Best Language
Chicka chicka boom boom. will there be enough room? Bill Martin Jr (1916–2004) has been called “America’s favorite children’s author.” He wrote more than 300 books for children, including the classic texts Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Our 3 year old had already been quite proficient with his ABC's when we gave him this book on his birthday, but we'll get a "2-fer" out of it - a fun reinforcement for him that he'll begin to actually read with, and it'll be waiting in the wings for his 1 year old baby sister (not to mention the newest family addition we recently found out about, due to arrive next May!). You can probably imagine that - having babysat for three of my four grandchildren for 7 years prior to my daughter-in-law becoming a stay-at-home-mom - we have MANY board books included in the large children's library we've built for them over those years - typically, if they're board book versions of a previously released book, they're greatly ABRIDGED versions. I have to say that not only is this one of the highest quality-constructed board books we've purchased, but at 36 pages long (as compared to the hardcover's 40 pages), I think we've actually got most of the entire original book!"
"This is a great book to help learn the alphabet."
"Chicka chicka boom boom will there be enough room?"
"Popular book for young children."
"I brought this for my niece she loves the repetition of the words and the pictures in the book."
"Bought this for my niece and nephews so I can enjoy reading them some classic books I grew up with."
"My kids loved this book growing up and now my daughter bought it for babysitting."
"Arrived on time and is a cute book for mother to read to baby."
From the can-opening Zans to the boxing Gox to the winking Yink who drinks pink ink, the silly rhymes and colorful cast of characters create an entertaining approach to reading that will have every child giggling from morning to night: “Today is gone. Dr. Seuss’s long list of awards includes Caldecott Honors for McElligot’s Pool , If I Ran the Zoo , and Bartholomew and the Oobleck , the Pulitzer Prize, and eight honorary doctorates.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"My 3 year old granddaughter loves it."
"We think these books should be numbered so people can know which book should be read first."
"Enter "I Can Draw It Myself, By Me, Myself", and two other interactive Seuss books - such wonderful ways for my older grandchild to entertain himself and stretch his creativity and imagination while I'm focused on the younger! We've collected every Seuss children's book, but there are three books in particular that we ordered two copies of, because they can be personalized by our little guys to make them truly "their own"! This one is just great... each page has colorful Seuss drawings that are incomplete, with his typical whimsical rhymes accompanying them, and your youngster "completes" the drawings him/herself!"
"I grew up reading Dr. Suess so I am overjoyed to be able to read his books to my son."
"Seuss introduces many odd characters through the book and laces their odd situations with even odd-er (if you will) rhymes. In most children’s books, you'll find that many are filled with pictures and silly fonts that are meant to draw a child’s attention to the book. If I had to guess, this may be because the book is aimed more at the parent reading the book to the child. I sing high. and my Ying sings low, and we are not too bad, you know.” ( Seuss23). As a kid I loved hearing this book read to me."
"I read children's books professionally, and I'm appalled at some of the lame rhymes and off rhythm cadences I encounter."
"Since receiving it, it's been read a hundred times and she never gets tired of it."
"Good interaction during the reading and afterwards a few kids asked it if they could find it in the library."
El Leon, La Bruja y el Ropero introduce's the listeners to the captivating story of Lucy, Peter, Susan and Edmund who step through a wardrobe into the magical land of Narnia, where they battle against the evil white witch. Narnia ... the land beyond the wardrobe, the secret country known only to Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy ... the place where the adventure begins.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The translation was excellent: the prose was vivid and the Spanish was kept at the same reading level as the English original."
"She usually doesn't like reading in Spanish because it is often English written books poorly translated into Spanish, but she says this is well written Spanish."
"Daughter is learning Spanish and wanted literature to practice with."
"This was a gift for a middle school Spanish teacher so she could present it to the class."
"Me encanta esta historia!"
"A great book for intermediate Spanish students."
"For those,like myself, who are learning Spanish, this is enough of a challenge to develop your vocabulary, although one must remember that the author wrote this at a place and time when the English was more formal than today."
Best Sendak, Maurice
Brian O'Doherty of The New York Times said that Mr. Sendak's work, "disguised in fantasy, springs from his earliest self, from the vagrant child that lurks in the heart of all of us." In 1970 he received the international Hans Christian Andersen Medal for Illustration, in 1983 he received the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award from the American Library Association, and in 1996 he received a National Medal of Arts in recognition of his contribution to the arts in America.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"One copy was for my kid’s 2nd grade classroom as a gift; all the kids signed it to the classroom library during their Wild Things Halloween party."
"One of the best children's books ever written!"
"This book is one of my all-time favorites from childhood, and now a favorite of my son's too."
"Purchased this for sister's Where the Wild Things Are baby shower and had guests leave notes for the baby on the front page."
"I purchased this book for my daughters baby shower since it was always one of her favorites growing up."
"The only reason I am giving it 4 stars is because of the condition the book came in."
"One of my favorite children's books!"
"Love the book, bought it for a themed bday party for my son."
Best Dr. Seuss
The Cat in the Hat read by Kelsey Grammer Horton Hears a Who read by Dustin Hoffman How the Grinch Stole Christmas read by Walter Matthau Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? Dr. Seuss's first children's book, And To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street, hit the market in 1937, and the world of children's literature was changed forever! Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 1984 and three Academy Awards, Seuss was the author and illustrator of 44 children's books, some of which have been made into audiocassettes, animated television specials, and videos for children of all ages.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"These are seriously great stories read aloud beautifully."
"Play this while my kids play with their blocks, ages 1 and 2."
"classic book."
"I'm in the car more than I'd like with my kids (1.5 and 4) and this is really fun for them to listen to!"
"Has a lot of stars voices."
"who does not love the cat in the hat?"
"Fantastic listen!"
"I was so surprise to received such a worn out CD from the library."
Best Fantasy
In the richest installment yet of J. K. Rowling's seven-part story, Harry Potter is faced with the unreliability of the very government of the magical world and the impotence of the authorities at Hogwarts. Despite this (or perhaps because of it), he finds depth and strength in his friends, beyond what even he knew, boundless loyalty; and unbearable sacrifice. Though thick runs the plot, listeners will race through these tapes and leave Hogwarts, like Harry, wishing only for the next train back. As his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry approaches, 15-year-old Harry Potter is in full-blown adolescence, complete with regular outbursts of rage, a nearly debilitating crush, and the blooming of a powerful sense of rebellion. Somehow, over the summer, gossip (usually traced back to the magic world's newspaper, the Daily Prophet ) has turned Harry's tragic and heroic encounter with Voldemort at the Triwizard Tournament into an excuse to ridicule and discount the teen. With an overwhelming course load as the fifth years prepare for their Ordinary Wizarding Levels examinations (O.W.Ls), devastating changes in the Gryffindor Quidditch team lineup, vivid dreams about long hallways and closed doors, and increasing pain in his lightning-shaped scar, Harry's resilience is sorely tested.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"SPECIAL NOTE: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases (with the exception of changing all "Philosopher's Stone" mentions to "Sorcerer's Stone"). Good or bad is naturally for each reader to decide--just know, if you plan to read the books while listening to Jim Dale's audiobooks, you'll notice a few superficial differences. The quality of this new illustrated edition is phenomenal. All chapter intros are illustrated."
"IMPORTANT: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases. This difference isn't as prominent or noticeable as it was with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone, but still something to keep in mind. Also, to answer a question that has come up quite a bit, this is the FULL BOOK and not an abridged or shortened version. Underneath the book jacket, the novel is bound in a sturdy orange hardback with green lettering on the spine."
"I was ravenous to get my hands on my copy as soon as it was delivered this morning, but was quickly disappointed. But when I took a close look at my dust jacket, I was extremely upset to find that the gold foil lettering for "Harry Potter" had been rubbed away and destroyed completely in some places leaving ugly, black matte in its place-- pock marking the otherwise handsome gold lettering. Needless to say I'm in awe how Bloomsbury has managed to put together such an incredible project, with JK Rowling's remarkable literature and Jim Kay's otherworldly illustrations-- and allowed it to be put together in a low quality binding! Not all alone in a box... Update (October 9th): I have finally received my new book and it was in much, much better condition. The cover and spine were tight, intact and falling apart from the binding like my original copy."
Best General
But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike. Broadway actor Jim Dale's impressive vocal range gives each character in the book its own distinctive voice--a considerable task, given the pantheon of witches, warlocks, ghosts, ghouls, dwarves, and elves that Harry encounters in his second outing.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"SPECIAL NOTE: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases (with the exception of changing all "Philosopher's Stone" mentions to "Sorcerer's Stone"). Good or bad is naturally for each reader to decide--just know, if you plan to read the books while listening to Jim Dale's audiobooks, you'll notice a few superficial differences. The quality of this new illustrated edition is phenomenal. All chapter intros are illustrated."
"IMPORTANT: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases. This difference isn't as prominent or noticeable as it was with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone, but still something to keep in mind. Also, to answer a question that has come up quite a bit, this is the FULL BOOK and not an abridged or shortened version. Underneath the book jacket, the novel is bound in a sturdy orange hardback with green lettering on the spine."
"I was ravenous to get my hands on my copy as soon as it was delivered this morning, but was quickly disappointed. But when I took a close look at my dust jacket, I was extremely upset to find that the gold foil lettering for "Harry Potter" had been rubbed away and destroyed completely in some places leaving ugly, black matte in its place-- pock marking the otherwise handsome gold lettering. Needless to say I'm in awe how Bloomsbury has managed to put together such an incredible project, with JK Rowling's remarkable literature and Jim Kay's otherworldly illustrations-- and allowed it to be put together in a low quality binding! Not all alone in a box... Update (October 9th): I have finally received my new book and it was in much, much better condition. The cover and spine were tight, intact and falling apart from the binding like my original copy."
Best Animals
America’s #1 radio talk-show host and multi-million-copy #1 New York Times bestselling author presents a book for young readers with a history teacher who travels back in time to have adventures with exceptional Americans. After offering a wide-ranging definition of American exceptionalism that begins with the statement that the U.S. is a “land built on true freedom and individual liberty, and it defends both around the world,” Limbaugh goes on to explain that the Founders believed all people were born to be “free as individuals.” Really? The book’s premise is that a substitute history teacher, Rush Revere, who dresses like his hero, Paul, along with his talking horse, Liberty, can go back in time. The text is wordy, and many of the pages are spent on the banter between Rush and Liberty, occasionally amusing but mostly just filling space, as do the tedious explanations of the way time travel works. They hadn’t been spoiled by wall-to-wall carpets, central heating and microwave ovens.” The fact that many modern-day people do experience incredible hardships, albeit different from the Pilgrims, seems not to have occurred to Limbaugh. Apparently, the turnaround for the struggling colony came “when every family was assigned its own plot of land to work.” Rush Revere drives home the point that it was after the Pilgrims stopped sharing the profits that success was ensured.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Great story to get your kids interested in the history of our nation."
"Does not gloss over or belittle of Pilgrims' accomplishments."
"Gift for my home-schooled granddaughter."
"My 8 yr old loves these books!"
"my grandson of 8 can't wait for the next one."
"Humor to teach US history."
"purchased copies for all the grandchildren."
Best Music
The bestselling Wee Sing line is now tailored for the most modern Wee Sing fans! Susan Hagen Nipp received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in music and a minor in education from Whitworth College, in Spokane, Washington.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I recommend this product to all Sunday school teachers - great songs!"
"Loved this cassette as a kid."
"My grandchildren love these songs!"
"I love it for my Sunday school class."
"My kids have loved Wee Sings Bible growing up."
"When they are fussy in the car, I push play and the catchy little tunes cheer them up."
"I teach Sunday School and it is nice for the children to learn the songs and just listen to it."
"This is our second purchase."
Best Educational
Susan Wise Bauer has provided a captivating guide to the history of the ancient world. Susan Wise Bauer is an educator and academic who has worked with parents and students for more than twenty years.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"These are great!"
"Love all of the Story of the World series."
"My child loves to listen to this series of CD while falling asleep, and has managed to learn a lot of historical tidbits too!"
"I cannot say enough about how much we love these CD's."
"The kids love listening to these."
"The way the narrator reads the stories makes you feel drawn in and part of the series."
"Great."
"So engaging while listening to it we missed several turns when going different places."
Best Religion
“THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD” IS MORE THAN JUST A CLICHÉ.” God goes to great lengths to rescue lost and hurting people, and that is what The Story is all about: the story of the Bible, God’s great love affair with humanity.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The Bible is written with all the stories in order."
"The Story is a wonderful way to read the Bible as it is in chronological order and easily read."
"The Christian Bible in chronological order."
"Great format for getting an overview of the Biblical stories."
"Took a long time to read, but so good."
"This book is excellent!!"
"I am really enjoying this read."
"The story is the Bible story, written in Chronological order in today's language."
Best Classics
Produced by Focus on the Family’s acclaimed Radio Theatre, the series is now presented in a collector-quality tin with original artwork and map of Narnia.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Also, the book description says "text only", which is strange, because this copy has tons of the original illustrations in full-color (I'll try to post pictures soon)."
"This is a beautiful paperback box set of the Narnia collection, that so many of us grew up with."
"Peter, Edmund, Susan, and Lucy, a year after leaving Narnia, are on their way back to school when they are suddenly, magically, pulled to what they eventually realize are the ruins of Cair Paravel."
"For example, The Horse and His Boy is a longer book in the series, but the publisher made the font smaller as to make the book similar in size to The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe."
"But you can just read the books in whatever order you want, you don't have to pay attention to the numbers on the spine."
"I've always wanted to read this series so I was excited to get it in."
"Having been living among "intellectual" bachelors, the story, as a true one (1952) was fascinating. They said very little about them, but marvelled at how this Englishman managed to mesmerize American children (the heathens LOL) as well as those in the UK. This series of 7, written from 1950-57, are page turners for this old "senior" reader. I cheated and looked at the last 2 pages of the last book, and one realizes the effect which his life with his American wife, and love, must have had on this author."
"The books are such a classic that you get something new with each reading, and as you grow in years."