Best Children's Family Life Books
Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities, and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoiled, piglike cousin Dudley. Of course, Uncle Vernon yells most unpleasantly, "I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!" So far it has won the National Book Award, the Smarties Prize, the Children's Book Award, and is short-listed for the Carnegie Medal, the U.K. version of the Newbery Medal. After 11 years of disregard and neglect at the hands of his aunt, uncle and their swinish son Dudley, Harry suddenly receives a visit from a giant named Hagrid, who informs Harry that his mother and father were a witch and a wizard, and that he is to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry himself.
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."
Harry Potter's summer has included the worst birthday ever, doomy warnings from a house-elf called Dobby, and rescue from the Dursleys by his friend Ron Weasley in a magical flying car! As if it's not bad enough that after a long summer with the horrid Dursleys he is thwarted in his attempts to hop the train to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to begin his second year. This deliciously suspenseful novel is every bit as gripping, imaginative, and creepy as the first; familiar student concerns--fierce rivalry, blush-inducing crushes, pedantic professors--seamlessly intertwine with the bizarre, horrific, fantastical, or just plain funny. Reluctantly spending the summer with the Dursleys, his mean relatives who fear and detest magic, Harry is soon whisked away by his friends Ron, Fred, and George Weasley, who appear at his window in a flying Ford Anglia to take him away to enjoy the rest of the holidays with their very wizardly family. The novel is marked throughout by the same sly and sophisticated humor found in the first book, along with inventive, new, matter-of-fact uses of magic that will once again have readers longing to emulate Harry and his wizard friends.
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."
When the Knight Bus crashes through the darkness and screeches to a halt in front of him, it's the start of another far from ordinary year at Hogwarts for Harry Potter. The third book in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series catapults into action when the young wizard "accidentally" causes the Dursleys' dreadful visitor Aunt Marge to inflate like a monstrous balloon and drift up to the ceiling. Fearing punishment from Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon (and from officials at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry who strictly forbid students to cast spells in the nonmagic world of Muggles), Harry lunges out into the darkness with his heavy trunk and his owl Hedwig. Rowling proves that she has plenty of tricks left up her sleeve in this third Harry Potter adventure, set once again at the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Right before the start of term, a supremely dangerous criminal breaks out of a supposedly impregnable wizards' prison; it will come as no surprise to Potter fans that the villain, a henchman of Harry's old enemy Lord Voldemort, appears to have targeted Harry.
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 Children's Adoption Books
A New York Times bestseller Like the classic heroines of Sarah, Plain and Tall , Little Women , and Anne of Green Gables , Ada is a fighter for the ages. Her triumphant World War II journey continues in this. sequel to the Newbery Honor–winning The War that Saved My Life When Ada’s clubfoot is surgically fixed at last, she knows for certain that she’s not what her mother said she was—damaged, deranged, crippled mentally as well as physically. World War II rages on, and Ada and her brother, Jamie, move with their guardian, Susan, into a cottage with the iron-faced Lady Thorton and her daughter, Maggie. As the fallout from war intensifies, calamity creeps closer, and life during wartime grows even more complicated. Ada’s first story, The War that Saved My Life , was a #1 New York Times bestseller and won a Newbery Honor, the Schneider Family Book Award, and the Josette Frank Award, in addition to appearing on multiple best-of-the-year lists. This second masterwork of historical fiction continues Ada's journey of family, faith, and identity, showing us that real freedom is not just the ability to choose, but the courage to make the right choice. By turns tough and tender, this novel leavens complex themes with moments of wonder and joy." — The Washington Post ★ "Thoughtful, brave, true, and wise beyond her years, Ada is for the ages—as is this book. Bradley writes the story in such a way that the reader is by turns both touched and then, pages later, heartbroken. While it stands alone, encourage readers to read both books to fully appreciate Ada’s remarkable and wholly believable triumph." — San Francisco Chronicle ★ "Bradley sweeps us up in the story she’s telling and at the same time raises hard questions and makes us think—even as she moves us to tears." Bradley sensitively portrays Ada’s journey to accept selfless kindness and love after years of neglect in a poignant and satisfying story of found family that will stay with readers." "Ada’s story is a winning combination of history and healing, and fans may hope that Bradley isn’t quite finished with her just yet."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"When I read a really good book, I always wonder if the sequel is going to live up to the original."
"This was a gift for my Granddaughter who loves it."
"this book is amazing highly recommend it."
"Tears started falling pretty quickly- there is so much poignancy to this story."
"As the year progresses, Ada must learn to deal with her hidden hurts. As the hiccups and hurts of life and the continuing world war come her way, can Ada learn to truly live, can she ever catch up in common knowledge that was kept from her, and can she lay down some of the heavy burdens she no longer needs to carry? And you'll then be able to fully appreciate all the victories, big and small, Bradley starts off with before tackling some of the bigger challenges. So if you cry during Hallmark commercials you're going to need multiple boxes of tissues on hand for this read. Then they must deal with the ongoing war, deciding how to handle some unexpected housemates (one local, and one a German refugee). Bradley has done an amazing job of imagining what it would be like for someone who was pretty much cut off from the world for the first decade of their life."
"This book picks up shortly after The War that Saved My Life as World War II continues and the lives of Ada, Susan, and Jamie continue to evolve."
"This is a great book, even better than the first one."
"Due to their home being destroyed, Ada and her brother along with Susan, their guardian, must move into a small cottage on the land owned by Lady and Lord Thornton. As World War II continues, they face food shortages, hard work, and then are asked to house a German refugee while Susan teaches her math. Though her foot is fixed, Ada continues to wrestle with her disability and how it factored in to her mother’s abuse. Once again horses are on the scene to help with healing, both physical and mental, as unlikely friendships and bonds are formed in a small cottage."
Best Children's Blended Families Books
Thanks to her soon-to-be stepsister’s clique of friends, including Eloise’s gorgeous, arrogant boyfriend, Finn, India feels like the one thing she hoped never to be seen as again: trash. And as India grows closer to Finn and befriends Eloise, threatening the facades that hold them together, what’s left are truths that are brutal, beautiful and big enough to change them forever…. -Katie McGarry, award-winning author of Say You'll Remember Me Samantha Young is a young writer from Stirlingshire, Scotland, who is now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I usually love novels for their love stories, but I have to say that while I loved the love story here, I fell harder for the bond of family, blood or not, that radiated from this story. Each character brought such depth and vividness to this story, a kind of 3-D nature to it, that it was a joy to experience every aspect of it. A beautiful cover that matches the story within, one overflowing with the beauty of love, family, and, most of all, friendship, The Impossible Vastness of Us was a poignantly moving and compassionate tale of acceptance, hope, and self-love."
"Basically, you have in me giving a 5 star review of a book and took the time to do so."
"It's been a while since I have read a Samantha Young book."
"Great characters which were well developed."
"This isn't your everyday typical YA read."
"Recommend read...This is an inspirational and powerful read."
"Predictable, but entertaining."
"The story line had so much potential, but the characters lacked the depth that i think the author intended."
Best Children's Marriage & Divorce Books
Winner of the Newbery Medal. Winner of the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award. An ALA Notable Book. She was the author of several novels, including the Newbery Medal-winning The Westing Game , the Newbery Honor-winning Figgs & Phantoms , The Tattooed Potato and other clues , and The Mysterious Disappearance of Leon (I Mean Noel) .
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Veny different and unique book."
"Such an interesting, mysterious novel!!!!"
"Love having my favorite book in hardcover!"
"This really pains me to say but it is almost as or even better than Harry Potter."
"The Westing Game is one of my favorite books of all time."
"This is such a clever and delightful mystery - once you pick it up, you cannot put it down!"
"This was a great book."
"I remember reading this book as a kid and LOVING it so I decided to pick up a copy for myself and reread it as an adult."
Best Children's Multigenerational Families
And don't miss Runny Babbit Returns , the new book from Shel Silverstein! In Shel Silverstein's popular tale of few words and simple line drawings, a tree starts out as a leafy playground, shade provider, and apple bearer for a rambunctious little boy. At this point in the story, the double-page spread shows a pathetic solitary stump, poignantly cut down to the heart the boy once carved into the tree as a child that said "M.E. When there's nothing left of her, the boy returns again as an old man, needing a quiet place to sit and rest. (All ages) --Karin Snelson “If you’re looking for a children’s book that teaches generosity or unselfishness, most people will point you right to The Giving Tree , Shel Silverstein’s lovely story of a tree that will do anything for the boy it loves—and for good reason.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"All that I can honestly say about this book, what some people say is "controversial" is it ; touches on feelings. teaches about selfishness. teaches about selflessness. teaches about caring. teaches about giving. this book really tugs at all the emotions everyone goes through one time or another. It has turned into a discussion book for all my grandkids. The book is a hardback & comes with a cover resembling the cover of the book."
"She would often just read a poem from A Light in the Attic, or Where the Sidewalk Ends, but this book really stuck with me."
"One of my favorite books with a great lesson for children on giving/taking and appreciation."
"Gave this classic children's book to our child for their birthday."
"Must have for all children."
"Best childhood book ever - adults should re-read every year as well."
"They were all gifts, so I had read it years ago that is why I chose to purchase it for Christmas gifts."
"Great story for my 6 year old who reads voraciously.."
Best Children's New Baby Books
In the tradition of Emily Winfield Martin’s The Wonderful Things You Will Be and Nancy Tillman’s On The Night You Were Born , popular FOX news anchor Ainsley Earhardt’s lyrical lullaby inspires children to follow their dreams and passions. Much of the imagery feels driven more by the need to fit scansion and rhyme than sense, as when the narrator describes dreaming "a love song / Near a grand deer ballet" (rhyming with "day"). Earhardt is an anchor and correspondent for the Fox News Channel and Earhardt also reports for FOX’s The Sean Hannity Show with her own segment called “Ainsley Across America.” She was the former cohost for Fox & Friends First and has also cohosted FOX and Friends Weekend , FOX’s All-American New Year’s Eve , America’s News Headquarters , been a panelist on The Live Desk and appeared on Greg Gutfeld’s Red Eye .
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I love to read it and look at the beautiful artwork (by Jaime Kim) - so sweet, soft, and lovely; so fitting for Ainsley's words. This book is full of the love a mother feels for her child and the words of wisdom, love, and hope we want to pass on to our children and our grandchildren - A mother's dream."
"I bought this book tonight and read it to my fourteen year old granddaughter."
"This book is a beautiful example of a wonderful woman pouring out examples from her own childhood and illustrating those ideas into an encouraging book of faith, hope, and dreams for our children."
"It is the perfect gift for an expectant mother, a new mother, or a mother of any age."
"What a gorgeous book I bought for my Godson."
"Based on the sheer beauty of the illustrations, I can't recommend this book enough."
"Absolutely the most wonderful child's book I have encountered."
"I bought this for my friends daughter,who is having a baby girl..I watch Ainsley every morning and she is so classy and sweet.Her story will warm your heart...Beautiful words and photo's!"
Best Children's New Family Experiences Books
The instant #1 New York Times bestseller--now a major motion picture starring Amandla Stenberg as Maddy and Nick Robinson as Olly. Never breathe in the fresh air, feel the sun warm your face . In Everything, Everything , Maddy is a girl who’s literally allergic to the outside world, and Olly is the boy who moves in next door . It's an innovative, inspiring, and heartbreakingly romantic debut novel that unfolds via vignettes, diary entries, illustrations, and more. everythingeverythingfilm on Instagram. @everythingfilm on Twitter. @everythingeverythingmovie on Facebook. everythingeverythingmovie.com. And don’t miss Nicola Yoon's The Sun Is Also A Star , the #1 New York Times bestseller in which two teens are brought together just when it seems like the universe is sending them in opposite directions. ★ "This heartwarming story transcends the ordinary by exploring the hopes, dreams, and inherent risks of love in all of its forms." The rare novel that lifts and shatters and fills you all at once.” —Jennifer Niven, New York Times bestselling author of All the Bright Places. “With her stunning debut, Everything, Everything, Nicola Yoon has constructed an entirely unique and beautiful reading experience. Nicola Yoon's book and voice stayed with me long after I finished reading.” —Danielle Paige, New York Times bestselling author of Dorothy Must Die. Olly and Madeline's love story stole my heart.”--Katie McGarry, author of Nowhere But Here. Tender, creative, beautifully written, and with a great twist, Everything, Everything is one of the best books I've read this year." -- Justine Magazine "A vibrant, thrilling, and, ultimately, wholly original tale that's bound to be an instant hit." teens in search of a swoonworthy read will devour.”-- Booklist “It’s tempting to drop everything everything once you’ve begun . “This tearjerker gives you feels you haven’t experienced since The Fault in Our Stars .”— Cosmopolitan “#RELATIONSHIPGOALS”— Justine Magazine “Sweetly romantic.”—Crystal Bell /MTV News. “The chemistry between Amandla Stenberg and Nick Robinson flies off the screen and has you rooting for them from beginning to end.”—Erin Gross /Fangirlish. “The sweet and undeniable chemistry between breakout stars Amandla Stenberg and Nick Robinson makes Everything, Everything a must-see.”—Sharon Tharp /JustJared. “Amandla and Nick's performance is a great reminder that it's worth taking big risks for love.”—Nina Hajian /92.3 AMP Radio’s Shoboy In The Morning. “ Everything, Everything will leave you feeling happy.”—Shaylee Henning /KCKC-FM. Gr 10 Up—From the first page, Madeline Whittier is a sympathetic character who has had to watch the world from the inside of a bubble—literally. Her diagnosed condition of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency is a life sentence that limits her to a world of two people: her mother, who is a doctor, and her nurse. Olly is the kind of inventive guy who figures out a way to communicate with Madeline, and over the course of the next few months Madeline becomes Maddy, a young woman who takes potentially deadly risks to protect Olly emotionally, if not physically. Maddy's and Olly's hastily planned trip to Maui and their tastefully described liaison while there suggests a mature teen audience, but readers of Cammie McGovern's Say What You Will (HarperCollins, 2014) and Wendy Mills's Positively Beautiful (Bloomsbury, 2015) will fall in love with this humorously engaging story of a girl who discovers life, love, and forgiveness in new places.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I really loved this book, I really empathized with Maddy the main character, I could almost feel her loneliness and isolation from the world."
"I'm not a romance digger, actually don't like it that much."
"Everything, Everything is the modern retelling of every fairytale trope involving a princess trapped in a tower only to be rescued by a handsome prince."
"LOVE this book!"
":) The unbelievable part is what you already know... That a girl with bubble-boy syndrome was raised up to teenager outside a hospital."
"Beautiful."
"It is a good book even if you think you know the end."
"His last book he had to read 1/2 of it in the last week."
Best Children's Orphans & Foster Homes Books
Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities, and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoiled, piglike cousin Dudley. Of course, Uncle Vernon yells most unpleasantly, "I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!" So far it has won the National Book Award, the Smarties Prize, the Children's Book Award, and is short-listed for the Carnegie Medal, the U.K. version of the Newbery Medal. After 11 years of disregard and neglect at the hands of his aunt, uncle and their swinish son Dudley, Harry suddenly receives a visit from a giant named Hagrid, who informs Harry that his mother and father were a witch and a wizard, and that he is to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry himself.
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 Children's Parent Books
Suddenly, Brian finds himself alone in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but a tattered Windbreaker and the hatchet his mother gave him as a present—and the dreadful secret that has been tearing him apart since his parent’s divorce. This Newbery Honor book is a dramatic, heart-stopping story of a boy who, following a plane crash in the Canadian wilderness, must learn to survive with only a hatchet and his own wits. Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. Grade 8-12 Brian Robeson, 13, is the only passenger on a small plane flying him to visit his father in the Canadian wilderness when the pilot has a heart attack and dies.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Because of its unusual setting - a boy alone in the wilderness - the novel appeared to be very challenging to a Middle School student while answering usual reading assignment questions - main characters, point of view, etc."
"Got this for my grandson and he enjoyed it very much."
"my 9 year old liked it, so I read it."
"My esl tutor recommended this book to me."
"It seems hard to find this 20th anniversary edition of Hatchet, but it is well worth the effort."
Best Children's Siblings Books
Secrets have a way of getting out, especially when a diary is involved. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules chronicles Greg’s attempts to navigate the hazards of middle school, impress the girls, steer clear of the school talent show, and most important, keep his secret safe. Amazon Exclusive: A Q&A with Jeff Kinney Question: Given all the jobs that you have--game designer, fatherhood, Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie work, etc.,--do you have a certain time that you set aside to write? Kinney: I never any real desire to appear in the Wimpy Kid films, but one day my wife encouraged me to be an extra in one of the crowd scenes. I eventually reached a voicemail of a reporter who said they worked for Time , and at that point I thought it was just a well-planned practical joke. Q: Would you ever consider making Wimpy Kid into a newspaper comic strip or creating another one? Greg Heffley is back, and with him the trappings that made his first outing, Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2007), such a popular triumph. Once again diarist Greg chronicles a hilarious litany of problems, alternating between home and school, focusing this time on the particular punishments of his reprobate older brother, Rodrick. Whether Greg is suffering on the swim team or trying out for the K–12 school talent show as Magician’s Assistant to a First Grader, his escapades are united by his struggle to avoid embarrassment. As before, he peppers his journal entries with his own cartoons (in look and tone, a sort of hybrid of The Simpsons and the Timbertoes), using them as any 12-year-old would—to add insult to injury.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"My son loves this book series and this was a great gift for him to write his own story."
"My son loves these books."
"My 8 year old grandson really enjoyed."
"My 8 year old loves this collection."
"Great quality."
"I get that the sort of "middle school boy" humor is not necessarily what I find amusing, but I found the character's nonexistant moral grounding to be distributing."
"This book seemed too young for me but my little nephews loved it."
Best Children's Books on Values
And don't miss Runny Babbit Returns , the new book from Shel Silverstein! In Shel Silverstein's popular tale of few words and simple line drawings, a tree starts out as a leafy playground, shade provider, and apple bearer for a rambunctious little boy. At this point in the story, the double-page spread shows a pathetic solitary stump, poignantly cut down to the heart the boy once carved into the tree as a child that said "M.E. When there's nothing left of her, the boy returns again as an old man, needing a quiet place to sit and rest. (All ages) --Karin Snelson “If you’re looking for a children’s book that teaches generosity or unselfishness, most people will point you right to The Giving Tree , Shel Silverstein’s lovely story of a tree that will do anything for the boy it loves—and for good reason.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"All that I can honestly say about this book, what some people say is "controversial" is it ; touches on feelings. teaches about selfishness. teaches about selflessness. teaches about caring. teaches about giving. this book really tugs at all the emotions everyone goes through one time or another. It has turned into a discussion book for all my grandkids. The book is a hardback & comes with a cover resembling the cover of the book."
"She would often just read a poem from A Light in the Attic, or Where the Sidewalk Ends, but this book really stuck with me."
"One of my favorite books with a great lesson for children on giving/taking and appreciation."
"Gave this classic children's book to our child for their birthday."
"It really makes you think about the balance of giving what is appropriate and giving so much that the giver is destroyed."
"Must have for all children."
"Best childhood book ever - adults should re-read every year as well."
"They were all gifts, so I had read it years ago that is why I chose to purchase it for Christmas gifts."