I'm not a kid anymore, but this book is GREAT!
351681
I know it sounds like literary heresy to say this, but Reluctant Dragon is better than Wind in the Willows.  Read it to a young person to help them start or keep dreaming, particularly about good things, and read it as an adult for a refreshing breath through a world that needs it.
3432651
I don't have kids of my own, but I loved this book! The art work is beautiful and the rhyming nature of the written word makes it easy for little kids (and adults) to get a grasp on each of the 26 Goddesses listed! I had to get a copy for my niece!
4750750
This book, like its characters, has an identity crisis. It's trying to be a children's book, but I think it's really for grown ups. Mr. Gantos has done a superb job of exposing the workings of the mind of a troubled and confused youngster and the impact of the actions of the sometimes feckless, sometimes neglectful, sometimes abusive adults in his life. This dead-on true-to-life story careens non-stop through the misadventures of this hyperactive kid who gets only bad examples and confusing demands from the people who should be guiding him towards discovery of his best self.  As a pediatrician and as a teacher, I have known children like Joey-aka-Freddy, lost in families like this. So I really appreciate how Mr. Gantos has laid bare the real difficulties of special-needs kids who get just what they don't need from their parents. But who is this book for? It is decked out in a cover which bespeaks zany humor and suggests that it is appropriate for ages 10 and up. I don't think so. Child abuse and neglect just aren't funny. Like Mark Haddon's&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Curious-Incident-of-the-Dog-in-the-Night-Time/dp/1400032717/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time</a>&nbsp;this story will be of great interest to educators and people preparing for careers in which they will work with troubled children and dysfunctional families. I can envision it being extremely useful in a support group for parents of hyperactive kids or in a parenting class for fathers who want to do better by their kids. But it's not for preteens. Kids who are just beginning to be able to think about thinking need more reality-processing in their literature. Kids who, like Joey, get no good models from adults at home are probably better served by stories that model a constructive inner dialog and appropriately supportive family relationships. This story is a masterpiece, but it's too raw for preteens.
3441459
I'm a few years younger than the author, no kids yet, one energetic dog.  Just bought a '97 Accord instead of a minivan after not owning a car since 2006.  A lot of my friends have recently had kids, though, and I've been feeling a little unhinged by the whole enterprise--does this mean we're all grown up?

Imagine my relief to find Mr. Zevin's book, which I felt like I could not put down after opening it.  It's my new manual for how to relate to my friends who have kids.  But what's great, too, is that I don't have to have kids to relate to the author, because he is so funny, so disarming, and really insightful about what it's like to go through some changes in life without a blueprint attached.  Apparently it's easier to go through these changes while sitting in a Captain's Chair, the official name for the driver's seat in a minivan.  Love it.
1596756
I love this book. It's very easy to follow and not intimidating. I would think the recipes are so easy and simple, that they are also kid friendly, but don't take my word for it since I don't have kids, nor work with them. I love the tips in the beginning chapter, where they tell you all these tips about making cookies and keeping them fresh, that some people, like me, who grew up eating pre-made cookies wouldn't know. The book also explains the differences between ingredients and how to prep them. If you know anybody, who's interested in learning to bake or would like to bake (including yourself), but don't have the time to make things from scratch, this is a great gift.

I would have love this book when I was in college cause I really wanted to learn to bake but I didn't have the time, nor energy, or money to pay for cooking/baking class, so everything I made was out of the box.  I discovered that it was a great way to work off some the stress from studying and the smell of baked goods was also a stress relief, which my roommates also enjoyed. I really have enjoyed using this book cause I still don't have the time nor the energy to make things from scratch.  Don't get me wrong, I know that nothing compares to something made from scratch but for me personally due to my current life style, that's what a bakery is for. I still am at awe anybody who makes things from scratch.
4036088
I should have realized from the title that this really isn't for younger kids - my 4 and 6 year olds are still too young for this - though they would enjoy some of the products if I made them.  However, I read through the "recipes", and the instructions for building these things are EXCELLENT!

Unlike many DIY books, Snip Burn Solder Shred has great detail, including specifics on how to acquire most all of the parts needed.  That alone earns SBSS a bonus star!  The details are CLEAR (which is unusual), and I love the variations on many of the projects - You've built X, now you can change these three things and turn it into Y.

One other bonus feature is at the end - kind of an overall how-to section on some of the techniques used through the projects, along with a primer on how to select a few of the tools for purchase.  For anyone who already has a home workshop, it may be superfluous, but for those who want to learn how to become hands-on, it is excellent and essential - highly recommended!

My only complaint, and it is a very minor one, is the emphasis on musical projects (the central section of the projects in the book).  Like I need to help my kids find MORE ways to MAKE NOISE?!?!?!?  :-)  Like I said, a very minor objection.
4308837
I is don't read much.... but this was a great book!!
4326616
Another reviewer said this wonderful book isn't for older readers which could lead some who need it to think they'd gain nothing from it. I bought five copies to give to teens at Xmas; and, although I'm older than dirt, even I picked  a few good pesky hints.  Most 12 to 21 year olds need advice on how to take control of their own lives while having fun in the process. And it never hurts anyone -- regardless of age -- to be reminded that she is responsible for the quality of her life.  Great message -- fun read.
210287
A great book. It's not just for kids. I loved her choice of words.
1416931
There are several reasons I love this book. Here are some of them:
1. This is the book I wish I got when I was a kid.
2. It is for both kids and their parents
3. It is about how to be better self, without going sideways. Without easy solutions like "visualize you're strong and everything will be ok".
4. The way of the warrior kid is simple but not easy :-)
5. If you are into stories like "Karate Kid" then you are going to love it. For me, it is even better, as there is no direct violence. No kicking bully in the face. You can safely read it with your younger children.
6. It is not only about physical fitness. There is much more. I'm not as GOOD and as experienced as Echo Charles in explaining layers (see Jocko Podcast), so I'm not going to go into details here ;-).
7. I'm not a native English speaker, my son neither. I've translated it "on the fly" so it was not fluent and exact but still my son (eight years old) really loved the book.
8. The language is simple and adjusted to the target audience.
9. We've got a lot of laughts while reading the book. It is esspecially (but not limited to) because of the drawings.
10. If it was a required school reading the world would be a better place.

I'm looking forward to read the sequel :-)

Disclaimer:
- I don't know the authors personally or anyone directly involved in creating the book.
- I'm the Jocko Podcast listener and I like the way Jocko approaches life. I've also read "Extreme Ownership" book. This is why I've preordered the book. I knew it is going to be GOOD but I was wrong. It is actually awesome.
- I was able to read this book before the official release date thanks to Amazon Germany which sent books earlier (I've got mine on April 27th)
4260302
This book is brilliant, though certainly not for young children. Perhaps 8+. But I have also given it to adults, and they loved it. It also comes in a board book format, but since the language is way beyond the comprehension of any young child, I'm not sure I would get that format.
3404799
This is one of my favorite books ever!!!! This book is very descriptive, and it's like I'm really there, really walking miles and miles. I recommend this book to kids (and adults) from 11- adult. I'm a teenager and I know what Casey ( the main character) is talking about. It's a little mature though, but our generation is being told about "family life" younger and younger.
1821459
I don't get where people are saying it's not written for the layman. I don't consider myself to be extraordinarily intelligent, but I found this to be pretty easy to follow and understand. Great book, I highly recommend it to anyone.
2173830
Being a father of a three year old, it's sometimes challenging to instill a sense of humility, especially since Im at a stage in my life where I am able to comfortably provide him all of the things I never had growing up.

This book is a great read, even for me! Im just as guilty as anyone else in indulging in instant gratification, even though I try my best to appreciate all that I already have, not just material things either. Sumi the caterpillar, the protagonist, teaches us the value of happiness. Happiness doesnt come from what is given to you, but rather from what you have to give internally.

The reading is easy and the illustrations are a nice touch. Im not sure if my three year old fully understood the moral of the story at this young an age, but he did enjoy the colorful drawings! Im confident that as he gets a little older, hell be able to absorb the wonderful underlying message, as told by Sumi the Caterpillar that became Enlightened.
2222863
I don't have any kids, but this book has actually been around for a long time. I was born in 82, and this book was by far my favorite. The illustrations are great and the message is even better. It's a really witty way to tell children that labels don't matter. The illustrations also make the book even better, my personal favorite as a child being when Fluffy sticks marshmallows all over his quills to make himself more fluffy.
2366603
As the author of&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Obliging-Fairies-of-Dream-World/dp/B0093N7VWU/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Obliging Fairies of Dream World</a>, AND a parent of a young child, I thoroughly appreciated this picture book for adults.  Finally!  Someone said what pretty much every parent thinks at some point.  I loved it.  The pictures are ironically lovely and funny in and of themselves, and it is just refreshing to read something short and sweet like this but meant totally for adults.  As a parent, it's nice to know you're not alone when you get frustrated from time to time.  I think this book would be a fun gift for an open-minded new parent.  Obviously not for the kiddies, but a good laugh for adults.
2385027
I never got to read this book as a child,and now, at the age of 73, I'm enjoying it tremendously.  I've seen 2 movie versions but the book is so much more in depth.  The characters are well-drawn, there is humor and pathos. I have laughed and cried reading it. I am not finished yet, but I am so happy to be reading it.  This book was first published in 1868 and wears it's age better than I do.  The mother's handling of her daughters should be required reading for all mothers.  I wish I had read it while I was struggling with my own adolescent/teen-age daughters.  I might have been a happier time for all of us.