Toys and Games Books

Welcome to the world of the heyday of jazz. The year is 1936, and the world is open to a young orphan who has happened to find himself on the run.

Curtis writes with zesty personality for Bud and paints a portrait of a very likeable young boy who simply wants what all of us want: a family. He's a great kid with plenty of sass who is ready to take on the world and do what he needs to do to find himself his biological father.

Curtis does an excellent job of painting the culture, joys, and hardships of this time period even as they are combined with Bud's wild imagination.

Plenty of fun and heart, even for adults.

I would just like to say that this book was wonderful. Loved it. Would love to read more from the author. Very good job Curtis

Being born decades after the Depression, in the South, to a middle-class white family, I'm about as far remvoed from Bud, not Buddy as one can be, yet I felt right at home with Bud.

I found his overall attitude and persistence interesting. He never in the book said, "I give up", instead he continued to his goal no matter how far away or far fetched it seemed to be, and when he got to his goal it didn't seem as far fetched as I thought it was.

This is a great book for all readers, I enjoyed reading it, I found it to be right on par with the other Newbery books I've read in terms of story, delicate issues, and the like.

I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because I didn't like the ending. I was left wanting more, and while there is some closure it wasn't closed enough for me. I wish Curtis had put 2 more chapters in the book to describe what happened after the news broke.

It is in our most difficult times that we discover our true character and that of those around us. This type of discovery is at the heart of the tale of Bud, the 10 year-old main character of Bud, Not Buddy (Random House 1999), a novel by Christopher Paul Curtis. In this wonderful piece of historical fiction, Curtis artfully crafts Bud's story, weaving together inspiration, humor, and the realities of the Great Depression to create a heartwarming and upbeat story about the power of the human spirit.

Bud's story is a fast-paced narrative describing a resilient, determined orphan in search of a new home at a time that was difficult for many Americans. After running away from an abusive foster family, Bud is forced to move through a difficult world in search of a compassionate and caring new home that he hopes he will find with the man he believes to be his father. Armed with a beat-up suitcase filled with all of his possessions and only a flyer as his guide, Bud sets out to find a better life and ends up finding more than he could have imagined.

In his search, Bud encounters a number of helpful and interesting individuals who assist him along the way. At one point, Bud meets a homeless family who helps him sneak into a line to get bread. Bud also encounters a shantytown, known as a Hooverville, where families sleep in tents after becoming homeless. Bud meets families who wait while fathers and husbands hop trains in search of work. Bud's tale recounts the difficulties for many individuals, especially African Americans, during the Great Depression. Throughout his travels, Bud encounters the difficulties of finding food, shelter, and money, as he looks to others and his own strength to continue his journey.

Fortunately, Bud meets a number of individuals who are willing to share the little bit that they have in order to help him. Bud's search eventually leads him to the man in the poster that he believed to be his father. Although Bud's final destination may not be exactly what he thought when he set out, it is exactly what he needed. Despite the difficult times, Bud's journey is a heartwarming tale about the compassion of strangers, the beauty of music, and the power of family.

Curtis' novel is a great read for families and a perfect selection for middle school children. The 243-page novel moves quickly as Curtis' narrative-style leaps off the page. Based on the Fry readability formula, this book has a fifth grade reading level, but it may be a great for students above that level as well. Although the realities of the Great Depression may be difficult for younger readers to grasp, the life lessons that Bud encounters are valuable for any student. Despite the bleakness and difficulty of the historical setting, Curtis does an excellent job of describing the strength and compassion of the individuals. I personally enjoyed this book a great deal and would recommend it to others.

My 3rd grade class really enjoyed listening to this story. The adventures of Bud, while many times being funny, touch my students and help them to see what another 8 year old in a past era had to endure. Great story line.

I had to make a first review here in protest at such junk packaged as high-brow kids lit. The dark content is off-putting, but all the more so because it comes with an exceedingly poor plot & is written in an achingly moronic style. Honestly, I think the book adaptations of straight to dvd barbie movies exhibit better literary flair. I'll reprint here another reviewers thoughts that echo my own...

Honestly a terribly written book. Those who think otherwise need to go back and look at Trumpet of the Swan or Charlotte's Web, just for a start. It is needlessly and endlessly repetitive ("the light, the light!" ugh, no need to bash children over the head), boring, dark, unimaginative, nonsensically cruel, and insulting to the intelligence ("now, reader, this is important:"). I'm astounded that this won a medal. There are much better investments of time and money, and no, I certainly DON'T mean Harry Potter.

I think that the movie is going to murder the book! Go to the preview at Netflix.com and see it for yourself! The book is great--so great I can read it a million times like how Mig is good then turns bad because of Rescauro.

A few weeks ago I saw a preview for the movie version of DiCamillo's The Tale of Despereaux, and not knowing a bit about the storyline, thought the movie looked kinda cute. Beautiful colors and wonderful lines in the animation, a cute little mouse of a hero, and I do love Matthew Broderick (the voice of Despereaux). Even if it did look faintly like "Ratatouille," I felt excited about the movie and thought I'd finally read the book.

The immediate problem: I am not sure a filmmaker on earth could have captured the magic of this book. It is almost indescribable to me, the way this book made me feel. Then again, I felt the same way about reading Charlotte's Web, and I do think the 2006 film version did it a lovely bit of justice. So maybe there's no excuse for why filmmakers for Despereaux felt they needed to throw in a big mean cat (not in the book), mouse school (not there either), and a field of vicious mousetraps (nope, nope, nope). The book is about being brave, yes, but not being brave because of danger. It's about being brave enough to be who you were born to be.

Despereaux is born different from all the other mice - bigger ears, smaller body. And born with his EYES OPEN (which no mouse, apparently, ever is). He is drawn to light, he feels music in his body like the sound of honey ("sound," he says, not "smell"). He loves books not for the glue or paper to chew on, but for the tales they weave and truths they create. And he doesn't fear humans, but falls in love with them, well - with one in particular. He is brave not because he is being pursued by the castle cat, but because he himself pursues something transcendent in his life - light and love. Not what anyone expects of a mouse!

This is such a gorgeous, lush, lovely book. It made me chuckle, frown, and cry just a little. DiCamillo's storytelling is like silk - luxurious and soft, and sturdy and sure. I love the narrator, how he/she directly addresses the "reader." I love how in such a short span of time and space, these characters are made complicated and complex. Everything is not perfect, noone is without their faults. How did DiCamillo create a world so divine and still so infinitely human? She's amazing.

My throat tightened (as it does now) upon reading the "Coda" to Despereaux's tale:

Do you remember when Despereaux was in the dungeon, cupped in Gregory the jailer's hand, whispering a story in the old man's ear?

I would like it very much if you thought of me as a mouse telling you a story, this story, with the whole of my heart, whispering it in your ear in order to save myself from the darkness, and to save you from the darkness, too.

"Stories are light," Gregory the jailer told Despereaux.

Reader, I hope you have found some light here.

Oh, yes, I found light. For me, it was as bright as the sun.

I highly suggest any parent, or child to read this book before seeing the movie. The author grabs the reader as if pulling the reader to be a part of the book that will not be captivated in the same manner in the movie. The chapters are short, entralling. It draws you in quickly, and if you read to your child, its a book that draws even my five year old son to ask for me to keep on, and looks forward to the next day to hear the upcoming chapter. It teaches new words for young readers, and the imagination is just wonderful. The quality of the make of the book is exceptional. The edges of the pages unique, and for reason that you have to read to why the pages are rough like they are. This indeed is a book to treasure for any age.

The Tale of Despereaux
This is a tale of forgiveness, when forgiveness is hard; love, through all the storms in life, and light through all the darkness.

Despereaux, a small mouse with large ears, wasn't interested in nibbling on the large books in the castle, along with his sister. Instead, he began reading wonderful stories about princesses, knights in shining armor and happily-ever-after. Lured by music, Despereaux found himself in the presence of the Princess Pea and the King. When he first spotted the Princess Pea, he knew he was in Love. His mother, father, brother and the entire mouse council turned against him, for proclaiming his love for the princess.

Despereaux was measured for a noose, of red thread and taken to the dungeon. Never has a mouse survived the dungeon; not with all the hungry rats waiting for a tasty treat.

Love, forgiveness, bravery and a good story may save the life of Despereaux, but who will save the princess? She has been lured into the dungeon by a young girl, Miggery Sow, who wants to be a princess and a rat named Roscuro, who longs to live in the light.

You and your family will enjoy the tale of Despaureax. Parts of this story may be scary for younger children. There is also the mistreatment of the young Miggery Sow.

Jill Ammon Vanderwood
Through the Rug
Through The Rug: Follow That Dog (Through the Rug)
Stowaway: The San Francisco Adventures of Sara, the Pineapple Cat

I would give this book, Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan, four stars. The author describes everything really realistic and fun, making you feel like you're watching TV. All the characters are realistic in their characteristics. Only the bad thing is the ending I think. I think the ending happened too suddenly. That's the only reason I took one star out. It's really a good book though.
Esperanza lives in a very large house in El Rancho de las Rosas in Mexico, until a very bad event happens. By that event, she loses her house and her land, but her mother and friends are all at her side. She and all her companions except Abuelita, her grandmother who hurt her leg, have to go to USA to work. Her mother gets sick there and Esperanza works even harder to get the money to heal her. Abuelita comes by Miguel, Esperanza's friend's help. Esperanza's mother gets well, too. At last, happy ending comes to her life, at USA, with her family.
I think people who are around my age, 12, will like this book. I think it might be too hard for smaller kids, and older people might be too old to read this book. It's best for kids around my age. Mostly girls might read this book, looking at the front page, but boys like it too.(I have seen them read).

by: Aeri Kong

I read the book called "Esperanza Rising" by Pam Munoz Ryan. I will give this book five stars out of five because I usually hate reading books but this book really made me think of the past. This book is very interesting because so much things relates to my life. This book was a bout a girl named Esperanza. She was so rich and such an lucky girl until one day she was picking rose she hurt her-self. Then she thought of "bad luck." One day her dad went for work and the bandits came and killed him. So all the money, the house now belongs to the uncle. The uncle asks her out and she refuse and choose to go to the camp. She thought that she could find happiness but she was wrong. As soon as Esperanza's mom gets there she gets sick. Now Esperanza has lost everything and she has to do all the works she has never had done! Will she survive? Find out now! I would recommend to everyone to read this book because this book has lots of connections, and I think its really cool! Read this book Now!!!
By: Jenna Choi

I would give five stars out of five to the book "Esperanza Rising," by Pam Munoz Ryan, because the author did a great job giving us a vivid picture with sensory details. I also liked it because it is related to my life. The story was mainly about a girl named Esperanza immigrating to California from Mexico, because of a tragic moment happening in her life. Unfortunately, she couldn't take her grandmother with her because she was old and sick. This part relates to my life because I moved to Korea from New York, because of a sad situation as well. This book is awesome; it made me think a lot about the past. That is why I liked this book! It relates to my life! Eventually, her grandmother comes to California to live with them. It is a happy ending story, so people who like books with a happy ending would like this book. People, who enjoy books that have a mysterious or sad ending that makes you think more, wouldn't want to read this book. Anyways, those who are interested can read this book anytime!

By: Annie

I did not expect this book to amaze me as much as it did. Maybe it's the fact that this is based on the true story of the author's grandmother, but this book is written with such heart and love it will set you weeping. At the same time, it's beautiful, touching, and rich in inspiration and the human spirit.

Esperanza is a girl who lives the life of a princess in Mexico. However, the fairy tale syndrome strikes her when her father dies. Her cruel uncle demands her mother marry him, so Esperanza, her mother, grandmother, and the family of trusted servants head for the boarder of the United States where their life is utterly turned around.

No longer is Esperanza a princess, but a girl who has been given the opportunity to truly find herself in a brand new and terrifying world of workers and poverty.

Maybe some people would not want this piece of history romanticized, but the author reveals a certain beauty of just how incredible these people were in what they did.

It's edgy, romantic, and thorougly inspirational. The writing is almost like poetry.

This was simply a good read for youth or perhaps for anyone. The story sent out a message concerning discrimination, learning and coping with change, and growing and evolving into a stronger human being. Thumbs up !

I somehow tragically managed to make my way to adulthood with never reading anything but the kiddie version of this book. When I found this book for super-cheap in the teachers' lounge book sale and I figured "hey, why not?" And thus I picked it up and immediately fell in love with the sheer Old-South charm that only Twain can deliver. Really, people, it is no wonder that this book is such a classic! It may not have the soulful human reflections of "Huckleberry Finn", but in the solemn concern for the pleasures of boyhood it certainly makes its own mark.

Mark Twain tells the story purely from a storyteller's view. No deep analysis of character that takes you right inside of Tom Sawyer's psyche, nothing blatantly philosophical. It is as if Mr. Twain lives to simply tells us into what trouble Tom is getting. He does not go out of his way to give lengthy, dull descriptions or even fully flesh out the details of just what Tom and his friends are doing. It gives it a charming, folksy style that allows for plenty of plot and action. Even, so the writing is unparalleled.

And it truly is a great story. It's fun! I don't know how many poor students have been tricked into believing it is not. It has all the great elements of a good boy story, what with the murders and buried treasure and faked deaths and hoodoo--not to mention the delight taken away by discovery of bacteria.

I'm also a huge fan of this Whole Story edition. It's beautiful, easy to carry around, and I guess I'm a sucker for the documentary feature.

Fantastic, fun story. Everyone should read it.

These audio books help children that are having trouble with the written word. I also use them in the car, so each trip we hear more of the story. The kids love them and I think it makes them interested in reading.

To understand America in the nineteenth century, you must understand Tom Sawyer. His life, so full of adventure set amidst the bustle of a changing nation, is in many ways the dream of nearly all male children. To spend your time swimming in the creek, gathering "treasures" and eating goodies is truly the good life. Tom's romance with Becky is also the way it is with most boys. Girls are universally considered to have some kind of contagious disease, when I was young, they had cooties, until you see that one perfect girl that you will share everything with.
The wonder and mischief of Tom and Huck are captured in this book, superbly illustrated by Michael Ploog. Tom is wide-eyed, freckled and has bulbous cheeks. Huck has a pointed nose, bright eyes and a suitably scruffy demeanor. With the exception of Sundays, the boy's clothes consist of a series of patches sewn over rags. This book is an excellent introduction to what is the tale of American youth of the nineteenth century, very appropriate for classes in English. Of course, after covering this book, the students should be required to read the original.

This book is a great example of what makes Twain one of America's most belvoed writers. Twain's unique sense of humor and his keen insights into human nature shine through in this book. Twain's style is wonderful, the characters are dynamic and the plot never hits a snag. Twain has created a novel here that is light enough on the surface to entertain young readers yet contatins enough substance to speak volumes to an adult audience. You are sure to love this one is you have read any of Twain's other works. If you haven't read Twain, delay no further--this book is the perfect starting point.

Ever since my dad first read this timeless classic to my sister & me as kids, while camping in our trailer during the summer, it has left its indelible impression upon my imagination. How I too wanted to shove off from shore on my "skiff" and have my own adventures down the Mississippi! I know of no other book that so wonderfully captures the essence and joy of carefree boyhood.

When I say "carefree", however, I am not forgetting the grim and serious elements of the novel. But these work just as well as the sunnier and funnier parts. In fact, just when the narrative needs it, a murder comes along which boosts the plot most effectively, giving it a shot in the arm. And speaking of the darker aspects, does not Injun Joe have to rank highly on the list of greatest villains in the history of literature? I can assure you that as a boy listening to the cave chapters, his menace was palpable and unforgettable.

Unfortunately, literary snobs have often found it fashionable to belittle Tom Sawyer as inconsequential and a 'lightweight' seen against the towering greatness of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn". I couldn't disagree more. (I love Huckleberry Finn dearly and plan to review it soon as well). I read a quote in a foreword that I thought was very insightful: "Huckleberry Finn is a greater book, but not a better one." I think this is exactly so. Extol the greatness of HF by all means, but don't make the mistake of downgrading Twain's other masterpiece, just because its theme is not so weighty and grave. In fact, the episodic nature of the telling of Tom Sawyer fit Twain's particular brand of genius perfectly (whereas there were some sub par stretches in Huck Finn).

Loved it as a boy, love it no less as a man. Thank you, dad, for imparting such an enduring gift.

The story of a 'frightful little girl', whose point of view changes as she discovers the secrets of her new surroundings.
A well-written story at times, but it definitely had its draggy moments. It seemed to promise more than it delivered(I expected more of a fantasy tale, along the lines of 'The Chronicles of Narnia'.)
The characters were well-developed, though Colin kind of took over what had been 'Mary's story' toward the end.
Perhaps not the best 'classic children's lit' out there, but it shows how life was at the time it was written, and it's best not to give up on it because it's not entirely 'PC'. Judge for yourself.

This book is awesome. I loved the story of this two neglected kids that find each other. Both were mighty in their own ways, yet lonely in their soul. That is until she found the secret garden in her cousin's home. In it, it grew more than plants, their lives intwine with that of the flowers and they too bloom at the end. Beautiful story.
Anna del C.
Author of "The Elf and the Princess"
and "Trouble in the Elf City"
The Elf and The Princess: The Silent Warrior Trilogy - Book One (The Silent Warrior Trilogy)

This was my favorite book as a child. Still love it today. MUCH better than any of the movies made!

If there is a main character for the book it is Misselthwaite Manor. If there is a present theme is that we (metaphorically speaking) can all unlock our secret garden and make it grow and make a world which we can invite others into.

The story examines a series of characters from Mary Lennox, Dicken Sowersby, Martha Sowersby and of course Colin Craven as they find their lives revolving around the gardens and the moores of a place located in Yorkshire England as they find 'the magic' of the place managing to provoke life changing lessons for all of them.

Like her other book 'The Little Princess', the book starts off in India, and like 'Little Princess', Mary suffers the death of her parents and finds herself trapped in England but that is where the novels part ways. Instead we are immersed into a world of robins, flowers, gardens and shimmering fog and springtime activities. Mistress Mary is cast among a world she barely understand but must learn to survive in. She unlocks mysteries, gets new friends and changes the life of another -- Colin forever.

Both my daughter and I enjoyed the novel until the very end where it decays a bit into endless exposition as Colin begins his scientific experiments. The ending itself almost leaves open a sequel as several character issues find themselves a bit hanging in a lurch but the focus is not on any one single character -- mistress Mary pretty much drops out of the novel halfway through it. It is on the world around us and how it can change us if we let it. We all have beautiful secret gardens in all of us if we are willing to find them and share them with others and in the world of today, that's a great message.

I can't believe I missed reading this growing up. My daughter and I just read this together. It was wonderful, and we both loved it. She likes to read books over and over, and I think she will appreciate reading this even more when she gets a little older. She loved the idea of secrets, twins, and the transformation of Mary. Having not had similar experiences to the characters in the books, such as losing close family members, she didn't quite understand the concept of a person having to learn to love and cry.

I loved the symbolism of the young girl blossoming with the garden, the relationship she develops with her cousin, the flower imagery, and the many little details like the birds nesting in the chairs in the run-down part of the manor. The mystery of this story is also wonderful and very suspenseful.

I think many adults who missed reading this growing up would enjoy this book. And I think all children, both boys and girls, should read this at least once. It is an absolute treasure.

Our class read this book together this year. We loved it!!! It is about a 4th grader named Peter and his annoying brother named Fudge. Peter wins a turtle named Dribble from his friend Jimmy Fargo's birthday party. Fudge is always getting into trouble. Fudge's birthday is a disaster! First, someone wets on the floor and bites the grandma. One child throws up and falls asleep. And another child never stops crying. What will Peter do about his little brother??? You'll have to read this funny book and find out for yourself!!!

My Fourth Grade daughter has book reports due every 2-3 weeks. I went online to find some books I remembered reading as a child to see if she would enjoy them as much. While reading this book, my daughter would laugh out loud and tell me things she was reading. She really enjoyed the humor and the content of the book. She is going to be a big sister herself in a few months so I think she found the stories of Fudge even funnier because of that. Her book report went off without a hitch and she was able to convince other children in her class that this is a great book to read. She's going to start Superfudge next! I would highly recommend this book and so would my daughter.

Well I love this book it has humor and lots and lots of laughs!
BUT I don't like how Judy made Fudgie this amazing spoiled little boy. I MEAN COME ON HE EAT A TURTLE!

In Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing (Bantam, 1972), Judy Blume introduces Peter, an average fourth grader, living in an apartment in New York City with his parents; his little brother, Fudge; and his newly acquired turtle, Dribble. Three-year-old Fudge constantly creates drama in this otherwise quiet family, whether he is ruining his father's career or disrupting the family dinner. Fudge always seems to attract some type of attention from adults--whether for his cute face or his mischievous behavior. By comparison, Peter feels like a fourth grade nothing. It's not easy for Peter to love his little brother, who always seems to be the center of attention. As Fudge's trouble-making habits escalate, Peter's life is increasingly affected. Fudge destroys the school project that Peter and his friends labored over for weeks, and the toddler can't seem to keep away from Peter's beloved pet turtle. But when Fudge's actions bring on a family disaster, Peter learns that he is more than a fourth-grade nothing in the eyes of his family.

Readers will identify with scenes from Peter's everyday family life. This book is for every kid who leads an ordinary existence, dealing with parents, siblings, homework, and know-it-alls.

Judy Blume's, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing (Puffin Books 1972), is a humorous tale of a nine-year-old boy named Peter and his younger brother, Fudge. Peter is consistently upset by three-year-old Fudge's antics, including disappearing at a movie theater while trying to touch the bears that appear on-screen and playing with Peter's turtle, Dribble without his permission. In addition to dealing with his annoying little brother, Peter must also hang out with Shelia, his nemesis from down the street. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing is the first in the series of books about the Hatcher family. Blume's comedic scenes are not only naturally written, but they are believable as well. Fudge's apt for getting into trouble is sure to delight younger readers, while the tragic (albeit humorous) scene concerning Dribble will surely appeal to older readers of Blume's classic novel about a New York City family.

I brought this book for my daughter-in-law to read to our grandchild. They are teaching dual languages (English and Spanish) to him as his other grandparents are Chileans.

My 13 month old daughter LOVES this book! She wants me to read it all day everyday. When she is walking around more often than not she has it in her hands. She like pointing to the babies and lifting the flaps. Your child may or may not be as intersted in the book as she is but its worth a shot.

Very round, very cute, very... childlike, for lack of a better word.

And I always appreciate the effort in making a multiracial cast of kids, not everybody does that.

Would be nice if the flaps were a little stronger, though. Unfortunately, they *will* rip off, so this book has to be supervised only :(

We are on child #2 with this book and both of my kids have requested it over and over and over and over. My youngest, 19 months, is 'reading' it to us. I found my 5 yr old reading it to the youngest one last night.

It is easy to understand, fun for the babies and easily read by my other kid. What could be better? Well, maybe a space age polymer that keeps the flaps on when an overzealous toddler continues to try and wrestle them off.

I will say that my daughter did like this book. It's a "peek-a-boo" type book. The problem is that, of course, babies want to open and close the flaps themselves, and these flaps are thin, flimsy and hard for little baby fingers to get a hold of (and avoid ripping or curlling once they do). Many of our flaps are missing, but the kids still read this book from time to time.

It would be better if it was a little sturdier.

I was disappointed--This is a Beverly Cleary book, and I grew up on the Ramona Series. Maybe I just went into it with irrationally high hopes, thinking it'd be a happy, fun-filled story. Nooope. It's a really boring story, with the main character as a boring ordinary boy. Nothing spectacular happens. He acts younger than his age and the characterization is quite horrible. The plot threads are chaotic and disorganized (What does the lunch have to do with his father? What does any of it have to do with the letter writing?) After the climactic phone call to his father, maybe the one part of the book I thought was emotionally charged and realistic, everything works out WAY TOO NEATLY. And then, the worst thing she could possibly do--she brings his dad back! WHAT?! There was no point to that, none at all. It would have been so much stronger if he hadn't come back and if Leigh had learned to cope. Nothing gets resolved (There are still daddy issues. The lunchbox thief still hasn't been found. And darn it, he STILL hasn't met Boyd Henshaw!) and it's a ridiculously dull book. :(

I cannot think of this book without deep fondness. If you let it, this is one of those books that can change your life. It's honest and innocent all at once, and Cleary does an incredible job of capturing the mood of a boy going through a confusing time of friends and family. His only outlet is a series of letters to his favorite author.

What begins as a school assignment becomes a relationship (even though we are granted only Leigh's perspective) that is personal and makes you appreciate the wonderful people that are out there.

The best thing about this is watching Leigh grow as a character and learn to deal with the ups and downs of his life.

Lee is a lonely little boy dealing with his parents' divorce. He begins a correspondence with his favorite author, Mr. Henshaw. This letter writing helps Lee understand himself better.

I read this to my classes every year when we are learning about letter writing. It is a powerful novel that kids can relate to.

The beginning made me wonder so I wanted to read on.
The middle answered all my questions.
The ending was sad and happy at the same time.
This is why I liked Dear Mr.Henshaw!!!!!

The book I am reviewing is written by Beverly Cleary. It is a great book named Dear Mr. Henshaw. It is a book about a boy named Leigh Botts, he writes letters to his favorite author Mr.Henshaw. He writes about many of his problems such as his parents' divorce and trouble at school. I think this book deserves four stars because I like reading about realistic problems and people. I recommend this book to people who like realistic fiction in grades 3-5. Beverly Cleary also writes many stories like Ramona the Pest and Mouse and the motorcycle.

A really cute book about a Siamese Cat who thinks he is a Chihuahua! A lot of fun and good introduction to Spanish!

My daughter is 5 and she LOVES reading the Skippyjon Jones books. There are places where we giggle and clap. I read to her every night and since adding these books I actually enjoy the fun that comes off the page. My job as a parent is to make learning fun and entertaining - and these books are both. El Skipito to the rescue!!

It has been so very difficult to find a series of books for my little one, that is until I came across this goofy siamese kitten and his broad imagination. She will not put the book down and when she does it is because she is asleep! I read the book to her everynight and the promise of such gets her jumping to brush her teeth and ready herself for bed. This loco kitten has captured the hearts of whole family and now getting her another book is easier for me!

My 4-year old daughter, husband & I absolutely love this book! It's one I never get tired of reading! It is so funny, and the illustrations are terrific. One of the cutest books ever!!! Wonderful for the imagination. I highly recommend this book! My daughter gets so excited she can hardly wait for her bedtime story.

My 5 year old really enjoys this books with the silly rhymes and play on words. This story is about a child-cat and his imagination. The play on spanish words aren't meant to be racist, it shows how a young kitten (similar in his personality to a young child) may interpret how they hear things. It never shows the spanish chihuahuas as being any kind of bad stereotypes. Just as some Pups in need of a little rescuing from a Zorro style hero.

To me, the books relate to how young ones work into their imaginary play new languages and ideas on culture. Chihuahuas are thought to be spanish, so SkippyJon, a child-cat, will 'interpret' the language and customs in his own way, with what little knowledge he has, while pretending to be a chihuahua.

Also, to reference a particular point someone made on why the book is so stereotypical, the true reason behind adding the -O after words that aren't spanish is NOT done to suggest that it automatically makes a word spanish. Its done to fit into the song rhythm its meant to go with, and to rhyme with other words.

In the end, if you are concerned about it, teach your child the true customs and explain that the book is about word play between english and spanish, and is make believe and silly. Or, of course, don't read the book at all. But don't be so self-righteous as to denounce the book as racist, because racist is an ugly term that these playful books do not deserve.

We really enjoyed this book and reading it to our daughter - who is nearly three. It not only captivates her imagination but is full of wonderful old fashioned values - particularly of being "liked for the person who you are". I would highly recommend it.

Although I read all kinds of books as a kid, I never got to read Corduroy before last week when a friend of mine gave it to me.
I wish I had known about it when I was teaching elementary school. I had some kids in my class that kinda fit that "I'm imperfect, somebody please love me" mode. This would have been perfect for them. It would have shown them that such love was possible.
I found it touching. I'm going to make it a permanent baby gift.

My children's favorite little bear along with a new character- a caterpillar by the name of Cyrano in Life's Little Lessons: An Inch-By-Inch Tale of Successhave left these two books shreded from use.Children will laugh at the adventures of these characters over and over again.

I actually have not read this book for years and was delighted when I found it again. For something so simple, it certainly packs a respectable adventure and plenty of heart. Corduroy is an adorable bear, and his department store is very nostolgic.

This is a good book about the adventures Corduroy goes on in order to find a button. He *doesn't* find a button, but that's all right - a little (African-American, if that's relevant) girl takes him home anyway. "I like you just the way you are!"

I do find that Corduroy's dialog is a little sappy, and it's somewhat weird to me that he can actually talk to Lisa, but it's still a good book.