Children's Books - Books for Children Click image to enlarge Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5) by J. K. Rowling, Mary GrandPré Hardcover (21 June, 2003) list price: US$29.99 -- our price: US$17.99 Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Description The next volume in the thrilling, moving, bestselling Harry Potter series From the Publisher Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, by J.K. Rowling, the fifth in the bestselling series has been scheduled for release on Saturday, June 21, 2003. "We are thrilled to announce the publication date. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is absolutely superb and will delight all J.K. Rowling's fans. She has written a brilliant and utterly compelling new adventure, which begins with the words: "The hottest day of the summer so far was drawing to a close and a drowsy silence lay over read more ... Read more -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Harry Potter Hardcover Box Set (Books 1-4) by J. K. Rowling, Mary GrandPré Average Customer Review: Hardcover (November, 2001) list price: US$85.80 -- our price: US$59.99 Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Description Amazon.com Young wizard-in-training Harry Potter has had his hands full during his first four years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As if excelling on and off the Quidditch field isn't enough, Harry has heard evil voices in the walls, saved lives, and fended off convicts. Only time will tell how Harry will manage the certain dangers in store for him over the next few years. The first four titles of J.K. Rowling's magical, witty, exciting adventures are now available in a gift set, perfect for the legions of children whose big brothers and sisters (and parents) have made off with their copies. These gripping fantasy novels are on the road to becoming classics--don't wait to collect these lovely hardcover editions, illustrated by the talented Mary GrandPré. Each boxed set includes Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. (Ages 8 and older) --Emilie Coulter Fabulous Box Set Containing Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets, Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban, And Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire! --This text refers to the Paperback edition. ... Read more Customer Reviews (317) You'll be hooked from the first chapter! I was so grateful that I decided to start reading the Harry Potter series after there was already four books written! You finish one book and can't wait to start the next book. I've finished all four in a month, and would have finished sooner if it wasn't for things like life and work getting in the way. After reading the book and seeing the Sorcer's Stone in the movie, I now know why there was so much concern about creating the story in a visual format. J.K. Rowling does truly write in a way that sparks your imagination and literally 'paints' the scene and action in your mind. Her words are descriptive and engaging. Truly a page turner. The books are a very easy read. And very quickly you become involved in the lives of Harry Potter and his friends. Book One was great. And believe it or not, each book was better than the last. Each book has new lovable characters or engaging/humorous scenes that you'll want to go back and re-read. The action gets raised a notch in book four. You'll read it so fast to get through the story, and then will realize you'll need to re-read it to pay attention. It's not just for children. Excellent purchase J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series has captured the imaginations and hearts of her audience worldwide. This boxed set contains the first four books, HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE, HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS, HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN, and HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE. Rowling has created a world of fantastic depth populated by enthralling characters. Although Harry's world is one containing magic and elements of the occult, these are secondary to the themes emphasized throughout the series: the value of friendship, the power of courage, and the might of compassion. These are ideas that can be learned and cherished by the youngest of readers, yet still be relevant to older readers. Rowling writes with a clear, concise, and light-hearted style that makes for easy reading. The vocabulary required to understand Harry Potter is usually within the grasp of the average fourth grader. However, there is not a hint of condescension in her writing; she expects the reader to fully comprehend the language and ideas presented. This combination makes the Harry Potter series an excellent example of what constitutes good children's literature that can still be highly entertaining to adults. In short, a highly recommended purchase. For those who are looking for an excellent gift to a grade-school child, or even to an adult who has yet to be introduced to the wonderful world of Harry Potter, this boxed set is definitely a worthwhile purchase. get enchanted As the Harry Potter-hype started a few years ago, I only got to read the books a few weeks ago. Even after Harry Potter and J. K. Rowling started to appear in most conversations within my circle of friends, I still wasn't convinced to read about the adventures of this little wizard who gets all this media attention. During one of my frequent visits to my beloved book stores in town, I overheard a young girl discussing with her mother about which of the HP books they liked the best. The mother sounded like a even bigger fan than her 12-year old daughter. So on the way out, I picked up the British paperback version of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone". I took the book with me on my daily train ride to work, and straight from the first chapter, I was hooked to the writing style and the unique atmosphere Ms. Rowling has created in her stories. I regretted that my train ride ended so fast every morning ever since. I finished the first book in 3 days, (which is no time record at all), and picked up the 3 sequels in the same week. I always loved reading, but have never encountered such a page-turner yet! The magic of Ms. Rowling is that she can keep a 9-year old and a 24-year old reading with interest. Haven't seen much writers who can enchant such a broad group of different ages and cultures in the same time. The comparison between the Harry Potter series and The Lord of the Rings seemed unavoidable. Tolkien's fantasy masterpiece is also a great reading experience, but to be honest, I enjoyed the Harry Potter books more because of its original reflections towards our own daily life, the humour, the detailed description of everything (from interior decorations at Hogwarts to the magical candy store in Hogsmead), the action and of course all the adorable and less adorable characters in the story. There is the perfect combination of the hero and his sidekicks. The magical threesome (Harry, Ron & Hermione) has concentrated courage, intellect, strong will, loyalty, humour and optimism. They face challenges from dark wizards, nasty professors and dangerous creatures that only exsist in the magical world. They mostly turn out to be the final winner, and the black-white characterisation was quiet obvious. But isn't that a part of the charm of good story telling meant for kids (and sometimes adults as well)? One advice, if you can, read the books in its original language. I've seen the Dutch and the Chinese translations, which contains several pretty remarkable mistakes. This is due to the fact that the translations must be done in a hurry in order to get the books on the shelves asap. Such a shame that quality must compensate in this case! So wake up the 9-year old inside you and take a ride on this magical roller-coaster. You'll get enchanted and longing for more... ... Read more -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- All I Want Is Everything (Gossip Girl, 3) by Cecily Von Ziegesar Average Customer Review: Paperback (May, 2003) list price: US$8.99 -- our price: US$8.99 Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Description It's Christmastime and Blair and Serena are best friends again and up to their old tricks- partying hard and breaking hearts from Park Avenue to the Caribbean. Blair's mom and Cyrus are having their honeymoon in St. Barts. And when school lets out for the holidays, Blair, Serena, Aaron, and company head down there to blow off steam after their midterm exams. In between Pina Coladas and topless sunbathing, Blair flirts with Aaron's handsome drummer friend and plots out her Yale essay which is inspired of course by her idol, Audrey Hepburn. Everyone jets back to NYC for Serena's New Year's party, during which the love triangle between Nate, Blair, and Jenny heats up and Serena may or may not be discovered to be the secret fling of the hottest recording artist in the music business. ... Read more Customer Reviews (20) All I Want Is Gossip Girl I've finally gotten my hands on this one which was very good. The characters seem to be evolving in every book, particularly Serena but it is still interesting. This one is the sexiest out of any of them. It's Christmas in New York and as soon as midterms are over, Blair and Serena are heading with Blair's family to St. Barts for vacation where they act as fabulous as usual. But there will be plenty of suprises in store for them as well as for the ones at home. Tons of hook-ups in this one including Serena and the next biggest thing in music Flow and Blair and her stepbrother Aaron's friend Miles. Not to mention there is one little thing, the "link". You'll understand it once you get there and read it. And guess what? It doesn't stop there! The next Gossip Girl will be available in September. You know we love these books! gossip girl! this book is great, blair is my favorite. i love her obsession with audrey hepburn and how she always plays hard to get. the characters personalities havent changed AT ALL (except for i think blair's gotten more funny to read about, and of course she still has that eating disorder) but nate gets on my nerves as well as the plot with vanessa and dan. i just couldn't put this book down!! if you havent read it yet, you should!! Holiday Drama at Its Finest Blair and Serena are best friends again - and that's a good thing for when she's with her mother and Cyrus in St. Bart's for Chistmas. Who would help her get through all the new family drama going on in her life that used to be perfect? Dan and Vanessa are in love but go through several hurdles to overcome differences. Jenny and Nate are happy - at least they seem to be until he goes to Maine. Serena is serenaded by Flow and a strange Bird. Miles makes the moves on Blair much to the chagrin of Aaron. And what about a baby? This third book in the Gossip Girl series is the best so far. Of course, it leaves the reader hanging on for the next book, but isn't that what good series books do - even if they are for teens? These books are wonderful because you can have all the drama you want without it screwing up your own life! ... Read more -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss Average Customer Review: Hardcover (January, 1990) list price: US$17.00 -- our price: US$11.90 Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Description Amazon.com Inspirational yet honest, and always rhythmically rollicking, Oh, the Places You'll Go! is a perfect sendoff for children, 1 to 100, entering any new phase of their lives. Kindergartners, graduate students, newlyweds, newly employeds--all will glean shiny pearls of wisdom about the big, bountiful future. The incomparable Dr. Seuss rejoices in the potential everyone has to fulfill their wildest dreams: "You'll be on your way up! / You'll be seeing great sights! / You'll join the high fliers / who soar to high heights." At the same time, he won't delude the starry-eyed upstart about the pitfalls of life: "You can get all hung up / in a prickle-ly perch. / And your gang will fly on. / You'll be left in a Lurch." But fear not! Dr. Seuss, with his inimitable illustrations and exhilarating rhymes, is convinced ("98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed") that success is imminent. As long as you remember "to be dexterous and deft. And NEVER mix up your right foot with your left," things should work out. (All ages) --Emilie Coulter Illus. in full color. "Don't be fooled by the title of this seriocomic ode to success; it's not 'Climb Every Mountain,' kid version. All journeys face perils, whether from indecision, from loneliness, or worst of all, from too much waiting. Seuss' familiar pajama-clad hero is up to the challenge, and his odyssey is captured vividly in busy two-page spreads evoking both the good times (grinning purple elephants, floating golden castles) and the bad (deep blue wells of confusion). Seuss' message read more ... Read more Customer Reviews (112) Think Outside the Box. Dr. Seuss is considered to be one of America's best "children's" authors. However, I don't think the good doctor ever intended to write solely for children. Some of his books were clearly written for youngsters, but most of them, I believe, were written for everyone. Nowhere is this more apparent than in OH, THE PLACES YOU'LL GO! The book is often given as a gift to students as they graduate. But the messages the book contains aren't just for the transitional times of our lives. They are things to remember wherever we go, and whatever we do. Children can profit from reading and listening to the book being read. And sure, the book is filled with the usual zany illustrations and a few never-before-heard-of creatures, situations, and places that kids will enjoy looking at and which may possibly ignite their imagination. But make no mistake, this isn't really a children's book. Kids should be free to be kids and it is only when they are forced to grow up that locations like Lurch, Slump, and The Waiting Place become familiar places. Overall, children cannot understand and comprehend the complexities of life that are described in the book; only adults can do that. Nevertheless, like all great "children's" literature, this is a story for adults, but filled with lessons that if we remember and have ingrained within us when we are young, it will help us succeed 98 and 3/4ths of the time. Not just for kids! Many of us grew up with Dr. Seuss,but did any of us ever think of how much his stories could help us relate to the real world? Oh, The Places You'll Go!, does exactly that. It is an inspirational book for all ages from a child beginning his or her first day of school to the college graduate. Dr. Seuss's whimsical book takes an optimistic look at life and its ups and downs or as he puts it, "Bang-ups and hang-ups can happen to you." In this book, his lovable and memorable rhymes are encouraging as well as entertaining and tongue twisting. In the end, he makes us all believe that we will succeed and yes, "Kid, you'll move mountains!" Perfect High School or College Graduation Gift Dr. Seuss isn't just for the pre-school set, but you probably already knew that. This book of brightly colored illustrations and whimsical rhymes makes the perfect gift for anyone setting out on a new adventure, so buy copies for every high school and college graduate on your list. As Seuss tells us "There is fun to be done!" and this joyous ode to personal fulfillment tells you how to meet up with it while combating fear, loneliness, and confusion. After all, what better advice could anyone give a new grad than to say "You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose." This is inspired good fun, sure to please everyone. ... Read more -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Hidden Key to Harry Potter: Understanding the Meaning, Genius, and Popularity of Joanne Rowling's Harry Potter Novels by John Granger Average Customer Review: Paperback (18 November, 2002) list price: US$18.95 -- our price: US$18.95 Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Description Dr. Scott H. Moore, Great Texts Program and Professor of Philosophy, Baylor University [D]elightful and provocative Older children and adults who have loved Potter will find The Hidden Key hard to put down. Prof. Dr. John Warwick Montgomery, Christian Apologist, Barrister, Educator, and Author of “Myth, Allegory, and Gospel” and “Cross and Crucible” The Hidden Key is "must" reading for Potterites, whatever their religious orientation. ... Read more Customer Reviews (14) Extraordinary Analysis of Harry Potter! Truly, this has to be one of the best, if not the best analysis of the Harry Potter series. As a Potterholic, I was looking for a book that definatively got at the heart of Potter's popularity using logical and supported literary analysis, and Granger's book fulfills that. John Granger looks at both the series as a whole, as well as book by book, the symbolism involved as an entity unto itself, and makes sound predictions for books 5-7 based on his analysis. The Christian themes that pervade Rowling's books are explained phenomenally well, and Granger puts, for example, information regarding Inkling literature and the Christian medieval morality plays (two important aspects of Harry Potter) into layman's tems, so that even those readers not familiar with those particular characteristics are not lost. It is a remarkable book, and I have read it several times as I prepare for the release of Book 5. You will not be disappointed with The Hidden Key to Harry Potter. It is by far, the best way to unlock the secrets that make Rowling's books such a magical series. A must-read! Brilliant insights on every page! I cannot say enough about this book! I am truly astounded at the smorgasborg of insights that Mr. Granger has packed into this very thorough defense of the Harry Potter series. He puts forth an enormous amount of evidence (including 13 detailed charts), leaving no doubt in the reader's mind that J.K. Rowling is a first class Christian author who is writing in the same genre as "Inklings" literature (C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, etc.). He skillfully debunks the anti-Potter authors who (incredibly!) have painted Rowling as pro-Occult, and her writings as anti-Christian. After reading Hidden Key one is left wondering how anyone could maintain that the Harry Potter series is anything other than the best Christian literature since Lord of the Rings. This is the only book of its kind and is an absolute must-read for anyone interested in the Harry Potter series or good Christian literature a la "The Inklings". Good News for Defenders of Harry John Granger examines the classical themes and devices in the Harry Potter series with skillful and convincing evidence. He connects almost every name not only with its etymological roots but also with its precise delineation of the character who owns it. He makes us see the 800 pound elephant which has been sitting in front of us all unacknowledged: the fact that J.K. Rowling's training in classics and her wide reading (I'm tempted to say "wide AND DEEP reading -- no shallow skimmer here!) have produced a fresh flow of the everlasting materials of Story. It is her use of those traditional elements that gives the books their sense of goodness. As C.S. Lewis said of George MacDonald's Phantastes, "It baptized my imagination." Granger shows that Rowling uses the device of the school for magic to get past "the watchful dragons" that belch smoke and fury at any overt use of Christian terminology. This sounds as if Granger's book must be difficult for us ordinary folks to read: nothing could be further from the truth! It is delightfully easy reading, making the connections between mythical elements and the details of the books very clear. Don't let the hoopla and doodads of the popularizers of Harry's stories keep you from reading this book and paying serious attention to what Granger says. ... Read more -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Artemis Fowl (Artemis Fowl, Book 1) by Eoin Colfer Average Customer Review: Paperback (03 May, 2002) list price: US$7.99 -- our price: US$7.99 Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Description Amazon.com Eoin Colfer describes his new book, Artemis Fowl, as "Die Hard with fairies." He's not far wrong. Twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl is the most ingenious criminal mastermind in history. With two trusty sidekicks in tow, he hatches a cunning plot to divest the fairyfolk of their pot of gold. Of course, he isn't foolish enough to believe in all that "gold at the end of the rainbow" nonsense. Rather, he knows that the only way to separate the little people from their stash is to kidnap one of them and wait for the ransom to arrive. But when the time comes to put his plan into action, he doesn't count on the appearance of the extrasmall, pointy-eared Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon (Lower Elements Police Reconnaisance) Unit--and her senior officer, Commander Root, a man (sorry, elf) who will stop at nothing to get her back. Fantastic stuff from beginning to end, Artemis Fowl is a rip-roaring, 21st-century romp of the highest order. The author has let his imagination run riot by combining folklore, fantasy, and a fistful of high-tech funk in an outrageously devilish book that could well do for fairies what Harry Potter has done for wizardry. But be warned: this is no gentle frolic, so don't be fooled by the fairy subject matter. Instead, what we have here is well-written, sophisticated, rough 'n' tumble storytelling with enough high-octane attitude to make it a seriously cool read for anyone over the age of 10. --Susan Harrison --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. From Publishers Weekly Colfer's (Benny and Omar) crime caper fantasy, the first in a series, starts off with a slam-bang premise: anti-hero Artemis Fowl is a boy-genius last in line of a legendary crime family teetering on the brink of destruction. With the assistance of his bodyguard, Butler, he masterminds his plan to regain the Fowls' former glory: capture a fairy and hold her ransom for the legendary fairy gold. However, his feisty mark, Holly, turns out to be a member of the "LEPrecon, an elite branch of the read more --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. ... Read more Customer Reviews (428) When Harry Potter won't cut it! My son has read all of the Potter tales to date, and like most children his age,(10)he enjoyed the magic and tone of the books. In the lull between arrival of the next Potter tale, I gave my son Artemis Fowl to read. I based my choice at the time on the similarity in subject. A charming young hero engaging in adventure and magic with quirky, fanciful characters. The fact that the hero, Artemis was actually a modern day Moriarity and not above thievery and deception seemed an interesting twist. As my son's first taste of an "anti-hero" Artemis Fowl was a wonderful success. The author was neither patronizing to his young readers nor lacking in humor that was not only appropriate but also fresh. This is a superb addition to any youngsters burgeoning library, and though it may not topple Mr. Potter from his throne of popularity, it will certainly be enjoyed with the same enthusiasm. Perfect for strong readers of ages 8 and up. (yes, that can mean adults) Giving Harry potter a run for his money I absolutely loved Artemis Fowl. Having read this book as a continuation of my love for fantasy and having throughly enjoyed the Potter series I found Colfer's world to be one which was entertaining, well thought out, and a great deal of fun. Don't read this book if you want another Harry Potter book, read it on it's own merits! The characters are unique, and Fowl is not supposed to be another Potter. He is supposed to be an EVIL 12 year old. In the end the book focused more on Root's quest to regain Holly, one of the LEPrecon's recruits and dealt more with an introduction to Colfer's fantasy world than it did on the trials of a media-frenzied genius wizard at boarding school. Fowl isn't meant to be the role model, but another character for children to enjoy reading. The book was easy to follow and even contained a puzzle for added entertainment. Also recommended: The price of Immortality............you should read this book. you will not be Disappointed !!... Interesting! Contrary to some of the opinions that have been expressed, one of the things I liked most about the Artemis Fowl was the lead character himself, 12-year old Artemis. His ingenuity and brilliance combined with an appalling ruthlessness makes him one of the most fascinating characters I've read in a long time. Artemis is the sort of anti-hero you would despise in real life but root for in a story. In that sense, he reminds me of Carmen San Diego who proves to be just as big a challenge to her adversaries as Artemis is to the LEPrecon unit. Also, I have to add that comparing Artemis Fowl to the Harry Potter series doesn't really help since the two books are different in so many aspects. First of all, Artemis is definitely NOT Harry. He may be young but he's far from innocent or well intentioned. And I really wouldn't recommend him as a role model for young kids. Secondly, while the Harry Potter series is about the battle between good and evil (to put it simply), Artemis Fowl's story is about a battle of wits between the humans and the fairies where each group tries to outsmart the other. No one side can be simply classified as good or evil (although some people out there would probably disagree and promptly classify Artemis in the latter category). There are many other differences between the two but so far the only thing in common I can find for both Artemis Fowl and Harry Potter is that they both belong to the fantasy genre which really doesn't provide much of a basis for comparison. All in all, I'd say Artemis Fowl is a pretty good read. The story is inventive and interesting with an exciting pace and an intriguing lead character to match. While it's probably not the best reading material for young impressionable kids out there, I'd definitely recommend it to young adults and everyone else interested in fantasy and sci-fi. ... Read more -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman Average Customer Review: Paperback (27 May, 2003) list price: US$6.50 -- our price: US$6.50 Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Description Amazon.com From the very start of its very first scene, The Amber Spyglass will set hearts fluttering and minds racing. All we'll say here is that we immediately discover who captured Lyra at the end of The Subtle Knife, though we've yet to discern whether this individual's intent is good, evil, or somewhere in between. We also learn that Will still possesses the blade that allows him to cut between worlds, and has been joined by two winged companions who are determined to escort him to Lord Asriel's mountain redoubt. The boy, however, has only one goal in mind--to rescue his friend and return to her the alethiometer, an instrument that has revealed so much to her and to readers of The Golden Compass and its follow-up. Within a short time, too, we get to experience the "tingle of the starlight" on Serafina Pekkala's skin as she seeks out a famished Iorek Byrnison and enlists him in Lord Asriel's crusade: A complex web of thoughts was weaving itself in the bear king's mind, with more strands in it than hunger and satisfaction. There was the memory of the little girl Lyra, whom he had named Silvertongue, and whom he had last seen crossing the fragile snow bridge across a crevasse in his own island of Svalbard. Then there was the agitation among the witches, the rumors of pacts and alliances and war; and then there was the surpassingly strange fact of this new world itself, and the witch's insistence that there were many more such worlds, and that the fate of them all hung somehow on the fate of the child. Meanwhile, two factions of the Church are vying to reach Lyra first. One is even prepared to give a priest "preemptive absolution" should he succeed in committing mortal sin. For these tyrants, killing this girl is no less than "a sacred task." In the final installment of his trilogy, Philip Pullman has set himself the highest hurdles. He must match its predecessors in terms of sheer action and originality and resolve the enigmas he already created. The good news is that there is no critical bad news--not that The Amber Spyglass doesn't contain standoffs and close calls galore. (Who would have it otherwise?) But Pullman brings his audacious revision of Paradise Lost to a conclusion that is both serene and devastating. In prose that is transparent yet lyrical and 3-D, the author weaves in and out of his principals' thoughts. He also offers up several additional worlds. In one, Dr. Mary Malone is welcomed into an apparently simple society. The environment of the mulefa (again, we'll reveal nothing more) makes them rich in consciousness while their lives possess a slow and stately rhythm. These strange creatures can, however, be very fast on their feet (or on other things entirely) when necessary. Alas, they are on the verge of dying as Dust streams out of their idyllic landscape. Will the Oxford dark-matter researcher see her way to saving them, or does this require our young heroes? And while Mary is puzzling out a cure, Will and Lyra undertake a pilgrimage to a realm devoid of all light and hope, after having been forced into the cruelest of sacrifices--or betrayals. Throughout his galvanizing epic, Pullman sustains scenes of fierce beauty and tenderness. He also allows us a moment or two of comic respite. At one point, for instance, Lyra's mother bullies a series of ecclesiastical underlings: "The man bowed helplessly and led her away. The guard behind her blew out his cheeks with relief." Needless to say, Mrs. Coulter is as intoxicating and fluid as ever. And can it be that we will come to admire her as she plays out her desperate endgame? In this respect, as in many others, The Amber Spyglass is truly a book of revelations, moving from darkness visible to radiant truth. --Kerry Fried --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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