typical Harry Potter style where things get hairy but everyone comes out ok. The description of the mass dementor attack was weak and really should have been more developed as this is a critical scene showing what Harry can do magically and has some connection to his parent's spirits.

The relative danger level to the character is weak but appropriate for what is going on in the story.

Prose:
The prose is tight and to the point. The descriptions are not very detailed which is a bit frustrating as I keep wanting more hear with each book especially to see a difference in the movie set work (which is amazing) to see if there was something the set designers did not do for the movies. Generally, a book does a better job of describing a world than a movie -- kudos to the movie setting designers and craftsmen.

Overall: 4 stars
Setting: 5 stars
Characters: 2.5 - 3 stars
Action: 3 stars
Prose: 2.5 - 3 stars

My family has enjoyed listening to the Harry Potter audio books for several years. Jim Dale's readings include a host of characters with remarkably distinctive voices that carry over from the first book, the Sorcerer's Stone, to the last. He reads with fabulous energy and makes these great stories come to life like nothing I've ever heard before.
The Prisoner of Azkaban is no exception. This audiobook is a fabulous way to enjoy several afternoon in the car or in your favorite chair at home.

This was my son's favorite book when they were toddlers and I loved reading it to hem. I
just purchased again for my 5 month old grandson. This book helps children tap into their personal power within through the use of likeable imaginative monsters. Ce Ce

Sometimes we just can't seem to settle down before bed. During those times, I reach for "Where the Wild Things Are" so that my two sons can roar their terrible roars and gnash their terrible teeth and roll their terrible eyes and show their terrible claws.

The book is short -- perfect for bedtime reading -- and very interactive. The story follows Max and his wild imagination to a magical land. I use the book to reinforce in my sons that they need to settle down in the evening and not get into the type of mischief Max falls into.

This is a great addition to your bedtime reading collection.

I loved this book as a child, so I bought it for my 4 year old. I had forgotten how great it is. It's truely a spectacular little adventure. Not too long to even read two or three times...you know how four year olds are...

This one is a classic, of course. Chances are that you remember it from your own childhood, what more is there to say?

My nieces love this one. It's not too wordy, so it's great for very little children and for those nights where you really want everybody in bed five minutes ago! But the words that are there are perfectly selected, nothing is missing. Lyrical is the word I'd use.

And the story about Max having his time-out and repenting (or, for that matter, his mother changing her mind about her over-reaction) is one that most children can relate to, I think.

If you want something really wild read the Adventures With Boys series! It's as good as this book!

I started reading this book to my son when he was 12 months old and since then he has always loved reading it. The words are flowy and interesting enough to capture his attention. A definate must have in a toddlers bookshelf!

This was one of my son's favorite books!
It brings back a lot of memories!

I read this to my hyper-active 3 year old daughter. The repetition of the rhythm helps calm her down before going to bed as if hypnotizing. If that sounds a bit weird-out, don't worry, it doesn't really hypnotize your kid but I'm sure many of you parents might think that might a good idea at around bed-time.

We bought this book for my 3y.o. son a couple of days ago and he loves it. Though it is very simple compared to what we usually read (he's a big Seuss fan), the pictures are colorful and very creative, and it's a great introduction to animals and colors. Plus, because of it's simple lines and rhymes, it's easy for him to remember and he likes to "read it" himself... as he is interested in "reading" stories to us this is a great experience (with his favorite Seuss books such as The cat in the Hat this is not so easy). I was a bit doubtful about buying this book because he is used to more complex stories, but I'm happy to say that it was a great buy! :-)

I bought this when my son was only a year. I had it on the shelf for a few years without much use. He picked it up one day, and we read it together when he was 3. He wanted me to read it again. That was all he needed, he started to read it back to me.. and to his brother.. and to anyone who would listen. He even recites it when the book is far away. What an impact it has had. A good buy, but wait until they are a bit older than 1. ;)

We got a couple of books in the Dinosaurs series as board books from my coworker, and overall my daughter (22 months at the time of this review) liked them, but the hardcovers are simply gorgeous with large, detailed and brilliant pictures. I got this book in the library, and Anna wanted to read it several times in a row (not to mention every night since then). I plan to assemble the whole series of hardcovers for her over time, since I see these books having a long life in her development from a bright toddler to a curious child.

This is my toddler's favorite of the series. It is the usual whimsical style with beautifully detailed illustrations. We just discovered after many readings that there is a pet on most pages. My toddler loves to look for the dinosaurs' pets as we turn the pages. A refreshing bedtime story.

We absolutely love Yolen and Teague's 'Dinosaur' books. The text is fun and rhythmic and the pictures are just incredible. My son is eight years old and loves these books, just now when he came in as I was on the computer he pointed to the books and said "thanks!!!". We have only one comment. Please, please, please, make all of them available in large book editions. The board books are simply too small to appreciate the amazing detail in the illustrations.

This book quickly runs through various methods children - I mean, dinosaurs - use to try to prolong bedtime, before finally showing the method that children should - and dinosaurs DO - use to go to sleep on time.

The charm is all in the illustrations - don't worry too much about the text.

My three year old has been into dinosaurs for a year and is still going strong. He received this for his third birthday and it quickly became his favorite bedtime story. We always end with a kiss and he roars a goodnight. Lol.

I like how the dinosaurs are named in the pictures because it not only teaches bedtime manners, but also dinosaur identification. Believe it or not, the boy can name dinosaurs better than he knows the alphabet.

If your little one is into dinosaurs, this is highly recommended for the collection.

I bought this for my daughter at 18 mos based on the reviews. She loves books. This was an instant favorite. From the moment she picks it up she is smiling in anticipation of what is to come. She is now turning 2 this month and still it is her favorite book. She likes to fill in the blank for you when you read it to her. Peek-a...WHO, Peek-a...ZOO!, Peek-a...CHOO-CHOO! etc. This is really a cute book with great illustrations that my daughter likes to point to and discuss. It flows really well and the ending is just perfect, she bursts into laughter EVERY time. Well worth the money, you have to get this for your little one.

My grandfather bought this book for my 13 month old and my son absolutely loves it. I read it 5-10 times every chance he can get it on my lap. He gets really excited the closer I get to the back page. He loves seeing himself and then freaks out with joy! BUY THIS book... they love the holes in the pages, the colors and the repetition of the story.

Peek-A Who is a favorite of my three your old granddaughter (we made a Dutch translation). It is the joy of understanding what is on the next page. The owl and the mirror she likes best.

I like this book because it's very different than other baby books. The illustrations are very cute. My 10 month old son likes it a lot, I just wish it had a few more pages!

My 13 month old loves this book. It actually inspired her fifth word! We were reading the book and as I was about to say "Peek-A... Moo", I heard this tiny "eek-a" from my daughter. I turned the page for Peek-a-Boo, and before I could say anything, she did it again - "eek-a". It's repetitious so I think it taught her to say the word. Now she loves to say "eek-a" before I turn the page. I don't know that you can find "eek-a" in a Webster's, but I'll take it!

So of course it thrills my heart that my two nieces (2.5 and 5) like it too.

This book is really an early reader, it's not *intended* for children under that age, though of course it can function as a read-aloud for little-little ones. (Not always - my younger niece won't always sit through this one, it's a bit long!)

There are two running plots in the book, one about hats, and one about where the dogs are all ultimately going; these two plots meet marvelously at the end of the book. (For *months*, I couldn't go a day without having to re-enact "Do you like my hat? I do, I like that hat, what a party hat!" with the older niece!)

Most of the book, however, is caught up with just basic vocabulary words, mostly about dogs - "One dog going in, three dogs going out" or "The sun is up, the sun is yellow, the yellow sun is over the house".

This can be a little tedious, but I the kids don't seem to think so - even at their fidgiest, they want me to say every word.

This is my favorite book of all time. I can't recommend it highly enough. If the "dog party in the trees" doesn't make you weep with joy, I don't know what will. For the last forty years or so, I have been looking -- and I mean this literally, not figuratively -- for said party. That's a bit cracked, I know, but I just can't help myself.

I loved this book and read it all the time when I was little. I plan on buying it when I have kids. The pictures are colorful and fun. The words are easy to learn and each page seems to come alive with it's own story.

Can recite the whole book. I always buy this for baby showers!. It is a fun and happy book and I always loved reading it to children.

My grandson loves this book. He's only 18 months but loves to cuddle up w/this book.

What a wonderful story! The rhyming text is a pleasure to read, and the book progresses from day to night, making it a perfect bedtime story. I've read it so many times to my five year old twins that we now know it by heart. Get it!!!

My son loves to read books, but this one does not keep his attention. He likes Goodnight Moon, the Boyton Books, and others, but this doesn't keep his interest. I do like that it shows various animals and their noises.

This is one of my favorite books to read to my son. The prose is beautiful, concise, and profound. It's a very subtle book and takes some quiet time to truly appreciate it. The Big Red Barn is a picture of utopia; animals coexisting in peace, playing throughout the day, and then resting at night.

I was given this book as a gift just after my son was born. He is now coming up to three months and this is a book I just love to read to him. I am an animal lover myself and so I like the fact it is based around animals. I think the pictures are great and he is already taking a good look at them. The next step for me will be taking him to see the animals in person but until that happens we will live on the farm through this book. I have found it very pleasant to read as it has a basic rhythm to it, which means I don't mind repeating it which I am sure will help him with his development. I would recommend this book to many!!

I teach a pre-K program and didn't pay attention to the fact that it was a small, chunky book and not one to read during circle time! Gave it away and now have to find it in a bigger size!

I cried reading this book, because it is so beautiful. Recommend it for all kind of families with small children, my son just loved it.

love this book. it gently opens a discussion about what being a mom to a child really means. we dont always "look" like our children and this book addresses that. specifically good for adopted children.

I love this book and my adopted daughter loves this book. Granted she is about to turn 2, however, she still will pick this book up for me to read regularly. I have recommended this book as well to the adoption forums I belong too. Great message we are all different and it is about the love.

My three-year-old adopted son from Ethiopia loves this book! Warning, though, the grumpy Mrs. Walrus has kind of freaked him out. I have to read her line with a really happy lilt to my voice. Depending on how sensitive your child is you may want to edit Mrs. Walrus's words/tone the first time you read it to your child. I don't think my son can imagine how/why an "adult" would say to a child, "Now go away. Leave me alone."

I bought this book a couple of weeks ago and he has, a few times since then, talked about being sad when he had no mommy and no daddy in Ethiopia. He was just a few months old when he was adopted and was in excellent care while living there so I'm guessing that this book has put that idea into his head. Not a bad thing...just be aware that it might bring out emotions in your child that he or she hasn't discussed before.

I absolutely adore this book. My sister gave it to us before we traveled to China to adopt our daughter. She's just over two now and has read this book with me dozens of times. We both love the illustrations, and even at a very young age, she "gets" the idea that Choco finds a mother in Mrs. Bear, regardless of the fact that they look nothing alike. (I confess I still get misty every time I read it.) The message is delightfully done--not schmaltzy, not overdone. I would recommend this to any family--adoptive or not.

Freight Train/Tren de cargaSimple words with simple images. You can hear the "click clack" of the train coming down the track, the chugging sound of the steam engine, and the sound of the horn as it approaches and then moves away. My daughter loved this book before she could even say the words.

My oldest son loved this book. It was his favorite when he was little. It builds on vocabulary; you can count the cars, name the colors, and look at different scenarios. I learned a lot about trains by reading this book to them. I am raising my children bilingual and when I found it in English and Spanish I knew I had to get it for them. It also helped me remember the words in Spanish, which I had forgotten. I must have for any child that likes trains. Donald Crews again has delighted us with a masterpiece.

My 2 year old son is obsessed with trains - he loves this book. It is very short and the pictures are well drawn. This books shows the difference between a hopper car and a box car, etc so now when we see a real train he can tell me what kind of cars they are.

A must-read to share with kids! Freight Train uses simple text and clear illustrations. The book can be very interactive for little ones: count the cars, identify colors, make "whoosh" sounds when the train is in motion and find the smoke from the steam engine. Perfect for toddlers!

We also own the board book version with the slide-out pages that reveal the contents of each freight car, so my two-year-old was a little confused at first when we read this one because he wanted to pull out the pages. He caught on quickly enough, though, and ended up really liking this book as well. In this one he enjoys pointing out all the colors of the cars. Beautiful artwork, clearly a classic. I would definitely consider this as a gift for any toddler that loves trains.

This was one of my favorites as kid. Then, sadly, I forgot about it until stumbling across it in the school library. It is once again one of my favorites. Cynics might roll their eyes at this tribute to good ol' days gone by, but I personally appreciate the nostalgia and the house with its subtle face parts is adorable. You feel so bad for the cute little house! It is also an observation at the change of time. I don't know how intense that is as a theme, but I found it touching and Burton tells the tale with such heart and care.

We live in a very old house in the country and this book was such a cute story about just that. We enjoyed it.

Another timeless classic by this author. It's an amazing story about appreciation. Completely entertaining and like the other books in this series, the artwork is phenominal!!!

This was my favorite book as a child and I am so happy to find it again!! Now I will enjoy it as I read it to my grandchildren.

It was my favorite book when I was little, now it's time for my children to get know bout little house story. I got today from Amazon with free shipping. Great story book delivered to the door. Saving time to seaching at book store with carrying 2 little childrens especially summer hot day!
Thank god Amazon... I'm looking forward to reading this book tonight ^0^/