DK Children's Illustrated Dictionary

Customer Reviews:

A Great Start.......2007-09-28

My 5 year old just started kindergarten and her teacher suggested having a children's dictionary at home. I researched the options and loved this one. DK makes great children's books! During the second week of school, my daughter had homework and went straight to the dictionary to finish it! The entries are printed large and there are lots of pictures on every page. Every letter also has one two-page spread devoted to a single topic, for example, B goes in depth on the topic of Birds. This book is a must have for a family with school age children!!!!

Great Dictionary.......2007-05-27

My [...]who start reading books loves this dictionary. He still needs some help to read the text. Sometime the dictionary has a text as complex as the sentence from his books.

Very Satisfied.......2007-03-09

My 6 year old loves it .. they have made a "bland" book very interesting for kids by adding pictures and keeping definitions simple

children's dictionary.......2007-01-11

Lots of words with nice pics. Exactly what I was looking for my first-grader!

awesome dictionary.......2007-01-04

folks, just go for this one... I mean I get so excited myself looking at this book, I bought for so many of my friends, on their kids' birthday etc...just a tremendous book, kids will enjoy years of excitement, and they will thank you for this

The Classic Treasury of Aesop's Fables (Children's Illustrated Classics)

Average customer rating:

Only 20 Fables
Wonderful book! Just needs MORE content!
a great book, but not for my classroom
Beautiful, but not what I expected
A beautiful book

The Classic Treasury of Aesop's Fables (Children's Illustrated Classics)

Manufacturer: Running Press Book Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0762404132

Book Description

A treasure for all readers.

In The Classic Treasury of Aesop's Fables, there are twenty tales, each told through a series of lush, colorful pictures, which end with the simple moral, evoked in a single sentence. Children will love to see what befalls Aesop's cast of creatures that includes dogs, mice, and lions, proving that no one is too big or small to learn a thing or two.

Customer Reviews:

Only 20 Fables.......2007-07-03

Large book, but it is very thin and only contains 20 fables. I am returning it.

Wonderful book! Just needs MORE content!.......2006-01-12

This book was a gift for my 4 year old. It seems to be a re-written edition which is fine, as it is easier to understand than other versions we have. The illustrations are wonderful and my daughter loves them. However I was a bit disappointed that they could not fill this book with more fables. It seems like sort of a thin book for the price, and some of the most popular fables were omitted from this version. Just an FYI, since Amazon seems to be mixing reviews on here among various versions of books... this review is for ISBN# 0-7624-0413-2. I bought this and other books based on reviews that were not relevent to the particular version of the book I purchased.

a great book, but not for my classroom.......2004-07-18

While I appreciate this book for its beautiful, large illustrations, I wish I had browsed the table of contents before purchasing it. I had intended to use this book with my first grade class because we are studying Aesop's Fables. However, since two of the fables in this book contain the word "ass," this book is not appropriate for my classroom. I have no problem using it with my own children, however, so I'm not sorry that I bought it!

Beautiful, but not what I expected.......2002-12-22

It is true - the drawings in this book are beautiful. However, I was hoping that the telling of the fables would have more of the original flavor. The stories have been updated to at least the 20th century. I am sure that when Aesop told the stories, the Country Mouse and the City Mouse didn't have to dodge automobiles and miss stepping in bubblegum. It was misleading that Aesop is listed as "editor" because the stories are not as he told them.

The overall messages (ie morals) are there. I just was disappointed that it was so updated. I'm sure that serves its purpose, but it wasn't what I wanted.

A beautiful book.......2000-04-12

I am starting my collection of children's books for my son. He is still a baby, but he loves to look at the big, interesting, and colorful pictures in this book. It is nice because there are very short stories for times when baby is particularly wriggley and it is time for bed, and longer stories for a growing attention span. He just likes the pictures right now. He tries to touch the animals on the pages. I like the fables because they teach good morals. This is one of those books that stays high on the bookshelf and can be a treasure for generations.

Duck for President (New York Times Best Illustrated Books (Awards))

Average customer rating:

Elections explained in fun way
They dynamic duo strikes again
A fun look at the electorial process.
Geatest Book Ever!
Duck For President

Duck for President (New York Times Best Illustrated Books (Awards))
Doreen Cronin
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0689863772
Release Date: 2004-03-02

Book Description

My fellow Americans:

It is our pleasure, our honor, our duty as citizens to present to you Duck for President. Here is a duck who began in a humble pond. Who worked his way to farmer. To governor. And now, perhaps, to the highest office in the land.

Some say, if he walks like a duck and talks like a duck, he is a duck.

We say, if he walks like a duck and talks like a duck, he will be the next president of the United States of America.

Thank you for your vote.

Customer Reviews:

Elections explained in fun way.......2007-09-30

I loved this book. Ordered it for a school project for young children; then ordered more for others. I liked that it includes that the farm animals have to be registered to vote, they have to meet criteria, they fight for their rights. Includes a lot of info in a fun way.

They dynamic duo strikes again.......2007-08-05

You had me at "Click Clack Moo" and my son still breaks down into hysterical gut busting laughter every single time he reads "Giggle Giggle Quack".

Imagine my surprise when I hear my husband laughing hysterically while reading my son a story. I said what is going on and he says "It Duck!" He could not even hold it together to give me the gist of the story. It was entertaining and educational (sneaking in a little social studies).

Thank you for creating a wonderful family experience. Also now, my son wants to run for president so he can get out of chores.

But we have to save that five star for Giggle Giggle Quack.

A fun look at the electorial process........2007-06-05

I liked Click, Clack, Moo and Giggle, Giggle, Quack. This one hasn't really grown on me.

It starts with duck not liking his chores of mowing the lawn, taking out the garbage, and grinding coffee. He decides Farmer Brown is wrong and holds an election. He wins and learns running a farm is tough. Time to be Governor! He wins and learns it's hard work. Time to be President! Which he wins and learns its the toughest job of all. Time to retire and right the autobiography.

There are humor spots as this is an attempt to make fun of the electoral process. It's done in a good way and it makes references to past Presidents. I particularly liked the JFK pose.

Overall it's a good book. My daughter likes it and that's what counts!

Geatest Book Ever!.......2007-03-29

This book was an enjoyable book.This book teaches me that you can do what you have always wanted.The book teaches us how is important to vote in these days.Will I want you to read this funny book!
By,
David Trevino

Duck For President.......2007-02-21

This is a fun and enjoyable children's book. The book's humor makes it interesting and funny. Duck for President can teach about how fun the electoral process can be.
It is an educational storybook for kids. It includes duck campaigning, winning over voters, and being elected. The book is silly because it is so unreal. A duck on a farm becomes the president of the United States of America. Duck for President teaches you to never give up and to follow your dreams. Duck made a good campaign, studied his opponent, and came away with the win.
This is a fun and enjoyable book that teaches you a lot about the electoral process. It is very silly and teaches you a lesson about how to follow your dreams. It will be a quick read that could give you some laughs.

Island of the Blue Dolphins (Illustrated)

Average customer rating:

Indian
Enchanting and riveting, this story will stay with you
Island Of The Blue Dolphins!
May be too adult for 10 or 11 yr olds
good

Island of the Blue Dolphins (Illustrated)
Scott O'Dell
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0395536804

Amazon.com

Scott O'Dell won the Newbery Medal for Island of the Blue Dolphins in 1961, and in 1976 the Children's Literature Association named this riveting story one of the 10 best American children's books of the past 200 years. O'Dell was inspired by the real-life story of a 12-year-old American Indian girl, Karana. The author based his book on the life of this remarkable young woman who, during the evacuation of Ghalas-at (an island off the coast of California), jumped ship to stay with her young brother who had been abandoned on the island. He died shortly thereafter, and Karana fended for herself on the island for 18 years.

O'Dell tells the miraculous story of how Karana forages on land and in the ocean, clothes herself (in a green-cormorant skirt and an otter cape on special occasions), and secures shelter. Perhaps even more startlingly, she finds strength and serenity living alone on the island. This beautiful edition of Island of the Blue Dolphins is enriched with 12 full-page watercolor paintings by Ted Lewin, illustrator of more than 100 children's books, including Ali, Child of the Desert. A gripping story of battling wild dogs and sea elephants, this simply told, suspenseful tale of survival is also an uplifting adventure of the spirit. (Ages 9 to 12)

Book Description

This newly illustrated edition of Island of the Blue Dolphins, a Newbery Award-winning novel published in 1960, includes fourteen full-color paintings by a master watercolorist.

Customer Reviews:

Indian.......2007-10-01

White people found her people and took them off island with lie of freedom. She escaped and remain on island with brother. Wolves eat brother. She walk alone and with a special wolf who is kind to her. one day she enter a water cave, found out the truth about her people fate. her people died and she survived. one day white people return to the island once again, she finally allow herself to join them. she became famous and she is buried in california. her clothing is in museum in Italy. wonderful story of her courage life.

Enchanting and riveting, this story will stay with you.......2007-08-27

I have to smile when reading these other reviews that say this book was one of their favorites as a child. It also was mine. I've read so many books, that most times the memory of the details within them grow dim, but not with "Island of the Blue Dolphins". I can still picture the breathtaking beauty of the island where Karana spent her growing years. I still remember her joys and trials of living alone for so long, after everyone had left. Her ingenuity and strength still amazes me. I can't wait until my children are old enough so I can enjoy this Newberry book with them. It's definitely one in a million.

Island Of The Blue Dolphins!.......2007-08-19

When I was on vacation at Martha's Vinyard I went to the book store and bought Island Of The Blue Dolphins for myself and I loved it!! I love it so much because of it's beautiful discriptions and details that I can picture in my mind. This book is beautifully written and has wonderful detail of natural survival of hunting, and making friends (Rontu and Rontu-Aru and the English girl Tutok, the fox and Won-a-nee the otter). How many wonderful and beautiful adventures of exciting survival can one indian girl have? I am 10 years old and recommend this book to whoever loves reading and is a fan of detail and beauty!!!!!!!!

May be too adult for 10 or 11 yr olds.......2007-08-15

My 11 yr old enjoyed this book but says it was too sad for her taste. Kids!

good.......2007-08-13

THIS BOOK WAS FOR MY GRANDDAUGHTER. She liked it very much. I am looking for some other books for 7th graders do you have any suggestions?

Illustrating Children's Books: Creating Pictures for Publication

Average customer rating:

Great resource for the starting Illustrator
A Fantastic Book!
THIS BOOK IS INCREDIBLE!
Beautiful book, fantastic overview.
PERFECT!

Illustrating Children's Books: Creating Pictures for Publication
Martin Salisbury
Manufacturer: Barron's Educational Series
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0764127179

Book Description

The successful book illustrator starts by understanding his author's flight of fancy, then rendering the ideas and actions imaginatively in pictorial terms. This unusual and inspiring book was written for art students and ambitious beginners. It instructs on methods of developing both imaginative powers and the technical artistic skills to produce high quality illustrations that will please authors and children's book editors. Separate chapters focus on:

Media, materials, and techniques
Developing different drawing styles to fit specific storytelling methods
Instilling visual personality traits in story characters
Creating effective sequential images for storyboards and picture book outlines
Design, typography, and preparation for print
Illustrating story books for older children
Illustrating nonfiction and educational books
Breaking into the children's book publishing business

Here is solid, practical instruction for students of book illustration, enhanced with more than 250 how-to illustrations in color and black-and-white.

Customer Reviews:

Great resource for the starting Illustrator.......2007-07-31

This is an excellent, easy read for those interested in illustrating children's books. I bought this book along with Writing with Pictures (which I do not recommend) and found this to be an incredibly valuable resource for someone NEW to the field or illustration student. The book is filled with interesting insights into the minds of various illustrators, tips for processing ideas, understanding how the basic process works when dealing with a publisher and writer, etc. It also has a great brief history of children's book illustration, and talks about what is happening today, as far as media, market, etc.

Unlike many "how-to" books, this one is actually fun to read- and very easy to finish. I have been bored to tears with how-to books in the past- but I finished this within a couple of days. It is filled with inspirational illustrations on every page, and being a very visual person, I found it delightful to read.

If you are looking for specifics- exactly how to lay out a page, exactly how to prepare a portfolio, (though it does give tips) exactly which publishers to send your work to- then you will find this book disappointing. However, if you are new to this field and want a basic overview (and a bit of encouragement) before getting a very specific book- this is the best buy out there.

Other books I highly recommend:
Childrens Writers & Illustrators Market 2007
Inside the Business of Illustration
Bologna Annual 2006 (Bologna Annual. Illustrators of Children's Books)

A Fantastic Book!.......2007-07-10

As a hobby illustrator and a great admirer of Children's Illustration books, this book has provided a generous overview of the world of picture book publishing. Whilst, no area is covered in great depth, it's simplicity and wonderful illustrations provided more than enough information for the interested reader.

To self induluge, I would have loved to have seen some Australian illustrators mentioned though such as Mem Fox, Shaun Tan and Graeme Base as they are considered wonderful Picture Book Illustrators.

I showed this book to some of my collegues and they loved it!

THIS BOOK IS INCREDIBLE!.......2007-03-16

If you're interested in illustrating for children's books and such, don't miss this book. Full of information, how-to's, pictures, experiences, this book could very well be the aspiring children's artist's Bible! Believe me, you won't be wasting your money and this book will easily help you break into the industry as well as teaching you HOW to illustrate for children. Buy this book!

Beautiful book, fantastic overview........2007-02-24

This book is filled with lovely illustration examples. I find myself flipping through it all the time just because it's so pretty. The content is solid for an overview; you get history, types of media, practices, advice and resources. While I still feel a little overwhelmed by the process of submitting work this book has been a valuable resource.

PERFECT!.......2007-01-05

Books on this subject are hard to find, and this one is a gem! I absolutely LOVE this book! The layout is perfect with tons of illustrations and examples while keeping the text interesting and useful. I've been reading it before going to bed every night and almost want to get back up to put the theory into practice! Very practical and an enjoyable read, higly recommended for all illustrators out there!

Average customer rating:

Illustrated Children's Bible
Amazon needs to have better descriptions.
Tiny Bible Tiny Print
Be careful - don't mistakenly buy the small version
Too small

The Children's Illustrated Bible
DK Publishing
Manufacturer: DK CHILDREN
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0756609356

Book Description

Clear, easy-to-understand language and beautiful artwork make this little book is a treasure for young readers. Written in conjunction with educators, scholars, and religious advisors, Old and New Testament tales including the Birth of Jesus, Jacob¹s Ladder, Noah¹s Ark, and the Resurrection fill this little book that¹s perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Customer Reviews:

Illustrated Children's Bible.......2007-08-10

This is a great illustrated children's Bible. My only complaint is that the font is extremely tiny.

Amazon needs to have better descriptions........2007-05-03

Let me first say that my son has this Bible in the normal size version. I thought I would order one from here to give as a gift for my nephew. Like most here, I thought I was buying the larger version of this book. I had no idea it was 1/4 the size. There is way too much text (thus a very small font) to make this wonderful Bible to be of any use. I had to return it.

Tiny Bible Tiny Print.......2007-03-13

The book was beautiful - but I was expecting to be able to actually read it - it has minute font size. My son saw it and loved it immediately - maybe because it is small and he loves the pictures - but the print is REALLY small & uncomfortable for me to read to him.

Be careful - don't mistakenly buy the small version.......2007-01-16

This is a beautiful bible for young children to read on their own (ages 7 - 12) and for families with young children, unfortunately the one I purchased was 1/4 the size of the one I saw at Borders. I had no idea that the one I was buying was a small version and bought four of them as gifts. Needless to say, I was very sad when they arrived. The 1/4 size version is really small print. If you are buying the full sized version, I'd rate it a 5.

Too small.......2007-01-10

The content and illustrations are wonderful, so it is a shame that they printed it in such a small size. The large amount of text and the small font make reading it laborious and that completely defeats the purpose, doesn't it? A larger size would have made all of the different and made this a perfect Bible for children!

Aesop's Fables: A Classic Illustrated Edition (Classics Illustrated)

Average customer rating:

Make Sure You Are Ready for This Version
Aesop's Fables
not as good as SeaStar Books' version by Jerry Pinkney
Aesop's Fables
What an excellent way to introduce children to literature.

Aesop's Fables: A Classic Illustrated Edition (Classics Illustrated)
R. and Higton, B. Ash
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0877017808

Book Description

The Hare and the Tortoise. The Lion and the Mouse. The Boy Who Cried Wolf. The Jackdaw and the Borrowed Plumage. For generations, these titles and scores of others have been synonymous with the best in the timeless literature of childhood. Although he was probably as mythical as the tales attributed to him, the legendary name of Aesop has been associated for thousands of years with an enduringly popular collection of enchanting fables. In the lavish tradition of Chronicle Books' classic illustrated edition of A Child's Garden of Verses, this delightful selection of Aesop's parables--some of them universally recognizable, others refreshingly unfamiliar--is magnificently complemented by illustrations taken from a variety of antique editions. Among the artists represented in this superbly designed and beautifully reproduced new volume are Arthur Rackham, Thomas Bewick, Walter Crane, Charles Robinson, and Randolph Caldecott. Fully captioned illustrations, a complete bibliography of sources, and a set of biographical notes on the artists make this stunning compendium an ideal gift for any child as well as a valutable companion for collectors of fine illustrated books.

Customer Reviews:

Make Sure You Are Ready for This Version.......2007-01-06

Beware - This book is intended for mature readers. What I am referring to, is the style and vocabulary used in which the fables are told in the book. When I bought the book, I had intended to use it as a bed-time story book for my 7 and 5 year-olds. I found myself having to paraphrase quite a bit because it was written with a lot of subtlety and words that are not oft used in today's language. Also, the book is very loyal to the classical rendition of Aesop's fables, and the morals can be quite dark and unforgiving. For someone who appreciates good literature and tastefully paired art work, it is a good read. I would recommend this book for older kids to be read on their own.

Aesop's Fables.......2006-11-10

Great read for children. This book has been around for so many years and is well worth reading. It is easy for children as well as adults to read to their children and thoroughly enjoyable

not as good as SeaStar Books' version by Jerry Pinkney .......2006-04-19

I borrowed SeaStar Books' version from library. Love it so much that I decided to buy one for my daughter. I ended up boought this one. But comparing the two books, I love SeaStar's version much better: the story is told in much more interesting way. My 3 and half year old daughter loves it when I read it to her. The language in this book is too bland.

Aesop's Fables.......2005-05-02

These classic tales originated circa 6th century BC in Ancient
Greece. Well over 50 fables are presented. i.e.
The Grasshopper and the Owl is a recitation which explains
how the grasshopper was tempted to taste nectar; whereupon, the
Owl utilized the opportunity to swallow him. The story of the
Pack ass, wild ass and lion explains that it is necessary to
take a stand in order to be the master. Similarly, tens of tales
are recited together with the lessons learned in each. The presentation is perfect for grammar school student projects.

What an excellent way to introduce children to literature........2005-01-04

Aesop's Fables are a good way to introduce children to fine literature. This is especially easier in lovely illustrated editions. These fables of ancient Greece have been known to civiliation for centuries, and they are as apt now as when they were penned in the sixth century A.D. These fables were devised by Aesop to get out of any difficulty that he may have encountered with his master. He was a slave after all. The stories were mainly about the birds and beasts of field and forest, but everyone except Aesop's rather stupid master understood the meaning behind them. A fairly quick and easy read, but one well worth attempting.

Beatrix Potter's Art: A Selection of Paintings and Drawings

Average customer rating:

A Real Delight

Beatrix Potter's Art: A Selection of Paintings and Drawings
Anne Stevenson Hobbs
Manufacturer: Warne
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0723235988

Customer Reviews:

A Real Delight.......2001-05-12

This is an outstanding book and a must-have for those who love Beatrix Potter's work. While most people think of Potter as the author of those delightful children's books, this book shows the full range of her work. Anne Stevenson Hobbs did an outstanding job in presenting the art in a very enjoyable manner - a real plus for those lucky enough to own this book.

Close Your Eyes (New York Times Best Illustrated Books (Awards))

Average customer rating:

Great Illustration
Wonderful bedtime story....
Purrfect for putting your little one(s) to sleep!
Simply Wonderful
A wonderful book!

Close Your Eyes (New York Times Best Illustrated Books (Awards))
Kate Banks
Manufacturer: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0374313822

Amazon.com

A mother tiger wants her baby to go to sleep, but the little tiger resists. "'If I close my eyes,' he said, 'I can't see the sky.'" She assures him that he will not only see the sky when he sleeps, but will float among clouds and be cradled by the moon. Not in the least assured, the little tiger complains that if he closes his eyes, he will miss seeing the tree and the bird with blue feathers. With each concern, his mother consoles him with a comforting thought. If this gentle give-and-take were not calming enough for a bedtime story, Hallensleben's lovely dreamscapes (And If the Moon Could Talk) will surely do the trick. Double-page paintings of cloud animal shapes (with the little tiger cozying up with the moon), the "big mountains where the rain lives," and of mother tiger licking her baby are utterly hypnotic. Young children who are afraid to go to sleep will learn that "Dark is just the other side of light. It's what comes before dreams" and that mom is never very far away. (Ages 3 to 6) --Karin Snelson

Book Description

A little tiger takes an imaginative journey

The little tiger lay on his back in the tall grass.
"Close your eyes, little tiger," said his mother, "and go to sleep."

But the little tiger is worried about what sleep might bring.
His mother reassures him that once he closes his eyes, he will dream of magical places. And when he awakens, she will be right there, waiting for him.

Alternating between real-life scenes with the baby tiger and his mother and enchanted dream scenes of sleep's possibilities, Kate Banks's simple, comforting text and Georg Hallensleben's bright, colorful illustrations make this a charming bedtime story for small children.

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Customer Reviews:

Great Illustration.......2007-08-22

I first discovered this book at the library. I liked it so much that I've checked it out multiple times and have now purchased it.

Kate Banks' writing is a parent telling a story to a child. The words are soothing, but become more poetic with each reading.
Georg Hallenleben's art fills the page and takes you into the imagination of the writer.

I am a new mom and have received lots of books as gifts. I buy books used or on clearance as I see them. This is the first book I have purchased for my son at full price - I love it and would recommend as my top choice to anyone. I like it for naps.

Wonderful bedtime story...........2007-07-04

This book is one of my daughter's favorite bedtimes stories and mine. The little tiger is adorable and I love how all the illustrations complement the storyline. I absolutely LOVE this book and recommend it highly.

Purrfect for putting your little one(s) to sleep!.......2007-03-09

The beautiful illustrations and words of comfort help our two children, ages 2 and 4, at bedtime. The baby tiger expresses his fears of bedtime while mommy tiger provides words to calm and soothe.

Simply Wonderful.......2006-05-31

The writer and illustrator of "The Cat Who Walked Across France" team up again in another simple yet totally winning story. This time, our protagonist is a baby tiger--so innocent looking that he resembles a cuddly soft toy--who just can't go to sleep. With the enormous curiosity of any infant, this little tiger doesn't want to close his eyes and miss the sky, the trees, abright blue bird--all the wonderful, wondrous things around him.

In time-honored style, his wise mother counters all his objections with a parallel in his "mind's eye." In fact, she suggests that closing your eyes can bring you an even more varied and rewarding experience:

"The little tiger rolled onto his belly and listened to the leaves quiver overhead. 'If I close my eyes, I can't see the tree.' he said. 'But you can, said his mother. 'You can see many trees, where you can play hide-and-seek until the night finds you and brings you home."

This book was just made for quietly reading to your child as he or she gets into bed! ALong with the quieting possibilities offered in the book's beginning, Kate Banks also soothes the "what ifs." WHen the tiger imagines he's a bird, he suddenly acquires a fear of falling. The mother, who may have read some kids' books herself, answers "I will be there to catch you." IF he gets lost, "then I will find you." Banks knows no fear herself, she even tackles the dark: "'Don't be scared,' said his mother. 'Dark is just the other side of light. It's what comes before dreams.'" (Awwwww...) The sleepy tigers imagines what he might dream of, and illustrator Hallensleben shows us a panoramic view of snow-capped mountains shaded blue and purple, sand dunes with purple-topped palms, and a giant orange fish jumping out of a deep blue sea, a seagull, an orange-billed penguin-ish bird, and the tiger dancing merrily on its back.

Hallensleben draws his typically rich oil colors here, and brush strokes and saturated, unusual color schemes (there's a bit of the Fauve here) are almost too visually exciting for a bedtime book. Still, a darkened room will dampen the colors, and Banks' ever-present, always reassuring mother tiger will undoubtedly work as well with your young audience as it did with her tiger cub.

A wonderful book!.......2005-07-18

This is a beautiful book about going to bed and having wonderful dreams! The story is simple for toddlers to understand and the illustrations are impressive. It really shows young kids' imaginations and that "mama tiger" is always there for her baby.

Average customer rating:

A fascinating look at the history and rooms of the White House
The Real West Wing

The White House: An Illustrated History
Catherine O. Grace
Manufacturer: Scholastic Reference
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0439429714

Book Description

Through fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpses of the White House captured in more than 200 photographs, many of which were taken specifically for the book, and unprecendented personal interviews with the staff so that their faces and voices could be brought to life, weaved together with an engaging narrative that leads the reader through the lifespan of the house, The White House: An Illustrated is an all encompassing look at this famous American landmark. The author explores the four main roles of the White House:

Customer Reviews:

A fascinating look at the history and rooms of the White House.......2005-12-24

"The White House: An Illustrated History" was published in cooperation with the White House Historical Association and includes an introduction by the current First Lady, Laura Bush. No wonder this is a first rate look at the most famous building in America. Catherine O. Grace not only looks at the history of the building but also behind the scenes at what it takes to run a mansion with 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and 12 chimneys. Regardless of whether you are old enough to remember Jackie Kennedy taking television viewers on a tour of the White House or learned most of what you know about the Executive Mansion from watching "The West Wing," you will find this a fascinating look at the home that is also an office, a museum, and a ceremonial stage.

Grace interviewed current staff members, such as the chief usher and president's photographer, and throughout the book these people are profiled in Faces & Voices sections. The book is divided into five chapters. Chapter 1, Rooms with a View: Building the President's House, looks at the history of the building century by century, including a cutaway of the White House and a look at the Visitor Center located near the mansion. Chapter 2, "Working at the White House," looks at key parts of the White House such as the West Wing, Oval Office, Cabinet Room, and Residence. Chapter 3, Celebrating at the White House, covers everything from state dinners and rose garden ceremonies to celebrating the arts and various holiday traditions. Chapter 4, A White House Tour, Room by Room, looks at what you actually get to see when you visit the WHite House, starting with the library and ending up in the state dining room, with the China Room, East Room, and others in between. Chapter 5, Living at the White House, looks at the family quarters, famous White House pets like Millie and Socks, and what various first families have done there.

By the end of the first chapter I knew this was a great look at the White House. I like the history aspects more than the decorating, but even the latter gets pretty interesting (the paintings in the Red Room include Gilbert Stuart's portrait of Dolley Madison). The back of the book has an Epilogue: A White House Album, which looks at what each president from George Washington to George W. Bush has done about the White House. There is also a Selected Bibliography, Internet sites where readers can go For More Information, and Other Media about the White House. You also learn where to write (or fax) the president (or first lady). If you are looking for something specific the Index at the end will be of help as well, but the Table of Contents will certainly get you in the ballpark.

There are over 200 photographs and other illustrations showing both the people and the events that mark the history of the White House. You will find a painting of First Lady Abigail Adams watching a servant hang laundry in the East Room, a photograph of the White House when it was gutted during the Truman administration, and a diagram of some of the trees planted by presidents and first ladies. There are several shots of the model White House built by the Zweifels on a scale of one inch to one foot, a photograph of President Eisenhower cooking burgers, and Amy Carter carving a jack-o-lantern with her friends in the China Room (on a white sheet to protect the concert). There are also five special double pages that open up for a close up look at the amazing building through a 19th-century painting of Washington, D.C. or a shot of the Oval Office.

The Real West Wing.......2003-11-01

This is a great book for children and adults alike. It is filled with fascinating details and beautiful illustrations about our nation's most important residence. The book artfully covers the long history of the White House and offers behind-the-scenes insights into how it lives, breathes, and operates today. I particularly appreciate the Epilogue, which features vignettes about the influence of each President (and First Lady) and gives readers a real sense of the house's evolution. Also enjoyable are the interviews with White House staff, such as the director of student correspondence and the pastry chef. After reading Catherine Grace's delightful volume, I can appreciate John Adams' benediction, now carved in the State Dining Room mantlepiece: "I pray Heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house and on all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof."

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