2 comments about Max Counts His Chickens.

1. My three year old granddaughter has loved Max and Ruby books since I bought her Tea for Two when she was six months old. She grabbed this Christmas morning and said, as she hugged the book, "My Max!". It was a huge hit.



2. My kids love Max and Ruby. Max and Ruby books are great quality, and I like them as much as my kids. Rosemary Wells knows how to make books appealing to kids of all ages. I can recommend any of her books without hesitation. They are family friendly, kid-safe, and just a lot of fun. They are classics! My kids also like to count, and this book is especially fun for Easter.

1 comments about I Spy Little Bunnies.

1. My 2.5 year old is now very interested in details, so when I saw the well-populated photographs in this book I knew we had to have it. We take it on outings and pull it out when she needs a quiet activity. Both she and her older sister pore over the illustrations (see if you can find the Scotty dog on a bead bracelet) and they even practice counting the items in the photos! This is a sturdy book with illustrations that will hold the interest of even busy youngsters.

5 comments about The Tales of Three Trees.

1. This story is a Christian allegory illustrating, in a simple, yet clear, manner, God's power to use our lives for His purposes in ways that surpass even our biggest dreams.
   
   The story begins by introducing three trees, each with its own grand dream. As the story progresses, the trees begin to question their purposes and wonder whether their dreams will come true. By the end, each tree realizes that not only are their dreams fulfilled, but they are fulfilled in unexpected ways.
   
   While the book may be intended for children, the story's message appeals to readers of all ages. I purchased the board book version so that it would withstand the handling of my two toddlers. Because the pictures are not as bright and baby-friendly as what you would find in other books, and the story is an allegory, my then 18-month-old wasn't very interested in my reading it to her. Now that she is 2 1/2 and is familiar with stories about Jesus, she now asks questions about the pictures and listens as I explain that God created each of us for a special purpose and can use us in ways we never expected.



2. This is such a great book for children. It gave me the chills the first time I read it. I would certainly recommend it to others.



3. This is a wonderful book for all ages! The meaning is beautiful. Highly recommend!!!



4. This is one of the best books ever; for children and adult. If you have Christian Beliefs, I highly recommend it.



5. I love this book and so do my kids. I'm sure my grandkids will too. I was surprised at what excellent condition it was for a used book. Even the cover looked really good. Thanks much!

4 comments about Where Are Baby's Easter Eggs?: A Lift-the-Flap Book (Lift-The-Flap).

1. Karen Katz is whiz when it comes to entertaining babies and toddlers. The writing is short and simple enough for a child to follow, my 16 month old daughther loves to lift the flap (which is sturdy and has lasted through several toddler attacks) and discover whatever we are looking for and while I read the short text she doesn't have to wait too long and can easliy understand it. The shiny and colorful pictures keep her interest and she learns new vocabulary as we look for easter eggs and point at what we find. I have several of Katz's books and they are an excellent way at teaching body parts and new words. I recommend these lift the flap books for any toddler.



2. I bought this book for my 2 year-old twins, and they really like it. They also have Where Is Baby? which they love. What I like about it is that it's not about religion---it's purely about eggs, hats, chicks, baskets and bunnies, which is all a 2 year old needs to hear about now.



3. Very nicely done - colorful pictures on each page. A wonderful book for the Easter or spring season.



4. We love all Karen Katz books! My daughter has me read them over and over, and even though she is almost 4, she still enjoys them. She also "reads" them to me, and she thinks it is hilarious when I pretend not to know what is behind all the flaps. We have a book for every occasion!

5 comments about Rechenka's Eggs (Paperstar).

1. Nice folktale that provides some Russian/Ukranian culture. Book is most suitable for preschool to early grade school children.



2. Hey. do you like eggs for breakfast? Do you know what you can do with them instead of throwing them away? Well, then you NEED to read this book. It isabout a woman named Babushka. Each day Babushka would take an egg from her basket and paint it. Will Babushka win the egg contest? Will the bird she rescued stop her from winning the contest? Find out by reading this book.
   
   Zaira



3. One of the best books I own. I love Patricia Polacco's stories. They warm my heart.



4. Evertything about this book is wonderful...the illustrations, the message, everything! Set in Russia, Polacco delivers another powerful piece of writing with this poignantly beautiful story about a woman who befriends an injured goose. The illustrations are gorgeous and the words go from Polacco's pen directly to your heart.
   I teach third grade and use this in my classroom, although my most recent purchase of this title was as a gift for a friend's child. Don't miss this one....would make a wonderful addition to anyone's Easter basket!



5. Lovely book. A major problem is that the author is confused about the pysanka and the country she is writing about. The pysanka is a UKRAINIAN Easter egg. Russians do not have pysanky (pl.). Surely by now people should know the difference between Ukraine and Russia (you wouldn't confuse Ireland and England). The pysanka is a most special Ukrainian ritual object. The author should have done her homework.

5 comments about Hurry! Hurry!.

1. Eve Bunting's HURRY, HURRY! tells of a big day in the barnyard, and pairs large, colorful drawings by Jeff Mack with the zany story of animals rushing to view an event. The very young will appreciate the easy reader, which offers several words in big letters, plenty of action, and colorful pictures parents can easily use to help reinforce sounds and words.



2. Our son loves this book so much! He is 21 months old and each beautifully illustrated page only has a couple words on it so he can memorize them and read along. We got it from the library but when it was time to return it, we had to have our own copy so we bought it from Amazon!



3. Hurry! Hurry! provides a great story line with vibrant art work and limited text. The book holds the attention of my 6 month old grandchild and it is expected it will be a favorite when she is a toddler.



4. My one year old loves this book. The illustrations are very good, very colorful, and the text is brief. It makes a very good new baby gift as well, since the story is about the excited clamoring of all the farm animals over the arrival of the newest member of the barnyard crew - a baby chick!



5. I wish I'd seen this book when my son was younger... at 2 and half he really likes it and memorized it after a couple of readings. Bright illustrations with just one word (repeated twice) per spread - with a couple exceptions at the end. Very cute, simple and very engaging - especially considering the lack of text... would recommend.

5 comments about The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes (Sandpiper Books).

1. This is one of my favorite books from childhood--an absolutely charming, magical story that I will always remember.



2. I read this book with my Dad during my childhood (pushing 40 now, so it's been a tiny little while ;)). I had forgotten all about it until I saw the cover in an Easter ad recently. It was amazing what a huge rush of memories that picture brought back. I immediately came to Amazon.com to find it and am thrilled it is still available. I only strongly remember 3 books I read as a child and this is one of them. I was enchanted with this story and the drawings as well. Now I hope that my own kids will love it as much as I did.



3. I have an original hardcover that I have read every Easter, a gift in 1950 from my mother. I have read it to myself, my sons, and various Sunday school classes. The messages of humility,diligence,right priorities are much needed in this era where self-absorbed thinking is rampant. I am purchasing one for my grandchildren.



4. Fast delivery, good quality, nice transaction, and product as advertised.
   This book is a classic and the values inherent in the book are timeless.



5. The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes by DuBose Heyward and illustrated by Marjorie Hack has been around for yours. In fact, it made its first appearance in 1939 and has gone through several printings since that time. The latest one I could find was 1974, which is far too long ago, as this is one that we had better not loose.
   
   Briefly, this is the story of a little brown country bunny that happens to be a female bunny. In this mythological story, as told by the author, there are actually five Easter Bunnies. These five bunnies are selected for being the kindest, swiftest and wisest bunnies in the whole wide world. Our little brown country girl bunny states that when she grows up, she wants to be one of the five chosen bunnies. The Big White Rich City Bunnies who live in the fine houses laugh at her, as do the male Jack Rabbits with their long legs.
   
   When our little brown country bunny, whose name is Cottontail, grows up she finds herself the mother of twenty-one baby bunnies and responsible not only for their care, but the care of the house and all that goes with it. Cottontail trains her children to be very responsible. They help her with her house work, gardening, washing, sewing, cooking and other skills useful in living a full life. Word goes out that one of the five Easter Bunnies has grown too old to do his job (thus far, all the Easter Bunnies have all been males), and that a new Easter Bunny must be chosen by the Old Grandfather Bunny. This old rabbit, being rather wise above all others, of course, chooses our Mother Cottontail. The story goes on in a sweet way, almost a quest adventure and in the end we find that Mother Cottontail is not only the wisest, kindest and fastest bunny in the world, but also the bravest. Don't want any spoilers here, so will stop with the plot over view.
   
   First, the art work. The artist, Marjorie Hack, has her bunnies dressed in late Victorian or possibly early Edwardian garb. It is quite detailed and quite fitting for the story. She has used very mellow colors and each picture is simple, while at the same time being extremely detailed. In many ways it is typical of the art work featured in children's literature, of that time, but then she throws in surprises, such as in the winter sequence where Cottontail climbs the mountain. The art here jumps way beyond its years. Actually, I cannot see why this art work would not appeal to everyone, young and old alike.
   
   As to the message of the story; if you do a search or some advanced research on this particular book, you will find that it has had a profound influence on at least two, possibly three, generations of small children, following them all the way into adult life. This influence has been extremely positive. You must remember that this book was written in 1939 and you must remember what the world was like at that time.
   
   This is the story of a little girl rabbit that overcame economic, racial, social and sexual biasness and fulfilled her dreams. This is simply an overall good message. I read this particular work to a group of seven year old children, and every single one of them was able to pick up on this theme. I was so proud of them. Now this book has been accused of having a strong feminist message (as if this were some sort of dirty word...how sad.) I suppose it does, indeed, deal quite well with this subject. Again, this is good. I would suggest that, in my humble opinion, if anyone has a problem with any of the messages this work projects, then they probably should move back into the cave they came out of.
   
   This is a work we do not was to lose. Highly recommend this one.

5 comments about Max's Chocolate Chicken (Max and Ruby).

1. The best part about this book is realizing -- after several readings -- how Ruby, the older sister, tries to manipulate her little brother by telling him he has to win an egg hunt to win the chocolate chicken. But of course, big sister gets humbled (and her own chocolate chicken) in the end.
   This book is my kids' favorite Max and Ruby book, but they are all good, especially Bunny Cakes.



2. I think the previous reviewer (tabris02) has given good advice. This book will either resonate with you or it won't. We received it as a gift and were a bit puzzled by it, asking grandma, "What kind of lesson are you trying to teach our toddler?" The bulk of the story was cute, as Max mucked about in the yard while Ruby single-mindedly found every Easter egg. But the ending didn't sit well with me...selfishness with no remorse or consequences or even awareness of his sister's feelings. Years later, with three kids, I realize that siblings will learn to be competitive and selfish even without seeing those traits demonstrated in books. So, I've lightened up a bit. But I still don't find myself reaching for this book on our shelf. Of the Max and Ruby stories, I prefer Bunny Cakes. Another of our favorite Rosemary Wells books is Fritz and the Mess Fairy (Fritz is a slob who during one amazing night tries to make it up to his family by cleaning the entire house and fixing them breakfast in bed. In the process, he makes a huge mess again in the kitchen...but his efforts to improve himself and express his love to his family are very endearing!).



3. This book was so cute! It reminded me so much of me and my one sister. I used to always find her candy and sneak a piece or two (she took forever to eat hers!). My sisters and I all love each other and we're extremely close. Kids will be kids and have their little antics--that's what gives us times to look back on. It is also what makes us so close to each other. This book is one we read every single day during the Easter Season!



4. if they're smoking something. I got this as a discard from the library, and decided it might be suitable for the library in my preschool class. The pictures are cute and yet, disturbing as well. The story makes no sense, and the children did not really enjoy any part of it. I left it in their little library for months, and they never looked at it. This story is simply too bizarre for children, although I'm sure it's great for adults after enjoying certain herbal refreshments.This teacher gives it a "D".



5. My kids LOVE this book! It figures that someone who thinks that stuffy Ruby bossing her brother around (Bunny Cakes) would NOT like poor Max unable to resist the chocolate chicken! I cannot believe that people take this book so seriously! Our kids giggle and smile while we read as Max hides from his industrious, single-minded, bossy boots sister while messily munching the chicken. I love the new version of the Easter bunny, the artistry on the eggs is delightful as well as the droll humor.
   
   I think that the lesson that this book teaches our children is that life is fun and chocolate chickens shouldn't be taken too seriously! Or- since rule-making Ruby is the oldest, she would no doubt be the winner of the egg hunting contest and once again a frustrated Max outwits her! Hooray for the underdog (bunny).

5 comments about Chicken Sunday.

1. Poignancy, humour, and detail are hallmarks of Polacco's books...and Chicken Sunday shines in all of these. Our girls (5 & 7)loved it so much that they asked for it to be read again as soon as we got to the end. All the telling things of a child's world, including being unfairly accused, secret hidey holes, and longing to show an adult how much they love them, are there. In addition there is a wonderful richness to the language, with images such as "a voice like deep thunder and slow rain".



2. Chicken Sunday is a touching story of friendship and family. Patrica Polacco writes of a childhood recollection. Patricia and two of her childhood friends set out to raise money to buy the beloved Miss Eula an Easter bonnet as a "thank you" for her wonderful Sunday chicken dinners. The three children need to deal with trying to prove their innocence to Mr. Kodinsky and Miss Eula after being wrongly accused of throwing eggs at Mr. Kodinsky's store. The children decide to make Pysanky eggs and hope Mr. Kodinsky will let the children sell the eggs at the hat store. The reader can definitely feel the love between Patricia, the boys and Miss Eula. The realistic drawings and colors are a great addition to this already enjoyable story. Readers of all ages will truly enjoy this book.



3. This book speaks volumes . . . especially how a life can be changed forever through a simple act of love and kindness. It seemed that Miss Eula was a beautiful person who just loved and cared for everyone around her by continually demonstrating the true principles of faith, hope, and love.

   This book truly emphasizes those things that matter most: a faith in God, a loving family, and good friends.

   Chicken Sunday was not only heart-warming and touching, but to me it clearly stated the importance of allowing that little "light" within our hearts to shine no matter what!

   This book is an excellent educational tool, and can be easily used in various thematic units such as: family and friends.

   I have always enjoyed Patricia Polacco books and will continue to read them to my loved ones and classes for many, many years to come!




4. CHICKEN SUNDAY is another one of my favorite Polacco books. This is a fabulous and emotionally touching story of an interracial friendship and the children's journey of love and service. Young Patricia (who has written another great episode about her rich and colorful life) and her two best friends Stewart and Winston (who happen to be black) want to buy the boy's gramma (Eula Mae) a hat that she has wanted but could not afford to buy. Since the death of her beloved babushka, Eula Mae also serves as Patricia's surrogate grandmother. The children witness an act of racism on the hat shop owned by the Holocaust survivor Mr. Kodinski. They were going to ask Kodinski for a job to raise the money to buy Eula Mae her favorite hat. Mr. Kodinski sees the children and assumes that they are responsible for the act of violence. Ultimately, the children redeem themselves by making Pysanky eggs for Mr. Kodinski to sell in his store. He tells them the story of his life and then gives the trio the hat. Naturally Eula Mae is thrilled.
   
   CHICKEN SUNDAY is named after the chicken dinner that Eula Mae feed the children every Sunday after Church. This is another multi-cultural book teaching children that it is okay to have friendships with people who are different. Incidentally, Patricia remains close to these boys to this very day. It also exposes children to different types of racism. This book has a wonderful lesson for children and adults.



5. Although they are innocent, some young children make ammends for the harm done to a Holocaust survivor (the old man has the unmistakable tatoo on his forearm). You must purchase the Scholastic book on cassette for an even more motivating storytime (complete with music).

5 comments about Junie B., First Grader: Dumb Bunny (A Stepping Stone Book(TM)).

1. My daughter love this series. It's a little hard for me to read due to the poor grammar and name calling. Let's face it though most first graders have poor grammar. There are worse things that she could be reading. We have all of these books and they are well loved.



2. After more than 25 books, Barbara Park's series about a very loquacious first grader with a vocabulary far beyond her age (and the writing ability to go with it) is still going strong. So I suspended my disbelief and read JUNIE B., FIRST GRADER: DUMB BUNNY to my six-year-old.
   
   In this adventure, the rich girl in class, Lucille, invites everyone over to her mansion to participate in an over-the-top Easter Egg Hunt that will result in a play date in Lucille's heated indoor swimming pool. Lucille wants her boyfriend Sheldon to win, but Junie B. and her arch-nemesis May (the original "dumb bunny" in the title until Junie B. gets something of a comeuppance later on) are ready to pounce, pound and scrabble their opponents in order to get a dip in that grand pool.
   
   There is a lot of falling down and Batman-type expletives (WHOOSH! SMASH!), and the kids are none too nice to each other until Junie B., in a sudden acknowledgment of good judgment, makes a quick and well-appreciated sacrifice to save the day. We laughed at some of the pratfalls, and Lucille's annoyed Nanna character was amusing as well. Junie B. shares the stage with a lot of different people, but she is clearly the star of the show, the story told from her point of view.
   
   Whether humiliated in a pink bunny suit or gloating over her lack of selfishness, Junie B. thinks in capital letters with lots of exclamation points and writes in her journal about what she has learned. The journal entries are cute and engaging, and spell out the moral of the story without being too pointed, which we appreciated.
   
   If this is your first Junie B. foray, it might be helpful to go back and read some of the earlier books first to relax into her strange environment. Otherwise, DUMB BUNNY certainly will offer fans of the series more of what they have come to expect from this little girl and her friends.
   
   --- Reviewed by Jana Siciliano



3. My daughter has the whole collection she love keeping up with Junie B. I have not read a book in it's entire but from what I've read she is a very curious, funny little girl. I recommend this book and all the others also. My daughter was hooked after the 1st Barbara Parks books and althought she is older now she still cracks up laughing when reading. Totaling entertaining!



4. Junie B., First Grader: Dumb Bunny (A Stepping Stone Book(TM))
   
   I love all of Barbara Parks books about Junie B. Jones. I think they should make a movie of this book. I think this is the funniest of all the Junie B.books. If you have a little girl who loves to read or be read to, I cannot recommend all of the Junie B. books enough.
   
   Would make a great addition to any Easter basket! This book is a little better than cheater pants!



5. My 4 and 5 year olds love Junie B. Jones. This is the first chapter book on cd we have purchased and they love it! They listen to it while they are going to bed at night. They even tell me which chapter they were on when they fell asleep:) Great buy!