Bird Songs

Book Description

Drawing from the collection of the world-renowned Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Bird Songs presents the most notable North American birds including the rediscovered Ivory-billed Woodpecker in a stunning new format. Renowned bird biologist Les Beletsky provides a succinct description of each of the 250 birds profiled, with an emphasis on their distinctive songs. Lavish full-color illustrations accompany each account, while a sleek, built-in digital audio player holds 250 corresponding songs and calls. In his foreword, North American bird expert and distinguished natural historian Jon L. Dunn shares insights gained from a lifetime of passionate study. Complete with the most up-to-date and scientifically accurate information, Bird Songs is the first book to capture the enchantment of these beautiful birds in words, pictures, and song. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, located in Ithaca, New York, is a nonprofit institution focused on birds and whose mission is to interpret and conserve the earth's biological diversity through research. The Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab is the major source of sound recordings of birds for research, education, conservation, the media, and commercial products.

Listen here
Trumpeter Swan
Laughing Gull
Eastern Bluebird

Customer Reviews:

perfect book for young and old.......2007-10-17

I bought this for my wife and my grand daughter. They love it and the sounds authentic and the book is easy to use.

Reading level: Ages 9-12 - I don't think so!?!.......2007-10-01

Great book for my coffee table for people to press the bird numbers. My favorite is the Northern Mockingbird, and my cats never fail to perk up their ears at it.

I've seen birds in my back yard react to different bird songs I played, so I can imagine that a lighter weight book would be great to take on field trips for attracting certain birds.

Some of the owls are eerie sounding, but I love owls (they eat mice, right?), so I play them often. There are others I haven't even heard of, not being a birder. But I'm handling the learning curve, and it's certainly fun!

Great for beginning birders.......2007-09-27

This is now our favorite coffee table book-- although we have to tear it out of the hands of guests in order to have conversation about something else. The sound is excellent. Gave a copy to my sister who also loves it.

Great book.......2007-09-27

Great book. The pictures and writeups for each bird are good and the sound is pretty good. I wish there were even more calls included for each bird. Great gift for any bird lover.

Cool Book!.......2007-09-26

It is true, the birds will respond if you play the songs outdoors-It caught the attention of many of the woodpeckers In my backyard..I know the birds by sight but needed help with the songs and calls and this is perfect! Great Idea for a book and a must for beginning birdwatchers or just birdlovers....

Average customer rating:

Don't let thePigeon Stay Up Late
I love these books!
Cute idea but kids aren't interested.
as good as the others
another pigeon hit

Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!

Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Bedtime & Dreaming | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Humorous | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Pigeon Has Feelings, Too!, The
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!
Pigeon Loves Things That Go!, The
Knuffle Bunny (Bccb Blue Ribbon Picture Book Awards (Awards))

ASIN: 0786837462
Release Date: 2006-02-28

Book Description

It's getting dark out, but one stubborn Pigeon is NOT going to bed! Toddlers and parents will love this interactive bedtime romp which puts readers back in the driver's seat, deflecting Pigeon's sly trickery as he tries to escape his inevitable bedtime. Will you let him stay up late?

Customer Reviews:

Don't let thePigeon Stay Up Late.......2007-10-17

My kids love this series of books and the newest edition did not disappoint them.

I love these books!.......2007-10-01

Mo Willems' Pigeon books are a great collection of books. The text is succinct; great for the younger crowd. The illustrations are simple. And the pigeon character will charm you. Love it!

Cute idea but kids aren't interested........2007-09-29

I think the humor is above the level that the book targets. It ready funny for an adult but my daughters don't like it much.

as good as the others.......2007-09-27

One of my children's favorite books is "Don't let the pigeon drive the bus" so I was hoping that this would stand up to the same humor, and we were not disappointed. My kids (6&3) laughed at all his excuses. And now some nights when they keep thinking of things they need to keep them from going to bed...I can just say "goodnight Pigeon" and they laugh and head to bed.

A great book for anyone with children who think up 999 ways to stay up late!

another pigeon hit.......2007-09-21

My son loves the pigeon books. I don't know why, but he is under 2 and quickly memorizes them. Having loved Bus and Hot Dog, Don't let the pigeon stay up late follows as another success. Every parent of kids two and under should purchase these pigeon books.

Average customer rating:

Great book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A lovely book!
YIKES! SCARRY!
a childhood favorite passed down
Still has the same magic

Are You My Mother?
P.D. Eastman
Manufacturer: Random House Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Humorous | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Green Eggs and Ham (I Can Read It All by Myself Beginner Books)
Go, Dog. Go! (Beginner Books(R))
Hop on Pop (Beginner Books(R))
One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish (I Can Read It All by Myself Beginner Books)
The Cat in the Hat

ASIN: 0394800184
Release Date: 1960-06-12

Amazon.com

This is the classic from which many of our staff first learned to read, starting us on a path of unremitting bibliophilia. Are You My Mother? follows a confused baby bird who's been denied the experience of imprinting as he asks cows, planes, and steam shovels the Big Question. In the end he is happily reunited with his maternal parent in a glorious moment of recognition.

Book Description

Illus. in color. A baby bird is hatched while his mother is away. Fallen from his nest, he sets out to look for her and asks everyone he meets -- including a dog, a cow, and a plane -- "Are you my mother?"

Customer Reviews:

Great book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-08-11

My mom got me this book when i was only a few months old. It is a great book. Since i am older i don't read it as much but i didn't forget about it yet! It has a baby bird who falls out of its nest and goes out looking for its mother and it asks so many animals and it finally finds her.The illustrations are great. I would recommend it to any beginner.

A lovely book!.......2007-07-18

This book could not be sweeter! My 5 yo adores this book. It shows the bond and love a Mother and child have from day one.

YIKES! SCARRY!.......2007-07-17

Not a good book for kids. Being lost and alone, searching for your mother or anyone that looks like you will not only frighten your child but also teach them that they must find someone that looks like them to feel safe and accepted. This book is dated and not child appropriate. :-(

a childhood favorite passed down.......2007-05-15

I am just thrilled to see that this classic is still going strong. I remember this from the early 70s as I was a young girl and my father read this to me daily. And now, I had the priviledge of introducing the book to my daughter about a year ago. It became an instant favorite since it involves all the favorite characters of a toddler's life: conversations with a dog, cow, chicken, cat etc. Parents that enjoy getting creative when reading to their children will love this book!

Still has the same magic.......2007-05-08

I just finished reading "Are you my Mother?" with my daughter, having not heard it since I was a child. This book still posesses the same magic it did for me all those years ago.
Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

happy birthday to you!
SEPT.6TH ! The best day FOR IN LIFE...OUR FIX.
A year-round favorite
Perfect gift for my twin grandsons' birthday
Happy Birthday to You

Happy Birthday to You! (Classic Seuss)
Dr. Seuss
Manufacturer: Random House Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Humorous | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? (Classic Seuss)
Dr. Seuss's Sleep Book (Classic Seuss)
Oh, the Places You'll Go! (Classic Seuss)
Oh, the Thinks You Can Think! (Beginner Books(R))
My Book About Me

ASIN: 0394800761
Release Date: 1959-08-12

Book Description

Illus. in color. "The Great Birthday Bird guides us on a birthday trip. The multicolored excursion is a festive one."--School Library Journal.

Customer Reviews:

happy birthday to you!.......2007-09-24

My students loved this story. I keep it is a basket on the floor and the are constantly picking it up. Would recommend it to anyone.

SEPT.6TH ! The best day FOR IN LIFE...OUR FIX........2007-09-10

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU~~~~~~~~~HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIIIIIIIIRTTTH DAY AHAYAA MISTOUR BLACKSHEREEEEEEEEEEEE
HAP-HAP-HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!

Happy Birthday Chris,from(and I think I'm not alone) everyone!!!
your a great person and friend!
OH! this book is great also!

A year-round favorite.......2007-07-30

We read this on birthdays and plenty of other times too! Sweet but not too much so, and funny turns of phrase.

Perfect gift for my twin grandsons' birthday.......2007-06-12

Every child should have this book....my daughter uses books for decorating and these are sure to be read and visible every year.

Cha-Cha from North Branford, CT

Happy Birthday to You.......2007-05-30

This is a delightful book for those having a birthday regardless of the age.

Average customer rating:

Owls Rock!
so far
An Inspiring Book
A great book but I liked the Tommytown series better
give a Hoot about this book:0

Hoot
Carl Hiaasen
Manufacturer: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Humorous | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Flush
Skin Tight
Tourist Season
Holes
Nature Girl

ASIN: 0375829164
Release Date: 2004-05-11

Amazon.com

Roy Eberhardt is the new kid--again. This time around it's Trace Middle School in humid Coconut Grove, Florida. But it's still the same old routine: table by himself at lunch, no real friends, and thick-headed bullies like Dana Matherson pushing him around. But if it wasn't for Dana Matherson mashing his face against the school bus window that one day, he might never have seen the tow-headed running boy. And if he had never seen the running boy, he might never have met tall, tough, bully-beating Beatrice. And if he had never met Beatrice, he might never have discovered the burrowing owls living in the lot on the corner of East Oriole Avenue. And if he had never discovered the owls, he probably would have missed out on the adventure of a lifetime. Apparently, bullies do serve a greater purpose in the scope of the universe. Because if it wasn't for Dana Matherson...

In his first novel for a younger audience, Carl Hiaasen (Basket Case, etc.) plunges readers right into the middle of an ecological mystery, made up of endangered miniature owls, the Mother Paula's All-American Pancake House scheduled to be built over their burrows, and the owls' unlikely allies--three middle school kids determined to beat the screwed-up adult system. Hiaasen's tongue is firmly in cheek as he successfully cuts his slapstick sense of humor down to kid-size. Sure to be a hoot, er, hit with middle school mystery fans. (Ages 10 to 15) --Jennifer Hubert

Book Description

Unfortunately, Roy’s first acquaintance in Florida is Dana Matherson, a well-known bully. Then again, if Dana hadn’t been sinking his thumbs into Roy’s temples and mashing his face against the school-bus window, Roy might never have spotted the running boy. And the running boy is intriguing: he was running away from the school bus, carried no books, and–here’s the odd part–wore no shoes. Sensing a mystery, Roy sets himself on the boy’s trail. The chase introduces him to potty-trained alligators, a fake-fart champion, some burrowing owls, a renegade eco-avenger, and several extremely poisonous snakes with unnaturally sparkling tails.
Roy has most definitely arrived in Carl Hiaasen’s Florida.

From the Hardcover edition.

Download Description

2003 Newbery Honor Winner!

Unfortunately, Roy's first acquaintance in Florida is Dana Matherson, a well-known bully. Then again, if Dana hadn't been sinking his thumbs into Roy's temples and mashing his face against the school-bus window, Roy might never have spotted the running boy. And the running boy is intriguing: he was running away from the school bus, carried no books, and -- here's the odd part -- wore no shoes.

Sensing a mystery, Roy sets himself on the boy's trail. The chase introduces him to potty-trained alligators, a fake-fart champion, some burrowing owls, a renegade eco-avenger, and several extremely poisonous snakes with unnaturally sparkling tails.

Roy has most definitely arrived in Carl Hiaasen's Florida.

WINNER OF THE 2002 Association of Booksellers for Children (ABC) CHOICES AWARD!

Customer Reviews:

Owls Rock!.......2007-07-23

I loved this book! It was about kids saving endangered owls and I love wildlife and nature. The characters were interesting and funny; sometimes sarcastic, except for Roy. The plot was interesting and well-developed. I learned a little bit about Florida which I did not know before. This book made me want to visit Florida and it made me want to save endangered animals. It made me realize that kids can save endangered animals and make a difference in the world. I highly recommend this book; I think most kids would love this book.

so far.......2007-07-14

I've read three books this summer. My grandmother is paying me a dollar for every book I read so I'm not bragging. The first two weren't like work at all, but this one almost is. I thought it would be more adventerous. That's the kind of book I really like. For everybody who likes more adventer, adventuer / \ excitment, I think they should read The Misadventures of Maude March, and if they are a boy, they will like The Voyage of the Frog.

An Inspiring Book.......2007-06-04

I have recently read the book Hoot by Carl Hiaasen. Have you ever felt left out, or have you felt like your not where you're supposed to be? This is how Roy Eberhardt, a teenage boy from Montana, feels after moving to Florida. Roy investigates a mystery of the boy running with no shoes on, while he tries to save an owl species. Will life in Florida be looking up for Roy?
The theme or lesson of this book I think was to not let things get in your way. Hoot was very inspiring and it makes you want to help animals in your community. Also, you can literally feel yourself as if you were a character in the setting. I'd advise you to read Hoot because I know you'll love it.

A great book but I liked the Tommytown series better.......2007-06-01

I thought this was a great book, but not as good as the Tommytown series. In Tommytown the boys 11 -14 and the girl, Karen 14 years old acted more like their age and the scenes where funny and exciting. But both writers are super! Take a look at Tommytown and The Boys From Tommytown , (I actually did it. I inserted the titles) Anyway you won't be sorry.

give a Hoot about this book:0.......2007-05-22

I thought that this book by Carl Hiaasen was great! This was a very inspirational book about a boy named Roy who moves to Coconut Cove, Florida. He faces many problems like a bully named Dana Matherson, and he meets a girl Beatrice, and her mal treated step- brother. Together the kids try to save mini owls who were going to get hurt, or killed by a building company that was building a new Mother Paula's Pancake House. I would reccomend this book to any one, but especially animal lovers. It is a great novel just like Carl Hiaasens other novels.

Average customer rating:

Amusing book, but wouldn't buy again.
Three Silly Chicks Review
A zany counting story of too many penguins evolves.
Great fun for young kids.
Fun for All

365 Penguins
Jean-Luc Fromental
Manufacturer: Abrams Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Humorous | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Secret Science Project That Almost Ate the School (Paula Wiseman Books)
Flotsam (Caldecott Medal Book)
A Collection of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories
Adele & Simon
Not a Box

ASIN: 081094460X

Book Description

On the first day of the new year, the mailman brings a surpriseÂ—a penguin! One by one, day by day, penguins fill the house. At first they are cute, but with every passing day, the penguins pile upÂ—along with the familyÂ's problems. Feeding, cleaning, and housing the penguins becomes a monumental task! But who is sending these penguins, and why?

In a large format, and with lots of opportunity for counting, 365 Penguins is sure to become a wintertime staple.

Customer Reviews:

Amusing book, but wouldn't buy again........2007-10-14

I love children's books, and this one is amusing, with eye-catching illustrations. However, I didn't expect the lecture on global warming at the end. The way it was written was abrupt and out of sync with the flow of the story. The way the math concepts are integrated is somewhat clunky, as well. It is not a book I would tend to recommend.

Three Silly Chicks Review.......2007-10-02

Reviewed by Three Silly Chicks - Readers, Writers, and Reviewers of funny books for kids.

It's hard not to love penguins. They are such spiffy dressers and great tap dancers. (This was actually documented in a recent motion picture!) Imagine how exciting it would be to receive a penguin in a box on New Year's Day with only a simple note to explain, "I'm number 1. Feed me when I'm hungry." Now imagine the surprise and joy of receiving another penguin the next morning. And the next and the next and the next . . .

For a full year, the family in this funny picture book receives a penguin a day and problems multiply as their flock grows. Dad becomes obsessed with organizing the penguins. Mom gets more than a little crazed and the kids just go with the flow. Or is that floe?

Simple graphic-arts style illustrations in a limited palette and a large trim size for this book make it great for young kids who will get a kick out of counting the very silly penguins and finding the one with blue feet who shows up on day 144. (Visualize a penguin-Waldo who eats fish.) Older kids and parents will enjoy the family's reaction to the penguins as the year progresses and they are so horribly outnumbered. A bit of math and ecology play into the tale, but never overload the story in this delightful book. Makes you want to put on a tux and dance like a penguin!

A zany counting story of too many penguins evolves........2007-09-07

Jean-Luc Fromenthal and Joelle Jolivet's 365 PENGUINS is an oversized presentation which could make for a shelving challenge for some holdings, but which provides a fun account of a mailman's surprise delivery of a penguin a day. Who is sending all these penguins - and why? A zany counting story of too many penguins evolves.

Great fun for young kids........2007-09-03

My boys ages 6 and 7 love this book. The illustrations are wonderful, and the story is fun! I like that it covers math concepts of addition, multiplication, etc. For example, 100 penguins plus one more makes 101. Stacking penguins 6 by 6 by 6 in a cube makes ... filing them in 12 boxes of 12 makes ... Some if the math is way too advanced for my children, but I doubt kids much older would be terribly interested in the writing or illustrations. Although some of the math is advanced, my children nevertheless enjoy the book, and I think that exposing them to these math concepts is great!!! We also love looking for the penguin named Chilly in each scene. There is a global warning lecture on one of the last pages, which sounds very preachy and doesn't fit into the rhythm or tone of the story, but I don't mind the message, so it doesn't bother me. This is a good book for kids ages 5 - 9.

Fun for All.......2007-08-28

This book is entertaining for penguin lovers of all ages. The penguins' eyes are a "hoot".

Average customer rating:

What a Great Read!
Best Series EVER!!!
Must read this book
An Amazing Read
Fantastic

Golden Tree (Guardians Of Ga'hoole)
Kathryn Lasky
Manufacturer: Scholastic Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

River Of Wind (Guardians Of Ga'hoole)
To Be A King (Guardians Of Ga'hoole)
Coming Of Hoole (Guardians Of Ga'hoole)
First Collier (Guardians Of Ga'hoole)
The Outcast (Guardians of Ga'hoole, Book 8)

ASIN: 0439888069

Book Description

Coryn, Soren, and the Band preside over a new Golden Age of the Great Tree under the subtle influence of the Ember. All seems well, but beneath the prosperity of peace Coryn is tortured by the suspicion that his evil mother, Nyra, is a hagsfiend and that his own blood carries the haggish taint. He wanders afar searching for the truth from hagsfiends themselves - putting the Great Tree in danger. Soren & the Band follow their new king to strange parts to guard him from the consequences of his obsession.

Customer Reviews:

What a Great Read!.......2007-09-04

This book was great! I really enjoyed reading this book.

In the Golden Tree, The Band and the young King Coryn leave the tree. The ember that Coryn retrieved has made the Island of Hoole in an everlasting summer, where everything is golden, even in the time of the white rain. Otulissa stays behind, and finds that not everything is golden there. Two owls become obsessed, and come up with crazy rituals and performances. The time at the Great Tree is an unfortunate one. Someone must get word to the Band, but who?

I have to say, my favorite part was either the big battle or the part with Madam Plonk. I think that everyone will be happy with this suspenseful and exciting book.

Best Series EVER!!!.......2007-07-13

I own every book in this series and they get better every time! Start with book 1 then go in order because it won't make sense and won't be as good if you don't.

Must read this book.......2007-05-07

Golden tree keeps you locked into the story of all the owls of gahoole. I was so caught up I read the whole book in one day!! The whole series is a must read.

An Amazing Read.......2007-04-27

I read this book, and it was fantastic! The Golden Tree is perhaps one of Mrs. Lasky's best books in the entire Guardians of Ga'Hoole series. The Band finally makes a comeback, and Coryn is getting used to being King. Soren's chicks also hatch, though I was disappointed there wasn't much about them in The Golden Tree.

Coryn and the Band go on a journey to discover whether Nyra is really a hagsfiend, and if Coryn's blood is tainted due to his evil heritage, but end up finding out something totally different and possibly even more dangerous. A dark secret from the past is unearthed, and is in Nyra's clutches. Coryn and the Band need to stop Nyra before it's too late, and an important, beloved character nearly dies, and another character does die. I was practically on the edge of my seat with excitement!

Meanwhile, in Coryn's absence, Otulissa is left to deal with the annoying Whiskered Screech Owl, Gemma, and Elyan the Great Gray Owl. Both have become obsessed with the Ember of Hoole, and many Guardians start to follow them. Eventually, even Otulissa is powerless to stop them, and the Guardians' only hope of alerting Coryn lies in one of the most unlikely of owls.

A character mentioned in Book 1, Bess the Boreal Owl, Grimble's favorite daughter, reappears as the Keeper of the Palace of Mists in The Golden Tree. However, Bess, like Soren's daughters, Pellimore, and Eglantine, also has no dialogue, except for flashbacks.

One of the book's greatest surprises was Madame Plonk's amazing personality transformation, from a spoiled, fat old singer to a warrior gadfeather. There are also hints at new romances, and a brand-new owl kingdom. I can't wait for The River of Wind to come out!

The Golden Tree is a must-read for any fantasy lover!

Fantastic.......2007-02-11

There was a nearly six-month lapse between "To Be a King" and "The Golden Tree," and I was not disappointed by this 12th installment of the Guardians of Ga'Hoole series.

A brief summary: The Great Ga'Hoole Tree is glowing gold from the Ember of Hoole's influence, and the Island of Hoole has entered a state of perpetual summer. But after King Coryn and the Band leave the tree, Otulissa soon discovers that all that's gold is not necessarily good. The Ember enthralls the owls of Ga'Hoole, and many of them begin to act strangely, especially Gemma the Whiskered Screech Owl and Elyan the Great Gray Owl. When this strange behavior goes too far, it becomes clear that someone must get word out to the king and the Band.

"The Golden Tree" is suspenseful, and interlaced with the excitement and quality I've long since come to expect of the Guardians of Ga'Hoole series. Fans of the books will not be disappointed, and the cliffhanger at the end will leave them looking forward to Book 13, "The River of Wind," set for release by July 1st. All in all, a fantastic read!

Average customer rating:

Swan Reveiw
Another family favorite
Good Book, Good Purchase
It would be foolish to try and top this
Trumpeting for Trumpet of the Swan

The Trumpet of the Swan
E. B. White
Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Stuart Little 60th Anniversary Edition
The Cricket in Times Square
Charlotte's Web (Trophy Newbery)
Mr. Popper's Penguins
James and the Giant Peach

ASIN: 0064408671
Release Date: 2000-10-03

Amazon.com

Although he lacks a voice in the traditional "Ko-hoh!" sense, trumpeter swan Louis learns to speak to the world with a trumpet stolen from a music store by his father. With the support of an unusual boy named Sam, who helps Louis learn how to read and write, the swan has some rather unswanlike adventures and ultimately wins the love--and the freedom--of a beautiful swan named Serena.

For over 30 years, E.B. White's masterpiece has captured the fancy of countless readers. Now, with stunning new art by award-winning illustrator Fred Marcellino, the beloved story can be experienced anew. The sepia-colored drawings lend an old-fashioned charm to the story--it's almost as if, with their complementary dry wit and uniquely creative talents, White and Marcellino originally worked together. Marcellino received the Caldecott Honor for his illustrations in Charles Perrault's Puss in Boots. (Ages 8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

Swan Song

Like the rest of his family, Louis is a trumpeter swan. But unlike his four brothers and sisters, Louis can't trumpet joyfully. In fact, he can't even make a sound. And since he can't trumpet his love, the beautiful swan Serena pays absolutely no attention to him.

Louis tries everything he can think of to win Serena's affection -- he even goes to school to learn to read and write. But nothing seems to work. Then his father steals him a real brass trumpet. Is a musical instrument the key to winning Louis his love?

Customer Reviews:

Swan Reveiw.......2007-02-23

I say a person who likes adventure books would like to read The Trumpet of the Swam. They should read this book because it is pretty much a total adventure. There are other types of readers who would enjoy this book but, adventure is the main type. The protagonist(Louis)seems very sad that he can't talk but, he is capable of doing other things without his voice. The antagonist(Louis' father)feels bad for Louis and his condition. Although,when the father steals a brass trumpet he gets Louis in a mess of trouble. My thoughts about The Trumpet of the Swan are that the adventures Louis had repeated sometimes. He always tried to get money to pay back the stolen trumpet. The book got boring at times.

Another family favorite.......2007-02-15

The Trumpet of the Swan turned out to be another big hit for my family and I to share together. You know you have a big hit with my kids when they will do whatever you ask of them just so you will sit there and read the next chapter!!

TOTS is told from a number of different perspectives. It starts off from the perspective of Sam Beaver, a young boy from Montana on vacation with his father in the Canadian Wilderness. Sam is an introspective young man. He likes to explore and think by himself, he worries about his future, and he keeps a journal where he asks himself questions to ponder every night before he goes to sleep. My 8-year-old Noah was quite taken with that idea and I am getting a journal book of his own to write down his thoughts and make little pictures to keep. Sam is also brave and patient. His patience pays off when one day the Mother Swan and her Cob allow their new cygnets to meet him. And that is how Sam meets Lois, the little swan without a voice. In a very tender moment little Lois, who has no voice, pulls Sam's shoe lace as a way to say hello. The imagination of my young sons were so inspired with what it would take to have a wild bird like Lois come that close to them. We can't even get the stray cats in our neighborhood to stand still long enough for a pat on the head!!

The Cob and his wife have come to Canada for the purpose of raising a family. The first couple of chapters are dedicated to the challenges of building a nest and hatching the young cygnets. This is my favorite part of the book! The cob, is a master orator! He never says in anything in 5 words when 50 will do much better! He is arrogant, verbose, flamboyant and charming. He cracked us all up more than once!

But the central character in the book is Lois the swan, a trumpeter swan without a voice! As it turns out this is a major birth defect for this young swan if he ever hopes to communicate with his fellow swans, but particularly if he ever hopes to woo and court a female trumpeter swan. Lois sets out on his own to learn how to communicate and with the help of Sam Beaver, he learns to read and write! With his trusty chalkboard and pencil he certainly can communicate with people. But swans cannot read. My children were mortified at the illustration of Lois swimming around with the sign saying "I love you" trying to woo the swan of his dreams, Serena. Love even makes swans surrender some of their dignity I guess.

Thanks to bold and brave actions by the cob, Lois does get a voice through a regular musical trumpet! This series of events sets on on a path that leads him to Ontario, Boston, Philadelphia and then eventually through the American South and
then back up to Montana.

For geography, tracking Lois's adventures on the map and learning about each of these places can make for interesting lessons. [...]

The Trumpet of the Swan is a family story, a love story, and adventure story, and a comedy. I highly recommend it for the entire family!

Good Book, Good Purchase.......2007-01-18

Bought this book for my grandchildren. It is as delightful as I had been told.

It would be foolish to try and top this.......2007-01-09

E.B. White's reading of his story, "The Trumpet of the Swan," is one of my favorite tapes to listen to while driving long distances in the car. The story is beautiful and White has a terrific New England lilting accent which is endearing. My kids love it. A definite classic!

Trumpeting for Trumpet of the Swan.......2007-01-06

A book with nearly everything going for it...animals, young people, science, fantasy, humor and a love story.....and written by one of the great authors of the 20th century. Lewis, the trumpeter swan without a voice, is very real to the reader,certainly this reader. It is a joy for adults, young and old.

This is a book I read once a year, and one I delight in giving as a gift.

Average customer rating:

A True Classic
Another classic
An Old Friend
Simple concept, but not particularly inspiring for adults
Witty, Wonderful and Sooooo Good!

The Best Nest (Beginner Books(R))
P.D. Eastman
Manufacturer: Random House Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Humorous | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Flap Your Wings (Beginner Books(R))
A Fish Out of Water
Sam and the Firefly
Are You My Mother?
Big Dog...Little Dog (Beginner Books(R))

ASIN: 0394800516
Release Date: 1968-07-12

Book Description

Illus. in full color. Mr. and Mrs. Bird's search for a "better" nest leads them to some peculiar spots.

Customer Reviews:

A True Classic.......2007-04-03

I first read "The Best Nest" more than 27 years ago, when I was 8-years-old. I still have my somewhat tattered copy in my home library and now I plan to order a copy for my twin 2-year-olds. The story is a true classic with the underlying message that we should appreciate our home and our loved ones. The story is all told through the eyes of Mr. & Mrs. Bird who grow tired of their old nest and go through many challenges trying to find a new one until something horrible and wonderful happens that makes them appreciate the simple things in live. A must read for all little kids. Grown-ups might enjoy it too!

Another classic.......2007-02-11

Both my daughter and I enjoy the tale of finding your own current home to be the best. Eastman's illustrations are always so wonderful and distinctive.

An Old Friend.......2007-01-18

The only gifts we exchange in my family during the holidays are gifts of the heart. So, I decided to surprise my 33 year old daughter -- who now has her own young son -- by reading from the book "that I had read more times from cover-to-cover than any other book in my life." When I reached into my bag and pulled out "The Best Nest," tears of joy came to her eyes. Then, much to my surprise she jumped up and pulled her own old tattered copy from her bookshelf, which I had read to her so many times nearly 30 years ago. Yes, the book may have a few stereotypical notions about the roles of Mr. and Mrs. Bird; however, my daughter -- who is now a professor of Women's Studies -- still loves this old friend as much as I do.

Simple concept, but not particularly inspiring for adults.......2006-12-17

For me, reading books to children, I really like to enjoy the book as well. My children' love this book - but I find myself fairly ambivalent towards it as a book. It is a simple story about two birds finding a new nest. The mother bird wants a new nest so they fly around trying different places, including a boot and (unfortunately) a church steeple. Finally when they have tried everything else they realise just what the best place to have their nest really is - and that is home.

It is a nice story - and yes it does have gender roles in it - mother is defined with a head scarf and being disatisfied with her nest so she makes the father go out with her and find somewhere new. However, I don't think this is really problematical - you can actually look at is being a)indicative of the time it was written, b) indicative of some families - after all not all families are the same. I think most children will realise that most birds don't go round wearing hats anyway!

It is a children's story - not a particularly inspiring one I think, but one children really enjoy and one with some really good messages to get across - ie, be happy with what you have!

Witty, Wonderful and Sooooo Good!.......2005-08-15

My daycare kids love this book. There is a scream of glee when they see it. It's a fun read. This book has a great rhythm to it. The kids sign a long when I sing Mr. Bird's song. " I love my house. I love my nest. In the all the world this nest is best." MUST HAVE BOOK! I loved this book as a child. My daughter loved and now my daycare kids love it.
I disagree with the reviewer who said the book had the gender stereotypes. Come on only if mom's grumpy is it a stereotype. JMO Yes Mrs. Bird has an attitude problem in the beginning of the book but by the end Mrs. Bird is grateful for what she has.

Average customer rating:

wonderful book to introduce children to different definitions of family
Jesus preached Love
Homo = Man not Penguin
And Tango Makes Three
Very gentle, sweet story

And Tango Makes Three
Peter Parnell , and Justin Richardson
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Emma and Meesha My Boy: A Two Mom Story
The Family Book
King & King
Heather Has Two Mommies (Alyson Wonderland)
ABC A Family Alphabet Book

ASIN: 0689878451

Book Description

In the zoo there are all kinds of animal families. But Tango's family is not like any of the others.

Customer Reviews:

wonderful book to introduce children to different definitions of family.......2007-09-27

Based on the true story of some penguins at the New York Zoo, this book is a moving and delightful introduction to the idea of alternative families. The wonderful illustrations and straight-forward approach to the story make this book an excellent choice for story-time at home or in school. The current popularity of penguins and their gosh-darned cuteness make them an excellent choice to introduce young children to the idea that not every family is the same. I was delighted to learn that the story is true, and know children will want to learn more about Tango and her family; I hope a sequel is in the works!

Jesus preached Love.......2007-09-23

Love is a wonderful, many splendored thing. This story is beautiful, and my 4 year old and 2 year old love it. Same sex couples are normal and fine, and though I have a heterosexual lifestyle, the bigotry and hate from so called Christian's, makes me sick. Jesus would have been ashamed of you. Love is a blessing, wherever one finds it.

Homo = Man not Penguin.......2007-09-03

There is no such thing as a homosexual penguin. Penquins are birds not people and according to the dictionary homosexuals are people of the same sex who engage in joint sexual activities. I repeat, penguins are birds not people and animals should not be held to human standards or a lack of human standards. In fact some animals appear to live by a higher standard and charity than many humans.

This story is about family love and the nurturing of children, something we should all aim for.

And Tango Makes Three.......2007-08-01

And Tango Makes Three is an excellent children's book that lovingly shows two male adults raising a baby. It helps parents and teachers ease into a discussion of what makes a family. The illustrations are sweet. Children, all of whom depend on adults for their survival, can relate to this book and be glad that Tango found a loving family.

Very gentle, sweet story.......2007-07-26

This book is WONDERFUL! It is a darling story and does not push any agenda on kids about homosexuality; only about a different type of family. Yes, it IS about two male penguins becoming a family, but the idea of homosexuality is not blatantly force-fed to children. In a very gentle way, it shows us how love can make a family, regardless of genders. Very age-appropriate, and actually, an excellent way to deal with issues that will eventually come down the road in parenting. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all raise prejudice-free families??

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books