Ever since I saw BRAVEHEART for the first time, I've wanted to learn more about Scottish history. I didn't want to get into too much detail, just a general overview of the country's past. Now, although I would have liked a little more explanation about what occurred during each ruler's reign and the causes of the various conflicts, this was still an excellent book for a look at the general progression of Scotland as a country. Ms. Bingham gives the reader an overview of the major points during each regent's time on the throne. The geneological tables in the back help us to see how each king or queen is related to those who came before.

The disappointing part of the book is the fact that no time is spent with the common people and the effects these events had upon them. For example, there was only a single paragraph in the entire book dedicated to William Wallace (the main character in BRAVEHEART). Stuff like this seemed to be glossed over for the sake of brevity. While effective in that respect, I think these omissions detract from the book as a whole. In addition, there were a few personages, institutions, and concepts that were never really explained very well (what is a Kirk?). This made the book a little troublesome to understand at some points.

All in all though, this is a good book for getting a general idea about Scotland's past. We see the progression from its formation to when the Union was formed between Scotland and England, as well as the last years of the Stewart kings in exile. Being published in 1972, we get no mention of the re-establishment of the Scottish parliament a couple of years ago. Still, I came out with the knowledge of Scottish history that I was looking for.

Reminiscent of Lester, the pig in the Mrs. Piggle Wiggle series, Lollipop is a homely pig chosen as a present by the spoiled Princess Penelope for her 8th birthday. Her owner, Johnny, has trained this pig to obey commands much as a dog would, and comes to live at the palace with the pig. The King secretly engages the boy to train his daughter as well, as she is getting out of hand. This predictable story teaches a couple of lessons to the readers--the problem of selfishness and not judging by appearances--without beating the reader with those messages. The illustrations complement the text, which is roughly a 3rd grade level.

The last summer with Maizon was a good book. The book was somewhat confusing in the being of the book. You had to figure out who everyone was and who everyone belong to. After you figured that out the book easy to read. The book kept me interest the whole time. You did not know what was going to happen next.
I thought the book was sad at different points because I did not what the childrens feeling to get hurt. I felt bad for Margaret and her brother. They did not have a dad or a mom that was around that much. I felt that her mother wanted to be there for Margaret but she could not be there because of her father being in the hospital.

I am a newcomer to the life of this amazing English king, but this book has been truly fascinating. Well written, informative, and easy to read, I recommend Mrs. Fraser's book to anyone who wants to start learning about Henry. For an expert on the subject, this is probably too basic for you.

I am a title I reading teacher and I was looking for some books to recommend to my second graders. I bought some of the Nate the Great series books to look at. This book was the first one that I read and I found it to be very enjoyable. I know the children will enjoy it also, especially the characters, Nate and Rosamond. Boys and girls who are ages 5-8 will relate to Nate and Rosamond and the adventures they go through. If you are looking for fun, short chapter books for your first-third graders, I think they will really enjoy these.

Living in NYC, it was a unique experience to be able to read a book, and then take my son to the place where the action occurs. We pretended to also be pirates, and this made the book a wonderful facillitator for imaginative play. But the book is for more than Manhattanites - I bought it for friends living in the Midwest, and am purchasing it again to send to a friend in Philly. I highly recommend it.

A sweet book about a girl who tends birds for a kingdom, but is never allowed to leave her "charges" (ie cage), until one day when a prized bird escapes. A fairy tale that doesn't have a typical "ever after" ending, but an ending that allows the heroine to make the decision about what she should do with her life.

I have this book for my daughter (she's a real "girly girl"). She loves anything to do with sparkles and princesses, and then to put her picture in a book that sparkles and makes her the princess is awesome. I'm looking to buy a couple more of these for my nieces. Great fun book

My 5 year old daughter has been read this book many, many, many times for her bedtime story. Prinecss Bella has a problem, she thinks she is not pretty. She wears the same red hat every day until the royal subjects think her hair must have fallen out! On the day she looses her hat, she finds out she is indeed very beautiful, and that her beauty comes from within. I would suggest it for young children who are developing their own sense of self. It shows how Bella overcomes shyness, and how she opens up and finally talkes to her father about her fears. The illustrations are very detailed and colorful. I am not precisely sure what holds my child's attention after so many readings, and that is precisely true.

OK, the subject is didactic: child won't eat vegatables. But the solution is unique, and although she eventually makes the choice the parents want, the __choice__ is her own.

Great illustrations, quirky humor, fun book!