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Customer Reviews (6)

Biased, Liberal Propaganda To Influence Young Children's Thinking
After reading this book to my son, I was struck by how overt the message was to young readers that politics and your right to vote is a simple game played between the morally conscious, multi-cultural individual with the benevolent, compassionate and "correct beliefs" who deserves your support and vote (i.e. Liberal Democrat) VS the "other" side which represents a "mean-spirited" privilaged white majority dedicated to greed (erecting stadiums), exhibiting a lack of compassion (...hates dogs) and does not support education. This is just a typical "politically correct" view that attempts to "brainwash" our children with the liberal agenda that the educational establishment so richly supports.

Good Book
This is a good book for teaching kids about the voting process.I used it with my 3rd grade class and they enjoyed it.I'm not sure if it was listed on the product page, but the book was smaller than other copies of it I have seen, which made it hard to use as a read aloud.

Courtesy of Kids @ Teens Read Too
I wholeheartedly believe that it's imperative that we teach children about the importance of voting.With the freedom of democracy in the United States, we have the ability to choose who we want to lead us.It's up to use to teach our children how wonderful that freedom really is!

Eileen Christelow presents VOTE! in an easy-to-read, easy-to-understand format, with fun characters and illustrations, that will appeal to even the youngest of readers.Although they may be too young to vote, children of all ages will learn how important that right is.

VOTE! presents the mayoral race of Chris Smith and Bill Brown, two opponents who both want to lead the city.They have different platforms on which they're running, different types of families, and different agendas and reasons that they want to be mayor.

Although the book is a bit one-sided in making one candidate out to be the "good guy" and one to be the "bad guy," children will be able to get a basic understanding of how elections work.

Also of interest is the glossary of election-related terms at the back of the book, along with a timeline of voting rights, interesting facts about political parties, and additional website resources for further exploration.

Reviewed by:Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"

Great info for kids and adults
Since citizenship education is becoming such a focus in the elementary shcools (and rightly so), it is good to see a really informative and kid-focused book about voting available to the grades that really need the boost.The pictures are engaging and colorful, and the "action" is enough to keep any kid interested.The timeline and glossary and excellent for teachers planning a lesson, and accessible to a kid who is looking for information for a report.

This is a great book to integrate into the classroom or to help your children understand the essentials of the primary element of democracy.

Recommended.

Really Good Book about Voting!
I was so impressed at how easy and enjoyable this book was to read.It's about time someone wrote a good children's book about voting.Most books about voting are dry, dull and totally detached.This book provides a likable protaganist and takes us through the voting and election process.Students of mine who have read non-fiction books on voting and been left totally confused as well as bored may finally "get it"with this one.Good job! ... Read more

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A sprightly text and colorful illustrations follow two creative people-and a talkative dog and cat-through the writing process step by step, from the inspiration for a story to the satisfaction of sharing the book with readers. Eileen Christelow based this instructive picture book on questions children asked during her classroom talks around the country. Simple enough for young children to understand, and with the entertainment value of fiction, "What Do Authors Do?" is children's nonfiction at its best. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A Great Book for Teaching Writing
As a teacher, I use this book every year to help my students understand that writing is a process (sometimes messy & long) as much as a product. The kids love the story line and the illustrations.

6 traits of writing
As a second grade teacher this shows the process that writers do in order to publish their stories.Sometimes the students get a little frustrated when they can't just do the story once.Also this book is a great example of the use of speech bubbles.

Good childrens book
This book is good for elementary aged kids. It explains how writers get their ideas and how they go about writing and publishing a book.

What Do Authors Do?
This is an excellent book for teaching children how books are created by an author and then published.It is a humorous account of the ways authors find their ideas and the rewriting necessary to create their stories.Iplan to use it as an inspiration for my third graders as they write theirown stories. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

Great Book
My 3 year old grand daughter loves the poem "5 Little Monkeys".This book was a big hit with that story and others, as well as monkey stickers.She asks to have it read almost every night!

Great collection of cute stories
Gave this to my three year old nephew who loves singing the song, and he loves this book.Nice quality with cute illustrations!

Fun time
My four year old girl loves this book. We gave it to her as part of the birthday gifts. She loved this book more than any of the other gifts because it provides a daily opportunity to sit with mom or dad and read it. I recommend it, and the price was absolutely right.

Toddlers Love It!
My toddler adores these stories. Her favorite is, of course, "Five Little Monkeys Go to Bed". The book was a good value and I would recommend it to anyone with young children.

love it!
this is a great book, my 2.5 year old wants me to read all the stories again and again! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (7)

5 monkeys in trouble again
As with all the other books, the repetition is great for reading in early childhood classrooms.Introduced after the monkeys in the bed and the tree, it was a perfect follow on.The children love these monkeys!

Very cute book!!
I borrowed this book from my local library along with the cd that goes along with it. I brought it to work and played it for my class of 4 year olds. They enjoyed it very much! It kept their attention and kept them all very cute. I would definitely recommend this book.

great!!!
This book allows me to regroup my students when getting ready to read or transition.

Five Monkeys bake a birthday cake
Got it for my grandchildren and they love it. They like all of the series about the five little monkeys.

My 5 year old loves this book
I was surprised to see negative reviews of this book.This book, like all of the Five Little Monkey books, is one of my five year old's favorites.The story, about the five little monkeys baking a cake, is really silly and funny.It also helps teach math - when the recipe calls for 2 eggs, four monkeys each add 2 eggs, etc.My husband's birthday is tomorrow and my son is insisting that we bake a cake for his birthday following the recipe in the book. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (54)

Five Little Monkeys
The pictures, layout, and the large print is very good.
Most of all I like the fact it has a CD to help young
ones who are not at reading level. It is also good
to play while in the car while going on long or short trips.

First book my daughter "reads" by heart
My 2.5-year-old daughter loves this book--both for me to read to her and for her to "read" to me. The pictures are clear and the additional text simple enough that she can read the pictures and get all the text right from memory.

Unusable Product
This book was a Christmas present for my son.It looked okay on the outside, but the board pages were detached from the binding and the middle pages were upside down! I was very disappointed. It was worse than buying it used.I ended up going to WalMart to purchase a similar one.

A Funny Rhyming Board Book for Rambunctious Readers
Most Americans are familiar with the popular nursery rhyme "Five Little Monkeys."Christelow takes this rhyme and illustrates it with cheery, lively colored-pencil illustrations, with a monkey mama and her five children.She opens the rhyme with a little bit of prose setup, as the monkeys prepare for bed -- then ends with a humorous illustration of mama jumping on her own bed, after the little monkeys finally fall asleep.

This story is about silliness, not moral instruction, but some parents may be concerned about the children's disobedience in persisting in their jumping. This is exacerbated by the fact that Mama later jumps on herown bed (although you might explain to bright children that adults are capable of safely engaging in activities that would be dangerous to children).In this sense the book can be taken as a cautionary tale against bed-jumping.But for most children it should be sufficient to explain that this story is intended to be silly, not serious.

The book is well illustrated, cheery, and lively, and toddlers will love the rhythmic repetition.One could wish that the opening and closing of the book rhymed as well, but it's still a fun read.

Not the best version
I knew this little song from when I used to care for my nephews so when I had a daughter, searched it out.I find this board book version to be underwhelming- the pictures are not that bold or exciting. It's fallen flat so I'm going to see if I can get a better version of this story. ... Read more

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Bert and Ethel have a long truck drive to market, and when they arrive, the pigs they intended to sell have mysteriously disappeared. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great Fun
A captivating story, with a little bit of "where's waldo" thrown in.After the pigs escape, the children can carefully look at the picture and find the missing pigs hiding or dressed up."There's one right there!" my preschool class shouts.This book is always a fun one to read.

Great Story, Great Illustrations.
This book is first-rate in entertaining children 3-8. Children will enjoyfollowing the story of Bert & Ethel, who raise some very intelligentpigs and decide it's time to sell them at the market in the morning. Thepigs overhear this, and the trouble--or the fun--begins. The smart pigsescape, using clever disguises borrowed from local townspeople, and aremissing untill the end of the story.

The illustrations are great and thestory moves along smoothly.Your children will really like this one!

Rates five OINKS!Delightful!
Get ready to be taken for a hilarious ride by a passel of precocious pigs!Farmers Bert and Ethel decide to take a break from growing turnips to try their hand at pigs. It's time to load up their lard and take them to market, but these savvy swine have other ideas. Our feckless farmers are unaware that their cargo has disappeared until it's too late, but you won't be if you pay attention to the pictures. Christelow combines unassuming text with not-so-unassuming illustrations in this porcine plot that is sure to tickle your spareribs and convince you that these pigs are smarter than your average root vegetable. Recommended reading for preschoolers on up, The Great Pig Escape is sure to make you chuckle if not bust your chops laughing. ... Read more

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A rollicking nonsense verse that continues where the popular nursery rhyme leaves off follows the adventures and frolics of the energetic mouse through another eleven hours. Reprint. SLJ. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great Find
My daughter has loved this book since she was 6 months.She is now 2 and we still read it every night.The illustrations are bright and fun.

This is wonderful for children and adults!
I am a mom and a former children's librarian. I highly recommend this book for preschool-Kindergarten age children.

Reveals the real name of the Hickory Dickory Dock mouse!
What an absolutely fun and enjoyable read. To go through the whole "clock strikes" sequence not only helps my daughter learn numbers, but we were able to get up close and personal with the famousmouse. The author came up with some fantastic new nursery rhymes, holdingtrue to the fun-to-say "Hickory Dickory Dock!" We loved readingthis book over and over again because the words really move along easily.The illustrator added great visual characterization of such a fun tale.Great job, it's fun to see the nursery rhymes take on new and energeticlife! The mouse and his adventures endeared me to this modern version ofthe nursery rhyme forever. I'd love to see more by Mr. Aylesworth.

Great night book which keeps the interest going
When I saw this book I thought my son would not sit through it, as he was still little(2&1/2).He loves the book and has most of it memorized.It's a book of funny words great rhymes and lots of fun for young kids toassociate with.Definite Thumps Up!!!! ... Read more

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Diamond robbers are in town! Lola Dog, co-owner of the Diamond Dog Diner, wears her diamonds when she cooks, so her friend, Glenda Feathers, suggests a hiding place for the jewels -- inside her eggs. ... Read more

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In the summer of 1950, a con man comes to Wetumka, Oklahoma, telling about his fabulous circus, and although he swindles the townspeople, two young girls grow from the experience.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

The Flimflam Man is fun for kids and nostalgic for adults
I'm always on the lookout for books about Oklahoma and Oklahoma history. The Flimflam Man by Darleen Bailey Beard is a delightful addition to my collection.

Although the story is fiction, it's based on an actual event that took place in 1950 in the town of Wetumka, Oklahoma, and resulted in the annual Sucker Day Festival that continues today.

The story is about two girls, Clara Jean and Bobbie Jo, and how they become friends through their experience with F. Bam Morrison, the Flimflam Man, who is selling advance tickets to Bohn's United Circus Shows.

What I love about the book is the memories it evoked. As an Oklahoman, I had to smile as Clara Jean talked about the cow-chip throwing contest. I cheered Clara Jean and Bobbie Jo on as they raced their bikes through oil fields in an attempt to catch the Flimflam man. I became nostalgic as I read about Bobbi Jo's reel-to-reel tape recorder and Clara Jean's clear plastic rain boots. The Flimflam man is a trip down memory lane for anyone who grew up in the 50's.

Kids will love the book because it's entertaining. The girls are funny; the illustrations are adorable; and the plot is interesting. Whether you're studying Oklahoma history or just looking for a good book to read to your child, I heartily recommend The Flimflam Man.

A flimflam man is a two-faced weasel
"A two-faced weasel is someone who shows one face in public but hides another face for his evil deeds," Mr. Morrison said. He turned around and parted his hair. "Do you see another face back there?"

Mr. Morrison is the flimflam man in this story, and he has conned two vulnerable girls, former foes who gradually become friends, into helping him promote a circus that is supposedly coming to town.

This story, a chapter book written at about the third grade level, appeals to students all the way up to 6th grade in our school. It has a genuine feel for small town Wetumka, Oklahoma, in 1950, which is where this historical fiction story (based on actual events) takes place. Darleen Bailey Beard makes the plot and characters work on at least two levels: first, it serves as a warning that not everyone can be trusted, and secondly, it's a heartwarming tale about a friendship that develops out of adversity.

The lessons taught in this short (85 page) book are those that children need to hear. Recommended.

The BEST Book Ever
This book was very good.I read it because the author was coming to my school.When I first heard she was coming, I wasn't that excited.Then, after I read this book, I couldn't wait!I think you would like this book.

A fun, delightful story of an Oklahoma scoundrel
Darleen Beard's book, The Flim Flam Man, made me laugh out loud. Kids of all ages will this tale and, at the same time, learn a little about Oklahoma history, too. Can't wait for this author's next book!

What fun! ... Read more

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Bad-tempered Crabapple Sam lives alone at the seashore, until Celeste arrives to soften him up and renew the damaged friendship between him and her grandfather. ... Read more

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Immersed in studying his favorite topic, dinosaurs, Oliver involves his fifth grade class in a campaign to make the stegosaurus the Colorado state fossil and runs afoul of an interfering bully. ... Read more

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At bedtime Henry Rabbit is sure he sees the shadow of a dragon on his bedroom wall even though his parents can find no evidence of it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Cute Story for Young Children - a review of "Henry and the Dragon"
This is a nice little story about Henry the boy bunny who, after his father reads him a scary bedtime story, begins to see and hear things as he is laying there in bed.

Rustling sounds in the bushes outside his bedroom window sends him running to his parents, who look everywhere to show him that there is no dragon.Not quite convinced by his parents' search-and-show night time routine, Henry sets a trap the next day in the garden to catch the dragon.Of course, it's dad that gets caught; and the dragon turns out to be a shadow his baseball cap casts.

Three Stars.[C+].Generally, it's pretty predictable fair - which doesn't mean a child won't like it. Drawings are average.Okay read-aloud.Okay for reading at bedtime.

Great Fun for kids and adults
I checked this book out of the library, and both my 2 and 4 year old boys LOVED it! In fact, several weeks after I returned it, they still ask for it by name. They have also both started building "dragon traps" all over the house! Adults will definitely enjoy this book too, as did my husband and I.

Great book to help rid night time scares.
My children (4 and 2) loved this book. We checked it out at the library on a fluke and it came in handy. They have been scared of shadows at bedtime but when I remind them of the story they are not scared. It is a fun book to read and also helps with night time scares! It teaches them that shadows are just friendly shapes of items in their room like a hat, their bed etc. Good choice. ... Read more

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As the seasons pass and he attends his friends' birthday parties, Rabbit waits impatiently for his own birthday to come again. ... Read more

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Mystery fan Gertrude B. Dog annoys her friends with her snooping and eavesdropping, until she stumbles upon a real crime and must use her investigative skills to solve the case. ... Read more

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On her first night on the job at Miss Marvel's Witch Agency, Glenda's inability to keep her spells straight involves her in a bank robbery and a mad chase to catch the crooks. ... Read more

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Rockhopper penguin detective Mr. Pin takes on two challengingnew cases as he sets out to clear Chicago worker Phil O. Dendrum, whohas been accused of causing the mysterious flood plaguing the city,and solve the kidnapping of a fish named Yum from Smiling Sally'sDiner. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Fish Named Yum: Mr. Pin (Mr Pin, Vol 4)
ISBN 0689318820 - Wouldn't you know it? I finally find a mystery series, featuring a very cute detective, set in my city and not only do I start reading the series with book four, but it also turns out to be the last of the series! If you'd like to start at the beginning, start with The Mysterious Cases of MR. PIN: Vol. I (Mr. Pin Mysteries).

Mr Pin is a chocolate-loving rockhopper penguin who left the South Pole to move to Chicago, where he works out of Smiling Sally's Diner, as a detective. There are two stories in this book. The first is The Great Chicago Flood. Mr Pin is in the basement of the diner when he hears a strange sound and rescues a fish that has popped up through the floor. Chicago is suddenly flooding - underground! While he tries to deal with the problem, a man named Phil O. Dendrum comes into the diner. He's been fired over the flooding situation and he needs Mr Pin's help! Mr Pin, armed with little more than his friends, his wits, and some terrible tasting chocolate pudding mix, will have a chance to save the city - but will he be in time?

The second story is A Fish Named Yum. Yum, the fish who'd popped up through the floor of the diner's basement during the flood, has been fishnapped during one of Chicago's infamous snowstorms. With just a little white powder and a small smear of chocolate on the diner counter as clues, Mr Pin will certainly be tested in this case. He needs to hurry, too, before the fishnapper makes dinner of his friend!

A little tidbit for non-Chicagoans: the Great Chicago Flood really DID happen in 1992, much as it's written here. The place, the cause, the fact that the flooding was underground, all true - the only detail that differs is how it was solved (at least publicly, no one has ever credited a penguin, or Phil). My favorite moment that kids (and non-Chicagoans) might not get? Phil walking into Smiling Sally's carrying his bicycle tire! How utterly, perfectly, typically Chicago. No Chicagoan will be surprised by the suggestion that maybe some of our potholes are filled in with chocolate pudding mix, but a city with two baseball teams ought to never crank out an author who would write "Runners are IN the corners." to describe a baseball broadcast.

These aren't mysteries in the traditional sense, of the sort that a careful and smart reader could solve along with the characters. Too much of Mr Pin's knowledge seems to be his alone, taking half the fun out of reading a mystery. Author Mary Elise Monsell's writing is mediocre. Much of the storyline, while not that difficult to follow, is a bit disjointed, as if the author knew where she was going and figured everyone else ought to be able to figure it out - even if she left things out of the telling. Added to this, there are fast-paced conversations (and some text) with non sequiturs that even adults will find a little head-spinning. The illustrations, by Eileen Christelow, are black and white pencil sketches and are all right, but nothing special.

- AnnaLovesBooks ... Read more

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Mrs. Gatorman's nine frisky little pranksters put Jerome, their baby sitter, through his paces. ... Read more