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

Amazon.com

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

Book Description

A little tiger takes an imaginative journey

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

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

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

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

A must-have for your Bill Peet collection
Eli: An Unkingly Lion
A book from my childhood
Great book.

Eli
Bill Peet
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0395366119

Book Description

A proud but decrepit lion learns a lesson about friendship from the vultures he despises.

Customer Reviews:

A must-have for your Bill Peet collection.......2007-07-04

Although not written in rhyme like so many of the other Bill Peet books, this one shines with its descriptive story-telling and fanciful sketches. We first fell in love with Bill Peet's work with the book "The Caboose Who Got Loose" and have since not lost the opportunity to own as many of his books as possible, since my sons never wanted to return the books to the library and insisted on purchasing copies to have "for keeps". I am sure you will like these stories with a moral as well.

Eli: An Unkingly Lion.......2007-03-05

Eli the lion was once a proud king of the beasts, but now he is meek as a mouse. What brought about this change? Age. He's too old to romp and fight or even be kingly. Now he only wants to be left alone.

Unfortunately, because of a good deed he did, a flock of vultures want to be his friends. Well, even old has-been kings don't want to associate with vultures. They're "ugly old coots, flee-bitten beggers, and good-for-nothing grubby old bone-pickers" as far as he is concerned.

But they insist on hanging around and luckily for Eli they do. Because the Zoobangas want him, and he can't hide in the gunkazunk grass in the gumbazunka swamp. If you're wondering why and what, I don't blame you. A fun story to read. (Suitable for the primary grades.)

A book from my childhood.......2006-09-11

I used to check this book out of the school library almost every week! I loved it so much that I looked all over the web to find it for my 3 year old daughter! What a special book.

Great book........2000-05-08

My 8 year old daughter has just discovered Bill Peet books and she loves them. She loves to read, but these are the first books that she has expressed an interest in keeping and collecting. She has even asked for his autobiography! Bill Peet has brought a light and an excitement for reading that is wonderful to see! Not only are his books entertaining, but they have a moral to the story that is appreciated by the reader.

My daughter, Kelly, wrote her own comments about the book. They are:

"I liked the part when Eli saved the bird. I also liked it when the birds saved Eli! It was a very, very good book! I liked it very much!"

Book Description

During the day, the boy has been to the zoo where he has seen a lion and her cub. As nighttime falls, the boy and his father share a book. It's the boy's bedtime, but the boy is not sleepy. He is still with the lions. Sleepy Boy is a lovely hymn from a new author -- a hymn to day and to night, to awake and to asleep, to mother and child, to father and son.

Customer Reviews:

A. D. Tarbox, Writer.......2006-08-26

As a mother of two boys who loves animals I loved how the author weaved both into her goodnight story. SLEEPY BOY is about a little boy who spent the day at the zoo, however, it is night now and he is supposed to be going to sleep. But he can't. He keeps remembering the lionness and her cub he saw at the zoo, and how that animal mother took care of her cub. The author uses all the senses to describe what the little boy is experiencing. I liked the author's choice of words. I also liked the beautiful, soft illustrations. Dad's may enjoy reading this book to their sons, because the story starts off with Dad trying to put his little boy to bed. Mom is in the story too. I think little girls would enjoy this book despite the story being about a little boy. The theme is also something both boys and girls should be able to relate to. Sometimes it is difficult to fall asleep, especially after an exciting day. Kids can't stop thinking about all the fun things they did. Sometimes as an adult I feel this way too. I can remember when my kids were young, lying beside them, like the dad in the story, and pretending to sleep, to try and get my kids to sleep. SLEEPY BOY is a gentle, sweet, calming book. I liked it. A. D. Tarbox, author of ALREADY ASLEEP, THE SPANISH PIRATE, and six non-fiction children's books to be released in fall 2008

Average customer rating:

Lions,and Tigers
My Review
For All Readers Looking for Suspense
Killing Animals to make medicine
horrible writing

Lord Of The Kill
Theodore Taylor
Manufacturer: Scholastic Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0439559561

Book Description

When a half-eaten body is found inside a locked jaguar cage, eighteen-year-old Ben Jepson knows it's no prank - someone is trying to make trouble for the Los Coyotes Big Cat Preserve and its manager, Ben's father. An outspoken conservationist, Dr. Jepson has made some powerful enemies. Ben's parents are on a tiger conservation mission deep in the jungle. Now Ben is the only one who can keep Los Coyotes running. But when his beloved tiger Dmitri, nicknamed "Lord of the Kill," is kidnapped, Ben must decide whether to wait for the authorities or to strike out on his own.

Customer Reviews:

Lions,and Tigers.......2006-12-05

I like Lord of the Kill because it is a bit scary but is a good book for animal lovers. I think this a good book for older kids because of blood and violence. It has only one bad in the book. If you dont like horror stories you would not like this book. It has a good ending for the characters it has a bad biginning. If you get scared easy you might want to think twice.

My Review.......2006-05-24

Lord of the Kill is a very well put together book. Theodore Taylor uses a lot of description of what is happening and you can put together a picture in your mind of what is going on. Taylor sends his readers inside the book and it feels as if you are there living out the story. He uses problems that may not seem like they are around today and tries to play along those lines as an animal-rights family and fights for what they believe. Taylor probably intended you to feel what is happening to the characters, especially Ben, and try to relate to him. Most parents leave to go out of town or on vacation and leave their kids to look after the house so in some form most young adults can relate to Ben. Ben takes on the challenge of finding his lost tiger, as most young adults would take on any challenge they may face while alone or have parents out of town. Taylor uses emotions to help enhance what the characters are feeling which helps grab your attention. Adults can relate to other characters like the other employees trying to help Ben manage to preserve, most adults have helped someone else in one way or another.
The ideal audience for Lord of the Kill is definitely for young adults and is well suited for it, they like to read books that have younger main characters in an adventure to stick up for something they believe in. If adventure is your kind of genre then Lord of the Kill would fit your needs.

For All Readers Looking for Suspense.......2006-05-18

Sick and tired of the fake mystery investigations we so often see on television? If the answer is yes, then try reading Lord of the Kill by Theodore Taylor. This book shows the reader what it is like to understand the real crimes from a witness's point of view. Lord of the Kill is the sequel to Sniper, in which both books share the same protagonist: Benjamin Jepson. Ben is a sixteen-year-old male, and even though he is not the brightest in school, he does comprehend quite a bit about the cats at his father's preserve. Ben's dream in life is to someday own the "Los Coyotes Big Cat Preserve" just as his father does now. It seems as if Ben will receive his first test in running the preserve while his parents are in India writing a story for the "National Geographic". Unfortunate for Ben, the preserve has multiple, capable enemies willing to ruin it. This is due to his father's strong opinions against poaching the big cats or any other animal.

Trouble arises when a half-eaten body is found in the cage of two "dangerous" jaguars. Because of the animals' mysterious ways, people outside of the preserve are usually quite afraid of the jaguars and give them nicknames such as "Killer". Without the jaguar mystery solved, General Dmitri Zukov-Ben's favorite Siberian tiger weighing over 800 pounds and having a total length of thirteen feet-is kidnapped! No matter how bizarre it may seem to steal a tiger, Ben realizes he must act quickly if he wishes to see his friend alive ever again. This mystery book's main theme is love, especially shown from Ben. The boy's heart may need to lead him to the most dangerous and important moment of his life. Theodore Taylor's chapters and formatting reminded me of the way Herman Melville separated his chapters in Moby Dick-sweet and short, right to the point. Mr. Taylor of course used many flashbacks because the book is a mystery. And in a mystery, the reader solely learns things when they come into play or when the author finds a necessary time to include such information.

Theodore Taylor has written more than 50 fiction and non-fiction books for young-adult readers. I will probably find myself reading another one of Mr. Taylor's books because overall, I thought Lord of the Kill to be very exciting. Readers must remember not all mysteries can be solved and to be prepared for the numerous unexpected twists and turns. While reading, I took notes on the characters because otherwise a gigantic assortment of questions would have appeared towards the end of the book. I felt worried and frantic in most parts. Any person who believes in justice for animals or takes delight in a well-written mystery would certainly enjoy this book. In the end, we seldom know what may lurk behind the corner. All we can do is rely on our judgment to lead us to the solution of our problems.

Killing Animals to make medicine.......2006-01-24

A half eaten girl is found and locked up in a jaguar cage.
It was a girl from the streets of China Town it was a message from the Triads.
Lord of the Kill by Theodore Taylor is about a kid named Ben who has a tiger preserve to run, he is 18 years old and his parents are somewhere in a jungle in India. Triads are threat the preserve because Ben's father told the Hong Kong police about the shipment of animal medicine that animals were killed to make the medicine.
The book is a good vs. bad book. That one side is trying to save exotic animals and the other is killing animals for medicine.
Ben is scared so he caries a colt. Ben has been getting messages from the Triads that they are threatening him because of Ben's dad that he told the Hong Kong police about the shipment of medicine mad from animals.
I feel bad that Ben has to deal with a big problem. That Ben has lots of problems to deal with. For example: his parents are in a jungle lost and hasn't heard from them.
The writing is very mysteries that there are lots of mysteries. An example is there is a body in a cage with the jaguars.
I recommend this book to people that like mysteries books.

horrible writing.......2005-04-11

What a disappointment! Sniper is my favorite book by Theodore Taylor; in it, 15-year-old Ben Jepson is left in charge of his parents' big cat preserve while his parents visit Africa. Then his parents disappear and someone begins shooting the cats. It's a thrilling story that holds up to re-reading; my copy is in tatters. However, this book reads less like a sequel and more like a re-write of the first book. In it, 16-year-old Ben is left in charge of his parents' big cat preserve while his parents visit India. Then his parents disappear and someone begins causing trouble for the preserve. It's not a thrilling story this time around, and Taylor introduces too many new characters (such as the secretary) who weren't in the first book, while leaving out characters (such as Ben's girlfriend) who should be in the second book. Plus, Ben is 16--why is he entering his senior year of high school? Plus, half of the book is printed in italics for no apparent reason, except to annoy the reader. Skip this one. It wasn't even worth the $1.25 I spent on it.

Average customer rating:

Great Book
Great compamion to 'Just like Daddy' book

Just Like Mommy
n/a
Manufacturer: Little Simon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Board book

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Daddy Loves Me (Cuddle Up & Read Together)

ASIN: 1416912185

Book Description

Piggy likes to play in mud,

kitty likes to hide in trees,

puppy likes to dig for bones --

just like their mommies!

Touch and feel their mommies' furs

as you say good night to each,

but don't forget that the best mommy

of all is just like you!

Customer Reviews:

Great Book.......2007-01-15

Good for around 1-3 years. Don't forget "Just like Daddy" book as well

Great compamion to 'Just like Daddy' book.......2007-01-09

Great compamion to 'Just like Daddy' book. My daughter loves the 'fuzzy' feeling on the book.

Lion Family Book, The (Animal Family (Chronicle))

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Lion Family Book, The (Animal Family (Chronicle))
A. Hofer , and G. Ziesler
Manufacturer: Michael Neugebauer (North South Books)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1558585028

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Wild Cats (Step into Reading)
Mary Batten
Manufacturer: Random House Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0375825517
Release Date: 2004-04-27

Book Description

They roar. They claw. They stalk. They pounce. The wild cats of the world are beautiful, but also deadly. From ferocious lions, speedy cheetahs, and cagey tigers to unusual sand cats and clouded leopards, Wild Cats takes you into the wild.

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Eye Wonder: Big Cats (Eye Wonder)

Manufacturer: DK CHILDREN
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0789485486

Book Description

Open your eyes to a world of discovery. Prowl into the wild and exciting world of big cats. From lounging leopards to the king of beasts, explore the super senses of big cats. A wealth of facts, combined with dramatic photography, ensures that Eye Wonders are the perfect educational start for young children. Eye Wonders is a groundbreaking reference series specially developed for younger children aged five plus. In a stunning style departure for DK, wonderful photography shows subjects within their natural setting, offering a whole new level of information through powerful images. Vocabulary is accessible to children aged five plus, with the meanings of new, subject-related words clearly explained. The series provides an excellent knowledge base on the natural world for children starting to learn. The combination of breathtaking visuals and informative, accurate text will hook even those children who usually avoid books.

Average customer rating:

Beautiful

Cats (Shaped Board Books)
DK Publishing
Manufacturer: DK Preschool
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Board book

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

Book Description

From the regal lion to the adorable domesticated kitten, cats are one of the most captivating species on the planet. This guide gives an in-depth look at the wonderful diversity and beauty of cats of all shapes and sizes.Experience Nature Up CloseFeaturing stunning photograph and fact-filled, easy-to-read text.Explore the history of domestic cats, which began thousands of years agoView the striped fur that camouflages a Bengal tiger as it huntsUnderstand how cats always manage to land on their feet

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2000-04-03

This book really does show a unique perspective on Cats. I think that it would make a great addition to school classrooms as another way to introduce children to the animal kingdom.

Average customer rating:

So glad this isn't out of print!

Johnny Lion's Book (I Can Read Book 1)
Edith Thacher Hurd
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0064442977
Release Date: 2000-12-26

Amazon.com

Johnny Lion's mother and father are going out hunting. "Be a good little lion," says Mother Lion. "Do not go out of the house." But Johnny has something better to do. He has a brand-new book! "Oh no," he says. "I will not go out of the house. I will read my book all day long." At first he does not read very well. He tries and tries until he can finally read the story. Imagine his surprise when it turns out to be all about a little lion a lot like himself, with parents who go out hunting for something good to eat, just like Johnny's parents. As Johnny reads about Oscar P. Lion's exciting day--escaping a crocodile, trying to hunt, getting lost--he begins to feel like he's the one having the adventures.

Every child who first discovers the magic of reading knows what it's like to be absorbed by a new (or old) storybook. The classic pairing of Edith Thacher Hurd and her husband Clement Hurd (illustrator of Margaret Wise Brown's Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny) in the Johnny Lion books (Johnny Lion's Rubber Boots and Johnny Lion's Bad Day)is a welcome treat for any reader, veteran or novice. Clement Hurd's yellow and red lions are some of the most appealing felines readers are likely to encounter on or off the page. (Ages 3 to 7) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

Alone with a book

Johnny Lion is home alone with his new books, The Little Lion. The book is about a lion cub who is on his own one day, just like Johnny. But, unlike Johnny Lion, this cub walks out into the world alone--and into lots of trouble!

Customer Reviews:

So glad this isn't out of print!.......2007-05-25

I remember loving this book as a little girl, so, of course I bought it for my own children when I came across it as an adult.
The story is timeless, and my kids enjoy it just as much as I did!

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