Best Children's Ape & Monkey Books
Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this illustrated book is told from the point of view of Ivan himself. This paperback edition includes an author's note highlighting the differences between the fictional story and true events, a version of the author's Newbery Medal acceptance speech, Ivan's "signature," discussion questions, and more. Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews: "How Ivan confronts his harrowing past yet stays true to his nature exemplifies everything youngsters need to know about courage.”. Starred Review, School Library Journal: “The characters will capture readers’ hearts and never let go. "Discover an animal hero that will take his place with other courageous and beloved animals such as Babe, Mrs. Frisby, Charlotte and Wilbur. "Beautifully written, intelligent, and brave book…Quite simply, this story is life-changing.”. --Patricia MacLachlan, Newbery Medalist, Sarah, Plain and Tall. "The One and Only Ivan will break your heart--and then, against all odds, mend it again."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"When my 11-year-old finished reading this novel, his first statement was, “I LOVED that book!” With an endorsement like that and because it was the first instance where he ‘stopped time,’ I had to read the book too. In it, the author says,” We live in a world where children are bullied into despair and even suicide; where armed guards in a school hallway are considered desirable; where libraries are padlocked because of budget cuts; where breakfast and backpacks, for too many children are unaffordable luxuries.”. “What makes children better than the rest of us is that they are buoyant, unrepentant optimists.”. As a writer, reader, and lover of words, I make it a habit to ‘stop time’ whenever I come across sparkling phrases that deserve homage. A ‘stop time’ is where we stop whatever we are doing to read out loud and to listen; we listen to both the author’s words and to what made that phrase so meaningful to the reader. The first ‘stop time’ that my son called happened when Ivan makes an impossible promise to Ruby, the baby elephant."
"great book for children, my son was reading this at school and just had to have it for home too."
"It had some sad parts and some good parts.I think that this is the best story I ever read."
"Great read for kids!"
"Great audiobook for the family."
"Christmas gift - I'm sure he likes it cause he likes the author."
"Easy, quick and interesting reading."
"My seven year old son and I loved this book."
Who's that short, furry guy with the key in his hand and the mischievous grin? "I wanted to teach sign language to gorillas, but after taking a class in signing, I realized what I'd rather do was draw pictures of gorillas." Ms. Rathmann studied commercial art at the American Academy in Chicago, fine art at the Atelier Lack in Minneapolis, and children's-book writing and illustration at the Otis Parsons School of Design in Los Angeles. Finally, the teacher convinced me that even a beginning writer can create an original character if the character is driven by the writer's most secret weirdness. The resulting book, Ruby the Copycat , earned Ms. Rathmann the "Most Promising New Author" distinction in Publishers Weekly 's 1991 annual Cuffie Awards. We played kick-the-can, and three-times-around-the-house, and sometimes we just stood staring into other people's picture windows, wondering what it would be like to go home to someone else's house." The first time we watched that tape we were so shocked, we couldn't stop laughing.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"While it is not very challenging for a young reader reading at the second grade level, that ease and the wonderful illustrations seem to appeal to her."
"I also ordered the little gorilla that sells at Amazon that looks just like the little character in this story."
"We also have fun tracking the pink ballooon through the pictures on the pages as the story evolves."
"The story has pictures and names of many different animals and a hearing a little one trying to say good night hyena is so cute."
"We love this book!"
"This is the book that I read to my children when they were young."
"The gorilla steals the zookeeper's keys and lets all the animals loose, with comical results."
"The plot and illustrations invite the child to participate int the story."
Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this illustrated book is told from the point of view of Ivan himself. This Harper Classic edition includes an author's note highlighting the differences between the fictional story and true events, a. letter from Ivan's caretaker at Zoo Atlanta, Ivan's "signature," discussion questions, and more. ★ “Animal-loving youngsters and their adults will find plenty of food for thought in Ivan’s extraordinary story.” (Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) ). ★ “Exemplifies everything youngsters need to know about courage.” (Kirkus Reviews (starred review) ). “Discover an animal hero that will take his place with other courageous and beloved animals such as Babe, Mrs. Frisby, Charlotte and Wilbur.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"When my 11-year-old finished reading this novel, his first statement was, “I LOVED that book!” With an endorsement like that and because it was the first instance where he ‘stopped time,’ I had to read the book too. In it, the author says,” We live in a world where children are bullied into despair and even suicide; where armed guards in a school hallway are considered desirable; where libraries are padlocked because of budget cuts; where breakfast and backpacks, for too many children are unaffordable luxuries.”. “What makes children better than the rest of us is that they are buoyant, unrepentant optimists.”. As a writer, reader, and lover of words, I make it a habit to ‘stop time’ whenever I come across sparkling phrases that deserve homage. A ‘stop time’ is where we stop whatever we are doing to read out loud and to listen; we listen to both the author’s words and to what made that phrase so meaningful to the reader. The first ‘stop time’ that my son called happened when Ivan makes an impossible promise to Ruby, the baby elephant."
"great book for children, my son was reading this at school and just had to have it for home too."
"It had some sad parts and some good parts.I think that this is the best story I ever read."
"Great read for kids!"
"Great audiobook for the family."
"Christmas gift - I'm sure he likes it cause he likes the author."
"Easy, quick and interesting reading."
"My seven year old son and I loved this book."
Best Children's Zoo Books
Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this illustrated book is told from the point of view of Ivan himself. This paperback edition includes an author's note highlighting the differences between the fictional story and true events, a version of the author's Newbery Medal acceptance speech, Ivan's "signature," discussion questions, and more. Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews: "How Ivan confronts his harrowing past yet stays true to his nature exemplifies everything youngsters need to know about courage.”. Starred Review, School Library Journal: “The characters will capture readers’ hearts and never let go. "Discover an animal hero that will take his place with other courageous and beloved animals such as Babe, Mrs. Frisby, Charlotte and Wilbur. "Beautifully written, intelligent, and brave book…Quite simply, this story is life-changing.”. --Patricia MacLachlan, Newbery Medalist, Sarah, Plain and Tall. "The One and Only Ivan will break your heart--and then, against all odds, mend it again."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"When my 11-year-old finished reading this novel, his first statement was, “I LOVED that book!” With an endorsement like that and because it was the first instance where he ‘stopped time,’ I had to read the book too. In it, the author says,” We live in a world where children are bullied into despair and even suicide; where armed guards in a school hallway are considered desirable; where libraries are padlocked because of budget cuts; where breakfast and backpacks, for too many children are unaffordable luxuries.”. “What makes children better than the rest of us is that they are buoyant, unrepentant optimists.”. As a writer, reader, and lover of words, I make it a habit to ‘stop time’ whenever I come across sparkling phrases that deserve homage. A ‘stop time’ is where we stop whatever we are doing to read out loud and to listen; we listen to both the author’s words and to what made that phrase so meaningful to the reader. The first ‘stop time’ that my son called happened when Ivan makes an impossible promise to Ruby, the baby elephant."
"Bought it for my 4th grade nephew."
"Great read for kids!"
"This is a fun little book."
"My 11 year old son loved this book--it was hard for him to put it down."
"it was a gift for brothers who like to read."
"Touching, and based on a true story.. my 8 yo enjoyed it very much."
"Christmas gift - I'm sure he likes it cause he likes the author."
Best Children's Ape & Monkey Books
But when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, he is forced to see their home, and his art, through new eyes. In the tradition of timeless stories like Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little , Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create Ivan's unforgettable first-person narration in a story of friendship, art, and hope. Gr 4–6—Budding fans and die-hard Ivanites alike will appreciate this sumptuous, oversize edition of Applegate's spare yet resonant Newbery Award—winning work, inspired by actual events, about a gorilla put on display at a mall and his journey to freedom. Bonus materials add appeal and context: Applegate's Newbery acceptance speech; a copy of the real Ivan's "autograph" (fingerprint); a letter from Jodi Carrigan, the zookeeper who helped care for Ivan at Zoo Atlanta (where he lived after leaving the mall); and sketches and illustrations that were considered for the original edition.—Mahnaz Dar, School Library Journal ★ “Will capture readers’ hearts and never let go. Quite simply, this story is life changing.” (Patricia MacLachlan, Newbery Medal-winning author of Sarah, Plain and Tall).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"When my 11-year-old finished reading this novel, his first statement was, “I LOVED that book!” With an endorsement like that and because it was the first instance where he ‘stopped time,’ I had to read the book too. In it, the author says,” We live in a world where children are bullied into despair and even suicide; where armed guards in a school hallway are considered desirable; where libraries are padlocked because of budget cuts; where breakfast and backpacks, for too many children are unaffordable luxuries.”. “What makes children better than the rest of us is that they are buoyant, unrepentant optimists.”. As a writer, reader, and lover of words, I make it a habit to ‘stop time’ whenever I come across sparkling phrases that deserve homage. A ‘stop time’ is where we stop whatever we are doing to read out loud and to listen; we listen to both the author’s words and to what made that phrase so meaningful to the reader. The first ‘stop time’ that my son called happened when Ivan makes an impossible promise to Ruby, the baby elephant."
"great book for children, my son was reading this at school and just had to have it for home too."
"...and that’s not a bad thing."
"Great read for kids!"
"Great audiobook for the family."
"Christmas gift - I'm sure he likes it cause he likes the author."
"Easy, quick and interesting reading."
"My seven year old son and I loved this book."
Best Children's Art Books
Kids will be imagining their own humorous conversations with crayons and coloring a blue streak after sharing laughs with Drew Daywalt and New York Times bestseller Oliver Jeffers. This story is perfect as a back-to-school gift, for all budding artists, for fans of humorous books such as Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Sciezka and Lane Smith, and for fans of Oliver Jeffers' Stuck , The Incredible Book Eating Boy , Lost and Found , and This Moose Belongs to Me. Praise for The Day the Crayons Quit Amazon’s 2013 Best Picture Book of the Year. Move over, Click, Clack, Moo ; we’ve got a new contender for the most successful picture-book strike.” – BCCB , starred review. * “This colorful title should make for an uproarious storytime.” – School Library Journal , starred review. * “These memorable personalities will leave readers glancing apprehensively at their own crayon boxes.” – Publishers Weekly , starred review. The conceit is an enticing one, and although the crayons’ complaints are not entirely unique (a preponderance centers around some variation of overuse), the artist’s indelible characterization contributes significant charm. A final spread sees all things right, as Duncan fills a page with bright, delightful imagery, addressing each of the crayons’ issues and forcing them into colorful cooperation.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"That's because I used them to light the fire used to heat all the food you dropped on the floor during dinner and then fed it to your little sister because, as you know, we don't waste food around here. No matter your age, you will identify with the characters, they will probably remind you of your family, your coworkers and your friends. In case you're wondering, some of my other favorites are: The Three Little Pigs, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Small Pig, Where the Wild Things Are, I Want My Hat Back, Pete The Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, We're Going on A Bear Hunt, The Cat in the Hat."
"She loves to have books read to her, but this is one of the only times my short-attention-span kid has asked for the same book twice in a row and the first time a book as inspired such a burst of creativity."
"Our older grandsons have a lot of fun voicing the letters written by "Red", who even has to work on holidays (i.e. coloring Santas, Valentines), "Purple" is going to "completely lose it" if Duncan doesn't start coloring inside of the lines soon, "Beige" (who is "BEIGE and PROUD!"). ), who claims to be very happy with his work, congratulates Duncan on his coloring career, but wants to inform him of the bickering between "Yellow" and "Orange" over who gets to be the color of the sun, with "Yellow" and "Orange" writing separate letters each stating their case along with documented proof, "Blue" is overworked and now just a stub who can't even see over the box railing any longer, "Pink" believes she's experiencing discrimination because she's "a girls' color", while "Peach" is completely unwrapped ("I don't even have any underwear!"). But the amazingly colorful picture Duncan creates - allowing each crayon to stretch beyond their typical usages - ends up earning him an A for coloring and an A+ for creativity!"
"My young one loves it and frequently asks for the "crayon book" but the humor is perfect for older kids and parents too."
"Great book."
"My 5 and 7 year old want to read this every night since we received it."
"My son would laugh 😂 every time I would read it to him."
"Probably not one I'd love to read out loud every single night but we really enjoy it from time to time."
Best Children's Environment Books
Can a robot survive in the wilderness? 2018 Sunshine State Young Readers Award List Pick. "Brown has written a lively tale that is sure to engage young readers. "Roz may not feel emotions, but young readers certainly will as this tender, captivating tale unfolds. * "[Peter] Brown's picture books are consistent bestsellers and critically acclaimed. * "Brown's middle-grade debut, an uplifting story about an unexpected visitor whose arrival disrupts the animal inhabitants of a rocky island, has a contemporary twist...Brown wisely eschews a happy ending in favor of an open-ended one that supports the tone of a story that's simultaneously unsentimental and saturated with feeling.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Review from 10-year old boy: I loved the book. One of the other reasons I like this book is because none of the main characters die."
"As she explores the island to learn more about her new home, the animals fear they are being invaded by a monster. When she adopts an orphaned gosling and builds a nest for herself and her new son, she becomes a full-fledged member of the community. Pros: Charlotte’s Web meets The Iron Giant in this debut novel from illustrator Peter Brown."
"I had no idea what to expect when I started reading this book,but i was instantly drawn in by the characters."
"Great to read with my 5 year old (as long as your kid is ok with death discussions)."
"My boys and I LOVED this book."
"Excellent."
""One of my favorite stories" per my son."
"This book is amazing!"
Best Children's Books on the Body
From Eric Carle, the New York Times bestselling creator of beloved books including The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Grouchy Ladybug, comes From Head to Toe , a colorful and energetic board book that will have young readers clapping their hands, stomping their feet, and wiggling their toes! A nice addition to a toddler storytime, but it may get lost as it's cataloged in 613.7.?Lisa Smith, Lindenhurst Memorial Library, NY. Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Board book edition.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"My grandchildren and I had wonderful interaction guided by this charming book."
"My two year old loves this book."
"Wonderful book to get kids moving."
"Wonderful book."
"My son loves this book and acting out all the things animals do!"
"Love Eric Carle illustrations, the text is nothing too special."
"My great grandson wouldn't be parted from this book."
"Great kid's book - recommended by my daughter and grandson!"
Best Children's Winter Sports Books
what do snowmen do at night? After a night of action, the tired snowmen return to their homes.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I never got the love for snowmen, but after reading this little book I have more appreciation."
"I had purchased several books and she was going to pick a book for me to read to her before bed."
"My students enjoy listening to this book and I love reading it."
"Such a cute book with adorable illustrations."
"I absolutely love ALL the Snowmen board books by Caralyn Buehner!"
"Fun book for six year old."
"It's a great story with wonderful illustrations and my girls like to look for the hidden pictures on many of the pages."
"My 2 year old granddaughters favorite book and one I don't mind reading 10 times in a row."
Best Children's European Biographies
Winner of the Caldecott Medal Patrick McDonnell-beloved, bestselling author-artist and creator of the Mutts syndicated comic strip--shares the inspiring story of young Jane Goodall, the legendary and inspiring conservationist featured in the hit documentary film Jane . "This remarkable picture book is one of the few that speaks, in a meaningful way, to all ages. "Children will appreciate McDonnell's original format and take heart that interests logged in their own diaries might turn into lifelong passions. "McDonnell's skill as a cartoonist enables him to express Goodall's joy, wonder and satisfaction with a simple stroke of the pen. "[A] tender homage... engaging... an appealing and satisfying introduction to a well-known scientist and activist. "McDonnell's concentration on [Goodall's] childhood fantasies carries a strong message to readers that their own dreams--even the wildly improbable ones--may be realizable, too.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"sweet and a real tear jerker for mom."
"Beautiful book for children!!!!"
"At the end of the book is a picture of Jane with a baby chimp and a more current portrait."
"Beautifuly written and illustrate."
"This is well written children's book about the inspirational Dr. Jane Goodall who as a young girl followed her passion for science and exploration."
"This is a great book, wonderful story about how Jane get in love with what she does."
"Love,love love this book!"
"It's one of my all time favorite children's books ...and we really love children's books around here."
Best Dictionaries, Thesauri & Translators
Special sections include: A Handbook of Style, Foreign Words & Phrases, Biographical Names and Geographical Names. The Merriam brothers desired a continuity of editorship that would link Noah Webster's efforts with their own editions, so they selected Chauncey A. Goodrich, Webster's son-in-law and literary heir, who had been trained in lexicography by Webster himself, to be their editor in chief. Assuming that a lower price would increase sales, the Merriams introduced the 1847 edition at $6, and although Webster's heirs initially questioned this move, extraordinary sales that brought them $250,000 in royalties over the ensuing 25 years convinced them that the Merriams' decision had been abundantly sound.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"When using it as a writer (I know the word, but not its spelling, nor if I completely understand the word I seek to use) and not as a reader, I would have been more pleased if those who had added electronic usability had also made it more intuitive to those of us with poorer ability to spell by more simply allowing the browsing for a word as is done with a paper dictionary."
"Received what I ordered and needed."