Keepers of the Earth: Native American Stories and Environmental Activities for Children (Keepers of the Earth)

Customer Reviews:

Lovely storytelling.......2007-05-04

These are stories from the various First Nations. They are well told. Get this for your kids. In an age of instant media, the storyteller's art is one that is timeless, connecting us to our oral past. Make sure that it connects to our future, too.

how thunder and earthquake made ocean.......2003-10-03

I thinck this book was a litte shourt and I most whated to read it and it was very good but there needs to be more but it was good about the the village and tunder and earthquake so was ok right on the good marck so that's why I ratind it with 3 stars.

How Thunder And Earthquake Made Ocean.......2003-09-30

The reason I gave it 4 stars is that I liked the drawing
and illustration on the pictures.Also I thought it was
really creative how they traveled all around the world
to make an ocean.I really was into the book when I
was reading it.I learned from that book that you should
always try to help someone that really needs help.I also thought that it was pretty cool how Earthquake and
Thunder made ocean.If you have any qestions about
the book well don't ask me go ahead and read it your
self.

Environmentally Aware!.......2002-06-20

This book is a fascinating way to help children connect with the natural world while teaching important environmental concepts. It comes with a guide to use the book effectively, and is divided into sections of special topics. Each section contains a Native American story, discussion ideas, interesting questions, and related indoor and outdoor activities. These activities can be accomplished without expensive materials, often in or near the home or school. Oh, by the way, adults will learn from this book also!

Great for Homeschoolers.......2002-01-12

I am a homeschooling mom and I bought this book to use with my kindergartener. This is an amazing book that combines social studies and science wonderfully. It contains alot about american indian beliefs and practices, distinguishing between the many tribal groups and traditions instead of lumping them all into one large culture. It uses indian legends as a jumping off point to study the environment, how it affects us and how we affect it.

My Diabetes Organizer: The Essential Planner and Record-Keeper for People with type 2 Diabetes

Average customer rating:

My Diabetes Organizer: The Essential Planner and Record-Keeper for People with type 2 Diabetes
Gina Barbetta , and Valerie Rossi
Manufacturer: North Hill Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Diabetes | Diseases | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Health Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0977312208

Book Description

Packed with charts, guides, and advice, this complete health management system helps to organize and simplify the lives of people with diabetes. A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes means a lifetime of monitoring both diet and blood sugar, and with the planning tools in this handbook, patients can keep track of test results, contact information, and medication records. The organizer features 12-month check-up charts, envelopes and pockets for bills and business cards, and a 30-day journal to get readers into the routine of daily care. By looking beyond bare facts and providing real goals for living with type 2 diabetes, this book serves as a constant companion for vital self-care.

Faithful Elephants: A True Story of Animals, People, and War

Average customer rating:

Beautiful
Have a Heart
are you KIDDING me?!!
Great book for any age read aloud!
Thought provoking

Faithful Elephants: A True Story of Animals, People, and War
Yukio Tsuchiya
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Japanese | Foreign Language Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Children's Books | Japanese | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books

All Japanese Books | Japanese | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books

Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0395861373

Book Description

A zookeeper recounts the story of John, Tonky, and Wanly, three performing elephants at the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, whose turn it is to die, and of their keepers, who weep and pray that World War II will end so their beloved elephants might be saved.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2007-03-11

I just attended a Peace Prize Forum in Sioux Falls, SD, and this book was part of a curriculum for teaching children about peace and war. I think it is one of the most powerful books I have ever read.
This is a tender book about how war affects life, in a way accessible for children, and equally vivid and profound for adults.
The illustrations are also beautiful.

Have a Heart.......2007-02-08

This is a response to Tamara Lakeman's review:

It's a shame that there are people who feel that it is necessary to censor literature which brings awareness to all aspects of war, including death, compassion, and despair. Yes the elephants died as a result of being starved to death. However, the trainers were put in a position of having to carry out an order that forever scared them thus leading them to cry out in despair of what the war had done to them, and their beloved animals.

Would the reviewer feel the same if the story was about three American soldiers who were forced to let their Japanese friends starve to death in a cell because of being on opposing sides?

Oh, let's just sweep everything about death and dying under the rug. Let's cover our children's ears so that they may be ignorant and pretend that nothing bad ever happens including the millions of animals that are euthanized yearly because of irresponsible humans!

The story calls for awareness. It's making people aware of the terrible things that happen in our world. Every once in a while we all need a little wake up call. Maybe we can help in preventing these things from happening again in the future instead of retaining an egocentric, self centered, it's all about me lifestyle.

This reviewer forgets to mention that every August 15th, "Faithful Elephants" is read over the radio in Japan in hopes of bringing awareness of the effects of war. Does the reviewer know that zoos in Iraq were abandoned during this war? Many of those animals starved to death as well. Remember... History repeats itself.

I agree that reading the book as a bedtime story would be obviously inappropriate (as with any war story), however I do feel it will bring out the compassionate side of anyone who has a heart not just reserved for his or her own corner of the world.

The only reason why I will not read this book to my students in the classroom is that I would end up crying: I will however read it to my own children. Maybe one day I will go to Ueno Zoo in Tokyo Japan and a paper crane on the three elephants' memorial.

are you KIDDING me?!!.......2006-12-04

I found this book under the 'War and Peace' section of my local bookstore. I read it just out of curiosity... and WOW... Talk about a book that probably should NEVER EVER find it's way into a child's hands. I realize that it's intention is to talk about the cruelty and savagry of war, but I still think the subject matter is highly, HIGHLY uncalled for.

Basically, here's the story. During WW2 the officials of a Tokyo zoo decide that they need to kill all the zoo animals for fear the if they do not, the zoo will eventually be bombed and the animals will run wild. Clearly the only solution is to kill them (*scoff*). Anyway, so they officials go about poisoning all the animals, however every method they try does not work with the elephants. And so, naturally, they decide that the only way to kill these elephants is to starve them to death (forget a quick bullet to the head, no, only starving them will work.. AGH!)... So the book spends a good 5-6 pages following these poor elephants over a 2 week period as they slowly starve to death.

In the end, all the elephants lay dead in the cages, with limp trunks hanging between the bars. Nice. Fantastic bedtime story for children of all ages...

.... NOT!

Absolutely horrific!! Why not just take your children to the SPCA and make them watch animals be euthanized? There are things that children just do not need to have thrown in their faces, and this is one of them. Wait until they are in their teens are are able to really grasp the concept of war and death. This book is EXTREMELY emotionally disturbing and I can see it causing a great deal of harm to a senstive child.

Steer clear!

Great book for any age read aloud!.......2006-08-28

My students love hearing this book. It is different to see a picture that is a happy/sappy tale. They really get into this book asking a ton of questions throughout the story. It is a great book to use in the classroom as it ties in with many subjects!

Thought provoking.......2006-08-28

I teach Grade 5 children and the unit of work we were studying was "World Peace". We had read "Sadako" and talked a lot about WWII - then this book was recommended to me. My students sat enthralled as I read it.(I had forewarned them that it was very sad) It produced lots of great discussion and helped re-inforce the impact that war has on people and societies. An excellent book for older students.

Average customer rating:

Great book
Extended Commercial
Very poorly written
Every mouse-lovers dream!
Kingdom Keepers Review by John

Kingdom Keepers, The
Ridley Pearson
Manufacturer: Disney Editions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Popular Culture | Literature | 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:

ASIN: 0786854448

Customer Reviews:

Great book.......2007-08-04

I didn't think I would like thisbook but it turns out to be a great book.

Extended Commercial.......2007-06-22

"The Kingdom Keepers" has an interesting premise, and I give it three stars for being a mildly entertaining read. Unlike other reviewers, I found the focus on the geographical and architectural details of the parks interesting. The book's biggest shortcoming is its narrative choppiness, and it all too often comes across as little more than an extended commercial for Walt Disney World.

Very poorly written.......2007-06-20

This novel has some great, original ideas, but is very poorly written. The story jumps from action to action in a very wooden manner, without fully describing the characters or their emotions. The main character, Finn, is developed somewhat, but the other characters are almost interchangable without solid personalities of their own. The surprise twists do not come as a surprise. There are big holes in the plot. At one point, Finn trusts a character who he knows helped kidnap his friend. In another scene, he holds a powerful weapon in his hand, but doesn't use it against the enemy. The novel is riddled with poorly written sentences. It feels very quickly written, without enough editing. Which is a shame, because the ideas in it are very clever and original. It's too bad it wasn't more thoughtfully written to fully engage the reader's senses and emotions. It has all the heart and depth of a video game. Lots of flashy ideas, but no substance.

Every mouse-lovers dream!.......2007-06-14

I'm not going to go into a long-winded description of the book; there are plenty here. All I've got to say is that this book puts into print what all the Disney Theme Park fans have fantasized about since they were 4 feet tall and still loved to ride Dumbo. The park coming to life with you as the only occupant!
Although the writing is geared towards a more juvenile audience, it is a fun read for any age who still believes in the magic of the Magic Kingdom. It would be really cool to see a line of sequels about other attractions. Let's hope.....

Kingdom Keepers Review by John.......2007-05-22

Kingdom Keepers is about a kid named Finn and three friends and an old man named Wayne. They all work for Walt Disney. But something bad has happened. The Overtakers are hitting Florida. The Overtakers take over theme parks all over the world and now they're heading to Disney World. Finn and his friends are holograms and are meant to help people get around Disney World. The Overtakers are mean and will do anything to get what they want. They kind of look like pirates that came from the moon. When they take over theme parks they turn them into a living hell and make it into a nightmare. People don't know this so they go into the theme parks and never come out. No one knows about this and it will keep going unless it Wayne, Finn, and the others can stop the Overtakers. Will this go on or will it come to a screeching halt?

I would strongly recommend this book to everybody
that I know. I really liked this book; it was one of the
favorites that I have ever read. It really kept me reading
and it was enjoyable, considering I don't read if I don't have to.

Average customer rating:

Decent Memoir
Fantastic Memoir
keeping it real
brothers and keepers: A memoir or therapy session
Brothers and Keepers

Brothers and Keepers: A Memoir
John Edgar Wideman
Manufacturer: Mariner Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

African-American & Black | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Biographies | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0618509631

Amazon.com

With novels like Damballah and Hiding Place, John Edgar Wideman began his career in an explicitly modernist vein--indeed, his chronicles of life in the Pittsburgh ghetto of Homewood had more than a trace of a Joycean accent. The autobiographical Brothers and Keepers, however, allowed the writer to find his own voice. Perhaps this dual portrait of the author and his brother Robby--serving, then and now, a life sentence for a murder committed during a bungled robbery--finally forced Wideman to fuse the modernist trappings of his earlier work with the storytelling traditions of African American culture. "My memories needed his," the author recalls. "Maybe the fact that we recall different things is crucial. Maybe they are foreground and background, propping each other up." In any case, the Rashomon-like result is a raw meditation on fate and family, as well as an indictment of our entire notion of crime and (especially) punishment.

Book Description

A haunting portrait of lives arriving at different destinies, Brothers and Keepers is John Edgar Wideman's seminal memoir about two brothers one an award-winning novelist, the other a fugitive wanted for robbery and murder. Wideman recalls the capture of his younger brother Robby, details the subsequent trials that resulted in a sentence of life in prison, and provides vivid views of the American prison system. A gripping, unsettling account, Brothers and Keepers weighs the bonds of blood, tenderness, and guilt that connect Wideman to his brother and measures the distance that lies between them.

Customer Reviews:

Decent Memoir.......2007-01-20

John Edgar Wideman has composed an interesting take of two lives gone wrong in his memoir, "Brothers and Keepers". In the memoir, Wideman explores the causes and consequences of his brother's life sentence in jail for murder. Wideman speaks his mind about the whole affair, but also lets his brother do his fair share of the talking through a series of interviews the two shared in the prison visiting room. Though the basic goal of the memoir is to determine how two brothers followed such radically different paths, it delves into the broader topic of African-American men and society.

Even though it overall is a great experience, two problems I had with the novel was its lack of structure and Wideman's tendency to rant. It seems that Wideman tends to build up a subplot, but then just as suddenly dashes away to discuss something new. This makes the book difficult to read more than a few pages at a time. As for the ranting, it's like Wideman tries to use the text as a way to vent his frustrations about racism in America. His whining can get excruciatingly annoying. But, despite these problems, "Brothers and Keepers" is an excellent look into the lives of two African-American men, while reflecting on the role of the African-American race as a whole.

Fantastic Memoir.......2006-10-27

Brothers and Keepers is a fantastic memoir written by John Edgar Wideman that explores how the narrator and his brother, Robby, end up living extremely opposite lives. Growing up in Pittsburgh, Wideman and his brother are not given all of the best opportunities but Wideman does what he can to work hard. His efforts result in a well educated, middle class man, while his brother ends up a convict. The memoir explores where the two divulged and what influences they've had throughout their lives.
In terms of actual material, the memoir is ordered in a way that keeps the reader riveted throughout all of the text. Wideman tells the story of his brother's crime, divulging from that plot to reflect upon their family's life as a whole. These unique reflections provide valuable insight into both John and Robby's most inner thoughts. The pace of the novel is fairly rapid; although, sometimes I found myself losing interest in Wideman's reflections, anxious to hear the next part of Robby's tale.
What makes this memoir most unique is the frequency with which Wideman acknowledges what few or many details he is capable of recalling from his past. Not only does this make the story even more believable, it allows the reader to make many of their own decisions about what really happened in John and Robby's lives. The reader also gets to hear the voice of Robby, who also often fails to remember specific or important details. Wideman writes, speaking for his brother (the text uses no quotations), "Must have passed out or gone to sleep or something, cause it gets blurry round in here. Don't remember much but they gave back my clothes and took me Downtown and there was a arraignment next morning" (103). On one of the most important and emotional days in Robby's life, he can't seem to remember how the day ended. It is these sporadic inclusions and omissions keep the reader inquisitive throughout the text.
Overall Brothers and Keepers is a very well written memoir that forces readers to dig deep into their own mind because most humans struggle with very similar life dilemmas, although probably not to the same extent. Although some may argue that that some memories ramble on too long, each provides a unique perspective about Wideman and the human race as a whole.

keeping it real.......2006-05-17

In a sentence: This is an excellent book about honesty and fact and fiction. It blurs the lines between truth and lies, real and fake, memory and what happened v.s. what really happened. Beautiful. Wideman puts himself and his family front and center and at the core of the story. One is not quite sure which is fiction and which is non-fiction. Also, when persons speak there are no quotation marks and the reader distinguishes who is talking by the choice of vocabulary and flow of the language. You can really hear the difference in your head.
The basic discription is: It's Wideman trying to make sense of his growing up and how his broother ended up in jail for murder.
This is a great book for lovers of Paul Auster in that "what is the truth of the matter?" is a recurring question......

brothers and keepers: A memoir or therapy session.......2004-07-19

wideman tells an excellent tale about how two siblings of the same environment can go on to lead totally different lives. One brother is a world reknowned novelist and professor. The other brother is a convict serving a life sentence for murder. Wideman explains and analyzes how culture, including racism, classism,and self-identication, influences a person's lifestyle. At times the memoir seems reminscent and nostalgic. Other times, wideman tends to get lost in his own thoughts while writng, which makes the work appear as therapeutic writing not intended for others to read. The issues he raises in the book such as racism, self-identification, and guilt, helps us as readers to recall our own issues with these subjects and how we can work through them.

Brothers and Keepers.......2004-07-19

In Brothers and Keepers, John Edgar Wideman uses a range of narrative techniques to unravel the complicated relationship between he and his brother Robert Wideman. These different narrative techniques, such as letter writing, greatly assisted to the overall movement of the novel. Through letter writing, John effectively gives Robert a voice in the novel. The authentic voice of Robby allowed the reader a real portrayal of a man serving prison time as he, in confessions to his brother, reflects on their relationship growing up. Their struggle to discover is apparent through John Edgar Wideman's choice of narrative technique.

Book Description

Kenyon loves to listen to his grandmother's stories almost as much as he loves to play baseball. He'd like Little Dolly to designate him the next Keeper of the family lore, but she tells him the honor is reserved for girls. Setting out to buy a 90th birthday gift for Little Dolly, Kenyon instead falls for a new baseball glove for himself. As regret weighs down his heart, he confides his shame to his father, who tells him that you can only learn from your mistakes. Just when Kenyon thinks he's run out of ideas for Little Dolly's gift, inspiration hits.

Customer Reviews:

Highly recommended.......2000-05-30

I enthusiastically recommend this book. I don't have children of my own, but I bought one copy for my nephew and another for my mother (a devoted reader of books for children). The story is simple enough - a boy who saves his hard-earned money for his grandmother's birthday, but then blows it on a baseball glove and has to come up with a meaningful gift that doesn't cost any money. The clever part of the story is that by being forced to think of what would mean the most to his grandmother, the boy is able to come up with a present that's not only better than any store-bought present, but that allows the grandmother to see him in a new light.

I'm especially happy that Watts doesn't write down to children, instead using a quietly humorous, at times bouncy style that appeals to children and adults, such as this line: "Kenyon's quiet easy glide to freedom was frozen by his grandmother's words." Or this one: "'I'm not sick. I'm just stupid.'" Moreover, the grandmother isn't called something common like "Grandma" or "Granny," but the distinctive "Little Dolly." The reader learns a lesson along with the boy, but what's most impressive about the story is that Little Dolly herself learns a lesson, breaking the standard wise-adult, foolish-kid story line.

I liked the full-color paintings, too, which nicely complement the story with a range of unusual perspectives.

Customer Reviews:

BEAUTIFUL illustrations.......2005-12-30

"Finders Keepers?" by Robert Arnett has been honored with the Benjamin Franklin Silver Award of the Publishers Marketing Association for Best Multicultural Book of the Year, the Independent Publisher Outstanding Book of the Year, and the Seal of Approval of the National Parenting Center. This book is better for school-age children, as it really provides a geography lesson, a study in ethics and a brief insight into Indian culture.

The book tells the true story of an experience the author had while traveling through India. He had just bought some postcards when a young Indian boy tapped him on the elbow and held out Arnett's wallet, which the boy had picked up when the author accidentally dropped it. The man thanked him and offered him a reward, but the boy refused to take any money, insisting that he should not be rewarded just for doing the right thing.

I'm in LOVE with the brightly colored illustrations by Indian-born Smita Turakhia, who said she was inspired by memories of the place where she spent her childhood. In fact, even the youngest kids enjoy looking at the pictures, so I skip some of the more technical stuff when I read it to them.

Smiple and Inspiring.......2004-05-11

My mom got this book for me and I love it.I shared with whole class and my teacher read the book to us. They liked the meaning of NAMASTE and the colourful pictures.
My favorite part is the honest boy who teaches you honesty in a very simple way.

FindersKeepers - a good book.......2004-05-08

I got this book as a gift. As an Indian-American it helped me learn more about my culture. I took this book to school for "show and share". All my friends and teachers enjoyed the stories and the nice pictures. Especially the picture with differnt kids holding hands around the world. my teachers also liked that theme. Thank you.

Finders Keepers by Robert Arnett, Smita Turakhia.......2004-04-12

This is a very good book. In the story a boy finds the author's wallet and gives it back instead of keeping it and he doesen't accept a reward. He says,"I don't need a reward for doing the right thing."

The story plot is really good. The illustrations are good too.
You should read this book because you will learn a lot about customs in India and values of being a good person.

Finders Keepers by Robert Arnett.......2004-04-12

This is a great storybook and I like the pictures. The bus picture is the best picture and it would be fun to ride on top of a bus. I think other children should read this book too.

Average customer rating:

Must have if you love lighthouses
Great Lighthouse Photo Album
Visual and Reading Pleasure
This is one of the best books on lighthouses.
From the Author's Mom-In-Law

Legendary Lighthouses
John Grant , and Ray Jones
Manufacturer: Globe Pequot
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Naval | Military | History | Subjects | Books

General | Transportation | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

Pictorial | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

Tourist Destinations & Museums | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Travel Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0762703253

Customer Reviews:

Must have if you love lighthouses.......2003-11-07

Beautiful photography, follows and expands on the extremely well done PBS series.

Great Lighthouse Photo Album.......2000-08-09

Ray Jones is among the best lighthouse photographers working today. He provides some of his best photos for a book in which writer John Grant provides a good narrative and history of lighthouses in general. This book strikes a good balance between information and photography.

Visual and Reading Pleasure.......2000-01-14

I picked up this book without having seen the companion PBS series, but now I'd really like to see it. The book presents a very nice story for each lighthouse visited, discussing more of the people stories that go along with the history of the houses themselves. A really nice find for lighthouse fans.

This is one of the best books on lighthouses........1999-10-22

It is very informative and provides much detail about all the lighthouses. There are numerous pictures and they are absolutely great. This book also gives you very good directions on how to travel to each of the lighthouses some of which are very remote. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

From the Author's Mom-In-Law.......1999-04-24

I loved Ray Jones book, "Legendary Lighthouses". I do have copies of all his books, since he is married to my daughter.This book he autographed, For Mom Happy Chanukah Keep the lights burning. Ray & Fran. Arent I lucky!!

Average customer rating:

The Bone Keeper
Megan McDonald
Manufacturer: A DK Ink Book / DK Publishing, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0789425599

Book Description

Try this book for Halloween, and for edge-of-the-seat suspense anytime.

The language of the telling rustles like dry grasses, crackles like bones shifting in the windblown sands. Emerging from it, the Bone Woman herself, bent over her stick like an arch of stone, searches this way and that across the wide, scoured distances outside her cave. On the ground, she's assembled the bones she needs, all but "that tiny piece at the tip of the tip of the tail." That one is still unfound. She looks further. Finally triumphant, she "dances with one side of her body, waits with the other." Yet it is a while before her creation stirs, shakes itself, stands. What will it be? A wolf. The paintings powerfully suggest the Bone Woman's intent, her dramatic context, her nature a crone. Inspired by creation myths from many desert cultures, words and artwork (some of which appear to be made of bone itself, or of bronze) cast an indelible spell.

Average customer rating:

A good book for my boys

Beautiful Tale of Preserving Nature's Beauty

This book will give lasting pleasure for kids AND adults.

I've never written a review before, but this book is so good

Keeper of the Swamp
Ann Garrett
Manufacturer: Turtle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Alligators & Crocodiles | Animals | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
United States | Fiction | Explore the World | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Fiction | Multigenerational | Family Life | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Fiction | Nature | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Fireflies (Reading Rainbow)

The Old Woman Who Named Things

ASIN: 1890515124

Book Description

Aboy and his ailing grandfather pole a small boat out into the Louisiana bayou. Suddenly, they spot Boots, a female alligator the grandfather saved from poachers years ago. How will the boy face the danger in learning to take care of this wild creature? Strikingly illustrated with artwork that combines oil painting and computer imaging, Keeper of the Swamp is a scary and satisfying tale that carries a strong environmental message.

Customer Reviews:

A good book for my boys.......2005-01-06

My sons and I enjoyed reading this book aloud together. It has a lot of the elements in it that make a good story. It tugs at ones heartstrings(the grandfather part), and creates suspense. I also appreciated how the author encouraged persevering, even when something seems diffcult. He listened to the grandfathers instruction once again, and conquered his own fears, and was successfull. It shows caring for animals, and the excitement that can come from that. In the end, the boy promises to be the future keeper of the swamp, as his grandfather may not be around much longer to do so. A great read.

Beautiful Tale of Preserving Nature's Beauty.......2000-08-26

As an educator, I'm always exposed to books that interest children to varying degrees. "Keeper of the Swamp" tells such a new story in such an entertaining way, that my students were captivated by it. Our class has always loved the natural surroundings around our school and now they are fascinated with all of the wildlife it holds. The illustrations are lush and colorful. The story helps convey the importance of how a simple ritual, even a frightening one, can pass on and solidify a child's understanding and respect for nature. This book is a "Must Buy". You'll know when you see it.

This book will give lasting pleasure for kids AND adults........1999-04-28

A suspenseful coming of age story; a beautifully illustrated and written relationship between a boy, his grandfather, and the lush, but sometimes dangerous surroundings which are so much a part of their lives. This book will help kids cope with the things of which they are afraid, and help adults open lines of communication about fear, responsibility, and self-esteem. All in a fascinating, readable, vivid story.

I've never written a review before, but this book is so good.......1999-04-02

Few things inspire me enough to take action, but after thoroughly enjoying this book with my son, Christian, I had to express my praises. Two-year- old Christian is completely enthralled with alligators, so we decided to take a chance on Ms. Garrett's book. I feared that as with some of his books, he would eventually outgrow it, but I was pleasantly surprised when the book arrived. The illustrations are strikingly vibrant with color and depth; they are beautifully done. But the best part is the story. I know that Christian and I will be able to share this book together for years to come because the story has DEPTH! How refreshing for a children's book to be as interesting to the adult as it is to the child! As Christian is ready, this book introduces concepts of tradition, responsibility, environmental concerns, and even the heavier issues of terminal illness and death. I'm sorry this is sounding like a commercial, so I'll just end with saying that I'm glad we bought the book, and we look forward to Ann Garrett's next adventure! Sincerely, Wendell and Christian Walton

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books