Editorial Review

What are the poor villagers to do? The holiday-hating, hill-dwelling hobgoblins are bound and determined to ruin yet another Hanukkah for them. Every year the beasties snuff out the menorah candles, destroy the dreidels, and pitch the potato latkes on the floor. But these wicked wet blankets never counted on someone as clever as Hershel of Ostropol showing up. Using his wits and a few props--pickles, eggs, and a dreidel (a square-shaped top with Hebrew letters on each side)--Hershel manages to outwit all the creepy critters and break the spell. This fabulously creative adaptation of the ancient Hanukkah story in which the Syrians forbade the Jews to worship as they wanted, keeps the spirit of the original while adding a spine-tingling twist. Warmth and humor prevail, even in the midst of hopeless-looking circumstances. Award-winning illustrator Trina Schart Hyman creates lively and witty pictures that pair perfectly with Eric Kimmel's words to create this Caldecott Honor Book. (Ages 4to 8) Read more

Reviews (16)

Hear what the author has to say!
I had the opportunity to interview Eric Kimmel for my podcast, The Book of Life.He is a very fun guy and I'm sure you'd enjoy hearing what he has to say about Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins.You can listen to the interview at www.jewishbooks.blogspot.com - click on the December 2005 episode.

Captivating
I read this story to introduce the theme of Hanukkah to my grade 2 and 3 students today, and I don't think I've ever seen them so enthralled by a book before.They absolutely loved it, and had a ball predicting ways in which *they* might outwit the Hanukkah goblins if they were in Hershel's shoes.Their ideas were so creative that I asked them to do an impromptu assignment in which they write their own ideas down in book form, with decorative pictures and all.This was one time I didn't hear groans at the thought of (horrors!) writing!
Power story of faith
This book is one of the most amazing stories I have ever shared with children.The eerie setting, the creepy goblins, the keen intelligence of Hershel plus the sublime art work of the great Trina Schart Hyman make this one of the most perfect picture storybooks every created.
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Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 1-2    3. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Anthologies    4. Fiction    5. Goblins    6. Hanukkah    7. Holidays & Celebrations - Hanukkah    8. Juvenile Fiction   

Editorial Review

Author David M. Schwartz and illustrator Steven Kellogg, who teamed upfor the jubilant Read more

Reviews (2)

If You Made A Million
I strongly think you should read this book because it is funny. It has a wizard that does magic and he helps kids learn how to save their money.You should extremely like this book because the kids make things and they get money.They also babysit a giant baby for one thousand dollars.A boy makes a bridge and they do their chores.They also do incredible things.

It teaches children about money.
The illlustrations are fun.The text talks about situations to which kids can relate.The book gives some good lessons about money and how to use it.Yet, the book never bogs down. Children find it interesting and fun. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Children's 4-8 - Business / Economics    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Finance, Personal    6. Juvenile literature    7. Money    8. Juvenile Fiction / Concepts / Counting   

Reviews (1)

Perfect for Young Readers or a Bedtime Story for Parents to Read to Children
Rose can find anything. She's got a nose for finding things you lose.
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Subjects:  1. Animals - Foxes    2. Children's All Ages - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Concepts - Senses & Sensation    6. Fiction    7. Humorous Stories    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Names, Personal    10. Preschool Picture Story Books    11. Senses and sensation    12. Smell    13. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    14. Social Issues - Friendship    15. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Fiction    4. Hotels, motels, etc.    5. Humorous Stories    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Lifestyles - City & Town Life    8. Preschool Reading Skills    9. Readers - Beginner    10. Snow    11. Snowmen    12. Juvenile Fiction / Lifestyles / City Life   

Reviews (2)

Great book based on a great song by a great band.
It has been many years since I have seen a copy of this book.. but I remember being a child in 1989 and recieving a free copy of it from a librarian for Christmas I think.I wasn't into the Talking Heads like I amnow (I had no clue who they were).But I remember the story was crazy andthe illustrations were equally as crazy, but still pretty cool.I did myfirst so-called "book report" in 1st grade on this book.As Igrew older, I was introduced to the Talking Heads and became an avid fan. My copy of this book, this artifact from my youth, is somewhere in theendless realm of my attic.But if I ever have children, I will use this tointroduce them to the Talking Heads. A Great Book/Song Combo
David Byrne is the master of sarcasism and there is plenty of it to go around in just this song alone.A great, up beat, happy song with very open twist.This book not only captures this twist but even plays with itsome more with great illustrations.This is a lot like other children'sbooks that are filled with hidden meanings, that are sometimes downrightscary.I am just happy that this marriage occured to one of my favoriteTalking Heads songs.A great book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Babies    2. Children's 4-8    3. Children: Preschool    4. Family life    5. Fiction    6. General    7. Infants   

Editorial Review

You would not believe the things this dog Pete puts in his stomach. Anaccordion, for starters. Then an eggbeater, a glue stick, Mrs. Parsley's pinkpocketbook, and cousin Rocky's underpants. ("Uggh!") Pete's faithful mistress,Poppy Wise, is at her wit's end. And yet, she can't help loving that dog.("Quite a lot.") So, from A to Z (in a loose, meandering way), Poppy inventoriesher insatiable pooch's intake, with loads of parenthetical asides, wittycommentary, and an unforgettable cast of characters. Maira Kalman, zany andtalented source of Read more

Reviews (4)

One of my son's favorite books
Great book. I have read to my 3 year old son a hundred times, he loves it and it has letters from A-Z. Not your normal book for pre-schoolers because it's interesting for adults too. I am giving it for XMas gifts to nephews.

What Pete Ate from A to Z
What Pete ate from A to Z was about little dog that liked to eat many things he shouldn't. Each time they tell you about a new thing he ate it starts with the next letter of the alphabet. Sometimes when they told you the thing he ate they would also tell you a little about what he was eating. Finally at the end of the book you find out the one thing Pete won't eat, but I'll let you find that out for yourselves. This book teaches kids about the Alphabet and also what things might be edible and what things are not edible, Morocco, the continent of Africa, what you do with money, and not to take other peoples things without asking them first. I recommend this book because it not only teaches you about the alphabet but about also about things that start with those letters. This book would be good for kids around the age of 3-5 yeas old.

AS GOOD AS ALL HER OTHERS - WHICH IS GREAT!
Maira Kalman does it again.She has written a book that I (as a godmother) love to read over and over to my god-daughter who loves to hear it again and again. Everytime we read it, we find something new to say about it and talk about.This writer is so original and charming and even, sophisticated.Her style is very conversational and really creative.She is a perfect companion to see the world with... New York's Grand Central Station, India, Paris and even Hollywood(from her Max series).The children that I read this book to respond to her curious and playful nature. She doesn't pander to kids but challenges them and invites them into her original and artistic world. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alphabet    2. Animals - Dogs    3. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Kindergarten    6. Concepts - Alphabet    7. Concepts - Words    8. Cooking/Food    9. Dogs    10. Fiction    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Preschool Concepts    13. Preschool Picture Story Books    14. Juvenile Fiction / Concepts / Alphabet   

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Reviews (24)

I'm 16 and guess what...
Ok...this is my dad's name and I'm sixteen years old and I still read this book once a year at Christmas time since it always puts me in that magical Christmas mood in which anything can happen.Mostly for kids around ages 8-12, but still can be enjoyed by people of all ages!

"Goop" all right
If the author of this book were not Dean Koontz, I am sure it would never have been published.In trying to be quirky, irreverent fun, it succeeds only in being unfunny and very unpleasant.It is also poorly structured, long-winded, and technically inept.I was actually rather shocked at just how bad this book is, coming as it does from such a successful writer.Not everyone can write children's books, although these days it seems just about everyone is trying. Fun for Ages 8 and Up
This book is a modern Christmas classic.Santa has been mugged, tied up and stuffed under the basement stairs by his twin brother, Bob.At first, Bob comes across as malevolent and psychotic, intent on destroying his brother's reputation as well as wrecking everyone's Christmas.But thanks to the efforts of two brave sisters, we find out that Bob is merely jealous of his brother and has forgotten some basic behavioral standards.The story is told entirely in rhyme.Indeed, it is Koontz's clever rhymes that will keep you in stitches-he even finds not one, but two rhymes for halitosis!
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Subjects:  1. Children: Grades 3-4    2. Christmas    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - General    5. Holidays & Festivals - Christmas    6. Humorous Stories    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Santa Claus    9. Stories in rhyme    10. Juvenile Fiction / Holidays & Festivals / Christmas    11. Bargain   

Reviews (6)

Steven Kellog keeps imagination alive
I Love the imagination that Steven kellog puts into his books and illustrations.
Enchanting for kids & adults!
This is the kind of book with humor, imagination, and gorgeous artwork that both kids & adults will love & remember. I bought this one for my grandson to be born in 2 months, because I remember how much his mother loved it. I read it many times to her & then she read it to me & her little brother. Truly the kind of book that lives on in your heart and sparks a love of reading in children.

Great Book
I really enjoyed Can I Keep Him? It was funny. I highly recommend it for anyone who likes a good read.What will happen to the little tadpole Arnold's uncle sent to him? I will tell you one thing, it doesn't turn into a frog. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Pets    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Fiction    6. Pets    7. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Pets   

Reviews (2)

A children's picturebook retelling the legend of the Nordic hero Beowulf
The Hero Beowulf is a children's picturebook retelling the legend of the Nordic hero Beowulf. Narrated in simple prose, it tells of how Beowulf came to the aid of the Danish king Hrothgar, whose men were being devoured nightly by the monster Grendel. Depicting Beowulf's mortal battle with the monster, the story tells how Beowulf bested Grendel by tearing off its arm, as its hide was enchanted and could not be pierced with mortal weapons. Grendel never gave mercy to its victims, and so Beowulf showed no mercy to it. The art is colorful and in a slightly simplistic but realistic style, the better to convey the gut feeling of a classic struggle between good and evil. An excellent introduction to a classic legend, retold faithful to the spirit of the original.
A MUST FOR EVERY YOUNG READER'S LIBRARY

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Subjects:  1. Adaptations    2. Beowulf    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    5. Children: Grades 2-3    6. Classics    7. England    8. Fairy Tales & Folklore - European    9. Folklore    10. General    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Juvenile literature    13. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Norse    14. Juvenile Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / Norse   

Subjects:  1. Celebrations - Weddings    2. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Fiction    6. Girls & Women    7. Hotels, motels, etc.    8. Humorous Stories    9. Juvenile Easy Readers    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Lifestyles - City & Town Life    12. Preschool Reading Skills    13. Readers - Beginner    14. Weddings    15. Juvenile Fiction / Girls & Women   

Reviews (9)

Survival, bravery, teamwork!
This original picture storybook is bursting with typical Steven Kellogg illustrations. The text and the engaging illustrations work together to present a classic tale.The layout is characterized by full page and many double-paged spreads which allow Kellogg to fill both pages with cute mice and appealing scenery.Some pages show the perspective of the mice in the hole juxtaposed with the tall stairs for people in the house.The sailing ship and the mice on the island show life size mice and the skog who is a similar size.The colors are watercolor and muted.Children have loved this story and the mice in it for over forty years.It is a beautiful tale of survival, bravery, team-workand getting along with others different from oneself.

Skog and mice
Yet another beloved Steven Kellogg book from my fleeting youth.Published originally in 1973, the story tells the tale of a pack of mice that decide to leave the city life and become sea faring rodents instead.Together, the seven little creatures take a small antique ship (with working cannon) from the antique store in which they leave and set sail into the sea.When at long last they come across a tropical isle, they are shocked to discover that the land already has an inhabitant.According to their books, this is the island of the Skog.Not entirely certain what a Skog is, they bombard the land with cannon balls.That done, they set about inhabiting the isle but are shocked to discover giant footprints.After successfully unmasking the creature, they discover that perhaps jumping to conclusions is not the best policy when meeting people different from yourself for the first time. A Fairly Good Story
A nice story with good illustrations suitble for 3-8 yrs. Several mice,wanting a new life free of opression, set out to sea to find a peacefulisland. Upon their arrival, they discover footprints belonging to what theybelieve to be a large beast. They set out to remove the beast from theisland, only to discover that all was not as it seemed to be. The storyends happily.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 1-2    3. Fiction    4. General    5. Mice    6. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Mice, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, etc.   

Reviews (7)

TheJungle Book
This is a beautiful edition of the wonderful childhood classic.I gave it to my twelve-year-old grandson, and he is enjoying it very much.The book is so much better than the movie! I love the way Kipling talks with his reader.I loved this book as a child myself and am very happy to have this great edition to give to my grandchildren.

Phyuick Yui
This book was good because it had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. It was also god beacause it had more than one story in it, like the one about the seal.The best one though was the one with Mowgli and it follows him through his life and him leaving and becoming a normal person.

All time favorite
The Jungle Book is now one of my all time favorite books. When you read the book it makes you feel like you're there too.I like the way Rudyard Kipling has the animals talk.The main character in the story is a boy named Mowgli.Mowgli was abandoned by his mother and father and raised by wolves.I think Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Adventure stories, English    4. Animals - Wolves    5. Children's 9-12 - Literature - Classics / Contemporary    6. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    7. Children: Grades 4-6    8. Classics    9. Feral children    10. Fiction    11. Jungle animals    12. Juvenile Fiction    13. Mowgli (Fictitious character)    14. Juvenile Fiction / Classics   

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Reviews (8)

Totally worth reading
I read this in about one day, it may not have been exactly the most action-filled book, but it just somehow keeps me excited. It is hard to get up and use the bathroom, when you are reading this. I do think that anyone who likes Nancy Drew and Mystery should read this, it's one of the best so far that I have read.

One Of The Best Of The Series
This review concerns the original 1944 edition and the revised 1970 edition which closely follows the plot of the original, with a few small changes.Elderly Mr. March approachs Nancy seeking her help to find his deceased son's unpublished sheet music.Mr. March desperately needs the money to care for his granddaughter, Susan.Unfortunately, a thief has been secretly entering the March house and stealing whatever songs that he can find and publishing them himself.I really enjoyed this book. In my opinion, it is the second or third best of the series (I can't decide between it and The Bungalow Mystery; The Hidden Staircase is my #1).I found it to be well-written, highly descriptive, and had quite a bit of action.The climax of the book, when Nancy finally finds the music and is confronted by the thief, is perhaps the best scene of the series for its originality, excitement and suspense.The only thing that I did not like about this book, was how the thief was caught because Nancy had pretty much nothing to do with actually capturing him.

you'll relish this one
As a child I delighted in the Nancy Drew series, and I've re-read the books at various times since."The Secret in the Old Attic" is a well-plotted, satisfying thriller in which Nancy finds the manuscripts for some songs which will help to restore the fortunes of her elderly friend, Mr. March, and his young granddaughter.Nancy's chums, plump and frilly Bess and her tomboyish cousin, George, help Nancy in her investigations.Hannah Gruen is on hand to provide cocoa and comfort. Nancy sits down at the piano and plays some of the songs, demonstrating yet another of her fine abilities.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Girls & Women    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    7. Children's Books/Ages 9/12 Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction / Mysteries & Detective Stories    9. Juvenile Fiction/Action & Adventure - General    10. Juvenile Fiction/Girls & Women    11. Sex & Gender/Feminine   

Reviews (15)

Interesting, but not my favorite
This book was a pretty quick read for me.I picked it up because I am a big fan of E.L. Konigsburg, especially The View From Saturday.While I was interested in this story, it did not measure up to some of the author's other books, including The View From Saturday or The Outcasts From 19 Schuyler Place, although those are from a different genre.
Reinventing History?
The basic rules of good fiction are to take an interesting character and plop him into some action, then ask "What if..." and then "And then what..." and finally, "So what?" Konigsburg takes the reader into the brain of Leonardo by way of his Puck-like apprentice, but with little about Mona Lisa the painting or the enigma. Perhaps it will lead young readers to more about DaVinci. Thoughtful, entrancing, but not exciting; I wonder how it would read if Konigsburg decided to write the life and time of Donald Trump.

The Second Mrs.Giaconda
The Second Mrs.Giaconda, by E. L. Konigsburg, is a book about a poor, dogged, perverse boy living in Italy who stumbles upon Leonardo da Vinci... which changes his life forever.E. L. Konigsburg tells why Leonardo da Vinci painted a portrait of an unimportant merchant's wife when tons of dukes and duchesses wanted their portrait done.
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Subjects:  1. 1452-1519    2. 1475-1497    3. Art (paintingsculptureartistsarchitectureetc.)    4. Beatrice,    5. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    6. Children: Grades 4-6    7. Fiction    8. Historical - Other    9. Historical - Renaissance    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Leonardo,    12. Salai, Andrea,    13. ca. 1480-ca. 1524    14. consort of Lodovico Sforza il Moro, Duke of Milan,    15. da Vinci,    16. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Other    17. Modern fiction   

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Reviews (7)

And the number one threat on the threatdown?Bears.
Trust Maurice Sendak to remain mischievous well into his old age.When somebody somewhere proposed that he reillustrate Ruth Krauss's classic and bizarre 1948 title, "Bears", he could have done so without so much as a whimper.Instead, right on the title page, one of the first things you see is a bear hanging by a noose.BANG!Parents who are going to be shocked are shocked and parents who are pretty well aware that kids don't detect any difference between nooses and plain old ropes are nonplussed.The wheat has been separated from the chaff from the very beginning and by the time you've gotten to page 3 you know that you are deep into Sendak's brain without any turning back."Bears" wasn't without controversy when it first came out, of course.In his book, "Dear Genius"* author Leonard S. Marcus points out that, "Some critics found this picture book, with its nonnarrative, singsong text...bewilderingly offbeat and insubstantial".Now Sendak's given it a narrative and it stars one of his best-known creations.Bizarre, funny, and overwhelmingly bearable (ho ho), the book is sure to be beloved by some and abhorred by others.
One of my Favorites!
I have been looking for this book to get for my boys!
Exceedingly Lame - a review of "Bears"
Wow, it's not very often that you see a little teddy bear hanging from a noose in a children's book.As a mom of a girl and boy (5 and 3) I was aghast.I mean, what the heck is up with that?!?
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Subjects:  1. Animals - Bears    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children: Preschool    4. Humorous Stories    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Preschool Picture Story Books    7. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Bears    8. Bargain   

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Fiction    4. Girls & Women    5. Hotels, motels, etc.    6. Humorous Stories    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Lifestyles - City & Town Life    9. Lost and found possessions    10. Preschool Reading Skills    11. Readers - Beginner    12. Juvenile Fiction / Girls & Women   

Reviews (3)

Hat - tastic!!!
Found this book after a recent move - in a box - with a billion other books - I haven't seen it in years - though I do remember and am grateful to find it again - Going to buy a copy for my sister (Jennie)Wonderful and joyous!!!

Classic Children's Book on Hats
A children's tale about Jennie and her obsession with hats (she even sneezes "HAT-CHOO!"). The book's theme revolves around hat trimmings, a vital element in the success of any finished hat.

A favorite of mine for years!
I was thrilled to see that "Jennie's Hat" was once again available. I first "met" Jennie in the library of one of the elementary schools that I served as an art teacher. I liked the story and loved the illustrations which feature clever and colorful collages. It was the collage illustrations that led me to adapting an introductory collage lesson that I've presented to my fourth graders for years. It became a lesson that I always looked forward to as the children really enjoyed both the story (which I modified slightly to include children in the class) and the art activity derived from the story. The lesson evolved over my 32 years in elementary education but the story of "Jennie's Hat" has remained a timeless constant. I am ordering a copy of the book as a gift for my student teacher who will hopefully carry on the activity. Carl A. Hess Art Teacher Hamburg (PA) Area School District ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Birds    2. Birds    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Preschool    5. Fiction    6. General    7. Hats    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Preschool Picture Story Books    10. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Birds   

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Reviews (1)

Golly goshen, where have you been dear Kuskin
This book is magical and mischievious. This book brings to mind instant comparisons to the masterworks of Shel Silverstein. But Ms. Kuskin can maintain a certain gentleness that was often absent in Shel's poetry anthologies. This may also be some of the best, most magical drawings from Sergio Ruzzier, truly another unneeded reason to buy this book.
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Subjects:  1. American poetry    2. Children's 4-8 - Poetry / Plays    3. Children's poetry    4. Children's poetry, American    5. Children: Grades 1-2    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Poetry - General    8. Poetry - Humorous    9. Poetry / Single Author / American    10. Bargain   

Reviews (1)

If only school were this much fun
Although I am somewhat older than the suggested age range for this book, I loved the combination of witty illustrations and sly humor.Kalman's imagination is free-wheeling and far-reaching (have YOU ever considered what you'd do if your dog swallowed the remote?) and in a few words she encapsulates the essence of the educational experience--long stretches of boredom punctuated by occasional moments of terror.
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Subjects:  1. Animals - Dogs    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Dogs    5. Fiction    6. Humorous Stories    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Preschool Picture Story Books    9. School & Education    10. School stories    11. Schools    12. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Fantasy    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Fiction    4. Humorous Stories    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Other    7. Mermaids and mermen    8. Mermen    9. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    10. Social Issues - Friendship    11. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic