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FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Did you know that the Dracula legend is based on a real-life Romanian count? Did you know that other vampire myths date back thousands of years to ancient Babylonia and Egypt? Read about the history and popular culture surrounding the original bat man. ... Read more

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Eeyore is in a Very Sad Condition, because it is his birthday, and no one has taken any notice of it. But Pooh and Piglet try their best to see that a Proper Celebration is made. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Edited for little kids but with the same character as the original
When I went to introduce my preschooler to Winnie-the-Pooh, I bought the big book with the complete stories and poems. It didn't take long for me to figure out that it wasn't quite right for my 3-year-old. Reading a story out of the original works takes a good 15-20 minutes, which is more than one can really expect from a preschooler or toddler. Also, the original Pooh is a bit like Sesame Street, in that there are phrases and indeed entire sections of the stories that adults will find amusing but which will just go over a child's head.

And yet, I didn't want to break down and go the route of the Disney-fied Pooh books, with their cartoonish illustrations and watered-down plots and characters.

That's why I was so pleased to find the Easy-to-Read series. There are six easy-to-read titles from two publishers. They are:

Winnie-the-Pooh and Some Bees
Pooh Goes Visiting
Eeyore Has a Birthday
Tigger Comes to the Forest
Christopher Robin Leads an Expedition
Pooh Invents a New Game

Each book is based on one chapter from the complete works. These little books are divided into four chapters, although it should be no problem to read one from start to finish in one sitting.

The print is large and well spaced, and there are ample illustrations (the original drawings by E.H. Shepard) on every page spread to keep little eyes engaged in the story. Most important, the editor has removed most of the passages that aren't so kid friendly and has simplified the stories without giving them a Disney style candy coating. One could read the original story and then the easy-to-read version and get the same basic plot; when going from the Milne works to the Disney versions, the same is certainly not true.

I didn't give these books five stars because the editor retained some language and dialogue that may be a bit confusing for children in the intended age range. Nevertheless, these books are a wonderful introduction to a classic cast of characters for the preschool set.

perfect small-scale Pooh for young readers
This little book is an exact reproduction of a chapter 6 in the original book, Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne, with the original illustrations by Shephard enhanced by judicious watercoloring. All the charm of the original, in a perfect size for reading to littler kids, who can feel satisfied at having been read "the whole story."Also good for children just starting to read all by themselves.

Beautifully bound and illustrated, this little book is part of a series of 10 such Pooh books published by Dutton.Don't confuse these 10 "storybooks" with the even smaller and abridged board-books for infant/toddlers.

it was ggreatI love it
I love eeyore he is my favorite charter.I loved his book.It was neato.

Relevant to children not to mention, entertaining!
When all the characters in the imaginary world of Winnie the Pooh go on their day to day mischiefs, forgetting a friends special day, it makes one see how cartoon characters really portray real life situations.The full page of colors allows one to sit back and get the satisfaction of a children's book. Yet this book not only addresses a child's awareness nor is it an entertainment instrument but as well as a joyful piece of literature for any age group to admire ... Read more

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Arthur meets the biggest rock band in town in this new chapter book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great Chapter Book
Arthur wants to see his favorite band BINKY in concert, but because DW took so long deciding on which pair of shoes to buy, he gets the very last row in the auditorium. He day-dreams of being picked out of the audience by a reporter to meet the band.To his surprise his father is catering the event for the backstage crew and he gets to go backstage.Eventually Arthur asks his friends to join him after much indecision.Arthur is surprised again only to learn that BINKY the band is a computer generated holligram and not real people.

A Band Book
Arthur finds a song he likes a lot,so he tries to find what it's called,until he's in a concert.Its better than it sounds,but the book is a bit lucky,I didn't give it two stars. ... Read more

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Outlines the life of Alexander, a charismatic individual who was simultaneously the king of Macedonia, pharaoh of Egypt, and emperor of Persia. ... Read more

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Two new chapter books feature Arthur and his friends for fans ready to read on their own.Each book features longer Arthur Adventures at a third-grade reading level, which has been vetted by a reading specialist, and has loads of kid appeal.Arthur is in top form as he tries to convince the Brain not to give up his smarts and teams up with Buster to help him warn everyone of a comet collision.Arthur fans will want to read and collect these new chapter books! ... Read more

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Young Sacagawea wants to be as brave as her brother. If only she were allowed to go with him and the other boys on a hunt to prove it! But while gathering wood with her grandmother, an angry rattlesnake shows Sacagawea that there are many ways to be brave. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Story About Sacagawea's Childhood
This book is the story of Grass Maiden, a young Shoshone girl who saves her grandmother from a rattlesnake. My 3rd grader was disappointed after we ordered this book for her to write a book report on Sacagawea.She wanted to read about how Sacagawea, as a 16-year-old, assisted and translated for Lewis and Clark.There is no mention of that story in this book.In fact, the entire story takes place before Grass Maiden was kidnapped by the Hidatsa and renamed Sacagawea.This book contains a nice story about bravery and is an appropriately-leveled easy reader, but it makes no mention of any events beyond Sacagawea's early childhood. ... Read more

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Brrr! Coyote is always cold! That's because it's winter all year long. But Old Woman has something amazing called summer. It's tied up in a little bag in her tipi. Coyote and his friends Wolf, Moose, Elk, Stag, and Antelope make a plan to steal summer. But when Coyote grabs the bag, Old Woman's children chase after him. Will his plan work? Will everyone have a chance to share summer's warmth? Find out what happens in this fast-paced tale! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Highly recommended for family, school, and community library Folklore/Folktale collections for young readers
Stories drawn from mythology and folklore are perennially popular with young readers. "How The Coyote Stole The Summer" is adapted from a Native American folktale by Stephen Krensky and nicely illustrated by Kelly Dupre. Coyote is tired of it being winter all year long and teams up with his friends Raven, Wolf, Moose, Elk, Stage, and Antelope to steal something called summer from Old Woman. Can he succeed? Part of the outstanding Millbrook Press 'On My Own Folklore' series, this wonderful story is highly recommended for family, school, and community library Folklore/Folktale collections for young readers.

A Delightful Tail
Old Man Coyote is tired of being cold so he enlists 5 other animals to help him steal summer from Old Woman.What follows is a delightful tale as the animals work together to "get warm." ... Read more

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The Wynd family pits its forces against a group of witches with a ghastly plan to turn the town's children into monsters. Sequel to "The Dragon Circle." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Fantastic Read
When I was in gradeschool, this was one of my favorite books.Fifteen years later it is still a fantastic story with humor and suspense.A great book for kids and a great re-read for the kid inside.The other Wynd family books are fun reads too: A Ghostly Business and The Dragon Circle.

A very cool book (review from my daughter)
When I was twelve this was a favorite book of mine.It's about a family with magical powers, and the younger ones are trying to master their powers--this leads to a few hilarious scenes where the house hold is turned upside down. But in their little town of Westbridge, a convention has come to town.The children discover that it's a witch's convention, and they have to save Westbridge from the witch's plotting. ... Read more

Product Description
Santa has the best job he can think of -- brining presents each Christmas to children all around the world. Every year he prepares for his trip: He trims his beard, takes a bath, gets dressed, and packs up his sleigh fort he long night ahead. But there are always a few unexpected delays that make things a little hectic. Muckle, one of the elves who helps Santa, thinks he can come up with a more efficient way of delivering the toys -- a method that won't involve Santa at all.Amazon.com Review
Author-illustrator team Stephen Krensky and S.D. Schindler are once again intent on demystifying the big guy in red—. They seem to be having a good time doing it, and it's pretty hard not to get caught up in the fun.

Just as they did in How Santa Got His Job, a tongue-in-cheek account of Santa's circuitous entrée into the Christmas biz, Krensky and Schindler go behind the scenes to tell another true story from the life of Mr. Claus. This time, the trouble starts in the North Pole employee break room, as some of the elves are grumbling over coffee and donuts about Santa's annual procrastination and last-minute rush: "Why can't Santa plan better?" "How come he's so slow?" One bespectacled elf named Muckle goes further: "Santa is too set in his ways.... He wastes time and energy." Sure, but what can you do? Santa's "only human." And that gives Muckle his big idea.

In a few months, the Deliverator is unveiled, an automated, UFO-style, present-delivery solution that might just put Santa out of a job. Well, there's actually no "might" about it--remember the book's title--but Santa doesn't go down without a head-to-head, John Henry-style competition. You can imagine how this goes: both manage to whiz down the chimney in a second flat, but only Santa stops for milk and cookies--"Chocolate chip... my favorite."

So the only question remaining is whether and when Santa gets his groove back. And between Krensky's carefully staged story and Schindler's playful, often subtle illustrations (schematics of the Deliverator, a frazzled Muckle on his laptop), you can bet you'll have a good time finding out. (Ages 4 to 8) --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Great!
Bought this for my 5 year old daughter.She already had How Santa Got His Job and loved that book so I got this one for her for her birthday.She liked it just as much. It is a great story with lovely illustrations.

Great companion to "How Santa Got His Job"
How Santa Got His JobHow Santa Lost His JobOur family of four kids, ages 6 to 16, have loved "How Santa Got His Job," so when we saw "How Santa Lost His Job" we ordered it. This sequel isn't as good, but it makes a fun set to read together. Art work is perfectly charming in both.

A Delightful Christmas Story
Can a machine really do Santa's job better than Santa?A clever elf named Muckle seems to think so.His invention, the Deliverator, appears to be faster and more efficient in the preliminary tests, but when Christmas Eve arrives and it is time for the real delivery of toys, Muckle learns that the human touch really is better.

This delightful story, coupled with humorous watercolor and ink illustrations, is sure to be a favorite story with kids.My own children, ages seven and four, really enjoy this book.they ask me to read it over and over again.

Sherry Ellis
Author of That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN

Santa almost lost his job in this exciting book!
This is a great book for anyone who loves the holiday, Christmas.
I would recommend it to Kindergarten to second grade. It is a short
book, and is very interesting. It is about a person whose name is Muckle. He shows an invention he made, a rocket ship called the deliverer to Santa's helpers. The elves and Muckle decide to do tests to see who is the fastest, the deliverer or Santa. There were three tests; the first test was who could get dressed the fastest. The second test was who could mach the most children to a toy in an hour. The final test was who can put the presents under the tree the fastest. To find out who won these tests and who will deliver the toys to the children read this four star book.

Could Santa Be Replaced?
Santa had his own way of doing things.Every year before the big ride he checked the weather, looked over his maps, took a nice bubble bath, trimmed his beard, polished his boots, got the reindeer fed and ready, and packed his sled.It was always hectic, and there was always a last minute rush.Some of the elves complained, wishing Santa would plan better, and not waste so much time.But what could they do?Santa was only human.Then one little elf, Muckle, had an idea.He worked on his secret project for months, and in late fall unveiled the "Deliverator".Muckle claimed it could travel around the world and deliver presents faster and better.Could this be the end of Santa?Could he really be replaced?.....Stephen Krensky has written a charming and amusing story, with a gentle message, that will put a smile on the faces of young and old, alike.His simple and clever text is beautifully complemented by S.D. Schindler's expressive and detailed artwork, and together they've authored a delightfully warm story that helps kids understand that faster isn't always better.Sometimes it's the personal touch that makes something special.Perfect for youngsters 4-8, How Santa Lost His Job is a wonderful addition to this year's Christmas picture books, and a terrific story to help usher in the holiday season. ... Read more

Product Description
Two new chapter books feature Arthur and his friends for fans ready to read on their own.Each book features longer Arthur Adventures at a third-grade reading level, which has been vetted by a reading specialist, and has loads of kid appeal.Arthur is in top form as he tries to convince the Brain not to give up his smarts and teams up with Buster to help him warn everyone of a comet collision.Arthur fans will want to read and collect these new chapter books! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Luis's review
This book is a good book. I like this book beacause Buster won the Brain.IT is a cool book to read.IT is a funny book. THE END.

Krensky Makes it Bearable
Overall, I wasn't too impressed by the television version of this episode. There was a lot of bad dialogue, it's hard to watch any season five episode with some of the voice actors they had and it was painful to watch the Brain attempting to be funny. However, the wonderful Stephen Krensky actually manages to make a bad story into one that's actually kind of fun to read. He does so by adding details that weren't in the television version and adding extra dialogue to enhance parts o the story. Also, he smartly removed a very bad gag involving Brain's brain telepathically communcating with other brains. A good read for all Arthur fans. ... Read more

Product Description

Ten-year-old Ben Franklin finds working in his father's candle shop boring -- he'd much rather be doing experiments. He can't wait to try out his latest idea. With nothing but a simple kite, can Ben get across the pond -- without swimming a single stroke? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great story for kids
This is a great short story that entertains & teaches the kids.You get familiar with an historical figure, learn a little physics (wind blowing kite blowing Ben across the pond) and watch ingenuity at work as a child!The kids love it because it's a real (or semi-real) story.

For kids
I found the book very good for younger kids.It is a good introduction to Ben Franklin for those who know little about his life as a young man.Easy to read and is a level 2. ... Read more

Product Description
"In the early morning on April 18, 1906, a terrible earthquake struck San Francisco, California. Lizzie Newton, who had been staying with her grandmother, woke up frightened but unhurt. She helped her injured grandmother out of the apartment building. People across the city left their homes for fear that the buildings might collapse.

After Lizzie's grandmother was taken to the hospital, ten-year-old Lizzie was on her own. She had to make her way to her parents without any help. Could she find them? Would they be all right?

In the back of this book, you'll find a script and instructions for putting on a reader's theater performance of this adventure. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This is a stunningly realistic, fictionalized portrait of Lizzie, a young girl who survived the San Francisco Earthquake!
Ten-year-old Lizzie Norton awoke with a start and sat up in bed.She had been dreaming that she was on a train that was lurching up and down on its tracks, yet all the while the shaking was real.Her eyes widened in the darkness of the morning.She ran to her Grammy's room only to find her injured and covered with plaster.It was not safe inside so they hurriedly put on some clothes and went into the streets of San Francisco where a horrible scene of destruction awaited them.Many of the buildings "lay crumbled in heaps," while flames leapt from the rooftops of others.People were frantically trying to leave the city.

Lizzie was afraid and didn't know quite what to do, but when "an ambulance wagon came clattering down the street," she hailed it.As Grammy boarded the ambulance, she told Lizzie to go home.She soon was on foot headed for home.The aftershocks were frightening and startling "cracks and holes were still opening near Lizzie's feet."She spotted firemen digging through piles of bricks.She could hear the cries of people beneath the rubble as the men struggled to save them.The fires were rampant, communication was nonexistent, and the water pipes had burst.They encouraged Lizzie to head for home, but when she arrived, her house too had been partially destroyed.She had to keep moving on to St. Francis in Union Square. Would she find her parents when she got there?Would she even survive the trek?

This is a stunningly realistic, fictionalized portrait of Lizzie, a young girl who survived the San Francisco Earthquake. The storyline is exciting and even the most reluctant reader will strive to reach the end of the book to find out what happened to young Lizzie.The full color, full page artwork captures the essence of the horrifying event and subtly conveys a lot of information the text does not discuss.For example, in a street scene we see cracks in the earth, people clustered in groups, while others have gathered up some of their belongings and are escaping on foot or in a horse drawn wagon.This edition introduces the student to Reader's Theater.It gives full instructions on how a performance goes, what to do before, and after the production.The eight-page script can be reproduced for the six performers.A link to the sound effects is given.Undoubtedly, this amazing book would be a unique, fun, highly educational way to introduce your classroom to Reader's Theater! ... Read more

Product Description
Summer is here, and Lionel has big plans. He makes a long list of things to do, from flying spaceships to building castles. But how will he find time for them all? In three other stories, Lionel stays awake for the Fourth of July fireworks, strikes it rich at his lemonade stand, and survives a family car trip.

"Children will identify with and laugh with the characters." --School Library Journal ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Review by Nayla P.S. 39
If you need to learn to solve problems in a good way then the book Lionel in the Summer by Stephen Krensky is for you.In chapter 1 Lionel runs into a problem because he made a long list of things to do on the first day of summer.But there's not enough time.Will Lionel learn to enjoy the first day of summer?Read the book to find out.I think I would give this book 5 stars.And I'm sure you'll enjoy Susanna's illustrations. ... Read more

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The Bear family is about to begin a very busy day and everything they do takes time. By following the Bears through their days and weeks - and even their years - the reader can see just how long everything takes. ... Read more

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When the town of Hardscrabble placed an ad for a new firefighter, they never expected a dragon to apply. But Spark wants the job because he has a secret. He’s afraid of fire . . . and that’s not good when you are a fire-breathing dragon! Spark knows the only way to conquer your fear is by facing it. A funfilled tale with plenty of fire safety tips. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

This is the perfect story for the young wanna be firefighter!

Hardscrabble, like many towns around the nation, was in need of volunteer firefighters. They "posted a sign and handed out notices," but not a single person responded. Finally someone did show up at the fire department to put in an application, but the fire chief was a bit surprised. Spark was a dragon . . . , has anyone ever heard of a dragon that fought fires? Gee, mostly they started them, but Spark figured there was always a first time for everything. Oddly enough, fire made him nervous.

Spark wasn't good at guarding treasure, he couldn't frighten off mean old knights and most embarrassing of all, "other dragons had made fun of him." Finally after discussing the situation with the rest of the firefighters they agree to give him a chance. He had to get into shape, learn how to handle the equipment and rescue people. He even had to help with school demonstrations. He made it through a few small fires and seemed to be doing well. Then one day when the alarm went off the firefighters found a barn on fire with many animals trapped inside. "It's too dangerous for us to go in." Was Spark brave enough to go in and if he did, would he be able to get the animals out?

This is the perfect story for the young wanna be firefighter. The story is fun, exciting and the art work is animated and vibrant. Children will be amused by the irony of a dragon becoming a firefighter and will want you to read this book to them time and time again. If a dragon comes to your school for a demonstration, you'll know it's Sparky. Oh, and remember . . . never play with fire!

Spark has some spunk
The illustrations are great, I didn't find the story so catchy, but my 4.5 year old daughter enjoys this one.She likes talking about fire safety and there are some key issues addressed.I don't think she realized that the animals in the barn would die in the fire if it would be unsafe for a firefighter to go in, but luckily Spark saves the day.There are some good vocab words in the story, like "recruits" and "chief."

Scaredicat fire-breathing dragon is afraid of fire. So what's he to do? Get a job as a firefighter no doubt!

The story didn't light any fire for me. Pun intended. In fact, it was kind of corny in spots. I found the illustations to be very good. I'd give the illustrations a 5-star and the text/story a 3-star rating. Split the difference to arrive at the overall rating.

In this book the hero is Spark, a dragon who splits his time between medievil times and current times. He is a fire-breathing dragon who is afraid of fire. In order to conquer his fear he signs up to be a volunteer fireman. He goes through training and performs on the job. As a result, he finds himself cured of his fear of fire. Quits his job and goes back to being a medievil dragon. 4 stars!

Rutgers University Project on Economics and Children
The fire department in the small town of Hardscrabble needed a new firefighter, but no one responded to the advertisement except for a dragon named Spark.Lucky for Spark that he was the only applicant, so he got the job on the spot.Spark quickly demonstrated his work ethic, willingness to train, and ability to learn new skills. But would his secret fear of fire get in the way of fighting real fires on the job?This delightful book not only provides children with useful fire safety tips, it also incorporates some basic economics concepts related to jobs and skills.The cheerful illustrations and likeable characters further make Spark the Firefighter a great book for young readers.

... Read more

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FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Learn more about the history and pop culture of this ghoulish monster and his mad scientist creator. ... Read more

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This new chapter book series features Arthur and his friends in sports action. In Book #2, Arthur tries to teach Binky the importance of proper training. Illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Cursory introduction to the folkloric trope of watchers in the woods
This is a kid or young adult level cross-cultural analysis of folkloric use of "watchers in the woods." Watchers include such things as gnomes, trolls, goblins, dwarfs, and such. It gives a number of specific examples from world folklore.

The book itself is fully illustrated and in full-color. It's a fun, if short, read... I'd think it would be suitable for kids or young adults. Older teens or adults would probably want something a bit more academic... ... Read more

Product Description
Tired of being thought of as predictable, Louise decides to make a change.She tries a new hairstyle, new clothes and even new food.Then Louise gets a chance to appear in the school talent show. She realizes this could be her chance to make a real change because she is petrified of performing in public.

"The entertaining story teaches an important lesson about self esteem."
-School Library Journal ... Read more