Books

Book Description

Darkness falls…despair abounds…evil reigns…

Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the mighty forces of King Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire. Now Eragon must travel to Ellesmera, land of the elves, for further training in the skills of the Dragon Rider: magic and swordsmanship. Soon he is on the journey of a lifetime, his eyes open to awe-inspring new places and people, his days filled with fresh adventure. But chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn, and nothing is what it seems. Before long, Eragon doesn’t know whom he can trust.

Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must fight a new battle–one that might put Eragon in even graver danger.

Will the king’s dark hand strangle all resistance? Eragon may not escape with even his life. . . .


Praise for Eragon:
“Unusual, powerful . . . fresh and fluid. An impressive start to a writing career that’s sure to flourish.” –Booklist, Starred
“Christopher Paolini make[s] literary magic with his precocious debut.” –People
“The new ‘It’ book of children’s lit.” –U.S. News & World Report
“An auspicious beginning to both career and series.” –Publishers Weekly

A #1 New York Times Bestseller
A #1 Publishers Weekly Bestseller
A USA Today Bestseller
A Wall Street Journal Bestseller
A Book Sense Book of the Year
A #1 Book Sense Selection


From the Hardcover edition.

Download Description

Darkness falls…despair abounds…evil reigns…
Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the mighty forces of King Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire. Now Eragon must travel to Ellesmera, land of the elves, for further training in the skills of the Dragon Rider: magic and swordsmanship. Soon he is on the journey of a lifetime, his eyes open to awe-inspring new places and people, his days filled with fresh adventure. But chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn, and nothing is what it seems. Before long, Eragon doesn’t know whom he can trust.
Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must fight a new battle–one that might put Eragon in even graver danger.
Will the king’s dark hand strangle all resistance? Eragon may not escape with even his life. . . .

Praise for Eragon:
“Unusual, powerful . . . fresh and fluid. An impressive start to a writing career that’s sure to flourish.” –Booklist, Starred
“Christopher Paolini make[s] literary magic with his precocious debut.” –People
“The new ‘It’ book of children’s lit.” –U.S. News & World Report
“An auspicious beginning to both career and series.” –Publishers Weekly

A #1 New York Times Bestseller
A #1 Publishers Weekly Bestseller
A USA Today Bestseller
A Wall Street Journal Bestseller
A Book Sense Book of the Year
A #1 Book Sense Selection


From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

HUGELY disappointing.......2007-06-27

I didn't expect much from this book, just a nice fantasy story, pushing further Eragon in his quest...Well I was utterly disappointed reading Eldest. I must confess the book is way too predictable, and it does nothing but dusting off the same old fantasy clichès, or little more. Beside I found the carachters of Sapphira and Eragon REALLY nasty and childish...but I guess that's a matter of personal taste.
Though I must praise the side quest of Eragon's step-brother. DEspite not being totally original, it was better written and much more dense with feeling than Eragon's.
Finally I'd just point out thet the book is pretty uneventuful, there are few major events (5 I would say)and that's it.
C.P. has potential, but I belive he must work more on plot and setting.

P.S. Yeah, that's it, settig. Alagaesia is pretty much identical to R.Jordan's world (wheel of time series). And the plot, pardon me, seems too similar to Star Wars'. (I know this sounds ridiculous, but try thinking of it...)

Don't be fooled by the cover.......2007-06-27

Do not be fooled by the childlike, young teen look to the cover of this book. It is not a book intended for children. I probably wouldn't have bought this book if I hadn't read Eragon right before I went to see the movie and saw that it was not a kiddie book. Eldest is darker still, and I have no idea how this one will make it to the big screen without either tagging it with an R-rating or seriously changing the plot, thereby ruining the storyline. Needless to say, Eldest and Eragon live up to my standards of what epic fantasy should entail: believable characters, good vs. evil, epic landscape, and trials and tribulations of the hero. I've read fantasy books for going on twenty years now and only rarely do people as talented as Paolini pop up; mostly it's just stick to your dear old faithfuls (Jordan, Tolkien, Weis and Hickman, etc). But this kid surprised me almost as much as George R.R. Martin did with his Ice and Fire series a few years ago. It's not quite as engrossing as those books because there's not a lot of character setup (though he does a pretty good job of developing them into people you feel you know) but the plot also moves a little faster. Paolini's got a long career ahead of him if he can continue to write like this.

Loved it!.......2007-06-27

The only downside I found to this books is that it leaves you hanging, and still waiting for the third! I had a hard time focusing and staying interested while reading Tolkien, but flew through these books. I'm fascinated that such young author could do such a great job!

amazing.......2007-06-26

this book is a great followup of Eragon. It is quite a bit longer but I could not put this book down. I read the whole 5-6 hundred page book in 2 days. it is very exciting and keeps you reading.

"Eldest" kept me entertained.......2007-06-25

I love dragon stories & this one was consistant in plot all the way through. The story did not go off on tangents or meander.

It's hard to believe this book was written by someone so young. If the author keeps this up, he will be a great writer if he doesn't burn out.

Average customer rating: Not Just for Kids It was awesome until I saw The greatest Such a deal A series For All Ages

Harry Potter Hardcover Box Set (Books 1-6) J. K. Rowling Manufacturer: Arthur A. Levine Books ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Humorous | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Rowling, J.K. | ( R ) | Authors & Illustrators, A-Z | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Hardcover | Rowling, J.K. | ( R ) | Authors & Illustrators, A-Z | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Harry Potter Books | Fantasy & Adventure | Series | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Hardcover | Harry Potter Books | Fantasy & Adventure | Series | Children's Books | Subjects | Books School | Issues | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books All Children's Boxed Sets | Children's Books | Boxed Sets | Formats | Books Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Boxed Sets | Formats | Books Literature | Children's Books | Boxed Sets | Formats | Books Series | Children's Books | Boxed Sets | Formats | Books Similar Items: Harry Potter Schoolbooks Box Set: From the Library of Hogwarts: Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, Quidditch Through The Ages Harry Potter Years 1-4 (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone / Chamber of Secrets / Prisoner of Azkaban / Goblet of Fire) (Widescreen Edition) Harry Potter Years 1-3 The Lord of the Rings Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) ASIN: 0439827604

Book Description

Harry's first six years of magic, mystery, and adventure at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry are now available in a handsome hardcover boxed set. Includes books one through six: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone; Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets; Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban; Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire; Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix; and the most recent addition to the bestselling series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Customer Reviews:

Not Just for Kids.......2007-06-21

I just recently bought this series as I had to go on a business trip and needed to bring along something to read. I had avoided this series up til now because I always thought it was geared more towards kids.

Well, I'm glad I bought it. I'm on book 5 right now and it's amazingly good.

I really like Rowling's writing style. The pace and overall "feel" of the series reminds me very much of good old Lord of the Rings. It's got just the right mix of action, dialogue, intrigue and suspense to make it hard to put down once you've picked it up. The characters are detailed and interesting and I feel a real investment in where the story is heading next.

The invention of "Quidditch" was brilliant, as well. It's basically a vehicle for the characters to display more qualities and social interactions in an aggressive setting without constantly putting the characters in truely dangerous situations (which makes it that much more edge-of-your-seat when the characters DO get into truely dangerous situations). Basically, it's school sports, but "football" wouldn't make much sense at a wizarding school, so Rowling invented a wizard sport that helps get across all the character interaction that a good sport tends to deliver.

Anyway, I'm in my 30's, a old school fan of the genre ever since I had read "The Hobbit" as a kid of possibly single digit age and this series belongs on my shelf right up there with the best of them. You're doing yourself a disservice if you aren't reading them simply because you think you're too far above the age of the target audience.

It was awesome until I saw.......2007-06-08

I was so stoked about getting the whole set of Potter books in a cool case! Then after I got it I saw a cooler set of the books in a cooler case. It has all 7 books in what looks like a treasure chest! Bummer!

The greatest.......2007-05-31

How can it get any better? The first 6 books of Harry Potter in a box set. Now if I just have the patience to wait another month for #7.

Such a deal.......2007-05-29

Wow, all the Harry Potters, brand new, for only $100! It's true, and I finally can appease my addiction as much as I like without having to wait at the library.

A series For All Ages.......2007-05-26

This book series is great for anyone who wants to escape from the realities of real life. Eventhough it was intended for young readers. Mature readers will find the stories are fluid and and easy to dive into.

Average customer rating: Continues the story of Bella and Edward Great Book! Brilliant Fantastic! Don't listen to negative reviews for this book

New Moon Stephenie Meyer Manufacturer: Little, Brown Young Readers ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Spine-Chilling Horror | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Love & Romance | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Look Inside Teen Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Similar Items: Twilight Eclipse Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood (Sisterhood of Traveling Pants) Uglies (Uglies Trilogy, Book 1) Pretties (Uglies Trilogy, Book 2) ASIN: 0316160199

Product Description

New Moon

Customer Reviews:

Continues the story of Bella and Edward .......2007-06-30

I have to confess - I read New Moon in the same amount of time I read Twilight - 1 day. I continue to love this series, and understand the occurrances in this book set us up for a wild ride. Bella doesn't want to celebrate her birthday, because, well, she can. She is living to have another birthday when what she wants is to turn like Edward. Things go awry at Bella's 'birthday party' at the Cullen's, and Edward makes a decision to leave Bella's life forever. To say Bella is devastated is an understatement. She is crushed. What finally helps is Bella's friendship with Jacob Black - a family friend. She finds their friendship is helping her live through the pain of living without Edward. Only Jacob can't be the boy next door, can he?
Knowing the pain of living without someone you've been madly in love with, I can certainly empathize with Bella. Who hasn't felt that pain when Prince Charming suddenly is absent?
With the wildly romantic Twilight, where the relationship of Bella to Edward blossoms, Edward is not present in most of New Moon - and it showed. But it was excellent, and the story brings us back to Bella and Edward. There are many questions in these books - is being a vamp a ticket to damnation? is seeing a lover age and die noble? can there be some resolution to a timeless love? I can't wait for the next book.

Great Book!.......2007-06-28

A lot of the negative reviews about Bella being depressed were ill founded. Also the negative reviews about her being "nothing without her man" completely missed the point. If my husband disappeared for months I too would be very depressed, reckless, etc. Haven't those reviewers ever been in love? It has nothing to do with a dependence on a man, it has everything to do with dependence on who you LOVE. Love lost is the enduring theme in all romance type books. It is one of the most painful things a person can endure.

That said, I really liked Jake. I think the writer set up a good duality between two kinds of loves, romantic and strong platonic love. I thought Jake was charming and funny.

Brilliant.......2007-06-24

Ok, so I cried in this one! It is so fantastic and Stephenie does a great job with each character (I'm not giving a synopsis--just go buy the book!) At times I found myself reading on the edge of my seat while biting my nails in suspense. (Who reads a book on the edge of their seat?!?) I read both books in less than a week; I couldn't put them down! She is so talented at filling the book with true, honest emotion--and it's funny! I love how her books double back and fill in details page by page while you make your way from one incident to the next; as soon as one thing is tied up you're headed straight for another great adventure (or disaster!) Once you start reading, you'll be addicted...so clear your calendar before you start! (And get some take-out menus, too!)

Fantastic!.......2007-06-20

Amazing story line, absolute page turner! In my personal top 5 favorite books of all time!

Don't listen to negative reviews for this book.......2007-06-20

I'm not sure why some others have described Bella as being whiny in this book, in my opinion it is the opposite, you rarely hear her complain about Edward leaving because it is too painful, instead she presses on the best she can. Is she hurt and depressed, of course but can you blame her? There is sadness in this book, but it isn't unbearable (for the reader), in fact, I found it realistic emotionally. I was worried about Bella whining her way through this book because of her arguement with Edward at the end of Twilight. I think that she can be a little childish sometimes (but then again, she is a child), but all in all, I really found little to no whining in this book, and I can't even recall her complaining at all. She mostly dealt with her feelings alone so I don't see who she could have whined and complained to...

I found the story line of Jacob to be incredibly interesting and exciting, and I can't wait to see what develops.

I guess my point to all of this is, don't let a couple of impatient reviewers spoil your desire to read this book, I felt that it was a fabulous sequel and I'm glad I didn't let others ruin it for me. Yes it is different from twilight, but come on, Stephenie can't tell the same story over and over again can she? I loved it's difference, and I am so pleased to have read it.

Average customer rating: Keep Septimus Coming! Physik - Septimus Heap book 3 Readers literally will be on the edge of their seats great series Great! How long till book 4?

Physik (Septimus Heap, Book 3) Angie Sage Manufacturer: Katherine Tegen Books ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Family Life | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Royalty | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Similar Items: Flyte (Septimus Heap, Book 2) Septimus Heap Book One: Magyk CD (Septimus Heap) The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 3) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) Cobra King Of Kathmandu (Children Of The Lamp) ASIN: 0060577371 Release Date: 2007-03-27

Book Description

When Silas Heap unSeals a forgotten room in the Palace, he releases the ghost of a Queen who lived five hundred years earlier. Queen Etheldredda is as awful in death as she was in life, and she's still up to no good. Her diabolical plan to give herself everlasting life requires Jenna's compliance, Septimus's disappearance, and the talents of her son, Marcellus Pye, a famous Alchemist and Physician. And if Queen Etheldredda's plot involves Jenna and Septimus, then it will surely involve Nicko, Alther Mella, Marcia Overstrand, Beetle, Stanley, Sarah, Silas, Spit Fyre, Aunt Zelda, and all of the other wacky, wonderful characters that made magyk and flyte so memorable.

With heart-stopping action and a dash of humor, Angie Sage continues the fantastical journey of Septimus Heap.

Customer Reviews:

Keep Septimus Coming!.......2007-06-27

I am a school teacher and my students were all reading the Septimus Heap series of books. I decided to read them as well, and they are FANTASTIC! I was disappointed that Physik was the last of the series(so far), I want to keep reading about him!

Physik - Septimus Heap book 3.......2007-06-08

Angie Sage did a wonderful job continuing the Saptimus Heap story. A quick read, antertaining and very enjoyable.

Readers literally will be on the edge of their seats.......2007-06-05

Calling all Harry Potter fans! If the bespectacled wizard has you yearning for more fantasy stories, then you're going to love the Septimus Heap series, with its wild adventures and quirky characters, imaginative spells and bizarre contraptions --- not to mention wizards (including an ExtraOrdinary Wizard), witches, evil schemes, hidden royalty, dragons, spell charms, human-munching trees, vicious beasts, ghosts and much more. These books sparkle with laugh-out-loud humor and, thanks to the characters' close-knit family ties, warm the heart as well.

It is said that the Heaps' newest baby, Septimus, will have great powers because he is the seventh son of the seventh son. In the first installment, MAGYK, we meet some amazing characters: the Heap family, bossy ExtraOrdinary Wizard Marcia Overstrand, a "queenling" who doesn't know she's a princess, Stanley the Message Rat, a mysterious boy called "Boy 412," the evil DomDaniel, and a ghost who used to be the ExtraOrdinary Wizard. As good and wicked forces fight each other to gain power and secret identities are uncovered, readers literally will be on the edge of their seats.

--- Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon

great series.......2007-05-25

hope there will be more in coming great story kids will love it

Great! How long till book 4?.......2007-05-24

This is a great next step in the life and times of Septimus Heap along with his family and friends.

If you just stumbled across this book randomly and haven't yet read books 1 (Madyk) and 2 (Flyte) you really should get them and read them first. Although in some series you can pick up any book at any point in the series and be OK with it as a stand alone story - that is not the case in this series. This would be an OK book by itself although somewhat frustrating because you wouldn't understand a lot of the details and references to characters if you hadn't read the first 2 books. You really need the history covered in the first 2 books to really enjoy it. So I would strongly recommend that you start at the beginning and read the first 2 books before moving on to this one.

This writer creates colorful characters and interesting situations and weaves them all together into a great story with lots of humor, twists, and turns. As for it being listed as a young adult series, well sure, they can read it too! Really it is for all ages.

Now I am eagerly waiting for book 4!
R Walker
Avid Reader

Average customer rating: Needed More Detail Still Magical After All These Years ... Lessons Galore: Grief, Financial Challenges, Compassion, Differences, Sameness, Love... I really Love the book Bridge to Terabithia luke

Bridge to Terabithia Katherine Paterson Manufacturer: HarperTrophy ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Fiction | Death & Dying | Social Issues | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Fiction | Friendship | Social Situations | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Staff Favorites | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books Paterson, Katherine | ( P ) | Authors, A-Z | Teens | Subjects | Books Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Look Inside Teen Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books Fiction | Death & Dying | Social Issues | People & Places | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books Fiction | Friendship | Social Situations | People & Places | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books ( P ) | Authors, A-Z | Teens | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books | Pascal, Francine | Paulsen, Gary | Pierce, Tamora Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books Similar Items: Tuck Everlasting Island of the Blue Dolphins A Wrinkle in Time From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) ASIN: 0064401847

Product Description

Jess Aaron's greatest ambition is to be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. He's been practicing all summer and can't wait to see his classmates' faces when he beats them all. But on the first day of school, a new kid, a new girl, boldly crosses over to the boy's side of the playground and outruns everyone.

Amazon.com

The story starts out simply enough: Jess Aarons wants to be the fastest boy in the fifth grade--he wants it so bad he can taste it. He's been practicing all summer, running in the fields around his farmhouse until he collapses in a sweat. Then a tomboy named Leslie Burke moves into the farmhouse next door and changes his life forever. Not only does Leslie not look or act like any girls Jess knows, but she also turns out to be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. After getting over the shock and humiliation of being beaten by a girl, Jess begins to think Leslie might be okay.

Despite their superficial differences, it's clear that Jess and Leslie are soul mates. The two create a secret kingdom in the woods named Terabithia, where the only way to get into the castle is by swinging out over a gully on an enchanted rope. Here they reign as king and queen, fighting off imaginary giants and the walking dead, sharing stories and dreams, and plotting against the schoolmates who tease them. Jess and Leslie find solace in the sanctuary of Terabithia until a tragedy strikes and the two are separated forever. In a style that is both plain and powerful, Katherine Paterson's characters will stir your heart and put a lump in your throat.

Customer Reviews:

Needed More Detail.......2007-07-01

Jesse is a fifth-grader, stuck in a family with two older and two younger sisters. They are poor farmers and Jesse seems to always be either lost in the shuffle or in the way of the rest of the family. It is disappointing when the only child of the family that moves in next door is a girl, Leslie. It is even worse when Leslie turns out to be Jesse's age and a better runner than he is, ruining his summer plans of being the fastest runner in his grade this year at school.

Even though Leslie destroys Jesse's plan, though, she brings something entirely new into his life--a magical land called Terabithia, invented in the nearby woods. Throughout the fall and wintertime, Jesse and Leslie go there to act as king and queen, to escape from their lives and develop a deeper friendship.

I liked the close friendship that developed between Jesse and Leslie, and the way they didn't let peer pressure or the opinions of Jesse's family affect their bond. The ending of the story was horrifying, but realistic.

I know that this was a children's story, but I was still disappointed by the lack of character development that left me with more questions than answers. Why did Jesse's parents seem to dislike him so much and favor his horrible older sisters so much? Why did Jesse decide to be friends with Leslie, even when he was harassed for it? What made Leslie's parents decide that life in the country would be better for her, and why did they choose an area so desperately poor, when it was obvious they could have afforded better? I would have liked some more details to round out the story and help me to make more sense of Jesse's world.

Still Magical After All These Years ..........2007-06-27

I wasn't going to write a review after seeing how many there are on this forum! But I just have to. I read this book when I was a youngster, oh so many years ago. I bought the 25th edition several years ago because I am collecting books that are on the banned list. Plus, I wanted my sons to read it when they're older. And no, I have not seen the movie. I picked this book up again after 32 years and it is still as poignant as it was when I was a kid. I still cried as much as I did when I first read this book. I still felt the magic of Terabithia as I did as a kid. This book is timeless.



Jesse Aarons is a middle child in a family of four daughters. Quiet and morose, he dreams of being the fastest runner in the fifth grade when school starts up again. He is also a budding secret artist. What he couldn't describe in words, he painted pictures in his head and sometimes, it actually came through his fingers. There is one scene where he described how he felt when he drawed ~~ like an addiction that starts at the top of his head that flows down to his toes and he's all warm and happy. There's Leslie, daughter of priviledged writers who moved to the countryside to get out of the city. Leslie joins the school and is the fastest runner in fifth grade much to the boys' chagrin. She befriends Jesse and together, they created a kingdom of dreams and magic in the nearby woods. Tragedy strikes and Jesse discovers there's more to his family than he thought before.



It is a beautifully written novel and still incredibly touching, even read as an adult. It is a hard topic to talk about let alone read about. Paterson writes lyrically of pain and death. She writes beautifully of life and how to enjoy life to the fullest. She writes of complex relationships between friends, siblings, parents, teachers and everyone else in town. And yet, she doesn't write overbearingly ~~ just simplistic and wonderful so even the younger readers can understand. She writes of life and death and most importantly, of hope.



This is a book that will be read over and over again and hopefully, my sons will discover the magic of Paterson's book in a few years. There is magic still to be found even among death.



6-28-07

Lessons Galore: Grief, Financial Challenges, Compassion, Differences, Sameness, Love..........2007-06-10

Last Spring, I sat at my desk and heard my nine-year-old daughter, Emma, making some gulping sounds from the couch across the room. Then I heard some unusual, animal-type sounds from her direction. I saw the book she was holding bob up and down. I looked past the book to her face and there were tears streaming down her cheeks.

Right then she broke out in deep, heaving sobs.

We went to see the movie shortly after that - and we both sobbed, even when we knew what was coming. I think I even said, "Oh, no," aloud to the screen, as if my dismay could change the outcome.

It took me several months to have the courage to read this book - and I am glad that I finally did.

Bridge the Terabithia is the story of a young boy named Jess from a not-so-well-off family whose only dream - to be the fastest kid in school - who befriends the girl who snatches that dream away from him by running faster than any of the boys at Lark Creek School. Turns out Leslie - the girl, who moves into an old farmhouse near Jess' house - becomes one of Jess' great life teachers in more ways than one.

Together they create the magical land of Terabithia, a place in the woods that becomes a safe haven as well as a place to come to understand some things that can't be explained using "regular" terms... to "regular kids"... Jess and Leslie are neither.

This book is written, I am guessing, for fifth and sixth graders, primarily, but even younger children through adults could glean a lot from its pages. It could be seen as a simple story, but there are many layers to it.

Parents ought to read it, too, so they can discuss the variety of issues that are raised in the pages - from parents being laid off, to art and music, to understanding and compassion, to dealing with difficult siblings and how to get along with others.

Excellent read.

I really Love the book Bridge to Terabithia .......2007-05-24

It started when Jess Oliver Aarons Jr. became best friends with his new neighbor, Leslie Burke. Together Leslie and Jess teach each other new things everyday, and build a strong friendship.

Jess wanted to be the fastest kid in the fifth grade. He would get up early every morning to run. Winning the race and being the fastest kid all changed when Leslie came and raced with the boys. Leslie took over and won the race. She proved she was the fastest in the fifth grade and everybody was shocked.

As Leslie and Jess became closer friends, they decided they needed a place of their own. After school one day, they headed into the forest to find a place. They came across a river with a rope above it; they crossed the rope to find an old tree house. This would now be their own secret place, and they called it Terabithia.

One day Jess came home and found that his parents were worried and his mom had been crying. He had no clue what had happened until his father spoke up. His father told him that there had been an unfortunate thing happen to his friend Leslie.

I really enjoyed reading this book because it has a lot of character. There are many things mixed in one: sorrow, happiness, and some humor. I would recommend this book to anyone, boy or girl.

luke.......2007-05-22

I thought it was a really good book.But it was really sad when Leslie died. Although it kind of worked out because it taught Jess to use his imagination.He opened up more and I guess just taught him it doesn't matter what other people think just do what you want to do.

Average customer rating: IS A PICTURE WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS? An incredible concept and well done. Stokes the imagination Flotsam A Gem of a Book

Flotsam (Caldecott Medal Book) David Wiesner Manufacturer: Clarion Books ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Fiction | Marine Life | Animals | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Fiction | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Fiction | Nature | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Wiesner, David | ( W ) | Authors & Illustrators, A-Z | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General & Reference | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Similar Items: The Higher Power of Lucky Gone Wild (Caldecott Honor Book) Rules (Newbery Honor Book) Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom (Caldecott Honor Book) Adele & Simon ASIN: 0618194576

Book Description

A bright, science minded boy goes to the beach equipped to collect and examine flotsam--anything floating that has been washed ashore. Bottles, lost toys, small objects of every description are among his usual finds. But there's no way he could have prepared for one particular discovery: a barnacle-encrusted underwater camera, with its own secrets to share... and to keep.

Customer Reviews:

IS A PICTURE WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS?.......2007-07-01

In the case of a book crafted by David Wiesner, the answer to he old saying that a picture is worth a thousand words, is certainly a resounding yes! In the 40 pages this book consists of, it would take at least 300 written pages to tell the same story. In brief, a yound lad finds a strange, old and fascinating camera that has been washed up on the beach. The young boy opens the camera and takes the film found their to be developed. Here the real story begins. The photographs reveal a wonderful world which apparently came out of Mr. Wiesner's head, through his fingers, and into his wonderful, realistic watercolor paintings. This is a world filled with strange mechanical creatures, strange real creatures and even stranger underseas civilizations. Through the use of one of the photographs, in which the artists paints a picture, within a picute, within a picture, many, many times over, we go back through time, from one child, somewhere in the world, to another, to yet even another part of the world. Each painting in this book (an remember, there are absolutely NO WORDS), is finely interlocked with the preceding painting and that painting that follows.
The art work, as with all Wiesner's work, is flawless (probably not to the artist himself as no artist is ever completely satisified), but they are certainly flawless to us, the reader. The paintings are accomplished in a realistic mode, smooth, well executed and as to color, blended well. This is a book of discovery and I do hope you and your child will discover it soon. You will certainly be far richer for it. Recommend this one highly.

An incredible concept and well done........2007-06-04

My 7 year old and I loved the book. The illustrations are wonderful and it really inspired thought. However, for the price it was over and done with a little quickly - we spent maybe a half hour on it.

Stokes the imagination.......2007-05-30

Flotsam is a wonderful book. The images are beautifully drawn but that is not the reason for
my excitement. This book allows children as well as adults to become storytellers. Best of all
the story can change with each reading. The three year old in our house has already changed the
his readings at least once if not twice. It holds his interest and mine too.

Flotsam.......2007-05-28

As An Elementary School Librarian, I was amazed with the pictures in this book. A story is told through a series of events with only pictures. The pictures are very detailed and wonderful, It really lets the reader use his or her imagination, and it is a great book to share with readers of all ages.

A Gem of a Book.......2007-05-18

This book is really a treasure. It will make you and your kids think about the ocean, the past, the future, photography, optics, conservation, and the list goes on! Believe it or not, it isn't really for the very young even though there are no words. The ideas the pictures are trying to convey are fairly complex. Even toddlers who can read would benefit from an adult explaining what is going on and how the story is progressing. Still, babies might enjoy just looking at some of the beautiful art. I think you will love "reading" it to your children.

Average customer rating: I recommend this book Dragon of the Red Dawn Hard for parents to suspend belief, but the kids loved it. Dragon GREAT ADDITION TO A GREAT SERIES

Dragon of the Red Dawn (A Stepping Stone Book(TM)) Mary Pope Osborne Manufacturer: Random House Books for Young Readers ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover General | Fiction | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Other | Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Osborne, Mary Pope | ( O ) | Authors & Illustrators, A-Z | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Other | Children's Books | Mythology | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Similar Items: Blizzard of the Blue Moon (A Stepping Stone Book(TM)) Night of the New Magicians (A Stepping Stone Book(TM)) Winter of the Ice Wizard (Magic Tree House 32) Summer of the Sea Serpent (Magic Tree House #31) Haunted Castle on Hallow's Eve (Magic Tree House, 30) ASIN: 0375837272 Release Date: 2007-02-27

Book Description

Merlin the Magician will not eat or sleep or speak to anyone in Camelot. What can be done? The enchantress Morgan knows who to ask
for help: young Jack and Annie of Frog Creek, Pennsylvania! The brother-and-sister team quickly head off in the magic tree house on another magical and historical adventure.

Their mission: discover one of the four secrets of happiness.

Their journey: to a land of fierce samurai and great beauty, the capital city of Edo (now the city of Tokyo), in ancient Japan in the 1600s.

Their tools: a research book to guide them and a magic wand with three special rules.

In Dragon of the Red Dawn, Mary Pope Osborne transports readers back to the splendor, rich culture, and magic of traditional Japan.

Customer Reviews:

I recommend this book.......2007-06-10

I liked it because Jack and Annie travel to Japan which is a really cool place and I think more people should read this book. It is better than any other book because it is the newest of the series.

Dragon of the Red Dawn.......2007-05-27

This is a wonderful book for kids. I love it, so much that I bring it with me everywhere I go. I have read this, and like it. It takes place In old Japan. Jack and Annie meet a poet named Basho, and spend the day with him. I have learned about Basho in school and most of the things the book told about him I knew. I was thrilled reading about the Samuarai, and when the fire came around I was so excited I almost screamed! Dragon of the Red Dawn is a good book to read.

Hard for parents to suspend belief, but the kids loved it........2007-05-14

Another classic Magic Treehouse installment, this time in imperial Japan. The haiku and deatils of life in Edo made this book informative for the little ones (4,6) and a little more interesting for the parents reading it. The fact that it involves a dragon was a big plus for both of them. The rating is only relative to other magic treehouse books, and not to the vast choice of better children's literature out there. All that said, I am sure it would make a good read for 7-8 year olds delving into books on their own for the first time.

Dragon .......2007-05-07

My granddaughter loves dragons and has read the book from cover to cover and enjoyed it.

GREAT ADDITION TO A GREAT SERIES.......2007-05-06

The Magic Tree House Servies, in my opinion, are a good thing. Not only do we get a rather well told story that kids can relate to, we also get a book that actually teachers the kids something. In this work, Jack and Annie of Frog Creek, take off for ancient Japen (1600s) to find the secret of happiness. This books gives us a wonderful account of ancient Japan, it's culture, traditional folk tales and is loaded with historical facts. The book is very well written as the author is a natural story teller and I was quite impressed with the illustrations. This is a work the kids seem to enjoy, which is a pretty good indorsement for a young persons book. Just a note: I have seen some critical comments (very, very few) in the review section of other books in this series, as to to the use of "majic" as a theme. Folks, if you don't like your children to read books such as this, simply tell them no. If your child has trouble distinguishing between fiction, fantasy and reality, perhaps you should read the books with your child and point out the defferences....it would probably do both of you some good. Overall, recommend this work and the others in the series quite highly.

Books:

1. Four Nails
2. Oubliette
3. Storm Damage
4. The Search Engine
5. A Magic Book
6. Heartsongs, Set
7. Buddyland
8. Otherwise: New and Selected Poems
9. Collected Longer Poems
10. The Black Heralds (Lannan Literary Selections)

Books