5 comments about I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie (Picture Puffins).

1. I've only read the reviews of this book and it sounds great! I'm actually too old to be reading these kinds of stories but I just love how the old ladies in the "who swallowed a..." books get fatter and fatter. If only I could actually read the book. Gotta work on getting this book and some of the other related books!



2. I'm a music teacher for grades K-3. Never have I seen kids react so intensely to a sing-along book as they did for all the "I Know an Old Lady..." books. This one especially sparks kids' minds and brings so many other subjects into play. Kids like talking about Thanksgiving as it's one of the few holidays both kids and teachers openly celebrate. This book brought about questions of traditional food and activites as well as the health repercussions of stuffing ourselves. In the end, kindergarten through third grade eyes will sparkle to see the Old Lady grow into a balloon!



3. I loved this book! It is a great book with a fun twist to the original I Know An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly! This book is great for kids and adults!!!



4. I Know An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Pie is one of the best find for the Thanksgiving holiday. This is an adapation of the old classic rhyme, I Know An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, with a Thanksgiving twist. She eats and eats until she blows up like a balloon, and flies in the Thanksgiving parade. It's hysterical, and little ones love it. The cadence is wonderful, and a blast to read aloud!
   
   Judy Schachner's illustrations are colorful, and silly, somewhat like Nadine Bernard Wescott's [The Farmer Brown Series, Lady With The Alligator Purse]. If you're looking for a hilarious book for young children say 3 to 7 then this may fit the bill.



5. I love this rewrite of I Know An Old Lady who swallowed a Fly. I got it for my class and we have been getting more of these books, Like I Know An Old Who Swallowed a Bell.

5 comments about The Night Before Thanksgiving (Reading Railroad Books).

1. Our whole family enjoys this book, which makes us giggle and feel the warmth and love of sharing a holiday with family.



2. It's along the lines of A Night Before Christmas. It's family harmony at T-giving.



3. My 2 year old twins love this book.
   The rhyming text captures their attention as well as the lively pictures. There are lots of items I can ask them to find and count on the pages. Additionally, there are places in the text that are perfect for asking them to predict what is going to happen. Also, at the end of the book the family says a prayer of thanks which is a great place for me to show my children that other people pray to God, too.



4. This is patterned after the Night Before Christmas. I had previously given a copy to my 2 granddaughters and this one was for a grandson. It's a good book to read in preparation of Thanksgiving.



5. The author of this book Natasha Wing does a fantastic job describing what a traditional Thanksgiving time is like before and after!!! It's is reminiscent of what Thanksgiving is like at my in-laws house! Both me and my children thoroughly enjoyed reading this book with me numerous times before Thanksgiving!!!

3 comments about The First Thanksgiving (Step-Into-Reading, Step 3).

1. This history of the Pilgrims is very complete, given the reading level of the book. It is written for second to third grade students. The story covers the reasons for leaving England, the journey across the Atlantic, the first horrible winter, the meeting of Samoset and Squanto, the help given by the Indians and the Harvest Feast itself. The artwork is nicely done and adds to the content. Second grade students may find new vocabulary and challenging words to read, while third grade students should find the reading easy. A good asset for the teaching of American history to early elementary students.



2. This is a good, easy-to-read description of the Pilgrim's journey to America, their hard winter, and the first "Thanksgiving" celebration. However, I think it whitewashes history a little too much. It virtually ignores the tension that existed between the Pilgrims and Indians. There needs to be a happy median struck between telling the truly wonderful aspects of that first Thanksgiving -- how the two peoples were able to come together, if only for a short time, to share the celebration -- while acknowledging there were difficulties in the relationship between Pilgrims amd Indians. This isn't being "politically correct" -- it's just acknowledging the truth to our children that relationships between those two groups of peoples were not usually easy. Life is complex, even for young children -- they will understand and appreciate being told the full story.



3. I browsed and browsed before finding a book I felt was proper to read to my two young children about Thanksgiving; this one was it.

   I'm not keen on politically correct mush, and this book is not politically correct mush. While it is somewhat vague regarding the hardships of the Pilgrims and their relations with the American Indians, I don't fault it for that; books for young children (mine are 4 and 5) needn't go into such detail as the distrust between the settlers and the Indians, etc. -- that's for later learning.

   Overall, this is a great book and I already have recommended it to many people!

5 comments about How Many Days to America?: A Thanksgiving Story.

1. Eve Bunting outdid herself again! This story left both my second grade students and I teary eyed! A fabulous read when discussing Thanksgiving! We have alot to be thankful for in America!



2. This book was interesting because it showed how people travelled when they immigrated to America. Somebody from our school had the same travel experiences as the family in the book. It was a sad story because some people got sick, but the conclusion was very hopeful.



3. Eve Bunting seems to hold the opinion that breaking the laws of this country can be justified. I would not read this book to my third graders. In the case of illegal immigration, the end does not justify the means. In her book, Ms. Bunting portrays a family fleeing a Cuba-like country for a Florida-like destination. After enduring a harrowing journey in a rickity, leaky boat, the family arrives in America and is greeted by their fellow countrymen in time to celebrate Thanksgiving. Sorry, but this book does not warm my heart. The problems and responsibilities thrust upon the United States by uncontrolled immigration is too serious an issue to gloss over.



4. The first time I read this book was to a third grader. When it finished she sat in silence. Then, with an amazing amount of concern and compasion, she asked if it was a true story. The way the book touched her (and me) was amazing. It is a great book to help children (and adults) see the hardships many immigrants face. It is a wonderful book that can be used in the classroom as the center of a integrated lesson, or just read and discussed. This book is one everyone should read, around Thanksgiving or any time of the year.



5. How Many Days to America
   By Eve Bunting
   Illustrated by Beth Peck
   
   Do you wonder how many days it took this family to get to America? Mom and Dad and the boy and girl are coming to America in a big boat. There were many families in the boat. It was a hard trip. Some times they did not have food and they also got scared. Then the thieves took their money and jewels. They finally reached to a new place. They celebrated Thanksgiving with the people in the new country. I think they don't have to be afraid of new things. I think this book is good for people who were coming to America. This book is like my story I felt very sad even though I was with my sister just like the little girl. In the story I started to be happy when I saw my mom and dad. The illustrations gives an idea of what it was like coming to America. If you are one of those people who are new to America read this book you will enjoy it. By Cindy L

4 comments about Gooney Bird and the Room Mother.

1. Gooney Bird Greene is a precocious second grader who loves to be "right smack in the middle of everything." Gooney has her own colorful and unusual sense of fashion, which includes wearing mismatched socks, elbow-length gloves, straw hats with flowers and silver wet-look ski pants. Her high-spirited personality stands out when she's telling her "absolutely true" stories, and she has no problem being the center of attention. This is a youngster with incredible self-esteem.
   
   Gooney Bird also shares a few challenging vocabulary words with her class and obtains dictionaries for every class member so they can check out the meaning of new words.
   
   Mrs. Pidgeon's class also needs a room mother. But with all the children's parents otherwise occupied, no parents are prepared to bring cupcakes to the Thanksgiving pageant. Gooney Bird promises to find a room mother if she is given the lead in the Thanksgiving pageant. There is also another rule: The room mother will remain incognito.
   
   The suspense builds as we wait to learn if the Thanksgiving pageant is a success and who is the mysterious room mother.
   
   Gooney Bird and the Room Mother is a charming book that 6-to-10-year-olds will read again and again. Gooney Bird is comical; her teacher is every child's dream teacher. And the room mother, well you'll have to read the book to learn about the room mother.



2. Advanced elementary to early middle school readers will relish Lois Lowry's Gooney Bird And The Room Mother telling of Gooney Bird Greene, who likes to be the center of attention most of the time. Her roles are changing as she enter second grade, leaving her in doubt about her future roles - and a mysterious Room Mother. Black and white drawings by Middy Thomas embellish the second Gooney Bird story, which needs no introduction to prove intriguing.



3. Gooney Bird Green is in search of the perfect room mother for her second grade class. The teacher has set up a contest. The person who finds the class a room mother will get to be Squanto in the Thanksgiving play. Join Gooney Bird in her search. You will be surprised to find out who she finds to fill the role!
   The book was very funny.
   I would recommend this book. It's a must read for all Lois Lowry Fans.



4. I loved Gooney Bird Greene and so did my class of second graders. This one was less exciting. I had high hopes for it because we study Sqaunto. We will read it next year and I am sure we will learn to use our dictionaries like GB's class.

3 comments about The Secret of Saying Thanks.

1. This book is filled with beautiful, richly colored pictures, and descriptive language that paints a picture of its own. I read this story aloud before our Thanksgiving dinner and it added such meaning to the day. Children and adults alike will treasure this book. It is something that will be a new tradition in our home.



2. Douglas Wood is a breath a fresh air in our consumeristic world. He offers children a view of life that treasures the simple pleasures, and appreicate each moment life has to offer. A real find for children - AND adults.
   The core message of this book has become MY daily reflection for the year. His books resonate deeply in me and my children LOVE them.



3. Here it is!! This is the book I wish that I wrote. The secret to a happy life- presented in an easy to digest way. The art makes this book a "peak experience". A lovely book for all ages.

5 comments about Little Pilgrim's Progress: From John Bunyan's Classic (The Message).

1. We are reading it for homeschooling and are really enjoying it! My 6 year old son is completely into it and loves to describe the characters.



2. I used this book for VBS 15 years ago and pulled it out of the mothballs to persuade a new cluster of churches to give it a try so I was gratified that I could still get plenty of copies for the directors and actors.
   Beth Snyder, Brownstown Presbyterian Church, Brownstown, IN



3. we used this as a read aloud with our kids ages 4-11 they love it. 2-3 page chapters make it a great bed time story. We talked about christian characteristics and worldly charateristics these things are rarely taught. Great Book!



4. This is a great book for children to get the message of "Pilgrim's Progress" by John Bunyan. It is written so they can understand it and gets them caught up in the adventure and stories in the book. I use it to teach lessons on Sunday at my church. We read it together and then discuss what the story might mean to them and how they can use what little Christian learns in his life lessons.



5. This is a great version of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress.
   Whether old or young it will be great reading. It is a great read aloud book for family time. I like to give it away as a gift. Every home library should have a copy.

2 comments about Mayflower Treasure Hunt: A to Z Mysteries Super Edition 2 (A Stepping Stone Book(TM)).

1. This book was not enjoyed. Lots of complicating details that just added up to boredom.



2. My 6-year old daughter thoroughly enjoyed this book. She pays attention to the details to come up with theories about the mystery. I believe this helps her overall reading comprenhension.

1 comments about My Weird School #19: Dr. Carbles Is Losing His Marbles! (My Weird School).

1. I've read all of the Weird School books and enjoyed them. They are all funny. Dr Carbles is Losing his Marbles is a great book because it's really funny. I liked the parts involving a toupee (wig/fake hair). It gets yanked off of Dr. Carbles head in front of the students at recess and it's hysterical! I would reccomend this book.
   
   Reveiwed by Matthew-8 yrs old

5 comments about Thanksgiving on Thursday (Magic Tree House #27).

1. The story startes out when Jack and his little sister Annie are on their way to a place called Plymouth. At first they had no idea where they were until Jack was hung after he accidently steped into a trap; they finally found out where they were.
   
   First, this story takes place during the time of the pilgrims coming to the United States from England on a ship well-known as the Mayflower. The story's sequence startes when Jack and Annie are introduced to all the pilgrims and an indian; his name Squanto. Sooner on in the story Jack and Annie learn how to hunt and fish for there own food. While in a women's house Jack learned how to cook over the fire. But, they run into a problem; they didn't know how things ran around there. But a women nice enough told them just that. Her nam was Prinscilla.
   
   Last in the story they have wonderful and unforgiving diner. Also known as the First Thanksgiving Feast. Jack and Annie enjoyed their time in Plymouth because they have learned as much as I did.
   
   I thought that this book was an awesome experience for me because I have learned alot about the pilgrims and what it was like back in the day.



2. All this book is about how the Indians and Pilgrims started Thanks giving. I read thi book when i was 8. It was alright back then.
   
   BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU READ THIS BOOK !!!!



3. Thanksgiving on Thursday is an okay book because it is about a boy (Jack) and a girl (Annie) that go back in time to the first feast of thanksgiving. They help a woman prepare for the first Thankgiving dinner. They had to gather some of the food for the harvest. Jack gets caught in a snare set for an animal! Read it--it's okay!



4. My 1st grader hates to put it down, he would rather read Magic Tree House books, than play video games. He even reads them to his class and explains the story for show and tell. In his kindergarten class the teacher would also let him read the Magic Tree House books out loud, not to give her a break, but to promote reading out loud. Great books!



5. Jack and Annie travel back in time to the year of 1621,the time of the Pilgrams.Jack and Annie was sent by Morgan Le Fay to find the art of magic. Jack and Annie were in a forest and spied on the pilgrams when they got there, but Annie saw a dog which scared Jack and alerted the pilgrams. Jack told this fib to Squanto and the pilgrams. After the fib, all of the kids went hunting and gathering while Jack and Annie went into the water, in search for eels and clams in the ocean. After, they went to a house and cooked turkey for the feast. Jack ruined the turkey and felt horrible. It was all right and they had a feast outdoors. Jack and Annie returned home after finding the magic of community.