I use this book each year to teach my class about different countries and means of travel. I made up math related questions for small group work that includes estimating how many pumpkins could fit on/in each means of travel, How many for sale signs the man had to make, the children time themselves writing out the for sale sign that was attached to each pumpkin. Each child also uses multiplication, divison, estimating with the use of calculators. In the end the book, Pumpkins is a sotry for the chidren to express fellings and emotions about the mans experience in his field of dreams.

I am lucky enough to be able to see Ms. Ray and thumb through her books at the Concord Farmers Market each weekend. She is a lovely, magical lady and this is a lovely, magical book! I cried when I first read it and it still makes me weepy because it shows such love and hope. (I am a grownup.) It is also very witty and it SOUNDS good out loud, so parents won't get tired of reading it over and over to the children. Everyone should have a chance to read and re-read Pumpkins, any time of year (it's not a Halloween book, really). Several local conservation organizations carry this book because it demonstrates (in a technically unrealistic way, but that really doesn't matter) how one person can make a big difference. I can't imagine anyone not being touched and amused by this book.

This sweet book captivates younger readers with its wonderful painting illustrations, and the simple story of one man's determination. I love the spare, simple text full of evocative details (when he needs to write explanatory tags for every pumpkin he ships to countries that don't have pumpkins, "luckily he knew how to write in many languages"). This is one of those that I get a lump in my throat reading even after who knows how many times through it.

This beautiful book was the last one Barbara Cooney illustrated before her death in March of 2000. The story and pictures are great. A must-have for Cooney fans.

A young boy growing up admires his father's basket-making skills and anticipates the time when he'll be allowed to go to town to help sell them - but when the time arises, he's taunted for being a country boy. Should he be a basket maker? Barbara Cooney's illustrations enhance this gentle story.

First of all, I want to thank the other reviewer of this book, who tells us that this is a TRUE STORY! That makes it even more special.

Today I'm writing reviews of 4 picture books about children playing the piano. But this one is by far the best. The main character is Anna, who at the beginning of the book is reflecting back on her life. You follow Anna's love of music from the time she was a child into old age. I love how the author and illustrator depict Anna's long train ride to Boston for her piano lessons.

As Anna grow up, she gets married and is shown playing the piano with a baby on her lap. After her children are grown and her husband has passed away, she's still enjoying playing the piano.

This book as really warmed THIS piano teacher's heart! See my other reviews for other books about children playing piano - but be sure to buy THIS ONE! The illustrations are just perfect too!

Happy reading!

Anna (not her real name) , in real life, is my great aunt - my grandmother's sister. I have been in "anna's" home many times and have many fond memories. "Uncle Luther" is the minister that married my mother and father in Old North Church in Wilmot, New Hampshire. My Grandfather was the president of the "Grange" for a while. I recall clearly going to the town dances in the Grange Hall where "Anna" played. "Anna" passed away years ago - but, thanks to Mary Lyn Rae, her story will live on for generations to come.

Thank you, Mary Lyn Rae, for keeping this story alive.

This book has a simple yet appealing story that kids can relate to (going on a journey, trains, a favorite stuffed animal and family). The language used is descriptive of a train sounds and fun to read. The illustrations are colorful, stylish and full of humorous detail (the mole's devotion to Crunch bars and reading books). I love reading this book almost as much as my three year old son does.

A wonderful treat as it traces a small boys rainy day activities from inside to out. The art in this book is outstanding with swirling blues and sharp reds and yellows. It is imagination food for child and adult alike.

I bought this book for my Pre-K class, to go along with our weather unit on Rain. The cover looked so nice I thought it would be a great book. In fact, the illustrations are quite nice; the problem is there's really no story here. The language doesn't flow; its very choppy. The children didn't enjoy this book, and have not asked for it to be read again. Good children's literature should have a story to it: a setting, problem and solution; a definite beginning, middle and ending; and well-defined characters. This book has none of that.

For everyone who can't wait for winter to recede; for everyone who loves the smell of rain on warm dirt; for everyone who relishes squishing mud between their toes comes this eye level view of mud emerging with the spring thaw. Preschoolers delight in the dirty feet splashing through the mud. This is a great addition to a collection about the seasons. The illustrations lend themselves to describing what happens with the warmer weather. It also includes fun, descriptive words that young children will enjoy using. Any read just wouldn't be complete without mixing a batch of mud...