Book Description
This authoritative reference book brings world history to life, from early humans to the current war on terror. Along the way, it reveals riveting facts on the founding of the great Roman Empire, the revolution that changed France forever, the war between the North and South that unified America, the start of World War I and the Great Depression that followed, the first moon landing, and the end of apartheid in South Africa. The encyclopedia is organized chronologically and then thematically within each time period. A timeline runs across the top of each page. Each section includes biographies of important people and features on art, architecture, and technology.
Customer Reviews:
LOVE This Book!!!!.......2007-09-07
Excellent reference book. Spectacular graphics and handsome book. Glad I got this one!!!!
Good book.......2007-08-14
We love this book. It is full up with all sorts of great info. A nice addition to any home. Great for homeschooling.
Heather mama of 5
Fantastic Reference Book!.......2007-06-02
This book covers just about everything from "cavemen" to the Iraqi War (updated 2004 edition). The easy to read/understand narratives and the large, colorful illustrations make this book a great reference book for school reports/homeschool. Although we usually read it together, my 8 & 10 year old kids can both read & understand this book. A great resource for any family library.
Great reference book.......2006-11-03
I really enjoy this book. It is in chronological order. It has great pictures and is an easy read. We use it almost every week as we are studying ancient civilizations.
It is well worth the money!
Some obvious mistakes.......2006-11-02
Book contains some obvious mistakes. On page 113 it is stated that Rurik was the founder of Kiev, what is not true, because Kiev had been known since V century.
Customer Reviews:
Great for small children. But I wish they had more discussion part........2006-08-23
About 780 pages. All color. Lots of photos and figures. Great for children. Each page has one section. For examle, page 542 is "The fall of Napoleon", page 543 is "End of Slavery". The book only contains facts. No analysis, no discussion, no insight. For example, "In 1941, Japan attacked the Pearl Harbor." No mention of why it happened that way.
Book Description
With today's emphasis on fast-moving technology, as well as increasing pressure to meet the testing standards of science and math in the classroom, the need to grasp key scientific principles has never been greater. The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia is the one reference that includes all of the information students need to know in today's fast-paced world. Clearly written and illustrated articles provide in-depth insight and concise authoritative information. An impressive reference section at the end of the book contains minibiographies of famous scientists, plus an illustrated time line of key inventions and discoveries. Arranged thematically into ten chapters, with reference summaries at the end of each chapter and a full index, the encyclopedia does more than merely provide facts about science and technologyit helps the reader think for him or herself, develop an enquiring mind, pose challenging questions, and explore new topics.
Customer Reviews:
Beautifully illustrated and a good reference book.......2007-08-25
We purchased this book to use as a reference for homeschooling. It is a good reference book to get a glimpse of information on many different topics. The illustrations are beautiful.
The downside to this book is that it treats evolution as a fact. Evolution is a theory that has yet to be proven. That is why I gave it only 2 stars. So if the text treats something unproven as a fact, it causes me to wonder if everything else in the book is really proven to be true.
I have no problem with evolutionary content. But I do have a problem when it is treated as fact instead of theory.
Like the layout.......2007-05-14
I purchased this book because it is recommeneded in The Well Trained Mind. We will be using it in our home school next year. I love that it is laid out by subject area. It seems to be the perfect amount of information for elementary education. Lots of full color pictures and drawings.
Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia.......2006-06-28
The book has wonderful pictures and graphics. However - each subject is merely glanced over with little in depth coverage. It isn't very useful as a study resource unless you like to look at pictures.
Homeschoolers need this book.......2006-06-08
For homeschooling (and indeed for any child who loves to learn), there are two names to look out for: Kingfisher and Usborne. Like the Kingfisher History Encyclopedia, the Science Encyclopedia forms a core study guide for homeschoolers. The book is divided into ten main sections, which gives you the option of concentrating on a broad topic, and picking out individual subjects within that topic. So there are 48 pages under 'Planet Earth' for example, and each subject is a manageable one or two pages long. That's perfect for the homeschooling family - the subjects are never too long to become tedious, but if your child wants to learn more, pick out another equally manageable subject and extend that day's science lesson a little.
I've always agreed with the adage 'a picture paints a thousand words', and the illustrations in this book are first class. Kingfisher has really invested money and effort into these pictures, and they bring to life subjects which might otherwise be difficult to grasp. Science can be difficult to teach at home, partly because it's difficult and expensive to buy apparatus, chemicals, etc. So illustrations are key to understanding what would happen if you did the experiment yourself. I'm not saying that this is a substitute for practical work, but it's the best you will get without getting hands-on.
If you DO have the equipment (and in some cases you don't need much - for resonance find a glass and a wet finger!) the pictures enhance the learning experience.
Like all encyclopedias of its type, realistically you should not expect to learn everything there is to know about the whole of science, but you really shouldn't be expecting that from a single volume. What you get here is the basic knowledge of physics, chemistry, biology, and other branches of science. These are the key to an understanding of the way science works.
If you're using this book as part of the 'Well Trained Mind' homeschooling method (and if you haven't heard of it, look it up on Amazon), this will serve your children well. I've not looked at other methods, but I can't imagine that you would want to overlook the book whatever route you take.
Every 1 or 2-page subject should have your children (and you!) wanting to do further reading, which is what homeschooling is all about - giving them an appetite for learning.
I mentioned Usborne, and their Science Encyclopedia is also a quality publication, which has a 'see for yourself' section in each subject - usually a simple experiment to complement the topic. Ideally you'd use both books together (the Kingfisher is 100 pages longer and thus covers more areas), and you will by no means be disappointed with either.
I can't rate this book highly enough - as a general one-volume science book, it's hard to beat.
Pretty book, marginally acceptable science, appalling writing.......2005-09-10
This book only gets two stars because of the gorgeousness of the pictures. The actual science content is shoddy, and the writing is horrific. Don't be fooled: Kingfisher is owned by a public school curriculum company, and it shares all the same flaws that a text book has.
Bitterly disappointing.
Book Description
Robots are everywhere: in the movies, on TV, in space, in games. This book will bedazzle children with possibilitiesall accompanied by detailed photos, illustrations, explanations, and activities.
Customer Reviews:
Robots.......2005-04-09
I like the book a lot. I want to get additional information about the PaPeRos in page 31 of this book.
Please reply.
Rafael M. Saavedra
robot wars!.......2004-01-30
Robots by Clive Gifford is a complete science lesson on Robots compiled into one book. Topics included in the book are What are Robots, Robot Arms, and various type of robots. This book will teach children lots of great information about robots. Children will see how robots are used in space, to help doctors, and how robots are used in space.
I like the hands on projects that were in the back of the book. These would make great projects to share with friends.
I would recommed this book for kids ages 9-12. I feel that mostly boys will enjoy this book. They seem to be more into robots than girls most of the time.
Book Description
Witness the lightning-like dart of the chameleon's sticky tongue or the devious devices of the trap-door spider! The Kingfisher First Animal Encyclopedia is a valuable addition to the Kingfisher First Reference series and the perfect introduction to the enduringly popular subject of both wild and domestic animals. Detailed, full color illustrations and photographs present animals in a variety of settings -- in their natural habitats, hunting prey, feeding offspring, or engaging in other types of typical behavior. Photographs of children interacting with animals and a variety of clearly-explained activities provide examples of animal behavior or physiology and make this an exceptionally child-friendly book. Special Features: Hands-on activities to reinforce learning. Clear, simple text is inviting and accessible to five- and six-year-old children. Fact boxes and detailed captions provide older children with in-depth information. Simple alphabetical arrangement. Bold, clear headwords. Cross-references. Index and glossary.
Customer Reviews:
Good for Basic Introduction to Animals.......2007-10-10
This book covers a lot of animals, with one page dedicated to each. The pages are pictures with captions, and very little other text describing the animals. Since I picked this book up for homeschooling, I have found I need a lot of other resources (library books and Internet) to get substantial information. But it's a great book for kids to flip through and familiarize themselves with different animals.
Disappointing.........2006-11-06
Young earth creationists should be aware that evolution (old earth) is presented as fact throughout the book.
The best for preschoolers.......2006-09-11
I checked out 4 animal encyclopedias for children. They are all great, but three of them were classified by the kinds/habitat/class. The Kingfisher's animal encyclopedia is organized alphabetically and dedicates one or two pages maximum on one animal. My 4 year old likes it the best. When he wants to look up shark, he goes, 'sh, sh,... letter S!' and he can find it easily. In one page, this book sums up what preschoolers and kindergarteners want to know about the shark. This is truely the best first animal encyclopedia for children.
Nice, but not as good as DK's Animal Encyclopedia.......2006-08-10
We bought this book after already purchasing the Animal Encyclopedia from DK. If I had it to do over again I would have just purchased the book from DK. The real photos and minimum of two to three page spread on each animal make it so much more informative.
Fabulous!.......2002-04-28
My nephew, 4 years old, loves this book! He loves "reading" all the pages, and looking at all the pictures. It's tremendously colorful, and interesting even for the adults. I definitely would recommend it for any child with an interest in animals, or for any adult who hopes to foster such an interest.
Average customer rating:
- Best Book On Boyhood Of All-Time?
- DVD review
- You will LOVE this book!
- Great Twain work
- Twain's Classic Boy Adventure
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The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Kingfisher Classics)
Mark Twain
Manufacturer: Kingfisher
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General
| Classics by Age
| Literature
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Literature
| Children's Books
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General
| Ages 4-8
| Children's Books
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General
| Ages 9-12
| Children's Books
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Paterson, Katherine
| ( P )
| Authors & Illustrators, A-Z
| Children's Books
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Twain, Mark
| ( T )
| Authors & Illustrators, A-Z
| Children's Books
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Twain, Mark
| Classics
| United States
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
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19th Century
| United States
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
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General
| Twain, Mark
| ( T )
| Authors, A-Z
| Literature & Fiction
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Hardcover
| Twain, Mark
| ( T )
| Authors, A-Z
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
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Treasure Island (Signet Classics)
-
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Bantam Classics)
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The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Penguin Classics)
-
20,000 Leagues Under The Sea (Scholastic Classics)
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Oliver Twist (Penguin Classics)
ASIN: 0753454785 |
Book Description
Tom Sawyer has an eye for adventure and is always getting into scrapes with his friends and partners in crime, Huck Finn and Joe Harper. His escapades often lead him into dangerous and desperate situations, but he always turns these to his advantage.
Customer Reviews:
Best Book On Boyhood Of All-Time?.......2007-10-01
Ever since my dad first read this timeless classic to my sister & me as kids, while camping in our trailer during the summer, it has left its indelible impression upon my imagination. How I too wanted to shove off from shore on my "skiff" and have my own adventures down the Mississippi! I know of no other book that so wonderfully captures the essence and joy of carefree boyhood.
When I say "carefree", however, I am not forgetting the grim and serious elements of the novel. But these work just as well as the sunnier and funnier parts. In fact, just when the narrative needs it, a murder comes along which boosts the plot most effectively, giving it a shot in the arm. And speaking of the darker aspects, does not Injun Joe have to rank highly on the list of greatest villains in the history of literature? I can assure you that as a boy listening to the cave chapters, his menace was palpable and unforgettable.
Unfortunately, literary snobs have often found it fashionable to belittle Tom Sawyer as inconsequential and a 'lightweight' seen against the towering greatness of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn". I couldn't disagree more. (I love Huckleberry Finn dearly and plan to review it soon as well). I read a quote in a foreword that I thought was very insightful: "Huckleberry Finn is a greater book, but not a better one." I think this is exactly so. Extol the greatness of HF by all means, but don't make the mistake of downgrading Twain's other masterpiece, just because its theme is not so weighty and grave. In fact, the episodic nature of the telling of Tom Sawyer fit Twain's particular brand of genius perfectly (whereas there were some sub par stretches in Huck Finn).
Loved it as a boy, love it no less as a man. Thank you, dad, for imparting such an enduring gift.
DVD review.......2007-09-04
This is an exciting coverge of something some of us lived through and puzzled over for years. As the movie indicates someone may feel sure that the Zodiac is dead from a heart attack but the rest of us have been left in wonder.
You will LOVE this book!.......2007-07-16
Invaluable for teachers and for students who need more than just plain text. The sidebars offer endless historical factoids and pictures that walked my students through the story because they could visualize the characters, household and farming tools, and places during Tom Sawyer's life. For teachers, it empowered me with so much extra and interesting information to heighten the interest of my students. Sadly, I do not think this book is still in print. PLEASE put this book back into print!
Great Twain work.......2007-07-15
This a great story about three of the most recognizable characters and one of the best American authors. There maybe a lack of `adventures' but a glimpse into the daily life of Tom is a well written, entertaining work which is necessary for any classical literature list. Great introduction to Twain's prose makes the reader want to immediately start the Huck version.
Twain's Classic Boy Adventure.......2007-06-29
"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" was Twain's somewhat serious tale of a boy coming of age on the Mississippi River. It was also a wonderful social commentary of the times in which it takes place. "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," on the other hand, gives us a fun glimpse into the life of one young boy in a fictitious town on the Mississippi River in Missouri. It's definitely the funnier of the two novels, even though it deals with the very real dangers of running off alone, thieves, murderers, and even slacking off on memorizing Sunday school verses. Tom gets into trouble without even thinking about it. He, Huck Finn and a wonderful cast of characters spend their days cutting class, playing pirates, pretending to be Robin Hood, get lost in a cave and even hunt for treasure. It's a grand tale told on a grand scale and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys adventure in the Americana vein.
**Potential Spoiler**
One character that I'd like to single out is the murderous Injun Joe. As loving and protective as Jim is in "Huck Finn," Joe is completely the opposite. He strikes fear into Tom and all of his friends and is the primary catalyst for much of the second half of the book. He's one of the best villains around and his fate (as far as children's books are concerned) is one of the most upsetting. It's amazing how Twain could find a perfect fit for such a wicked character in such a fun book.
**End Spoiler**
I'm sure that an intellectual could digest this book in greater style than I and reveal countless points on morality, religion, ethics, etc., but for most readers (young and old), this is simply a great adventure. Whether you're fourteen or forty, you'll love this book. Highly recommended.
Amazon.com
Climb aboard for the swashbuckling adventure of a lifetime. Treasure Islandhas enthralled (and caused slight seasickness) for decades. The names Long John Silver and Jim Hawkins are destined to remain pieces of folklore for as long as children want to read Robert Louis Stevenson's most famous book. With it's dastardly plot and motley crew of rogues and villains, it seems unlikely that children will ever say no to this timeless classic. --Naomi Gesinger
Book Description
'Fifteen men on the dead man's chest - Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!' All hands on deck for the swashbuckling adventure of a lifetime! Treasure Island has captivated children for decades and remains Robert Louis Stevenson's most famous book. With the legendary Long John Silver leading a mutinous pirate crew, children won't want to miss the boat on this classic tale of treasure and treachery.
Customer Reviews:
This is how a pirate story should be. Sorry, Johnny Depp........2007-10-06
I'm not a young boy, and yet I love this book that has been traditinally associted with kids every since it was written. In fact, it is one of my favorite books, and why not? Here is a book that first and foremost recognizes that a pirate adventure should be, well, an adventure, and makes sure to put the fun, danger, and excitement in the front with all the silly, pop-corn vibe action any kid could ask for.
It begins in England in seaside inn, told by the voice of hero Jim Hawkins. His parents own the inn, and one of the strangest guests is a man named Billy Bones, a guy who practically has split-personality in is treatment of young Jim. It turns out that the man is wanted for possessing a map to a legendary treasure. When pirates attack in an awesome pirate attack (how else can I describe it?) Jim finds himself aboard a ship on an adventure to find the treasure.
What follows is a classic, pulse-racing adventure of good and evil, pirates and good guys, and island fun, complete with all the necessary twists and turns and danger and betrayal.
It's not all fluff--Stevenson adds some surprisingly deep human emotions that actually serve to make the adventure that much more powerful. But never fear, it does not turn into a soap opera no matter how many subsequent movies want it to.
As I said before, it's an adventure story of piracy on the high seas, and that's what makes it so great.
Pieces of eight, pieces of eight!.......2007-09-04
Treasure Island is the first greatest pirate story of all times. The young and brave Jim Harkins, the scary but honorable Long John Silver, the smart and solid Doctor Livesey. Frankly I could go on and on listing interesting characters, major or otherwise, but let me just say that, having never before read the novel, I totally enjoyed it. It has everything, from a blind beggar to a treasure map to drunken pirates, a parrot, and lots of plotting. Who is with the good guys? Who is with the bad guys? Who is out for themselves? Read and see.
Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03
A tale of pirates, peglegs, parrots, purloining and perfidery and old Blind Pew.
A lost treasure map is wanted by many, who are willing to kill to get it. These men are pirates, and a young lad, Jack Hawkins, and the odd other innocent get caught up in the struggle.
A source of much classic pirate caricature and pretty enjoyable.
Pirates, Parrots and Buried Treasure!.......2007-08-17
By Laura B.
Treasure Island is an amazing story of adventure on the high seas, a tale of betrayal and friendship; an exciting saga of pirates on a search for buried treasure, this is a story that any age group will love. I have only seen Treasure Island movies in the past, and on reading the book I found the story different from what I've known. I am going to tell you a little about the book, I don't want to spoil the story so I won't tell you the entire thing.
The story first tells of how young Jim Hawkins got Captain Flint's Treasure map from Captain Billy Bones. Jim found the map in Billy Bones' sea chest when Jim and his mother were looking through the chest for the money that Bones owed them. Because you see Bones had died during his attempt to escape the evil pirates who were after him. So Jim and his mother had to hurriedly look for the money, and while his mother was trying to count out the right amount of money Jim took Captain Flint's map.
After the pirates attacked the "Admiral Benbow" that was the name of the inn that the Hawkins family owned, Jim goes and gets help from Dr.Livesey and Squire Trelawney and together they board a ship called the Hispaniola and set a course for Treasure Island.
On board Jim becomes friends with the ship's cook Long John Silver (who owns a parrot named Cap'n Flint after the infamous pirate captain), but little does Jim know that Silver is actually a pirate and an ex-member of Captain Flint's crew. Jim soon learns of a sinister plot being made by Silver to steal the treasure that might endanger him and his friends.
I won't say anymore. If you're the type that enjoys stories of pirates, treasure, and a parrot that says "pieces of eight, pieces of eight" you'll have to read the book. You can also read other Robert Louis Stevenson books like Kidnapped which I haven't read but it's supposed to be good, but the book you'll enjoy most is Treasure Island.
Lives up to its reputation as a classic.......2007-05-10
I read to my 11 and 9 year old daughters, a chapter a night and this one was perfect. It's not only a great story line, but allows children to identify with the main character. The graphic scenes describing various altercations between the crew and owners is relevant and realistic.
Book Description
Kingfisher Epics are action-packed retellings of classic tales and legends, with all the exhilaration and immediacy of their original versions. Magnificent black-and-white illustrations bring the heroic deeds depicted in these stories dramatically to life. These stories have enthralled readers for centuries, and Kingfisher Epics make them accessible to a new generation of children. The Trojan War is over, and battle-weary hero Odysseus sets sail for home. On his way, he faces many dangers sent by the gods to test him. Can he outwit a one-eyed giant, a sly sorceress, and terrifying monsters? This fast-paced retelling will captivate readers discovering Homer's epic for the first time.
Customer Reviews:
Very Good Introduction to Homer - a review of "The Odyssey" (R. Lister).......2007-05-21
The Odyssey is one of the epic poems penned by Homer. Along with the Iliad, it used to be part and parcel of most educational programs, but with all the focus on the 3 R's these days, you can't hardly count on your child being exposed to either.
In this book, the story begins with Odysseus' shipwreck. After serving the Greeks before the walls of Troy for 10 long years, Odysseus longs to return home, and he sets sail only to run afoul of god Poseidon. What follows are a series of exciting disasters that eventually leaves Odysseus the lone survivor of his crew. He eventually makes his way home, with the help of several divine women, only to find that his house has been taken over by the 'young punks' of Ithaca who have the audacity to try to murder his only son, steal his kingdom, and force his wife Penelope to remarry.
Four Stars. Good writing and nice artwork makes this book a stand-out introduction for children and adults. As it is an ancient story you should know that there are a few adult themes: monsters eat people, people slaughter people, and Circe takes our hero to her bed. It's all handed well, but those elements are there and the book would get a PG-rating from me (although these days it might very well be considered G-rated by others).
If you have particularly attentive younger children that are used to more sophisticated fare you could certainly use this book as a Read-aloud.
Another fine alternative would be Ms. Sutcliff's book "The Wanderings of Odysseus". In that review I contrast the two authors writing styles.
The Wanderings of Odysseus
Book Description
Fun and easy to use, The Junior Illustrated Dictionary and Thesaurus is the ideal choice for upper elementary and middle-school children who are beginning to expand their vocabulary. Comprehensive and authoritative, it defines more than 4,000 words with clear, age-appropriate entries, and also includes a thesaurus with more than 5,000 headwords. Plenty of sample sentences offer further clarification, while the intuitive pronunciation guides make difficult words easy to say. Hundreds of bright photographs and illustrations contribute extra vocabulary information and make this book a verbal and visual treasure trove. Special features include - Full-color, high-interest topic boxes provide an in-depth look at selected subjects and related vocabulary - Color-coded guide words and alphabet strings on page edges that make words easy to look up - Vocabulary panels - Definitions clearly identifying parts of speech, different word forms, and alternate spellings - Information about synonyms, antonyms, and key language topics
Customer Reviews:
Not a great choice of dictionary.......2007-09-21
I purchased the Kingfisher dictionary/thesaurus only because my child's teacher requested it. He's a third grader. I found that it does not have as much information as I would have liked. Personally, I would have chosen a more known publisher than this one.
Book Description
Browsers and young students alike will enjoy these lively question and answer books with their unique mix of realistic illustration and engaging cartoons. The enticing questions will amaze, amuse and inspire, while the highly visual format encourages kids to keep reading.
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