Customer Reviews (1)

Rhythmic Book like Brown Bear!
I got this book because my son loves Brown bear Brown bear. It has the same kind of Rhythm kids love. He likes this book but it is not something we read all the time. Mostly because he loves Brown Bear and others so much already. But it keeps his attention which for a 18 month old is impressive ... Read more

Product Description
BLUE KANGAROO BELONGS to Lily, and they do everything together. Almost everything, that is. Recently Lily has been doing some things—some not very nice things—by herself. And blaming Blue Kangaroo! Soon Blue Kangaroo is in big trouble with Lily’s mother and is taken away until he learns how to behave. How can Lily get her best friend back?

“An engaging cautionary tale about the importance of being truthful.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Clark’s bright, clear pictures . . . capture the slapstick, and preschoolers will love the scenes of chaotic disobedience.”—BooklistAmazon.com Review
Blue Kangaroo doesn't have it easy. Sure, Lily's faithful stuffed 'roo has been found (Where Are You, Blue Kangaroo?) and loved (I Love You, Blue Kangaroo!), but now he's taking the fall for some of Lily's not-so-nice behavior.

In this third installment of Emma Chichester Clark's cute, clever series, Lily tries to convince her mother that it's Blue Kangaroo--not her!--who's to blame for a series of mishaps, from an overflowing sink to her little brother's head having an unfortunate run-in with a bucket. Blue Kangaroo, of course, sees the writing on the wall each time, and his worried little face (for which Clark gives him momentary use of eyeballs) provides the book's most genius comedy. In the end, Lily's mother wisely decides to punish the wee 'roo ("'Well, if Blue Kangaroo can't behave, he'll have to sit by himself downstairs,' ... And she put him on top of the bookcase out of reach."), so then Blue Kangaroo himself has to look out for Lily one last time and resolve the conflict.

Clark's droll and pleasantly repetitive text will be fun for kids to read (or hear), but her smartly drawn characters and simple, bright watercolors convey enough story that they could nearly carry the book without a single word. (Ages 2 to 6) --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Lily's little blue scapegoat
Lily has been very naughty lately -- leaving the water to overflow all over the floor, goading the cat into destroying the curtains, fighting with her previously perfectly happy little brother, throwing clothes out the bedroom window.Each time she blames her beloved pal.When Lily's mother eventually decides that Blue Kangaroo had better spend the night downstairs, he takes matters into his own hands and finds a way to bring peace to the household.What a clever blue kangaroo.

Bright, colorful and humorous watercolor illustrations add to the enjoyment.

It was YOU Blue Kangaroo!!
I love this book!It's a sweet tale about a little girl who gets keeps getting in trouble and keeps blaming it all on her stuffed friend, Blue Kangaroo.Her mother handles the situation perfectly and the little girl learns a valuable lesson in the end.It's really a sweet book - both my girls just love it! ... Read more

Product Description
Play is how kids learn to understand the world around them. Created with the participation of a developmental psychologist, each Sweet Talkin’ book provides a delightful opportunity for interactive play between caregivers and toddlers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

love this "read and squeeze" book
My 8-month old loves this book. He sees the cover and smiles immediately. The text and illustrations are simple but speak right to the heart of your little friend. What a wonderful first book for any child! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (9)

A Little Light on Kangaroos
Flannery has some great scholarly work in here, but its buried under too much memoir for my taste.

The book may work well as a memoir or even travel tome, but as straight nature writing it is lacking and is more comparable to Bill Bryson's work than other really recommendable and accessible species studies like "Never Cry Wolf" and "In the Company of Crows and Ravens." There are some compelling sections on kangaroo biology -- there is about a nine page section on reproductive anatomy and gestation that is absolutely MUST READ -- and the anthropologcial "hunt" is at times dramatic; but, the "On the Road" diversions about his 1970's motorcycle trip and frequent and irrelevant diversions into Australian/aboriginal politics overwhelm most of that really good stuff.

Flannery does deserve a lot of credit for presenting a reasoned and experienced ecological case for preservation that is refreshing amidst the sea of knee-jerk pop environmentalism that is so rampant today. His passage on respect for ranchers and subsistence hunters demonstrates the kind of experience and thoughtful insight that could have formed the basis of a really great book; but, in the end, like so many of us, Flannery couldn't resist being so compelled by his own story to want to tell it to all of us.

Kangaroos galore!
Beautifully written. Almost as much fun to read as my favorite vampire and werewolf novels.

Entertaining Scientific Memoir
Here is advice from an expert: "If you ever see a fresh kangaroo carcass lying beside the road it is well worth stopping to take a closer look."The expert is Tim Flannery, a professor, explorer, and paleontologist, and he dispenses his advice, and much other eccentric and informative matter, in _Chasing Kangaroos: A Continent, a Scientist, and a Search for the World's Most Extraordinary Creature_ (Grove Press).Flannery has written plenty of books of anecdotes of travel and exploration, and also academic works about the strange mammals of his region.His current book is a combination memoir, travelogue, and appreciation of the fauna (including the humans) of the land down under, and it is delightful in all departments.

Flannery takes his own advice more than once, like the time he was driving in the Northern Territory and a wallaby dashed in front of him before he could swerve.It was a "nailtail" because its whip-like tail has a sort of fingernail at the end, and no one knows why it has such a thing because no one has ever seen it put to use.Flannery took the deceased nailtail back to his camp to anatomize its leg and feet; it is not surprising that these regions give the most clues about kangaroos' evolutionary descent.He also took steaks from the haunches, and reports that the resultant stew produced a meat that tasted like steak and mushrooms and was far superior to the meat of the red kangaroo (that's the kangaroo we non-Australians think of as "the" kangaroo, although there are plenty of others in different sizes, shapes, and colors).Unfortunately, the carcass was also tasty enough for some birds of prey to steal from him overnight, so his museum never got the specimen.Flannery does not deal in just recent kills, but some that have been extinct for millions of years, like _Propleopus oscillans_, the killer kangaroo.Don't worry; the huge carnivorous beast is long extinct, but it has been the subject of some of Flannery's own research, and he goes into some detail about how he did research and came to understand its environmental role, its teeth giving clues about it's carnivorous nature.Flannery describes his scientific jubilation: "Then there were a delicious couple of days when, as I worked on my theory without telling anyone else, I was the only person on Earth who knew that great, carnivorous kangaroos once stalked Australia."Subsequent finds of skulls confirm the theory, but beyond that there is a mystery, for a single arm bone is the only other fossil remnant of the creature ever found.

Another extraordinary thing about these creatures is that although they evolved in isolated islands with no hope of swimming to other lands, humans have arranged for them to populate new worlds, and kangaroos have flourished in unusual places.It is perhaps not too surprising to learn that brush-tailed rock-wallabies have done well on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.They are descendants of two who escaped from a menagerie in 1916.It is surprising, however, that there is a colony of grey kangaroos living happily in the forests west of Paris, France.Thirty years ago, a bungled theft of animals resulted in freedom for the greys who have prospered, much to the delight of the locals.And another extraordinary thing is that the male kangaroo has a scrotum hanging in front of his penis.And another extraordinary thing is that the female has two vaginas, and gives birth through neither of them (a special canal forms around birth time).And another extraordinary thing... Well, Flannery's book is full of them, and his enthusiasm in presenting them to the reader is a delight throughout.

G'day mate!Time to learn about the land down unda and learn about its roos!!
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"Australia was once dominated by people who loved the mother country--a land of lush greens and as alien to my [present-day] country as any could be.Today, Australians are more likely to proclaim a love of things native, yet because they often lack a true understanding of their environment, theirs is a love that can kill.Such well-meaning but uncomprehending enthusiasm is one reason why many Aboriginal communities continue to struggle under insupportable burdens, why native species [like species of kangaroos] keep vanishing, and why our future is being cut short by an insatiable addiction to fossil fuels.It is why I wrote this book.We have now embarked on a new phase of our national existence, and just where it will lead I do not know.But I have a sinking feeling that unless every Australian searches profoundly for ways to help our land survive, things are likely to end badly for ourselves and this great island continent."

The above is the last paragraph of this fascinating book by Australian paleontologist (and concerned environmentalist) Tim Flannery, who received his PhD from the Department of Earth Sciences, University of New South Whales.

Generally, this book is a blend of three things:

(1) His early years as a paleontologist and his continuing exciting work as a "fossil hunter"
(2) A natural history of the unique Australian landscape
(3) A study of the evolution of the equally unique kangaroo.This early evolution of kangaroos was virtually unknown until Flannery came along.(The search for this evolutionary past is what drives this book's main narrative.)

Many people might think that these are three reasons not to read it.Well, not for me!What this book did was made me understand why Flannery was named 2007 "Australian of the Year" and why he a scientist, explorer, and conservationist of"international acclaim" and "interdisciplinary brilliance."

What I found apparent as I read this book is that Flannery knows his science and presents it well when doing actual fieldwork (some of it hazardous) and research to trace the evolution of kangaroos.But there is much more to this book than just scientific precision.

Flannery embellishes his main narrative with humor and gives us his impressions.He fills each chapter with actual Australian characters he meets along the way.However, for me, it was his enthusiasm for his subject that made this book such a joy to read.The result is that this book is like a "love letter" to Flannery's native Australia and its most strikingly remarkable inhabitant: the kangaroo.

My favorite chapters have the following titles:

(1)Captain Cook's kangaroo
(2)Kangaroo essence
(3)The mystery of hopping
(4)The oldest kangaroo
(5)Where the great roos came from
(6)The age of kangaroos
(7)Grass for the kangaroos
(8)A dingo-driven revolution

Throughout are black and white illustrations (drawings, maps, pictures, etc.) that highlight aspects of the main narrative.As well, there are a dozen color pictures near the middle of the book.(By the way, the book's cover {displayed above by Amazon} shows a picture of a red kangaroo--the symbol of Australia.)

Finally, just before the introduction to the book is a black and white map of Australia.On it, Flannery has placed the locations of key places that he visits and explores in his main narrative.I recommend photocopying this map and using it to follow his travels.

In conclusion, this is a captivating book that's a blend of memoir, travel, natural history, and evolutionary science.After I finished reading it, I realized that Dr. Tim Flannery should have a nickname similar to his fictional Australian counterpart "Crocodile Dundee."How about:

"Kangaroo Flannery."

(first published 2007;map;introduction;26 chapters;postscript;main narrative 250 pages;kangaroo family tree;acknowledgements;bibliography;index)

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A breezy and fun read
Tim Flannery's "Chasing Kangaroos" is a terrific, informative read regarding what surely is one of the oddest animals in all of nature. To say the author is obsessed with his subject may not quite be true but his love for kangaroos in unabashed. Flannery's book teems with knowledge as one would guess, as he is one of the leading experts on these fascinating creatures.

Anyone who has ever seen a kangaroo "hop"...and I do mean they HOP....will marvel at their overall structure and Flannery, rightly so, gives a detailed account about how they get around, beginning with the physical diversity of the feet of the many different kangaroos. Not all of the dispensed information is cute and cuddly....a description of their digestive systems is downright unappealing...but Flannery covers it all in a narrative style that is mostly well-paced.

His opening recounting of a trip around Australia when he was in his teens can be a bit of a drudge and by that measure it takes a while to get into things. However, I highly recommend "Chasing Kangaroos"...it's simply a fun and educational book. ... Read more

Product Description
Follows a baby kangaroo, or joey, as it grows inside its mother's pouch and learns about the other animals living on Australia's Kangaroo Island. ... Read more

Product Description
Dot and the Kangaroo, written in 1899, is a children's book by Ethel C. Pedley about a little girl named Dot who gets lost in the Australian outback and is eventually befriended by a kangaroo and several other marsupials. The book was adapted into a stage production in 1924 and a film in 1977.

A girl named Dot is lost in the outback after chasing a hare into the wood and losing sight of her home. She is approached by a red kangaroo who gives her some berries to eat. Upon eating the berries, Dot is able to understand the language of all animals, and she tells the kangaroo her plight. The kangaroo, who has lost her own joey, decides to help little Dot despite her own fear of humans. The book is filled with criticism on negative human interference in the wild. (Quote from wikipedia.org)

About the Author

Ethel Charlotte Pedley (1859 - 1898)
Ethel Charlotte Pedley (19 June 1859 - 6 August 1898) was an Australian author and musician.

Pedley's most well-known book is Dot and the Kangaroo, which featured a little girl named Dot who becomes lost in the Australian outback, and is helped to find her way back home by a friendly kangaroo. The illustrations were drawn by Frank P. Mahony.

Pedley was a believer in the conservation of the Australian flora and fauna, and usually wrote her books from this perspective, singling out 'man' as disconnected from nature and the rest of the animals. (Quote from wikipedia.org)

About the Publisher

Forgotten Books is a publisher of historical writings, such as: Philosophy, Classics, Science, Religion, History, Folklore and Mythology.
http://www.forgottenbooks.org ... Read more

Product Description
A Christmas story to delight all Blue Kangaroo’s fans

Lily is helping her mother get ready for Christmas – she marks cards, and puts up Christmas streamers, not to mention decorating the tree, and wrapping parcels. And in everything she does, she does one special one: “Just for you, Blue Kangaroo.” And Blue Kangaroo is very touched. He feels very loved, and wants to do something for Lily. One evening, he is sitting nibbling his paws, when Father Christmas comes down the chimney, so he asks him what he can do. The next day there is a little blue heart hanging on the tree, and Lily cannot imagine whom it might be for. ... Read more

Product Description
Elmer Solves the Problem!

Elmer is faced with a very unusual problem, especially for an elephant: how to teach a kangaroo to jump! All over the world, children eagerly await each new adventure of their favorite patchwork elephant, and this is his silliest yet.

Product Description
Kangaroo discovers that his kidding and tricks do not always amuse his friends. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

YOURCHILDREN WILL FIND SWEET PICKLES BOOKS TO BE TOO SWEET
THE WHOLE SWEET PICKLES SERIES IS A JOY FOR ALL KIDS OF ALL AGES.I GREW UP WITH THE SWEET PICKLES BOOKS AND I AM NOW ON THE HUNT FOR THE WHOLE SERIES (ALL 26 CHARACTERS).NOT ONLY FOR MY 6 1/2 YEAR OLD SON AND MY 4 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER, BUT FOR MYSELF AS WELL.I VERY MUCH ENJOYED THE BOOKSAS A CHILD AND I WILL ENJOY READING THE STORIES TO MY KIDS AGAIN.SWEETPICKLES CHARACTERS ARE FUN AND THEY TEACH KIDS HOW TO SHARE, AND JUST BEALL AROUND GOOD PEOPLE.LEARNING WHILE HAVING FUN, WHAT MORE CAN A CHILDASK FOR? I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE WHOLE SWEET PICKLES SERIES, WHETHER IT BE-"WHO CAN TRUST YOU, KANGAROO?", OR "ELEPHANT EATS THEPROFITS"- I AM SURE YOUR KIDS WILL ENJOY. ... Read more

Product Description
Author Carmen Bredeson takes readers on a trip down under to explore the life of kangaroos. Learn how a kangaroo uses its tail to aid in its balance. Find out how a kangaroo uses its ears, teeth, feet and more to its advantage in its native habitat. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great photos & info!
Carmen Bredeson has put together a very clear and concise book about kangaroos. Beautiful photos of kangaroos are used to highlight different parts of the kangaroo. Each page details how the kangaroo uses that part to eat or survive. The author also includes the life cycle of kangaroos. Additional resources to learn more about kangaroos are listed along with an index and glossary. ... Read more

Product Description
When a young kangaroo asks a lot of questions, her parents know it's time to homeschool. The little 'roo thinks there's too much to learn, but her doubt turns into delight when she uses her driveway for a blackboard and learns she "Kandoo" all things through Christ who gives her strength. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

too simple for us
While it is a cute concept I did not feel like it gave my son any contrast between homeschool and going to school. I saw another review about it being too religious. I did not get that at all - yes we are religious but did not feel the book pushed that agenda in any way.

I see other books out there and will try those...I feel the story left a lot to be desired for us.

Wonderful to find a kids book about homeschooling - and a good one at that!
This is a story about a 6 yr old kangaroo who asks a bunch of questions, so her mom decides it's time to start home schooling, and explains a little of what they'll do to her.

It's such a cute story, with a Christian foundation (Phil 4:13 is quoted in the story). There are so many books about public school - it's wonderful to find one about home schooling!

OK if you want a religious book on homeschooling
The book was cute, and I can see that it would be fine if you are homeschooling for religious reasons.

I liked "I am a Home Schooler" by Julie Voetberg better -- even though it also has a little bit of religious content (which can be skipped with a pre-reader without harming the overall content of the story).

A truly wonderful way to introduce or reinforce the homeschooling concept to your young child...
My boys gain immeasurably from books that explore/relate to different aspects of their lives.So, I searched for a book written for the young child that demonstrates the concept of homeschooling in a fun and relaxed way.I was absolutely THRILLED when I came across this book.Although Kandoo Kangaroo Hops into Homeschool was the only PreK-3 book that I could find, it was absolutely perfect.We adhere to a very relaxed, eclectic approach and this book reinforced that philosophy with grace and subtly.My boys love this book and find reassurance that homeschooling is a very natural and acceptable way to learn. They still enjoy reading it and mimick the little lessons in the book during play. I highly recommend this book and mention it to every new homeschooling family I meet.BTW, there is another book written for homeschooled children titled I AM A HOMESCHOOLER.It's a non-fiction book that offers a glimpse into the life of one homeschool family.

One of a kind!
There are so many books out there for homeschool parents.I couldn't believe this was the only book I could find to introduce my son to homeschool.I guess if you have to have only one book though this is a great choice.The story is sweet without being too simple.It passes along the idea that learning is meant to be fun!!!After two years of homeschooling my son still likes to read this book from time to time. ... Read more

Product Description
Kangaroo Christine has grown much too big for her Mommy’s pouch. Mommy encourages Kangaroo Christine to "hop out" and start exploring the world, but Kangaroo Christine thinks mommy’s pouch is too nice and soft and it keeps them especially close. Mommy describes all the wonderful things outside her pouch, but Kangaroo Christine is determined to stay put. When a new friend hops up and asks Kangaroo Christine if she would like to play and learn to hop, Kangaroo Christine wriggles out of her mommy’s pouch and into the world outside of Mommy’s pouch!

This is a simple and warm story about a child venturing away from her mommy for the very first time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Keeper
The text is fun to read and listen to.The illustrations are wonderful.My Pre-K students LOVED this book and that means a lot to me! ... Read more