1 comments about Trapped! (Pete the Cat).

1. Pete, the cat, has helped to write another good story. This time he helps a pig in trouble. Pete understands what his humans are saying but is not pleased that they never seem to listen to him. If you like a well-written story, this one's for you.

No comments about Dr. Seuss Books Beginning Readers & Bright and Early Books 8 Book Set Cat In The Hat, One Fish Two Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, I Saw It On Mulberry Street, Go Dogs Go, Are You My Mother? Mr. Brown can Moo, The Tooth Book (Seuss).

5 comments about Mrs. Katz and Tush (Reading Rainbow Book).

1. This is the story of a loving friendship between an elderly Jewish lady from Poland named Mrs. Katz, and an African-American child named Larnel. Mrs. Katz lives alone in her apartment and doesn't have anyone to visit her. (It's not stated in the book, but, since this appears to be a predominantly African-American inner city neighborhood, one wonders if she was left behind by the Jewish community when the more affluent members moved to the suburbs? In real life it has happened...) Larnel's mother stops by to visit her every other day or so, and brings Larnel with her.

   One day, Larnel gets the idea to give Mrs. Katz a kitten from the litter that was born in the basement of his apartment building. (Get the pun -- Katz/cats? Actually, the name "Katz" has nothing to do with "cats," but it's cute anyway.) Mrs. Katz names the kitten Tush, which is Yiddish for "bottom," because it has no tail. Larnel agrees to help her care for Tush, and from this sharing, a lifelong friendship grows.

   The story is well-written, the characters are well-developed and "real." The illustrations are vibrant, beautifully done, and ethnically accurate. Well, almost. There are a couple Jewish bloopers. For one thing, the menorah sitting by Mrs. Katz's window only has seven branches. A Hanukkah menorah has nine -- eight for the eight days plus an extra for the "servant" candle. The seven-branched menorah mentioned in the Bible was specifically for the Jerusalem Temple, and is not usually found in the home. Since Hanukkah was mentioned in the story, I have to assume that this was supposed to be a Hanukkah menorah.

   The second blooper is the scene in the bakery. Mrs. Katz is shopping for PASSOVER -- a time when no leaven is to be found anywhere in a Jewish home. It is not just a matter of eating matzoh. The entire house is cleaned of anything even resembling leaven, and even owning leavened products is forbidden. That being the case, why is she shopping for her Passover feast in a bakery, of all places? She is clearly pointing at a cake or some rolls, and these would NOT be served on Passover! So nu, maybe she's a Reform Jew and not so strict? But in that case, why is that very Hasidic-looking gentleman in the corner shopping there? Surely HE would not serve bread for Passover! (...)

   These are relatively minor quibbles, given the overall good quality of the book. But when it comes to children's books, I insist on total accuracy with regard to Judaism, because these are the images that will stick in the mind for years to come. Granted, this is not a "Jewish" book per se, it's a multicultural book -- which is all the more reason to pay more attention to the Jewish details, lest the reader(s) be misled. For the bloopers I'm docking it a star, but it's still a great story and I highly recommend it to both Jews and gentiles.




2. This is one of the best children's books I have ever read. In fact, it is one of the most beautiful (in language and illustrations) books I have read--period. Patricia Polacco is a master at bringing diverse, meaningful relationships to life. Every sensitive, mature parent should buy this book for his/her child!



3. What a beautiful story to show children that, despite our differences, i.e. age, race, family background, we still have some many important things in common. Characters have wit, charm and integrity. Story is very moving and good for all ages.



4. What a sweet story of connection. My 4 yo liked it a lot, and i was moved to tears. Lots to the story.



5. What an amazing and touching story! Even though I am not Jewish, I cannot help but love Patricia Polacco's stories of the Jewish faith and culture. What is most striking about this book is the comparison and contrast to African-American culture. Of course, first and foremost this is a story about friendship between a lonely old woman, a little boy, and a tailless cat. It's absolutely delightful.

4 comments about Oh Say Can You Seed?: All About Flowering Plants (Cat in the Hat's Lrning Libry).

1. Joining the ranks of characters who live on long after their creators has passed away, it's The Cat in the Hat!

   Here, you get to see the cat, Thing 1 and Thing 2, and the two kids as they explore the basics of flowering plants. The prose is at an appropriate level for kids who like the longer Dr. Seuss books. The illustrations (by Aristides Ruiz) are so close to the original that I couldn't tell the difference.

   The only minor quibble is that the words don't flow QUITE as well as Theodore Geisel's words. Then again, few writer's words do. Also, Ms. Worth is faced with trying to teach a subject and entertain at the same time. At that task, she succeeds admirably.

   Highly recommended.




2. My 4 year old really enjoys this whole series of Cat in the Hat books. He loves "reading" about insects, flowers, space, etc. The format of this series of books is very similar (if not exact)and are easy to follow and keeps a busy boy captivated. The rhyming, illustrations (& antics) keep my son interested and learning in the process.



3. Love this book!! It gives nonfiction science content in a Dr. Seuss format. Keeps the kids' interest while they learn science - excellent!



4. This is a cute book for older elementary students, but adults can learn something from it as well. The information about basic botany is really accurate, and it is presented in an entertaining manner.

5 comments about Planet Cat: A CAT-alog.

1. This book has tons of information on cats. It's the perfect book for any cat lover.



2. This is such a FUN and informative book. Couldn't put it down when I received it. The prrrrrfect gift for all kitty lovers!



3. 
   Planet Cat is not the type of book that you want to bomb through in one sitting. Instead, Planet Cat should be savored slowly like a fine wine as you marvel at the amount of time and research that has gone into this collaborative effort.
   
   Authored by Sandra Choron, Harry Choron and Arden Moore, Planet Cat offers the reader a distinctive look into all things C-A-T. From early history to contempurrary culture, learn about famous cats, famous people who share their lives with cats, Presidential kitties, care and training, cat behavior even popular and obscure cat myths debunked. You name it; you will find it within Planet Cat.
   
   Such extensive content requires a six page Table of Contents as the three authors behind this book contact authors and experts gathering up content in an easy-to-use guide. Learn about what gifts will satisfy the cat who has everything. How to photograph your cat, travel tips, which websites are the most popular for cat lovers on the Net, how to secure insurance policies for your cat- they litter-ally cover every cat-topic on the planet.
   
   Put this book on your bookshelf for it is an educational find, fun to read, highly informative, and a must-have for any cat lover. Sits proudly in my bathroom next to my copy of Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Cat Lover's Companion.
   
   Bravo to the authors for providing such a wonderful find!



4. I purchased this book just two weeks ago so I have yet to get through the whole thing. However, I have definitely made a dent in it and I have to say it is totally rad. I have two senior cats who I love to death. My family adopted them when I was very young so I never really took much intrest in educating myself about cats. Now as a high school senior I have developed a serious fascination with all kinds of felines. This books contains all of the information you could ever want, it is packed with facts. With a book of this size I was worried that it might contain too much filler and not enough killer. I was pleased to discover that my assumptions were unfounded. Planet Cat talks about social/cultural/ political history of cats, grooming, health concerns, the basics about adopting cats, etc. I was kinda bummed to see that a decent portion of the book is dedicated to grooming/health concerns. Im sure caring for your cat tips are relevant to other readers but I was in it for the history. Whatever the case by the time I found info on Hemingway's cats, Literary Cats throughout history, and stories of amazing cat feats, I was no longer bummed. This book is a cat tome! I don't regret buying it. Highly Recommended



5. This was a fantastic book and the only reason I don't give it five stars is because of some inconsistencies in the book and also that I happened to read it after Cat Biz: A Compendium of Amazing Facts and Anecdotes from the Cat World, which I thought was simply beautiful.
   
   Pros of Planet Cat: This is a very solid and hefty book. It's almost 400 pages long and each page is jam-packed with information, trivia and tidbits.
   
   Unfortunately, its weaknesses are the same as its strengths. Sometimes the book is a little too packed and a bit too busy-looking. I did read every word and found one page would say one thing and then another page would say the opposite. I think this might have been because the book is a giant compendium of facts and it must have slipped past the editor. Given the volume of information, this is understandable.
   
   However, this book will keep you busily reading for days. I'd strongly recommend this as a gift or for yourself.

5 comments about Violet Goes to the Country (Mitford for Children, Book 2).

1. This is a great series for children. I hope the author keeps the books about Violet coming!



2. Disappointed that the story is not of Violet from The Mitford Series. I purchased it to introduce my granddaughter to Mitford.
   Compliments the Mitford series, but wish it told of Cynthia who owned Violet in the Mitford not a different owner.



3. I bought this for my six year old Great Grand daughter for Christmas. I am sure she will like it. A really nice book for her collection. She loves to read.



4. My daughter enjoyed this book very much as did I. The reading was fun and the pictures are beautiful!



5. "Violet Goes to the Country" is a lovely, well written book for young children. I'm saving it for a Christmas gift for my 4 year old grandson, and I'm sure he'll love it!

3 comments about Henry And Mudge And The Happy Cat.

1. These funny, easy to read chapter books are a favorite in our house. Henry and his drooling dog, Mudge are the best of friends and love one another tremendously. In this story, Henry and Mudge learn to love a bedraggled cat that looks like "mushed prunes". The illustrations add to the humor of the story.



2. This is one of our favorites - for the whole family. We like the humor and thoughtfulness of the story. This one is on our top 10 list from the series



3. Another in the series of Henry and Mudge's adventures. My little one loves this and the rest of the books. I would recommend this for a first/second grader. The stories are interesting and challenging to read for that level. She loves them.

1 comments about One Nation Under Fear: Scaredy Cats and Fear-Mongers in the Home of the Brave (And What You Can Do About It).

1. We may not always agree with one another politically, but the central thesis of this book, that our politics are tainted with the stench of fear drummed up for political purpose, is one which will light the revolutionary spark that is the birthright of every American - and it comes not a moment too soon. As our nation gears up for "Change" and "Hope" under the administration of our history-making 44th President, we must stand guard against the impulse in ourselves, and others, to cheat America of its best days because we are cowering in fear.
   
   Those familiar with Bob Cesca's writings both on his own blog (www.bobcesca.com) and on the Huffington Post, will be delighted to discover that Bob does not turn into a "stuffy academic" when setting his pen to the longer form. Those not familiar with Mr. Cesca's writings are in for a treat. (And fair warning - tolerance of "colorful language is a must... but it's worth it!) Forceful, assertive, and honest, I've become a fan of Bob Cesca, largely because of how completely forthright, and upright he is. It isn't just that he expresses his opinions with emotional honesty - its that in his expression, both by word and by tone, he demonstrates a thorough and absolute rejection of the politics of hate, division, and fear.
   
   I'm sure that Mr. Bob Cesca and I disagree on a number of points, not limited to his colorful language. But in the reclamation of our national character, defense of our liberties, and refusal to let fear cause us to sell our heritage away, Mr. Cesca will find common cause with patriots everywhere.

5 comments about The Cat Who Could Read Backwards (Cat Who...).

1. Lilian Jackson Braun is a great author, and this mystery was no exception. I highly recommend her books.



2. When i first discovered the whole "cat mystery" genre, I became curious, so I decided to give this one a try, and listened to the audio version.
   
   For a mystery novel, it's unusual in that the mystery doesn't start until about halfway into the book. The author first establishes the characters and we get to follow the main character, Jim Qwilleran as he starts working at his new job, making some new friends, etc. I suppose these parts were occasionally somewhat funny and the characters were interesting, but I would prefer to have the mystery start much earlier.
   
   The writing was good but I personally didn't find the story very interesting, but I guess this isn't my type of mystery. It seems to be popular among readers of cozy mysteries, so I suppose I can recommended the book to those cozy mysteries fans who haven't already read it. Readers looking for suspense should look elsewhere.



3. Being a cozy mystery lover - and a confirmed animal lover - I thought The Cat Who Could Read Backwards might be perfect for my tastes. Sadly, it was a slow, meandering read. My biggest complaint is about the dialog. The author doesn't write the dialog of her male characters in a way that SOUNDS like a real man speaking. For example, our main character was a long time journalist and war correspondent. He's no doubt been involved in grizzly events - and I doubt there is much that makes him flinch. Knowing this, when he reacts to the cat sniffing a dried blood stain by shrieking, "Koko! Don't be disgusting!" (and he whisks the cat away immediately) he sounded (and acted) more like a very big wimp. Point 2: The author seemed to have so much fun discussing modern art, that she forgot to keep the story going in the right direction at times. Point 3: Some red herrings made me feel as if I was cheated - in the end the "red herring" characters inclusion was never justified, their odd behaviors and activities were never explained. In fact, there were simply too many unimportant characters who didn't propel the story forward. Too many directions of interest. Untidy writing. Not very much fun to read. A major let down in the ending - like the ending was an after-thought -- as if the ending wasn't in mind when she was writing all the previous chapters. Lastly, our main character was too much of an idiot at times - especially when he'd ignore the cats clues only hours after he had been ranting about how brilliant this cat that reads is to his fellow journalists. I wish could get the time I spent reading this back again.



4. I realized recently that as much as I love these books, I've read relatively few in the series given how many there actually are (30 to date, if you include the one collection of short stories). Usually laughed off by the masses as kitschy `old-lady' books, those who read them know they're quite the opposite and are actually some of the cleverest bits of reading around. Braun, a former journalist whose advanced age has no doubt contributed to the mistaken notion that these books are about old ladies and their cats, has a wit so sharp and a perception so keen that you almost never see her coming at you until it's too late and it's zoomed right past you. Her fondness for the mysterious and almost mystical Siamese cat is no different than Dean Koontz's love affair with Golden Retrievers, and far less sappy and sentimental. Her human hero, Jim Qwilleran, remains one of the most enigmatic, fascinating literary characters I've ever encountered.
   
   This is the very first book in the series, written in 1966 and not, I believe, initially intended by Braun for serial-dom. The title was simply a wordplay on the central plot in which the owner of an elegant and mouthy Siamese cat is murdered, and I wonder if Braun ever imagined that the quirky title would explode into the near-phenomenon known as "The Cat Who..." books! I especially enjoyed reading this first one and being `introduced' to Qwill from the beginning, because his situation changes so drastically in the later books that I'm more familiar with. Here, we find him in his big city setting (unlike the far-flung country setting of later books), having just accepted a new job as a feature writer on the Daily Fluxion. His first assignment is writing up the local art scene, which Qwill is not entirely happy about given that he's accustomed to the more serious crime and political beats, but his position is precarious at the moment and complaining is not an option. At least things get a bit more interesting when the paper's deeply despised art critic - and also Qwill's temporary landlord - as well as a local art dealer are both murdered.
   
   As is par for the course in all the books, Qwill's past is something of a mystery, glimpsed in bits from time to time via the vague occasional comment alluding to an ex-wife, alcoholism and lost jobs, but never fully explained. Qwill himself is a guarded person, even to the reader, so he's like that guy at work you want to know more about but is too prickly and private to draw out very easily.
   
   I'm really looking forward to reading this series in order. As I understand it, the first three books were written in relatively quick succession, before a long and unexplained hiatus. After this first book, which was popular enough to generate a second and third (published in 1967 and 1968), Braun didn't return to the story until almost twenty years later, in 1986. It was at that point the series really picked up and became - and remains - one of the most popular mystery series' of all time. I can't wait to keep going and watch the development of Qwill and the other recurring characters.



5. I started this book five years ago, and put it down. Never did I pick up another book by Lilian Jackson Braun again. I was bored all the way to the fifth chapter, and that's were I left it.
   Two weeks ago I went to the bookstore and picked up "The cat who talked to ghosts". I figured maybe I'd give this author another try. I flew through the book, and found another at a second hand store "The cat who smelled a rat"....another great one.
   I then picked up this book again yesterday (11/02/08). I have nearly finished it. I can't believe that I put it down for five years.
   The characters are so well rounded. The story fast-paced, and who could forget Qwilleran's first meeting with Koko. His future partner in crime solving.
   I recommend this series highly. Take it from someone who gave them a second chance. They are well worth the read.

1 comments about Cam Jansen & the Catnapping Mystery (Cam Jansen).

1. This was a birthday present for my goddaughter, and she loved it. She said it was the best present she received.