For those who like to cry, and for those who don't, this is a wonderful, emotionally moving, fictious, first-person story about what happens after the death of the narrator's brother.
I checked this small book out of the local library because I liked the cover design and title-it was something different. With that much to go on, I started reading. I had only planned to read the beginning-having a tight schedule that day-nothing more, but could not, would not put it down. The book was an amazing story giving readers a fictious glimpse into the afterlife on two fronts, not only some of the afterlife of the brother, but the afterlife of the narrator and how she copes with the loss of her brother. Having lost my dear father to death three years ago, I found myself sobbing by the end of the book. For me, the book stirred up forgotten grief as I identified with the narrator. More than that, I will not tell. Read it yourself and do remember the tissue.

I've enjoyed reading Allan Ahlberg books to my kids for several years. I was thrilled when I saw this one at the Library. My kids and I enjoy it so much, I'm going to buy my own copy. The stories and poems are good for all ages and perfect for short reading times like when your kids are so tired they fall asleep after the first couple pages. The Paper Boy and the Vampire and the Hound are our favorite selections. They are both creative and fun!

This book has proven to be a Godsend for our 4 and 2 year old boys - it converts them from rambunctious destroyers to nuzzling geeks just in time for bed. The stories are replete with quirky characters, the occasional moral and cute (but not too cute) depictions. I'll confess that some of these rich tales do extend into the 7 or 8 minute range but you'll hardly notice.

When I first read the book Woof! by Alan Ahlberg, I loved it. I was eight years old at the time, living in England, and the book was a Book Club special at school. It was a very popular book at that time and it was later followed by a TV show which I also enjoyed. I think the main reason I enjoyed the book so much is because of the simple idea that you can become a dog, have an adventure in your own town, do whatever you wanted for anyone, and still be able to get away with it while saving the day in the end. I get it out every now and again to read it just to bring back the days of childhood innocence and dreams. This book is certainly a dream maker. I get excited even now at the age of 17 to think about being able to be a dog and do all the things Eric does in the book. The end of the story provides a catch too which should appeal more to an older reader. Woof! is an extraordinary book, even 13 years after its release. I can't wait for my children to read it.

The pictures are detailed and interesting, showing kids doing just about anything you could do in the early weeks of school---circle, outdoor play, lunch, reading, assembly and even fighting! The text takes you step by step from the first day of school to Christmas break. A note---this school seems like a private religious school, as the children do pray and put on a play about Baby Jesus. One annoying part is the repeated repetition of a whole list of children's names---I am not sure what the point of this is---each time they are referring to the group of children they list each of the nine names---tiring when reading aloud! But an enjoyable good and a good introduction to preschool or kindergarten.

This book is a good book for little kids just starting school. It tells them what it will be like in school. My grandma gave me this book when I was going in to kindergarden. I injoyed it then and I still do now. It is still my favorit book.

This is a simple rhyming book showing babies engaged in various activities. Each page has an illustration of a baby with a two word description in large print, such as "Baby bounces," or "Baby drinks," (which rhymes two pages later with "Baby thinks.") The pictures are colorful and engaging, and the visual simplicity makes the book very accessible for infants. Also, the board book format is great for those who can't decide whether they'd like to read the book or eat it. My 9-month-old smiles broadly every time we open this book, and laughs happily at the end. That's high praise from the book's target audience!

Burglar Bill is an interesting story for me as it shows a profession which is usually stereotyped, in a different light. Bill eventually reforms his bad habits, but even when he is at his thieving worst he is portrayed sympathetically. Bill take showers attention on the little baby, perhaps to make up for attention he himself missed. I suppose some people might object to this book on the grounds that it makes light of such a serious matter. For me however it simply points out that everybody who commits a crime is not a demonic monster. I think this is helpful as those who never consider themselves as potential criminals, never consider the ways to return to a lawful lifestyle. Three strikes and you're out. Burglar Bill is a perfect metaphor for the bad little boy in the class. He is not the little devil that adults and other children often imagine him to be. In many ways he has an admirable personality, it is just that he does things which get him into trouble. Most of the things Bill steals are hardly worth the effort. Why would anyone want to steal a can of baked beans? Likewise most of the things which a teacher or parent might class as naughty, are just ridiculous. It is the fact that someone else is getting hurt which adds gravity to the situation. Perhaps he just hasn't been able to imagine himself in the place of the other person. He needs it pointed out to him. This is exactly what happens to Bill. It is not until he himself is burgled that he can see that what he is doing is wrong. Noticeably Bill does learn from his mistakes, perhaps the naughty little boy can too.

I find the plot quite similar to Sly Fox and Red Hen and hence quite predictable. But I prefer the way this book is written: very simple and innocent. The pictures are colourful and cute too.

This is a wonderful children's book about a little girl who wishes to grow up and ride race horses. This short story is humorous and teaches the virtues of patience and devotion to a goal. Nice illustrations. Liked it as a kid-keeping it for my kids!

It is such a shame that this book is out of print - it is such a gem! It has been one of my son's favorites for years. It sounds great read aloud - particularly when you do the characters with Brittish accents. -- It shows how powerful a family can be when they pull together to solve a problem. And Mrs. Wobble's dilemma is a funny one (she is a waitress, but constantly wobbles, therefore spilling food all over customers). It also shows that a person's idiosyncrasies can wind up being embraced rather than shunned...