The first time I read this book I was about 9, I kept the book for 9 years, until I moved out of my parents house. Then it somehow got misplaced, I actually cried the first time I tried to look for it and couldn't find it. This book has taught me so much about love and life. I always said that when I got older, even if I could have my own children, I would still adopt, and try to love as much as Helen and Carl did. I've tried to look for this book, but have been unable to find a copy. Besides the birth of my daughter, I think it would be the happiest day in my life if I could find a copy. If anyone out there has one, treasure it, because there are those of us out there who would be truly happy to have one.

I was an avid reader as a child, I still am. If I could point to one book in my lifetime that I have read that made an impact on the way I look at life it would be The Family Nobody Wanted by Helen Doss. I read it when I was around 10 or 11 years old. The story was about a girl and her brother and sister who were adopted after losing their parents. The adoptive parents were older, and had no children. Being a teenager myself, I could relate to all the emotions that the oldest girl was feeling. It gave me a new appreciation for my parents (my dad was adopted) and a new appreciation for my 2 brothers and one sister. I am not the oldest, but I feel like the oldest. Not only is their love in a family, but responsibility. This book taught me that it might not be easy going in a family, but life is easier when you have people to love. If there is no other book that I get for my two sons, it will be this one.

I read this book about 30 years ago, when I was in elementary school, and I loved it. I reread it several times, and when I left home, I think Mom sold it in a garage sale. I've thought about it often over the years, and would love to have a copy again, so that I could reread it. I'm amazed that so many other people felt the same way about the book as I did. I can't believe that it's out of print!! What a wonderful story for all time!

Poor Rodney Rat...he can't say his R's, and life at P.S. 142, where all his classmates tease him mercilessly, is pretty miserable. "All of this teasing day in and day out made Wodney the shyest rodent in his elementary school. His squeak could barely be heard in class. He gnawed lunch alone. And while the other rodents scurried and scooted about at recess, Wodney hid inside his jacket. Then one day, a new student, Camilla Capybara, entered the class and began to wreak havoc. "I'm bigger than any of you. I'm meaner than any of you. And I'm smarter than any of you." And she meant it! That afternoon, poor Wodney Wat's luck turned from bad to worse. He was chosen to lead the daily game of Simon Says and his speech impediment, unfamiliar to Camilla, suddenly became an asset..... The dynamic duo who brought us the wonderful Tacky books, have written an engaging story that will have kids cheering for this shy little underdog as he becomes the class hero and saves the day. Helen Lester's simple, gentle text is complemented by Lynn Munsinger's bold, bright, and expressive artwork, and together they've authored an entertaining story about an endearing character, that's filled with insight, wisdom and humor. This is a story that will inspire little ones to have courage, and to stand up and believe in themselves. "And from that day on the pupils of P.S. Elementary School for Rodents never teased Wodney again. He was their hero. "Hooway for Wodney Wat!" they cried. "Woot! Woot! Wooty-toot-toot!" Perfect for youngsters 3-7, Hooway For Wodney Wat is a treasure.

This is one of the most charming books I have read in years. Wodney provides children with a hero (or, as Wodney would say, "hewoah") who overcomes so much just by being himself. It's a great lesson for both children who identify with Wodney or who are more like the other wodents in the book. I intend to share this book with adults and children alike.

They've done it again! The team who brought us such memorable books as A Porcupine Named Fluffy and Tacky the Penguin are at their absolute best with Hooway for Wodney Wat. Funny text and hysterical illustrations combine to make the perfect read aloud book. I laughed so hard I cried. A must have!

Michael Rosen's "We're Going On A Bear Hunt" is a cute tale suitable for any beginning reader or elementary level class. It has a repetitive and rhythmic verse. The story is a light-hearted adventure, with a fun twist at the conclusion for childrens enjoyment. The illustrations suited the text well, as they were not eccentric but not dull. I used the book for a lesson on sequencing for a first grade class. It can also be used to foster reading skills because of it's textual predictability and repetition. Overall, a helpful tool for fun activities and learning in the classroom.

When reading this book to my kids they all loved it. (Ages 3-7) Just reading the title to them and showing them the front cover were enough to raise their curiosity of what the story would contain when it was being read. They asked questions like: "Why are they hunting for a bear? Do you think they will be ok?" We're Going on a Bear Hunt does a great job of making reading out loud to your kids a thing to look forward to. Your kids will enjoy this little story as it takes you onward towards the bear.

When reading this picture book you will see that the Illustrations are colorful, lively and accurate in their support of the text at all times. The clearly defined illustrations also complement the mood and setting of the adventuring family along the changing terrain. You will notice the contrast between lighter and darker scenes as the storyline changes emotions and how they help develop the plot throughout.

Just like the illustrations, the text of the story is lively and fun to read. The themes are repetitive and easy for young ones to anticipate. (Another good thing for beginning readers) The page has text that imitates the sounds that the family makes while on the bear hunt. You will also notice that the text and Illustrations are not mixed up with the layout on the pages, thus avoiding the confusion that some books do have. The text is large enough to easily read and good for beginning readers. My oldest enjoyed reading it to his younger siblings.

Overall, I would say that We're Going on a Bear Hunt is a great way to teach your kids, in a fun way, a little about what not to do when you go on an adventure in the wild;-) It will provide plenty of good reading, laughter and silliness. I am sure you will have your little ones asking you to repeatedly read this charming, fun and well-done book.

...to read this book over and over and over. It's a mini-study of what appeals to toddlers (and adults!) with its strong beat, a cyclical form, noises to make ("Swishy-Swashy!")and an energetic plot. No matter how sleep-deprived you are, or how tired you may be from chasing your little one/s, the book is so inviting you will find yourself giving a highly dramatic reading ("Tiptoe, tiptoe, tiptoe....WHAT'S THAT?"). My 18-month-old daughter is wild about this book. She knows every silly noise and shrieks with delight each time we turn to the page with the bear. The text is wonderful, the illustrations are even better, and the appeal will last for years. Enjoy it.

While reading this book, Wait Till Helen comes by Mary Downing Hahn, I found myself asking questions that would soon be anwsered later in the book. All in all, I truly enjoyed it. I do think it could have been a bit scarier though. It was the scariest book I ever read considering it was one of the only ones I read. I felt as if I were Molly trying to get through Heather unsuccesfully. One thing I didn't appreciate all that much was how Heather ad Helen sound so much alike. I often had to stop and ask why was Heather lureing kids into the lake, soon realizing that was Helen. I felt a little sorry for Heather and a lot sorry for Molly. My favorite character was probably Helen. Mary Downing Hahn is my favorite author and all in all, this was my favorite one of her books. I have read 3 others, none ghost stories, though.

Name: unknown Age: 12 almost 13

"Wait till Helen Comes" is a really good book. It has adventure, friendship, ghosts and most of all suspense. It is about two kids (Molly and Micheal) and their mom, and her husband (Dave)and his daughter Heather. Then one day they move to the country. Molly and Micheal don't like it there because they don't live near town. Also Molly dosen't like it because there is a graveyard in the backyard. Then one day Heather makes a friend with a ghost. Her name is Helen, but Helen is a bad ghost and tries to drawn Heather in the pond. Molly is the only person that saw Helen besides Heather. It is up to Molly to save Heather. If I could I would tell you the rest of the story,but you are going to have to find out for yourself.

"Wait Till Helen Comes," was a fantastic and enjoyable book for all ages. It is about two single parents who get married and move to a church in a town called Hollwell. Michael and Molly are brother and sister who are enemies with their step sister Heather, a bratty and spoiled little girl. Little did they know why she was like that. When the family moved to the church, the children found out that they had no neighbors and they lived next to a graveyard. Every day Heather visits this one very suspicious tombstone. Molly suspected something and followed Heather. Soon she found out that Heather allied herself with a ghost named Helen. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys spooky stories about ghosts.

The PRINCESS AND THE GOBLIN proves yet another of MacDonald's fantasy charmers (q.v. AT THE BACK OF THE NORTH WIND), as the novel presents the adventures (psychological as well as physical) of protected Princess Irene (aged 8) and a brave miner boy with the unlikely name of Curdie. The tale involves the schemes of evil goblins who lurk below the earth, who exult to tease and torture the "sun people" as they call humankind. Can a mere youth foil the callous machinations of these subterranrean fiends?

Princess Irene meets a mysterious but loving old lady at a spinning wheel (have we heard this somewhere before?), while Curdie proves himself a useful ally to her King-papa. Her faithful but outspoken nurse, Lootie, learns some bitter lessons, as she is almost dismissed by the king and (even worse) by Irene herself. Grown ups must learn to believe what they hear from honest children; children must learn to believe what can not always be seen or what makes scientific sense. Any little girl who sees herself as an unrecognized princess can learn to behave with the grace and dignity of a True Princess. Boys will admire the courage and resourcefulness of the miner's son--the only one in the kingdom to realize what the goblins are plotting. A quaintly spun yarn (with gentle edification for children) for readers of all ages.

This wonderful children's novel tells the story of eight year old Princess Irene. Cared for by her nurse Lootie, she lives in a mountain farmhouse while her father rules over the region from a mountain top castle. The local folk work as miners but are beset by the Goblins who inhabit the underground. Irene is saved from the Goblins by Curdie, a thirteen year old miner, and she in turn saves him. The whole thing is told in a pleasant conversational style and is filled with humor, word games, magic, derring-do, and pure wonderment.

George MacDonald, a Congregational minister turned novelist, who seems nearly forgotten now, was one of the seminal figures in the development of Fantasy. His influence on other Fantasy authors is obvious, he was a childhood favorite of JRR Tolkein, who especially liked this book, and C.S. Lewis named him one of his favorite authors. His own stories draw on many of the themes and characters of classical European fairy tales. But where they were often merely horrific and meaningless, MacDonald adds a layer of Christian allegory. Thus, Irene and Curdie are eventually saved by a thread so slender that you can't even see it, but which leads them back to safety, teaching Curdie that you sometimes have to believe in things that you can't see.

The book would be interesting simply as a touchstone of modern fiction, but it stands up well on its own and will delight adults and children alike.

GRADE: A

So many fine reviews here already about MacDonald's powerful text (for children and adults). I would only add that this edition which includes 8 or 10 gentle and mysterious drawings (watercolors?) by Jessie Wilcox Smith portrays the fearful goblins (also Curdie, Irene, and her father, etc.) without weakening the strength of the tale or scaring the young reader. I purchased this book for an avid seven-year-old reader who loved the story and also commented on the "beautiful" pictures. The book is also good to read aloud to a number of children in a broad age range. My too-cool 11-year-old became mesmerized after the first chapter and found himself talking with his younger brother (!) about the story.

I first read this as a child, growing up in the south in a pentacostal holiness church. This book was my very first introduction to the Jewish Faith, what it means and how it impacted day-to-day life. I found that this family was a very loving family who encouraged their girls (then baby boy) to learn and to grow up strong. I remember wanting to be Jewish so that I could be a member of their family. There was so much fun and love.

Well, I have since learned about the "Jewish" stereotype. However, I was not suckered in by the error because my first experience with Jews came about through the All of A Kind Family books. I am convinced that I knew the truth about the Jewish people because of these books.

I strongly recommend that these books be added to all reading lists, as they help to teach kindness, love, and tolerance for all people, just like they helped to teach to me.

I happened upon a copy of this book at a rummage sale when I was seven years old and have enjoyed it ever since. Though it is never laugh-out-loud funny, it is highly entertaining and definitely falls into the category of feel-good books. Author Sydney Taylor created sweet and interesting characters whose lives you immediately want to follow.

The story chronicles the lives of five Jewish sisters growing up in New York at the turn of the century. Four-year-old Gertie is the baby of the family. Six-year-old Charlotte is a daydreamer who is idolised by her little sister. Eight-year-old Sarah cannot be better described than by Taylor, who refers to her in the narrative as "always the practical one". Ten-year-old Henny is the impish, mischievous one of the bunch (and they need one, considering how docile the other daughters usually are!). Twelve-year-old Ella is the oldest daughter, a talented singer with a big crush on her father's friend Charlie, who is hiding a secret.

The story chronicles the lives of the family throughout their various trials and tribulations over the year. If my sister and I are any indication, any reader will want to read and re-read it!

The whole "All-of-a-Kind" series was one of my favorites as little girl! I used to devour these books and I'm so happy to have found them so I can give them to my 9-year old niece for Christmas! I hope she loves them as much as I did. I remember feeling totally involved with the family and couldn't wait to read the next book. I agree with some of the other reviewers, as a Christian, I wasn't really knowledgable in Jewish customs and this book taught me so much about Judaism -- celebrations, religious customs, history, etc. So not only was I reading a wonderful story, but I learned something too. Also loved that it was set in the turn of the century -- that was a learning experience too. Wonderful wonderful book -- so happy I found it again! Thanks, Amazon

Our oldest son read this book at school and he liked it so much that he insisted we buy it. When my husband and I read it we could not stop laughing. It puts an unexpected twist on the original story of The Three Little Pigs. You can't wait to turn the page to see what the Three Little Wolves will come up with next and what the Big Bad Pig will do to destroy it. There is also a surprise ending. The story is hillarious and the pictures are excellent. This is definitely going to be one of our favorite books. I don't think we will ever get tired of reading it to our boys. Buy this book, I promise you will love it.

My mother in law has long been animatedly telling my three yr old the story of the three little pigs whenever we're stuck in the car for a while-- and he loved every minute of it, every time. My husband and I were already big fans of Helen Oxenbury (Check out "We're Going On a Bear Hunt")-- so when we saw this, we were sold. But we had no idea we'd instantly love it *this* much. Other reviewers have given away it's secrets--suffice it to say that I was not expecting the pig to pull out a drill, or the wolves to refer to all the tea leaves in thier china tea pot! I'm more than willing to read it to my son again and again-- and that's saying a lot for a children's book. I'm online right now getting it for my neice who will be one in 3 days-- but I'm really getting it for my brother ;o)

I thought that this book was most interesting out of all of the childrens books that I have read. I liked this book because it is funny, especially with the switching of the wolves and pigs. The story takes dangerous animals and turns them into meek little animals. Then it takes an ordinary barn yard pig and makes him into the bad guy. so the whole story has been turned around.

It is neat how the big bad pig takes the power tools and knocks down the houses instead of using his breath by huffing and puffing and blowing the houses down.

The wolves use their friends the beaver, kangaroo, rhinoceros, and the flamingo as there suppliers for the materials to build their houses. They do not have to pay for the supplies, they just ask for the materials and their friends give them what they need.

The rhinoceros was more than happy to give the needed supplies along with other supplies that they did not even ask for, to his friends because he was feeling generous and kind hearted.

The Kangaroo gave them some bricks that were yellow and red so their house would be strong. But that failed because the pig was able to smash the house down with his sledge hammer.

The beaver gave the wolves concrete so they could build a stronger house. But the Big Bad pig used his pneumatic drill and knocked the house down.

I can say without a shadow of doubt that this is my favourite book. It was the first book of Machado de Assis that I read and which made me follow in love with his work.
It is a story about an old man who "try to attached both extremes of his life" on the own words of this character, Bentinho who explains his nickname, Dom Casmurro, on the first pages of the book. He tells the reader about his youth, his studies and mainly about his first and only love: Capitu.
However, if you are expecting another novel talking about love, reading the book will surprise you. It is not only about love, it is about insecurity and doubts. Better, this novel is about the human soul, its worst and best sides.
I would say that the talent Machado de Assis takes the reader into an investigation. But it is not an usual one. It is necessary to enter into Bentinho's mind looking for clues that could absolve him or his beloved, Capitu. The reader is overwhelmed by the doubts that disturbs Bentinho and which made him took drastic actions.
The most fantastic element in this book is that reading it over and over never guarantees the certainty about what it is right and what is wrong. If we suppose that there is some truth to be found. It is a game between the character and the reader!

"Dom Casmurro," by Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis, is a delightful novel by this great Brazilian writer. I have read the English translation by John Gledson. In the foreword to his translation, Gledson notes that the book was first published in 1899 or 1900.

"Dom Casmurro" is a first-person narrative about the life of Bento, a 19th century Brazilian man. Bento recalls his youth and adulthood, and tells about his friendships, education, romantic life, and family relationships.

The content of the novel sounds straightforward enough, but its execution is a virtuoso display of ironic playfulness. Machado's narrator addresses various potential readers, from the "'most chaste' lady reader" to young lads. The narrator comments on the structure of the story and plays with readers' expectations, and even at one point challenges the reader to throw the book out. Machado's narrative technique blurs the line between fiction and reality.

"Dom Casmurro" is an effective mix of comic and tragic elements. Particularly interesting are the gently satiric portrayal of religion, the tender evocation of youthful romance, and the many European cultural references. This is a story of love, jealousy, and loss, told with wit and compassion by Machado. Highly recommended for all those interested in Latin American fiction.

European students of literature usually concentrate on writers from their own continent, with occasional nods across the Atlantic to North America. Americans have a somewhat more respectful attitude to Europe, but that's all. Neither take the rest of the world all that seriously and that's a big mistake. Among the national literatures most consistently ignored, none has more to offer than Brazil's. Four writers stand out to my mind----J.M. Machado de Assis, Jorge Amado, João Guimaraes Rosa, and Euclides da Cunha---but there are many others. Of these four writers, three have written great books that reveal aspects of Brazilian history, society and culture in rich detail. The fourth, Machado de Assis, (1839-1908) the writer under review here, is much more a universal author. You will not learn very much about 19th century Brazil from his works. Of course, a little bit of knowledge will stick to your brain---slaves, Emperor, eyes on European trends, tropical climate---but it's amazing how little atmosphere or description there is. Machado de Assis never wanted to be a realist; he is very far from writers like Balzac or Zola.

DOM CASMURRO is divided into 148 chapters. Obviously in a book of 277 pages, each chapter cannot be very long. Machado de Assis uses his chapter titles as part of his work, sources of humor, direction, and irony. The novel is arranged as a memoir written by an embittered man in his sixties about the period of his life from roughly ages 15 to 30. When you begin reading, you think that the theme is "coming of age in Brazil" as the author describes his early romantic attachment to the girl next door and his struggle to avoid the seminary and a priestly future. His family members emerge as complex, interesting and somewhat amusing characters. Machado de Assis is strong on irony, whimsy, and a kind of self-deprecating humor. He also likes creating or using aphorisms and epigrams, of which the novel is full. Slowly he weaves an amazing, complicated story of jealousy and bitterness. Though initially it seemed clear to me that Bento, the main character, was justified in his jealousy of his best friend, the author never takes sides. He allows Bento to write that his wife had betrayed him, but Capitú, the wife, never admits it. On reviewing all the evidence, I have to admit that everything is seen only from Bento's point of view. According to your nature, you will decide yourself on finishing this subtle and well-written classic that deserves a place alongside the best that Europe and America have to offer.

Digging through an old box, I found my tiny, tattered little book of Little Black Sambo, which is very old as it was my dad's before mine! I LOVED this book as a child, I am 30 now, and can't wait to share it with my own children. I remember just staring at the brilliantly colored illustrations and being entranced by the whole story line---even a little scared at the tigers! I really did wonder if tigers running in circles could make butter and I even think I asked my dad if it was real!

I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised to see that you can still purchase this book, although in the original format I have no idea. It is too bad that libraries would think to ban a book like this----I am a "white" person who is totally colorblind and I have to say that reading and loving Little Black Sambo as a child never made me want to be racist or gave me racist thoughts. It is a work of fiction, and even as a child I knew that it was just a story.

Anyways--this is a great read for grownups and for reading to little ones--and it is a good thing, I guess, that you can also purchase a politically correct version to share with children of any color also--because the story line is the fun part of the book.

KT

When my wife asked me to try and find several classic children's books for her new baby grandson, I smiled at the mention of the titles, recalling with great fondness the stories being read to me by my mother when I was a child. Little Black Sambo was one of those stories. It is, of course, a shame that there arose some time ago individuals who equated the story with "racism". To the intelligent mind, it is truly a pity that some are so intent to find "racism" that they will envision same where none even vaguely exists.Such is the case with this fanciful, harmless classic story for children; a story that has been told to generations of children who have listened in wonder as the tigers melted into butter for (the little Indian boy) Sambo's pancakes!It is a story that returns one to a simpler time, long before child psychologists, political correctness (and who indeed is qualified to judge what is or is not CURRENTLY "correct"? Perhaps we're better off not knowing their identities, God help us!), shootings committed by school children, and all the other wonders of this wonderful Modern Age.Little Black Sambo is an American classic. As for racism: it can be found wherever one desires to find it. And if it exists not where they look, tis easy enough to invent.

The story of little black Sambo is truly a classic from all who remember it from our childhood.Helen Bannerman wrote this story for her two little children while traveling with them by train across India. If people would LOOK AT THE ILLUSTRATIONS they would see that Sambo is a little Indian boy from India, continents away from America and the Cival war and or South. I ran 2 independant bookstores some 12 to 14 years ago and when I finally found THE STORY OF LITTLE BLACK SAMBO in print again I'd order maybe 60 copies a week and could not keep this wonderful little storybook in stock. Almost every buyer were grandparents who could not wait to introduce their grandchildren to a book we all knew and loved. It is a must have for all collectors of wonderful literature!

My fourth grade teacher read this book to us a chapter at a time and we were all so eager for the next day's reading. One of the very best childhood books ever. Many reviewers are commenting that it is a great girls book, but I and the other boys in class loved it too. I'm 45 now and when I chanced on a copy of Baby Island in a used book store I snatched it up. After all those years it was still a great read.

This book is a great story of two great women-in-the-making. Shipwrecked and alone, young Scots Mary and Jean are unfailingly clever at finding food, water, shelter, and just about everything else they need for the babies whose lives they save, and the grumpy old hermit whose life they rescue. At the same time, they are real girls - singing, playing, crying, praying, and taking care of each other. Read this book to sons and daughters both for examples of strong, brave children, and read it yourself for a laugh and nostalgic look back at childhood. I've been looking for Baby Island for 25 years and am thrilled to find it again!

I am so thrilled to know that I am not the only Baby Island fan. I read this book SO many times as a child that I had parts memorized. I loved it so much. I still have my copy and the front cover that got "loved" off. The other weird thing is that I also liked the book Caddie Woodlawn but never made the connection that Carol Ryrie Brink wrote them both. What a talented authoress she is! This book is GREAT and an old friend.