5 comments about Junie B. Jones and That Meanie Jim's Birthday (#6).

1. My daughter is 5, and she giggles with utter delight throughout the books in this series. She always wants me to keep reading to her until the book is finished entirely, and then, usually begs to read another right away. These stories have certainly added to her love of books. I agree with the other reviewers, however, that the grammar is horrendous and sets a poor example for young children. Therefore, I read these stories aloud and automatically correct the grammar as I read. The sentences are so short and simple that the correction is very easy and doesn't interrupt the flow of the narrative at all. These stories are worth that small effort as Barbara Parks sure does seem to know how to tickle a child's funny bone! I definitely would not recommend the audio editions, though, because in that case, the poor grammar does indeed overshadow the greatness of the story.



2. The Junie B. Jones series represents thoughtful storytelling replete with the sorts of syntactic and semantic errors that all thoughtful parents try to stamp out of their children's discourse conventions. For example, my multilingual daughter, a second grader in an international school in Japan, incessantly mixes Korean, Japanese and English grammars and meanings, not to mention reproducing the very colloquial forms of casual spoken English I'm always encouraging her to readjust in agreement with more standardized forms.
   
   The typical difficulties that young native speakers of English have in moving, say, from the comparative to the superlative or in adjusting tense forms in regular and irregular verbs are codified throughout this series. Those who might object to this critique would also have to defend why errors such as those referenced here occur not only in the dialogues among the characters, but also in the expository portions of the stories. The author makes no effort to encourage her young readers to see the differences between colloquial forms and the more widely accepted standardized forms.
   
   Thanks to Ms. Park's efforts, young children honing their language skills now have an opportunity to model the varieties that society generally deplores. Though her stories are delightfully cute, her methods do not further the kinds of knowledge that the larger society will come to expect from informed citizens. If her editor hasn't yet been dismissed, I would encourage Ms. Park to reflect a bit more on her approach to educational texts.



3. Barbara Park's wonderfully comedic character, Junie B. Jones is suffering the outrage of a social slight -- eveyone in her class has been invited to a birthday party, except her.
   
   If you are familiar with this author's books, you know that Junie is sure to react in the funniest manner possible, exploding with crazy plans of her own.
   
   If you are not familiar with Junie B. Jones, get yourself a big stack of them right now, because you and the children in your life are sure to have a great time together. Junie B. Jones speaks with the voice of a naughty little kid, who really should know better. The joke is that the reader does know better -- and that's the source of all the fun!
   
   I highly recommend Junie B. Jones and That Meanie Jim's Birthday, as well as all the other books by Barbara Park.



4. As a teacher of a child who does not like to read, I think that this book is a wonderful way to get into reading. My daughter loves these books and this is the only way to get her to read! My daughter discovered this series in the second grade and she knew the grammar was not correct and as we read the book together any time improper grammar came up I would ask her if it was correct and we would have a discussion on the correct usage of the English language. I use these books as an opportunity not only for my daughter to enjoy reading and spend time together reading, but also as an educational tool. If a parent is willing to put the time into reading with their child- then these books are great! My daughter is now in the 3rd grade and we love Junie B. Jones!



5. The main character is Junie B. Jones and Jim. Junie really wanted to go to Jim's Birthday. And the birthday was after school in the afternoon. Junie B. got upset at school because she could not go to the party. Or else she would be the only one in room nine that did not go. By Avery

No comments about A Merry Fair (Backyardigans Ready-to-Read).

2 comments about A Birthday Basket For Tia (Aladdin Picture Books).

1. In the late Fall of 1992, I read A BIRTHDAY BASKET FOR TIA (Macmillan) by Pat Mora. (I received it as a gift from a special friend and mentor.) I had never read a children's book written by a Mexican American author, so I read it with anticipation.

   At the same time, I became angry because I had never read a picture book and much less a young adult novel by a relevant author of my ethnic group. Why hadn't anyone offered such children's books to me when I was a young boy coming of age in Magnolia, the East side barrio of Houston? Nevertheless, I hugged the book and read it again and again in the company of other young(er) Latinas and Latinos in Houston and San Antonio public schools. Who would have thought?

   Since then, I have shared the book in English and Spanish, too, with educators and readers. So many readers--of all ages and colors--have met the young girl named Cecilia, the silly cat named Chica, and her loving aunt. An advocate for children, Pat Mora's picture books continue to share the written word and celebrate the narrative of many Latinas and Latinos living in the United States. Muchisimas gracias, Pat Mora.




2. In A Birthday Basket for Tia, Cecelia, a little girl of about 5-7 anos (years) of age decides to put together a birthday gift basket for her aunt who is turning 90. She gathers all of her aunts favorite things including a teacup, red ball, mixing bowl, book, flower pot, and flowers. Her aunt arrives to her surprise party and enjoys removing each gift from the basket. Then she dances with her neice without the aid of her cane. All throughout the book Cecelia's silly cat Chico plays by getting into the basket, sitting on the book, and putting her face into the flowers. This book is so understated in it's simplicity, the message of love and family comes through undiluted.
   
   Girls ages 5-7 should enjoy this book. It's 2nd grade reading level, but short enough that it could be read to a younger child in under 15 minutes. Some words are in Spanish such as anos, noventa, bizcochos, and hierbabuena, but the meanings are easily decipherable by non-Spanish speaking readers.

5 comments about Apple Pie Fourth of July.

1. This story is told by an Asian-American girl whose family owns a Chinese food restaurant. The narrator is frustrated and discouraged by the separation of American culture and her own culture. ("No one wants Chinese food on the Fourth of July, I say.") However, as five o'clock arrives, so do a few surprises.

   Wong's simple tale and Chodos-Irvine's striking illustrations combine to form an endearing story about how the combination of different cultures forms the true culture of America.

   Reading Level: Grades 1-2




2. I found the book great at identifying the problems Asian Americans face growing up in the American culture.



3. I did like the story. I read it to my 7 yearold son and we thought it was a good story to read. The little girl in the story did not think that her food that her parents prepared and sold would be something Americans ate on their holiday celebration of the 4th of July. How wonderful to be in America and have a place that makes oriental foods right down the street from whereever we live. The little girl is surprised that customers do start coming and her mother and father are quite busy preparing the food. The parents are not surprised, they seem to understand a little better than their daughter about the retaurant business in America. Americans love to eat!



4. "Apple Pie 4th of July" (2002) by Janet S. Wong ("This Next New Year","Buzz") could have a multitude of functions in your classroom, depending on the age of your students and your subject. For older students in Language Arts (3rd-5th), this book will provide an example of character development. In this story, a Chinese-American girl tells her Chinese parents that their customers do not want to eat Chinese food on the 4th of July. The girl believes that people only want American food like apple pie on such an American holiday. Her parents continue with their plans of offering Chinese food in their market. Your students will enjoy reading about this girl and discovering whether or not she is correct. You will appreciate the manner in which Ms. Wong develops this character. Since the girl's parents were born in China, this book will function as an introduction to immigration for younger students (K-2). As the girl is living within two cultures, this book will serve you well in a unit on multiculturalism (K-2). You should include in any discussion the colorful illustrations by Margaret Chodos-Irvine and the fact that the girl is dressed in red, white and blue. The illustrations depict a cultural blend of the traditional 4th of July parade and fireworks with Chinese main characters and foods.



5. Very unique book that offers a realistic perspective on Chinese-American children. Can be used with any other culture when teaching children about adapting to the American way of life.

5 comments about Donald Duk.

1. Growing up, there was always that one person you wanted to be. That one person you were reminded of everyday in the media that seemed so much more glamorous than your average lifestyle. For Donald Duk, being Chinese wasn't quite satisfying enough. He dreamt about being Fred Astaire, his Americanized idol. The whole novel bases its message on being happy with what you got, something I feel important growing up in a self-centered America.
   Donald is a 12 year old boy living in the streets of Chinatown in San Francisco. His life experiences are similar to the stereotyped foreigner. He gets made fun of by the Chinatown bullies, leaving him with no self-respect and dignity for himself. He realizes the stereotypical aspects of American-Chinese and it drives him to unhealthily hate himself. I think the message of this book can reach out to so many people who are in similar situations with their social life.
   The novel puts Donald in a period of life where self image starts to become an important thing. I could really connect to this because around the same period of my life, this was also important. He wants to just be American so bad that he has negativity for all things Chinese. Hatred is found in several ways including food, culture, and way of life. He hates the weird foods; he hates the embarrassing, easy to baffle names including his. Donald is constantly being made fun of by his ridiculous link to the Walt Disney Donald Duck. Even his mother's name is Daisy. He even hates his uncle who performs Chinese opera seldom at him school; imagine that. Even his best friend appreciates the culture more than he does. Basically he would do anything to be anything but Chinese. I know I've been so ungrateful at times. After reading this novel, you feel much more self-assured. You don't get that much in literature.
   This book contains good balance to imply the message with the introduction of Donald's father, King Duk. He is the wise, old man carrying mentoring features for Donald. If it weren't for his father, Donald would be lost in American culture. He shows him how to adapt instead of completely transform. He makes it important that instead of being laughed at, laugh with. You don't gain much knowledge with out experience.
   If you're not familiar with Chinese culture, some parts of the book can be a little cloudy. There were some parts that I could get completely lost in, but the ultimate message shined through. The dreams that he endures about being an underground rail-road builder in the 1800's is what turns him around. The dream sequences were my favorite, switching the story up with eccentric details. He finds out that the Chinese are just as creditable as anyone else and have received no recognition for it. He starts to appreciate where he has come from, becoming a happier person. The adaptation process starts to come easy to him, making him proud of his individualism.
   Sometimes you just need the help of others to see more clearly. For Donald, his dreams opened up the passageway for him. Also, through the help of his family and friends, he could actually start to enjoy himself. Chinese culture is one that holds a lot of values. Back in China, death could even result from breaking this. Throughout the book, the main values presented were family, respect, and righteousness. Frank Chin did a very good job of combining freedom of choice by America with the traditional values of Chinese. This is a book we could all learn a little from.



2. First of all, I am surprised that not many people have read or even heard of this book. Why is it that America eats up all the stereotypical, sell-out Asian-American literature and denies something as real and tangible as Frank Chin's "Donald Duk"? Instead we are force-fed Amy Tan. And don't get me wrong, I enjoy reading Amy Tan, she is a very engaging writer, however, the average reader does not know where to draw the line between fiction and fact. They assume that because Amy Tan is Asian, every word that spills across the pages of her works is the solid truth. It is important for people to understand this distinction before reading any literature, lest they mistake fiction writing for truth and buy into the stereotypes presented by the author. Unfortunately, most people cannot make this distinction and their knowledge of Asian/Asian-American culture is limited to what they read in "The Joy Luck Club" and other such works.
   
   Whew! That was quite a rant :) Back to the review:
   
   Frank Chin is NOT Amy Tan. On the surface, "Donald Duk" presents itself as a light-hearted, comedic read. In fact, the entire premise of this novel seems silly, as do the characters. However, beneath the surface lie some serious questions about culture, identity, and racism. With its rich portrayal of history and culture, "Donald Duk" challenges the abundant stereotypes and misrepresented histories often present in American culture. Paired with Chin's vibrant and crisp writing style (It took me a few pages before I warmed-up to his style, but once I did I was hooked), the end result is a novel that manages to be eye-opening without being preachy. A feat that is seldom accomplished. I don't say this often, but I love this book. "Donald Duk" is an entertaining, albeit important, novel that should be introduced to more readers.



3. this book was good. it was interesting to read. it has 2 messages that i found.



4. Frank Chin uses 3rd person to go through the novel. What? Is he trying to question our competancy? It's and incredibly dull and boring book and is about a boy who dislikes being chinese. He wants to be a famous dancer-- so why doesn't he just do it. I mean it doesn't matter if you're chinese or not. Really, the book is about a kid who is so emo over his ethnicity, it just sickens me. Shut up and quit complaining. Only a few interesting dreams but that's it.



5. pretty interesting but a kind of bad ending. the book has an interesting beginning though.

5 comments about Miss Spider's Tea Party: The Counting Book (Miss Spider).

1. My daughter loves this book. She just made 2 and she repeats the ending of each line in this book. I bought it twice because that's how much she loves it. I can read any other book to her, but in the end she makes sure I read Miss Spider's Tea Party. It's a beautifully illustrated and very very well written book.



2. This book has some of the most beautiful artwork you will ever see in a children's book. My 17 month old took a few tries to warm up to the story, and it still isn't a favorite of hers. A lot of times we will just sit and look at the pretty pictures.



3. My 6 month old has liked this book since he was 4 months old. Now his face lights up with a big smile when I pull it out. Sometimes he even starts to fuss when I put it away! The illustrations are just so vibrant and colorful that he's mesmerized by it. I really really wish I could find more books like this. I've looked everywhere! This is definitely a best buy for parents who want to start reading to baby at an early age.



4. My 13 month old *LOVES* Miss Spider, and I was getting really sick of Miss Spider's New Car (which is a great book, don't get me wrong, I was just tired of reading it 3x/night.) I went looking for the original Miss Spider's Tea Party in board book format (which you can't find, why is that?) and stumbled across this one and the ABC one. He likes both of them, I slightly prefer this one because frankly it's shorter. The artwork is still the classic David Kirk Miss Spider traditional stuff, not the computer-animated from the TV series stuff. And if you know the original Tea Party story, it's an abbreviated version of that, so it's kind of fun to see where they go with it for the Counting. So all in all, a decent alternative.



5. Very good book that teaches counting and basic concepts. Great illustrations - clear and colorful. Quick read so keeps the attention of very young readers. I love reading it to my 16 month old and she loves to listen to the story as well as look at the illustrations.

3 comments about Hats off for the Fourth of July (Christian Mother Goose).

1. This book captures the essence of a favorite American event - the annual Fourth of July parade that can be witnessed in almost every small town. Ziefert's rhyming story is wonderfully illustrated with vivid paintings of the different entries in the parade. Uncle Sam on stilts, the Little League, the High School Band, the local beauty pageant winner---it's just like the author says "Everyone marches on the Fourth of July". My favorite picture is the one of the baton twirler trying to retrieve her baton from the mischievous pup that caught it. This book is an excellent one to read aloud to toddlers and preschoolers.



2. What a great book to introduce children to patriotism and the All American parade! The illustrations bring a parade to life! All three of my kids ages 6, 4 and 20 months loved this book! Like a real parade, something for everyone!



3. There's a steady beat to the text, which plays into the movement of the parade, and arrests the listener almost enticing them to turn the page. The phrase "music and drum" is repeated throughout, and is so catchy I find myself humming it afterwards. The poems are strained in places, but overall the writing is pleasing to the ear. The illustrations are delightful, and brightly colored. The artist, Gustaf Miller has a homespun appeal. The images are realistic; yet there's a casualness, and lose flair to his paintings.
   
   We don't learn anything about Independence Day in Hats Off for the Fourth of July, which is fine, but I wonder if the illustrator has ever been to an Independence Day parade. There are a few American flags painted into the scenes, but every Fourth of July parade I've attended is adorned with American flags, and even the spectators are decked out in our nations colors.
   
   As there's little in the way of reading material for young ones on our country's birthday, the book passes the test, and the illustrations are certainly worth a long look.

2 comments about Whopper Cake.

1. Great illustrations and a fun rhyme combine for another great book from Karma Wilson. I'm buying extra copies to give as gifts, it's the perfect birthday gift!



2. Another great book from Karma Wilson. Grandpa bakes a HUGE cake for grandma because her heart is so big, she deserves it. The story is fun and the rhymes are original. My nearly 4 year old son laughs every time we read this. There are funny tag lines as you read the story, which my son now likes to throw in on his own, so it is great at encouraging participation. My only complaint is the use of improper grammar ("fetch me up an oar" and lots of words where the "g" is dropped from the "ing" - like "itchin"). I realize it is meant to be cute and quaint, but for a book designed to be read to children who are learning to speak properly, I think it's inappropriate. I actually went through our copy of the book and used a pen to correct everything, and the story is just as fun with proper English.

5 comments about What Mommies Do Best What Daddies Do Best.

1. My 18-month old loves this book. It accomodates the father which is great since my daughter loves to have her daddy read to her. Additionally it covers a wide variety of activities that parents might engage in with their children. The only thing that struck me funny is that the illustrations for the Daddies version indicate that dads are fancier/do things better. It's not a criticism, just funny. The daddy makes a grand cake, and the mommy is slopping stuff all over the kitchen. In another scene, the daddy is trimming a topiary, and the mommy is hoeing in a corn field. But regardless, a unique book that caters to parents' situations.



2. This volume is two books in one, but with different illustrations built around identical texts (except one version talks about "mommies" while the other one talks about "daddies"). One cover has the mommies while the other cover has the daddies. The two texts and covers are printed upside down from one another. I've never seen a book quite like it. Just when you think that it's merely cute, you begin to notice subtle differences. The sex roles are mixed among the parents, and the illustrations mix it up even more. Mommies are messier than in the usual expectation in some cases, while daddies are neater than the usual expectation in other cases. The illustrations feature warm, funny anthropomorphic animals that will have you and your child giggling. The book will encourage much more involvement for both parents with your youngster. I recommend this book as a gift from a child for either mother's day or father's day.

   The mommies' version begins with bears while the daddies' has hippos. I think the mommies got the advantage on that one. " . . . can teach you how to ride a bicycle, make a snowman with you, and bake a delicious cake for your birthday." The daddies' cake is much nicer though. Maybe the daddies did okay. What do you think?

   The mommies' version goes on to use pigs. Hmmm. " . . . can help you make a garden grow, give you a piggyback ride, and take care of you when you're sick." But daddies are goats. I'm not sure either parent was advantaged here.

   The mommies pick up as mice. That one had me laughing. " . . . can watch the sun set with you, sew the loose button on your teddy bear, and hold you when you're feeling sad." The daddies are foxes. I roared when I saw that.

   In the next section, mommies are elephants. " . . . can take you trick-or-treating, help you give the dog a bath, and play in the park with your rollarblades." Daddies are rabbits. Mommies have the weight edge here.

   In the final section, mommies become . . . porcupines. " . . . can read you a bed time story, tuck you in, and kiss you good-night." "But best of all, . . . can give you lots and lots of love!" Guess what daddies are? Crocodiles! Pretty sharp, eh?

   However you decide to have fun with this book, it should add a whole new meaning to parenting in your household. Whether you are a mommy or a daddy, I suspect this book will give you the chance to do more things with your children. That's a great gift!

   After you finish the book, you might ask your child to discuss what animals other people remind her or him of. You can extend the humor in that way, and also get many interesting insights into how you child sees and thinks about others.

   Erase parental stereotypes with a big dose of laughter!




3. My 3-year old LOVES this book! This is a DARLING little story of all the things Mommies can do (like bake a birthday cake, play with you in the park, hold you when you're feeling sad, etc) but in the end of the book the thing they do best is "Mommies can give you lots and lots of love!" Cute illustrations and just a sweet little story! Get one for yourself and also for a Mom!



4. Two books in one showing parenting is universal. My seven-year old after reading a few times What Mommies Do Best/What Daddies Do Best can now breeze through it so much so that I feel it is more rote reading than mastering reading fluency. This is a bit too easy for him, but I liked the book for showing how Mommies and Daddies can do the same things, if they are so inclined to do so. My son learned to pronounce Mommies and Daddies very clearly by continuing to read this book and he does not sound monotone now.
   
   My son also liked to go back and forth between sides to see how the other parent handled that particular page. The changing of the animals kept the imagination going and predicting which would next appear when he first started reading What Mommies Do Best/What Daddies Do Best. Each book consists of seventeen pages although they are not numbered.
   
   The section entitled, What Daddies Do Best starts off with the same text as What Mommies Do Best, with the only differences being the animals and illustrations to suit the gender. For example the Mommy was on a bicycle pedaling up the hill with the child behind on a smaller bike. When we get to What Daddies Do Best the Daddy is pushing the kid on the bike. Their cake is quite a masterpiece with them both donning the white bakers' hats with a four tiered cake decorated in pink and blue icing.
   
   This winning combination of author and illustrator shows how equally either parent can do something that still helps the child feel special and loved. They are different but the love for the child shines through in their role as parents in all that they do.
   
   For those that have spouses with a sense of humor this would be an ideal book for Father's Day, without letting on the other side is all about What Mommies Do Best. The reading level would be about five to seven with the interest for kids from toddlers through elementary age.



5. I love this book because it says exactly the same thing from the mommy side and the daddy side, albeit with different pictures- both daddies and mommy mend things, bake cakes, go for bike rides and do all the things kids love to do with their parents. We bought a few other mommy and daddy books, but they were so gender biased it made us cringe when we read them.

5 comments about Jenny's Birthday Book.

1. I first read Jenny's Birthday Book as a shy kindergartener. I picked it out of the school library based on my love for cats, the wonderful colors on the cover and because my birthday happened to be coming up. There was no way to know the impact of that library visit.
   
   The following Septembers spent at Berkeley Street School, I would take out Jenny's Birthday Book as a special birthday ritual and read it slowly and mindfully, taken by the gentleness of the language and illustrations. The book was not only a comfort at the time, but shaped my sense of aesthetics and love for language. Even as an adult I am taken by the beauty of the scene where Jenny and her rambunctious friends "... danced the sailor's hornpipe in the moonlit park."
   
   Anyway, never forgetting this book, I had been on fruitless search for it for the past 15 years (I thought it was titled Jenny's Birthday Party and didn't know the author) and happened upon it in a friend's shop. With a little girl on the way, I can't explain how thankful I am that it has been republished and now own it with the plan to read it to my own daughter.



2. I was delighted to find these books again. For years I have been searching for the books about the little black cat, Jenny.
   
   Recently, I was at Books of Wonder and was jokingly testing the salesperson's knowledge. She knew! I couldn't believe it.
   
   These books were a pleasure to me as a child and spurred my love of reading. I intend to buy all of them for my daughter.



3. Well Oct. Is not only my Fav. month.
   Buuut also my friend Jenny J.J.I.'s
   Birthday! For those of you who know
   Mrs. Fab. She is really GREAT! She is
   a New Yawker and a loving wife/mother.
   She gives WONDERFUL reviews on all
   sorts of books and film with her
   own,own....pizazz! So Jenny girl
   from the bottom of my heart hope
   you and your family are enjoying Friday!
   Stay who you are and never change!
   Your friend Clint!
   By the way Jennys Birthday book
   is a fantastic read for youngsters!
   Thank you.
   p.s. Oct. 5th what a SPECIAL day. I remember when
   I turned 23 yrs.old Take care J.J.I.



4. Another sweet story involving that shy, black kitty named Jenny Linsky. I can't imagine a little kid not loving this story and wanting to read it again and again.



5. My daughter loves cats so I got this to give her for her 6th birthday. The characters in it are a hoot.