Editorial Review

Reviews

They love it!
I have a kindergartener and a third grader who are gung ho over "Diary of a Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book." My 8 year-old son, who never enjoyed writing, is writing every day in his own diary. The kids fought over it until my kindergartener went out and bought her own.

I asked my son what was so special about this diary. He said it asks him questions. I looked and half the book is filled with pages prompting things like "Five things nobody knows about you because they never bothered to ask" or "The worst nightmare you ever had." There are 16 pages of full color Zoo-Wee Mama comics followed by lined blank pages for the children to write freely.

This Do-It-Yourself Book is a hit. My kids have shown their books to all their friends and I've seen other kids toting them around, as well. It inspired my children to go on and buy their own private locked diaries after having gone through this one. If you have a "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" fan, this book is sure to delight.

A Recovering Wimpy Kid
I am 42 years old and bought this book, not for one of my kids, but for me! I am 42 years old and am almost COMPLETELY FINISHED with MY Diary of a Wimpy Kid Do It Yourself Book INCLUDING the journal portion in the back. I was a cartoonist as a kid, I am now a recovering wimpy kid, and I am an avid journaler, so this book rates very high in my world. And my kids love to pick it up and see what new thing Dad came up with. It has inspired their creativity and my 7 year old is dying for her own copy. Set the example, parents, do your own Do It Yourself Book and be your kids' hero! Loved the first two books before it, by the way. RECOVERING WIMPY KIDS UNITE!!

Finally!
We finally found the perfect series for our 10 year old son. This book is so disarming that he is doing creative writing and doesn't even know it! This is what learning should be for a 10 year old! This book follows the "Diary" series and allows kids to finish cartoons, write future predictions, and answer questions that every 10 year old boy wants to answer. Highly recommend.

Mike's review
Fantastic book. My two youngest kids - my son and daughter, respectively - loved the Diary of a Wimpy Kid Do it Yourself book. It actually was for my son, but my daughter kept stealing it from him and writing her own things in it, thus creating arguments (typical for those two anyway). Now they both want more Wimpy Kid books from the series and she wants her own Do It Yourself book. I now have ideas for useful birthday and Christmas presents that's not another toy and motivates them to put their day and thoughts in written words and do so creatively. THANK YOU Jeff Kinney. As a longtime sportswriter, I feel writing, especially a journal or diary, is very important at every age. :)

Mike Boyd
Ste. Genevieve, Mo.

Loved it
my grandchildren loved this . They have devoted much time to trying to complete it.Much better than video games or tv.It requires some reading and thought and I certainly don't feel guilty about using it as a babysitter.Can't wait for them to read it five or ten years from now

My daughter loves this DIY book!!
My daughter is a huge Diary of a Wimpy Kid fan, so when she found out that there was a DIY book, she couldn't wait to get one! She received this for her birthday, and has been writing in it ever since! It's filled with plenty of parts that kids can fill in themselves, in addition to the usual comics-type pictures and such. Overall, very pleased with this book, and my daughter is as well! Would make a great gift for any Diary of a Wimpy Kid fan. :)

great book
I bought the whole set of the Wimpy kid and my son loved them, he thought they were very funny and finished reading this book in one seating ...... It was very easy to read !

Great for creative kids
My 8-year old creative son loves this book. It provides a great methodology for him to express himself in a creative way that he would not have thought of on his own. The book accomplishes this by having the child answer questions, draw pictures, create stories, and draw & write cartoons. My son is a second grader, and I think this is the minimum grade level for this book due to the book's content and the required writing skills.

Brilliant!!!
This extention of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series is absolutely BRILLIANT and I want to personally thank Jeff Kinney and if it wasn't his own idea, whoever in his life or at the publishing house came up with the concept of a journal tie in with the series.

One of the reasons the the Wimpy Kid series is so popular, besides the first person kid narration and boy appeal stories, is the mix of visuals (cartoons/doodles) that make the book easy and appealing to a young reader. It also provides visual imagery that kids who may have low reading comprehension have difficulty processing on their own. I also like that it's a series of vignettes that tie into an overarching plot. This is also more palatable to a young reader. Now take that concept and turn it into a way for a young child to dabble in journaling and self expression and you've got a marvelous tool for teaching and life experience.

My oldest son (turning 9) has autism. He loves the Wimpy Kid series and I'm guessing it's because of the reasons described above. The Do-It-Yourself version has sparked his interest in self expression and given him tools to help develop his skills in written expression. The check lists, fill in the blanks, fill in the bubble comics make it fun and provide a structure in an area that is difficult for him. The blank journal at the back gives him space to dabble in writing whatever he feels. It's personalized and fun AND a great educational experience. I highly recommend this series and if your child takes to the series, get them this Do-It-Yourself kit. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Free eBook Download!Sure, you can't be in Hogwarts Hall for the Christmas feast, but you can add some wizadry to your own holiday meal with this free e-book! The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook Presents: A Magical Christmas Menu includes 16 recipes guaranteed to enchant your friends and family this holiday season. From mouth-watering appetizers to decadent desserts and a steaming cup of Mrs. Weasley's Hot Chocolate, this season you can conjure a feast that would satisfy even Hagrid's hearty appetite!

Looking to celebrate the tastes of this magical world all-year round? Then check out the Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook eBook and Print editions! ... Read more

Reviews

Only a sample, December 15, 2010
The prior reviewer is correct. This is only a sample (fewer than 400 locations on Kindle) with about 12-15 recipes. None of the recipes had anything in particular to do with the Harry Potter world. The author did put a few sentences at the beginning of each recipe in an attempt to tie it in to the HP world, but the recipes themselves were 100% mundane (mashed potatoes? roast turkey? gravy? cranberry sauce?) and could be found in any decent cookbook. In order to get the recipes for the HP-themed foods, you will need to purchase the full cookbook - which is not free. I was very disappointed, and felt that the title/description was misleading. I will not be purchasing the full cookbook.

12/16/10 - Edited to add - there is a disclaiimer up now indicating that this is just a Christmas menu sample. There was no disclaimer when I ordered the book. However, I'm letting my review stand because there's no need to order anything HP-related to get the recipes that are on this menu.

Excellent Recipies, Not Quite the Full Version, December 15, 2010
This is an excellent book- well written. It has just a basic set of recipies for Christmas or thereabouts. Overall, this free Kindle version has about 15 recipies just for Christmastime, and I'm assuming the full version has several more selections. In keeping with the Harry Potter theme, the author has given us a great background to why each food item was included in the book in relation to the Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling. I recommend this free Kindle version for the Christmas season and Harry Potter fans. I'm planning on buying the full version soon.

Nice collection of holiday recipes, December 19, 2010
As a short collection of recipes perfect the holidays and a sample of the cookbook, this is nice. The 16 recipes include a main course (turkey), several side dishes and a few desserts. The author includes a bit of background on each recipe as well how it fits in the Harry Potter world.
The recipes are good ones to do with teens and pre-teens who enjoy cooking and like Harry Potter. They are well-explained and teach real cooking skills as well as a bit of history. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Bangers and mash with Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the Hogwarts dining hall.

A proper cuppa tea and rock cakes in Hagrid?s hut.

Cauldron cakes and pumpkin juice on the Hogwarts Express.

With this cookbook, dining a la Hogwarts is as easy as Banoffi Pie! With more than 150 easy-to-make recipes, tips, and techniques, you can indulge in spellbindingly delicious meals drawn straight from the pages of your favorite Potter stories, such as:

• Treacle Tart--Harry?s favorite dessert
• Molly?s Meat Pies--Mrs. Weasley?s classic dish
• Kreacher?s French Onion Soup
• Pumpkin Pasties--a staple on the Hogwarts Express cart

With a dash of magic and a drop of creativity, you'll conjure up the entrees, desserts, snacks, and drinks you need to transform ordinary Muggle meals into magical culinary masterpieces, sure to make even Mrs. Weasley proud! ... Read more

Reviews

The cookbook we've all been waiting for!
This cookbook is geared for children and young adults but it will please readers, cooks, and Harry Potter fans of all ages. My kids (ages 14, 12, and 8), have finally found an activity they can all agree on - cooking and sampling savory Harry Potter recipes. This book covers every single recipe that appears in all seven of the Harry Potter books. Ever wonder what Pumpkin Juice tastes like? Or Treacle tart? Well, you're about to find out!
Just crack open this book for easy to follow recipes, that have been authenticated and thoroughly researched and tested. Adults and children will delight in tracing their favorite Harry Potter delicacies back to the original source, while recreating some of these magical moments.

Finally !!! A Harry Potter Cookbook That Covers it All.
Great and thorough book. Recipes are amazing. Includes quotes from various Harry Potter Books regarding the specific food mentioned and informative or humorous tidbits. Easy to follow recipes that even my 9 year old can do on his own. The perfect gift for ANY Harry Potter fan.

Fantastic and creative cookbook! A must-have for any real Harry Potter fan!
Who hasn't read the Harry Potter books and wondered what all those delicious foods tasted like?? This book is masterfully written by one of us- a true Harry Potter fan! Its the perfect gift for any real fan, a lot of fun, easy to follow recipes, and the results taste fantastic! A must-have!

An absolute "must" for any Harry Potter fan who loves to cook!
All you wannabe wizards and witches out there, listen up: Use your wand and point to this book in the bookstore and say, "Accio!" (The summoning spell), because you'll want this on your bookshelf in your kitchen.

This is a bewitching brew of a book, a collection of recipes by Dinah Bucholz whom I suspect has worked behind the scenes at the Hogwarts kitchen. The publisher has wisely published this as a hardback, and gone to great lengths to give it an aged look--the paper simulates parchment printing, and the sidebars are comprised of parchment scrolls. The hardback book also lays flat, which is essential: don't you hate it when recipe books flop shut?

Throughout the book, where specific dishes have been mentioned in the Harry Potter novels, Dinah explains the connection; for instance, in a recipe for Vol-au-Vents: "Mrs. Weasley is really an amazing cook. To prepare all the food for her son's wedding, especially such elegant, classy savories as vol-au-vents, is just simply, well, impressive, to say the least (see HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS, Chapter 6.)"

Vol-au-Vents are puff pastry, in case you didn't know.

What makes the recipes themselves fun is that the sidebars tell the story behind the recipe: its historical basis, and some fun facts.

Dinah clearly knows her way around a kitchen and can ladle it out--150 recipes that cover everything from breakfast foods to after-dinner deserts, a mouthwatering selection of food that will leave you hungering for more. (The book is 239 pages.)

If you are a cook or know anyone who is a cook and wants to try some traditional English dishes specifically mentioned in the seven Harry Potter novels, this book is a "must" buy.

I suspect it'll find its way on Muggles' kitchen shelves worldwide, and over time their copies will be splashed upon with ingredients; it will be well-thumbed, and dog-eared, until it's worn out from use--at which time one should buy a replacement copy.

I wish the publisher's budget had included an 8 to 16-page section of color photos, but the publisher had to draw the line somewhere as to costs. (Maybe they'll eventually relent if we all send our owls with letters saying we want color photos.)

Even without the omission of photos, this is a first-rate cookbook, sure to please even the most finicky diner.

Note: I did contribute an introduction to this book because I thought so highly of it.

George Beahm, author of MUGGLES AND MAGIC, and FACT, FICTION & FOLKLORE IN HARRY POTTER'S WORLD.

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
this cookbook is AWESOME! it has like every single food that's mentioned in harry potter and the recipes are GREAT! its a great present for harry potter fans. if you are one you should really buy this. its so cool.

Super great read n eat!
The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook is a MUST read and eat !! You cannot be a Harry Potter fan without tasting what Harry Potter ate. The collection of recipes is thorough, accurate, clear, and easy to follow.It is authentic and informative. The book is elegant and
pleasant and the very best gift for birthdays and holidays. Kudos to Bucholz for creating and sharing this book. I finally know what treacle tart is, its origin, and how tasty it is. Thank You D. Bucholz.

Great cookbook!
If you're a Harry Potter fun-this cookbook is for you! The cookbook has a lovely appearance and the recipes are mouthwatering-so even if you haven't read the Harry Potter books you will enjoy trying some of the unusual foods listed inside.

Finally!
This book is so awesome. I already tried 5 recipes and each one is better than the next!!!! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Books and building bricks come together like never before! Dynamic full-color photos combine with clearly labeled instructions, trivia, and a compelling story to make the Brickmaster kits perfect for all LEGO fans!



With this kit, kids can create incredible spacecraft from the world of Star Wars, or build their own unique warp-speed ships.



LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick configuration and the Minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2010 The LEGO Group. ©2010 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Production by Dorling Kindersley under license from the LEGO Group. ... Read more

Reviews

One of the Favorite Kid's Toys Around our House
Whenever these come out, we buy them. They have this one, castles, Atlantis and Pirates. My kids have all of them and play for hours. I love that the instruction books are hard cover, and attached. I also love that it gives good instructions and gets the kids starting building, just as their imaginations take off, and they start designing their own creations.

I also like that these will sit in a book shelf, with a book attached to a pouch that holds the legos. This is nice for easy storage, and they just don't go into a big "lego bin".

Great for a Lego Boy or Girl
I love these brickmaster sets. And, my 7 year old loves Star Wars so it's a win/win.
I also have the Knights brickmaster. I like it because my son opens each lego set and builds the ship/castle/whatever and then what? He is not and I am not one to see it put on a shelf. I want him to enjoy his legos and use his imagination like we used to with our lego sets. He loves to take them apart once he has completed the given set of directions and do his own thing with the pieces-I love his creativity.
Well, with the Brickmaster sets, they receive about 250 pieces along with directions for taking those pieces and using them at least 6 different ways to make 6 different things. Much more longevitiy in my mind.
I would recommend the Brickmaster sets to all lego fans and I have!

Build your way through the Star Wars Galaxy
This Lego building book can teach a person that has never played with Lego to build ships from the Star Wars Saga.
Even if don't know about Star Wars, this book can show and tell you how to build the ships and provide info on the names and what their purpose was for.
The 2 mini-figures included can make the experience even more fun ^.^

This item , for the price i got it on Amazon, Rocks!!
I finally got this in the other day . its a gift for my son for christmas and its even more awesome than i thought. He is going to flip when he gets this.. the fact that it is a book w detailed descriptions and building instructions is great.
And you can break all the blocks down afterward and put them in the box within the book...
Its a perfect gift idea for any Lego fan/Star Wars fan...
... Read more

Editorial Review

Trixie and her family are off on a fantastic trip to visit her grandparents—all the way in Holland! But does Knuffle Bunny have different travel plans?

An emotional tour de force, Knuffle Bunny Free concludes one of the most beloved picture-book series in recent memory, with pitchperfect text and art, photos from around the world, and a stunning foldout spread, culminating in a hilarious and moving surprise that no child or parent will be able to resist.

Bestselling, award-winning author Mo Willems has created an epic love story as only he can, filled with the joys and sadness of growing up —and the unconditional love that binds a father, mother, daughter, and a stuffed bunny.

Reviews

Not one that our 6 year old enjoyed
This was as beautifully illustrated and as compelling as the previous Knuffle Bunnies. We eagerly awaited publication, and the book arrived from Amazon today. But neither my six year old nor I was ready for the ending. Developmentally she cannot imagine saying goodbye to such a beloved toy yet, and was so sad that Trixie did. She thought about it quietly for a while and then over dinner announced that she did not like the book because it is sad. I imagine we'll come back to it a few developmental stages hence (for both of us. I am not ready to "be in the bleachers" as Mo Willems mentioned in an interview) and enjoy it. In the meantime the 2nd book is exactly where she wants to be and will continue to be in the regular book rotation.

Saving the Best for Last

I wasn't aware, before picking up my copy of Knuffle Bunny Free today, that author/illustrator Mo Willems had announced that this will be Knuffle Bunny's last adventure with Trixie. While I can't say I'm thrilled will his decision (it's like a favorite TV show getting cancelled!), I have to admit the man sends Knuffle Bunny out in style. In fact, Willems could not have crafted a more perfect - or perfectly wonderful - final chapter. Hands down, Knuffle Bunny Free is my favorite of the three books.

Willems has once again taken a situation countless families have experienced - a beloved toy accidentally left behind (this time on a plane) - and around that situation has built a touching and delightful look at a child growing up. Trixie's happiness as she is able to come to grips with missing Knuffle Bunny by thinking about all the kids he is meeting as he travels without her and about how happy he is making those kids is my very favorite moment in a book full of great moments. I felt all warm and happy and satisfied when I closed the cover (don't you LOVE that feeling?), and I knew Knuffle Bunny Free was going to be a permanent part of my collection.

The signature Knuffle Bunny style of incorporating Willems' drawings into photo backgrounds works particularly well in this book as Trixie and Knuffle Bunny travel to exotic locales and enjoy the local sites. A number of Willems' other characters make non-speaking cameo appearances - kids familiar with his work will enjoy spotting them.

Without giving any spoilers, my guess is that some people will be unhappy with this final book in the series. My feelings, though, are that the three books create a complete whole and wonderfully - and very successfully - portray various emotional stages of a growing child. (Note: If you haven't read Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale and Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity, I strongly suggest reading them before reading Knuffle Bunny Free. IMHO, doing so will greatly enhance your enjoyment of this last entry in an already classic series.) When I feel the time is appropriate, I look forward to sharing this book with each of my grandchildren in turn. Along with me, they've thoroughly enjoyed the previous adventures of Knuffle Bunny and I'm confidant they'll understand and love Knuffle Bunny Free as well.

Very highly recommended.

Love it! Made me cry and that is hard to do.
SPOILER ALERT:

I do not understand why so many people do not like the ending of this book. First of all, my daughter was not sad that Trixie gave Knuffle Bunny away--she thought that was a very nice thing to do. The story teaches a value in giving that I hope my daughter learns! I also do not think it is far fetched that Trixie gave up the bunny. She had already had a dream about Knuffle Bunny helping other people. I think people would be surprised--there ARE giving children out there.

The ending of Trixie growing up and having her own child receive a Knuffle Bunny from her Grandpa had me bawling. What a great ending to a wonderful little series!

Another great book by Mo Willems!
My son and I are great fans of Mo Willems for good reason. His books never fail to impress. This third and grand finale to his "Knuffle Bunny" books is better than ever. We get to see Trixie grow up up (as a mom, I got a little teary-eyed). I highly recommend this book to anyone with a young child (or anyone young-at-heart in general). We had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Willems at a book-signing and I have to say, the man is just as entertaining and wonderful as his books are. His books will remain a part of our collection permanently.

Sweet, but heartwrenching...
I couldn't wait for this book to come out. I finally just got it from the library. I couldn't even wait to get home to read it to my daughter. We read it sitting in the car in the parking lot of the library. BIG MISTAKE. I cried through about 2/3 of the book. My daughter loved it and thought it was nice (she's 3, so that's her developmental reference). I loved it, too, but it's hard to think about getting to that point in our lives.

great lesson
This book was a wonderful surprise. With bright vibrant illustrations of people instead of photos, the pictures just pop out of the page. The style is different and wonderful. Mo Willems has written this book as the third and final Knuffle Bunny book. It was the first that we had encountered. As a family we are very glad that we did. This is the story of Trixi's trip to Holland to visit Oma and Opa, but she forgets her Knuffle Bunny on the airplane. But maybe she will grow up a little though this experience. The story is wonderful and the illustrations are amazing. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Colorful pictures and simple rhyming texts help children guess what's peeking through the die-cut windows in these two fun board books.The anticipation of what's hiding on the next page and the bright, engaging illustrations will keep youngsters guessing and giggling all the way to the suprise endings. ... Read more

Reviews

An instant favorite!
I got this book as a gift for my daughter who was 8 months old at the time. From the first time we read it she was hooked! For the last month, we have read this book daily at least 15 times! She loves turning the pages and the rhyming really keeps her attention! The awesome thing is the she knows to turn the page after the rhyming word! So we dont have random page flipping! She loves the mirror at the end and looks into the peek a boo window so she can see her eyes then when we reveal the full mirror she gives herself a kiss! I love this book because my daughter can't get enough of it! I feel sorry for the rest of my book collection but I figure they will get their due attention in time.

Peek-A-Fun
Young children enjoy books that have pages to open and repeating punchlines. Peek-A-Who has both. It's also thankfully short for parents who have to read the book the large number of times.

The Best Book we have!
My son has loved this book since we started reading to him at 3 or so months. He has learned to turn the pages (and since the text is so short, I can read it before he turns!) He loves the bright simple pictures and especially the mirror at the end. He always kisses himself, it is SO cute. Course, now he kisses anytime he sees his reflection. This book is wonderful for the simple text and great pictures and the predictablity (a great pre-reading skill!) Our son is 10 months and will sit and "read" it to himself now! A must have for any child's nursery.

Peek-A-Who
My son LOVES this book!! He giggles with anticipation with each page. Very cute book.

wonderful little book to "grow up" with
This was my daughter's "first" favorite book. She loved it as an infant, and as she started to talk, she recited the words for each page. Now that she's 2 1/2, she loves to "read" it to her 8 month old cousin. It helps ease the frustration she feels at no longer being the baby and the center of attention. I would highly recommend this book to any parent of young children. I personally keep a few copies in the closet; it's a standard part of my baby shower gift packet!

Peek-a-WOW!
Our 6-month-old daughter squeals in delight every single time we read this book, and at every "Peek a..." page. It was her first book at 3 months, and is still top of her pop chart. We carry it around with us, not just for entertainment & distraction value but to use the mirror to check out how our baby's doing when she's in the backpack. Practical, fun, and beautiful -- what more could you want from a book?

You'll always be glad you bought this book
Peek-A-Who is a memorable infant to toddler book that has a fun element of surprise. The rhymes are cute without being sappy and the simplistic language (though not babyish) is easily understood by little ones, and the book is short enough to hold their interest. It's also very colorful, offering visual stimulation. The simple rhymes lay the foundation for learning phonics. Great book - worth buying!

We love it!
My 7 month old loves this book. We received it as a gift from our pediatrician's office and he's loved it from the moment he saw it. He loves the anticipation of what's coming up and it's easy enough that my 4yo can "read" it to him and get in on the fun. I'm buying a copy of it to give to my 9 month old nephew as part of his Christmas gift this year. Two thumbs up from our house!! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Trixie, Daddy, and Knuffle Bunny take a trip to the neighborhood Laundromat. But the exciting adventure takes a dramatic turn when Trixie realizes somebunny was left behind . . .

This 2005 Caldecott Honor book uses a combination of muted black-and-white photographs and expressive illustrationsand tells a brilliantly true-to-life tale about what happens when Daddy’s in charge and things go terribly, hilariously wrong. ... Read more

Reviews

Great book that helps improve parent-child communication
My name is Daniel Berrios and I am 7 years old. My English teacher read this book to us in class and I thought it was funny. My favorite part was when the dad is angry. I recommend this book for my family. I also like this book by Mo Willems: The Pigeon Has feelings Too. I hope you think it is cool.

An excellent book for the young and young-at-heart!
I first got this book when my daughter was a year old, and she still requests it to be read [she's two-and-a-half]...that's the magic of the book, it just gets better and better with each reading! The story itself is simple, a dad and his daughter, Trixie go to the neighborhood laundromat one day and on their way home, Trixie has a full-blown meltdown as she discovers that her beloved stuffed bunny, "Knuffle Bunny" is lost. Mo Willems does an excellent job with the simple yet engaging text and the photographs interspersed with simply-drawn pictures are equally engaging. I love the expressions he used to describe Trixie's agony at losing her Knuffle Bunny, "boneless" being my favorite:) The whole story is true to life [how many of us parents of toddlers have been in similar situations?] and wonderfully told. Knuffle Bunny is destined to become a classic and deservedly so! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Why do we have eyebrows? What's a black hole and what happens if you fall into one? What's the fastest a human is capable of running? Why do wet fingers stick to metal in the freezer? Where is the deepest point on Earth? Divided by subject area - humans, animals, environment/nature, technology, and space - and written in an upbeat manner, each answer is accompanied by either a photo or an illustration to show the reasons why. Of course, "Time for Kids" goes beyond answering the question by dipping into the science or history to further explain the answer in an easy-to-follow, straightforward manner. This is a must -have book to satisfy the most curious of kids and provokes a great way to encourage interest and knowledge about a wide range of subjects, as well as to stimulate reading. Kids will be desperate to share what they've learned with their parents, teachers, and friends...and anyone else who will listen. ... Read more

Reviews

Love it!
Love this book! Bought it for my daughter for Christmas this year. She is always curious how things work and I know she will love it. I thoroughly enjoyed looking through it myself.

why mom
the big book of why - helps the busy mom for some of answers that get us when we are not thinking on why mom - the little facts are fun for all ... Read more

Editorial Review

Simple, step-by-step diagrams in this "how to" book make it easy for youngsters--and would-be artists of all ages--to draw people of all shapes and sizes, engaged in a variety of activities. Simply by joining circles, ovals, rectangles, cylinders, and other shapes, beginning artists will be able to create amazing likenesses of a boy on a swing, a fireman, drummer, mailman, cowboy, a girl rollerskating, an artist, and 23 other subjects. Dover Original. Introduction. 30 pages of black-and-white illustrations.
... Read more

Reviews

Good book!
My children, ages 9 and 10 have enjoyed using this book since they received it for Christmas. It's a great early tutorial on drawing.

It is easy a human can do it
No, I am not trying to sell you an insurance. But this book can be the beginning of a great relationship between you child and his pencil doodles. Don't miss this opportunity to buy other books from this author. Also, you can get the ART FOR KIDS: CARTOONING by Art Roche. If you think your child could someday replace Charles M. Schulz or Stan Lee this is the book to get. I did. You can even have some fun trying to draw and making up stories. Well, I hope you or your child gets famous. Good Luck.

drawing book
It's a great book for beginners. It uses simple shapes(circles, squares, rectangles) to produce simple, completed step-by-step drawings. I've drawn some of them myself(60 yrs. old) and I think younger, artistically inclined children could do them too. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Thirty years of minifigures are represented in this one-of-a kind sticker collection for LEGO(r) fans young and old alike! With more than 600 reusable stickers, kids of all ages can bring all the minifigures to life in a whole new way!

LEGO, the LEGO logo and the minifgure are trademarks of the LEGO Group. (r) 2009 the LEGO Group. Produced by Dorling Kindersley under license from the LEGO Group. ... Read more

Reviews

Awesome sticker book!
This sticker collection is great! It has every lego minifig sticker you could ever want and the last couple of pages there are extra duplicate stickers. My sons are having fun filling the pages with the stickers: lego batman, star wars, indiana jones, harry potter, train, castle, space, adventure, agents, underground. Overall Mom was so happy that sons (ages 6 and 4)spent time putting the reuseable stickers on themselves and enjoyed it. Without fighting. There are that many stickers! Worth the money!

grandson LOVES it
My 5 years old grandson is a huge Lego star wars fan. I bought him this book at another store because kept getting a later ship date from amazon. It is worth every penny spent as he looks at this book daily.

/
My ten year old son is really into Legos. He thought this book was great. It has stickers for anything you can imagine that lego has had over the years. If you have someone who enjoys legos this is a great gift. The stickers are in various sizes and are not something you see that often.

Another great sticker book from DK
My son loves this book. It is full of pictures of lego minifigures in different costumes.


It is the 6 year old trifecta of entertainment: Stickers, Star Wars and Lego Minifigures.


... Read more

Editorial Review

Snack on science! Make a science of snacks! Potato Chip Science is the book and kit that’s an irresistible introduction to science for 8- to 12-year-olds. Here are 29 incredible experiments—plus one edible project—that use potato chips, potatoes, potato chip bags, tubes, and lids. Included in the bag are a 96-page two-color book and a dozen items that kids can use for the following “snacktivities”:

Bag Blaster - Bird Feeder - Chipmobile - Chip Analyzer - Chip-Ship Challenge - Chip-Tube Gobbler - “Color” Wheel - Compass - Composter - Confetti Can-non - CSI Detective Kit - Dancing Chips - Electric Wave - Flipper - Hydrofoil - Kissing Tubes - Kite - Mini Extermi-tater - Potato Bender - Potato Chip Crunchies - Potato Battery - Saucer Tosser - Shrunken (Potato) Head - Signal Mirror - Sound Spinner - Spud Crud - Spuddy Buddy - Walkie-Talkie - Windmill

Product Features:
-  96-page book providing step-by-step instructions
-  Bag that can be turned into a kite, compass, or “hydofoil”
-  Digital sound chip that plays “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” . . .   powered by a potato! (spud not included)
-  6-inch propulsion pipe that launches spud pellets 50 feet!
-  Biodegradable starch base (makes a great Chipmobile chassis!)
-  6 optical stickers
-  6 chip lids (the wheels of the Chipmobile!)
-  Spud-powered digital clock (once again, potato not included)
-  4 zinc and copper electrodes
-  Googly eyes (Yeah!)
-  Wire connectors
-  Eco-friendly starch knife (to carve the Spuddy Buddy and Shrunken Potato Head)
-  Packing “chips” (used as ammunition for the Confetti Can-non!)

Manufactured in the United States of America.
Potato Chip Science received the Gold Medal from The National Parenting Publication Awards, and a Gold "Brain Child" Medal from Tillywig.
... Read more

Reviews

Super!, September 14, 2010
I love this kit because it teaches so much science. My kids love this kit because it's a blast! My 8 yr old wants to do one experiment after the other, and my 6 year old is able to participate right along. They were also captivated by all the cool stuff in the bag!

great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, September 18, 2010
Great book! I love all the stuff & science! Definitely recommended. I think the Potato Propulsion Pipe is awesome. I had a lot of fun with this kit. I gave it to my best friend for his 9th birthday. He loves it!!!
A must-get for Kurzweil fans

Amazing and Very Clever Kit, September 30, 2010
My 8 year old son received the kit as a present. He loves it. Most of all he loves that he can do most of the experiments himself (the directions are illustrated and incredibly clear). I've been impressed by how clever the book that accompanies the kit is: Kurzweil really has a way of making quite complex scientific concepts (Bernoulli's Principle, for example) both understandable and fun. A really worthwhile gift.

FUN FUN FUN!!! (and educational too!!??!!...ABSOLUTELY!), October 29, 2010
Way cool. Most science kits come in heavy cardboard boxes filled cheap plastic junk. This kit is just the opposite. The packaging is lightweight, and the stuff inside is heavy-weight and great. Personally, I loved the electronic gizmos best. (The digital sound chip and clock that run off potatoes). My wife was more into the optical experiments. (She loves stickers.) My buddy Rob had a blast (literally) with the propulsion pipe. (His personal best was a 74-foot pellet lauch.) I'm guessing there's a dozen weekends worth of experiments in this bag. Not bad for $13. Plus I really like that EVERYTHING (bag and packing chips included) gets up-cycled and re-used in the projects. Can't get greener than that. Oh, and the best part: you get to eat chips for "research purposes."

This one is a no-brainer, folks... ENJOY!

Fun, entertaing and educational - Terrific!, October 15, 2010
My 10 year old daughter had a BLAST with this "Book and Stuff". Fun, funny and smart, this kit was a boon at the family table. Kurzweil has successfully brought science to kids in an entertaining and captivating manner that ANY kid, and their family, can enjoy. Highly recommended.

Fun, November 20, 2010
I got Potato Chip Science after I was surfing the Internet. Also, I had read two of his earlier books including Leon and the Champion Chip. lots of fun.

Great for Kids, October 31, 2010
This is a great book to introduce science to children, grandchildren, science class at school. Real scientific priciples are introduced in a fun way - all using potato chips, chip bags, lids, and potatoes. I now have three copies and I am encouraging parents and teachers to buy more. This could be a gift that will last long after the party.

inspired science for kids, October 19, 2010
My 10-year-old and her friend had a whole lot of fun one afternoon with this kit and a pile of potato chips. Kurzweil is witty, and makes the scientific explanations thoroughly entertaining. There's a wide range of experiments to do. Even my non-scientist daughter got a kick out of using everyday materials in utterly new ways. You do need to look through the book first to make sure you have supplies you may need for certain experiments, but for the most part they're common items, like straws. The packaging is inspired.

fantastic science kit for kids, September 28, 2010
A family member told me I HAD to give this to my grandkids. Science learning by science doing! It's what science teachers should be doing all over the country. The bag of "stuff" is pure science AND pure fun. Makes kids gravitate to science as if it were potato chips. The book alone is worth the money I spent. And then on top of that, you yourself learn science with the kids. My grandkids loved it, and started trying out many of the experiments. Their favorite? Rocket propulsion!!Potato Chip Science: 29 Incredible Experiments

fun and educational science experiments for children of all ages, September 28, 2010
Man oh man, I wish I had Potato Chip Science when I was a kid. It is soooo cool! I thought I was buying a book when I placed the order. I was wrong. I got a book PLUS a whole potato chip bag full of nifty science stuff, too. There was sound chip that played "Twinkle Twinkle" (off a potato), a propulsion pie, optical stickers, a funky starch knife, a clock. I like that it's eco-friendly, goofy and packed with science. Who knew you could learn about navigation and physics and biology and tons of others stuff using potato chips and empty chip bags! PS: I was a science major in college, and I can tell you that the accuracy of the explanations is first-rate, and the step-by-step instructions beautifully illustrated. (Even the material list is illustrated!) I'm planning to buy another kit for my friend's cub scout troop. ... Read more

Editorial Review

How to never grow up, the complete guide. ... Read more

Reviews

What a riot!, December 29, 2007
I wish I had known how to do some of the silly tricks and pranks in the "Encyclopedia of Immaturity" when I was growing up! Not only does it teach you how to do interesting skills like juggling, but you'll also learn foolish stuff like how to make your co-worker's mouse stop working, how to make all kinds of noises with parts of your body, paper fortune tellers, play creatively with your food and so on. It's a big book. The pictures and diagrams and the text are presented in a mock serious, deadpan style. The activities themselves can't be any funnier than their presentation.

I'm decades older than the target audience for the "Encyclopedia of Immaturity," and female, and most of these activities are aimed at boys -- at least boys are the ones I've seen doing these things over the years. But a younger brother received it for Christmas and I thumbed through it out of curiosity, and found myself rolling on the floor with laughter. Life is too short to be as serious and stodgy as I've always been. This fortysomething is going to get a copy for herself and try to have some harmless, giggly fun in the New Year!

VERY fun. Appeals to almost all age groups., December 21, 2007
This book is a lot of fun. I originally purchased it for my 6 year old son. It is filled with interesting/humorous facts, practical jokes, and fun activities.

We had so much fun with it that I bought 4 more copies and gave them friends and family.

They all like it so much that I ended up purchasing copies for my employees. I believe that everyone who has recieved this book from me has ended up buying at least one more copy to give to someone else.

The book is full of really funny and fun activities. Age ranges from 6 - 47 all really liked it. It is rare to find any product, let alone a book, that can be enjoyed by such a diverse group of people.

If you are looking for a fun (definitely immature) activity book I don't think that you can do any better than this.

Only one negative - they used a ring-binder. The pages get ripped out quite easily. Kids will mistakenly tear out the pages if they use it very often.

Hilarious!, April 17, 2008
My husband and I ran across this book when a friend bought it as a birthday gift for his brother (in his late 20s). We read through it and loved it! It has so many different ideas that are terribly immature, but why do we all need to grow up? Life needs to be fun.

We decided to buy it for our nephew who is turning 16. He'll get a kick out of it and have fun doing a bunch of the ideas in the book. I'm sure my husband will get him started and make sure he does a few things right away.

This is a great gift for anyone who is young and heart and has a great sense of humor! I'm also thinking about getting it for my brother on his next birthday (he'll be 34), but I'm not sure he needs it since he is immature enough.

I would have to say that this gift is best for the boys, but some girls might like it, too. I think it is funny, but not nearly as much as my husband. The girlfriend of our friend's brother hated the book, but she didn't have much of a sense of humor.

Endlessly entertaining, insightful, enjoyable and immature, February 25, 2008
"How to create a fake leg" to stick out of your parents' car trunk when they drive away. The plans to the world's greatest paper airplane that my 7-year old son could follow. How to make photographs of tiny people. From practical jokes to practical necessities (how to whistle with your fingers, how to make unseemly noises with your armpits), this book provides literally hours of laughter-induced tears and entertainment. My wife found it with me in mind, but we soon realized what a perfect gift it was -- as, apparently, did the rest of the United States, as we found copies in extremely short supply. Kudos to the Klutz folks. This is a pure masterpiece of sophomoric humor -- and stuff you really need to know (like how to balance the saltshaker at an improbable tilt. Bravo!

Become an Annoying Person--It's Fun!, December 20, 2008
First, the bad news.

Much of the content in this book is from other Klutz books, so if you have a lot of their books, you may notice some repeats.

Also, as has been mentioned, the binding is poor. Klutz asks readers to rip out and cut apart pages, and the book seems to be designed for this, since the pages fall out of the book readily (To be honest, this is inconsistent--some pages say to photocopy--don't tear out). But some of us would like to keep the book intact for future pranking opportunities. I ended up rebinding the book; you may need to, as well.

And, where is the index? Maybe it's considered "grown-up" to have an index, but I'd sure like one so I can quickly find my favorites, in alphabetical order. (Eek! Can immature people be organized? Maybe not.)

Aside from those little beefs, this book is a gem, and it deserves the five stars for the content, if not the binding. A sampling of the content: optical illusions, jokes, magic tricks, pranks, and how-tos for skills you never knew you'd have (like faking a sneeze and knowing how to do cat's cradle). It offers immature activities and pranks for all ages and is incredibly fun. You're sure to find at least a few items of interest in here, and will learn how to drive everyone you know completely up the wall, while you have a blast (see p. 99). Have fun!

should be recommended by pediatricians, January 5, 2008
My 15, almost 16 year old son saw this book while holiday shopping. He wanted it, and reminded me frequently that he wanted it. I thought it would be silly, but when both he and his father BOTH loved the book upon our next shopping excursion, I knew it was a must have.
Several pediatricians over the years have told me that sibling interaction is very healthy, even if it seems negative to the parents. Kids learn positive and negative social interaction, learn their limits, and find out the consequences of going one step too far via sibling interaction. I must say this book fabulously guides such growth. Even I have to laugh if my son gets his younger sister to hold a paper cup of water against the ceiling with a broom stick. (OK, laughing stops if he doesn't clean up the consequences, but it's clean humor!)
I highly recommend this book. If the intended recipient is at an age to be offended by the title, give it to his/her parent & it's a safe bet the kids will pick it up & love it, and grow from it.

Everyone had fun- even Grandma!, April 5, 2008
Strange look on daughters face when she opened it-but everyone had a blast trying some of the tricks. Favorite was the leg swinging clockwise trick. This is a book they will go back to again and again for more indepth fun. The perfect book for boy or girl that likes practical jokes, magic, science etc. This book will be loved for a long time.

Enjoyed by kids and grown-ups, November 16, 2009
This book has been sitting on the table ever since it was opened as a birthday present. Anyone who comes by reads something and laughs, whether it's kids or adults. And the 30-year-olds who've read parts of it are ready to try some not-growing-up tricks!

You have to grow old but you don't have to grow up!, December 17, 2009
Hilarious book packed with hundreds of ways to let your inner child return... or linger! Shamelessly gleeful in its celebration of the adolescent mind-set, it will make you laugh in recognition at all the dumb stuff you used to do as a kid. This book must have been written with guys in mind. I can't see most women stooping to this kind of inspired but time-wasting stupidity. But we can hope!

Great gift book for just about anyone with a sense of humor, December 14, 2008
I ordered this as a gift for my my forty-something brother (who is still fond of fart jokes and the like) -- once it arrived, I was so impressed, I ordered another. It's nicely done, a substantial 410 pages, nicely illustrated with many photographs and a classy cloth binding and hard cover. Every page or two contains a trick or project -- how to "talk trash" like Shakespeare, uses for used gum, how to feign a cracked neck, what to do with a home-made barf bag, how to make fake dog barf -- you get the idea. Nothing very sophisticated here, but nothing off-color or too offensive, either.

Looking over the reviews, it looks like every reviewer except one (to date) has given the book five stars, and some of the reviewers indicated that they purchased additional copies for gifts. Assuming you're dealing with a ten year old boy or a forty year old wholly lacking in sophistication, you won't go wrong giving this as a gift. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Do You Know:

What team has won the most Super Bowls?
What a screen pass is--or a zone blitz?
Who is the only defensive player ever to win the Heisman Trophy?

Score a touchdown with these game-winning fun facts, strategies, and puzzles!

Completely revised and updated, this guide answers these questions and more! Filled with the latest stats, tackle-worthy trivia, and 30 fun puzzles, this pass-rushing book shows you how to:

• Set up defensive and offensive plays like a pro
• Master the rules of tackle football
• Keep tabs on your favorite players? stats
• Predict what teams will play in the Super Bowl
• Understand and map out on-field strategies
• Start a fantasy league with your friends

STATS reporter Greg Jacobs gives you all you need to know about your favorite sport--so you can gain those first downs like a pro! ... Read more

Reviews

excellent starter book, December 12, 2008
For the 8-10 year old boys, this is an entertaining, interactive & informative way to be introduced into football. We've all enjoyed reading interesting facts as well as doing the puzzles and learning the logistics of the game. Highly recommend.

Kid-friendly format, October 30, 2010
This book is written in a way that's easy for kids to understand, and it includes different types of word games, such as crossword puzzles and word searches. Key words are defined in boxes in the margins.

Great book for learning and playing football, December 28, 2009
Very informative and covers a wide array of football items. History of football is good. Sports heroes are good for my sons so they can strive to be the best as well.

Good book!, March 11, 2009
My nephew is looking forward to reading this before bed each night. Thank you. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Where are Baby's hands?
Under the bubbles!

Where are baby's eyes?
Under her hat!

Karen Katz's adorable babies play peekaboo in this delightful interactive book. The sturdy format and easy-to-lift flaps are perfect for parents and children to share. ... Read more

Reviews

Great fun for baby and parents!, October 9, 2001
This is a nice sturdy book with colorful drawings of babies with some part of their body hidden. Each page asks, "Where is baby's ...?" Toddlers delight in lifting the flaps to find the hidden pictures. The pictures are bright and cute with eye-catching fabric and wallpaper patterns. A very attractive book, and perfect for that stage when toddlers become fascinated with their belly buttons! My 17 month old has really enjoyed this book. It can be very helpful in getting kids to name body parts, and it's fun for both the baby and the parents to read. Highly recommended.

Perfect for your baby's first library!, April 7, 2003
Both of my children (now 18 months and 3) learned many body parts from this book, which encourages children to lift the flaps and search for babies' hands (under the bubbles!), toes, and even belly buttons. The illustrations are colorful and simple, which is very engaging for a 12-18 month old. I also love the focus on learning spatial relations (behind, under, etc.), and the great fine-motor skill practice that comes from lifting these oversized flaps. The flaps are as sturdy as most, but they will eventually separate from the book, o keep your wide scotch tape handy!

My 10-month-old lights up when he sees this book!!, September 4, 2001
My son loves all books. The only time he will sit still is when I read to him. The rest of the time, he is on the move (even when he's eating). When I got him this book, he absolutely lit up! I had never seen a book elicit the kind of joy and amazement that this book does. So, it is defintely the favorite one in our house. I've read it to him hundreds of times, but he still giggles when I lift the first flap to expose Baby's eyes. He bends down to kiss every baby on every page. (Some of the pages are starting to stick together from all his wet kisses!) Some of the flaps are wearing down a bit from his uncoordinated hands trying to lift the flaps. But, I won't mind spending the extra $$ for a new one if I need to. The look on his face when I read him this book gets me every time!!

Enjoyable Illustrations, but..., August 15, 2003
I bought this book because it came highly recommemnded and was one of AZ's best sellers. The only suggestion I have is that be careful giving this book to a toddler to look at themselves. Since the book has flaps that reveal "Where things are" they are easily ripped out. My daughter is 11 months old and I thought this would the perfect introduction to books. This may be considered a little young but she absolutely LOVES books and likes turning pages. That is why we opt for board books in the very beginning because the pages can be easily turned and are more durable than regular childrens'[paper] books. My only warning is if you do buy this book and your child likes to tear/pull things, beware. Or just wait until they are older and know not to. Otherwise, you are in for alot of ripped flaps.

Instant "Melt Down" Preventer, October 11, 2004
First of all, I have NEVER reviewed a children's book, let alone a board book. However, I cannot let this one go unrecognized. My daughter received this from an aunt as a baby gift and I started reading it to her at 4 months. She loved the bright colors and would lay next to me transfixed as we looked at it over-and-over again. She is now 8 months old and LOVES IT EVEN MORE!!! It goes with us on EVERY road trip and let me tell you, when she gets tired of sitting in her car seat, all I have to do is show her the book and her fussy face turns into intant smiles and "babble" and kicking legs become motionless! I am NOT exaggerating. My daughter especially loves the "Where's baby's eyes" page and giggles every time I lift the flap. The book has also become a favorite chew toy now that she's beginning to sprout teeth. I'm ordering the authors other books today so that we have a complete set. From a structure standpoint, the pages are very sturdy and the flaps are very secure. I recommend it to any parent looking to spark their child's interest in books. It certainly beats plopping them down in front of the television to watch Baby Einstein videos (which, by the way, my daughter HATES), but I'll leave my dislike for these for another review.

A little worse for wear, June 28, 2001
We couldn't wait to get this book. My 18 month old son has this fascination with his belly button! The book itself is sturdy with big flaps and bright colors that my son loved to lift. He knows where on the body the eyes, mouth, etc., are already. This book shows under and behind things and reinforces what he knows. When reading him this book he liked to point to the parts mentioned on himself and me. Although the book itself is sturdy, the flaps are not attached that way. My son pulled some of them off when I left him playing with it on his own. Little ones might pull them off if not watched when they play with the book.

Enjoy this book with your baby!, September 16, 2000
This a wonderful first book to enjoy with your baby. It is in beautiful bright colors and it's small size is easy for you and baby to handle.

It asks a series of questions of "Where is baby's ..., and when you and your baby lift the flap there is the belly button, or nose or whatever. The baby in the pictures always looks so happy that your baby will laugh and laugh.

This is sturdy book that can withstand lots of handling, and if your baby chews on the book it will just look a little the worse for wear, but won't be harmed.

This is a great book!

My 16 month old's favorite, January 18, 2003
This is a WONDERFUL book. It satisfies my daughter's great love for peek a boo and naming and searching for different body parts. No matter how many times we read this book, she always acts "surprised" to see what is underneath the flap and finds great fun in searching for her own belly button or hands (or whatever the page says). The flaps are sturdy and have withstood my "toddler's terror" even after reading this book over...and over...and over... You and your little one will love this one.

This adorable interactive book teaches body parts and more!, March 15, 2003
Every once in a while, I come across a book that appeals to the adult in me, because it's educational, artistic, amusing or perhaps all of the above, but what fascinates me is when my son discovers the real value in a work, and teaches me a thing or two along the way. To adults "Where is the Baby's Belly Button" written and illustrated by Karen Katz appears to be a simple 14-page book that teaches body parts, but to children it's much more.

This nifty little board book is essentially a peek-a-boo book with flaps. It measures approximately 8 �" x 7 �" x � ", and is constructed of cardboard with heavy card stock for the flaps. The images are simply illustrated, yet brightly colored with creatively contrasted backgrounds that produce interest. The text appears on the left side of the book with bold, solid colored backdrops that emphasis the large black printing, and compliment the illustrations on the opposing page. The writing consists of short, four or five word sentences, such as, "Where are baby's eyes?" The reader lifts the flap and it says, "Under the hat." The picture shows a baby hiding under a hat, and when the flap is lifted the baby's face is revealed. She is pointing to her eyes.

"Where is the Baby's Belly Button" has been one of my son's most requested books for a year now; he's nearly two-years old. He lovingly refers to this book as the "baby" book, and he has taught me that he has learned where his eyes, mouth, belly button, feet, and hands are, in addition to understanding the meaning of the words, hat, cup, shirt, cat, bubbles and WHERE. The question, "Where?" comes out of his mouth probably 20 or 30 times everyday, and I am certain it's because of this book. I wish the flaps were made of a heavier card stock as they have become creased over time, which is expected with use, but also preventable with a heavier stock. This book has been a huge hit, and one I haven't gotten tired of reading over and over again. I recommend this book for one-year olds and up as the interactive feature, (lifting of the flaps) is too advanced for younger babies, however an infant would probably find the images fascinating all the same.

Great Book to Teach the Names of Parts of the Body, April 5, 2003
"Where Is Baby's Belly Button? A Lift-the-Flap Book" - by Karen Katz.

As an ESL and newcomers classroom teacher (A newcomers classroom is for children who have been in country for less than a year, speak English as a second language and such classrooms use scaffolded methods of teaching in hopes of being able to transition these children to a mainstream classroom), I often have to be innovative in how to teach primary and intermediate children basic language skills that mainstream children of their own grade level would consider "baby" lessons.

Books like this one are a God-send. I can drill this book a few times a week at the beginning of the school year and within a few weeks, all of my students have the parts of the body from this book down pat. My older children (intermediates - 4th to 6th grade) at first objected to the book, but then they started having fun and forgot about the book being a "baby" book.

The book itself is a series of flap pages with big bright easy-to-read text. After one reads the text, they can flip up the flap and reveal the part of the body being taught on the page. It is constructed of cardboard and heavy card stock. The simple language phrases such as "Where is baby's belly button?" are easy for children to memorize and use. The bright colorful illustrations serve to bring out the text and allow easy recognition of the parts of the body.

I highly recommend this book for infants, younger ESL (English as a Second Language) learners, and younger children in general.

Review by: Maximillian Ben Hanan ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Loved it!, January 18, 2007
My six year old daughter asked for a coloring book for Christmas and is really into horses. She was so excited to receive this book. The pages are thick and of nice quality. The brown pen she used slightly bled through onto the backside but not enough to ruin the picture. She uses colored pencils or crayons on most of the pictures.

Magnificent Horses, September 16, 2007
Page after page of beautifully drawn horses in various poses, many of them are action poses.

A few of the pictures feature riders but most are just of the horses--which was my preference.

The drawings are large and easy to color, and there is also lots of background with mountains, trees, rocks and even rivers/streams.

I am an adult colorer, but I think anyone from about the age of six would enjoy coloring in this book.

I highly recommend it.

Great coloring book!, April 9, 2007
I bought this as a gift for my step daughter (age 5), along with several other coloring books; Dragons Coloring Book & Gargoyles and Medieval Monsters Coloring Book. Of the three she has taken most to horses. It is a fairly easy book to color out of, but not annoyingly easy. We have spent a lot of time coloring together, and having good books like these make that time an enjoyable way to bond with your children, while teaching them the value of prime colors and staying in the lines. :)

If you like horses You'll love this book, October 22, 2007
This is a very good coloring book. John Green is an excellent artist and with a little colored pencil or crayons the pictures come alive. I bought this book for myself, and I love it.

Great for older kids, December 20, 2007
This is a beautiful book that an older kid could really appreciate. I bought it for my 3 year old because she's very into horses right now but she will not do it any justice. An older child with artistist ability would love turning these black & white images into stunning pictures. Would work great with colored pencils as the pages are much nicer than the usual "crayon" type pages of kids coloring books.

Great coloring book!, July 10, 2007
My daughter, a seven year old horse lover, thinks this book is the greatest. It went missing for a couple of days and she was distraught! It has beautiful horse pictures.

Great Coloring Book, August 16, 2009
I shopped around for a coloring book about horses that was not "cutesy", to no avail. This coloring book has interesting pictures of beautifully drawn horses on each page. The cover and pages are of high quality materials. I was very pleased to give this coloring book as a gift.

coloring book, January 19, 2009
Very nice book of beautiful horses and backgrounds to color, good quality paper. I'm very pleased with my choice...you will be too.

Perfect for horse "happy" children., July 4, 2009
The Wonderful World of Horses coloring book is perfect for children who adore horses. The drawings are large enough that even our youngest grandchild (3)can do well with the detail. All of the kids love this coloring book and bringing the pages to life.

Wonderful idea!, March 27, 2009
I am so glad I ordered this book! As I was packing for a visit in another state I turned to Amazon for a quick gift for my granddaughter-a surprise.
The order came very quickly and was just what I needed. There is beautiful detail in the pages to be colored. She was excited to receive a book which clearly required more skill. She is eight years old and this was perfect for her as she is a meticulous coloring fan. It also was in stark contrast to the easier one her little sister got, so she felt her talents had been recognized. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Turn girls into terrific teachers! Using the tools in this kit, girls will be able to give their dolls an "A+" education. Activities range from planning lessons and grading tests to tracking attendance and rewarding students. Includes a chalkboard, world map, report cards, library books, flashcards, hall passes, and lots more doll-sized supplies for the classroom. ... Read more

Reviews

Wonderful toy, but you will need storage for all the little pieces., December 28, 2009
I wish they would have included little file boxes to put together to store all the little pieces of papers in. Other reviewers suggest a shoe box, but I needed a tiny box to hold the tiny file folders upright so their contents won't fall out. I have spent a lot of time today just organizing the pieces of this product and looking for tiny boxes, etc. to store stuff in. My 7 year old daughter loves it all, but still needs my help with it. She has 4 doll "students" and has set up report cards for all of them, graded some tests (actually added up scores for correct answers), filled in the "Teacher's Attendance and Grade Book" with their attendance and their test scores, and then said that teachers' jobs are not as easy as she had thought. Good insight. I helped her average the 2 math test scores she had for each student so she could fill in the first grading period on their report cards, so was glad to introduce her to "averaging" and division. The alphabet banner is in cursive, so she is excited about starting to learn that, as she is only in first grade. She enjoys the multiplication flash cards, so I'm thinking of getting a whole deck that she can work with.

Suggestion--All the little pieces to this school set come on sheets of heavy weight paper and you punch out the pieces, like the flash cards, tiny library cards, tests, file folers, award certificates, etc. I highly recommend that BEFORE you punch out any of the pieces, you SCAN THE PAGES INTO YOUR COMPUTER SO YOU CAN PRINT OUT DUPLICATES AS NEEDED. The set is supposed to have enough school supplies for 4 dolls. In the book it often says if you have more than 4 "students" you will need to make photocopies of the items to have enough for each student.

Well, I don't know about the other reviewers, but my book only had one writing journal, even though the book specifically states, "If you have more than 4 students, photocopy the cover and pages." Another disparity between the book and the items in the kit is the school "locker" door. The book says it's a "sticker" but mine is just a piece of paper printed to look like a locker door. The idea is to stick the "locker door" picture onto a shoebox lid, tape the lid to the box on one side and make a locker out of the shoe box. I only had one "locker door" in my book, so I'd have to make photocopies of if I wanted lockers for all 4 of my daughter's students.

I'd like to see some online component to this book, where buying the book gives you a code to go online and find more things to do like this.

Overall, great idea. Brings me back to my own childhood playing school and making little items for my dolls. I too have had to set up a "doll school" in a corner. Once school starts back, I plan to make up little spelling tests for the dolls with my daughter's weekly spelling words from school. Same with math and other subjects.

Would love to hear more suggestions from other purchasers.

An 11-year-old's review, October 2, 2009
The Doll School set by American Girl grabbed my attention the second I saw it. It's filled with miniature items such as hall passes, lunch tickets, library cards, and even school pictures! Any girl can be an organized and prepared teacher when they purchase this item. I love it. I have a corner in the playroom where my dolls can learn what I learn from my teacher every day! This set is worth every penny you pay, and I gaurantee you that it will NOT be a disspointment!

-Marion O'Sullivan age 11

Many days worth of fun!, October 12, 2009
This kit has so many ideas and pieces that it is perfect for many days worth of fun. I recommend giving it to your little girl with a shoe box to store all the little pieces in, such as the mini doll class photos.

Cute!, April 2, 2010
I love this book because it encourages my daughter to actually play with her American Girl dolls rather than just using them as room deoorations.

priced right - nothing fancy, March 23, 2010
Good for an "extra" Christmas present or a birthday present for an American Girl doll fan, but don't expect too much. My daughter played with it for a week and then put it away not to come out again. Possibly she was too old at 11. I would recommend for the 7-10 year old who doesn't quite know what to do with her dolls

So Fun!, February 5, 2010
My 9 year old daughter loves playing school, loves American Girl, loves making things, and loves little "stuff". This was the perfect gift for her and she enjoyed it for hours.

Doll School: For Girls Who love to Teach, December 27, 2009
Santa brought this to my daughter for X-mas and it was her favorite present! She is in second grade and loves
to play school. Now she can play with her doll. The math is a bit hard for her but now she wants to learn
multiplication. It is very well done. Lots of little pieces so you need a box or bag to keep everything together.
Highly recommend.

A+++++ for children 7 and older, April 10, 2010
I was very impressed with this craft kit, and bought two, one for me and one for my grandaughter, who is seven. As the other reviewers have mentioned, it is gloriously detailed and just the thing for little girls who love to play school. There are definitely HOURS of activities. My grandaughter loves it too, but I believe she is at the minimal age for it. The reviewer who gave it only 3 stars acknowledges she gave this craft book to her children who are 4 and 6 years old and I think that is too young. The child who goes to school is going to be more enchanted with the miniature tests and all the little knick knacks. Being able to read is the absolute minimum requirement! Also, this craft requires manual dexterity to cut carefully. I fold it delightful to do WITH my grandaughter. Too much fun to just have one book...

Perfect!, January 10, 2010
My grandaughter is home schooled and loves her American girl dolls, so this was the prefect gift for her and she did love it.

Buy for you 6-9 yr old girl, July 15, 2010
I got this for my grand daughters who are 6 and 9 and they loved playing school with it. They used it alot and didn't get tired of it. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Girls will discover dozens of fun ways to be creative with this book packed with projects! With special punch-out pages, girls can make a cootie catcher, bingo boards, a gift box, a secret note dispenser, a micro mobile, and so much more. This book also offers lots of games, crafts, journal-writing activities, and sticker fun for girls to share with friends and family, or to do on their own. ... Read more

Reviews

Kid At Heart, September 25, 2007
Yes, I'm a kid at heart. I am 32 and bought this book for myself and love it. Still love to color, cut & paste, draw, and this book has a little bit of everything.
Keri Smith also wrote, "Wreck This Jornal" which is a blast.

Fun - for a while, May 24, 2009
The idea behind this is great. There are some new activities that young girls wouldn't think to do on their own and those are fun. However, some of the activities are just slight variations of things that girls know how to do anyway, such as "cootie-catchers."

When I ordered this book, I thought it would be good for a young teen but after seeing it, it would be better for ages 8 through 11. It would be fun for a road-trip for this age group, but probably won't be a book that someone would refer back to for ideas over a long time period.

Great gift!, June 3, 2008
Thank you, American Girl for coming up with a zillion forms of creative and funny entertainment to enjoy for many hours. Doodles, crafts, stencils and more are here, and you will adore it!

The parents of the recipient of Tear Up This Book will love it even more for keeping the kids (creatively) happy!

THE PERFECT BOOK!!, November 7, 2005
I loved this book because you could tear out the games and puzzles.Two thumbs up!!! -kristen

Not what I expected., January 8, 2009
Whoever thought this book is for 9 to 12 year olds is sorely mistaken. I bought this book for my niece, who was 12 at the time I purchased it, and didn't even bother giving to her. After flipping through it, I deemed most of the project suitable for a much younger group. I honestly don't think any girl over 9 would enjoy this book. Many of the project are babyish; What 12 year old wants a punch out mobile in her room? Is any girl that interested in learning how to draw a plate of eggs and toast? Maybe my niece is mature for her age, but I am really glad I didn't give her this book. I know she would have been as disappointed as I was.

My Daughter Loved this Book, October 15, 2009
I got my daughter (age 7) this book for her birthday and she is still playing with it months later. She can do it by herself and likes discovering each new project. A very cute idea.

It's a Hit!!, July 5, 2009
Gave this to my daughter for her 10th birthday...it was a hit with her and her friends at the party. I just happened to see this and thought she might like it...it wasn't something on her list! It was the first thing she picked up when we got home from her party and she had already cut out a bunch of the projects before I realized it! American Girl does it again!!

"Awesome", May 23, 2008
This is what my 7-year-old granddaughter said. I've been told she's been taking it to bed each night although I hope she's not cutting and pasting in bed!

Fun, Fun, Fun, March 17, 2009
Tear Up This Book!: The Sticker, Stencil, Stationery, Games, Crafts, Doodle, And Journal Book For Girls! (American Girl Library) (Spiral-bound)
by Keri Smith (Author)

My two seven year old granddaughters loved this book and they spent hours playing the games, doing the activities, etc. I gave it to one of them for Valentines Day but it was a hit with both of them and they willingly shared the fun! My daughter was impressed with the book too and the way the girls enjoyed it.


... Read more

Reviews

CUTE, December 20, 2010
My daughter's birthday party was all dinosaurs and this was one of our gifts to her. It was PERFECT! :) ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

sparkly horse stickers, April 20, 2009
This book of stickers is "much" smaller than I expected. The stickers are nice though.The book is only about four inches.

Great reward stickers, July 28, 2009
We use these as reward stickers for our animal-loving toddler and they are perfect for that.

Great stocking stuffers, August 3, 2010
Got these for my little horse lover. They were stuck everywhere the same day. Perfect for stocking stuffers, or gift bags for a horse themed party.

Horse Stickers, September 29, 2010
These are very nice stickers & my granddaughter loves them. She uses them when she send me cards. She picks her horse & lables it.
I would purchase them again. ... Read more

Editorial Review

At last, all those weird but true facts that readers of National Geographic Kids love so much are collected into a fun-filled book that you’ll come back to again and again!

Weird But True is based on the hugely popular magazine page of quirky, fun facts that many readers of National Geographic Kids magazine turn to first. Why? Well did you know that... Peanut butter can be converted into a diamond? The world’s oldest pet goldfish lived to be 43 years old? The world’s longest soap bubble was as long as four school buses? On Neptune, the wind blows up to 1,243 miles an hour? An elephant’s tooth can weigh as much as a bowling ball?

All of the facts in this handy book will amaze friends and family: Animals Superpowers...Chills and Thrills...Eat or Be Eaten...Mini and Mega...Wild and Crazy, and much, much more. Adjacent pages for such facts present a one-paragraph explanation of how that fact is possible or why it is so.

Wacky facts, fascinating information, and lively art combine in this easy-to-browse, casual reference book that is sure to give young readers hours of fun. ... Read more

Reviews

Terrific Book!, May 19, 2010
My son chose this book himself at his school book fair. For the last few days, this book has been his constant companion -- and I understand why. The weird but true facts in the book are funnny, interesting, thought provoking, and presented in a dynamic manner with excellent illustrations. My son likes the book very very much, has memorized several of 300 weird but true facts. In fact, we have agreed to give the book away as a gift to several other children.

Gross but fascinating, July 4, 2010
This is not a book with a plot or anything -- just a list of random weird facts. But my 9 year old finds it FANTASTIC and has read it several times including many of them he insists on reading out loud to us! :)

9 year old son loved it, April 21, 2010
My son kept us entertained all day Easter Sunday with this gift. We had to take it away during Easter dinner so we could talk about something else!

Great book, October 10, 2010
My 7 year old daughter loves this book. I have a hard time getting her to read for pleasure, but this book does the trick. As other reviewers stated, it is made up of random interesting facts. There are colorful photos and the facts are written like little blurbs. She carries this book around to share with friends and family.

Terrible Book, November 24, 2010
This book contains a bunch of one liners without supporting detail. Its like reading a list of trashy book titles with zero content. It will not increase the readers knowledge base. I got it for my eight years old who love reading National Geographic Kids. She found it lacking. ... Read more