First Animal Encyclopedia (Dk First Reference Series)

First Animal Encyclopedia (Dk First Reference Series) by DK Publishing
Buy new: $11.55 / Used from: $5.91
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An inspiring new addition to the First Reference series, the DK First Animal Encyclopedia is loaded with spectacular photographs showing animal habits and habitats. From aardvark to zebra, this book is packed with fascinating facts about animals, giving children a wonderful head start on learning about the animal world.

I bought this encyclopedia for my son's 7th birthday. It was his favorite gift, hands down. He still takes it with him everywhere. The book is full of pictures and lots of neat facts that are enough to challenge a 7 year old, but concise enough that he can read them simply. The book is split up into different categories of animals: Mammals, Creepy Crawlies, Birds, Reptiles, etc.

Then each category has pages for different types of that creature. For example, mammals has ocean mammals, horses, marsupials, flying mammals, etc. The pictures are wonderful, and as I said, the amount of text is just right. I am so glad I bought this. My son is happy to sit for hours on end looking at this book. I highly recommend it for any animal loving child.

Buy new: $11.55 First Animal Encyclopedia (Dk First Reference Series)

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Mole Music

Mole Music by David McPhail
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $0.11
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In the past 2 months, we've bought about 100 children's books, increasing our selection for toddlers to over 250 and out of all of those, together with those I've read from other sources, I would rate this as one of the best, especially for our 28-month-old son who has a special love for music and dance (yes, I think all-around, it's even better than Gustav Mole).

The values in this book (including hard work, practice, humility and peace) are outstanding without being heavy-handed or even obvious, making it a great book for all young children. The story and illustrations are sweet and charming.

A spiritual story about the far-reaching effects of private actions.

Mole has always led a simple life, but lately he feels something is missing. When he first hears someone playing a violin, Mole realizes that he longs to make beautiful music, too.

Through practice and patience, Mole learns to play. And even though he plays alone, in the privacy of his underground home, his music has an effect on others that is more magical than Mole will ever know.

Buy new: $7.99 Mole Music

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National Geographic Encyclopedia of Animals

National Geographic Encyclopedia of Animals by Karen McGhee
Buy new: $16.47 / Used from: $6.97
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I bought this encyclopedia for my 7 year-old daughter who is obsessed with the great cats. She was thrilled! We had borrowed the previous edition (with the tree frog on the front) from the library, so I already knew that she loved the book. But now, with the tiger on the front, it's one of her favorite possessions. We're a month past Christmas, and she is still consulting this book regularly, drawing pictures of the various animals shown in full-color, and learning so many facts that she's becoming a walking encyclopedia herself.

The organization and layout is very user-friendly. This is not an alphabetized A-Z book of animals. The mammals, insects, birds, etc. are all groups according to categories of related creatures. This is a very helpful feature. We give the book two thumbs up!!

The animal kingdom is the greatest show on Earth, and National Geographic Encyclopedia of Animals puts it all at your fingertips.

Buy new: $16.47 National Geographic Encyclopedia of Animals

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Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone

Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone by Deborah Madison
Buy new: $26.40 / Used from: $24.00
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I just counted 34 cookbooks in my kitchen, but this is the one I use the most. Only the Joy of Cooking gets an equal workout. This book is the only vegetarian cookbook I've ever seen that:
1) Is comprehensive enough to cover every ingredient you have in your fridge (if you have a head of fennel and a potato, and nothing else, you will probably be able to find a recipe);
2) Is neither too far in the "twigs pebbles and roughage" camp nor the "80 ingredients you never heard of and 3 hours you don't have" camp. Most recipes are reasonable in scope and actually flavorful, although if you want to create a fancy banquet you can.
Even if you are not a committed vegetarian (I'm not), but you just want to eat healthier, or to avoid the "vegetables turning into science experiments in the fridge" thing, this is a tremendous great resource.
Buy new: $26.40 Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone

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