Product Description
This gorgeous Christmas collection combines seven of Jan Brett's most famous, highly acclaimed, best-selling, beloved books: The Mitten, The Wild Christmas Reindeer, Trouble with Trolls, The Twelve Days of Christmas, The Hat, Christmas Trolls, and The Night Before Christmas. Jan Brett's exquisite art is universally recognized as being among the finest in children's books today. In this incredible volume readers can enter her world and experience the stunning natural settings and the endearing characters in her work. From the signature decorative borders, to impish trolls, to her warm and loving animals, Jan Brett draws upon the cultures of the countries in which her stories are set and brings us both original stories and classics as charming, lively, and timeless as her art. Amazon.com Review
Celebrate the joy, beauty, and magic of Christmas with this giant treasury of Jan Brett's best-loved, bestselling books. Universally renowned for her exquisitely framed, highly detailed picture books, Brett captures the essence of winter wonderlands in her stories about hedgehogs, trolls, reindeer, and tow-headed children. The stunning natural settings and enchanting characters are based on the traditions and stories of the countries she has visited, especially Norway and Denmark. This glorious collection includes seven of Brett's snowy classics: The Mitten, The Wild Christmas Reindeer, Trouble with Trolls, The Twelve Days of Christmas, The Hat, Christmas Trolls, and The Night Before Christmas. What a treat! (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

Stunning illustrations
I just loved seeing this book when a co-worker brought it for show-n-tell.I just had to have it.The illustrations are undescribable - you have to see it to know just how beautiful it is - and so much detail.I got one for myself and also had to get it for my Mother as a Christmas gift.This book will be cherished and enjoyed for many years to come.

Future heirloom Christmas gift
Beautiful detailed illustrations, loveable characters, memorable stories... this book has it all.My three-year old granddaughter loved the Jan Brett's Christmas Treasury she received for Christmas.Reading the stories every December in preparation for Christmas is going to be a new family tradition I hope she'll continue with her own children in twenty years.

Another magical Jan Brett masterpiece
As always, Jan Brett's Christmas Treasury does not disappoint. Every story is filled with magical illustrations and narrative. I'm not sure who enjoys her work more - my daughter or my husband and myself! Everyone with children (or an appreciation for beautiful artwork and stories) should own these books.

Jan Brett's Christmas Treasury
Jan Brett's Christmas Treasury
This is one of the most beautiful collections of Christmas stories for young and old alike!Jan Brett has included some of her most popular stories and, in the process, has created a marvelous opportunity for her readers to read and re-read the magic of Christmas as seen through her wondrous characters!

We love this collection so much that we have no intention of putting it away with our other Christmas items.Through these stories we can live the joy of the holiday every day!The illustrations are exquisite -- as we expect of Jan Brett.Once again we are truly delighted!

Beautiful book
The pictures in this book are beautiful. My son loved getting this book. It makes a really nice gift. Worth the price definately. ... Read more

Product Description
Millions of readers have fallen in love with Jan Brett’s The Mitten, and over 2.5 million copies have been sold since publication in 1989. This striking oversized anniversary edition with a silver foil jacket and a fresh image of the woodland animals will attract fans old and new, and adult collectors of Jan Brett’s books.

Set in a snowy forest, the fun begins when, one by one, animals crawl into Nicki’s lost white mitten to get warm until the bear sneezes, sending the animals flying up and out of the mitten. On each turn of the page, Jan hints at what animal is coming next in her signature borders, inspired by Ukrainian folk art.Amazon.com Review
A Ukrainian boy named Nicki wants his grandmother Baba to knitsnow-white mittens for him. She warns her grandson that a white mittenwill be hard to find if he loses it in the snow, but of course hepromptly does just that!What happens next is the surprising part, asa mole takes refuge in the lost mitten, then a rabbit, then ahedgehog, an owl, a badger, and a fox.If you think the mitten mightbe a wee bit stretched out at this point, just wait: "Then a bigbear sniffed at the mitten. The animals were packed in tight, but thebear didn't care. He crawled in anyway." When a tiny mousesqueezes in, her whiskers tickle the bear's nose. He sneezes, and"Aaaaa-aaaaa-ca-chew!" all the animals fly out of theircrocheted cave. As the mitten sails through the air, Nicki spots it,reclaims it, and takes it home to show his smiling Baba.

Jan Brett is the illustrator of many well-known folktales, fairytales, and poems, such as Goldilocks and the ThreeBears and TheOwl and the Pussycat, by Edward Lear. Her special signature inher detailed artwork is the intricate borders, seen in this book asbirch-bark panels with embroidered details and mitten-shaped vignettesoffering additional insights into the story line. Brett is at her bestwhen she illustrates animals, and the expressions on the faces of hercreatures are a delight. She carefully researched the costumes,furniture, and house in this traditional Ukrainian tale--all areauthentic. A fine story to read on a frosty night with a cup of hotchocolate, and if you ever get your fill of The Mitten, you canalways try its delightfully original companion book, The Hat, winner ofthe 1998 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award. (Ages 4 to 8) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (74)

Jant Brett books are THE best
No one does a Children's book better than Jan Brett.I bought The Mitten when my daughter was in grade school.The story line is so cute.But, her illustrations are even better.You can almost FEEL the fur of the animals and textures of material with your eyes.I'm always delighted in the sub-story line depicted in the side illustrations.They give you both sides of the story at once.My daughter is grown up and has a child of her own.I'm still buying ALL of Brett's books for my own library.Now I can share them with my grandson.If you can only afford to buy one book, THIS IS THE ONE.After that one, you'll be able to spot her books on a book pile and will be a fan forever more.

Charming story
I ordered this book for my grandchildren, because I had read it to my daughters when they were little.It is still and enduring and charming story and the pictures are wonderful.

Great book
I love Jan Brett!Pick up any of her books today, but especially this one...The Mitten.

The Mitten
The book that I purchased was titled 'The Mitten'.It was advertised as in Very Good condition but I would not have advertised it as such.Maybe it was in good condition but was considerably used.It had been a library book so apparantly had made the rounds.

The Mitten: A Ukrainian Folktale
The item arrive quickly and was in perfect shape.
Sorry I was late in this review, as I somehow got busy with holiday festivities and forgot to say the seller was Super and a pleasure to buy from. ... Read more

Product Description
The Three Little Pigs with a twist! In the tradition of her bestseller The Three Snow Bears, Jan Brett finds inspiration for her version of a familiar story in Namibia, where red rock mountains and vivid blue skies are home to appealing little dassies and hungry eagles.

Mimbi, Pimbi and Timbi hope to find Òa place cooler, a place less crowded, a place safe from eagles!Ó to build their new homes. The handsomely dressed Agama Man watches from the borders as the eagle flies down to flap and clap until he blows a house down. But in a deliciously funny twist, that pesky eagle gets a fine comeuppance!

Bold African patterns and prints fill the stunning borders, but it is the dassies in their bright, colorful dresses and hats that steal the show in this irresistible tale, perfect for reading aloud. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Another BEST BRETT!
We love Jan Brett's books! We can't just borrow them from the library - we must own them! The illustrations are our favorites & each time we open 1 of her books from our shelves - we find something new we didn't notice before!(The "we's" are from ages 1 to 50!) The dressed dassies are darling and the twist on the popular pigs was delightful!

Beautiful art and a great retelling
The Three Dassies is a great retelling of the Three Little Pigs that features Jan Brett'strademark intricate, finely detailed illustrations. Set in Africa, this telling replaces the pigs with Dassies, small rodent like animals that most kids will be unfamiliar with.Instead of the big bad wolf, we get an eagle that is hungry and after the cute little Dassie sisters for lunch for himself and his little eaglets.One builds her hut out of grass, one out of sticks, and one out of stone.In a departure from the original story, the eagle succeeds in taking two of the sisters back to his nest.He gets greedy though, and when he goes after the third, the Agama man (lizard) goes and rescues the first two from the nest as the other sister sits safely in her stone house.

This is an effective retelling and no one can argue that Brett is certainly at the top of her artistic game. It most likely is not a good choice for groups simply because there is so much going on with the illustrations.The sidebar illustrations tell a separate story of the eagle and the agama lizard at the same time the story of the Dassies is being told on the main spreads.This will no doubt be perfect for one on one lap sharing as there is just a ton of stuff to discover in these beautiful, artistic pictures.This is an excellent choice if you need an example of a classic story retold, or if you are looking for a gift to add to a child's permanent collection. Recommended.

Enterntaining Twist on an Old Classic
It was fun to read this twist on the classic tale of the three little pigs.Jan Brett's illustrations are delightful, as usual. ... Read more

Product Description
When Lisa's woolen stocking flies off the clothesline, Hedgie finds it and pokes his nose in.He tries to pull it out, but the stocking gets stuck on his prickles -- and the fun begins.

A mother hen comes by, then a noisy goose, a talkative barn cat, a playful farm dog, a mama pig and her piglets, and a pony.They all laugh at Hedgie, especially when he pretends he's wearing a new hat.But in the end, it is clever Hedgie who has the lastlaugh.

And where is Lisa when all of this is going on?She's in the borders, getting ready for winter, until she realizes her stocking is missing and she enters the story to look for it.

Jan Brett's luminous paintings of a Scandinavian farm and the forest around it are bathed in northern light, as the snow begins to fall and the story begins, in this delightfully original companion book to The Mitten.Amazon.com Review
Hedgie the hedgehog discovers the wisdom of the adage,"Don't go poking your nose where it doesn't belong" onlyafter curiosity gets this prickly fellow in a pickle. When Lisa's redand white woolen stocking blows off the clothesline, Hedgie finds itand sticks his nose inside, only to discover his prickles prevent himfrom pulling out of it. Soon all the farm animals are coming around tochuckle at silly Hedgie's stocking hat. But in the end, nimble-wittedHedgie gets the last laugh.

This magnificently illustrated companion book to artist (and hedgehogowner) Jan Brett's classic The Mitten was thewinner of the prestigious 1998 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award. Youngreaders can spend hours with this one short book, poring over thepleasing, spirited details of Brett's trademark pictureborders. Throughout, Lisa can be seen in these artful frames, makingpreparations for the cold Scandinavian winter, never realizing thather clothesline is becoming more line than clothes. If it werepossible to wrap oneself up in these warm, cozy illustrations, readerswould be set for the winter. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Good.
I don't like this book as much as The Mitten, but it's cute in its own right.

Hedgie - maybe the same Hedgie as Hedgie's Surprise, which means this is a sequel to THAT book and not to The Mitten - spends the book running around with a sock on his head after an accident. When the other animals point out how silly this is, poor Hedgie tries to defend his "choice". (Hm. You don't know anybody who does THAT, do you, defend their little accidents like they meant to do that?)

At this point, the humor is all in the side panels. You know how Brett works. You look at the side panels and see what's going on while the main story continues. One thing that's going on is clothes are disappearing from the clothesline. Hm....

The ending is pretty funny, and I don't wish to spoil it for you, but let's just say you should never listen to braggers.

The book this REALLY goes with, of course, is "Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing".

Beautifully illustrated -
The story in this book is sweet, with the faintest hint of a message hidden in there.For someone who often gets hung up on the words, I have to say I was a little dissapointed with this book, probably because I think it could have been so much more.The illustrations, however are absolutely wonderful.And for most young children, this book would probably be highly treasured if nothing more than for the pictures and the cute story line.

~DeeDee Fox, Author and Illustrator, The Ruby Red Slippers

Wonderful art, less thrilled by story
Not many people can make a hedgehog look so realistic, or so cute. The other animals are all very good, too, as is the rural winter landscape.

I have a harder time loving the story itself. It's a little repetitive (admittedly not a bad thing for young children) but I was more bothered by the fact that Hedgie is picked on by the other animals for wearing his sock hat. ("You look ridiculous, Hedgie!" the pony snorted. And from the cat: "You look funny today, Hedgie.") They shame him into defending what was an accident to begin with, and offer no help in his struggle to get the hat off. Unbeknownst to him (and to the reader, until the very end), all the animals follow his lead and take their own makeshift hat from the clothesline. By the end of the book, Hedgie is mocking *them*, which smacks of 'I know you are, but what am I' retaliation. Worse, he is alone, still ostracized from the other animals. Not sure that's the best message.

There are many (too many?) art panels on each page, telling multiple stories which ultimately dovetail. It was interesting to learn that Ms. Brett's first editor initially discouraged her from including borders. Who knows, perhaps I am in the minority who prefer not to learn what will happen until I flip the page.

Sweet story for toddlers
I was given this book as a gift for my baby when she was born.The story is sweet and the illustrations are very pretty, but I have not been able to get my baby to like the book yet.The illustrations are a little hard - some animals are very small and hard to make out due to the "sketch like" nature of the drawings.The hedgehog is a hard animal to use as a main character since it is not in the farm animal lexicon familiar to small children.I am sure my baby will like this book eventually, but even now at 14 months, it does not hold her attention and she wants to turn the pages much too quickly to get through all the conversation on each page.
Update:My litle girl is now 20 months old and has really loved this book since she was about 17 months.She loves her Hedgie and asks for thos book often.

A keeper but....
The book was in excellent shape.However, the owner's name was written in the front cover which meant I didn't give it to my granddaughter.Also, I must have misread the description.I thought I was buying the hardcover but it was a paper back.Oh well...live and learn! ... Read more

Product Description
A walk through the Costa Rican cloud forest provides a wonderfully lush setting for Jan Brett's beloved animal illustrations. When Carlos drops his umbrella to climb a tree for a better view of the animals, they all cram into the banana-leaf umbrella as it floats by--from the little tree frog to the baby tapir to the big jaguar and more. It gets so crowded in the umbrella that there isn't even enough room for a little hummingbird! So over the umbrella tumbles, everyone falls out, and poor Carlos comes back wondering why he didn't see any animals all day.

In the spirit of Jan Brett's The Mitten and The Hat, this cheerful tale of escalation will have readers poring over every illustration for the world of details Jan packs in. With its classic story, exotic jungle setting, and brilliantly colorful menagerie, The Umbrella is sure to take its place among Jan's many family favorites.Amazon.com Review
Jan Brett, well-loved for her ornate, Scandinavian-themed picture books takes her talents deep into the Monteverde Cloud Forest of Costa Rica. A tropical twist on TheMitten, this story chronicles the antics of myriad animals that make themselves right at home in the handcrafted leaf umbrella that Carlos has left at the foot of a giant fig tree. As the tree frog, toucan, kinkajou, tapir, quetzal, monkey, and more pile into the umbrella, Carlos, who is visiting the cloud forest expressly to see these animals, doesn't see a single one. Things heat up when the impulsive monkey hurls the umbrella into the river: "'¿Qué pasa? What is happening?' Froggy asks as water starts to pour into the umbrella." Jaguar jumps in, adding to the confusion, but it's the addition of the tiniest of hummingbirds that causes the big "KER-SPLASH!" Brett's gorgeous, detailed watercolor and gouache illustrations steal the show here, from the exquisite endpapers to the vine-encased leafy side panels that reveal the tree-climbing boy on the left side and a sneak preview of the next umbrella-dwelling animal on the right side. Not Brett's best-crafted story, but her fans will want this lush offering anyway. (Ages 5 to 8) --Karin Snelson

Did You Know?
Fun Facts about Jan Brett

Each book begins with the art first. Jan likes to listen to audiobooks while drawing--usually thrillers! Each book takes about a year to complete. The pages of each book are not created in sequence (she saves the front materials and endpapers for last). Each book is carefully researched--she created The Umbrella after a trip with her husband to Costa Rica. Jan prefers to use her memories of a place to create her art, rather than relying on pictures.

For Young Writers and Artists
Tips from Jan Brett

Want a reality check on your artwork? View your work in a mirror. Be honest with yourself, and get comfortable with personal and private writing. Write in a notebook that no one sees but you. Remember the things that happen to you now. It's okay to feel things strongly as a kid. You can use your emotions as part of the recipe for something later.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

...
This is basically The Mitten, but in the rain forest. And instead of just randomly exploring, the boy is looking for animals - the same animals that are all crowding into his umbrella! As in The Mitten, the animals gradually get bigger and bigger until they're packed as tight as they can, and then it's a little teeny animal that ruins the whole thing.

This is a pretty solid addition to your library if you liked The Mitten (Brett's version, that is), or if you want more books set in the rain forest.

However, I found the story a bit lacking (we know our main character can't find any animals because they're all hanging out in his umbrella - but really, there's only ONE quetzal, only ONE kinkajou in the whole forest?) and the dialog somewhat stilted. If you have to choose between this one and The Mitten - or any other Brett work - I'd go with the other one.

Also, some people dislike The Mitten because they perceive the bigger animals as bullying the smaller ones. There's absolutely more of that in this book, and not just implied. (However, that was cut from the board book version of The Mitten, and may not be in the board book version of The Umbrella.) If this sort of thing concerns you, you should absolutely read this book before you buy it.

Entertaining, fun read aloud and beautifully illustrated
My son misplaced this book recently. It wasn't fun. We tore apart the house before finding it already tucked in the car for show and tell.The story is so happy with two views happening simultaneously.Our five-year-old loves seeing the clues as to which animal is next.

This is a wonderful book with gorgeous illustrations.

Great Jan Brett Rainforest Theme
Who cannot love a Jan Brett book?I've always thought her illustrations were fantastic and this book is no exception.

The Umbrella is a wonderful story set in the rainforest.Young Carlos goes off to search for animals in the rainforest.He brings with him his umbrella, which he leaves at the bottom of a fig tree as he begins to climb it.
Unbeknownst (is that a word?) to him, all the animals end up congregating in his umbrella at the bottom of the tree.

It is a great book to read for any rainforest theme.My daughter liked learning and remembering the names of the rainforest animals.I actually bought it for use in my kindergarten classroom and it is a staple.The kids want to hear it over and over again.

While this is not my favorite Jan Brett book, it is a good one!

From the tropics
Jan Brett is my favorite author. Any books she owns is sure to be a joy. This one is particularly detailed for the jungle life. Jan Brett has kept up her tradional whimsy in her stories. A true joy to read. Thanks Jan!

Imagination in a rain forest
(NOTE: This is my third in a series of reviews about rain forests by children's authors. My point is to show visually how divergent talent can be concerning the same topic--in this case, the rain forest, which needs to be protected and preserved. The other two books are Rain Forest (Kingfisher Voyages) and The Living Rain Forest. These three together would make a great teaching unit.)

Jan Brett is one of my favorite children's author/illustrators. Her work is so imaginative and vivid. "The Umbrella" is certainly no exception. Open to the first two full color pages and look for all the hidden and semi-hidden rain forest animals. You will meet them in the story.

Little Carlos tells his father on the first page he plans to go into the rain forest (cloud forest, he calls it) to spy a jaguar, a monkey, a toucan, a kinkajou, and a tapir. His umbrella is really one he made of broad leaves. His papa's farm is filled with domestic animals: cat, cows, goat, chickens. In a Jan Brett book, one must look at everything, because there is so much to see. The illustrations are lush and green--this is a rain forest!

Now, this is how a Jan Brett book is arranged: A scenario is to the left of the two-page spread and it introduces part of the story. In this case it is a close-up of the umbrella tossed to the ground. To the right is another advance of the story. The big picture shows Carlos about to climb a vine into the trees. The right picture contains a tree frog who jumps into the collecting water in the boat of the upturned umbrella. Here comes a toucan into the umbrella.

Remember the side stories? Carlos is climbing, here comes a kinkajou, who falls into the opened umbrella to join the frog and the toucan. Then a tapir, a butterfly, a quetzal, and, oh no, the monkey, who is always into mischief. Then the jaguar jumps in. The umbrella falls into the stream. All is a balancing act until the tiny hummingbird alights on the handle. That does it! The umbrella overturns and they all all out.

All the animals scatter as Carlos descends, closes the umbrella and returns home. He sets down the umbrella on his porch, froggy, who rode the distance, jumps in, and water drips from the roof into the umbrella. Froggy has his swim after all!

See? Jan Brett creates a story out of the lushness of a rain forest. The story is simple and fun, but full of the colors and animals of their natural habitat. It might be a story but then again, it might be a book of knowledge. Or magic.

... Read more

Product Description
Jan Brett's beloved character Hedgie stars in this charming story about a little Tomten who gets tired of porridge for breakfast and starts stealing Henny's eggs. But Henny wants a brood of chicks and she needs her eggs. With the help of clever Hedgie, she substitutes an acorn, a strawberry, a mushroom and finally a potato in her nest. But nothing stops that Tomten until the little hedgehog hides in Henny's nest: when the Tomten reaches in to get his morning treat, all he gets is a handful of prickles.He runs home for porridge and never comes back again!

Intricate needlepoint patterns of Scandinavian designs frame the characters reacting from the borders in this beautiful picture book set in Denmark.Amazon.com Review
Henny doesn't know what to do. Every morning the irksome gnomelike Tomten steals her egg and takes it home to cook in his kettle and gobble up for breakfast. But when she sees Goosey-Goosey sailing by with a gaggle of goslings, Henny is suddenly galvanized to do something. Will she never have chicks of her own? She consults her wise friend Hedgie the Hedgehog, who comes up with a clever plan guaranteed to give the Tomten a sharp lesson in appropriate behavior.

Jan Brett's trademark illustrations--detailed watercolors bordered by intricate needlepoint patterns---capture the charm and mischief of this Scandinavian-style folk tale set in Denmark. Each wide woven margin shows a hint in miniature of upcoming events: Hedgie crawling under Henny's brooding basket, or the enraged Tomten after being outwitted. Young readers will love guessing what Hedgie has up his proverbial sleeve, and will rejoice with Henny at the unusual hatching of her first brood of chicks. A warm, humorous, 100 percent satisfying story by the creator of many picture book favorites, such as The Hat and The Mitten. (Ages 3 to 7) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Hedgie's Surprise
We all love Jan Brett books at our house.This one was missing and we had a poster of it, so was very happy to find the book again.Thanks for the quick delivery and great condition.

My favorite kids book!
This is a lovely book about an unlikely friendship between a clever and generous hedgehog, and a childless hen, as they combine efforts to thwart the greedy and hungry tomten.The illustrations are beautiful, and the story is heartwarming.

A delightful read!
Henny lays her egg every morning only to have the Tomken eat it for breakfast because he was tired of porridge. Then one day, Henny saw a goose walking with her goslings ~~ that awoken a deep desire in Henny's heart. How she wanted to have little peeps of her own! One day, Hedgie noticed Henny's depression and listened to her friend. Then Hedgie promised to help Henny.

What a clever little story ~~ with Hedgie finding different food for the Tromken to eat! When he threatens to eat Henny if she doesn't lay any more eggs, Hedgie comes up with a not-so-pleasant surprise! And everyone even the Tomken is happy.

The pictures are wonderfully detailed and the story is beautiful. My favorite design of this book is the quilt look of Brett's designs. It's cozy and homey ~~ perfect reading for children of all ages! It is also inspirational as well ~~ her art simply makes you smile.

2-4-04

Homework Assignment
I liked this book becuase I liked finding out of Henny was gong to get any babies,and finding out if the Tomten was goiong to be tricked or if he was going to eat all of her eggs. It is hard to read the words in the book because of the colored pages.The words are good for 5 to 8 year olds to read.Hedgie has a lot of tricks, and helps Henny.

Jan Brett...Wonderful, as Always
Poor Henny, all she really wants is to be a mother hen and have a bunch of baby chicks, just like her friend Goosey-Goosey.But that is not to be.For every morning, the Tomten comes and takes her newly laid egg for his breakfast.Enter Hedgie, the hedgehog with a clever idea and a few tricks up his proverbial sleeve.Early each morning, before the rooster crows and wakes the Tomten up, Hedgie takes Henny's egg and substitutes something else for it...first an acorn, then a strawberry, a mushroom and then a potato.And each day, the Tomten is left hungry.He becomes so angry that he threatens to eat Henny if she does not leave him an egg for breakfast the next day.Henny is scared and frantic, but Hedgie still has one last surprise left for that mean Tomten and an even bigger surprise for Henny.....Jan Brett, has written a simple, witty Scandinavian folk tale, starring her wonderful and always endearing, Hedgie.Her text is only outdone by her detailed, expressive artwork, complete with signature needlepoint border and clues, stiched in, of what's to come.Young children will be entranced as they listen to this humorous tale while following the illustrations and guessing at the story plot.Hedgie's Surprise makes a terrific gift and is a great addition to all home libraries. ... Read more

Product Description
Jan Brett's intricate illustrations against a beautiful papyrus background make a stunning picture book of a favorite story-this time featuring Noah's granddaughter. As the floodwaters rise, she helps take the animals onto the ark and get them settled down. But it's not easy when giraffes are sleeping next to pandas and lions are curled up with turkeys. Finally the gentle rocking of the ark lulls them all to sleep until the waters recede and Grandpa Noah, his family, and all the animals leave the ark. This simple telling, combined with extraordinary illustrations of every animal imaginable, makes On Noah's Ark perfect for young and old. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

exquisite art work
We absolutely love Jan Brett.She is an exceptional artist.This book as well as "The Mitten" and "The Hat" are some of our favorites.We read them over and over with our three year old. They are must haves in your child's book collection.

Does NOT follow biblical story line
I was very disapointed with this book.It did not follow the biblical story enough that I felt uncomfortable reading it to my children.The most disturbing was that God was not mentioned at all, He is completely left out!A few other examples are, the Bible tells us clearly (Genesis 7:19-20)the whole earth was covered but this story says "only the tops of the mountains poke up above the water."In the Bible Noah first sends out a raven, then a dove, and then another dove that comes back with an olive leaf, and then another dove that does not return (Genesis 8:6-12) but in the story one dove is sent out that returns with "a fresh green leaf from a new tree."Also in the story, "Grandpa Noah steers the ark to land".But in the Bible, Noah is not the one to control the ark (Genesis 8:4), he is in Gods loving hands.I would not want someone to purchase this book by mistake, thinking they were buying a story based on the biblical account of the flood.

Great SUPPLEMENT To Teach About Noah's Ark
The negative reviews were primarily concerned with the fact that there is no mention of God in Jan Brett's book.I am actually not disappointed by this fact because I plan on using the book as a supplement to teaching the actual biblical story of Noah and the Ark.

The Jesse Tree is a Christmas tradition in our home and Noah's Ark is one of the first stories told during Advent.This book will make a lovely addition to our devotion.The pictures are beautiful ~ as is the case with most of Jan Brett's books.

In this unique version of the Biblical story of Noah's Ark, his granddaughter is the narrator and tells of this wonderful adventure and all of the creatures on board Grandpa Noah's ark.After 40 days and 40 nights the rain stops and the granddaughter sends out her dove who, as expected, returns with a green leaf revealing that the waters have been subdued.In the end, Grandpa Noah plants a seed and all begin to settle in their new land and life...with the final picture depicting the granddaughter with her dove, Grandpa Noah off to work farming the land and a beautiful rainbow in the background as a symbol of God's covenant.

Missed the Boat!
While this book does have lovely pictures, that is about all this book has to offer. The title could have been "On Grandpa's Boat" and been no less meaningful. This book is no more than a grandchild sitting out a month-long spring rain storm with a bunch of animals (which would be fine if that is what you were looking for). However, if you're looking for a book to bring alive the Biblical account of Noah's ark...a story that recounts God redeeming a family in His great mercy and kindness...look elsewhere.

Yes, she left out God......and added a grandchild
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Jan Brett and highly respect her work as a children's author & illustrator. But she missed the mark here. I believe that if you are going to retell a Biblical story, you should keep it in line with Scripture.

There is no mention in the Bible that Noah had a grandchild. We are told that Noah, his wife, their three sons, and their wives were the only souls saved from the flood. That's eight. Genesis 7:7 says, "Then Noah and his sons and his wife and his sons' wives with him entered the ark because of the water of the flood." The New Testament also mentions this fact in 1Peter 3:20 -- "...when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water."

I'm all for making a story interesting for young people. When animals speak, etc. that's fine with me - I can appreciate imagination and artistic license. But I wouldn't own this book. The story of Noah is dramatic enough without adding people that didn't exist. When Ms. Brett did her version of "The Night Before Christmas" she didn't add Rudolph, nor was it a young girl who witnessed the visit from Santa. She was true to the original, and it was wonderful. I just wish she had done that here. ... Read more

Product Description
When Annie's cat disappears, she attempts friendship with a variety of unsuitable woodland animals. The borders of the pages foretell the emergence of spring and the birth of kittens. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

No Friends for Annie
In this little book about Annie we have the opportunity to see a lonely, little girl.The story and the illustrations are by Jan Brett, and the illustrations are absolutely beautiful.She looks like a little Norwegian girl by all the clothes she wears, and the cottage she lives in.The illustrations are beautiful with embellished art frames on each page. She loves the friendship of her cat Taffy, but the cat is acting different and then disappears.Annie is lonely and tries to befriend a new little wild animal.She makes corn cakes and puts them at the edge of the forest, but every day a different large, or scary, or grumpy wild animal comes to eat the corn cakes.She makes them every day until she runs out of corn meal. Now the animals have all come to rely on her corn cakes, but luckily a warm breeze comes to melt the snow and now the wild animals will be able to return to the forest and find their own food. And best of all her cat Taffy returns from the forest and brings three little kittens for Annie.Now Annie will not be lonely.

The four-year-old favorite of the house
I recently purchased another copy for my niece and nephew.My two youngest daughters have worn out this book.About 3 to 4 yrs old is the perfect time to start reading and rereading it.Jan Brett never disappoints!

Try, try, again

Jan's art is fascinating and her story of searching for a new pet friend darling.

A Must Read
If I had to choose just one of Jan Brett's stories, this is the one I would pick. The frames around the illustrations include small pictures of the upcoming plot.
The story is interesting, the illustrations are rich and detailed, and the hints increase the interest factor for the adults reading the text to children.

Beautiful illustrations - and Real nature
I grew up in the West and around wild animals (as well as domesticated ones).I hesitated to purchase this book because I was concerned that it would present wild animals as "cute" and safe, which is not a lesson that I want my children to learn.I want my children to respect and love nature and animals, but certainly don't want them to assume that any animal is going to be safe to be around, especially a wild animal.Add in the fact that feeding wild animals (other than birds) is not encouraged, and I was nervous.I don't want my children to have unrealistic and potentially dangerous ideas about how safe they are in nature/around wild animals.

However, the book shows that the wild animals are just that - wild.And Annie recognizes that and doesn't try to tame them.In the end, Annie's cat returns with kittens, something I remember our cats doing while we were growing up - a wonderful surprise.

This book is obviously a wonderful flight of fancy and I know my daughter really enjoys it.And I also know that if she sees an elk while we're camping, she's not going to try to pet it!Let alone, a mountain lion or bear or cow moose. ... Read more

Product Description
Aloo-ki glances up from fishing and sees her sled dogs floating off on anice floe. She races after them and comes upon an igloo. Being a curiousgirl, she goes inside only to find no one home. That’s because the polarbear family who lives there is out walking while their breakfast cools off.Aloo-ki eats some soup, tries on their boots, and finally crawls into thesmallest bed for a nap. Meanwhile, Papa, Mama, and Baby Bear see herdogs adrift, swim out to rescue them and return home to find Aloo-ki fastasleep in Baby Bear’s bed.

Jan traveled to the far North to meet the Inuit people and see the amazingland where they live. Dramatic illustrations capture the shimmering ice,snow and deep blue seas of the Arctic, and when Jan adds a raven-hairedInuit girl and her appealing huskies, an endearing family of polar bears,and playful Arctic animals in the borders, the result is one of her mostbeautiful picture books.

The decorative Inuit patterns and clothing Jan uses throughout are sure toattract adult fans and collectors while children will want to listen to andlook at this exciting version of a well-loved story over and over again. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

the three snow bears
This book was marked with black magic marker at the bottom of the binding along the bottom of the pages, about 2" long, with this the marker bled into the pages of the book. I certainly can not give this as a gift, as was the plan!

Goldilocks, Northern-style
Jan Brett, The Three Snow Bears (Putnam, 2007)

Multiple award winner Brett (whose The Mitten is arguably one of the best-loved kidlit books ever) takes the Goldilocks story and transfers it to the Inuit world in this very cute little book. The story plays out in the main panel on each page, but the real fun comes from looking at the drawings in the margins (well, margins isn't exactly the word; it's about a quarter of the page on either side of the main story), which are a great deal of fun. If your household is into alternate fairy tales (andif you're not, these days, you should be; incredible wordsmiths from Angela Carter to Sonya Taaffe have been cranking out monstrously marvelous alt-fairytales for decades now), this one definitely needs to be on your kidlit shelf. *** ½

Smart Retelling of Favorite Fairy Tale
This beautifully illustrated book, The Three Snow Bears, is a retelling of the fairytale The Three Bears. By placing our heroine in the Arctic, Jan Brett has magically made Goldilocks an Inuit named Aloo-ki. This may be one of Jan Brett's best researched, Jan actually traveled to Iqualiut in Northern Canada, and also may be her best illustrated. It is filled with glorious pictures of frozen life in Alaska. It would be such fun to read the more traditional story with children and then Jan's revisionists version--then compare and contrast the stories. Highest of recommendations.

Great Story for K-2 Graders
For a different type of a review, I found this story to be a great followup to "Goldilocks and the Three Bears". I am currently student teaching in a second grade class and was looking for a way to show "Compare/Contrast" skills to my class. I was able to use these two stories and meet several "California Standards for Second Grade" as:

3.0. Literary Response and Analysis
3.1 Compare and contrast plots, settings, and characters presented by different authors.
3.3 Compare and contrast different versions of the same stories that reflect different cultures.

2.0 Reading Comprehension
2.7 Interpret information from diagrams, charts, and graphs.

I also introduced a new graphics organizer, the Venn Diagram as a graphical way for my students to easily see what is the same and what is different between the two stories.

Another pair of books I used were "The Three Little Pigs (classic version) and "The Three Little Javelinas".

Anyway, great stories in themselves but also great for discussions about what is alike and not alike in two stories.

Three Snow Bears - great story
This was a sweet story with wonderful illustrations.Both my 2 and 5-year-old kids enjoy it often. ... Read more

Product Description
The exciting and imaginative story of Kip, the Cave Boy, making his way home and his dog, Palewolf, following him. Full-color illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

The First Dog
I love Jan Brett books, and this one was extra special because it was signed by the author. My grand daughter and I love to read this book together and play the story

JAN BRETT CAN DO NO WRONG!
I have read a number of books by this very gifted writer/artist/designer, but this one is my favorite so far.It is just so very, very touching -- about the first time dog and man began to love each other.

I am just overwhelmed at the talent of this author:Not only does she write a simple story with great imagination combined with simplicity, choosing just the right words to express the story, but she does her own unique illustrations and, as she has also studied design, this element is also evident in her illustrations, making them original and fascinating.

Her trademark is the framework on each page, where she places tiny illustrations therein.One begins to expect, and even anticipate, these decorative frames in every book one is lucky enough to encounter and read.

For children I cannot think of any greater delight than the reading of this book.And, adults, you will find your heart warming as well.

Perfect for young children who love animals
I wanted to buy a new book for a two year old girl who loves animals, but read so many reviews about this title from 1988 that I gave it a go.

It is exactly the right level for her. She can't read it herself, of course, but the story is easy to follow, mammoths have now been added to dinosaurs as exciting "old" animals, and the illustrations are beautiful. Now she has called one of her stuffed toys "First Dog".

I imagine it would be great as well for children up to six or seven to read themselves.

Beautiful book
My 7 year old son BEGGED me to buy this book, having seen it at school. He is very interested in Ice Age animals right now, especially sabertoothed cats.When it arrived, he couldn't wait to get his hands on it and read it out loud to me and his little sister.He liked it so much, that he even wrote Jan Brett a letter - twice - and she answered him both times.

Personally, I love the illustrations.I also like the fact that it's not too text heavy - just the right ratio of pictures to text to keep kids engaged (and keep parents' throats from getting soar).I look forward to reading more of Jan Brett's books.

The First Dog
Jan Brett again blends beautiful artwork and easy to follow text that parents and child alike enjoy. My daughter enjoys the complex artwork and tries to predict the next page by the preview drawings. Highly recommend for ages 4-10. ... Read more

Product Description
Four of Jan Brett’s bestsellers together in a gorgeous treasury.

Jan Brett’s fans count her “snowy” books set in irresistible winter landscapes among their favorites. Now they can own a beautiful edition containing four of her bestselling titles: Gingerbread Baby, The Mitten, The Hat and The Three Snow Bears, set in Switzerland, the Ukraine, Denmark and the Arctic, respectively. Memorable characters, such as the mischievous Gingerbread Baby, the woodland animals in Nicki’s white mitten, Hedgie and the farm animals, and the three polar bears and an Inuit “Goldilocks,” star in picture books perfect for sharing and reading aloud. A beautiful gift for the holidays and beyond. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Wonderful
We love Jan Brett's stories and artwork!!This book is a great small collection and a good value!

Wonderful book and great value
As with all the Jan Brett books that I've read, this one is a gem. It's also a bargain at Amazon compared to buying the individual hardcover books. My grand-daughter aged 6 loves it!

Beautiful book
Great collection of Jan Brett stories, which kids from 3-10 love.Beautiful illustrations, which kids will notice have a "secret" preview on each page, of the upcoming page.Very well made.As a school librarian, I have read Jan Brett's books to kids for years.Great quality and content, and the kids love them.

A beautiful treasury of 4 Jan Brett stories
This collection of 4 beloved stories by Jan Brett is value for money and would make a perfect Christmas/holiday gift. The stories in this treasury include "Gingerbread Baby" which is set in Switzerland, "The Mitten" which is based in the Ukraine,"The Hat" which is set in Denmark, and finally, "The Three Snow Bears" based in the Arctic. The illustrations are vivid, and beautifully rendered. These stories are perfect for children ages 4-8, and even older readers. There's a sense of timeless appeal about these stories, and they are also great for reading aloud. A wonderful collection!

Excellent book.
My step daughter teaches Kindergarden.The last few years she has requested a Jan Brett book for her birthday.Her students love the stories and the pictures. ... Read more

Product Description
A story filled with suspense and humor, this classic tale of a town mouse and a country mouse takes a new twist in the imaginative and talented hands of Jan Brett. She introduces two engaging mouse couples eager to get away from their everyday lives. But when they agree to swap homes, they find unexpected adventures around every corner. Lush green scenes alternate with the elegant details of a fine Victorian townhouse to make a sumptuous and stunning picture book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Town & Country Mice
I bought the book, "Town Mouse & Country Mouse" by Jan Brett.I had seen it before in paperback and loved the detail of the pictures.Unfortunately I didn't realize that the hardback would be different, so I was disappointed.I still like the story, but am really sorry I didn't get the pictures I wanted.

Completely inspired
My two favorite illustrators are Clare Beaton and Jan Brett.

Out of all the Jan Brett books, this is a favorite.The story of the town mouse and the country mouse is so perfect for her style, because it lets her illustrate two rich and fabulous environments.Her details are so good, and on every page there are clues to what will happen next.I can't get enough of this book, and I like the twist at the end.

Our family doesn't so much read books as we fall into them, and the good ones bring us back for more.I love this book, and I would vote that Jan Brett is a genius storyteller in pictures.This is a truly terrific book.

Good
Fast shipping and the book arrived in good condition. I thought the book was a hardcover, but it was a paperback. I think that was my fault though.

My granddaughter loves this book
The illustrations are beautiful in this book.The lesson of thinking the grass is always greener on the other side is told in such a way that a child can understand.

A tale for all ages...
This children's book has amazing illustration to it.The story is simple but full of adventure.A great afternoon story time book. ... Read more

Product Description
Little Teeka thought she had to be firm with the reindeer to get them ready for Santa's important flight, but when her bossy yelling only got their antlers tangled up, she knew she had to try something different."Beautifully conceived and finely wrought."-- Booklist (starred review)"Brett's precise, glowing illustrations, drawing on Swedish folk art, make thisa beguiling Advent calendar of a book."-- Kirkus Reviews"[A] sweet Christmas fantasy that shows Brett at her best."-- Publishers Weekly"This tale with its humorous close-ups of stubborn reindeer and a sharp child protagonist should prove popular at story hours."-- School Library Journal Amazon.com Review
"Teeka was excited. And a little afraid. This year Santa had asked her to get the reindeer ready to fly on Christmas Eve." Teeka, an Arctic girl wholives "in the shadow of Santa's Winterfarm," knows it will be a struggle toround up the reindeer who'd roamed wild on the tundra since last Christmas.Reindeer training is not easy for the hard-working young girl: "Teekalooked at the tangled reindeer, once so bold and free, and began to cry.'It's my fault,' she said. 'I've spent all my time yelling at you, insteadof helping. I'm sorry.' And one by one she gave each reindeer a hug." OnDecember 24, Teeka--who's finally learned how to be a gentle, effectivetrainer--brings her antlered team to meet Santa and all the elves who haveloaded the sleigh. Teeka is asleep on the last page of the book, as Santaand his well-trained reindeer--Bramble, Heather, Windswept, Lichen,Snowball, Crag, Twilight, and Tundra--fly past her window for a night ofmagical surprises. (Ages 3 to 8) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Another wonderful Jan Brett classic
Our family has enjoyed Jan Brett for years.I ordered this for a Christmas present for my nephew who is 2 to get him started on Jan Brett material.He loves the colorful art work.

"On the 9th Day of Christmas"....."Love and Kindness To Others Will Be an Act of Love and Kindness for You!"
Jan Brett, the author illustrator of this book and many others, has a fantastic ability to draw animals and nature in such a realistic way.You can almost feel the hairs on the reindeer's coat.The colors in her illustrations always make you feel happy and add a festive tone to the story.Also, while she is telling you the main story, there are always smaller stories being illustrated alongside the main one.

This story begins 24 days before Christmas in a remote village in the arctic, that`s a very cold place, where people wear heavy and colorful clothing, and the animals seem to learn to tolerate the extreme cold.The scenery resembles both Scandinavian countries, and Eastern European countries, like the Ukraine, and other countries nearby.I will have to do some research to see where these stories actually resemble.While the main story takes up the center of two pages, the side panels contain oddly shaped minarets and turrets, tower-like structures.

While the main story spreads across the book, the side panels depict each of the 24 days preceding Christmas and are numbered as if a part of the calendar.In these side panels, shaped like turrets and minarets, the little children who are Santa's helpers are going about the business of helping Santa prepare for the gift-giving that he likes to do, "on Christmas Eve".

You will meet Teeka who has been given the assignment of getting the reindeer ready to fly on Christmas Eve.Now, I know you know that reindeer don't fly, but humor me, because in stories about Santa Claus, reindeer fly on Christmas Eve, so that they can deliver all the presents to the fortunate boys and girls. While Teeka is preparing the reindeer, the little elves, who are children, are all working over-time baking, sewing, building, painting, wood-carving, knitting, constructing, tasting, decorating, and wrapping all the presents for Santa's visits to the children all over the world.

Teeka has been given a tough responsibility, and she is a bit hard on herself, expecting the reindeer to follow her directions, especially because she doesn't know how to handle the situation.She is crabby and cranky, and very unsympathetic to the reindeer, and they in turn, are not comfortable with her.And so, instead of working together, they are getting in each other's way, bumping, pushing, and tangling with each other.She is "what you would say" "out of sync", with the reindeer, when she should be more thoughtful, caring, loving, and sensitive to their needs.She was always very angry with them.What she forgot was that,they too, needed to be cared for and treated with love and kindness.As they say, "alittle kindness goes a long way".

Somewhere around the 19th of December she realizes her mistake and says, "I've spent all my time being mad at you, instead of helping you.I'm sorry!" She promises them that on the next day, they will work together in a new way....no bossing, no screaming, no pouting, no drama.

The reindeer listen to the softness in her voice and all of a sudden the reindeers' eyes sparkle, they smile, they laugh, and then they shake their antlers.....and suddenly, they are all happy to be helping her get ready for Santa's sleigh ride on Christmas Eve.

So, you see, if you show love and kindness, and caring, you will not only be good to others, but you will be good to yourself.Working together, no matter how many of you there are can make life beautiful.Now, go show the people in your life that you love and care about them.Be off!

The Wild Christmas Reindeer
This is another wonderful book by Jan Brett.Her pictures are so detailed and I have found that children love looking for the surprise and detail in her pictures.

boring
The illustrations are lovely, but the story is boring and not fun to read aloud. My 5yr old was completely uninterested and asked that we not ever read it again. I would return it if I could.

Great, but what's with the reindeer names?
We LOVE Jan Brett in this house-- her Christmas Treasury has been the most treasured gift of our holiday season so far! Her illustrations are priceless. As the mom, my all-time favorite kids book to this day is her "The First Dog."

BUT-- she reinvented the wheel by renaming the reindeer. They aren't Dasher, Dancer, etc, they are all new names. Cute name-- but why? The first time we read it, my kids were totally perplexed, as was I; I could hardly think of a way to explain to them why the reindeer they always heard about suddenly had completely different names. ... Read more

Product Description
That popular little character is back looking for friends, in an adventure he’ll never forget.

Confident and cocky, the Gingerbread Baby happens upon a bakery, where he dances and prances in front of a sugar cookie girl, trying to make friends. But she just stares and doesn’t say a word, like all the other sweet treats he tries to meet.

Discouraged, the Gingerbread Baby runs home, chased by a long line of hungry creatures, where Mattie has a fantastic surprise for him—gingerbread friends that fill a giant fold-out page.

Irresistible images inside the confectionery and outside in the snowy Swiss countryside will delight Jan Brett fans. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

luke loves it
My two boys aged 4 and 2 LOVE this book.I also read to preschoolers at the public library and they were totally enthralled with it.Highly recommend.(and I don't always like all of Jan Brett's books)

Still Writes a Great Book
Great new twist on the gingerbread man story. Brett weaves the recipe for gingerbread cookies into the art work around the illustrations as the story unfolds. I love the idea of the gingerbread baby trying to find a friend and looking in a bakery for the friend. Yet the story still has the assorted characters chasing the gingerbread baby back to his house. Love the new happier ending and the surprise fold out at the end of the book. This read along has so many things to discuss in the art work as usual in a Jan Brett book. As a teacher the book could be used to compare the original story with this new version. The art work is fantastic as usual. Another winner from Jan Brett.

Eye Candy for the Soul
Jan Brett has done it again with this delightful sequel.Wonderful, colorful illustrations that will delight you wether you are 4 or 44.We give our son a special book for each birthday and Chrismas.This book was his Christmas book for 2008.

Sweet Read
This book is all around beautiful--- the illustrations, the sweet story of finding friends and the gingerbread recipe spread throughout the pages to encourage kids and parents to make their own gingerbread friends!Even my 15 month old loves it because it rhymes and has a pop-up page at the end. Definately a sweet read!

Love this story for my Friends theme (Home Daycare)
Love this story line and the pictures are wonderful, Jan Brett is a wonderful writer! ... Read more

Product Description
Treva's trouble with trolls begins when she climbs Mount Baldy with her dog Tuffi. The trolls who live there long for a dog, and they try to kidnap him. But Treva is brave and quick-thinking. She outwits one troll after another until she reaches the very top of the mountain, where five trolls are waiting--and they want her dog! From underground to mountain peak, Jan Brett's story is filled with adventure and eye-catching detail.

"With the flavor of a Scandinavian folktalke, this engaging picture book has lots for little eyes to spy....Playful and funny, with a valiant female protagonist, this is a first-rate read, wintertime or anytime." --Booklist, starred review

* An IRA-CBC Children's Choice Book
* A Child Study Children's Book Committee Children's Book of the Year
* Book Links "A Few Good Books" of the Year

* A Picture Puffin
* Full-color illustrations
* 32 pages
* Ages 3-8 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Love Those Brett Books
Jan Brett combines fun stories old and new with amazing art. In addition to the written story, there is also a story in pictures around the edge of each page. This makes it a favorite with all kinds of things to look at and talk about making it fun to reread!

Trouble with trolls
Great "Scandinavian" book for a Norwegian like me to share with my children.
My daughter loves all of Jan Brett's books.

Trouble With Trolls
I have enjoyed this book with my 6yr old great grandson.The pictures are so bright and interesting and all the small ones on the sides enable a lot of conversation and questions to be asked and answered.I like all of Jan Brett's books.She is a wonderful author.I hope to acquire many more.
Carol Leighton

A fun read
A little girl named Treva tells her story wen she had trouble with trolls.She lives on the slopes of Mount Baldy and was hiking it to visit her cousin who lives on the other side. With her is her dog Tuffi.Trouble happens along the way as a troll will jump out and declare "I want dog"

She tricks them into taking pieces of her clothing but eventually she reaches the top and discovers they still want the dog. She declares she can fly with her skies but needs all her cloths back.She asks for a push but they can't since they are holding Tuffi.She offers to hold the dog and away she skis to the cries of "Dog, Dog, Dog!"

This is a fun little story and my little girl has taken to it.Probably because the artwork is very good!

There is also a small side story of a hedgehog who wanders into the home of the trolls.

This is a sweet well written and drawn story that will make for any child's bedtime reading. Be prepared to hand over the book so the pictures may be viewed.

How To Outsmart Trolls
Treva lives on the slopes of Mount Baldy.One day she goes to visit a relative on the other side.She will climb up with her dog and then ski down the other side.But on the way up she runs into the trolls.Each troll she meets is interested in her dog.Treva manages to trick each of them into taking some of her clothing instead (mittens, hat, sweater, boots).But just at the top the trolls decide they still want the dog.Treva has one more trick up her sleeve and winds up same with her dog and all of her clothing.The ultimate fate of the trolls is quite interesting.

This is a very nice story with an intelligent and quick-thinking protagonist.Troll legend has been change a little.There is no mention of the trolls wanting to eat the dog (a la Billy Goats Gruff) but instead to help warm them and act as a pack animal.Their fate is also one I am unfamiliar with.Many stories have trolls turn to stone in the sunlight but this transformation is quite interesting.

The illustrations are just what you expect from Jan Brett; beautiful and packed with detail.Earrings and hair ribbons should be paid attention to as well as the happy hedgehog who invades the trolls' home.A truly delightful story from an author who has written more stories about clothes than you can imagine (The Hat, The Mitten, Armadillo Rodeo, Etc). ... Read more

Product Description
For his birthday, Duck's animal friends give him a swimming suit, a diving board, and a slide, but it is not until Tortoise arrives with an inflatable pool that they have something to swim in. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Just Ducky!
Duck celebrates his birthday with animal friends in this beautifully illustrated book for younger children (from about age one to five).The animals bring him gifts:

"Duck got a ball that was pumped full of air. And a scuba mask, and a watch to wear And suntan oil to rub on his beak So it wouldn't burn and it wouldn't squeak."

The problem is that most of the toys are for water play, and Duck and his buddies live in the desert.Good thing Turtle brings the present that makes it possible for everyone to splash around and have fun!

The book is both simple and clever.The highlights here, though, are Jan Brett's vivid right-on illustrations of the Southwest:Big, bright, colorful, with warm tones, and enough detail to keep older toddlers interested. An absolute delight!

Great book to read to young children or for beginning reader
Great book to read to young children or for a beginning reader ... Read more

Product Description
It's Mother's Day and the three mouse brothers, Biggest, Middle, and Little, have only a short time to get their presents. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

A Nice Holiday Book, Not as Good as Bunting/Brett's Other Work
A collaboration between Eve Bunting and Jan Brett, two of my favorite authors, this is a sweet story that introduces the concept of Mother's Day at a level young children can understand.Three mice brothers wake up early on Mother's Day morning and embark on a quest, braving several predators, to obtain gifts for their mother.The eldest finds a dandelion fluffball for her to wish on; the middle finds one of the first strawberries of Spring.The youngest wants to bring her honeysuckle but is prevented by Cat, who guards Honeysuckle Cottage.In lieu of this gift, he presents an alternative one which surprises everyone.

Many virtues are presented in this brief adventure: the mouse brothers are loyal to one another, brave in the face of danger, generous in their impulses, and honoring to their mother.The two eldest take responsibility for the well-being of the youngest, and the story ends with a warm family scene as Mother receives her gifts with gratitude.The illustrations are rich in detail (though not as lavish as Brett's other books) and the text (while not as brilliant as Bunting's usual work) lays out a pretty satisfying (if thinly developed) story.

One unintended consequence of reading this book the week before Mother's Day was that when the big day did roll around, my three-year-old son was not to be dissuaded from a quest outdoors to bring home a gift for me.The book really did define the day for him.It might not make it into the regular reading basket, but as a special holiday book it is an excellent choice.

Nice Mice
The story is ok, good even - three little mice wake up early to find their mother presents for Mother's Day. But the real joy of this one is the pictures - very detailed and fun to look at.

Too scary for children!
Though I like the idea of this book, as well as the talent behind the illustrations, after reading this to my children and seeing their anxiety about the huge, menacing black cat that scares the mice, my husband and I have decided not to read this anymore to them. The mouse family is sweet, and the intent of the story is admirable, with the littlest mouse giving his mother a thoughtful gift for Mother's Day. I understand that most plots have some type of conflict that is resolved, but we discovered that the cat in this book was too scary for young children. There is a full-page illustration of this cat's scary face and head which is unnecessary, I believe, to make this story a success. We absolutely love reading stories to our children, and in fact, don't watch T.V. as we want books to be a bigger part of their lives. I understand that some people value exposing their children to scariness in books as a way to explain these things in the safety of their home, but sometimes images can remain in a child's mind for a long time, and if it comes from a contrived situation, such as in a fictional story, the child may find it harder to reconcile within the context of real life. We found that our children had a hard time appreciating the point of the story, because they were too thrown by the big, black cat. These happen to be children who live on a farm and have a pet cat themselves! They've dealt with real-life "scariness" such as the death of animals, nearby sightings of bears, foxes and other wild animals...etc., but all of these fit within the context of their lives. I books, they seem to appreciate images and text that work well together-in this case, the cat is bigger than life.

Greatest gfift is not the most expensive!
Favorite characters: Biggest Little Mouse, Middle Mouse, Little Mouse, and Mother

This book is about three mice who want to each get their mother a gift for Mother's Day. Each mouse wants to get the best gift, but it ends up being the littlest mouse who gets her the most unusual gift of all.
A nice book illustrated with colorful pictures that show these three little mice along their journey for presents. A nice story that shows how to share your love for your mother on Mother's Day.

The Mother's Day Mice
I thought that this story is an excellent story for young children and their mothers to read together.This story about three, cute little mice is precious.They want to find the perfect present for their mother.The Little Mouse is the sweetest character I have read about in a while.They pass some dangerous situations as they search the meadow for the gifts.The surprise at the end of the story will make you so happy, that'll you'd do that for your mother!The story is a very cute story to read, especially around Mother's Day.The illustrations in it are very, very well done and the mice are the cutest mice ever! ... Read more

Product Description
It all begins when Comet walks away from the lighthouse close to his birthplace on Nantucket Island. He visits a garden, a bookstore, a boat, and a party, and at each place he gets into trouble and loses one of his lives. Comet starts to worry. He longs for a home, a place where he'll be safe. Will he find one before he uses up all nine lives?

"Brett's style is deliciously intricate and detailed. Charming."
-USA Today

"Brett's many avid fans are sure to love this book."
-School Library Journal

"As always, Brett captures the essence of her setting . . . in a luscious and loving tribute to New England."
-Booklist ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

Delightful!

Comet's Nine Lives is a preschool book that is absolutely adorable, but it deals with a cat who gets himself into a variety of predicaments and uses up (8) of his (9) lives.I can see where some parents might be cautious about reading or explaining such a book to young children, and a few reviews indicated the subject matter was not appropriate for young children. In my opinion is, the story is just fine. It just takes a little explaining, as you would do if you were to read Hansel and Gretal or Little Red Riding Hood to a young child.

Comet is a cat who was born 30 miles out to sea on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. He never really had a home of his own, and wandered here and there.He lost his first life when he ate some foxglove flowers that made him sick. His second life was lost in a book store --who would have thought they were dangerous? However, while resting on a stack of books, he took a tumble and all the books landed on his head.He even lost one of his lives by taking a tumble into a strawberry milkshake --what a way to go!Fortunately, as you can tell while reading along, Comet does find the perfect place to settle down in the end.

My Opinion -- I loved this book. It is such a cute story, and the beautiful, colorful illustrations of Nantucket Island are just awesome. The book is both written and illustrated by Jan Brett.It is really a sweet story about a cat's adventures. It will have you and your little one anxiously turning the pages to see what kind of mischief Comet gets himself into next. Highly Recommended - 5/5 stars

I love this book.
You know, I'm tempted to just leave it at that, as an emotional response review (lol; I love this book..) but I know it might do a disservice to those interested in knowing more about it, so I'll do the best that I can.

This book takes me back to my childhood and from what I can remember, although there is not much writing in it, the beautiful illustration allows your mind to continue the tale with your imagination. ;) So it's not for children who are "big readers" .. but certainly for those who have an eye for art.

I'm looking forward to getting this book back in my hands for triggering memories and what are, in my opinion, enchanting illustrations of my favorite book at the time. :)

Thanks to Amazon, for allowing me to express my impulse.. most randomnly and happily.

Fun read
My granddaughter really likes books by Jan Brett and so do I.The pictures are wonderful.

Bad storyline
I love Jan Brett's books, she does amazing artwork, but am critical of this one.Every other page the cat dies, I don't like reading that to my 2 year old. The illustrations are fantastic, great underlying themes and humorous details, but I find myself creating my own story.

Comet's Nine Lives should have a long life in your library of children's books
Comet is an engaging cat who is living his own Hero's Quest He is looking for a home on Nantucket Island where he was born.

In artist Jan Brett's exquisite but whimsical world, the human roles on the island are all played by dogs, from the bulldog health inspector to the Irish setter theatrical diva. Comet's first eight deaths are presented gently. For example, a small child will not be alarmed seeing a spirit cat ascending after Comet has fallen in a tuba during a band concert!

The child will also quickly be comforted by the second story illustrated to the right of the main frames. Here we see the sheepdog lighthouse keeper and his own calico cat. The lighthouse keeper is helping is cat by posting notices and puting a note in a bottle advertizing "Lonely cat seeks frieng." As alarming as Comet's adventures can appear, we know a happy ending is beckoning.

As in all her books, Jan Brett's illustrations provide endless delights for adult and child alike. Being urged to "Read it again!" won't be a hardship with detailed illustrations lovingly depicting Nantucket's shells, pansy's, gulls, and ropes to discover and enjoy again and again.

If you like children's books layered with visual meaning, you, too, will smile as Comet survives his adventures and at last finds a friend and home for life. ... Read more

Product Description
Remember how the Gingerbread Boy is eaten by the fox? Well, not this Gingerbread Baby in a delicious twist to a favorite old tale.

It all begins when Matti opens the oven too soon and out jumps a cheeky little Gingerbread Baby. He leads Matti's mother and father, the dog and the cat, and a whole colorful cast of characters on a rollicking chase through the village and into the forest, staying just out of reach, daring them to catch him all along the way.

But Matti's not with them. He's at home in the borders making what turns out to be a gingerbread house into which the Gingerbread Baby runs. Only Matti knows he is safely inside. And readers will too when they look under the lift-the-flap gingerbread house at the end of the story, and there he is!Amazon.com Review

"I am the Gingerbread Baby,
Fresh from the pan.
If you want me,
Catch me if you can!"

This fresh-baked version of the traditional nursery story is brought toyou from the creative and award-winning ovens of Jan Brett. Best knownfor such favorites as TheMitten and TheHat, she has illustrated many other familiar folktales. Herintricately detailed paintings, with their pretty, illuminated borders, are a perfect fit for the Swiss mountainside setting of thiscozy old tale. And don't miss the Gingerbread Baby plush! (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (37)

Beautiful Book!
My 2 1/2 yr. old daughter just absolutely loves this book!
The illustrations are so beautifully detailed and the story itself is very enjoyable with a happy ending.
This book is sure to be a favorite in our house for many years.

sweet twist on an old classic
Lovely story for the holiday season. It is a bit of a longer, wordier story so it would be better for a preschooler than a 2 year old.It is a twist on the classic runaway gingerbread boy story, with a wonderful refrain as the gingerbread boy runs away.

Jan Brett's illustrations have their own style and add a reassuring, cozy touch. This would be a great addition to any home library for the winter season! The illustrations are fairly detailed so this book might also be better for children in the larger, hardback version than in the board book version.

The ending with the cut out gingerbread house, that flips up on the page to reveal gingerbread baby inside, will delight and surprise any child! It is a wonderful ending with a lot of winter charm! Delightful!

Great Book!
My little guy's teachers at preschool read this book to the class and he talked about it all the time, so I decided that I had to add it to our library collection. Anything and everything by Jan Brett is awesome.

great book
I am a fan of Jan Brett books. I think her artwork is superb. This is a sweet story and the illustrations are wonderful. My grandchildren love her books. Amazon had a better price than Barnes and Noble, and that includes my member discount.

Delightful!
Our family loves Jan Brett, but I must say, I think this has to be my favorite yet!

The illustrations are incredible, as always with Brett.They invite children to pour over them, finding the hidden story and secrets she has lovingly drawn in.The text is fun, a variation on "The Gingerbread Man," of course.But my favorite is the ending...it is a wonderful, surprising ending that ends so much better than the old story ever did!We LOVE it!

I'd recommend it to every family with young children and any teacher who needs a wonderful story to read to their young readers! ... Read more

Product Description
Jamie seeks a way to prove that he is not too young to march in the big St. Patrick's Day parade.Amazon.com Review
On March 17, young Jamie wakes up and realizes it's St. Patrick's Day. Thegreen sashes are laid out on the table for his father and two olderbrothers--all ready for them to sport in the big parade. This is all veryexciting, but Jamie's family had told him he was too small to walk in theparade--too young to make it all the way up Acorn Hill. He decides to takematters (and his trusty flute) into his own small hands, and embarks on anearly morning walk--all the way up Acorn Hill--with his dog Nell. What didthey know?Sure enough, while the village is sleeping, he traversesthe parade route to the top of the hill where he greets the sun with ahearty, "A happy St. Pat's to you, sun." And, he makes it home beforebreakfast! While no one finds out what Jamie has done, you suspect that hemay tell his family later. Kids will love the fact that Jamie climbs allthe way up the hill when everyone said he couldn't. A simple but satisfyingSt. Patrick's Day read-aloud, and an IRA/CBC Children's Choice.(Ages 4and older) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Not good!
This book was falling apart in my hands when it arrived, which I was not aware of but the price was very low so I didn't bother returning it but just recycled instead.

A sweet, nicely drawn St Pat's tale
We get our daughter a book about all the holidays that make up her cultural heritage and community. This is a beautiful book about St. Pat's day, but also about overcoming low expectations and self-empowerment -- but it's never preachy. My 3 yo daughter loves this book well after St. Pat's day, and we love to read it to her. Jann Brett has another winner! Although these illustrations lack the colorful details she's known for, the complexity of the mostly black/white drawings keep it engaging.

Wonderful St. Pat's Day book
I loved this story. My mom would read it to my brother and I every March, and we would get so excited as the 17th approached. I, like Jamie, loved marching in our parade. Now I have a son of my own, and hope he enjoys it as much as I did.

Making your own way
Young Jamie wakes early on St. Patrick's Day, much earlier than his sleeping family.He remembers that there will be a parade to the top of Acorn Hill today, and then he remembers that his brothers say he's too little to march in the parade.

Well, fine then!He'll just have a parade of his own!!Jamie sets off in his green sweater, hat and coat with Nell the dog and march up the center of town to Acorn Hill by themselves.Along the way, the meet some of the other villagers, one of whom gives Jamie an Irish flag that he proudly waves in his own parade.Does he make it to the top??You'll have to read to find out!!

"St. Patrick's Day in the Morning" is a beautiful story for any child who has ever been told that they're too small, too weak, too short, too this, too that, to do something.You can see Jamie's' happiness at proving everyone wrong.The pen and ink illustrations are lush and detailed:you could count the shingles in the roofs or the bricks in the walls.Green and a little yellow are the only colors in the book, emphasizing the spirit and colors of St. Pats in Jamie's sweater, the flag of Ireland and, of course, the lush green grasses of the Emerald Isle.

Because it's not a book about the history or legend of St. Patrick, there is no reason to limit it's reading only to March 17th.Teachers would find it a useful book in teaching both about Ireland and, of course, proving that smaller doesn't mean incapable.A fine book by Bunting and Brett, and highly recommended. ... Read more