Editorial Review

Yet more wisdom cast down from high atop Mt. Seuss, this cheerful trio of tales teaches some valuable lessons in humility--thanks to a sharp-eyed worm, a bragging bear and rabbit, a fuzzy-tailed bird, and a couple hundred turtles led by their foolish King Yertle.Read more

Reviews (17)

A bit disappointing...
I bought this book for my 21 month old as she loves so many of the Dr. Suess books.We didn't even get through the first couple of pages before she was bored with the story and illustrations.Maybe she'll like it better in a few years, but for now it is just sitting on the shelf...

A story with a twist
My family have been happy fans of Dr Seuss and we enjoyed this book, it's quite funny because as a adult reading this to your children, you can't help but think that there is a message in the story aimed at the adults !!!! That's the way I saw it anyway !!!

Satire
Greed. Abuse of Power.The king of the pond will literally step on others to get what he wants. Until a plain little turtle below in the stack, his name is Mac, precipitates change.Great introduction to satire, pokes fun at human shortcoming.Dr. Seuss rhythm and rhyme. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Turtles    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Fantasy    5. Humorous Stories    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Readers - Beginner    8. Stories in rhyme    9. Fiction    10. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Turtles   

Editorial Review

Verdi is a proud python, flourishing in the flower of his youth. He loves to swiftly slither around the forest, brandishing his bright yellow skin, and can't fathom why anyone would want to be sleepy and green like the adult snakes he knows. Verdi insists, as so many youngsters do, "I will never be lazy, boring or green!" Despite his resolve to stay young, one day he notices a patch of green spreading down the length of his body. Verdi does everything he can think of to erase this first sign of the inevitable tide of age. But in his frenzy of youthful, Icarus-like bravado, he nearly kills himself. Finally, Verdi learns that even though he can't stop the aging process, green skin won't keep him from being a fun-loving, young-at-heart, figure-eight-forming snake. Read more

Reviews (39)

verdi good!, but not stellaluna
My 7 1/2 yr old 2nd grade daughter & I read Stellaluna off her summer reading list.I had heard of/seen this book around, but it had never grabbed me.I was quite surprized at the fabulous illustrations, the story that draws you in, & the author's ability to make a bat lovable.I was eager to read Verdi, expecting the same experience.I thought the story was OK & the illustrations beautiful, but the story itself lacked depth to me.The young whippersnapper & wise old sage qualities hit me as being more relevant to an adult reader.Children can not adequately appreciate the age contrast, & how quickly time passes, & how we all become more boring & old than oiur young minds thought we would.Curiously, my daughter liked Verdi as well, if not better than Stellaluna.To each his own - read & see what you think.

excellent book!
This book not only has beautiful illustrations but also tells the tale of growing up from a child's perspective (well, a snake's...).Our three year old LOVES it!It also gives a glimpse into life in the tropics which for our Minnesota boy is exotic!Thumbs up!

verdi
I like this book because the color of the snake eyes.This is a fun book for all ages to read and enjoy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. Fiction    4. Juvenile Fiction    5. Old age    6. Pythons    7. Snakes    8. Social Issues - Adolescence    9. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Adolescence   

Reviews (2)

Delightful
I was fortunate to hear the author speak in the early 90s in my hometown of Syracuse, NY.He is an engaging storyteller.It was then that I discovered his book.The artwork in this edition is rich and appealing.The vignettes of each moon, combined with the illustrations, make an appealing canvas for young and/or exploring minds.

Traditional View of Seasonal meanings
This book is an excellent work of Native American children's literature.Joseph Bruchac is a well-known Abenaki story-teller who profiles in this book the thirteen moons of the year, and profiles for each moon what isimportant about that season to different Native Nations.The artwork is abeautiful compliment to the story.If you are looking for a solid andsensitive look at inter-tribal stories for children, this is a great placeto start! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    2. Children's poetry, American    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Folklore    5. Indians of North America    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile poetry    8. People & Places - United States - Native American    9. Poetry - General    10. Seasons    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Poetry / General   

Reviews (10)

Bad Book
Never read this book.It is boring.The author repeats everything over and over again.

Good Enough
This Everglades story is an interesting ecological mystery, but it's a bit too repetitive. (By now if you've read all my reviews you'll know it's one of my pet peeves.) Searching for a missing alligator the entire story is a bit too much, hm? Well, overall it's a good ecological mystery, but only if you're bored should you make the drastic decision to read it.

The Missing Gator of Gumbo Limbo
I have just finish reading a book call The Missing Gator of Gumbo Limbo. It's about a family who don't have a house yet, because they don't have enough money to build a house. The father was in another country, doing business around the world. He doesn't even know what's happening to his family. Many people say that they don't have house. Well they are, but the mother says that they were on a vacation. She always said that every time because she doesn't want people to know it. So now, their daughter named Liza K., is an adventures girl. She knows all the places in the forest. She even has an alligator friend. Now, she and her friends must save the forest from the people who want to destroy, but then, her alligator friend lost. Now, she's on an adventure to find the alligator and stop the destruction of the forest. Read more

Subjects:  1. Alligators    2. Animals - Alligators & Crocodiles    3. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Ecology    7. Fiction    8. Nature & the Natural World - Ecology    9. Nature & the Natural World - Environment & Ecology    10. Social Issues - Homelessness & Poverty    11. Social Situations - Homelessness & Poverty    12. Wildlife conservation    13. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Alligators & Crocodiles   

Editorial Review

With his "secret plans and clever tricks," the Enormous Crocodiledesires to lunch not with but Read more

Reviews (18)

I DEVOURED IT!
A greedy and clever crocodile lives in the stream near a small town.One day he has a craving to eat a small child.He goes to town and disguises himself as a merry-go-round animal, a bench seat and a coconut tree
Crocodiles!
the crocodile lives in the river and goes to town to eat kids. But all he does always backfires because of the anmals. The last disguise was the most surprising part.

Poor Crocky...
I won't spoil it for anyone, but I liked that crocodile, his appetite notwithstanding.He had secret plans and clever tricks!Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Crocodiles    5. Fiction    6. Humorous Stories    7. Juvenile Nonfiction / Humor / General   

Reviews (1)

Twelve Snails to One Lizard
This is a delightful book about the problems a beaver has measuring a log to repair the dam on his pond. His friend, Bubba Bullfrog, offers him many non-standard measurements that would be appropriate to use.All prove tobe a pain for Milo, in more ways than one!Bubba realizes he has a yardstickat home to prove he's correct. What a great way to help children learnabout equivalent measure! I recommend it highly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beavers    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Concepts - Counting    5. Concepts - Counting & Numbers    6. Fiction    7. Frogs    8. Humorous Stories    9. Measurement    10. Science & Technology - Mathematics    11. Juvenile Fiction / Concepts / Counting   

Editorial Review

Lyle the crocodile lives in a house on East 88th Street in New York City. He likes it there, and his hosts, the Primms, like having him around--he helps young Joshua with his homework, jumps-rope with the neighborhood kids, and browses through antique shops with Mrs. Primm. Much to the affable reptile's dismay, however, he makes his neighbor's cat Loretta crazy, which in turn makes Mr. Grumps, Loretta's owner, even crazier. One day, Mrs. Primm and Lyle are shopping, when Lyle--through no real fault of his own--ends up infuriating department-store bigwig Mr. Grumps who turns red and blue and purple with rage. This unfortunate eruption lands the rollicking reptile in the Central Park zoo where Lyle fights back his crocodile tears. In an elaborate sequence of events, Lyle finds himself back with the Primms on East 88th Street, a neighborhood hero, and, startlingly, even a friend of the mistrustful cat Loretta. Bernard Waber--creator of Read more

Reviews (10)

great book!
I just purchased this title for my 4 year old daughter, and she (and I) really love it!!! The title of the book doesn't really grab you but it's a sweet story about how the neighbor Mr Grumps really doesn't like Lyle, has him banished to the zoo, and then Lyle ends up saving Mr Grumps. I really like the characters in this series because they remind me of real life people that your kids will have to deal with at some point or another. My daughter was totally engaged.

A Book to Remember
I am now 21 years old and I can still remember the opening line to this tape. The Lyle books are wonderful for children and this tape is a great way to put your child to sleep. The Lyle books are truly one of my greatest childhood memories!

A crocodile just as sweet as Pogo's Albert the Alligator
A picture book with more backstory than you could possibly imagine.For many, the delightful "Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile" is a perennial favorite.I, myself, had never read it before.When first we see Lyle, he's standing in the center of Central Park (this is most definitely a New York based book) feeding the ducks.Occupying a swank apartment (you should see his bathroom!) with the Primm family, Lyle is everyone's favorite crocodile.He's polite, helpful, and wonderful at double dutch.The ever dour Mr. Grumps next door has problems with the beloved Lyle.Mr. Grumps continually threatens to send Lyle away, but it isn't until an unfortunate department store incident that Mr. Grumps makes good his threats.In the end, however, all turns out for the best and Lyle is reunited with his loving family.Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Alligators & Crocodiles    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Crocodiles    5. Fiction    6. New York (City)    7. Social Issues - General    8. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Alligators & Crocodiles    9. Picture books   

Reviews (33)

Extremely funny
A very appealing book, and a favorite from Pinkwater. Good for both boys and girls, especially those looking for something funny and original.

Introduce Your Young Reader To The Wonders Of Drug-Free Tripping!
Manus Pinkwater is a pretty cool kinda guy. He has the unique feature of being as tall sitting as he is standing, and that makes me wonder if the convex dimensions of an author's backside are somehow related to the quantity of his imagination. You see, Manus writes far-out books. No, no, I mean...realllly far-out books. I think hepasses the Twilight Zone somewhere in route to where he goes to pen his creative little novels. Lizard Music may take the cake among everything straaaaange he's written, however. This story puts your brain in a food processor and hits frappe. What's it about? Oh, you want to know that, don't you? Okay.
Favorite book as a child
I first read this book in fourth grade.I wore out several copies and haunted used book stores to locate them to give to young friends as I got older.I'm now purchasing copies for my nieces and nephews as birthday presents.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Fantasy    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Humorous Stories    5. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    6. Science fiction    7. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Reviews (1)

A variety of poems presenting reptile facts within a fantasy
This book presented facts about types of reptiles through poetry in a way that captivated my five-year-old boy.He enjoyed the whimsical pictures and the context:imagining what it would be like to see reptiles dancing at a ball--without eating each other!In addition to reptile facts, the book demonstrated many different types of poetic form.A rhythmic reading of this books entertained and involved him from start to finish.This book could be used to teach zoology or poetry, but in both cases the result would be a fun time for all. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amphibians    2. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    3. Balls (Parties)    4. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    5. Children's poetry, American    6. Children: Kindergarten    7. Holidays & Celebrations - Other, Nonreligious    8. Juvenile poetry    9. Reptiles    10. Juvenile Nonfiction / General   

Editorial Review

Slither into DK's Read more

Reviews (7)

Are we talking about the same book?
Perhaps Amazon.com or the authors of previous reviews are confused about which book they're describing.The cover of the book shown in the picture is written by Mayr Ling and Mary Atkinson, not Chris Mattison.It is little more than 14 pictures (16 if you include the front and back covers) of various snakes in the same small white box.It offers nothing in the way of herpetocultural advise, or evolutionary or ecological insight.There are four to six sentences per page with cute little factoids.It is a fine book for introducing young children to a fraction of the beautiful variety of snakesThe first "editorial review" about this book from Amazon.com appears to be referring to another book called "Snake," and is misleading with respect to this book, entitled "The Snake Book."The second "editorial review" from School Library Journal seems to be a more accurate description of this book."The Snake Book" is definitely not written for adults.

Wonderful beginning book
This is a stunningly visual book with fantastic general information on snakes.I have a number of books by Chris Mattison, and this is his best!Well worth the price.

Very educational
I'm a college student and I work in a Science Center with several snakes from Texas; I'm always interested in learing more about snakes in the world. This book is amazing! It covers all topics related to snake's evolution, envirnoment, size and shape, scales, anatomy and movement, reproduction, classification of snakes, among other contents! With a gallery of beautiful and large pictures of these fenomenal creatures; the only problem is that it covers only 61 species that were chosen to be in the gallery to show readers the diversity of size, color, shape, and behavior, that is excellent! But I would've liked to see more variety of snakes. As a conclusion, this book is a MUST for people interested in learning more about snakes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Juvenile literature    4. Nature    5. Nature/Ecology    6. Reptiles & Amphibians    7. Snakes    8. Juvenile Nonfiction / Animals / Reptiles & Amphibians   

Reviews (11)

Funny story
I love Robert Munsch and this is one of his books that the kids in my 2nd grade class loved the most!

A classic Munsch
This is a good book for when bringing home baby.We bought it for our toddler as a fun way to explain that we are bringing him a baby brother from the hospital.

Alligator Baby
I really liked this book, because it was funny.Kristen's parents kept bringing home animal babies from the zoo instead of a people baby.Kristen saved the day because she went to the zoo and got the right baby from the gorilla's cage.But it was funny at the end when all the mommy animals break into the house to get their babies back ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Babies    2. Brothers and sisters    3. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Family - New Baby    6. Fiction    7. Humorous Stories    8. Infants    9. Zoo animals   

Reviews (2)

Delightful for children--and adults!
The artwork lured me to this book.Each page has a marvelous rendition of a sea turtle's nesting saga. The storytelling is accurate but lyrical so even the youngest children will be captivated. I highly recommend it for parents and grandparents to give to the children they love--especially if you're headed for the beach!

Kudos from my Grandson
My grandson, Cameron Howard, has checked this book out from the library on numerous ocassions.Despite his generally responsible attitude toward returning books in a timely manner, he just can't get this book back when it's due.Why?Because he is busy reading and re-reading the book.He iscaptovated by the pictures.He is infactuated with the text and dazzled bythe illustrations.He called me up to see if I could get him this book. This seven year old made sure I knew the exact spelling of the author'sname and the illustrator's name!It's a hit among the 7 year old crowd! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    2. Children's 9-12 - Animals/Pets    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. General    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Life cycles    9. Sea turtles    10. Turtles   

Reviews (4)

If I could give more than 5 stars......
This is a wonderful African tale of a crocodile family and a hunterman.The story allows for children to really evaluate the way that man treats other beings and it teaches a lesson, of humility, graciousness, love and irony.Alot for a little book, huh? I love it and my son loves it!!!

Excellentchildren's book with beautiful drawings
The author is a superb artist. I have been collecting this Africanartist's one of kind ceramics for a number of years so I was excited tofind that he wrote and illustrated a book.My seven year old son lovesthis book.His first grade teacher read the book in class when they werestudying the folk stories of the world.The drawings in the book are worththe price of the book.

I read the book in my classroom then saw it come to life!
I loved this book! One day an author named Baba Wague Diakite came to our school to talk about his book "The Hunterman and the Crocodile."Each classroom got a copy of the book which I read.Soon I discovered that the story was going to be performed as part of the first school play of the year! Even though my class wasn't in it I got to meet Baba-Wague while working on the set since he lives right down the street from my school! And though I had to see it performed four times( because I was asked to do sound) I never got tired of hearing the same same story.I guess seeing "The Hunterman and the Crocodile" come to life gave the meaning of the story even more meaning.I would reccomend this book to anyone of any age. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa, West    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Crocodiles    6. Fables, African    7. Fairy Tales & Folklore - African    8. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Single Title    9. Folklore    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Juvenile literature    12. People & Places - United States - African-American    13. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Single Title   

Editorial Review

When Newt is stuck in the mud, Turtle pulls him out. When a snake is about to gobble Newt, Turtle warns him. When an alligator approaches Newt, mouth open wide, Turtle causes a distraction. Turtle doesn't mind helping his red-spotted friend out of jams, he's just happy to have a companion in the swamp. But Newt is plagued by the question, "What can I do for Turtle?" He desperately wants to return the many favors his friend does for him, yet no matter how long he perches cross-legged on his thinking rock, he can't come up with the perfect reciprocal gesture. Finally, Newt's day arrives. When Turtle is flipped onto his back by a curious bobcat, Newt comes to the rescue with a lever system of his own amphibian design. Turtle is eternally grateful, and Newt is ecstatic with the joy of having helped a friend. Read more

Reviews (3)

Loved it, love it, will love it!
This book is one of the keepers - even when my kids get too old to be read to - this one is staying on the book shelf for my grandkids!Wonderful message, goofy characters, great illustrations!

Even at 26 years old I learnt a lesson from this!
Absolutely wonderful,if children can grasp the message in this book thenwhen growing up and beginning friendships it will be a whole lot easier. Iloved it!The graphics were brilliant and story simple but true!

Heart-warming, inspiring, andbeautiful
If you're child is between 3 and 8 buy him/her this wonderfully told and illustrated book.The child will love it (and so will you!). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Fiction    4. Friendship    5. General    6. Newts    7. Turtles    8. Non-Classifiable   

Editorial Review

Ages 3-8. Many people fear going to the dentist, but as this ingenious book shows, sometimes it can be just as scary on the other side of the chair. As a crocodile walks to the dentist's office, he thinks, "I really don't want to see him...but I must." Oddly enough, the dentist is thinking the exact same thing about him! The clever text continues in this manner, getting funnier with each duplicated thought, as both characters struggle to be brave and remain polite. An American Booksellers Assoc. "Pick of the Lists." ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Painful Hit
For most adults The Crocodile & The Dentist is likely to appear excruciatingly repetitive. This impression is not alleviated after 60 or 70 readings. In other words, it is a delight for 2 and 3 year olds, probablybecause of its repetitiveness. Youngsters will know by heart the story ofthe crocodile and dentist's mutual fear of one another long before theyweary of hearing it read aloud. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Alligators & Crocodiles    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Crocodiles    5. Dentists    6. Fiction    7. General    8. Humorous Stories    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Non-Classifiable   

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Fiction    4. General    5. Magicians    6. Specimens    7. Toy and movable books    8. Turtles    9. Animal stories   

Reviews (5)

Reptiles Alive!
Dorling Kindersley does it again.Their "Eyewitness: Reptile" book is full of beautiful photographs and fascinating facts.This book, as with the others in the DK "Eyewitness" series, can be enjoyed as casual reading by readers of all ages, as well as used as a helpful resource book.

Great deal!
this book was a great deal, in really good condition, and my son loves it! Thanks!

This won't be our last Eyewitness book!
This gift from my mother in law for my son sat unused on the shelf for about 2 years before he discovered it at the age of 6.Now suddenly it's the favorite "toy"; dragged to school, on short car trips across town and kept close during every spare moment at home.He knows instantly how to find his favorite spreads on the alligator snapping turtle and the crocodile skulls - invaluable for impressing his friends, teachers and complete strangers.This book inspired a very keen interest, to say the least!
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Subjects:  1. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    2. Children's 9-12 - Animals/Pets    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Juvenile literature    6. Nature & the Natural World    7. Reptiles    8. Reptiles & Amphibians    9. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Reptiles & Amphibians   

Reviews (2)

Wonderfully soothing prose
Before reading this story, the thought of a realistic book about crocodiles being a soothing bed time story seemed unlikely. _Imagine You Are a Crocodile_ manages it quite well. The prose has a nice cadence; the alliteration is wonderful. The words glide off the tongue. The watercolor illustrations are a perfect match for the crocodile's swamp. Wonderful introduction to crocodiles
Containing wonderful watercolor illustrations of crocodiles, this is an inspiring introduction to life as seen through the eyes of a crocodile.I especially enjoyed the illustration showing the mother crocodile carryingthe baby crocodiles in her mouth.My 8 year old daughter and I had readabout this in research she did for a project so it was nice to see thisscene depicted.My four year old enjoyed and learned from the book aswell. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Alligators & Crocodiles    2. Children's 4-8    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Preschool    5. Crocodiles    6. General    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Subjects:  1. Alligators    2. American alligator    3. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    4. Children's 4-8    5. Children: Grades 2-3    6. General    7. Juvenile literature   

Reviews (1)

This book is great!
This book is about a girl named Mary Marony that moves to a new house and has to start a new school.She's afraid that everyone will laugh because she stutters.She ends up making three new friends and the book has ahappy ending.This book was so good I couldn't stop reading it!I can'twait to read more books about Mary Marony. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. Fiction    4. Readers - Beginner    5. Schools    6. Speech disorders    7. Stuttering    8. Juvenile Fiction / General