What would it be like to have the famous poet Emily Dickenson as your very own aunt? In this beautifully told story, 'My Uncle Emily' by Jane Yolen, young Gilbert describes how special his 'Uncle' Emily is and how much he loves her. Gilbert and his Uncle Emily spend special moments together laughing, chasing butterflies, and sharing poems. One day, Gilbert learns a very important lesson about truth and understanding when 'Uncle' Emily sends him to school with a poem and a bee. In this tender story of love, we discover the special bond that existed between Gilbert and his aunt and gain an insight into the loving and creative person of Emily Dickenson.

Similar authors: Jeanette Winter; Michael Bedrad; Elizabeth Spires

Similar books: Emily Dickinson's Letters to the World by Jeanette Winter; Emily by Michael Bedrad; A Mouse of Amherst by Elizabeth Spires

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 6/29/2011

ISBN-10: 0399240055

ISBN-13: 9780399240058

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Napoleon didn't know the meaning of the word 'impossible.' He came from a small island, wasn't liked by his classmates at military school in France, and was a mediocre student. However, he established the French empire and crowned himself Emperor of France! This beautiful book, illustrated with paintings of Napoleon, tells the fascinating story of his triumphs and tragedies.

Reviewed by: hap

Date read: 2/18/2010

ISBN-10: 081091378X

ISBN-13: 9780810913783

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This updated volume has all the information needed for an early report on Neptune. We learn that there is no water on Neptune, that the clouds are made up of methane gas, and that Neptune is one of the largest planets in our solar system. We also learn that Neptune was discovered by scientists who were studying Uranus. They used mathematics, and started with Uranus' unusual orbit to predict where another planet might be. Two different diagrams show Neptune in relationship to the rest of the solar system. It is shown as the eighth, and last, planet thus reflecting the recent scientific decision that Pluto is not really a planet.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/13/2009

ISBN-10: 0531147509

ISBN-13: 9780531147504

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Steve Jenkins is back again with his whimsical and striking torn and cut paper collages! He again masters the art of teaching us about animals in a fun, easy style that makes us unaware we are even learning. Most of us have a heathy fear of lions and tigers and bears, not to mention, snakes, sharks and scorpions. But Jenkins calls upon the lesser known, seemingly 'safer' creatures: platypuses, cassowarys, kangaroos and monkeys. Did you know a platypus is the only poisonous mammal? That the flightless cassowary stands as tall as a man and can deliver a lethal kick with it's sharp claws, or an angry kangaroo can deliver a blow powerful enough to cave in a person's chest? And do be careful, because if you laugh at the antics of a silly monkey, it may interpret your show of teeth as aggression and respond violently. For more good advice that will surprise you and keep you safe, read Never Smile at a Monkey.

Awards nominated: Monarch Award Nominee 2012

Reviewed by: ewl

Date read: 3/23/2011

ISBN-10: 9780618966202

ISBN-13: 9780618966202

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With amazing, full-color photographs of butterflies and moths in all different stages of life and fascinating information packed on every page, this book is constantly entertaining. Learn about a moth that feeds on the tears of sleeping animals, discover a picture of the rain forest caterpillar that disguises itself as a poisonous snake, and view extreme close-up photographs of things like the scales on butterfly wings. How big is the biggest butterfly in the world? Why do some butterflies have spots on their wings that look like eyes? Read this book to find out!

Similar books: Frogs by Nic Bishop; Spiders by Nic Bishop; Lizards by Nic Bishop

Awards nominated: Monarch Award Nominee 2012

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 4/29/2011

ISBN-10: 9780439877572

ISBN-13: 9780439877572

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