For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend

Book Description

Yes, humans and canines are different species, but current research provides fascinating, irrefutable evidence that what we share with our dogs is greater than how we vary. As behaviorist and zoologist Dr. Patricia McConnell tells us in this remarkable new book about emotions in dogs and in people, more and more scientists accept the premise that dogs have rich emotional lives, exhibiting a wide range of feelings including fear, anger, surprise, sadness, and love.

In For the Love of a Dog, McConnell suggests that one of the reasons we love dogs so much is that they express emotions in ways similar to humans. After all, who can communicate joy better than a puppy? But not all emotional expressions are obvious, and McConnell teaches both beginning dog owners and experienced dog lovers how to read the more subtle expressions hidden behind fuzzy faces and floppy ears.

For those of us who deeply cherish our dogs but are sometimes baffled by their behavior, For the Love of a Dog will come as a revelation–a treasure trove of useful facts, informed speculation, and intriguing accounts of man’s best friend at his worst and at his very best. Readers will discover how fear, anger, and happiness underlie the lives of both people and dogs and, most important, how understanding emotion in both species can improve the relationship between them. Thus McConnell introduces us to the possibility of a richer, more rewarding relationship with our dogs.

While we may never be absolutely certain what our dogs are feeling, with the help of this riveting book we can understand more than we ever thought possible. Those who consider their dogs part of the family will find For the Love of a Dog engaging, enlightening, and utterly engrossing.

Customer Reviews:

Good story, but not a training book.......2007-10-17

I was looking for a book to teach me some training tips. This is not it. I can't seem to find one that simply says, "Do this, and this and the dog will do this and in two weeks he/she will be a happier dog and you will be stress free!" There ain't one. This is a story about her love for her dogs and it is a great story, but buy it for a story, not training.

A non-reader, dog lover and shelter volunteer.......2007-10-13

I am not much of a reader and decided to get this cd set to listen to in the car during my commute to work. I just finished the last (10th) cd. I don't know what to do with myself while driving now. The radio doesn't interest me anymore. I began listening to the cds again! I am going to buy 2 of the books, one for me and one for a friend. I will use mine to highlight items I want to reference regularly.

Truly, if you want to understand your dog, and any other, better, you can't beat this book! It was very worthwhile. Too bad every dog trainer hasn't read this book.

I volunteer at a shelter as a dog walker. I walk the dogs who are new to the shelter and they have yet to be behavior evaluated. Tips in this book will help me "read" the dogs and understand what they are feeling.

Get this book (or cd set)!!! You won't be sorry!

sounds good to me.......2007-10-10

Not all the way thru yet but the book shares much of my own philosophy. Worth reading.

Excellent tool.......2007-09-30

This is one of the best tools I've found for helping me understand the world my dog lives in. As a sidebar - there is a series of photos including both humans and canines, showing expressions and pointing out what they mean. Having looked through it thoroughly, I was in hysterics after logging in to a blog and seeing a group of "happy party photos" - once I'd looked at her photos, the *real* message of the party shots was unavoidable, from the smile that said "take one more photo and I'll drown you in the gazpacho" to the frozen, fear-filled shy person, barring her teeth in one of the most uncomfortable smiles I've ever seen. So this is not only good for understanding your dog - but also for paying attention to the real messages on the people faces around you!

Terrific book - even if you don't have a dog!.......2007-09-29

This is a great book! I first purchased it as an audiobook, then purchased the hardcover. Now, I am listening to the audiobook for the second time, and am amazed all over again. If you are interested in the way your brain works, the way dogs learn, the way animals in general learn, this book is fascinating. It is not a how-to book, so you won't be able to train your dog after reading this book. But it will help you understand your dog (and yourself!)

Friends to the End: The True Value of Friendship

Average customer rating:

Buy all of Bradley Trevor Greive's little pearls of wisdom....
Loved this book.......
Book: Friends to the end
Friends to the End: The True Value of Friendship
FRIENDS TO THE END

Friends to the End: The True Value of Friendship
Bradley Trevor Greive
Manufacturer: Andrews McMeel Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Friendship | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0740747010

Book Description

Friends and life. Life and friends. The two are so tightly interwoven it's impossible to imagine one being remotely worthwhile without the other. As Bradley Trevor Greive points out, "There are very few truly solitary creatures on this planet. And most of them have serious personal hygiene issues." What makes friends so special? What does our choice of friends say about us? What sparks the best friendships and keeps them burning? In Friends to the End: The True Value of Friendship, BTG uses his trademark witty narrative illustrated with irresistible animal photos to explore the daily magic we experience through our friends. Best described as a cross between his famously successful Dear Mom and The Blue Day Book, Friends to the End examines themes such as why we can't live without friends, how great friendships grow from humble beginnings, how to identify different types of friendship, what to do when good friends turn bad, and why it's all so worthwhile. "When I think back to all the really great or the horrendously bad times in my life," says BTG, "I can't help but think about how my friends made the former all the more enjoyable and the latter at least survivable. I want this book to help people appreciate friendship for all it is and all it can be."Friends to the End promises to have the same cultural impact achieved by his previous books. His modern classics The Blue Day Book and Dear Mom have been New York Times best-sellers and made the author a household name in more than 35 countries. BTG's seven previous volumes have sold more than seven million copies worldwide.

Customer Reviews:

Buy all of Bradley Trevor Greive's little pearls of wisdom...........2007-08-21

...and then throw out all your antidepressants. There's a book for every emotion one can go through in life. One caveat, however: If you're easily embarrassed, don't read these books to yourself in public. You will piss your pants with laughter.

Loved this book..............2007-05-19

This book was a joy to read with both of my dearest friends. We all got more than a few good laughs at some of the pictures and captions. I would recommend this book as a gift for a good friend.

Book: Friends to the end.......2007-03-19

Received product in excellent condition, though stated were used, I think there were very new. Really sweet book. Something to send to those friends you want to let know how terrific they are.

Friends to the End: The True Value of Friendship .......2007-02-15

It came in great condition and I'm sure both of the friends that I got it for will enjoy it.

FRIENDS TO THE END.......2007-01-10

This is a wonderful and heartfelt book.

The wording and the photographs were exactly what I was looking for.

Frog and Toad Are Friends (I Can Read Book 2)

Average customer rating:

needy public school teacher
Great start to a fine series
Arthur Lobel is still one of the BEST for kids...
hilarious
Good for reading and discussion

Frog and Toad Are Friends (I Can Read Book 2)

Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Frogs & Toads | Animals | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0064440206
Release Date: 2003-02-18

Amazon.com

Frog and Toad agreed: it was a perfect day for a swim. And Frog was kind enough not to look at Toad in his bathing suit, per Toad's request. But when the swimming was over, a crowd had gathered to see Toad in his funny-looking suit, and neither Frog nor Toad could make them leave.

The endearing pair hop along through five enchanting stories, looking for lost buttons, greeting the spring, and waiting for mail. Their genuine care for each other makes Frog and Toad two of the finest amphibious role models around. Young readers will chuckle with Frog as they watch Toad's silly efforts to make up a story. And they will applaud Toad as he finally wakes up after hibernating all winter. The fifth story will warm the hearts of any would-be pen pal--or anyone who has ever known what it's like to have a true-blue (or green) friend.

Arnold Lobel's comfortable brown and green illustrations invite and delight every reader, setting the tone for warm, funny stories about friendship. A Caldecott Honor Book and finalist for the National Book Award for Children's Literature, this installment of Lobel's classic Frog and Toad series is another essential addition to any youngster's shelf. If you need even more of Frog and Toad, don't miss Frog and Toad Together, Frog and Toad All Year, and Days with Frog and Toad. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

The best of friends

From writing letters to going swimming, telling stories to finding lost buttons, Frog and Toad are always there for each other -- just as best friends should be.

Customer Reviews:

needy public school teacher.......2007-09-08

The books were in excellent condition and arrived earlier than expected. I had checked all local used bookstores. They were not available because of the high demand in our district. Similar books were the same price as Amazon's including shipment. I will not be going to used bookstores again. Amazon saved me time, money & gas!

Great start to a fine series.......2007-04-10

The perfect book to start your beginning reader off on and a must have for amphibian lovers of all ages, these stories are beautifully illustrated and each holds the key to a simple truth. Chiefly about friendship, Frog and Toad are able to make the best of their situations by accepting and utilizing each other's differences. The simple prose flows across the artful pages, and after reading this first one your child is sure to want them all.

J. Lyon Layden
The Other Side of Yore

Arthur Lobel is still one of the BEST for kids..........2007-04-02

Great illustrations, simply written, and always teaches a good lesson.
Wonderful to read and share with your children or grandchildren.

hilarious.......2007-03-06

I just finished reading this story to my 4 year old daughter and I have to say I was crying from laughing so hard. The stories are very amusing and easy to read and follow. They will be your childs new favorite for sure! I came back online to order more from the series.

Good for reading and discussion.......2006-12-21

This easy to read book presents stories with basic truths similar to fables but there is no stated moral. It is helpful for children to be reminded of acceptance and friendship among characters who have individual differences. Frog is usually cheerful, comforting, and helpful. He is understanding of Toad who is not as creative and is a bit self-conscious and not as outgoing. Parents and teachers can use the book for insightful discussions.

Squishy Turtle and Friends (Cloth Books)

Average customer rating:

Love this book
Cute Book
Chewable book helps baby develop "appetite" for reading
good first book
Keeps my baby's interest but has clumsy text

Squishy Turtle and Friends (Cloth Books)
Roger Priddy
Manufacturer: Priddy Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Rag Book

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ASIN: 0312491840

Book Description

Ideal for babies and toddlers.Textured fabrics and bright colors help to develop children's sensory awareness.Rhyming text helps kids improve their listening skills.

Customer Reviews:

Love this book.......2007-10-17

I love this book, gorgeous, colourful and simple pictures and the textures are amazing. My son received this as gift when he was born and has been playing with it since he was 5 months old when he played with it for 3 hours on a plane. He loves the oyster. He is 11 months old now and pulls the book out of his toy box at least 3 times a week. I'm ordering some more for our next plane ride.

Cute Book.......2007-10-06

My 10 month old son plays with this book several times a week. I think he likes the rhymn when I read it to him. He is learning to turn pages so we bounce back and forth. His attention span is fairly short so the wonderful pictures are nice. We both enjoy this book along with others in this series.

Chewable book helps baby develop "appetite" for reading.......2007-08-25

I bought this book for my newborn because I wanted her to grow up loving to read. When she was a few months old, she loved to chew on the soft cloth pages and stare at the brightly colored pictures. Then she learned how to turn the pages. Now at 10 months, she still loves to touch the 3-D part of each page and hear me read the simple rhymes.

We love all of the different objects and textures that she can touch and explore on each page:
1) Padded aqua turtle shell
2) Shiny metallic fish
3) Ribbon used as water from a whale spout
4) Padded pink vinyl crab shell
5) Silver seahorse fin
6) Green felt octopus tentacles
7) Pink oyster shell with satin inner lining
8) Terry cloth seahorse
9) Metallic seaweed rolls

This crinkly cloth book is easy for babies to hold and great for teething. It also keeps little hands busy during car rides. Although the manufacturer recommends surface cleaning only, I've successfully washed mine inside a mesh lingerie bag on the gentle cycle. And it still looks new...

good first book.......2007-08-07

It has bright colors to attract the babies. the wordings are simple and rhyme well. my daughter loves looking at it since the age of 2 month old.

Keeps my baby's interest but has clumsy text.......2007-07-06

My daughter loves this book, it's her favorite of the Priddy cloth books. This one has enough crinkle noises and tactile items to keep her baby hands busy -it keeps her occupied for a good stretch of time. My only complaint (as with all the Priddy cloth books) is that the the actual text and rhymes have a lot to be desired. It just seems forced to make the rhyme and meter work - it ends up very clumsy. I rarely read it now as she's just very interested in holding and playing with the pages.

How to Be a Friend: A Guide to Making Friends and Keeping Them (Dino Life Guides for Families)

Average customer rating:

This book as taught us a lot!
Great book for Kids
GREAT!
A fun read!
Kid's Review

How to Be a Friend: A Guide to Making Friends and Keeping Them (Dino Life Guides for Families)
Laurie Krasny Brown
Manufacturer: Little, Brown Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0316111538

Book Description

Written and illustrated by the creators of the popular Dino Life Guides for Families, this book uses precise language and humorous illustrations to offer specific ways to be a friend and specific ways not to be one.A special section on how to deal with bosses and bullies has valuable information for young children going forth in the world and encountering these situations for the first time.

Customer Reviews:

This book as taught us a lot!.......2007-07-13

I bought a bunch of books for my 4 year old son when I learned he was teasing the other kids at his preschool. This was one of them. He loves this book, and I notice that he has gotten so much better playing with other children since we started reading this book.

It has been so effective that I simply say "Jimmy, is that how you be a good friend?" when I feel he is being unkind, and he will answer me, using "good friend" examples from the book, and immediately change his behavior. He also tells other children how they can be "good Friends" too.

Unfortunatley, as he nears the age of being a "tattle tale", he is very quick to point out when other children aren't being "good friends" and tells them "You need to read Mommy's book." LOL

I highly recommend to any parent.

Great book for Kids.......2007-02-22

I enjoyed the book. It will help my students become better friends with personal ideas and reasons.

GREAT!.......2007-01-10

Reinforces the criteria and requirements that kids need to know to be a "GOOD" friend in easy to understand examples.

A fun read!.......2007-01-04

I bought this book to find out how to help my 10 year old with some basic friendship issues. This book was VERY basic and geared for a younger child, but I feel that it is a great book for any parent. My daughter read it also and said that she thought it was very helpful, but a little too "kiddy" for her taste.

Kid's Review.......2006-10-19

I actually give this book four and half stars. I liked it a lot and it had lots of good advice about how to be a good friend. It described how I feel when I feel shy. I am five and almost three quarters and my sister who is two liked it also.
Jacob (with help from his mom)

How Do Dinosaurs Play With Their Friends (How Do Dinosaurs)

Average customer rating:

Great Book
Sounds Great!
a must own for any child
A HUGE hit!
GREAT BOOK!!

How Do Dinosaurs Play With Their Friends (How Do Dinosaurs)
Jane Yolen
Manufacturer: The Blue Sky Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Board book

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ASIN: 043985654X

Book Description

What if a dinosaur's friends come to play? Does he mope, does he pout if he can't get his way? Does he hide all his dump trucks, refusing to share? Does he throw his friends' coloring books up in the air? Time and time again, children are told to "play nice." This brilliantly illustrated board book is packed with rhymes that will teach children how. Mark Teague's laugh-aloud illustrations, along with Jane Yolen's playful text, will show children that "playing nice" can be easy and fun. Perfect for parents to read aloud with their children, this book is as humorous as it is instructive.

Customer Reviews:

Great Book.......2007-09-11

This book was a great continuation of all the dinosaur books in this series. My 3yr. old daughter just loved it!

Sounds Great!.......2007-09-11

I saw this book in Kohl's department store and my kids leafed through it while I hunted for backpacks & shoes. Books were not on the list that day, so we left it behind, but after seeing it in my son's Scolastic catalog, I think I'll order it from Amazon! Love anything that teaches positive manners and reinforces my instruction.

a must own for any child.......2007-08-12

My 16 month old daughter loves having us read this book to her over and over and over again, she never gets sick of it, love how it has all the different names of the types of dinosaurs too (even though we don't know how to say some of them!). Can't wait to get all the other "how do dinosaurs" books for her!

A HUGE hit!.......2007-07-15

My 2 year old loves books and when I asked the children's librarian for some suggestions for my dinosaur lover she suggeted all of Jane Yolen's dinosaur books. My son adores this one. I like it since it has a wonderful message about sharing with friends and we are working on that skill. We read it over and over and I am now going to have to purchase it to keep at home. The board book is a great size since we can take it in the car or in the diaper bag.

GREAT BOOK!!.......2007-05-12

These Dinosaur books are great for both boys and girls. I brought this book (and two other Jane Yolen Dinosaur books) into my sons pre-school
class and they all begged me to read more...These books are great and they teach lessons in a very funny way.

Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet

Average customer rating:

Wonderful book
Compassionate and soothing
Wonderful book
A Sweet Book
Highly recommended for every pet "guardian"

Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet
Gary Kowalski
Manufacturer: New World Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Death & Grief | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1883478227

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful book.......2007-09-16

I had just lost my beloved collie to cancer. There was no time to prepare for her loss. By the time we discovered the tumor on her spine, she was beyond hope. I had no choice but to end her suffering and I felt very guilty in not being able to do more for her. This book helped me tremendously. I highly recommend it to anyone who has lost a pet or who is anticipating a loss. Very well written and comforting.

Compassionate and soothing.......2007-08-25

First off the book starts by explaining pets are not "petty". The author does not really like the term "pet" and really neither do I. I knew if we were on the same page with this that his book was going to help me.
This book was VERY helpful to me in going through the grieving process for my little parakeet Peridot. The author addresses the reader with very compassionate and understanding language. It's as if he knows you're having a tough enough time without getting too flowery on the language. One thing the helped me tremendously was Mr. Kowalski tells the reader you have to take time for yourself. Sounds so simple but I was grieving so badly I was not thinking of anyone else, especially me. He also covers different scenarios of how your pet passed, like if your pet were hit by a car or if your pet has to be euthanized. One thing I wish he would have touched on was if your pet was alone when they passed. Peridot was at the vets in the hospital and the vet tech found her in the morning. I so wish someone could have been with her. I remembered Mr. Kowalski from his appearances on the Oprah Winfrey show several years ago. That is why I chose this book. He is a quiet-spoken gentle man and this comes through as he helps the reader through their time of grief. I highly recommend this book to anyone going through the loss of their furred, feathered, or scaled loved one.

Wonderful book.......2007-07-30

I bought this book a few years ago when my 16 year old cat died. Since then I have pulled it out 2 more times when other animals have passed away. As we approach the end of my 15 year old lab's life I have once again pulled the book out to help me through this tough decision. I have also bought this book for MANY other people who have faced the death of their pet. I cannot tell you how much it helps. This book helps you deal with the grief in soo many ways, you realize other people feel the same way you do and you should not be embarassed by your feelings.
If you have lost a pet or have an older animal, please read this book, it will help the grieving proccess so much!

A Sweet Book.......2007-05-26

I began reading books about pet loss just days after losing my beloved EmmyLee, a 14 year old mixed terrier.

Some books seem clinical. This was rather sweet. I didn't get much from it till the last few chapters. It is possible that my frame of mind just wasn't in it, but towards the end, I couldn't put it down.

It does help.

Highly recommended for every pet "guardian".......2007-05-15

I bought this book 6 months ago in dreaded preparation of the inevitable. On May 12th, 2007, we euthanized our beloved 13-year old cat, Kyra. She was the oldest of our family of five cats and is greatly missed.
Yes, we have four other cats but as any pet guardian knows, each and every animal is unique and we love each one independently and unconditionally. They are our family.
I took this book with us to the animal hospital and read one of the selections in the back before Kyra was euthanized. After I assisted with Kyra's transition, I had to learn how to handle my own emotions as well as my husband's. How were my other cats going to handle it? I felt lost and the pain was so great. After spending the next 30+ hours crying off and on and grieving, I picked up this book and read it cover to cover. Rev. Kowalski's words immediately gave me comfort in knowing we did what was right and responsible for Kyra. She knew it was her time and we respected that. She gave us such joy and love. Our grief will take time to heal and there will undoubtedly be more crying, but mixed with our tears will be smiles and fond memories of the wonderful cat that shared our lives.
I highly recommend this book to any pet guardian. The chapters are short, to the point and powerful in their messages. It gave me all the answers I was looking for. I hope it helps you as it helped me and my family.

Average customer rating:

I love Mo Willems
My son loves Elephant and Piggie, and so do I!
Perfect for 3 yr old
Melodrama in Miniature
A great new book with great new characters!

My Friend is Sad (Elephant and Piggie)

Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1423102975
Release Date: 2007-03-13

Book Description

Bestselling picture book creator Mo Willems is making his debut in the early-reader arena with the Elephant and Piggie series. The books feature two lovable and funny characters: an optimistic (and sometimes reckless) pig, and a cautious, pessimistic elephant. Children who sat on their parents' laps to have Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! read to them will eagerly take the plunge with these books to start reading on their own. With each text reviewed by an early-learning specialist, these sweet and surprising stories are a breath of fresh air in the early-reader category. In My Friend Is Sad, Gerald is down in the dumps. Piggie is determined to cheer him up by dressing as a cowboy, a clown, and even a robot! But what does it take to make a sad elephant happy? The answer will make even pessimistic elephants smile.

Customer Reviews:

I love Mo Willems.......2007-07-29

Just order all his books. Take advantage of EVERY multiple buying deal. Currently I am missing only two of the books I know he has published. :) If I lived in the Brooklyn area I would march in and have him sign EVERY ONE of them. Even the books I didn't initially like (Edwina, Leonardo, Pigeon finds a hot dog) I have come to love. There is some brainwashing feature --- lol --- it doesn't hurt that he hides the pigeons in the books --- we like looking for him. I'm telling you he GETS kids. From the inside cover to the very back --- the books are incredibly simple --- well thought out.

Thank you Mo.

My son loves Elephant and Piggie, and so do I! .......2007-07-07

My son loves Elephant and Piggie, and so do I!
My son is six years old, and learning to read. I search high and low for early readers that are at a beginner's level AND entertaining, yet usually end up very disappointed. Most early readers have little plot and are dull to even my six-year-old. With Elephant and Piggie, the humor is at a level of sophistication that both he and I can enjoy.
The illustrations, though simple, are so expressive! My son can read these books independently, but our favorite method is to each take a role of one of the characters and take turns reading the book together.
Did I read that Mo Willems worked on Sesame Street at one time? That would explain the cleverness of his books, and the ability to appeal to both adults and children alike. We have loved all of his books that we have read, especially the Pigeon books and Knuffle Bunny, and of course, Elephant and Piggie! We are eagerly awaiting the release of his next books!

Perfect for 3 yr old.......2007-05-25

My three year old son loves this series. This one is a lot of fun to read to him. We learn about emotions, pretend play, and interpersonal relationships. And there's robots, cowboys, and juggling clowns.
The artwork is expressive and uncomplicated. The dialogue allows for imaginative performance by the reader-- by changing the nuances, you can make it a different experience each time. Which is not to say you have to be a great actor.
These books are different from the pigeon books (also by Mo Willems), in that having two characters allows room for plot and story development on a greater scale. The pigeon books (such as _Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus_) are much more appropriate for a younger child.
The only reason I did not give this particular book a full five stars is that the dialogue in the end of the story is a little flat compared to the excellence of his other books. This book is still a must have.

Melodrama in Miniature.......2007-05-14

This book knocked my socks off! Of course, it's a little hard to find one's socks while rolling on the floor laughing... There are few books for early readers that truly stand the test of time, but My Friend Is Sad should be around for years to come. The things that make it work would, ironically, fall flat in a chapter book for fifth graders--but Mo Willems understands something crucial about little kids, and that is that their emotions and interactions feel vast and dramatic to them. This story reminded me of an old-fashioned melodrama, characterized by over-the-top facial expressions and physical humor. I mean, Gerald the elephant could do a GREAT death scene if he had to. In counterpoint to the drama that is Gerald, we have his friend Piggie's drier delivery as Piggie earnestly, even frantically, attempts to cheer up the sad elephant. (You may not be able to tell from the text that Piggie is a girl, by the way.) I love Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad with all my heart, but here is a duo with an equally charming, though very different, dynamic. Your child will like this book--and you will, too!

A great new book with great new characters!.......2007-03-22

Mo Willems has worked his magic yet again. In two new books, "Today I will Fly" And "My Friend is Sad" he introduces two new characters to his cast--Piggie, an upbeat and optomistic pig and her best friend, Gerald a more melancholy, 'realistic' elephant who wears glasses.

Piggie enters the pages of the book to find, Gerald, her best friend in a very glum mood--he's so wrapped up in it that he does not even notice her. She then goes about trying ways to cheer him up--dressing up as a clown and a cowboy for example. Each new attempt, inspite of Gerald loving clowns and cowboys, makes the elephant even more miserable.

The illustrations are classic Willems, super expressive but very simple at the same time. Fantastic!

Its a sweet book about friendship and is great for a younger audience. Its on a similar level as "Green Eggs and Ham" and clearly the publisher realised this as it is very similar in shape, size and general physical design to the smaller Dr. Seuss books.

A Box of Treats: Five Little Picture Books about Lilly and Her Friends

Average customer rating:

Five Sweet Treats...and what that means
just a little too sweet
Big Help
Cute and Clever
one of my toddlers all time favorite gifts

A Box of Treats: Five Little Picture Books about Lilly and Her Friends

Manufacturer: HarperFestival
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0060732113
Release Date: 2004-10-26

Book Description

Five little picture books about Lilly and her friends to share all year long.

Customer Reviews:

Five Sweet Treats...and what that means.......2007-07-25

As mentioned in other reviews; this set of books is nicely smallish (5 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches), and beautifully drawn, and the 5 stories are lovely. What no one has yet bothered to mention is the answer to "What do you get?" in this smallish, prettily drawn and nicely written set?

You get 5 small, hard cover books in a nice, slick board box;
Lilly's Chocolate Heart, Owen's Marshmellow Chick, Wemberly's Ice-Cream Star, Julius's Candy Corn and Sheila Rae's Peppermint Stick.

Each short story involves a 'treat'; an Easter Marshmellow Chick, some Halloween Candy Corn, a Forth of July ice cream, etc, that barely mention the holiday to which they owe their existance. For example, although Owen does get an "Easter basket", there is no mention of Christmas in Sheila Rae's Peppermint Stick and no mention of why a red, white and blue star-shaped ice-cream would be Wemberly's special treat "on a hot day".

All of which is fine with me, I thoroughly enjoy reading these with my 3 1/2 and 4 1/2 year old kids, even our 18 month old seems to enjoy these stories, but I feel if we were not a Christmas-and-Easter-celebrating household, this set would have been a bit of a bummer. So, consider yourself warned. :)

just a little too sweet.......2007-07-22

first, these are great little stories. kevin henkes is a fabulous author. my only issue is that i would have liked to have known ahead of time that all the stories were about sugary sweets and the characters hording their sweets in some way. it's turned out to be fine - my daughter still loves the stories. i just would have liked a heads' up.

Big Help.......2007-04-11

This is a great set for anyone teaching the Lucy Calkins Units of Study for Primary Grades!

Cute and Clever.......2007-03-31

I am a big fan of all of Kevin Henkes' children's books. This little book set is bright and colorful and looks good enough to eat!

They are a good introduction to the rest of his stories. Not only are these written with little ones in mind, they are smartly written. I enjoy them as much as my son! Henkes really knows how to capture the innocence and whimsy of children everywhere.

one of my toddlers all time favorite gifts.......2007-03-08

My 2 1/2 year old adores these books. She brings them to me to read to her several times throughout the day and night, never seeming to tire of them, She has had them for about 6 months so this is no passing fancy.
In the large size, any one of these books would cost what you can get five of them in this box set. Actually, this size is much better for little hands and I think adds to the fun. I am keeping it in mind as an ideal gift to give other children in the future. My daughter has learned many words from the books, just because she enjoys repeating them after me. Her favorite is "Delicious!" from Julius's Candycorn. This is definitely a good buy.

Average customer rating:

Problems with the beetle wings
Love these books!
Great line of soft books
Chewable book helps baby develop "appetite" for reading
My baby girl's favorite!!!

Fuzzy Bee and Friends (Cloth Books)
Roger Priddy
Manufacturer: Priddy Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Rag Book

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ASIN: 0312491506

Book Description

-Ideal for babies and toddlers.-Textured fabrics and bright colors help to develop children's sensory awareness.-Rhyming text helps kids improve their listening skills.

Customer Reviews:

Problems with the beetle wings.......2007-10-10

My daughter loves this book. Unfortunately, the silver paint on the blue beetle wings is starting to rub off. None of the other pages have problems so its fixable, but in a product like this its unacceptable.

Love these books!.......2007-09-10

And so does my child.

Throw it in the washer (even though it says otherwise)... Perfect!

Great line of soft books.......2007-08-30

My daughter had several of the Roger Priddy soft books when she was a baby. Though we loved them all (with the possible exception of Snowy Bear - the pictures and colors are just not as attention grabbing), I would have to say that Fuzzy Bee was everyone's favorite. The colors and materials are fantastic.

Chewable book helps baby develop "appetite" for reading.......2007-08-25

I bought this book for my newborn because I wanted her to grow up loving to read. When she was a few months old, she loved to chew on the soft cloth pages and stare at the brightly colored pictures. Then she learned how to turn the pages. Now at 10 months, she still loves to touch the 3-D part of each page and hear me read the simple rhymes.

We love all of the different objects and textures that she can touch and explore on each page:
1) Fuzzy black and yellow bee
2) Black vinyl ladybug spots
3) Pink corduroy earthworm
4) Blue metallic beetle wings
5) Red satin butterfly wing
6) Black stringy spider lega
7) Mesh dragonfly wings
8) Shiny red snail shell
9) Blue metallic fly eyes

This crinkly cloth book is easy for babies to hold and great for teething. It also keeps little hands busy during car rides. Although the manufacturer recommends surface cleaning only, I've successfully washed mine inside a mesh lingerie bag on the gentle cycle. And it still looks new...

My baby girl's favorite!!!.......2007-08-23

We received this book as a gift before our daughter was born. From the time she was born, she's had a bookcase full of baby and toddler books, but this one is by far her favorite. It was the first one she really took interest in...at about 6 weeks old. I think she loves the bold, bright illustrations. Up until she was about 5 months old, she'd go through a seriously fussy period in the evenings...nothing could calm her down like reading Fuzzy Bee! It worked like magic. She's 6.5 months old now and still loves it! We also have Squishy Turtle -- it's also a hit but not to quite the same degree.

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