Baby Books

I purchased this book shortly after getting married b/c we wanted to start a family. I bought this book in August, and was prego by mid-Sept. I only completed 1 full cycle of charting b/c I was pregnant my next cycle! Her methods work.
This book contains amazing information about a womens body (unless you are a biology major) and alot of it was new to me. I always felt I was very in tune with my body, but now everything relating to my cycle is explained and makes sense! This book truly lets you take charge of when/if you want to get pregnant. Full of great information - a must have for all women!!

Lots of info all under one book. You can find a lot of thoses info online but it's incredibly convenient to have it all under one book. I use the website fertilityfriend to chart my cycle and it's of great use. Loads of info there too, charting forum etc...
I would definitely recommend this book for the one curious enough to know what's going on with their own body.

There are not words to describe how great this book is. It is not only for women (or men) trying to concieve, but it also points out how to use natural birth control. I used this book to conceive my second child and it worked like a charm. I did not have fertility issues, but I found that I was not getting pregnant as quickly as I wanted to, and I got pregant the month that I read the book and implemented some of the suggestions. I cannot recommend this book enough!!

This book is amazing. My husband and I had decided to start trying for a baby in October. A friend at work had recommended the book "How to Choose the Sex of your Baby." When I looked it up on Amazon this book was also recommended. I decided to buy it instead. The book goes into detail about how to chart your basal temperature and cervical fluid and how to notice the changes in your body throughout your monthly cycle. I had talked to many women who told me that I needed to start trying around day 14 of my cycle. However my cycle is 44 days long instead of 28. Because I was charting I knew that my body wasn't ovulating around day 14. In fact, I didn't ovulate until around day 28! Once again, because of charting I knew when I was ovulating and was able to plan accordingly. Eighteen days later (18 high temps) I found out I was having a baby! This book gives you the tools you need to help you succeed in getting pregnant. I'm convinced that had I not read this book I would not be pregnant yet because I would be ignorant as to what my body's signs were. What a blessing to not have to worry and wonder about what I was doing wrong or having to wait month after month to get pregnant. This book was the key.

This book is great. I used this to get pregnant and it worked in less than two months! If you are seeking pregnancy achievement read this book.

We only recently found out that all our copies of The Count of Monte Cristo were abridged. We checked this out of our local library and liked it so much we bought a copy for our home library. The type setting is very readable and best of all, it's not abridged.

The story is a classic and a great read. I recommend it for everyone.

I boutht this for my Grandson freshman class in World History. He enjoyed the book and recieved a good grade on his report

The book arrived in excellent condition and it has been a delightful book to read.

I've often heard of references to this book, but never had an occasion to read it. After reading "Lone Survivor", I was curious to read "The Count of Monte Cristo". Dumas certainly set the bar high for all those to follow in this genre. The intrigue and twists are exceptional. A classic which should be a "must read".

How does one review a classic? Especially one so noteworthy as to have demanded the creation of 11 or more film variations, numerous adaptations, and even television series? I long avoided reading this novel due mainly to it's daunting size, and the fear that it's translation would cause the reader more work than I was willing to put into it. However my burning desire to know the true tale of Edmond Dantes overruled my hesitation.

The story, for those of you who are unfamiliar, follows Edmond Dantes in his wrongful imprisonment at the hands of his friends, his 14 years in the Chateau D'If, his escape and rebirth as a self proclaimed hand of vengeance against those who had wronged him. If you have only seen the movies, the book, particularly the ending, is far different than what Hollywood has created. There are no dramatic duels, no massive swordfights with brigands, and not everyone who we believe should, lives happily ever after. This is instead a slow but genius work of Dantes methodically stripping away all that his enemies held dear to them, at whatever cost. None die by his hand, but are rather destroyed by his influence, and their own evil choices come back to haunt them.

The story itself is genius, interesting and very fun. The writing, particularly the translation that I read, is an often difficult and sometimes tedious work that one may need a notebook to keep straight. The cast of characters is very large and they are often referred to by different names, making it a bit more difficult to keep track of who is who without some sort of note taking. I was not smart enough to take notes, and thus had to spend quite a bit of time searching my brain to make sure I was thinking of the correct person as I read, particularly with some of the more minor story lines and the characters that weaved in and out of the story with multiple chapters between their appearances. Also, this book will probably be disappointing to those who are interested in the action that the movies provided. The Count of Monte Cristo, does not come in with guns blazing, but rather plays a very well thought out and disturbing game of mental chess against his opponents. As readers we hope for their downfall, but also wonder how far the Count will go... his years of imprisonment have left him hardened and disturbingly without remorse at the use of innocents to gain his vengeance. As he plays his pieces we wonder just who will be sacrificed, and who will have the chance to live happily ever after in this dark world of Dumas.

Readers of more modern novels may have trouble with this book because of the sheer volume of concurrent story lines, all of which are necessary for understanding the strings being pulled by the Count. But to remember the tale of the lovers, the orphan, the bandit, the banker, the ship builder, the assassin, the count, the princess, the steward, the military man, the lawyer, the cheating husband and wife, the lost love, the musician, the buried baby, the dying father, the paralyzed grandfather, the murderess, the thief, the countess, the emperor and all of their relations, can be quite a daunting task for any reader. Still each of these stories could be a book of their own, keeping the reader quite entertained, but Dumas has managed to weave them all together into one, brilliant and shining tale... if you can keep them straight through the end.

What surprised me most was the ending of this story. It was not what I wanted, or hoped for. True I loved Haidee, and wanted nothing but her happiness... but many seemed to be left in suffering that did not deserve the fate that they were bound to. I will not elaborate for fear of spoiling the ending... but this does not end on a Hollywood, "they all ride off into the sunset" ending. Perhaps the meaning of the story is not all about revenge, but rather what damage the hunt for vengeance can bring to not just those who have wronged you, but to all those that surround you. The downfall of selfishness; be it falsely imprisoning someone to gain what you may, to the selfishness of vengeance... there is so much meaning in this book, I can see why it is so often "required reading." Though I highly recommend this book, I would advise you attempt to read it with others either in a class or a reading group so that you can discuss all of the rich meaning behind Dumas's words.

I got this for my 19 month old son and he loves it! he has so many books to choose from and i bought this for him for christmas and he picks it out of his bookshelves and runs to me to read it to him.
great book. 5 stars.

This is a classic book that teaches children to repeat and learn some of their colors. When the book is published properly, the colors match the words. Sometimes I have seen this book printed a bit off and purple looks like blue - confusing to kids still learning colors. Plus, not all animals in real life are the colors they are in the book.

This book was a gift from family, for our baby daughter. We started reading it to her at around 12 months. She LOVES this book. She is actually a very curious girl now at 18 months, and will grab books all evening long for me to read to her.

Your little ones will be able to identify the different animals and even the colors soon after reading this book. It has a nice pentameter, thats just right for the developing LAD.

I am here to order more from this author, and I am sure you will too.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear is a classic for babies and toddlers. They may go through more than one copy. It's the first book that they memorize and that's the first step in beginning to read.
I buy it often for young children.

I remember reading this charming story to my own kids and also to my preschool class. Now it's been reissued in board book format, artistically illustrated, and every bit as enjoyable. This is a perfect book for teaching color and animal names, in a catchy rhyming format. Each page foretells what the animal and color will be on the next. Recommended for reading to babies and for beginning readers to tackle on their own.

My midwife handed me this book at my 38 week appointment and said, "This is a new book. Check it out". The birth stories initially got me interested in reading it and from there I was hooked- I couldn't put it down! This is my second natural birth at a birthing center, and even though I "know" what to expect, I loved reading this book and looked to it as a sort of refresher/reminder of what I want for this birth. It is chock full of excellent information for those wanting to take control of their birth experiences, and not be subjected to unnecessary and unnatural interventions that so many hospitals use these days. If you already have the mindset that birth is normal and natural and usually doesn't need a lot of interventions, the book will just reiterate your belief. If you're new to the realm of natural birth and midwifery this book will open your eyes!

The first half of this book was inspiring, uplifting, educational, eye-opening. I found it to most helpful in trying to understand our misconceptions about what child birth really entails. However, the second half, though meant to be for awareness of all possibilities during labor and birth, seemed to emphasize the "sensational" aspects of all that could go wrong. This is best left to the doctors and hospitals who want to keep you in the dark so that they can more easily and time-efficiently "process" you through your labor and delivery.
I HIGHLY recommend reading the first part of this book, especially if you are a grandparent-to-be and your offspring has chosen to give birth naturally.

Great book for any woman to read, whether or not they plan to have a natural birth. The book eases fears surrounding childbirth through the series of birthing stories included in the first half of the book and through the author's writing. She reminds the reader that the female body is designed to have children and is not inadequate as we're sometimes led to believe. The book gave me some helpful techniques to use during my (unmedicated) labor and a better understanding of some of the medical procedures and medication often used. My sister was unable to get an epidural and I feel she would have benefited from the coping techniques provided in the book.

This is a very well writen book, that will help you understand what the doctors don't tell you and don't even know. A book that tells you about your bodys true and simple wisdom and abilities.

I absolutely love this book. I find the birth stories to be empowering and the information provided to be relevant, true (I used to work in a hospital--I know what it is like!) and helpful. I definitely feel good about giving birth after reading this book because I now really believe that just like (other) animals, women, too, "know" how to give birth and can do so safely at home or in a birthing center.

Even if you know that you are "high risk" and have to have a baby in the hospital (or if you choose to do so), the birthing stories would be very helpful to you. My favorite message from the book? The baby WILL come out. Never has a baby not come out. I haven't given birth yet, but I guess a lot of women reach a point in the birthing process (or pregnancy itself!) when they worry that they will be pregnant/in labor for ever. It seems like a silly, no-duh thought, but I think it would be helpful to be reminded of these things when it really counts!

My daughter loved this book when she was younger. I bought it for my friends kids.

This book has proven to be a favorite book to read before bedtime, for both of my children. Perfect to get for a child between ages of 1 and 2.

My son loves listening to this book before bed at night. He is now 3 years old, and still loves to read this book along with other longer books, such as Green Eggs and Ham, or Bad Dog Marley. I have read this book to him so many times that I have it memorized " The sun has set not long ago...now everybody goes below...to take a bath in one big tub, with soap all over, scrub, scrub, scrub." It's a great book for bedtime, because in the end of the book all the characters go to bed. Nice way to get him to think about sleeping.

My grandchildren love this book and Mom or Dan have to read it every night.
They love the pictures and still ask questions of Mom or Dad. Will order more of Sandra's silly books in future.

My son received this for his first birthday, and since then it has become as staple at bedtime. It helps to aid the bedtime routine, and the tone of the book is right along with it!

I bought this as a gift for my nieces after receiving it as a gift myself. It is a wonderful message for kids, that they are special because of who they are, not because of what others think of them.

The book was delivered on time and fast. I am very satisfied with the book's condition.

I have given this book to almost everyone I know over the last 5 years. Everyone, of all ages, loves it! Almost everyone cries and hugs. It reaches into your heart and gives love on so many levels. Max Lucado explains God's love for all of us in such simple yet profound words. I gave this to a psychiatrist friend who says he reads it to all his patients. We all need to know God's love. BUY THIS BOOK!

This is one of my favorite childrens books! Great moral story about not caring what others think of you.

I agree with the other 150+ people who think this is an amazing book that every child and adult should own. It's definitely a "feel good" book. My children love it and so do I.

Suitable for newborns because of bright colors. Enjoyable for all pre-schoolers and perhaps above. Even adults. Interesting things are happening on every page. Many details catch your attention.

Children love this book. They will ask you to read it again and again. I love the fact it's oversized.

I ordered this book based on the reviews, and when I first introduced it to my son (at 18 months) he didn't go for it. But a year later, this is his favorite bedtime story! Granted, there are very few words in the story...but I think that's actually a good thing. I provide my own narrative based on the pictures, and I ask my son questions about what he sees as we go through the book. He really enjoys identifying the animals in the story, and his favorite thing is pointing out where the balloon is on every page. On the first page of the story, a balloon is released into the air. In subsequent pages, the balloon gets smaller and smaller as it floats away. It's a nice added bonus to this story. I really recommend this story!

My son loves this book. He really enjoys listening to the stories that his dad makes up about each animal. There aren't too many words, leaving you room to ad-lib it, which is fun! This is one of our many books we tend to read at night.

In this beautifully-illustrated bedtime book, the gorilla steals the key from the zookeeper, letting out all the animals, who follow the zookeeper home to bed.

The story is cute, but what I really loved about this book was the great illustrations. The colors pop out at you from the page and capture your attention.

This book is one of my new bedtime favorites! I can't wait to read it to my son.

I remember my mother reading me this book when I was a child. Now I am reading it to my kids, and they LOVE it! I let them turn the pages, and they enjoy seeing how Grover tries to keep you from turning them. Because the closer you get to the end of the book, the closer you get to the "Monster"....

This was my sons favourite, I always had to read it to him in Grovers voice
and it is now the younger ones favourite as well !!!

It is so funny to watch Grover prepare, fall apart, prepare again, fall apart again etc., scared of the horrible monster he has heard is at the end of the book....only to find........himself!! It is a great, funny, fear calming book.

Who wasn't afraid of monsters in the dark as a child?

And this illustrates, it is all in ones imagination, so do not be afraid.
Grover is silly and cute all the while he is sooo very afraid, which is delightful to all .
Excellent book, it is a real classic.

When I was little this was my favorite book. We would read it over and over, and I would pretend I was struggling to turn the pages that Grover had tied, nailed, and bricked over.
So when we had a daughter, this was one of the first books I bought for her. At 2 years old the book sat on the shelves for a while, but she is 3 now, and I recently took it down again to read for her at bedtime. It is now a favorite, we read it every night. I read the pages, then she turns them to give poor old Grover a hard time.
One recommendation...this review is for the standard Little Golden Books version, which is great, but we also found a board book version in stores, so the hard pages are great when you have toddlers turning the pages for you every night. They can really 'struggle' against Grover's efforts without hurting the book.

I recently read The Monster at the End of This Book, by Lovable Furry Old Grover. I picked it up on a lark, figuring it would by a typical horror/thriller throwaway. It followed a pretty obvious course through the old cliches of the genre most of the way through, but the ending threw me for a shock that had me catatonic in existential malaise for weeks afterwards.

NOTE: DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU DO NOT WANT IT TO BE SPOILED!!!



When I found out that the monster in the book was indeed Grover I thought, "My god... it could be any of us." Yes that's right, the narrator of the book, the kindly and gentle guide through this thrill-ride, was indeed the monster of which he spoke.

This raised many, many questions. It seems from reflection that Grover himself was unaware that he was the monster. However, in the modern and postmodern likelihood of unreliable narration, it seems that it could just of easily been a clever deception by the monster, to lure the reader into his confidence before springing his trap. But the question remains. Does a monster know he is a monster? Or does his twisted logic somehow rationalize his monstrosity and allow it run rampant? Also, if this physically harmless appearance could harbor the monster of the book, doesn't that mean that anyone could be a monster? That "evil has no face" as they say?

Ultimately, it brought me to reflect that one may be a monster and not even be full conscious of the fact. That one may be revealed to be monstrous, but only at the end of a mysterious and terrible life of lies.

So it turns out that the "monster" is actually the protagonist which, while having shades of postmodern antihero angst that wil reverberate strongly with fans of, say, Kafka or Burroughs, really threw me for a loop as a kid.

My two year old, on the other hand, has no problem with this conceit, and wants me to read it to him regularly.

He'll understand how cruel this all is when he get a bit older.

Oh yes.

In the meantime, I'll read it for him over and over and over and over, and never get tired of it.

My son loves this book! The rhythmic words and pentameter make it fun to read and fun to listen to...Sandra Boynton is one of our favorite kid authors! This book is a 'must have' for any child.

This is a favorite with kids - infant to kindergarden. Also fun to read since it is easy to read with a rhythm like a square dance anouncer.

My son loves this book. He likes music, and when we make this into a song for him, he bops his head to it!Mommy really likes the book too!

This is one of my son's favorites. We stomp our feet and clap our hands, do the dance with the book. He picks this book over most! He gets ready to stomp right when he hands the book to me, I love that;)
You can't go wrong with this book. You will love this book as much as your child will.

What a treat to buy this for a friend's baby. My youngest child LOVED this book because as others have pointed out, it is fantastic! Just reading the words results in a great rhyme and makes you dance. You can't help it. Babies love it, toddlers love it, and parents love to read it, even the 4,999th time. It makes everyone smile. We wore the cover off and had to buy multiple copies. What a great author, love all her books but this is by far our fave.

This is my son's absolute FAVORITE book and has been since he was 6 months (he's 13 months now). He pushes other books away and laughs the whole time we read this. Great book!

In looking for another whimsical, creative, offbeat baby book like Pat the Bunny I found that this title was purchased through Amazon by people who bought Pat and so I bought it as well.

I certainly expected Moo Baa to have some more unexpected sounds than just the pigs' "La La La." I also expected it to have some kind of story connecting everything.

Instead the pigs sing -- something not entirely foreign to a baby book -- seven very typical barnyard animals make their actual sounds (along with Rhinoceroses), and finally there's the usual twist where the reader/listener is involved, something that was probably pretty creative the first time it was done.

The cartoons are nicely New-Yorker-esque. But this particular drawing style (not sure if it's always Boynton) has become so popular that it reminds me of a nice font that everyone uses and no one notices any more. At least Eric Carle's style isn't displayed on cartoons taped to office doors and on coffee mugs.

Other than the drawings and the one conceit this is an almost embarrassingly plain book that I do not anticipate using much. I will update the review if somehow my daughter ends up loving it and it inspires her to get involved in amateur theater. Until then I'll have to try hard to read it with any enthusiasm.

This is an absolute favorite for our 9-month old son. He loves to turn the pages and squeals in delight when he sees "some other dogs go BOW WOW WOW". Highly recommend this short but funny book!

I'm now an adult and have very fond memories of this book (as well as Boynton's other books). My parents read this to me as an infant and I loved it. I will take great pleasure in sharing her books with my own children when I have them.

my 19 month old still loves this book.. at around 13 months he would come to me with the book and tell me 'mom MOOO' ... then we'd read the book together, he loves the animals and the words are so easy to memorise so even though we read it a million times (cuz he loves it that much) i can do other things while still reading him the story by heart as he turns each page.
Also , because it is a nice light read I don't mind reading it over and over again as young children seem to constantly want! :)