Reviews (3)

Great book for reticent readers
My son (9) loved this book! I am thrilled because he'd usually rather play sports than sit down and read a book. I met Mr. Hale at a conference recently and was impressed by his intelligence, wit and love of writing for children. Most books mean different things to different people, and some people approach a book, an author or a particular subject with a personal agenda, emotional baggage or ill-conceived notions. The Malted Falcon is a fun story that will delight children with its humor and creative characterizations. Thankfully, children usually appoach books with open minds and objectivity --unlike some 'wiser' adults.

Amusing take-offs of classic hard-boiled detective fare
Kids who enjoy the Time Warp Trio and other volumes with wise-cracking characters will enjoy the Bruce Hale books.I'm not sure why another reviewer felt compelled to give this series one star; he also went to the trouble of repeating the identical review for every book in the series.If he disliked the first one so much, one wonders why--and if--he read the others.

Funny - Great for kids!
I don't understand why Smith doesn't like the Chet Gecko series and felt it necessary to type the same line on the page of every book in the series. I am reading number seven in the series and they have all been great. I am now twelve and I still enjoy them. The Malted Falcon was a particular favorite because I laughed all the way through. If you like funny stories with a little mystery mixed in, these are for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Fiction    6. Geckos    7. Humorous Stories    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Juvenile Mysteries    10. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    11. Schools    12. Juvenile Fiction / Mysteries & Detective Stories   

Subjects:  1. Activity programs    2. Amphibians    3. Animals - Lions, Tigers, Leopards, etc.    4. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Elementary    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Reptiles    9. Study and teaching (Middle sch    10. Study and teaching (Middle school)    11. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    12. Juvenile Nonfiction / Animals / Lions, Tigers, Leopards, etc.    13. Reptiles & amphibians   

Editorial Review

We are mad for poet-painter Douglas Florian. We were buzzed by Read more

Reviews (7)

creepy crawly beautiful
The poems are gross enough for my 5 year old son with illustrations cool enough for my 6 year old daughter and language clever enough for their 40+ yo English teacher mom.

creepy creatures
This is a book of poems about various reptiles and amphibians. The poems are great; their content is funny and rhythmic. Through the poems we learn about the various animals. The illustrations are very creative collages that are unique compared to most other children's books.
The joy of imagination

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Subjects:  1. Amphibians    2. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    4. Children's poetry, American    5. Children: Grades 2-3    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile Poetry    8. Poetry - General    9. Poetry - Humorous    10. Reptiles    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Poetry / Humorous   

Subjects:  1. Aldabra tortoise    2. Animals - General    3. Animals - Mammals    4. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    5. Behavior    6. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    7. Children: Kindergarten    8. Hippopotamus    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile literature    11. Kenya    12. Mammals    13. Social Issues - Friendship    14. Social behavior in animals    15. Juvenile Nonfiction / Social Situations / Friendship   

Reviews (9)

Mouse Count- Love this Book!
This book is a really fun one to read aloud to my kindergarten class.It is not scary!They love it! And the fact that snakes eat mice is a basic fact that they understand. I especially like the moral of this story:Don't be greedy! When I read it, I always hear "Read it again, please".To make it even more fun, we get a plastic jar, a toy snake, a rock, and little toy mice to dramatize the story. They love to make the jar rock back and forth until the mice spill out and run away. This is a favorite centertime activity that the kids choose over and over again.It's a great prediction book with basic counting forward and backward concepts imbedded in it. You can't go wrong with this book for the PreK/K range.

Serial killers give this to their kids
My own fault I guess.I should have read the reviews for this book before purchasing it.I just assumed that the wonderful author of Mouse Paint would have a similar charm for this book.
fun book with counting and moral
My three year old son loves this book even more than Mouse Paint.Despite previous reviewers' concerns about the mice being described as "little warm and tasty," this part makes my son laugh the most.He loves counting backwards, tipping side to side to mimic the mice as they tip the jar, and repeats the moral to the story on a regular basis. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - MiceHamstersGuinea Pigsetc.    2. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    3. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    4. Children: Preschool    5. Concepts - Counting & Numbers    6. Counting    7. Fiction    8. Mice    9. Snakes    10. Juvenile Fiction / Concepts / Counting   

Reviews (2)

Baby Rattlesnake wants to be grown up before he's ready
Many preschoolers will certainly relate to the main character's recognizable struggles with self-control and aggressive urges. Baby Rattlesnake wants a rattle of his own even though his family and all theother snakes know he's not old enough to respect the rules of rattling. Histroubles begin when the community's elders finally let him have a rattleand he ventures forth in the dessert to scare someone with it.Unfortunately, he picks the WRONG human, with laugh-out-loud results. Thestory is told nonsentimentally in simple, crisp prose by Native Americanauthor Te Ata, a professional storyteller. In addition to being bright andappealing, the Southwestern-influenced illustrations can be used to teachcolors, patterns and shapes. A unique, quality picture book that deserves awider audience. Brief depictions of Native Americans are positive andnon-stereotyping.

Baby Rattlesnake wants to be grown up before he's ready
Many preschoolers will certainly relate to the main character's recognizable struggles with self-control and aggressive urges. Baby Rattlesnake wants a rattle of his own even though his family and all theother snakes know he's not old enough to respect the rules of rattling. Histroubles begin when the community's elders finally let him have a rattleand he ventures forth in the dessert to scare someone with it.Unfortunately, he picks the WRONG human, with laugh-out-loud results. Thestory is told nonsentimentally in simple, crisp prose by Native Americanauthor Te Ata, a professional storyteller. In addition to being bright andappealing, the Southwestern-influenced illustrations can be used to teachcolors, patterns and shapes. A unique, quality picture book that deserves awider audience. Brief depictions of Native Americans are positive andnon-stereotyping. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    2. Chickasaw Indians    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Country/Ethnic-General    6. Folklore    7. Indians of North America    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Mississippi    10. People & Places - United States - Native American    11. Preschool Folk Tales    12. Preschool Multicultural Studies    13. Rattlesnakes    14. Fiction    15. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Reptiles & Amphibians   

Reviews (1)

Even I learned things I didn't know!
This book is a great hands-on teaching tool. For anyone interested in snakes it gives information in touchable 3-D besides pictures and explanations.The book was in excellent condition and a real bargain. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Cobras    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. People & Places - General    8. Science & Nature - Zoology    9. Snakes    10. Specimens    11. Toy and movable books    12. Juvenile Fiction / People & Places / General   

Reviews (5)

Great Book!!!
My son is 9 years old and hates chapter books, he would much rather be reading non-fiction.When I found the Chet Gecko series at the store, I took a chance and bought the first book.At first my son refused to read it, but after reading the first two chapters aloud as a bedtime story, he was hooked.He has since read all of the Chet Gecko novels and loves each and every one.I have read most of them to my students, (I teach reading recovery in a middle school)and they have always been a huge hit.While he may not be reading Chaucer, I am very happy to see him reading chapter books and enjoying himself.My six year old daughter also loves having the books read to her.I would recommend the Chet Gecko to any child, boy or girl, as a great introduction to mystery novels, detective stories, and bad puns.

Great Read-aloud
I started reading this series to my first and second graders. The dialogue had my students in stitches!Great puns for the older students.Short chapters also helped keep their attention.

Mystery of Chet Gecko This Gum for Hire
Mystery of Chet Gecko
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Subjects:  1. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Mysteries / Detective    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Fiction    6. Football    7. Geckos    8. Humorous Stories    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Juvenile Mysteries    11. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    12. Schools    13. Juvenile Fiction / Mysteries & Detective Stories   

Subjects:  1. Animals - Birds    2. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    3. Children's 4-8    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    5. Children: Grades 2-3    6. Games & Activities - Questions & Answers    7. Juvenile Easy Readers    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Miscellanea    11. Readers - Beginner    12. Reptiles    13. Snakes    14. Juvenile Nonfiction / Animals / Reptiles & Amphibians   

Reviews (1)

Colorful illustrations
this is a nice series of non-fiction books for preschoolers to improve their vocabulary. All the pages are full of bright colorful illustrations and their is lots of reading and information. This would be a nice series for a 3rd grader to read, maybe fourth grade. One or two paragraphs per page. I often read these to my preschoolers or just look at the pages with the 1 and 2 year olds. Books have held up well.
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Subjects:  1. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Frogs    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Readers - Beginner    8. Juvenile Nonfiction / Animals / Reptiles & Amphibians    9. Picture books    10. Reptiles & amphibians    11. Zoology & animal sciences   

Reviews (4)

"Tweet-heart" of a book!!
My son is 9 years old and hates chapter books, he would much rather be reading non-fiction.When I found the Chet Gecko series at the store, I took a chance and bought the first book.At first my son refused to read it, but after reading the first two chapters aloud as a bedtime story, he was hooked.He has since read all of the Chet Gecko novels and loves each and every one.I have read most of them to my students, (I teach reading recovery in a middle school)and they have always been a huge hit.While he may not be reading Chaucer, I am very happy to see him reading chapter books and enjoying himself.My six year old daughter also loves having the books read to her.I would recommend the Chet Gecko to any child, boy or girl, as a great introduction to mystery novels, detective stories, and bad puns.

the entire set is the best
This book rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Although I have only 4 or 5 books of Bruce Hale, he is my favorite author.

DON'T TRUST THIS BRIAN SMITH!!
This is a great book! there is little violence. This brain Smith is just boycotting this book for no reason. I liked this book because it's humorous in a sophisticated (Please mind my spelling) way
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Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Extortion    6. Fiction    7. Geckos    8. Humorous Stories    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Juvenile Mysteries    11. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    12. Schools    13. Juvenile Fiction / Mysteries & Detective Stories   

Reviews (4)

Lots of Fun for our Toddler
Our boy Alex loves this book, even at a year and a half old.He frequently picks it out of a stack of books and brings it to us to read to him. We spend a lot of time on each page so that he can find the snake's head.The pictures are beautifully colored and filled with lots of curious details. It is one of the few books that keep him so interested that he often wants us to go through it several times each sitting.I highly recommend this book.

An excellent book with beautiful art work
Easy enough for the youngest children, this book also provides a nice challenge for older toddlers and preschoolers to find where the snake is hiding.The rhymes make it easy to read and are good practice for little ears.The artwork is interesting and quite detailed.My son, now 3, has had his copy since he was a baby and still loves it.

I love this Book!
Hi...my name is taylor I am 7 years old and going into 1st grade. This is by far the best book that I have ever read in my entire life. I highly recommend this book to children around the world. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Fiction    6. Interactive Adventure    7. Picture puzzles    8. Snakes    9. Sports & Recreation - Games - General    10. Stories in rhyme    11. Juvenile Fiction / Sports & Recreation / Games   

Subjects:  1. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Juvenile Nonfiction / Animals / Reptiles & Amphibians   

Reviews (1)

Excellent Source for the Backyard Observer
If you're a backyard or weekend wildlife observer, this is the perfectbook for you. Put it in your backpack, pocket, glove box or camper andalways be ready to identify! The illustrations are excellent and provideenough detail to know one similar frog from another. If you're looking forsome biological detail, go for a bigger book, but this one is great forquick ID. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amphibians    2. Identification    3. Nature    4. Nature/Ecology    5. North America    6. Pictorial works    7. Reference    8. Reptiles    9. Reptiles & Amphibians    10. Nature / Reptiles & Amphibians   

Subjects:  1. Amphibians    2. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Fiction    6. Graphic methods    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Leedy, Loreen    9. Science & Technology - Mathematics   

Features

• Illustrated

Subjects:  1. Animals - General    2. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Reptiles & Amphibians   

Reviews (4)

book explains so much in a kid friendly story
This book was on display at our local library and I picked it up to read to my 5-year old Lizard loving daughter.I was in tears by the end, and yes we checked it out.It is a charming story that talks about Christmas being about parties, and toys, and Santa and giving to the needy, and family traditions, but it then goes on to explain how these things are all ways to "celebrate Christmas" but that Christmas is about Jesus and God's love for us, and that is why we celebrate.I love this book.We have books that explain the nativity story etc, but this talks about all the other stuff, but brings it back to Jesus' birth.It is very well done.

Great book for Lizard Lovers and Jesus Lovers
My daughter, her bearded dragon, and I loved the beautiful text and pictures in this book. My daughter took it to her preschool on share day - her preschool friends also loved it.Not only is it a great story with whimsical pictures, most importantly it is a wonderful reminder of the true meaning of "Christ"mas.

A great kids Christmas book!
This book is wonderful for several reasons.The big,bright pictures hold my childrens interest,they are 2& 1/2 and 1 years old. The text is short enough on each page to let me read it all before they turn the page. The story explaines all the "things" kids see with the christmas season, and tells them that these "things" are ways to celebrate the real reason for christmas,the birth of Christ! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Christmas    5. Fiction    6. Holidays & Celebrations - Christmas    7. Iguanas    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Lizards    10. Religious - Christian    11. Religion / General   

Reviews (2)

A highly entertaining picturebook
Entertainingly retold young readers by Margaret Read Macdonald and nicely illustrated by Geraldo Valerio, Go To Sleep Gecko : A Balinese Folk tale is the story of a gecko who is kept awake by the fireflies outside his window. When the little gecko doesn't get his sleep he is quite grumpy with his friends the next day. Children will learn that, like the gecko, that their well-being during the day depends on their getting enough sleep during the night. Got To Sleep Gecko is a highly entertaining picturebook that will prove to be a popular addition to family, school, and community library collections.

A Traditional Balinese Tale
This is a retelling of a traditional Balinese folk story about a gecko who just could not get to sleep because the fireflies kept blinking their lights on and off.After complaining to the elephant the gecko thinks things will be better but each time he finds that there is a reason why each animal acts the way they do.A classic story that is true to the Balinese culture, some will find the ending to be not quite what they are used to in the American culture.It does, however, provide the opportunity for discussion of how all things in nature are interrelated.Go to Sleep, Gecko! is a recommended young children's book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    2. Bali Island    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Folklore    6. General    7. Indonesia    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Preschool Picture Story Books    10. Tales    11. Fiction / General   

Editorial Review

Every animal has a color of its own. "Parrots are green, elephants are gray, pigs are pink." But chameleons change color wherever they go. "On lemons they are yellow. In the heather they are purple." One chameleon is not pleased with his changeable appearance. He thinks, "If I remain on a leaf, I shall be green forever, and so I too will have a color of my own." Of course, what he doesn't take into account is the changes wrought by autumn, and soon the green chameleon is yellow, then red, and then tumbled to the ground for the long black winter night. It isn't until he befriends another older, wiser chameleon that our hero begins to find inner peace, even as his outer surface is transformed again and again.Read more

Reviews (10)

A First Rate Children's Book
My daughter is not quite a year, and she laughed at the colorful pictures.
A Color of his Own
A Color of his Own is a delightful book, not only for young children but for adults as well. The little chameleon notices that all the other animals have their own color, but he changes colors depending on his enviroment.He struggles with wanting to be like everybody else and he eventually finds a friend (another chameleon) to be his buddy and go everywhere with him.The colors of the illustrations are vibrant and the text is engaging to the reader. A joy to read!

Adorable book!!
I got this for my son because I had read good reviews about it.Well, it is one of the best books for children.It teaches to be yourself and love yourself.The chameleon wants to be just one color, but of course it isn't possible.In the end he makes a friend with another chameleon who teaches him to accept himself.I recommend this book for all who have children.I think too many people grow up not feeling good about themselves and this book is a good teaching tool. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - General    2. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    3. Chameleons    4. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    5. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    6. Children: Kindergarten    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Social Issues - General    10. Social Situations - General    11. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Reptiles & Amphibians   

Editorial Review

Steven Kellogg's award-winning picture book Read more

Reviews (12)

Fun from beginning to end
Sure, the plot is silly. What do you expect when the premise is that a tadpole caught in Loch Ness turns out to be more than Uncle McAllister bargained for? The Mysterious Tadpole is a rollicking romp, rich in absurdity (Only after Alphonse grows four legs and reaches the size of a Volkswagen does the teacher conclude that he's not an ordinary tadpole.), and chock full of Steven Kellog's usual hilarious illustrations. Grab the nearest child, curl up in a big chair, and enjoy The Mysterious Tadpole.

If it ain't broke
I loved this book as a child and have loved reading it to my son. He received the 25th Anniversary edition for Christmas and while it's very, very good, it has been rewritten and simply lacks the charm of the original (which I would rate an enthusiastic 5 stars). The story is still wonderful and if this is the only copy you have access to, you won't be disappointed. The original, though, is the best and that's why I have to give this edition 4-stars.

Finally, i found the name of the book!
This was one of my favorite stories as a kid, but i forgot the name. i asked every kindergarden teacher i could find if they knew the book about the kid who gets a baby loch ness monster from his uncle and no one had any idea what i was talking about. I'm so happy i found it here because now i can get it for my son to enjoy. This is such a cute story! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 1-2    3. Fiction    4. General    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Pets    7. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Reptiles & Amphibians