Children Books

At 44, having read literally thousands of books in my life (probably 10's of thousands) this book still stands out as one of the sweetest, imaginative stories ever. Still love the creativity and the focus on using your imagination - great stuff! Well done, Julie - Well done!

Julie Andrews, it is safe to say, is very cool. She told us that the hills were alive in The Sound of Music. James Garner was attracted to her in Victor/Victoria (even when he thought she was a man). More recently, Andrews has held her own next to the Plaza's favorite resident in Eloise at the Plaza and Eloise at Christmastime. Oh, and she was Mary Poppins (and Millie) before Mary Poppins (and Thoroughly Modern Millie) got all trendy with Broadway show(s).

In between all of her amazing film credits, Julie Andrews wrote a book under her pen name Julie Andrews Edwards in 1974 called The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles. I have been meaning to read it for close to a decade, but things always got in the way. After starting the book (again) last month I made a promise that I would finish it this time even if it killed me. Clearly, I lived to tell the tale.

The story starts when Ben, Tom and Lindy Potter are sent to the zoo by their parents. Initially resistant to the idea, the trip proves quite enjoyable. When the children begin to discuss truly unusual animals, a stranger butts in with a straightforward question: "If you're looking for something really unusual, have you considered a Whangdoodle?"

The Potter children, of course, have not. Tom goes as far as to say that the Whangdoodle could not possible exist. This assertion is thrown into question when a dictionary provides a rather accurate definition of the word. The Potter's initial interest turns into an alliance with their new friend Professor Savant to try to reach Whangdoodleland and meet the fanciful creature for themselves.

The road to Whangdoodleland is not straightforward. Along the way the children have much to learn, including relearning the very ways in which they look at the world. The journey is filled with wondrous creatures both friendly and dangerous, but the children are now committed to finishing the journey one way or another regardless of the challenges thrown in their path. When the quest reaches its final climax none of the characters' lives will ever be the same.

I liked this book, but not really as much as I had hoped. As I mentioned it took me a long time to actually start the book and, once it was started, it took a long time for me to finish it. Unfortunately, I think part of that has to do with my coming to this book at the age of 22 when I was unwilling to accept certain aspects of the story. (The feminist in me made it very difficult to appreciate parts of the end of the story.)

At the same time, the book was originally written in 1974. The text is not dated in the usual way, with references to old technology, rather it all feels very different from a 2008 novel. The children befriend a strange man in the zoo. All of the Potters seem younger and more innocent than I would have expected (from children of the same age in the present). I was able to get more into the story once I accepted those things, but it also made me sad because I started to think about what I had lost and, also, what our culture had lost in terms of faith and trust. I wish I had been able to read the book without so many questions and doubts because I do want to see things the way the Potters and Professor Savant do--I'm just not sure that way of thinking is always possible in the twenty-first century.

I bought this book for my 7 year old son. He is an amazing reader and loves fairy tale books. This book really captured his imagination. He got a little bored in the middle but he loved this book.

This is a very rare book, luckily I came across it in 5th grade, and it was definitely a book to die for. It was an accurate, unique, and imaginative story about two children who befriend a strange and creative man who introduces them to a world filled of new and unique animals, plants, and many different things. This world could only be realistic if you imagined it. Soon they found themselves in a great adventure to meet the last of the really great Whangdoodles, and save the existence of the Whangdoodles kind.

"I stumbled upon this book in my school library looking for a good book for a book report. I had no idea it was going to be so good! Even though it's fantasy, it is written so well you could almost believe it being real! This book had many mind-boggling ideas included, but that just made the whole plot more interesting! I don't know how anyone could not absolutely love this book! This is almost a monument in human literature."

Throughout the Redwall books Martin has always been not only the founder of Redwall but a veritable figure of legend. This book finally tells his story. Like the series, it's a grand ol' adventure. However, I felt this one packed the most emotion--I dare to call this a tragedy. If you can put up with that, this is a fantastic and passionate read.

I am reading all of the Redwall books in the chronological order, not the order he wrote them in. Martin the Warrior is therefore 2nd. I'd already read Redwall and Mossflower and they remain among my favorites of this series, but Martin the Warrior is just as good. His characters are well-developed, just keep in mind that the intended audience is children. I love the way he creates different ways of speaking for the different types of animals. Molespeech happens to be my favorite. To some extent, the book formulas are fairly predictable. Insane villain leader, celebratory feast, etc., but these in no way diminish the enjoyment (for me) of truly delightful storytelling.

*Remember that I am not the target audience for this book, so younger adults will enjoy this novel.

For die-hard Redwall fans, or even the casual readers who've picked up any Redwall book would know who Martin is. He is the source of prayer to the Redwallers, the mouse that annoyingly sticks his snout in other's dreams, giving riddles to the would-be-warrior. He is also featured on a tapestry that hangs at the Great Hall. And what you are holding in your hands, or are probably about to, are the story behind the warrior, and how he was so well honored among the Redwallers and all free good woodland critters.

In the book, Martin is a young mouse who is slave to a wicked stoat named Badrang the Tyrant. He has gathered up a large horde of every evil stereotypical villain except for stoats like himself, and plenty of slaves who mostly do the work of enlarging his fortress called Marshank. He is a sly, wicked beast, like any Redwall villain, stuck with a 'friend' (I say this term loosely because you know there is never any deep relationship between vermin buddies) named Clogg, a corsair stoat, and backstabbing one another to get control of Marshank. Martin defies Badrang, escapes with a few slaves, and then he gathers up an army to attack Marshank and end Badrang's tyranny.

For the pros, this book is up there as my rare Redwall favorites simply because you got at least two characters who are woodland good but turn bad like the bankvole named Druwp, who acts as a spy among the slaves, and a tribe of squirrels who give in to Martin and help him fight.

It's a decent Redwall novel that I do enjoy and that's saying something, since most of my Redwall reviews have been negative. Perhaps I have taken this book as it is (finally): a good childhood story. Well, it's a good story, when you get down to it.

This book is supposed to be about 'Martin the Warrior'. About how his legacy lived on in so many creatures when all other heroes have been forgotten. So this book must be special, and it is.

The characters were mostly one dimensional, with exception to a few villains like Clogg and Badrang, who were very neat, twisted villains with good motives. Rose was put up there to serve as a very weak love interest for Martin that I wished could've been a tiny bit more developed. Felldoh was a very interesting character, and I can admit that I did like him, and I would have liked him a lot more hadn't he fallen through the same path of wickedness as a vermin, or from what the kind, peace-loving woodland creatures call them. I mean, this guy kills off the rats and weasels without blinking, always using revenge as a motive to not care, or because these guys are wicked, that they don't even have souls or lives. The fact that these runaway slaves are so good at handling weapons, far better than any rogue who's had many years experience using swords and such, can also be bending some reality rules here.

But there really isn't much realism here, I'll admit. I mean, when a mouse is the same size as a fox as a fox is to a squirrel, and when all the bad guys act like dumb idiots who have no idea how to keep pecking order, there isn't much room for reality left. How can a couple of dimwitted morons like Badrang's horde even be in a horde if they're always backstabbing one another and running away from woodland creatures in fear?

Adults and those with older mentalities will say these questions, but this is a children's book. And I actually did like it, even with those questions in mind. Skeptics will have a hard time reading it, like myself, but I really did like this book, no matter what insane flaws, and I did get a good few laughs from the bumbling villainy idiots.

If you're looking for a legend, you will actually find it here, and it is better than 'The Legend of Luke'.

I pretty much said it all in the title! This book is awesome! It's got the most action, battles, and the coolest bad guys! It's great! Read this book!

A fantastic story from the Redwall series, Martin the Warrior, is a mix of friendship and battles against a ruthless rat clan. This "National best seller" from Brian Jacques is about a mouse named Martin, who gets captured in the rat's prison. This story is full of foxes, lizards, moles, rats, and of course, mice. Most fantasy lovers and animal lovers will keep rereading this fantastic book about how friendship can help others in times of conflict. As most good stories are, all Brian Jacques books are well more than worth reading. And all animals have human characteristics.

This was the very first Lurlene McDaniel book that I read. It was a joy to read and I wish that it never ended. Julie reminds me of how every women should stand up for there love one when there sick. True love is what they both shared and hopefully one day I will have that two. Must read!!!!!!!!

I have actually had to buy this book twice I read it so many times!! Amazing story of young love and sacrifice! I first bought this when I was 13 (I am now 26), and I just might pull it off the shelf and read it again! I love Lurlene McDaniel's books, but this one is by far my favorite!!

i read this book as a child and i loved it. it made everyone i know who read it cry.if u like lurlene mc daniel, you will love this book it was one of my favorites.

okay i know it's been said a thousand times but thus was a great book. it is so far my favorite lurelene mcdaniel book. It tells the story of Julie and her boyfrien Luke and his struggle with leukimia.i won't spoil the ending but it was a real tear jerker. i reccomend all of her books.

The book is called Don't die,My love.It is a tear jerking story.If one likes romance they will like this story.A good romance always pops out
some people and to some it does not and it always captures people in the moment. This certain romance is a realy, really good one and it really popped out to me.When people die it tears people apart.

This book was so bad that I actually keep it on the shelf so that I wont forget the author's name or the writing style. Nothing seemed coherent in this novel and the dialogue was awful.

I love this book. Mel is strong, but believable. You can really relate with her even if you don't always think she is doing the right thing. I could not put this book down, and i did not want to!It is very well written and by the end of the book you feel like you have known Mel your whole life. As if you were there when all these things happened. Great,Great,Great Book!

Court Duel the sequel, is just as good!

I loved this book, even my mom liked it! We liked it so much we had to read the next one. This duet is awesome. I would recommend this book and its sequel to anyone interested in books about a girl who sets out to save her country and in doing so finds something totally different.- OOPS!!- I said to much, you will have to read it to get more info!!!

A great fantasy story of Meliara. She swears to her father on his deathbed that she will reclaim the kingdom, which was once her mothers, and she will reclaim it from the greedy King Galdran. This leads her village to a war against the king and will threaten the lives of the people and their homes. This is a great book for fantasy lovers and people who love stories about court life.

I have to agree with the editorial reviews above; this book is somewhat predictable and the plot is a bit trite (when a male & a female character bicker throughout the whole book, we all know what's going to happen at the end, right?). However, the characters are well-developed and the world is richly detailed, with a unique culture and customs.

As a 20-year-old English major and a connoisseur of young adult lit (it being the only section of the university library I can find my way around in), I'd recommend it for fans of YA girl-oriented fantasy. Anyone who likes Tamora Pierce, Donna Jo Napoli, Gail Carson Levine, or Robin McKinley should be satisfied with this series.

While this book has more action, I preferred the sequel, Court Duel. It's a bit hard to find unless you know what you're looking for - it's very hard to find on its own, but can be found bundled with Crown Duel in one volume, confusingly titled Crown Duel. It appears Amazon has finally cleverly changed it to "Crown Duel (Originally Published as the Two Books Crown Duel and Court Duel) (Firebird) (Paperback)," which clarifies things. It provides a satisfying conclusion to the story.

The first book of the Warrior series is Warriors Into the Wild. There was this original house cat named Rusty. One day Rusty went out into the forest in back of his house. When he was in the forest another cat attacked Rusty when he tried to catch a mouse. Rusty tried to fight of the cat so he could run away. Later in the book Rusty choose to go live with the wild cats in the forest. When he made it to the wild cat's camp he got his new name. Rusty trained to become a good warrior cat and in the end he found out that this was all he every wanted.

My 10/11 year old son just started reading this series. SO far, so good! We'd recommend it.

Ever wonder what a house cat is thinking? Have you ever thought about where your lost cat went? Humans are fascinated by cats strange behavior, but Erin Hunters book "Warriors: Into the Wild" will turn that fascination around!

Erin Hunters "Warriors: Into the Wild" book is the story of a house cat named Rusty, when he leaves the safety of his backyard to enter the forest behind his house. Like his friend told him, Rusty's attacked by a wild cat, but when Rusty fights back, him and the attacker, Graypaw, become close friends. But when Graypaws Clan leader offers Rusty one day to decide if he wants to join the clan, he has one day to choose between his safe, boring life he grew up with his best friends and caring housefolk, or the deadly life he's always wanted with adventure and freedom at every turn.

Eventually, the Warriors series makes a large Text-to-World connection, but I won't spoil it for you. It's mostly Text-to-Text. Each book having a connection to the one before, if it's a fight like a previous one, or there's a tragic story, just like the one before. But no two books have the exact same plot. It's always a new story, new adventure, even if it seams the same.

The audience for "Warriors: Into the Wild" is between 9 and 13 year olds. Although other ages might enjoy the book too. Any cat fan should read the books if they have ever wondered what cats might think from day to day. The audience stays the same throughout all Warriors books so you'll never be disappointed. This book is a good combination of realistic fiction and fantasy and is very similar to other realistic fiction books; love, fighting, adventure, friendship; just with cats!

One thing that constantly changes in the story are the characters. At any moment a beloved character dies, or a personal favorite cat, turns blood thirsty and murderous! Families can expand or contrast dramatically within the course of three pages! You're allowed inside the main characters thoughts, to see what they think about what's going on. A big change could occur for one person, but the other might have no idea what just happened! The characters make it seam so realistic, you'll think it's about humans; till one comes along and something disastrous happens, like starting forest fires.

Ultimately, Erin Hunters "Warriors: Into the Wild" is an amazing book that puts the world into a cats point of view. After reading this book, you'll see your pet cat, and other cats very differently!

This book is the start of my favorite series! Must-read!
Message to those few who rated less than 2 stars: You have bad taste in literature! :3
Message to those who rated 5 stars: You rock! Warriors forever for everyone!

Rusty,the cat,prepares to leave the cover of his house and go out into the forest. Little does he know his life will never be the same. He becomes Firepaw. Erin Hunter,the author, makes it seem like you're there in the forest among the six clans: Thunderclan, Riverclan, Windclan, Shadowclan, Skyclan and Starclan. Some of the characters you'll meet are: LEADER (Bluestar), DEPUTY (Redtail) and MEDICINE CAT (Spottedleaf).

As an adult who reads a great deal of YA fiction (because I don't care for the smut and language that fills many adult novels), I found Court Duel engaging, refreshing and imaginative. I loved the subtlety of the romance and found the male lead particularly appealing. Mel was believable, with a voice, perspective and humility that carried the story well. I like a heroine who is teachable.

Smith is a skilled writer; the story flowed smoothly from the beginning of book I to the end of book II--with no jarring moments that left me dazed or disappointed. I marveled at the world and characters that the author created and was intrigued by the matter-of-fact ways in which magic was utilized in the story.

Loved it, loved it, loved it. This was a very G-rated book that I look forward to sharing with my daughter and my friends.

When I read the Crown Duel (which is equally as good as this one!), I had to read this book. But I was sadly disappointed when I found out that this book was out-of-print and too expensive (how about $75.00?!)...but I eventually found a copy and I read it in about 3 hours, almost nonstop! I loved it...

When Meliara's brother, Bran, shows up in Tlanth unexpectely with his fiance and the person Mel disliked most, she is to be soon caught up in a dizzying whirl of flirtation, politics, and letters from an Unknown. Not to mention the secret plot against the Hill Folk-- again.

Although I wasn't really surprised who her Unknown was, it was really romantic the way he told her! I loved it. I gave the books to my mother to read as well, and she also liked them a lot. She couldn't stop reading them either. I really liked the way she was confused about her feelings...especially about Shevraeth! (I still call him that, I can't get used to his name being Vidanric!) It didn't have as much sword and fighting action, but the romance totally made up for it. I know it costs a lot, but it's so worth it--you'll LOVE it!

Admitedly, as soon as I started reading this book I could not put it down, I read it in about three hours, only pausing to eat dinner. Did I enjoy it? Yes. Was it the best book I've ever read? No.

Mel goes to court and becomes a popular lady with many suitors. All the while she is trying to decide if Shrevraeth (was that his name?) would make a good king or if this other woman whose name I fail to recall would be a better leader. That part of the book wasn't very exciting and I felt that Mel wasn't doing very much good.

Let's be honest. The only reason people stuck around was to read about the developing romance between Shrevraeth and Mel. We endure 200 pages of Mel trying to convince herself that she hates him. How will things turn out between them? Who is the mysterious suitor sending her letters? Hmm..

Yes this book was very predictable and the conclusion was a bit dull. I know I sound very negative but I did like this book. It just didn't astound me with it's brilliance like it did for some other reviewers.

I am sounding lucid? I'm tired and don't want to keep writing.

Yes anyway, I liked the book. It was good but not wow, yippee, this is the greatest book ever, good. At least not to me.

The equally interesting sequel to crown duel. Mel is invited to the royal palace to be with her brother and finally decides she will go. When she gets there she finds out that friends and enemies look alike and intrigue is everywhere. She must learn to fight with wit and words. At the palace she also learns that love can be confusing but wonderful. This story is just as good as the first if not better.

Court Duel (1998) is the second fantasy novel in the Duel series, following Crown Duel. In the previous volume, the Marquis of Shevraeth was probably going to be the next king. He turned part of the personal fortune of Galdran the greedy over to Meliara Astiar for the damage done to her family. Mel went on a spending streak, starting with repairs on the rundown castle where she lived.

Mel also had roads constructed throughout the county and had artisans working on the homes and shops in the villages. Soon the local economy bloomed. Naturally, she restocked the castle library with books on various subjects and invited everybody in the county to read them.

In this novel, Count Branaric comes back to Tlanth unexpectedly in a cavalcade of four carriages, bringing Nimiar -- his fiancee -- and the Marquis of Shevraeth with him. Bran wants to surprise his sister with his arrival and his engagement. He certainly succeeds, for they find his sister running around the castle in hand-me-down clothes.

Despite her embarrassment, Mel finds Nimiar charming and the Marquis as polite as usual. Bran wants Mel to attend his wedding to Nimiar at the palace. Meliara doesn't want to return to the site of her humiliation by King Galdran, but Nee is nice and sincerely wants her to attend. So Meliara agrees to accompany them back to the city.

Mel learns that she still tends to quarrel with the Marquis. Every conversation ends with an argument. Finally she starts avoiding his company whenever she can.

In this story, they travel back to the city several weeks later. This journey is very different from her last trip to the palace. Now she is free to listen to the music and dance or to do anything else she wishes whenever they stop at an inn on the way.

Upon reaching the palace, Mel has a very different experience in court. Nimiar has taught her the courtly graces and now Mel is attired in the appropriate clothes. She even attracts flirts who pester her for dances.

The only problems at court are Marquise Arthal Merindar and Lady Tamara. The Marquise is the sister of the former king and apparently views Mel as a possible ally against the future king. Tamara is Nimiar's rather snobbish cousin who is jealous of Mel for attracting the attention of Duke Savona.

When Mel attends a party at the Merindar mansion, the Marquise leads Mel to believe that she had arranged Mel's escape from her brother's dungeons. Mel is quite confused and decides to ask Azmus about the affair. Soon Azmus appears at her door and informs her that the Marquise is not being completely truthful with her. Mel then asks Azmus to resume his spying activities on her own behalf and he agrees.

This tale differs from the prior volume in several ways, but mostly in Mel's opportunities to stay dry and clean. Naturally, she doesn't stay that way all the time. She also learns more about the court of King Galdran from Nimiar and gains some sympathy and respect for the courtiers during those times. Many had deaths and disappearances in their own families during Galdran's reign.

Meliara matures even more in this story. She discovers more opinions and attitudes that are ignorant and even childish. Yet she tries very hard to overcome these flaws.

This work is the concluding volume in the duology. One wishes for more, but the author has gone on to other things. Still, one can hope. Enjoy!

Highly recommended for Smith fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of courtly manners, court intrigue, and a touch of romance.

-Arthur W. Jordin

Mattimeo is super THRLLING with an AWESOME adventure!!!
Mattimeo is the son of Redwall's champion until a dirty, no good fox kidnaps the little folk of The Redwall Abbey. They sent a search team out to find them. There are a few battles along the way. Also, they meet a few old friends (and evil enemies) on the journey.
This the best book I have ever read because it kept my eyes glued to the book with every twist and turn. It was a "one step ahead of you" kind of book between the search team, the dirty fox and the slaves. At the same time, Redwall is in a bit of a crisis. I love it because it takes your mind to a whole different world, and I hope you LOVE it too!!!

My daughter LOVES these books!!! Thanks for making it easy for me to get them for her!

I would recommend this book because it is full of action and intensity. When I started reading this book, I never wanted to put it down. After every page, it just got better and better. There were many surprises in this book, like if there is a battle or new enemy; it was just full of surprises. I would and have read a book by Brian Jacques, which was Redwall, the first book in the series. Now I am reading the prequel to Redwall, Mossflower. Overall, Mattimeo was a terrific book.

Why are the most known and far better books of the Redwall universe the first ones done? Well, they're the first ones done, and they were actually pretty good. 'Mattimeo', along with 'Mossflower', and possibly maybe even 'Salamandastron', were one of the best Redwall books. To me. I don't know if it applies to the rest of you readers, but I stick by my comment. 'Mattimeo' was a well done book. It was also one of the biggest, probably the biggest Redwall book. It's actually a quest I'd actually look forward to reading, and for once, the Redwall creatures are showing emotion that is actually true rather than just coming out strained and downright terrible like in Jacques' recent works.

'Mattimeo' takes place seasons and seasons after the 'Redwall' book, the true sequel, and it focuses on Sela's supposedly dead son, Chickenhound. He is now called Slagar the Cruel, has his band of wicked beasts that we know will probably be weasels, ferrets, rats, stoats...those guys. Slagar is noticed as one of the most intelligent, wicked, and more insane of any warlord that came before or after him. His face is horribly disfigured, cause of a snake's bite and painful venom, and he hides his deformity using a skull mask. Believing his own lies of how the Redwall creatures had betrayed him, he plans to seek revenge by stealing the children of Redwall under the Redwaller's noses and selling them to Malkariss, a warlord who dwells in the underground, building an empire, made from the paws of many slave children.

This story works well, extremely well, as Mattimeo, Matthias' son, slowly becomes a hardened warrior during the time of his capture and how he is forced to endure harsh beatings, cruel words, and many deaths as he is led to Malkariss' kingdom. And while the warriors of Redwall chase after Slagar, the Redwallers are having troubles of their own back at the abbey. General Ironbeak and his birds are set on seizing it. The techniques that Slagar uses to outsmart his pursuers are classic and clever, but for some reason I do not like Ironbeak's part in how he tries to conquer the abbey. Either he's really dumb or the Redwallers for some reason are extremely well trained to handle an aerial attack--either one or both, I just don't like how he tries to conquer it when there were dozens of simple solutions, like a total ambush. Grabbing them and flinging them from a range of thirty feet would have done it, but I'm not the writer. When there's a more awesome story going on, I don't care about the weak side story. I just love Slagar and his twisted schemes. This is truly one of my favorite Redwall books of all time.

This is either the best or the second best Redwall book. It's the direct sequel to the Original Redwall, so there will be a lot of familier characters. Complete with 3 huge battles, a cruel monster that lurks in the dark, and an evil slaver named Slager, this book is ultimate, and I highly reccomend it!

This is the ultimate Simpsons fan's book. It has all of The Simpsons seasons 1-8 in air-order, so you won't have any problem finding them. There are a lot of pictures and colors as well. There are even a list of Homer's D'ohs, Couch Gags, and Chalkboard Gags for every episode. This is well worth the money you pay for it; definitely should be bought by any simpaholic.

I bought this book when it first came out, and have re-read it often (fully, and partially) since then. It is an excellent reference for any "Simpsons" fan for the first eight seasons of the show. The pages are full of episode summaries, quotes, and trivia facts from the show. It also offers profiles of characters, and a list of who does what voice. A great source if you cannot remember what guest celebrity voiced a character or any other information like that. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys the "Simpsons" and wants to know more about the episodes.

Almost everything you could ever think to ask about The Simpsons is in this book. What was Bart writing on the chalkboard in "that one episode"? It's in here. The plots, inside jokes, behind the scenes tales and more await in this excellent resource for fans. This book harkens from the Conan O'Brien-era prime of the series, up to about the late 90's, when the quality (sadly) slipped big time. This was the golden age of The Simpsons, back before the series "became a cartoon." (Anyone who was a fan back in the day knows just what I mean.)

The Simpsons: A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family is probably the best book on the Simpsons that I've read. It includes, and I am taking this right from the cover, characters, episodes, and secret jokes you might have missed from seasons 1 thru 8. The book was created by Matt Groening and edited by Ray Richmond. It details each episode and even has extras: The Shorts; Homer Says, "D'oh..."; Homer Says, "Mmm..."; Couch Gags; Seen around Springfield; An Itchy & Scratchy Filmography; Who Does What Voice; and Merchandising, Thy Name Is Krusty.

The books dedication even reads:
TO THE LOVING MEMORY OF
SNOWBALL I:
WE HOPE THAT
THEY CHANGE YOUR CATBOX
IN KITTY HEAVEN MORE OFTEN
THAN WE DID DOWN HERE.

My favorite saying in the book is on p. 64, "When Flanders Failed":
"Hey, Barteleeboobely, care for a steak-a-rooney?" Homer, to Bart as he cooks on the grill that used to belong to Fladners.

I definetly reccomend purchasing this book.

I found this book so soothing. If you love the Simpsons, you will love this book. You can relive the most hilarious quotes of the series in the most convienient manner possible. No need to search through DVD's to hear Homer say, "It takes two to lie, Marge. One to lie, and one to listen." Instead, you can flip through this book and relive all your favorite moments. I read it over and over and over again. It is well worth its price.

As a librarian, I love to read this book to my classes. It is an easy time because the children start to read along with the repeated text and my job becomes so easy. The children enjoy this story and ask for it repeatedly, "...please read it again". The story is hilarious and the illustrations are great. It is a good story for young readers because of the repetive words and sounds, but it is enjoyed by all age children and at least this adult reader. The teachers at my school like the book as well which is not surprising even though their classes often leave after hearing the story with a resounding chorus of Click Clack...Moo Moo.

This is a total gem of subtle hilarity. Imagine your average farm where the cows get a hold of a typewriter and use it to bend their poor farmer to their every whim. The tension that follows the various cow-typed notes leads to a farm animal strike. Who would have thought something so random could make such an intelligent book?

Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type, written by Doreen Cronin and published by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, is a humorous rendition of animal life on the farm. Understanding moo is important in this tale, where cows go on strike and chickens refuse to lay eggs, and a neutral duck delivers messages between the beleaguered farmer and his demanding farm animals. Negotiations are important in this witty story of typewriters and electric blankets, where the big, vivacious pictures grab hold of the imagination and bring the words to life. A book children can read over and over as they interact with the repeated "click, clack, moo" and learn to recognize those sight words to start the journey towards reading on their own. A little book full of great fun that should be placed within easy reach right on the nightstand.

You'll never look at a typewriter or barnyard animals the same again once you pick up "Click, Clack, Moo Cows that Type" by Doreen Cronin (Simon & Schuster, 2000). This incredibly witty and humorous tale of demanding cows on strike sends readers on a journey from one side of the picket line to the other. Kids (along with parents) will laugh hysterically as the cow's quest for electric blankets unfolds and will enjoy reciting "click, clack, moo" along with the text. This Caldecott winner exudes with beautiful watercolor characters and barnyard scenes making the book a pleasure to the eyes along with the funny bone. As soon as you put this book down, you'll pick it right back up again for another read and will soon be hearing "click, clack, moo" in your dreams.

Farmer Brown's cows are on strike: no milk till they get electric blankets for cold nights in the barn. How does Farmer Brown know? The cows typed a note on the barn typewriter. "Click, clack, moo." Farmer Brown demands milk. The cows type a response: the hens need blankets, too. The barnyard standoff escalates to the increasingly familiar beat of "Click, clack, moo." Children will cheer as the cows' quiet defiance foments an Orwellian barnyard rebellion that brings Farmer Brown to his knees.

Told in straightforward language that captures the archetypal laconic farmer, Doreen Cronin's offbeat tale grows funnier with repeated readings. Betsy Lewin washes her black drawings with warm, earthy watercolors that echo the text's simplicity. Her deft use of shading and shadows evokes the sun-up to sun-down rhythm of farm life. The fluid lines and bright colors recall Matisse, while the cows' wide eyes and thoughtful expressions suggest Gary Larson (or perhaps Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park) and bring the barnyard to life. The cows, chickens, and duck stare dolefully but invitingly out from the page, transporting the reader beside the water trough to join the revolution.

Like many who have written these other reviews I read and re-read these books 30-odd years ago as a child. I had forgotten about them until the film came out (which does the books no justice whatsoever by the way!). That inspired me to re-read them and yes, even though nowadays I am not a fan of fiction, I still enjoyed the mystery and the power contained within them and got totally engrossed in the fight between light and dark all over again. You almost feel like you're there, joining the fight.

So many of the other reviews on here say these are a great book for kids, reluctanat readers etc, and yes I agree, but ONLY if they are into fantasy. If your child enjoyed Deltora Quest, Harry Potter etc they'll love this because it's deeper and way better!

I have to say my 8 year old finds these books boring, hated Deltora Quest and is totally uninterested in The Dark is Rising, he has a very scientific / analytical sort of brain and these books really did not inspire him at all, I couldn't get him to read more than a few chapters and he is an avid reader, usually reads a chapter book a day. So please don't think these books are perfect for ALL readers, they're not.

However in saying that....

My nine year old son I can currently get no more than a grunt out of lately because he is so absorbed in the series he always has one of these books in his hand, I have to wrench it off him at the dinner table and I can't wait for him to finish them so I can get him to tidy his bedroom! He has fallen up bus stairs because he wouldn't get his head out of the book as he got on the school bus, his teacher tells me she catches him with his desk half up as he's sneakily trying to read these and he tells me that when he finishes the series he's going to read them all over again, much to his sisters dismay because she's dying to get her hands on them too!

So yes, absolutely recommended, I believe equally enjoyable to adults and children; to those that enjoy the mystery and the power of the realm of fantasy fiction, enjoy.

I purchased this series, having read it a long time ago as a young teen, and found it to be every bit as good as I remembered. My only complaint is that this boxed set version has some truly terrible CGI art on the cover. I remember the edition I read as a child was very mysterious and ancient-looking. It's too bad that that much superior artwork was not used for this edition. That's the only thing that stands between this set, and my 5th star.

I remember reading this series years ago and since then I have always thought that it would make a great movie and guess what someone else thought so as well. IMDB is reporting that this movie is in production and will be released in October 2007. I am very excited about this and I am really wishing and hoping that they translate it well to the big screen. I have since lost my books but I have just purchased this set to read all the books again and relive my youth again.

I can't even begin to describe this series and I won't try to. I'm afraid I'd only do it a disservice! Susan Cooper says SO much in so few eloquent words that her books are rather like listening to fine music. I rank this easily with the Narnia series as well as Lord of the Rings. And while I adore the Harry Potter books and think JK is a fabulous writer, I truly feel that even they cannot live up to the quiet serious intensity of these books.

Every year I read this series again. I love it more and more with each read.

Recently many illiterate folks have called these books 'boring' and 'flat'. Those same modern day readers often have to be babied through text & dazzled with fancy action scenes. It has also become a fad to bash things that have won awards or recommendations.

This is a story told with very deep and quiet emotions and if you give it a chance then I can promise you, you won't be disappointed. :)

The series as a whole is great. if you have never read them before but enjoy other great fantasy such as Harry Potter, the Forgotten Realms, or even the Lord Of The Rings these are a must read. they have been great books for the last 35 years or so and will continue to be great books 50 years from now.