The Bookstore Mouse
by Peggy Christian Gary A. Lippincott
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (30 November, 1995)
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Reviews (3)

Fun romp for elementary school readers
A mouse and a hero with a quest, what can be more entertaining or relatable for a young reader?For those young readers who have already begun their love affair with books this will be especially appealing.You can almost smell the leather books in the bookstore that the mouse lives in.The Amazon editorial introduction is correct:you will be reminded of the Phantom Tollbooth with all the yummy and delectable words the mouse and the reader will munch on!

The story is short enough to keep their attention while it's compelling enough to keep them reading.For those who enjoy reading to their little ones, the chapters are a good length to read one (or maybe two if they're good) a day/night.

Depending on the reading skill level of the child, I'd recommend this for readers in Grades 2-5.

Fun and inventive.
I thought it was inventive because the mouse lives on books. He eats words out of books and he protects himself from the sleeping but dangerous cat by using sharp words but in theend he can't protect himself because the cat can't read.It's fun because of the adveture the mouse has with the young scribe.The ending was fun too.

An amusing short book
When I first picked up The Bookstore Mouse I was thinking "gee, another new library book, maybe this will provide about an hour of reading," but when I opened the book at home I got more than I had bargained for.I became entoiled in the affairs of a mouse and a wanna be knight.The way the book was written was original, the mouse knowing that he was reading and the knight and the way they use this advantage ofinformation to help themselves throughout the adventure he was having.I really enjoyed this book.By A.M2 ... Read more

Isbn: 0152002030
Sales Rank: 878991
Subjects:  1. Animals - MiceHamstersGuinea Pigsetc.    2. Books and reading    3. Bookstores    4. Children's 9-12    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    6. Dragons    7. Fiction    8. Humorous Stories    9. Mice    10. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    11. Juvenile Fiction / General   

The Lion King: A Read-Aloud Storybook (Read-Aloud Storybook)
by Lisa Baker
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (04 May, 1999)
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Reviews (4)

The Lion King
A Joyous day dawned in the Pride Lands. A lion prince had been born! The animals gathered at Pride Rock to celebrate the Circle of Life.They bowed low as the wise babon Rafiki held Simba high. King Mufasa and Sarab watched their cub prodly.
But one animal was missing from the craud. Scar,Mufasa's brother, did not want to see his new nephew. "It must have slipped my mind,"scar told Mufasa. scar had hoped to become King when Mufasa's rule ended. Now he knew that Simba would become the next Lion King.
To try toget him out of the way. Scar set a trap for young Simba and his friend Nala. He tricked them into exploring on elephant graveyard. to make sure that Simba didn't come back, scar sent three hungry hyens to meet him.
Mufasa resued the young cubs. He did not know about scar's tric. He only knew that he was disappointed in his son for talking foolish chances scar was upset for a different resson: simba was still alive scar led Simba to a deep canyon and starter a stampede to crush him.

Love this book!
I have not seen the movie, I heard it was scary for little kids.My 2 1/2 old loves this book, she asks for it again and again.I bought the CD and every time we get in the car she wants Lion King music.She knows all the characters, and even can tell me who is singing right from the book.Very well done.It gets the point across of what happens without being too scary (although I did have to explain to her why Mufasa can't come back anymore).

KABLAMMY!
This book is so good it hits you--KABLAM! It's the best adaption of the movie. It's by far my favorite book ... Read more

Isbn: 0736401237
Sales Rank: 95445
Subjects:  1. Animals - General    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Juvenile Fiction    5. Movie Tie - In    6. Nature & the Natural World - General    7. Preschool Picture Story Books    8. Juvenile Fiction / Movie or Television Tie-In   

Growing Minds With Music: Softly We Sing
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 July, 1999)
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Reviews (5)

A Beautiful Collection
I first heard this album working as a nurse in a hospital NICU nursery. I saw so many babies soothed and rocked to sleep with this music. It consistently drew compliments from parents.I just gave a copy to my sister-in-law for her and her new baby girl.She loves it too. Every track is soft, soothing, rocking chair-cuddle music. Highly recommended.

A Wonderful Lullaby CD
I first bought this CD based on the songs that it has in the CD.The first time I played it for my son--while I was trying to put him down for a nap--it worked like a charm!!We have also learned to pack the CD when we are traveling because my son (who is 19 months old now) has gotten so used to listening to it as he drifts off to sleep that sometimes, especially if we are somewhere new, he is not able to go to sleep without the CD.

good stuff
I think this CD is cute. not only does it have wonderful children singing but it also has a nice instumental version. I would definitely recommend it to anyone with an infant. ... Read more

Asin: B00000JTBD
Sales Rank: 88355
Subjects:  1. Childrens    2. Pop   

The Tales of Uncle Remus: The Adventures of Brer Rabbit (Tales of Uncle Remus)
by Julius Lester Jerry Pinkney
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 January, 1999)
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Reviews (3)

A classic reworked for our times
Julies Lester and Jerry Pinkney are forever finding new ways of retelling classic African American tales while removing the stigma once attached to their early presentation.Their other works include a whole new version of the old L'il Black Sambo story.Far more daringly is this collection; a retelling of the classic Uncle Remus stories.There is much to admire in this collection and a little to criticize.Admirable are the ways in which the stories are made interesting for kids today.The character of Uncle Remus has been made omnipresent.No longer are there pictures of little white children crouching at his feet.Instead, his narration encompasses everything that happens, and his humor infuses each and every story.Less admirable are some of the the moremodern twinges placed here and there.Sometimes the narrator will mention a shopping mall or a pair of expensive running shoes.These "updates" seem to date an otherwise modern story.The violence found in these tales often seem straight out of a Grimm fairy tale.They are a bit similar in the methods of killing (boiling with water, burning alive, etc.).It is difficult in this day and age to find such tireless reworkings of classic American stories.Stories that should never be forgotten because they represent a part of our American past.If you have any interest at all, or nostalgia for, these tales then read this book immediately and do not dilly dally.

Lifetime Memories
I was raised on these tales of the wiley rabbit.My mother read me to sleep with The Songs of The South.Being from the heart of Dixie I have a very personal feeling for these wonderful colorful and enlightning tales of old.My middle age has allowed me to pass these tales on to my children and I am now reading them to my Grandchildren.In fact they are in demand from my kids wanting to read them to their children them selves when not convenient to do so by me.

Uncle Remus spins a whimsicle yarn and uses old time forgotten vinacular that titilates the imagination to heights that brings a giggle to the staunches personality.

The are truly an endless means of allowing imaginations paint colorful pictures and creating cool summer breezes under an old sycimore tree decked out with lazy spanish moss.

Highly recommended and truly a milestone in our Southern Heritage and culture of The Old South.Song of The South will endure and hold on like a Mississippi snapping turtle.

This book one is one of my all-time childhood favorites!
I personally haven't read the book in years, but my Grandmother (Mama Toler, we called her) bought that book for me when I was very young.Actually, if memory serves, it was a collection of stories with Uncle Remustelling the tales, and included several stories about the adventures ofBrer Rabbit, Brer Fox, Brer Wolf, and the Doogang.Oh, I can't forget tomention "Tar Baby" either!Even before I was old enough to readon my own, Mama Toler would hold me in her lap and read all about theAdventures of Brer Rabbit and the Briar Patch.I loved it when she wouldmimick Uncle Remus' laugh because her belly would jiggle and make me wiggleand giggle (can you tell the little child in me has been awakened?).Thisbook is one is one of my all-time favorites and, although I haven't seen itin years, I'm thinking that this would be the perfect time for me to buy acopy for my four-year old granddaughter (and ME!) since she spends everyother weekend with us and loves for "Nanna" to read to her. Thanks for rekindling some happy memories.Happy Reading to you all, too!Diane ... Read more

Isbn: 0141303476
Sales Rank: 31306
Subjects:  1. Afro-Americans    2. Children's 9-12 - Literature - Classics / Contemporary    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Fairy Tales & Folklore - American    5. Folklore    6. General    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. People & Places - United States - African-American    9. Tales    10. United States   

Redwall (Redwall, Book 1)
by BrianJacques
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 June, 1998)
list price: $6.99 -- our price: $6.29
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Editorial Review

As the inhabitants of Redwall Abbey bask in the glorious Summerof the Late Rose, all is quiet and peaceful. But things are not as theyseem. Cluny the Scourge, the evil one-eyed rat warlord, is hell-bent ondestroying the tranquility as he prepares to fight a bloody battle forthe ownership of Redwall. This dazzling story in the Redwall series ispacked with all the wit, wisdom, humor, and blood-curdling adventure ofthe other books in the collection, but has the added bonus of takingthe reader right back to the heart and soul of Redwall Abbey and thecharacters who live there.

Magical, mystical, and the stuff of legends, this stunning tale of goodbattling with--and ultimately triumphing over--evil takes the reader ona roller-coaster adventure that barely draws breath from the first pageto the very last. Brian Jacques is a true master of his craft.--Susan Harrison ... Read more

Reviews (679)

Redwall
You should read Redwall by Brian Jacques. It will keep you on the edge of your seat!It takes place in Redwall Abbey,and in Mossflower Woods.

In this action packed fiction book Matthias tries to find Martin the Warrior's sword,but there are lots of difficulties along the way.Some of the main characters in this book are Matthias,The Abbot,Constance,Cluny,and the Redwall Mice. Matthias is a brave warrior who is very daring,the Abbot is the ruler of Redwall,Constance is a very courageous and brave badger,Cluny is cruel,devilish,and evil, a swearer.

The author,Brian Jacques, is a very good author and makes you stay on the edge of your seat.He also writes very good details in his stories.I think this book is very good and would give it 10 out of 10 stars.I recomend this book for all ages.This will keep you up all night.

superb
These books are mostly about rodents fighting each other for conquest or freedom using primitive or otherwise medieval weapons.Great humor, delicious feasting.Recommended for all ages.

i lik thois book
i liked this book it was cool i like when the bell fell on cluny sry that i ruined the styory but i just finshed it and it was great!!!! ... Read more

Isbn: 0441005489
Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Animals    3. Animals - MiceHamstersGuinea Pigsetc.    4. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Fantasy    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Fantasy    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Mice    10. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    11. Fiction / General   

Mulan
Director: Barry Cook, Tony Bancroft
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (01 February, 2000)
list price: $22.99
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Editorial Review

Solid entertainment from a new group of Disney animators. The story source is a Chinese fable about a young girl who disguises herself as a man to help her family and her country. When the Huns attack China, a call to arms goes out to every village, and Mulan's father, being the only man in the family, accepts the call. Mulan (voiced by Ming-Na Wen, sung by Lea Salonga) has just made a disastrous appearance at the Matchmaker and decides to challenge society's expectations (being a bride). She steals her father's conscription notice, cuts her hair, and impersonates a man to join the army. She goes to boot camp, learning to fit in with the other soldiers with some help from her sidekick, Mushu, a wise-cracking dragon (voiced by Eddie Murphy). She trains, and soon faces the Huns eye-to-eye to protect her Emperor.

The film is gorgeous to look at, with a superior blend of classic and computer-generated animation. Directors Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook make the best of it: a battle in the snowy mountains is as thrilling as the best Hollywood action films. The menacing Huns are not cute but simple and bad. The wickedness is subtle, not disturbing. The film is not a full-fledged musical, as it has only five songs (the best, "Be a Man," is sung during boot camp). Eddie Murphy is an inspired choice for the comic-relief dragon, but his lines are not as clever as Robin Williams's in Aladdin. These are minor quibbles, though. The story is strong, and Mulan goes right to the top of Disney animated heroines; she has the right stuff. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Animated
• NTSC

Reviews (424)

My daughter's favorite "princess" (and mine, too)
Mulan is, hands down, my favorite Disney animated movie and the only one I have no reservations about letting my four year old daughter watch. Finally, a young heroine in a Disney movie who isn't the helpless princess in need of rescue by the handsome prince so she can go off and become a docile teenage bride.

Mulan is smart, tough, loves her family and is a little bit rebellious. If there is any "princess" I want my daughter to want to emulate it would be Mulan. The folks at Disney might not be sure whether Mulan is one of the Princesses, but in my house, Mulan is the best princess of all.

This is one of the most watchable and most fun of all the Disney cartoons (ok, Lion King might be better taken on the whole, but--especially if you have a little girl--Mulan is the best).

A great movie
Before I bought this movie, I read reviews on many different websites, and I wasn't expecting the movie to be very good after reading the reviews even though many of the reviews have been good. The movie was better than I ever expected it to be after I bought it and watched it for myself.

Girl Power!
There's something about this movie that gives you sort of a "Girls can do anything!" kind of feeling...well, unless you're a boy; but you understand what I'm saying.The animation is very colorful, which is a very desirable quality in any cartoon, movie or T.V. show.The characters were very likable, and I didn't find myself rolling my eyes or nearly gagging at any of them.That's another good quality in a movie: likable characters.Trust me, I've read plenty of books where I think the author got the main character mixed up with the main character's enemy who everyone is supposed to hate.But back on the subject of "Mulan", it was a funny, well-thought-out movie that you will want to watch over and over again.And did I mention that it has REALLY catchy songs? ... Read more

Asin: 6305728437
Subjects:  1. Feature Film Family   

Bedknobs and Broomsticks (30th Anniversary Edition)
Director: Robert Stevenson
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (20 March, 2001)
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Editorial Review

When a mail-order apprentice witch (Angela Lansbury) is saddled with three sibling refugees from London during World War II, the outlook is grim. But the kids soon discover her secret and sign on for adventure in the name of England. With the aid of a magical bed, they track down her fraudulent headmaster (David Tomlinson) to find the spell that will aid the Allies. Fascinated that she has actually achieved results with his lessons, he joins forces. The quintet does battle with corrupt booksellers, animated-lion royalty, and, eventually, invading Germans. Songs include Lansbury's Oscar-nominated "The Age of Not Believing." This film is often compared to director Robert Stevenson's earlier effort, Mary Poppins, and for good reason. In addition to Tomlinson, the movies share a fondness for magic at the hands of a good woman, light romance with an understanding male, and wide-eyed children. Stevenson also graces both films with interaction between humans and animated animals. Disney is wise to play up that aspect on its box this time around as both the underwater ball and the subsequent island soccer match are the most visually interesting and appealing parts of the film. Adults may find the 1971-vintage mixing of actors and animation a bit creaky, but kids used to a variety of animation quality will find the action a hoot. Ages 4 and up. The movie has been recut several times but was restored to the original length of 139 minutes for its 30th anniversary in 2001. --Kimberly Heinrichs ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Animated
• NTSC

Reviews (78)

It has lost very little...
I was 7 years old when this film came out in the theater, just the perfect age for it, and I remember dragging my poor parents to see it several times (my father was bored to tears, I remember that clearly).

I recently ran into this DVD at the public library, and today I watched it again for the first time in over 33 years.Fortunately, it has lost little of its magic.The songs are just as catchy as ever, and the "Briny Ballroom" scene is worth the price of admission alone.The song "Age of Not Believing" is excellent, even better than the much-maligned "Cheer Up Charlie" in "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" (another of my childhood favorites).

Even as dated as the special effects are, the flying bed scenes still look magical (particularly the first one).There aren't enough of them though... you got a flying bed, you should use it!Anyway, I've got a warm feeling after seeing this movie again, and the songs just keep replaying themselves in my head.The only problem I have with Disney's re-release is the extended (waaaaaaayyyyyy toooooo extended) "Portabello Road" scene.This was just unnecessary, and would have put me to sleep as a kid.

It's been noted that this film is overshadowed by "Mary Poppins."Well, any film would be.Despite some weaknesses of this particular release, I can't recommend it enough -- particularly if you saw it as a kid.Let your kids experience it too.

The charge of the "knight" brigade!
Ever since I was a child, this magical Disney classic has always captured my imagination. The fabulous songs by the Sherman brothers, the amazing mixture of live-action and animation, and the magical special effects make this timeless film entertaining to viewers of all ages. The casting was great, especially David Tomlinson, who was also terrific in "Mary Poppins" and "The Love Bug". My two favorite scenes in this are the hilarious soccar match and the "battle" at the end between the knights and the German soldiers. By the way, the scene where the "flying" dress lands on Roddy McDowall is the only scene (that I know of) where you can clearly see the wires attached to a flying object or person in the movie. This is easily one of Angela Lansbury's best performances, and it's one of the best films directed by the great Robert Stevenson (Disney's greatest director ever in my humble opinion). I was a little disappointed by the "special edition" dvd. It claims to have a featurette on the making of the film, but the featurette focuses only on the film's music. I was hoping for a documentary explaining the actual making of the film, especially the extraordinary special effects. At least the movie has been wonderfully restored and is very well-priced. This great film is highly recommended for Disney fans.

Bedknobs and Broomsticks
I saw this film as a child at Radio City Music Hall in NYC and loved it.It's nice to know that I can now enjoy such an uplifting film from my childhood with my two children.My little one loves the mixture of animation, and my son loves the scene of the armor coming to life.I would highly recommend this film. ... Read more

Asin: B00004R9A3
Subjects:  1. Feature Film Family   

Dinosaur
Director: Eric Leighton, Ralph Zondag
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (04 February, 2003)
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Editorial Review

Dinosaurs come alive like never before in this costly computer-animated film from Disney. After a breathtaking opening (a dino egg is kidnapped), the film changes style; realistic dinosaurs are given human characteristics and voices. The kidnapped egg grows into an iguanodon named Aladar (voiced by D.B. Sweeney), who is raised by lemurs (shades of Tarzan) on a lush island void of other dinosaurs. When a meteorite destroys their island home in a thrilling sequence, the lemur family and Aladar become part of a dinosaur troop roaming the mainland deserts looking for the lush nesting grounds (shades of the fourth installment of the Land Before Time series and Fantasia). Disney's usual mix of modern language (one lemur calls himself "a love monkey") is present, as is its typical capital punishment law: anyone against our forward-thinking hero (or evendisagreeing with him) ends up dead. Curiously, the meanies, a pair of carnotaurs following the group, are nameless and voiceless. This more realistic approach might have been a bigger wow, as in the BBC's Walking with Dinosaurs, which looked extraordinary with only a fraction of the budget. The complexity and scope of Dinosaur's visual scale is impressive, and group shots and a point-of-view angle are stunning. Rated PG for general intensity, the film should be a favorite for the 6- to 11-year-old set. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Animated
• NTSC

Reviews (213)

A Good Movie for Children Who Like Dinosaurs
Following in the footsteps of such animated classics as "Toy Story", "Dinosaur" continues Walt Disney's tradition of exciting and fun computer-animated films.

Aladar (D.B. Sweeney) is a young Iguanodon who joins a group of lemurs on an island after surviving a T-Rex attack and being scooped up by a Pterodactyl.However, a meteor shower destroys their island home, forcing Aladar and the lemurs back to land and other dinosaurs.Soon, the group encounters a large herd of dinosaurs travelling towards the nesting grounds, which contain fertile land, along with plenty of food and water.

Aladar and the lemurs decide to join the herd, but they soon meet Kron, a fearsome dinosaur who is the so-called leader of the herd.Many of the other dinosaurs complain that Kron pushes them too hard and they cannot keep up.They are befriended by Baylene, a no-nonsense Brachiosaur and Eema, a feisty Styrachosaur, but Aladar becomes enamored with Neera, a female Iguanodon who happens to be Kron's sister.Needless to say, there are some tense moments between Aladar, Neera, and Kron.Neera is not interested in Aladar at first, but as their journey continues, she begins to like him more and more.

Kron fears that Aladar is trying to take his place as leader of the herd, so they have many confrontations along the way.Also, large Carnators have been tracking the herd.Will they reach the nesting grounds before the Carnators get them?Will Neera realize how much Aladar cares for her?

This is a good movie for both children and adults.My 5 and 3 year old children like this movie very much, and they ask to watch it frequently.Although there are some "scary" parts, such as the meteor shower and the battles with the Carnators, overall, it is still appropriate for young children.The animation in the movie is very good.The dinosaurs look very life-like, and the scenery is extremely vivid.The story is well-conceived, as well.The length of the movie is just right to hold a child's attention for the entire film, too.I recommend this movie for parents and children alike.The children will enjoy all of the fascinating dinosaurs, while the parents will be able to spend some quality time with their kids.

Great for dino-loving kids
I would have prefered to be able to give this movie two ratings: one for adults and one for kids. It seems a lot of reviewers who disliked this movie had expected a movie that would interest adults, while many people who gave it good ratings did so because their kids loved it. I watched the movie once and thought it a solid 3 stars because of the good animation but simplistic acting. My 3-year old son, however, LOVES the movie and would give it 5 stars if he could type. If your kid loves dinosaurs; get this movie! But don't expect to watch and enjoy it more than once as an adult.

This film deserve a grade of D -- for Dinosaur.
A dreadful bore, "Dinosaur" doesn't have a single original moment in it. Everything is something we've seen somewhere before. The politically correct story chugs along to a predictable ending, without one moment of novelty or surprise. Children who haven't seen many movies might enjoy it, but adults will wish they'd found a better way to spend their time. ... Read more

Asin: B00003CXHR
Subjects:  1. Feature Film Family   

Shrek
Director: Vicky Jenson, Andrew Adamson
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (19 August, 2003)
list price: $14.99 -- our price: $12.74
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Editorial Review

William Steig's delightfully fractured fairy tale is the right stuff for this computer-animated adaptation full of verve and wit. Our title character (voiced by Mike Myers) is an agreeable enough ogre who wants to live his days in peace. When the diminutive Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow) evicts local fairy-tale creatures (including the now-famous Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, and the Gingerbread Man), they settle in the ogre's swamp and Shrek wants answers from Farquaad. A quest of sorts starts for Shrek and his new pal, a talking donkey (Eddie Murphy), where battles have to be won and a princess (Cameron Diaz) must be rescued from a dragon lair in a thrilling action sequence. The story is stronger than most animated fare, but it's the humor that makes Shrek a winner. The PG rating is stretched when Murphy and Myers hit their strides. The mild potty humor is fun enough for 10-year-olds but will never embarrass their parents. Shrek is never as warm and inspired as the Toy Story films, but the realistic computer animation and a rollicking soundtrack keep the entertainment in fine form. Produced by DreamWorks, the film also takes several delicious stabs at its crosstown rival, Disney. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Animated
• Special Edition
• NTSC

Reviews (1156)

I know I'm in the minority...
I remember walking into the theatre four years ago to see Shrek.The first time I saw it, I laughed my poor head off.I dubbed it the 'funniest movie ever'.Stupid me swore I was going to see it again someday.

Well, last night, my aunt rented 'Shrek', and popped it into our DVD player.I was sure I was going to be thrilled.Well, then I realized, halfway through the film, that 'Shrek' was one of those gems you see once, but never want to see again.I used to adore 'Shrek', but now, I can see that it was basically nothing but a whole whollop of fart jokes, in-your-face remarks, a predictable plot (I predicted it even before I saw it for the first time)and tasteless humour thrown together, and sent off as a movie.

What is with the 'happily-ever-after' ending?I am so sick of that tongue-in-cheek 'happily-ever-after' ending!Why can't people these days come up with an actually creative, realistic ending?

Well, then, what else must I complain about?Oh, yes, the jokes.I get them.They're just not funny.Like I said, they're tasteless.

And as for Donkey, he's funny, but I think the filmmakers were too lazy to give him a name.Way to show some respect to a beloved character! (sarcasm)

And the greatest fall for DreamWorks: turning Princess Fiona into an ogre.

I have a bite to pick with this.It was 'cute' at first, and it was 'interesting', but only because it was so unique.

What's the problem?Princess Fiona had a spell put on her.According to this spell, she was to become a hideous ogre every night until she found her true love.Then she'd be beautiful all the time.Now, Fiona found true love, with Shrek.How sweet. (Not sarcasm) It would've been great to have the princess and Shrek get married.But not in this case.Why so?Princess Fiona was turned into an ogre.The filmmakers should've kept it that way!

I mean, come on!I'm sure we'd all get the message that it's prefectly fine to be ugly with Princess Fiona and Shrek getting married, and Shrek being kept as an ugly ogre, while the Princess was kept beautiful.BE YOURSELF!If Fiona had originally been an ugly monster, then that would be great.But she was born a beautiful princess, and the filmmakers should've kept her that way: beautiful on the outside, but a lovely ogre on the inside.

And psychologists are telling us that we should appreciate our appearance for what our appearance is, and ourselves for what we are.Perfect.You don't need an appearance that reflects on who you are just to be beautiful.Princess Fiona does not need to look like an ogre to live with one (and to act like one).

Don't get me wrong: it would've been just as bad if Shrek had turned into a handsome prince because he married Fiona.

I will point out in Shrek 2, Shrek became a handsome man, but then was willingly turned back into an ogre.That was good: Shrek kept himself the way he was.He didn't have to 'adapt' to being handsome to make Fiona happy.

For some strange reason, the exact opposite was true for Fiona when she became an ogre.Was it because she is a woman?Or was it because the film was trying to say that it's not okay to beautiful, but okay to be ugly?That's just as wrong as sayingit's wrong to beautful, but not okay to be ugly.'Shrek' is not 'better' than traditional fairy tales: just different.But the basic concept is the same: it's okay to have one appearance, but not the other.

Don't get me wrong: if Shrek had become a handsome prince as a result of marrying Fiona, it would've been just as bad.

And Shrek, I do not know about you, but if villagers hate you because of your appearance, I don't think it helps to eat them.

Of course, this movie has its 'up sides'.I give it two stars for great character development, wonderful animation, and a 'unique' twist from the traditional fairy tales, but I'm afraid I can't be any kinder than that.Sorry.

omg
I hated this film I think it should go into the hall of shame. Yes it was funny in some parts but it was very annoying.

LOVED IT!
Great for young and old, original, funny, and just a great
animated movie! Watch it, you'll love it too! ... Read more

Asin: B00003CXXI
Subjects:  1. Feature Film Family   

101 Dalmatians (Limited Issue)
Director: Hamilton Luske, Wolfgang Reitherman, Clyde Geronimi
Average Customer Review:
DVD (09 November, 1999)
list price: $34.99
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Editorial Review

Back in 1961, Walt Disney got a little hip with 101 Dalmatians, making use of that flat Saturday morning cartoon style that had become so popular. The result is a kitschy change in animation and story. Pongo and Perdita are two lonely dalmatians who meet cute in a London park and arrange for their pet humans to marry so they can live together and raise a family. They become proud parents of 15 pups, who are stolen by the dastardly Cruella De Vil, who wants to make a fur coat out of them. Cruella has become the most popular villain in all of Disney; she's flamboyantly nasty and lots of fun. But it's the dalmatians who shine in this endearing classic, particularly those precocious pups. Telling the story from the dogs' point of view is a clever conceit, a fundamental flaw of the live-action remake. --Bill Desowitz ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Dolby
• Animated

Reviews (20)

LOVED IT!!!
I bought this for my daughter 8 years ago when she could only say a handful of words, one of them "dog".We watched it almost everyday for about a year and it was known at our house as "the doggy movie".Did you ever notice that during the midnight bark, all of the dogs from "Lady and the Tramp" (one of the other favorite movies at our house) are shown?Yes, there issmoking andand implied drinking (not to mention the word "idiot" more than once), but this film was made in a different time with different standards of political correctness.Don't let other people's overly PC reviews shy you away from this movie.It's great!

Ick!Not for all kids!
People may think that 101 Dalmatians is a good choice for children's entertainment but I warn you, this is certainly not.For instance, there is way too much smoking here, which is something that never bothers me when it is only the villains smoking, but one of the "heroes," Roger is seen smoking way too much.Also, there's a weird and sort of disturbing atmostphere surrounding the film, an evil woman wants to skin a bunch of innocent puppies.Of course you know that Disney would never let something like that happen, so from the beginning of the film, you know how the story ends, which makes the film not very amusing for adults and a bit too disturbing for children.Please, view it yourself first before you let the little ones watch it.There's a lot of drinking, smoking and cruel words in this film.It's interesting that children usually like to imitate the villains, because Disney usually makes them the cool ones, and believe me, Cruella DeVil isn't a character you want your kids imitating.Skip this one, more suitable children's entertainment are films like Dumbo, Cinderella, The Rescuers or Mary Poppins.

One of my least favorite Disney films...
There's something about this film that bores me out of my mind.Nothing really happens in it, the whole story is about a bunch of dogs running back and forth trying to get home by avoiding the maniac Cruella DeVil, who wants to skin the 99 dalmatian puppies to make fur coats, a disturbing thought that sickens you through-out the entire movie.Neither the "heroes" nor the villains develop much personality during the movie so it's hard to care for any of the characters.The animation looks pretty good, but the backgrounds are the worst Disney has ever done, they are cheap one-color backgrounds which seem to come from that "Rhapsody in Blue" segment from Fantasia 2000.The story has a happy ending and thank goodness we don't have to hear about any of the puppies getting killed.The film features pretty good and creative gags like the "Twilight Bark" which was pretty amusing, but other than that, a pretty weak film, I'll never understand why Disney insists on making so many different versions of it.
If your kids understand what the character of Cruella DeVil wants to do with the puppies than I don't think they would want to watch this film, as I have said, it has a pretty disturbing thought in your head while you watch it.Skip it unless you are a Disney fanatic. ... Read more

Asin: B00001QEE3
Subjects:  1. Feature Film Family    2. Feature Film    3. Family   

Mr. Fine, Porcupine
by Fanny Joly Remi Saillard
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (01 September, 1997)
list price: $12.95
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Reviews (1)

A Must Read!
This is such a wonderful story of a "misfit" who found out that it doesn't matter who you are or what you look like, that "someone will love you just for being you"...it's exactly the kind of message we should be giving to our children! Not only is the message great, but kids love the "prickly, stickly" hair!!! :) ... Read more

Isbn: 081181842X
Sales Rank: 525384
Subjects:  1. Animals - General    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children: Preschool    4. Fiction    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Porcupines    7. Self-acceptance    8. Social Situations - General    9. Stories in rhyme    10. Bargain   

Bambi (55th Anniversary Limited Edition)
Director: David Hand
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (04 February, 1997)
list price: $26.99
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Editorial Review

It always comes up when people are comparing their most traumatic movie experiences: "the death of Bambi's mother," a recollection that can bring a shudder to even the most jaded filmgoer. That primal separation (which is no less stunning for happening off-screen) is the centerpiece of Bambi, Walt Disney's 1942 animated classic, but it is by no means the only bold stroke in the film. In its swift but somehow leisurely 69 minutes, Bambi covers a year in the life of a young deer. But in a bigger way, it measures the life cycle itself, from birth to adulthood, from childhood's freedom to grown-up responsibility. All of this is rendered in cheeky, fleet-footed style--the movie doesn't lecture, or make you feel you're being fed something that's good for you. The animation is miraculous, a lush forest in which nature is a constantly unfolding miracle (even in a spectacular fire, or those dark moments when "man was in the forest"). There are probably easier animals to draw than a young deer, and the Disney animators set themselves a challenge with Bambi's wobbly glide across an ice-covered lake, his spindly legs akimbo; but the sequence is effortless and charming. If Bambi himself is just a bit dull--such is the fate of an Everydeer--his rabbit sidekick Thumper and a skunk named Flower more than make up for it. Many of the early Disney features have their share of lyrical moments and universal truths, but Bambi is so simple, so pure, it's almost transparent. You might borrow a phrase from Thumper and say it's downright twitterpated. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• THX
• Animated
• NTSC

Reviews (127)

Re-release of updated Bambi - Not!
I was disappointed in this updated version - I have seen this movie since I was a young child every year it was shown in the theaters. I looked forward eagerly to when it came out on video.But was very disappointed as they had cut out several parts of the movie that had been shown in the theater version.I figured that when they remastered it digitally on DVD, they would add those parts back. But they didnt.They cut out the part where Bambi is fighting with Rono in the clouds - no loss there. But they also cut out one of the very best parts where the Owl is talking to the youngsters about being Twiterpaited then starts singing the twiterpaited song."Everybody's twiterpaited in the spring, skunks smell sweet, rabbits sing, daffodils go daffy when the bluebells ring, the whole wide world's in love. When you can't control a grin, when your head's inflated. Love justsocked you on the chin, pal your twiterpaited!Anyway. It is one of the best parts and I was really saddened that they didnt include it in the movie.

But the color is good and it will always be a classic. Just wish they had included "ALL" of it.

A Great Movie
I saw this one as a child when the 55th anniversary edition of the VHS was released because a friend had it and thought that it was a great movie. When I found out that the Platinum Edition of the movie was coming out on DVD, I knew that I had to get it because I thought that it was such a good movie even though I couldn't remember everything about the movie. I remembered more things about the movie as I watched it after I purchased it and thought that it was better the 2nd time around than it was the 1st time around.

Beautiful crisp, purity.
This is just beautiful. It's been cleaned up visually and the sound is like being in a theatre. Don't worry about it being 'too sad' for kids, that scene is subtle and you don't see anything. It was like looking at a modernanimated film in a peculiar way, but it's 'Bambi' larger than life and with his world clearer than day. I'm going to just mention one of the many in-depth extras:

'Walt's story meetings'
I've always liked the inspirational art for this film and wondered why there wasn't much in the gallery section. Then discovered in 'Walt's story meetings', you get taken through the whole film and get to see every pastel sketch, line drawing and piece of gorgeous artwork used for the scene as you watch it in a very pleasing to the eye fashion. Not only that, you hear Walt and the (astoundingly intelligent and educated sounding) animators and specialists discussing the scene. I've often found ita drag to go back and watch a film with a simple 'director's commentary' over the top. But this is done so well and is not boring at all to watch. It makes you want to watch this perfect film again straight away!

Don't let this perfect film out of your sights! ... Read more

Asin: 0788806270
Subjects:  1. Feature Film Family   

Zelda and Ivy
by LAURA MCGEE KVASNOSKY
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (01 May, 1998)
list price: $15.99
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Reviews (4)

No Morals...Very Disappointed in Scholastic Choice
I bought this book thru my son's school's Scholastic Book Fair.My son is 3 yrs old.After reading it, I couldn't believe that Scholastic would carry such a book.I think it's awful, and I don't see the "moral" of this story at all.The younger sister gets the short end of the stick every time from her never-remourseful older sister.Yes, at the end, the older sister does give her much beloved baton to the younger sister, but she still has the last words "I am the oldest, so I will go first." when they set out to twirl the baton.I am completely disappointed with this book.I don't want this type of message to be passed to my children.I don't want it in my house, and I am too ashamed of it to even sell it to anyone else that has children.This type of book should not be read to children, in my opinion.

Sweet Sweet sibling love
Kvasnosky catches perfectly the family dynamic of the Alphasister with adoring second child. The book is "Rug Rat" likewith the older sister manipulating and spoofing the younger sister at her whim. Perfect. This is a book of sweet memories for me, the ultimate younger sibling -- I have 4 older brothers and sisters. The book has helped modify my oldest childs behavior towards his sister...Being called a Zelda in our family is not good.END

A delightful story of two sisters.
This book is a pure delight. The two fox sisters are adorable in themselves. But thesparse, lively right-on text makes this story priceless. Kvasnosky has captured all the wonders and horrors of having asibling in a few memorable scenes. I particularly like the way she dividedthe vignettes into ultra-short "chapters." The last page -- andthe last line -- made me laugh out loud. It's brilliant. ... Read more

Isbn: 0763604690
Sales Rank: 246237
Subjects:  1. Animals - Foxes    2. Brothers and sisters    3. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Family - Siblings    6. Fiction    7. Foxes    8. Girls & Women    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Readers - Beginner    11. Sisters    12. Juvenile Fiction / Family / Siblings   

The Easter Bunny is Comin' to Town
Director: Arthur Rankin Jr., Jules Bass
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (05 February, 2002)
list price: $9.93 -- our price: $9.43
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Brought to you by the same crew that wrote and directed the classic Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, this Easter staple will look and feel familiar to any eyes that watched the 1970s around holiday time. Writer Romeo Muller's done a wonderful job capturing simple lo-fi dialogue and action around the lovable early-spring bunny, weaving enough drama into the script to make the show comprehensible for kids and enjoyable for (most) adults. The production team makes their animation-verité visuals jerky enough that it feels still like their Santa juggernaut (created seven years earlier than this 1977 production). And narrator Fred Astaire returns togive the shell of the story its pleasant feel, not at all too threatening but neither too mushy or idiotic. Of course the production dynamics and sound are subpar in comparison with current techniques, but this isn't a film to watch with an eye for how with-the-times it could or should be.--Andrew Bartlett ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Animated
• NTSC

Reviews (6)

Animagic Holiday fun from Rankin/Bass
Another stop-motion Animagic hit from the holiday entertainers, of Rankin/Bass. Yes, these are the folks that brought us such beautiful holiday classics such as Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, Year without a Santa Claus, Nestor the Long Eared Donkey, Mad Monster Party, The Little Drummer Boy, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus is coming to Town, Mouse on the Mayflower, Here Comes Peter Cottontail, Cricket on the Hearth, the Stingiest Man in Town, Jack Frost, Pinnochio's Christmas, Rudolph's Shiny New Year, the First Easter Bunny. THey also made non-holiday films such as the Hobbit, Flight of Dragons, the Last Unicorn. It is incredible that one company is responsible for all those TV specials, 95% of the ones we see every year. Their work includes standard animation, stop-motion animagic, and live action.

Now this 1 hour film released in 1977 is the 3rd of their Easter films. It is made in a very similar format to "Santa Claus is Coming to Town", and by that I mean it breaks down all the traditions of Easter and explains how each of them started. Fred Astaire is with us as the mailman S.D. Kluger again and gives a great voice performance. The bunny Sunny grows up to be the Easter Bunny and bring joy to children, making great friends and allies along the way.

I prefer this Easter show over "Here Comes Peter Cottontail" since that film is about all the Holidays, and this one concentrates on the magic of Easter. Also I prefer their unique stop-motion animagic in to their traditionally animated half hour special "the First Easter Rabbit". Good music - as always - such as, "Someones Got to be First", and "the Easter Bunny is Coming to Town Today". There is a scary bear named Gadzooks who hates holidays. Great designs and color.

I hope this comes out on a restored DVD soon, I have bought all the other Rankin/Bass that has been released on DVD.

The Easter Bunny and Travelin Tyke
i think this video is classic and timeless.Remember all the stories about the Easter Bunny when you were little??This is like all those stories wrapped into one.It's absolutley wonderful!...

Another RANKIN/BASS Classic!
It's hard to believe that ARTHUR RANKIN and JULES BASS were able to Produce another GREAT 'ANIMAGIC' Easter Special after HERE COMES PETER COTTONTAIL....BUT they did!They were able to do it with the help of FRED ASTAIRE as the narrator and once again ROMEO MULLER as the writer. As far as the music goes, one reviewer is way off base here.One of the most memorable RANKIN/BASS Songs is the theme to this one "THE EASTER BUNNY IS COMIN' TO TOWN TODAY" sung by FRED ASTAIRE and of course "Someone's Gotta Be First."This has also become a family tradition at my home and it's hard to believe the Networks (ABC) stopped airing it.Who forget GADZOOKS the bear?WARNER BROTHERS is to be applauded for this GREAT clam shell cover featuring the ANIMAGIC characters.....now if it could just be released on DVD with THE FIRST EASTER RABBIT starring BURL IVES!Rick Goldschmidt RANKIN/BASS Biographer/Historian ... Read more

Asin: B00003OSTY
Subjects:  1. Children's Video   

The Hobbit (Leatherette Collector's Edition)
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (24 October, 1973)
list price: $35.00 -- our price: $22.05
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

"In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort."

The hobbit-hole in question belongs to one Bilbo Baggins, an upstanding member of a "little people, about half our height, and smaller than the bearded dwarves." He is, like most of his kind, well off, well fed, and best pleased when sitting by his own fire with a pipe, a glass of good beer, and a meal to look forward to. Certainly this particular hobbit is the last person one would expect to see set off on a hazardous journey; indeed, when Gandalf the Grey stops by one morning, "looking for someone to share in an adventure," Baggins fervently wishes the wizard elsewhere. No such luck, however; soon 13 fortune-seeking dwarves have arrived on the hobbit's doorstep in search of a burglar, and before he can even grab his hat or an umbrella, Bilbo Baggins is swept out his door and into a dangerous adventure.

The dwarves' goal is to return to their ancestral home in the Lonely Mountains and reclaim a stolen fortune from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, they and their reluctant companion meet giant spiders, hostile elves, ravening wolves--and, most perilous of all, a subterranean creature named Gollum from whom Bilbo wins a magical ring in a riddling contest. It is from this life-or-death game in the dark that J.R.R. Tolkien's masterwork,The Lord of the Rings, would eventually spring. Though The Hobbit is lighter in tone than the trilogy that follows, it has, like Bilbo Baggins himself, unexpected iron at its core. Don't be fooled by its fairy-tale demeanor; this is very much a story for adults, though older children will enjoy it, too. By the time Bilbo returns to his comfortable hobbit-hole, he is a different person altogether, well primed for the bigger adventures to come--and so is the reader. --Alix Wilber ... Read more

Reviews (1432)

Light-years from Harry Potter
"The Hobbit" begins a tale continued in "The Lord of the Rings" and should be read first, it is a gem. How could anyone "review" these timeless fantasy classics? The prose in these books is first-rate, beautifully crafted English language and they should be considered classics. The quality of language use is light-years ahead in style and sheer enjoyment to read than that in the "Harry Potter" books (especially if you're an adult, "Harry Potter"'s writing style is more for kids). "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" are the only "real" books on Middle Earth produced by J.R.R. Tolkein in his lifetime. "The Silmarillon" book and some others were gathered together by Christopher Tolkein (the author's son) to make money. There is no plot line, or anything but notes on the "pre-history" of Middle-Earth (the subject of Tolkein's real books) being really a bunch of disjointed random notes. DO NOT BUY if you're expecting a story- Christopher Tolkein is rich enough. The only other common original story book by J.R.R. Tolkein is a collection, "The Tolkein Reader", which is a really good collection of about 4 short stories bound together and fun to read, although different in tone from his other writings. "Farmer Giles of Ham" (the first story in the collection) is great and fun. If you have an 11 to 14 year old who likes to read, make sure they don't miss out on "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" in their childhood. The books have incredible detail, are full of sunshine, wonder, drama, humor, and fun- as well as being serious also, like the more brooding and hurried-up blockbuster movies. Get your kids reading them at 11 to 14 years of age, like I did. The books remain a pleasant memory to me 30 years later, ranking up there with "Treasure Island" and "The Call of the Wild" in my boyhood memory. ONE CAVEAT: "The Hobbit" is often referred to as a children's story (I read it at 12 years) while "The Lord of the Rings" is often referred to as for adults (I read it as a 13-14 year-old, and it was perfect).

The Hobbit !The Best Book I have ever read!
The Hobbit is completely my favourite book of all time. When I was 6 I listened to the tape and since then I have probably read the book 583 times. It has a superp story line which none absoulutely none of the several 100 other books I have read since can compare with. Okay Artemis Fowl was pretty good, well actually very good and so were the Harry Potter books but what other books can claim they have. A great storyline, Wizards, a hero who dosen't want to be one, Elves, Dragons and a richly satisfying ending? If there is a book I would really like to hear about it.

The hero is the loveable character called Bilbo Baggins. He is of course a hobbit. As i'm sure pretty much every one knows what a hobbit is but for the benefit of the people who do not the foggiest idea what a hobbit is I will type the books explaination .

If you have read the book don't bother reading this explanation if you don't wan't to.

They are (or were) a little people, about half our height, and smaller than the bearded dwarves. Hobbits have no beards. There is little or no magic about them, except the ordinary everyday sort which helps them to disappear quietly and quickly when large stupid folk like you or me come blundering along, making a noise like elephants which they can hear a mile off. They are inclined to be fat in the stomach; they dress in bright colours (chiefly green and yellow); wear no shoes, because their feet grow natural leathery soles and thick warm brown hair like the stuff on their heads (which is curly); have long clever brown fingers, good- natured faces, and a laugh deep fruity laughs (especially after dinner, which they have twice a day when they can get it).

Many people say they prefer the hobbit to the Lord Of The Rings for two simple reasons.

1) It is easier to read and a lot less complicated.

2) It has a better story line.

The hobbit is absoulutely fantastic! Any adults who haven't read this book need to read it or deserve to be PUNISHED!

As for the people who rate this book below 5 stars they probably didn't read this book well enough or haven't read it at all.

In conclusion

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!BUY THIS BOOK NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Even better than LOTR
Many fans of both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings will tell you something like, "The Hobbit tells you some stuff you'll need to know when reading LOTR, but it really plays second fiddle to the ULTIMATE fantasy that LOTR is."In my opinion, this simply isn't true.While LOTR focuses on a grand and epic battle encompassing Middle Earth in its entirety, The Hobbit is a more romantic tale - focusing on a single quest and taking its time to storytell.Its simple "there and back again" feel and lighter mood make it one of my favorite novels. ... Read more

Isbn: 0395177111
Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    2. Classics    3. Fairy tales    4. Fantasy    5. Fantasy - Epic    6. Fantasy - Series    7. Fiction    8. Fiction - Fantasy    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Middle Earth (Imaginary place)    11. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic   

His Dark Materials Trilogy: The Golden Compass / The Subtle Knife / The Amber Spyglass
by Philip Pullman
Average Customer Review:
Mass Market Paperback (01 October, 2001)
list price: $20.97 -- our price: $20.97
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

In an epic trilogy, Philip Pullman unlocks the door to a world parallel to our own, but with a mysterious slant all its own. Dæmons and winged creatures live side by side with humans, and a mysterious entity called Dust just might have the power to unite the universes--if it isn't destroyed first. Here, the three paperback titles in Pullman's heroic fantasy series are united in one dazzling boxed set. Join Lyra, Pantalaimon, Will, and the rest as they embark on the most breathtaking, heartbreaking adventures of their lives. The fate of the universe is in their hands. The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass pit good against evil in a way no reader will ever forget. (Ages 13 and older)--Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (443)

The Story of Darkness, the Story of Man.
So this is the "His Dark Materials" trilogy by Phillip Pullman.I almost didn't hear about it at all, I admit, but eventually, someone mentioned the first book to me, and I decided to give it a look, and after the first book, well...I couldn't just leave it at that.The story of each book is not complete by itself.It's not enough unless you've read all three.It's like the Lord of the Rings, in that respect.
Well, now having finished all three books, let me give them an honest, frank evaluation, and if it sometimes sounds like I'm griping, please remember that I've only just finished reading them as I write this, and the feelings of the main characters are still fresh in my mind.
Pullman's much-appreciated trilogy leaves several general impressions on my mind.It predates many of the things it has similarities to, but on the whole, it left a flavor in my mind that is part Lovecraft, part Anne Rice, part Kingdom Hearts, part Digimon the TV Show Season 1, yet with other flavors as well that I can't quite place.All I know is that it's not part Shakespeare.
Using his phenomenal writing style and ability at conveying intense and powerful emotions through the written word, Pullman has sculpted, as the title of the trilogy suggests, a sort of dark mythology/grim multiverse, in which, like Lovecraft, existence as we know it only survives by being sealed inside a virtual bubble, to protect it from the all-encompassing dark forces that extend into eternity beyond.In addition, Pullman's mythology paints God, all gods and all angels as being foolish and idiotic to as great a degree as man, if not more so.Much the same method as used by the ancient greeks to sculpt their gods and heroes.
So there is a force of ultimate evil in Pullman's multiverse, so powerful as to be sickening and terrifying, and no visible force for ultimate good, since Pullman simply chose not to make one.Even the main characters, while being basically likable people, are still fundamentally flawed in all the normal human ways.The story revolves, really, around two characters.Lyra, who hails from a world where everyone has a spirit that follows them around in the shape of an animal called a "Daemon" (the original english spelling for demon.)Hers is named Pantaleimon, which even sounds like a Digimon's name.The other main character is Will, from a world very similar to ours.
The premise of these countless worlds that can only be connected through the darkness is the similarity I draw between these books and Kingdom Hearts, and the "Specters" (evil spirit-like beasties) even strike me as being something like KH's "Heartless."
Other than these two main characters, I really only have one character that I want to say anything about, and that's Mrs. Coulter.She starts off as, in the first two books, the undisputed "bad guy" of the series, but is simply not terrifying in the least, and when a bad guy isn't terrifying, at least in a book, I find that they have an easy time becoming annoying.This happened with her.
In this respect, the Specters are a much better evil bad guy concept.Obviously significantly more powerful and just as malignant as Coulter herself, they ultimately fail to be the perfect bad guys for this series because Pullman simply chose not to use them that way.
In the end, the general mood of the story, though it's set against a heavy backdrop of evil and vile deeds, gravitates strongly away from either good OR evil, preferring instead to focus on the less-distinct areas of depressing mortal existence.This it does with such strength and talent that I probably won't get over it for quite some time.
This, really, is my primary beef with His Dark Materials, just as it was with Digimon's first season, and to a lesser degree, with the Lord of the Rings.
You don't (or at least I don't) feel anything approaching happiness or hope when this story comes to a close, partly because there are still so many issues to be solved, and partly because both of the main characters are given the most dismal fate imaginable.You see, when two people love each other, and I mean real love, not just simple attraction, they become very similar in relationship to Pullman's humans and daemons, and seperating them is most dangerous, when it's possible, because they mourn for one another so deeply that their every moment apart is painful by comparison.Pullman seems to realize this, depicts this tragedy in great, unneccesary detail, but does nothing to correct it, or even, as with Romeo and Juliet, to carry it through to its natural conclusion.In the end, all this eventuality really does is upset me terribly, and I don't need books to do that.For this reason, I won't read this trilogy again, ever, but who knows?You may find some deeper interpretation of this work that I could not.

On the whole unsatisfying

The first two books are excellent - the third quite frankly was horrible and a major let down. My objection is not because of its anti-Christian or anti-God view, personally I couldn't care less about that aspect of the books. Though I must say I do enjoy books better if their propaganda is a bit less in your face.

The third book has a number of plot holes, a host of deus ex machinas and extremely contrived tear-jerker ending. The climatic battles we had been expecting just fizzled out, the prophesies that were made from book one were either unfulfilled or seemed to little impact within the story internal world. And it doesnt help that finally the main protagonist Lyra turn out to be little more than friend and guide to the real doer of the series, Will.

Regarding the suitability of these books for children; I cannot help but think of Pullman as one of those people who lure children with candies and when the kids are reeled in spring something unpleasant on them. Here he uses the first two (quite excellent I might say) books to seduce the kids and then ambushes them with his acerbic world views in the third.

I think Mister Pullmans views and opinions are be worthy of a moments attention by adults; but not by impressionable eleven or twelve year olds. I would have understood if Mister Pullman was saying that there is a God or that there is no God. I fail to see the value to telling kids that what passes for God in our world is merely an impotent evil.

On the whole I wouldn't recommend it to kids. Adults (not of the religious fundamentalist variety) will enjoy the start of the series but will probably be sorely disappointed by the inadequate third book.

Better appreciated as an adult
If you only like books when you agree with the author's point of view, and you're conservative (especially religiously conservative) don't read this trilogy; you will hate it.

I am infatuated with (adore/love) this trilogy. I loved it immediately, as soon as I figured out what a daemon was, and the more I read, the more I loved. The story is utterly complex and very intelligent. The themes tend to be dark, or at best realistic. The characters are well-developed, there's plenty of action, and everything is vividly described, especially Lyra's world. (Granted descriptions may not be complete, but I'd say they're complete enough that you can fill in the missing details with no problems, although they might not correspond with someone else's ideas.)

Being an adult (with no children), I can't say what it's like to read it as a child, nor how appropriate it is for a child. The basic theme of the series is to illustrate the growing up process, so I don't think the series can be fully appreciated until you are an adult. ... Read more

Isbn: 0345448898
Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - Fantasy    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    4. Fantasy fiction    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic   

The Trouble Begins: A Box of Unfortunate Events, Books 1-3 (The Bad Beginning; The Reptile Room; The Wide Window)
by Lemony Snicket Brett Helquist
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (02 October, 2001)
list price: $35.99 -- our price: $23.75
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Fans of Lemony Snicket and newcomers to his gleefully ghastly Series ofUnfortunate Events will be elated to discover this boxed gift set of the firstthree books in hardcover: The Bad Beginning, The Reptile Room, andThe Wide Window. While it's true that the events that unfold in Snicket'snovels are bleak, and things never turn out as you'd hope, these delightful,funny, linguistically playful books are reminiscent of Roald Dahl, CharlesDickens, and Edward Gorey. After they get their paws on this boxed set, there isno question that young readers will want to read the continuing unluckyadventures of the three Baudelaire orphans. (Ages 9 and older) --KarinSnelson ... Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (125)

Depressing Series Lacks Magic
If you crave some good postmodernism in children's arts and lit, watch the Simpsons.

If you want to avoid some truly useless postmodernism for tots, don't waste your time on these books.

Actually, many parents keep their youngest ones away from the Simpsons, and for good reason.That brilliant cartoon series is loaded with adult humor.But many of those same cautious parents would read to their kids this series of creepy books.Just because some crafty marketing person at Harper compared them to Harry Potter.

Note: I wouldn't mind knowing what J K Rowlings thinks of Lemony Snicket's work.

People who want their kids to hear tales of adventure and of triumph over adversity, can go to any number of classic children's books.What sets apart diverse classics such as A Wrinkle in Time and Rapunzel, from the likes of A Series of Unfortunate Events, is the uplifting magic of wrongs truly righted, and of puzzles terminatedly solved.

The series in review simply offer no hope at all to the reader.At every bend in the road, Snicket (I'd hide behind a pseudonym, too, if I were the creator of these books) invokes woe and hopelessness.It can drive you batty, all the too-bad-we-weren't-there-to-warn-them's.It's just a downer, all the way, as unrelentingly awful as the Chuckie series of horror movies. (Child's Play, I believe, is the series... and let us not forget what part that evil-can't-be-overcome movie played in the horrific murder enacted by two young boys in the UK last decade).

I can see that there are a few kids who liked the books and have reported as much at this site.But I would imagine they are of a certain age (not sure which age, exactly) and certain fortitude.That doesn't mean these books are appropriate for most kids.Why take the chance of depressing your kids, when there's so much great adventure to be enjoyed in other books?

I still have the books lying around... think I'll move 'em over towards the fireplace.

Great.I mean horrible.
Don't believe a thing Lemony Snicket says - the only way these books of woe will have you crying is if you laugh really, really hard.

Lemony Snicket has a fresh, unique, and hilarious writing style. He speaks very plainly, explaining things along the way with his signature phrase, "a word which here means". Always he reminds his readers that they do not have to read these awful books that will only bring nights of wailing and weeping, although he has sworn to record them. Sometimes Snicket is deliciously non-sequitur - "...you would run much slower if you were dragging something behind you, like a knapsack or a sheriff". And each book is morbidly dedicated to a so far unknown woman named Beatrice. "Beatrice - Darling, dearest, dead."

Although the books are sold as children's books (or perhaps because of it), I would recommend these books to adults who are secure enough in their maturity to read them. Some of the humor might actually be hard for young children to understand unless they are great cynics already.

The basic plot of the story is this: three siblings - Violet, Claus, and Sunny Baudelaire - lose their parents in a fire. They are sent off to live with their "uncle", Count Olaf. Olaf is a horrible, detestable man who will do anything, however evil and dishonorable, to get his hands on the fortune that the Baudelaires will inherit as soon as Violet is of age. The Baudelaires find themselves in frustratingly hopeless and distressing situations, mostly because of the (oh, so aggravating!) thickheadedness of the adults around them. So using their special skills, Violet, Claus, and Sunny try and find solutions themselves - by inventing, researching, and biting things, respectively. They wriggle out of immediate danger, but there is never exactly a happy ending - instead, one that is relieved but forebodes more calamity.

The plot seems very repetitive through the fourth book - the Baudelaires live with various guardians and end up in equally desperate situations with Olaf on their tail. But don't be discouraged! By the fifth book, a larger picture begins to show. A whole mystery opens up - the VFD. What caused the fire which in which the Baudelaires' parents perished? Why are do all their guardians have so much in common? I won't give anything away, but the mystery builds through the rest of the books. The reader picks up little clues and tries to piece things together. The final two books have not been written yet, so don't expect a complete answer soon.

There are eleven books, but they are relatively small and quick reads. When you get through them, read The Unauthorized Autobiography. Snicket himself is an obscure sort of character in his books - he hasn't participated in any action yet, but it seems that he may have to soon. The Authobiography gives loads of tantalizing information (or just more questions) about the VFD.

In summary, The Series of Unfortunate Events is a hilarious, well-written action-and-mystery story, and just as suitable for brave adults as for children.

Fun easy read
His books are just great. German being my second language I even benefit from his fun word definitions! His ideas are colorful and exciting, his writing flows and keeps you wanting more. The main characters are courageous and loving, except for Count Olaf of course, who embodies the kind of folk that's just out for your money. Timeless stories for all generations! ... Read more

Isbn: 006029809X
Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Brothers and sisters    3. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Family - Orphans & Foster Homes    6. Fiction    7. Humorous Stories    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Orphans   

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
Director: Glen Hill (II)
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (31 October, 2000)
list price: $14.98
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Editorial Review

"Mama, when was Santa Claus born? Why doesn't he ever die?" Based on the popular children's book by L. Frank Baum (author of The Wizard of Oz), this 75-minute animated version of The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus provides answers to these and other pressing questions from the 3- to 8-year-old set. As in Baum's book, the quiet, moderately paced video steers clear of Christian references, focusing instead on wood nymphs, pixies, and magic. A wizardly fairy named Ak (voiced by Hal Holbrook, who also narrates the tale) helps the young Nicholas (Robby Benson) understand human misery and charges him with the task of serving mankind. Nicholas's talent for charming little children and brightening the lives of the poor--and poor at heart--soon turns into a lifelong career. Baum's imaginative scenario involves many bumps along the way; most unusual is a fight between good and evil (here demonstrated by a group of naughty thugs who curiously resemble rock Pokémon). Lush, realistic backgrounds of misty forests and blustery, snow-laden towns contrast surprisingly with roughly drawn characters, detracting from the film's overall quality. But a pleasing Celtic score and a strong message of hope, giving, and caring easily outweigh this minor flaw. Puppet animators Rankin and Bass did a shorter version of the same story in the '80s. --Liane Thomas ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Dolby
• Animated
• NTSC

Reviews (10)

Searching for another version
My daughter is 22 and begged me to find this movie for her.She was not able to locate it anywhere.We watched it together with my 4 year old nephew and all of us enjoyed it throughly.It is a different spin on an old story and the fantasy adds to the storyline.If you are tired of watching the same old Christmas themes year after year, this is the one to watch.My daughter was actually looking for a version she said was done in claymation format but I have not been able to find it.

How did I miss this? Utter magic and brilliance!
I'm in my late '30s and sure, I revert back to the crib when I catch holiday movies (including gems like Nestor The Long Eared Christmas Donkey and, of course, Rudolph). I'm a sap. So I can't believe I missed this one--it's the story of how Santa Claus came to be told in the most mystical and magical way possible. I wasn't familiar with Baum's original book, so the fable of Nicholas as a baby being found and raised by faerie-folk, the love of his adopted mother (an immortal), how he grew as a boy into a young man and, finally, the ho ho ho jolly older man we all know, how he began to give gifts and how he discovered his love of gift-giving to children...all are covered in such a unique way. Even the reindeer/sleigh/chimney/stockings/Xmas tree--it's all here! Very Irish tale, as well, it's not hard to see the nearby village and the inhabitants are supposed to be in Ireland. There's good old-fashioned good vs. evil, great songs, excellent animation, beautiful and magical beings right out of Lord Of The Rings. Is it wrong that I thought Santa as a handsome young man was totally hot? If you're a Christmas junkie and also into fantasy tales, this one may be the best holiday movie (animated) you've ever seen. I blubbered through half of it...it was *that* beautiful and touching.

The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus
THIS IS BY FAR, MY FAVORITE VIDEO ABOUT SANTA CLAUS. RUDOLPH THE RED NOSE REINDEER COMES IN SECOND. I WILL BE 50 YEARS OLD NEXT MONTH AND I LOVE THIS MOVIE.

HOWEVER, I AM VERY UPSET THAT IS HAS NOT BEEN RE-RELEASED ON DVD. THIS IS A CLASSIC, AND IF YOU CAN ONLY HAVE IT ON VIDEO, THEN GET WHILE YOU CAN. IT IS GREAT. I JUST WATCHED AGAIN LAST NIGHT.
ROCK ON SANTA CLAUS ! ... Read more

Asin: B00004W46G
Subjects:  1. Christmas Music   

The Secret Garden
Director: Agnieszka Holland
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (18 March, 2003)
list price: $9.94
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Editorial Review

Filmed before (and quite nicely) in 1949, Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic children's story was remade for this admirable 1993 release, executive produced by Francis Ford Coppola and directed by acclaimed Polish filmmaker Agnieszka Holland. Splendidly adapted by Edward Scissorhands screenwriter Caroline Thompson, the film opens in India during the early 1900s, when young Mary Lennox (Kate Maberly) is orphaned and sent to England to live in Misselthwaite Manor, the gloomy estate of her brooding and melancholy uncle, Lord Craven (John Lynch). Because the uncle is almost always away on travels, struggling to forget the death of his beloved wife, Mary is left mostly alone to explore the estate. Eventually she befriends the young brother of a staff maid and Lord Craven's apparently crippled son, who has been needlessly bedridden for years. Together the three children restore a neglected garden on the estate grounds, and in doing so they set the stage for a moving reaffirmation of life and love. Filmed with graceful style and careful attention to the intelligence and cleverness of young children, The Secret Garden is that rarest breed of family film that transcends its own generic category, encouraging a sense of wonder and optimism to become a rewarding experience for viewers of any age. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• NTSC

Reviews (65)

AHHH!!
this book stunk 2 death!! i hated it i cant believe my teacher made me read it!! dont waste your time on it! i gave it 2 stars cuz im bein nice today

Visually stunning!Beautiful in every way!
I had never seen any versions of 'The Secret Garden,' nor had I read the original book by Frances H. Burnett, but it did appeal to me, that's why when I ran into it at my local video store, I couldn't help myself from buying it, I payed $4.99 for it and I quickly realized what a bargain that was.This movie was worth every penny, absolutely gorgeous.

This is one of those films, aimed mainly at children, that the whole family can enjoy, both the young and old.The story centers around Mary Lennox, recently orphaned, sent to live with her uncle at an old manor, surrounded by a gloomy and foggy moor.At first, Mary doesn't seem to enjoy it, not because she misses her neglective parents, but because she is lonely and longs for someone to play with.At the manor, she must live with the mean Mrs. Medlock, whom she dislikes, however, Mary soon makes friends with Martha, her younger brother Dickon and a young ill boy named Colin, who is Mary's cousin.
Mary discovers many secrets, as why Colin is always kept in a lonely bed and why her uncle is so down and depressed, but the biggest secret she finds is the entrance to an old garden, which she and her new friend Dickon help bring to life.