not the best, 05 Nov 2007
I bought this book for my two boys who are six and seven years old, it looked great to me. Unfortunately after reading a few of the stories my boys said the book was just plain boring! Maybe it would be better suited for girls??? there are so many lovely books out there and I liked the idea of having lots of different stories all in one book, but it didn't work this time !!!

The book has a lots of stories, and they are very good., 28 Mar 2001
My favourite story is the one called Ostriges can't Fly and my second favourite is the one called Tikki Pikki Boom Boom. Ilove the way that each story is kind of different in its own way. I have even got the cassette of it! It is one of my favourite books apart from Cirque Du Freak of course!!! (My sister buys the cassettes of the series and we listen to them as soon as we get them!)

The book has a lots of stories, and they are very good., 28 Mar 2001
My favourite story is the one called Ostriges can't Fly and my second favourite is the one called Tikki Pikki Boom Boom. Ilove the way that each story is kind of different in its own way. I have even got the cassette of it! It is one of my favourite books apart from Cirque Du Freak of course!!! (My sister buys the cassettes of the series and we listen to them as soon as we get them!)

not the best, 05 Nov 2007
I bought this book for my two boys who are six and seven years old, it looked great to me. Unfortunately after reading a few of the stories my boys said the book was just plain boring! Maybe it would be better suited for girls??? there are so many lovely books out there and I liked the idea of having lots of different stories all in one book, but it didn't work this time !!!

The book has a lots of stories, and they are very good., 28 Mar 2001
My favourite story is the one called Ostriges can't Fly and my second favourite is the one called Tikki Pikki Boom Boom. Ilove the way that each story is kind of different in its own way. I have even got the cassette of it! It is one of my favourite books apart from Cirque Du Freak of course!!! (My sister buys the cassettes of the series and we listen to them as soon as we get them!)

The book has a lots of stories, and they are very good., 28 Mar 2001
My favourite story is the one called Ostriges can't Fly and my second favourite is the one called Tikki Pikki Boom Boom. Ilove the way that each story is kind of different in its own way. I have even got the cassette of it! It is one of my favourite books apart from Cirque Du Freak of course!!! (My sister buys the cassettes of the series and we listen to them as soon as we get them!)

A Christmas Carol, 02 Jan 2008
It seems that lots of Christmas traditions were born in the UK between 15th and 19th century. Charles Dickens cleverly used the background of the Victorian houses and societies and produced a splendid Christmas story.

The highlight of this classic is that Mr Scrooge gradually becomes aware of his selfishness and indifference whilst being hooked on earning a lot of money for himself, while his former colleague, Marley takes him to the world where an awful number of people are suffering from the poverty. Marley who died seven years ago feels extremely guilty for ever not helping the poor when he was alive. Having become a ghost, he begs Mr Scrooge to provide goodwill to the miserable people. Moreover, he is taken to various places, in line with Christmas in his past, present, and future.

A series of dramatic dreams shows him the moral of Christianity and conveys the true spirit of Christmas, i.e. peace and goodwill to all. Consequently, he changes his mind, presents a cheerful manner, and offers generous support to people, to the astonishment of his employee, Bob Cratchit who is told by his boss that his salary will be raised.


The classic Victorian Christmas story, 15 Dec 2007
A Christmas Carol is the classic Victorian Christmas story. Even though we know it well it continues to be a joy to read. Dickens creates some wonderful pictures of the bustling life in 19th century London. Some of the dialogue remains so fresh and still raises a smile in the reader no matter how many times you have read the book before. "You'll want all day tomorrow, I suppose" says Scrooge to his clerk on Christmas Eve. And the conversation between Scrooge and the two gentlemen who are asking him for donations to help the poor and destitute at Christmas is as funny (and poignant) as anything in any Dickens novel.

Although it is sometimes described as a children's book I do feel parents need to make an assessment as to how their children may react to some of the ghost scenes. Some adults I know say they had nightmares as a result of the appearance of Marley's ghost and the rattling chains!

It just would not be the same without it........, 03 Oct 2007
My all time fave story and I just have to re-read at least twice in the Xmas run-up. The writing just grabs you in a way that no other writer can and as for the characters, well they are already written into folklore.

Baa... Humbug, 02 Jan 2007
Christmas is a time to give and this story really gives the reader something!
Charles Dickens has a magical power over a reader and he used it over me!
Hope you enjoy this childrens classic!
One little point though... to everyone who doesn't like Dickens don't bother writing a review!

great classic novel, but difficult to read, especially for children, 17 Sep 2006
The review below is slightly misleading as this particular version is COMPLETE AND UNABRIDGED.
I would recommend reading a simplified version first, if you are not familiar with the story. Then have a dictionary to hand as you read this one!
The classic story is timeless, and one of Charles Dickens' most well known tales. As with many of his stories, the pictures he conjures up are rooted in his own experience of life in Victorian Britain, with it's great contrast between rich and poor.

not the best, 05 Nov 2007
I bought this book for my two boys who are six and seven years old, it looked great to me. Unfortunately after reading a few of the stories my boys said the book was just plain boring! Maybe it would be better suited for girls??? there are so many lovely books out there and I liked the idea of having lots of different stories all in one book, but it didn't work this time !!!

The book has a lots of stories, and they are very good., 28 Mar 2001
My favourite story is the one called Ostriges can't Fly and my second favourite is the one called Tikki Pikki Boom Boom. Ilove the way that each story is kind of different in its own way. I have even got the cassette of it! It is one of my favourite books apart from Cirque Du Freak of course!!! (My sister buys the cassettes of the series and we listen to them as soon as we get them!)

The book has a lots of stories, and they are very good., 28 Mar 2001
My favourite story is the one called Ostriges can't Fly and my second favourite is the one called Tikki Pikki Boom Boom. Ilove the way that each story is kind of different in its own way. I have even got the cassette of it! It is one of my favourite books apart from Cirque Du Freak of course!!! (My sister buys the cassettes of the series and we listen to them as soon as we get them!)

A Christmas Carol, 02 Jan 2008
It seems that lots of Christmas traditions were born in the UK between 15th and 19th century. Charles Dickens cleverly used the background of the Victorian houses and societies and produced a splendid Christmas story.

The highlight of this classic is that Mr Scrooge gradually becomes aware of his selfishness and indifference whilst being hooked on earning a lot of money for himself, while his former colleague, Marley takes him to the world where an awful number of people are suffering from the poverty. Marley who died seven years ago feels extremely guilty for ever not helping the poor when he was alive. Having become a ghost, he begs Mr Scrooge to provide goodwill to the miserable people. Moreover, he is taken to various places, in line with Christmas in his past, present, and future.

A series of dramatic dreams shows him the moral of Christianity and conveys the true spirit of Christmas, i.e. peace and goodwill to all. Consequently, he changes his mind, presents a cheerful manner, and offers generous support to people, to the astonishment of his employee, Bob Cratchit who is told by his boss that his salary will be raised.


The classic Victorian Christmas story, 15 Dec 2007
A Christmas Carol is the classic Victorian Christmas story. Even though we know it well it continues to be a joy to read. Dickens creates some wonderful pictures of the bustling life in 19th century London. Some of the dialogue remains so fresh and still raises a smile in the reader no matter how many times you have read the book before. "You'll want all day tomorrow, I suppose" says Scrooge to his clerk on Christmas Eve. And the conversation between Scrooge and the two gentlemen who are asking him for donations to help the poor and destitute at Christmas is as funny (and poignant) as anything in any Dickens novel.

Although it is sometimes described as a children's book I do feel parents need to make an assessment as to how their children may react to some of the ghost scenes. Some adults I know say they had nightmares as a result of the appearance of Marley's ghost and the rattling chains!

It just would not be the same without it........, 03 Oct 2007
My all time fave story and I just have to re-read at least twice in the Xmas run-up. The writing just grabs you in a way that no other writer can and as for the characters, well they are already written into folklore.

Baa... Humbug, 02 Jan 2007
Christmas is a time to give and this story really gives the reader something!
Charles Dickens has a magical power over a reader and he used it over me!
Hope you enjoy this childrens classic!
One little point though... to everyone who doesn't like Dickens don't bother writing a review!

great classic novel, but difficult to read, especially for children, 17 Sep 2006
The review below is slightly misleading as this particular version is COMPLETE AND UNABRIDGED.
I would recommend reading a simplified version first, if you are not familiar with the story. Then have a dictionary to hand as you read this one!
The classic story is timeless, and one of Charles Dickens' most well known tales. As with many of his stories, the pictures he conjures up are rooted in his own experience of life in Victorian Britain, with it's great contrast between rich and poor.

looking for some short xmas stories?, 17 Mar 2003
this is the book. Some stories have wintry scenes, some are less christmassy, some a bit too short but overall not a bad book. Not what I had expected (I was looking for something with a lot more festivity) but a good stocking filler for the kids!

Every night Herb's mother would read him a bedtime story. Sometimes it was about a big wolf who terrified little girls and their grandmothers with his chilling growl and his big yellow teeth. You could tell from the picture that toothpaste had never been on his shopping list.

The story got very nasty in the middle and everybody nearly came to a sticky end ... but ... by the last page ... it had all turned out well and went happy-ever-afterly.

But when the story ends, Herb insists that his mum takes the book away with her just in case the wolf jumps out of the book to get him. His mother thinks he's being a bit silly, but usually does as she is asked until one night she forgets and Herb is proved right: the wolf does jump out to get him and he is left to sort out the problem with just a little help from a few other storybook favourites...

Beware the Storybook Wolves is a superb book with "Award-Winner" written all over it. Lauren Child's quirky illustrations combine with a unique and funny story that leaves the young reader breathless with every turn, using familiar fairy-tale characters to turn childhood fears on their heads.

Read this book and laugh out loud (just wait till you see the solution to Herb's problems!) while warding off your child's fears of things that go bump in the night. (Age 4 and over) --Susan Harrison

not the best, 05 Nov 2007
I bought this book for my two boys who are six and seven years old, it looked great to me. Unfortunately after reading a few of the stories my boys said the book was just plain boring! Maybe it would be better suited for girls??? there are so many lovely books out there and I liked the idea of having lots of different stories all in one book, but it didn't work this time !!!

The book has a lots of stories, and they are very good., 28 Mar 2001
My favourite story is the one called Ostriges can't Fly and my second favourite is the one called Tikki Pikki Boom Boom. Ilove the way that each story is kind of different in its own way. I have even got the cassette of it! It is one of my favourite books apart from Cirque Du Freak of course!!! (My sister buys the cassettes of the series and we listen to them as soon as we get them!)

The book has a lots of stories, and they are very good., 28 Mar 2001
My favourite story is the one called Ostriges can't Fly and my second favourite is the one called Tikki Pikki Boom Boom. Ilove the way that each story is kind of different in its own way. I have even got the cassette of it! It is one of my favourite books apart from Cirque Du Freak of course!!! (My sister buys the cassettes of the series and we listen to them as soon as we get them!)

A Christmas Carol, 02 Jan 2008
It seems that lots of Christmas traditions were born in the UK between 15th and 19th century. Charles Dickens cleverly used the background of the Victorian houses and societies and produced a splendid Christmas story.

The highlight of this classic is that Mr Scrooge gradually becomes aware of his selfishness and indifference whilst being hooked on earning a lot of money for himself, while his former colleague, Marley takes him to the world where an awful number of people are suffering from the poverty. Marley who died seven years ago feels extremely guilty for ever not helping the poor when he was alive. Having become a ghost, he begs Mr Scrooge to provide goodwill to the miserable people. Moreover, he is taken to various places, in line with Christmas in his past, present, and future.

A series of dramatic dreams shows him the moral of Christianity and conveys the true spirit of Christmas, i.e. peace and goodwill to all. Consequently, he changes his mind, presents a cheerful manner, and offers generous support to people, to the astonishment of his employee, Bob Cratchit who is told by his boss that his salary will be raised.


The classic Victorian Christmas story, 15 Dec 2007
A Christmas Carol is the classic Victorian Christmas story. Even though we know it well it continues to be a joy to read. Dickens creates some wonderful pictures of the bustling life in 19th century London. Some of the dialogue remains so fresh and still raises a smile in the reader no matter how many times you have read the book before. "You'll want all day tomorrow, I suppose" says Scrooge to his clerk on Christmas Eve. And the conversation between Scrooge and the two gentlemen who are asking him for donations to help the poor and destitute at Christmas is as funny (and poignant) as anything in any Dickens novel.

Although it is sometimes described as a children's book I do feel parents need to make an assessment as to how their children may react to some of the ghost scenes. Some adults I know say they had nightmares as a result of the appearance of Marley's ghost and the rattling chains!

It just would not be the same without it........, 03 Oct 2007
My all time fave story and I just have to re-read at least twice in the Xmas run-up. The writing just grabs you in a way that no other writer can and as for the characters, well they are already written into folklore.

Baa... Humbug, 02 Jan 2007
Christmas is a time to give and this story really gives the reader something!
Charles Dickens has a magical power over a reader and he used it over me!
Hope you enjoy this childrens classic!
One little point though... to everyone who doesn't like Dickens don't bother writing a review!

great classic novel, but difficult to read, especially for children, 17 Sep 2006
The review below is slightly misleading as this particular version is COMPLETE AND UNABRIDGED.
I would recommend reading a simplified version first, if you are not familiar with the story. Then have a dictionary to hand as you read this one!
The classic story is timeless, and one of Charles Dickens' most well known tales. As with many of his stories, the pictures he conjures up are rooted in his own experience of life in Victorian Britain, with it's great contrast between rich and poor.

looking for some short xmas stories?, 17 Mar 2003
this is the book. Some stories have wintry scenes, some are less christmassy, some a bit too short but overall not a bad book. Not what I had expected (I was looking for something with a lot more festivity) but a good stocking filler for the kids!

Fabulous book, 14 Mar 2006
My 6 year old and nine year old daughters both love this book. Unusual well thought out story and great illustrations - funny not scary.

Beware of the Storybook Wolves, 03 Dec 2005
My daughter enjoyed this book but watch out because she now refuses to go upstairs alone because she is scared that the story book wolves are about. She loves other Lauren Child books. Be warned!

modern yet charming, 27 Aug 2003
This book is all about Herb who is scared of his fairytale book being left in his bedrm in case the characters come to life. His mum forgets one night to take it with her & the story is all about what happens as Herb deals with the 2 wolves who want to eat him ("little boys is pudding!!!"). I bought this book for my 5 yr old son but it was so much fun that my 9 yr old was asking if he could listen in too! This book is fantastic fun - lots of scope for silly voices whilst reading (i love doing the wolves & the fairy godmother!). As with all Lauren Child books , this comes highly recommended by my whole family - kids & adults alike!

Fabulous, 19 Jun 2002
Lauren Child is fantastic, we tells such a good story and the illustrations are fabulous. A must for your child, my daughter loves it!

Fantastic fun for all from 2 to 102!, 16 Dec 2001
Hilarious story which is as much fun to read as it is for the kids. Works on ten different levels so if you have kids of different ages this is a great book to keep everyone amused. Highly recommended.

not the best, 05 Nov 2007
I bought this book for my two boys who are six and seven years old, it looked great to me. Unfortunately after reading a few of the stories my boys said the book was just plain boring! Maybe it would be better suited for girls??? there are so many lovely books out there and I liked the idea of having lots of different stories all in one book, but it didn't work this time !!!

The book has a lots of stories, and they are very good., 28 Mar 2001
My favourite story is the one called Ostriges can't Fly and my second favourite is the one called Tikki Pikki Boom Boom. Ilove the way that each story is kind of different in its own way. I have even got the cassette of it! It is one of my favourite books apart from Cirque Du Freak of course!!! (My sister buys the cassettes of the series and we listen to them as soon as we get them!)

The book has a lots of stories, and they are very good., 28 Mar 2001
My favourite story is the one called Ostriges can't Fly and my second favourite is the one called Tikki Pikki Boom Boom. Ilove the way that each story is kind of different in its own way. I have even got the cassette of it! It is one of my favourite books apart from Cirque Du Freak of course!!! (My sister buys the cassettes of the series and we listen to them as soon as we get them!)

A Christmas Carol, 02 Jan 2008
It seems that lots of Christmas traditions were born in the UK between 15th and 19th century. Charles Dickens cleverly used the background of the Victorian houses and societies and produced a splendid Christmas story.

The highlight of this classic is that Mr Scrooge gradually becomes aware of his selfishness and indifference whilst being hooked on earning a lot of money for himself, while his former colleague, Marley takes him to the world where an awful number of people are suffering from the poverty. Marley who died seven years ago feels extremely guilty for ever not helping the poor when he was alive. Having become a ghost, he begs Mr Scrooge to provide goodwill to the miserable people. Moreover, he is taken to various places, in line with Christmas in his past, present, and future.

A series of dramatic dreams shows him the moral of Christianity and conveys the true spirit of Christmas, i.e. peace and goodwill to all. Consequently, he changes his mind, presents a cheerful manner, and offers generous support to people, to the astonishment of his employee, Bob Cratchit who is told by his boss that his salary will be raised.


The classic Victorian Christmas story, 15 Dec 2007
A Christmas Carol is the classic Victorian Christmas story. Even though we know it well it continues to be a joy to read. Dickens creates some wonderful pictures of the bustling life in 19th century London. Some of the dialogue remains so fresh and still raises a smile in the reader no matter how many times you have read the book before. "You'll want all day tomorrow, I suppose" says Scrooge to his clerk on Christmas Eve. And the conversation between Scrooge and the two gentlemen who are asking him for donations to help the poor and destitute at Christmas is as funny (and poignant) as anything in any Dickens novel.

Although it is sometimes described as a children's book I do feel parents need to make an assessment as to how their children may react to some of the ghost scenes. Some adults I know say they had nightmares as a result of the appearance of Marley's ghost and the rattling chains!

It just would not be the same without it........, 03 Oct 2007
My all time fave story and I just have to re-read at least twice in the Xmas run-up. The writing just grabs you in a way that no other writer can and as for the characters, well they are already written into folklore.

Baa... Humbug, 02 Jan 2007
Christmas is a time to give and this story really gives the reader something!
Charles Dickens has a magical power over a reader and he used it over me!
Hope you enjoy this childrens classic!
One little point though... to everyone who doesn't like Dickens don't bother writing a review!

great classic novel, but difficult to read, especially for children, 17 Sep 2006
The review below is slightly misleading as this particular version is COMPLETE AND UNABRIDGED.
I would recommend reading a simplified version first, if you are not familiar with the story. Then have a dictionary to hand as you read this one!
The classic story is timeless, and one of Charles Dickens' most well known tales. As with many of his stories, the pictures he conjures up are rooted in his own experience of life in Victorian Britain, with it's great contrast between rich and poor.

looking for some short xmas stories?, 17 Mar 2003
this is the book. Some stories have wintry scenes, some are less christmassy, some a bit too short but overall not a bad book. Not what I had expected (I was looking for something with a lot more festivity) but a good stocking filler for the kids!

Fabulous book, 14 Mar 2006
My 6 year old and nine year old daughters both love this book. Unusual well thought out story and great illustrations - funny not scary.

Beware of the Storybook Wolves, 03 Dec 2005
My daughter enjoyed this book but watch out because she now refuses to go upstairs alone because she is scared that the story book wolves are about. She loves other Lauren Child books. Be warned!

modern yet charming, 27 Aug 2003
This book is all about Herb who is scared of his fairytale book being left in his bedrm in case the characters come to life. His mum forgets one night to take it with her & the story is all about what happens as Herb deals with the 2 wolves who want to eat him ("little boys is pudding!!!"). I bought this book for my 5 yr old son but it was so much fun that my 9 yr old was asking if he could listen in too! This book is fantastic fun - lots of scope for silly voices whilst reading (i love doing the wolves & the fairy godmother!). As with all Lauren Child books , this comes highly recommended by my whole family - kids & adults alike!

Fabulous, 19 Jun 2002
Lauren Child is fantastic, we tells such a good story and the illustrations are fabulous. A must for your child, my daughter loves it!

Fantastic fun for all from 2 to 102!, 16 Dec 2001
Hilarious story which is as much fun to read as it is for the kids. Works on ten different levels so if you have kids of different ages this is a great book to keep everyone amused. Highly recommended.

Lovely book and CD, 13 Apr 2008
This is a lovely book and CD. My baby daughter has enjoyed me singing them to her and I'm sure she'll love singing them when she's older. The rhymes are all in order as on the CD (except the first one - Here we go round the Mulberry Bush)and Mum can read the words (as I didn't remember any nursery rhymes!!!). Well recommended.

Nice book, nice music, 17 Jan 2008

The book is good quality, has some good rhymes and nice designs.

The CD is also high quality, with pleasant voices, good music and nice sound effects. My only complaint is that the CD rhyme order is completely different to the order of the rhymes in the book. This means that if someone wants to learn the rhymes they need to constantly look at the index trying to find the page of the next rhyme that comes up. It's actually very annoying and a pity such a big flaw exists in an otherwise great product.


Wonderful CD to accompany a great book, 09 Dec 2007
I've heard so many ropey CD compilations of children's nursery rhymes. This one uses only acoustic instruments and is pleasant to listen too. The illustrations in the book are great and the rhymes have my children miming the actions and singing along.

not the best, 05 Nov 2007
I bought this book for my two boys who are six and seven years old, it looked great to me. Unfortunately after reading a few of the stories my boys said the book was just plain boring! Maybe it would be better suited for girls??? there are so many lovely books out there and I liked the idea of having lots of different stories all in one book, but it didn't work this time !!!

The book has a lots of stories, and they are very good., 28 Mar 2001
My favourite story is the one called Ostriges can't Fly and my second favourite is the one called Tikki Pikki Boom Boom. Ilove the way that each story is kind of different in its own way. I have even got the cassette of it! It is one of my favourite books apart from Cirque Du Freak of course!!! (My sister buys the cassettes of the series and we listen to them as soon as we get them!)

The book has a lots of stories, and they are very good., 28 Mar 2001
My favourite story is the one called Ostriges can't Fly and my second favourite is the one called Tikki Pikki Boom Boom. Ilove the way that each story is kind of different in its own way. I have even got the cassette of it! It is one of my favourite books apart from Cirque Du Freak of course!!! (My sister buys the cassettes of the series and we listen to them as soon as we get them!)

A Christmas Carol, 02 Jan 2008
It seems that lots of Christmas traditions were born in the UK between 15th and 19th century. Charles Dickens cleverly used the background of the Victorian houses and societies and produced a splendid Christmas story.

The highlight of this classic is that Mr Scrooge gradually becomes aware of his selfishness and indifference whilst being hooked on earning a lot of money for himself, while his former colleague, Marley takes him to the world where an awful number of people are suffering from the poverty. Marley who died seven years ago feels extremely guilty for ever not helping the poor when he was alive. Having become a ghost, he begs Mr Scrooge to provide goodwill to the miserable people. Moreover, he is taken to various places, in line with Christmas in his past, present, and future.

A series of dramatic dreams shows him the moral of Christianity and conveys the true spirit of Christmas, i.e. peace and goodwill to all. Consequently, he changes his mind, presents a cheerful manner, and offers generous support to people, to the astonishment of his employee, Bob Cratchit who is told by his boss that his salary will be raised.


The classic Victorian Christmas story, 15 Dec 2007
A Christmas Carol is the classic Victorian Christmas story. Even though we know it well it continues to be a joy to read. Dickens creates some wonderful pictures of the bustling life in 19th century London. Some of the dialogue remains so fresh and still raises a smile in the reader no matter how many times you have read the book before. "You'll want all day tomorrow, I suppose" says Scrooge to his clerk on Christmas Eve. And the conversation between Scrooge and the two gentlemen who are asking him for donations to help the poor and destitute at Christmas is as funny (and poignant) as anything in any Dickens novel.

Although it is sometimes described as a children's book I do feel parents need to make an assessment as to how their children may react to some of the ghost scenes. Some adults I know say they had nightmares as a result of the appearance of Marley's ghost and the rattling chains!

It just would not be the same without it........, 03 Oct 2007
My all time fave story and I just have to re-read at least twice in the Xmas run-up. The writing just grabs you in a way that no other writer can and as for the characters, well they are already written into folklore.

Baa... Humbug, 02 Jan 2007
Christmas is a time to give and this story really gives the reader something!
Charles Dickens has a magical power over a reader and he used it over me!
Hope you enjoy this childrens classic!
One little point though... to everyone who doesn't like Dickens don't bother writing a review!

great classic novel, but difficult to read, especially for children, 17 Sep 2006
The review below is slightly misleading as this particular version is COMPLETE AND UNABRIDGED.
I would recommend reading a simplified version first, if you are not familiar with the story. Then have a dictionary to hand as you read this one!
The classic story is timeless, and one of Charles Dickens' most well known tales. As with many of his stories, the pictures he conjures up are rooted in his own experience of life in Victorian Britain, with it's great contrast between rich and poor.

looking for some short xmas stories?, 17 Mar 2003
this is the book. Some stories have wintry scenes, some are less christmassy, some a bit too short but overall not a bad book. Not what I had expected (I was looking for something with a lot more festivity) but a good stocking filler for the kids!

Fabulous book, 14 Mar 2006
My 6 year old and nine year old daughters both love this book. Unusual well thought out story and great illustrations - funny not scary.

Beware of the Storybook Wolves, 03 Dec 2005
My daughter enjoyed this book but watch out because she now refuses to go upstairs alone because she is scared that the story book wolves are about. She loves other Lauren Child books. Be warned!

modern yet charming, 27 Aug 2003
This book is all about Herb who is scared of his fairytale book being left in his bedrm in case the characters come to life. His mum forgets one night to take it with her & the story is all about what happens as Herb deals with the 2 wolves who want to eat him ("little boys is pudding!!!"). I bought this book for my 5 yr old son but it was so much fun that my 9 yr old was asking if he could listen in too! This book is fantastic fun - lots of scope for silly voices whilst reading (i love doing the wolves & the fairy godmother!). As with all Lauren Child books , this comes highly recommended by my whole family - kids & adults alike!

Fabulous, 19 Jun 2002
Lauren Child is fantastic, we tells such a good story and the illustrations are fabulous. A must for your child, my daughter loves it!

Fantastic fun for all from 2 to 102!, 16 Dec 2001
Hilarious story which is as much fun to read as it is for the kids. Works on ten different levels so if you have kids of different ages this is a great book to keep everyone amused. Highly recommended.

Lovely book and CD, 13 Apr 2008
This is a lovely book and CD. My baby daughter has enjoyed me singing them to her and I'm sure she'll love singing them when she's older. The rhymes are all in order as on the CD (except the first one - Here we go round the Mulberry Bush)and Mum can read the words (as I didn't remember any nursery rhymes!!!). Well recommended.

Nice book, nice music, 17 Jan 2008

The book is good quality, has some good rhymes and nice designs.

The CD is also high quality, with pleasant voices, good music and nice sound effects. My only complaint is that the CD rhyme order is completely different to the order of the rhymes in the book. This means that if someone wants to learn the rhymes they need to constantly look at the index trying to find the page of the next rhyme that comes up. It's actually very annoying and a pity such a big flaw exists in an otherwise great product.


Wonderful CD to accompany a great book, 09 Dec 2007
I've heard so many ropey CD compilations of children's nursery rhymes. This one uses only acoustic instruments and is pleasant to listen too. The illustrations in the book are great and the rhymes have my children miming the actions and singing along.

A great mixture of Cookes career history and actual reports, 14 Oct 2000
Anyone who truly enjoys listening to Alistair Cookes talks would love this audio book. His background, and career is charted and combined beautifully with a great selection of actual reports.

It would be a worthy addition to your collection.

not the best, 05 Nov 2007
I bought this book for my two boys who are six and seven years old, it looked great to me. Unfortunately after reading a few of the stories my boys said the book was just plain boring! Maybe it would be better suited for girls??? there are so many lovely books out there and I liked the idea of having lots of different stories all in one book, but it didn't work this time !!!

The book has a lots of stories, and they are very good., 28 Mar 2001
My favourite story is the one called Ostriges can't Fly and my second favourite is the one called Tikki Pikki Boom Boom. Ilove the way that each story is kind of different in its own way. I have even got the cassette of it! It is one of my favourite books apart from Cirque Du Freak of course!!! (My sister buys the cassettes of the series and we listen to them as soon as we get them!)

The book has a lots of stories, and they are very good., 28 Mar 2001
My favourite story is the one called Ostriges can't Fly and my second favourite is the one called Tikki Pikki Boom Boom. Ilove the way that each story is kind of different in its own way. I have even got the cassette of it! It is one of my favourite books apart from Cirque Du Freak of course!!! (My sister buys the cassettes of the series and we listen to them as soon as we get them!)

A Christmas Carol, 02 Jan 2008
It seems that lots of Christmas traditions were born in the UK between 15th and 19th century. Charles Dickens cleverly used the background of the Victorian houses and societies and produced a splendid Christmas story.

The highlight of this classic is that Mr Scrooge gradually becomes aware of his selfishness and indifference whilst being hooked on earning a lot of money for himself, while his former colleague, Marley takes him to the world where an awful number of people are suffering from the poverty. Marley who died seven years ago feels extremely guilty for ever not helping the poor when he was alive. Having become a ghost, he begs Mr Scrooge to provide goodwill to the miserable people. Moreover, he is taken to various places, in line with Christmas in his past, present, and future.

A series of dramatic dreams shows him the moral of Christianity and conveys the true spirit of Christmas, i.e. peace and goodwill to all. Consequently, he changes his mind, presents a cheerful manner, and offers generous support to people, to the astonishment of his employee, Bob Cratchit who is told by his boss that his salary will be raised.


The classic Victorian Christmas story, 15 Dec 2007
A Christmas Carol is the classic Victorian Christmas story. Even though we know it well it continues to be a joy to read. Dickens creates some wonderful pictures of the bustling life in 19th century London. Some of the dialogue remains so fresh and still raises a smile in the reader no matter how many times you have read the book before. "You'll want all day tomorrow, I suppose" says Scrooge to his clerk on Christmas Eve. And the conversation between Scrooge and the two gentlemen who are asking him for donations to help the poor and destitute at Christmas is as funny (and poignant) as anything in any Dickens novel.

Although it is sometimes described as a children's book I do feel parents need to make an assessment as to how their children may react to some of the ghost scenes. Some adults I know say they had nightmares as a result of the appearance of Marley's ghost and the rattling chains!

It just would not be the same without it........, 03 Oct 2007
My all time fave story and I just have to re-read at least twice in the Xmas run-up. The writing just grabs you in a way that no other writer can and as for the characters, well they are already written into folklore.

Baa... Humbug, 02 Jan 2007
Christmas is a time to give and this story really gives the reader something!
Charles Dickens has a magical power over a reader and he used it over me!
Hope you enjoy this childrens classic!
One little point though... to everyone who doesn't like Dickens don't bother writing a review!

great classic novel, but difficult to read, especially for children, 17 Sep 2006
The review below is slightly misleading as this particular version is COMPLETE AND UNABRIDGED.
I would recommend reading a simplified version first, if you are not familiar with the story. Then have a dictionary to hand as you read this one!
The classic story is timeless, and one of Charles Dickens' most well known tales. As with many of his stories, the pictures he conjures up are rooted in his own experience of life in Victorian Britain, with it's great contrast between rich and poor.

looking for some short xmas stories?, 17 Mar 2003
this is the book. Some stories have wintry scenes, some are less christmassy, some a bit too short but overall not a bad book. Not what I had expected (I was looking for something with a lot more festivity) but a good stocking filler for the kids!

Fabulous book, 14 Mar 2006
My 6 year old and nine year old daughters both love this book. Unusual well thought out story and great illustrations - funny not scary.

Beware of the Storybook Wolves, 03 Dec 2005
My daughter enjoyed this book but watch out because she now refuses to go upstairs alone because she is scared that the story book wolves are about. She loves other Lauren Child books. Be warned!

modern yet charming, 27 Aug 2003
This book is all about Herb who is scared of his fairytale book being left in his bedrm in case the characters come to life. His mum forgets one night to take it with her & the story is all about what happens as Herb deals with the 2 wolves who want to eat him ("little boys is pudding!!!"). I bought this book for my 5 yr old son but it was so much fun that my 9 yr old was asking if he could listen in too! This book is fantastic fun - lots of scope for silly voices whilst reading (i love doing the wolves & the fairy godmother!). As with all Lauren Child books , this comes highly recommended by my whole family - kids & adults alike!

Fabulous, 19 Jun 2002
Lauren Child is fantastic, we tells such a good story and the illustrations are fabulous. A must for your child, my daughter loves it!

Fantastic fun for all from 2 to 102!, 16 Dec 2001
Hilarious story which is as much fun to read as it is for the kids. Works on ten different levels so if you have kids of different ages this is a great book to keep everyone amused. Highly recommended.

Lovely book and CD, 13 Apr 2008
This is a lovely book and CD. My baby daughter has enjoyed me singing them to her and I'm sure she'll love singing them when she's older. The rhymes are all in order as on the CD (except the first one - Here we go round the Mulberry Bush)and Mum can read the words (as I didn't remember any nursery rhymes!!!). Well recommended.

Nice book, nice music, 17 Jan 2008

The book is good quality, has some good rhymes and nice designs.

The CD is also high quality, with pleasant voices, good music and nice sound effects. My only complaint is that the CD rhyme order is completely different to the order of the rhymes in the book. This means that if someone wants to learn the rhymes they need to constantly look at the index trying to find the page of the next rhyme that comes up. It's actually very annoying and a pity such a big flaw exists in an otherwise great product.


Wonderful CD to accompany a great book, 09 Dec 2007
I've heard so many ropey CD compilations of children's nursery rhymes. This one uses only acoustic instruments and is pleasant to listen too. The illustrations in the book are great and the rhymes have my children miming the actions and singing along.

A great mixture of Cookes career history and actual reports, 14 Oct 2000
Anyone who truly enjoys listening to Alistair Cookes talks would love this audio book. His background, and career is charted and combined beautifully with a great selection of actual reports.

It would be a worthy addition to your collection.

A brilliant story with a flaw, 05 Oct 2006
My 3 year-old son has been enjoying the various adventures of Harry for some time now. I bought this book to prepare him for a family dental check-up. The story itself and the illustrations are up to Ian Whybrow's usual standards, with plenty of opportunities for my son to "Raaahh" and join in.

Unfortunately, I have to agree with the earlier reviewer who noted that there is an element of the story which could be unsettling for a small child who has no reason to be afraid of the dentist. The the story portrays Harry as being scared of the dentist's drill and being reluctant to sit in the big chair. I did not pre-read this story before sitting down to read it to my son, and found myself wondering how I was going to extricate myself from the awkward situation that the mention of the drill had created.

Help your little monster cope with the dentist!, 07 Jun 2006
We love the Harry books, and my (2 years 10 months) son is a huge fan. He has also always been perfectly happy about visiting the dentist so far. But this still really captured his imagination. I completely disagree with the previous reviewer who suggests it puts fear into children's minds. Quite the opposite; I think it addresses a potential fear before it gets out of hand. We had a great chat about how you MIGHT be scared of the dentist (like Harry's tyrannosaurus), but WE'RE not scared, are we, because we know that dentists are friendly and fun (like the dentist in the book).... you know the sort of thing.

The upshot was that when we next visited the dentist, little one was even more confident, and 'Raargh'ed even better than before!!

In summary; great story, superb pictures. Any Harry fan will love it. Buy it - you won't be disappointed.

Harry goes to the dentist, 15 Aug 2005
My children love Harry and the dinosaurs. I am a dentist and I thought this one might be fun but I am disappointed that it talks about Harry being worried about the dentists drill. The majority of young children need no dental treatment other than checkups and when it is needed it needs careful and gentle introduction. I feel this book could put unnecessary anxiety into a child's mind about their dentist. There is a lovely book in the Usbourne First Experiences range which is much nicer.

A great story to help children approach dental check-ups, 06 Mar 2005
Harry and his dinosaurs are off to the Dentist's but his big sister Sam has been showing him her filling and worrying him. Harry thinks Mr Drake might want to do drilling. Luckily there's a magic button on the bucket to make Tyrannosaurus grow big to have the first turn in the up-and-down chair before Harry and the rest of the dinosaurs bare their teeth. Raahh and then rinse. My children and I love all the Harry books and this one is a good one. I do think that the 'Harry and the bucketful of dinosaurs' series is a slightly acquired taste, a taste that's very definitely worth acquiring. I wasn't hooked the first time I picked one up because there is a little low-level misbehaviour such as the brother-sister squabbling. However, the more of the series you read the more you enjoy each one exactly because of this: Harry is so real in a pretty normal family (Mum & Nan - there's no Dad in evidence). My children certainly appreciate this. They relate to Harry being slow about leaving the house, though actually Harry's very well-behaved in this story. This is a grat book to read prior to going to the dentist - much more fun that a 'visiting the dentist' type book and my children were more than happy to practise Jurassic wide-open mouths for brushing. Great!

A must for all frightened dentist goers, 30 Jan 2003
This book was an excellent introduction to dentists. My son (3 years old) was terrified of going and would really create a fuss after reading the book he wanted to go just like Harry and the dinosuars. A really colourful book with lovely illustrations and very helpful with frightened children

Betty Boothroyd: The Autobiography has Baroness Boothroyd of Sandwell, with her characteristic endearing zeal, recounting her trail from working-class Dewsbury to Westminster. The daughter of a weftman, she passes from rags to political riches with the Labour Party, to which she claims an umbilical loyalty. After a now-notorious spell with the Tiller Girls, she started working full-time for the Labour Party, and eventually, after four attempts at securing a seat, she finally won West Bromwich in 1973--the constituency she was to represent for 27 years. Pro-Europe, pro-choice, anti-capital punishment, she was made a junior Whip in 1974 and Deputy Speaker in 1987 before finally succeeding Jack Weatherill to become the 155th--and first female--Speaker of the House of Commons in 1992. By the time of her retirement from the Chair in July 2000, her "wigless informality" had seen her become one of the most recognisable and popular faces, not just in the House or West Bromwich, but throughout the country.

The woman Private Eye cruelly and unfairly accused of having "all the charm of carbon monoxide gas in an airtight room" airs her story with unstuffy grace and emphatic integrity. Much has been made of the large sum the publishers paid for her story, but Boothroyd chooses discretion over revelation in describing her path from model to Madame Speaker: while she discusses her brief experience training with the Tiller Girls, she includes no photographs from the period, and declines to elaborate further on the three proposals of marriage she claims to have received. Nevertheless, she assesses her political career and tenure on the Chair with splendid candour, from the fight to rid the Party of Militant, ding-dongs with party Whips, the "cash for questions" controversy, Nelson Mandela's first state visit to London, Gerry Adams' and Martin McGuinness' refusal to take the Parliamentary oath, to the fuss over her banning women MPs from breastfeeding during committee. Never constrained by doctrine but always fiercely loyal to her principles, her motto as Speaker, "I Speak to Serve", fittingly sums up the distinguished, quietly extraordinary political career of this much-loved Yorkshire terrier. --David Vincent

not the best, 05 Nov 2007
I bought this book for my two boys who are six and seven years old, it looked great to me. Unfortunately after reading a few of the stories my boys said the book was just plain boring! Maybe it would be better suited for girls??? there are so many lovely books out there and I liked the idea of having lots of different stories all in one book, but it didn't work this time !!!

The book has a lots of stories, and they are very good., 28 Mar 2001
My favourite story is the one called Ostriges can't Fly and my second favourite is the one called Tikki Pikki Boom Boom. Ilove the way that each story is kind of different in its own way. I have even got the cassette of it! It is one of my favourite books apart from Cirque Du Freak of course!!! (My sister buys the cassettes of the series and we listen to them as soon as we get them!)

The book has a lots of stories, and they are very good., 28 Mar 2001
My favourite story is the one called Ostriges can't Fly and my second favourite is the one called Tikki Pikki Boom Boom. Ilove the way that each story is kind of different in its own way. I have even got the cassette of it! It is one of my favourite books apart from Cirque Du Freak of course!!! (My sister buys the cassettes of the series and we listen to them as soon as we get them!)

A Christmas Carol, 02 Jan 2008
It seems that lots of Christmas traditions were born in the UK between 15th and 19th century. Charles Dickens cleverly used the background of the Victorian houses and societies and produced a splendid Christmas story.

The highlight of this classic is that Mr Scrooge gradually becomes aware of his selfishness and indifference whilst being hooked on earning a lot of money for himself, while his former colleague, Marley takes him to the world where an awful number of people are suffering from the poverty. Marley who died seven years ago feels extremely guilty for ever not helping the poor when he was alive. Having become a ghost, he begs Mr Scrooge to provide goodwill to the miserable people. Moreover, he is taken to various places, in line with Christmas in his past, present, and future.

A series of dramatic dreams shows him the moral of Christianity and conveys the true spirit of Christmas, i.e. peace and goodwill to all. Consequently, he changes his mind, presents a cheerful manner, and offers generous support to people, to the astonishment of his employee, Bob Cratchit who is told by his boss that his salary will be raised.


The classic Victorian Christmas story, 15 Dec 2007
A Christmas Carol is the classic Victorian Christmas story. Even though we know it well it continues to be a joy to read. Dickens creates some wonderful pictures of the bustling life in 19th century London. Some of the dialogue remains so fresh and still raises a smile in the reader no matter how many times you have read the book before. "You'll want all day tomorrow, I suppose" says Scrooge to his clerk on Christmas Eve. And the conversation between Scrooge and the two gentlemen who are asking him for donations to help the poor and destitute at Christmas is as funny (and poignant) as anything in any Dickens novel.

Although it is sometimes described as a children's book I do feel parents need to make an assessment as to how their children may react to some of the ghost scenes. Some adults I know say they had nightmares as a result of the appearance of Marley's ghost and the rattling chains!

It just would not be the same without it........, 03 Oct 2007
My all time fave story and I just have to re-read at least twice in the Xmas run-up. The writing just grabs you in a way that no other writer can and as for the characters, well they are already written into folklore.

Baa... Humbug, 02 Jan 2007
Christmas is a time to give and this story really gives the reader something!
Charles Dickens has a magical power over a reader and he used it over me!
Hope you enjoy this childrens classic!
One little point though... to everyone who doesn't like Dickens don't bother writing a review!

great classic novel, but difficult to read, especially for children, 17 Sep 2006
The review below is slightly misleading as this particular version is COMPLETE AND UNABRIDGED.
I would recommend reading a simplified version first, if you are not familiar with the story. Then have a dictionary to hand as you read this one!
The classic story is timeless, and one of Charles Dickens' most well known tales. As with many of his stories, the pictures he conjures up are rooted in his own experience of life in Victorian Britain, with it's great contrast between rich and poor.

looking for some short xmas stories?, 17 Mar 2003
this is the book. Some stories have wintry scenes, some are less christmassy, some a bit too short but overall not a bad book. Not what I had expected (I was looking for something with a lot more festivity) but a good stocking filler for the kids!

Fabulous book, 14 Mar 2006
My 6 year old and nine year old daughters both love this book. Unusual well thought out story and great illustrations - funny not scary.

Beware of the Storybook Wolves, 03 Dec 2005
My daughter enjoyed this book but watch out because she now refuses to go upstairs alone because she is scared that the story book wolves are about. She loves other Lauren Child books. Be warned!

modern yet charming, 27 Aug 2003
This book is all about Herb who is scared of his fairytale book being left in his bedrm in case the characters come to life. His mum forgets one night to take it with her & the story is all about what happens as Herb deals with the 2 wolves who want to eat him ("little boys is pudding!!!"). I bought this book for my 5 yr old son but it was so much fun that my 9 yr old was asking if he could listen in too! This book is fantastic fun - lots of scope for silly voices whilst reading (i love doing the wolves & the fairy godmother!). As with all Lauren Child books , this comes highly recommended by my whole family - kids & adults alike!

Fabulous, 19 Jun 2002
Lauren Child is fantastic, we tells such a good story and the illustrations are fabulous. A must for your child, my daughter loves it!

Fantastic fun for all from 2 to 102!, 16 Dec 2001
Hilarious story which is as much fun to read as it is for the kids. Works on ten different levels so if you have kids of different ages this is a great book to keep everyone amused. Highly recommended.

Lovely book and CD, 13 Apr 2008
This is a lovely book and CD. My baby daughter has enjoyed me singing them to her and I'm sure she'll love singing them when she's older. The rhymes are all in order as on the CD (except the first one - Here we go round the Mulberry Bush)and Mum can read the words (as I didn't remember any nursery rhymes!!!). Well recommended.

Nice book, nice music, 17 Jan 2008

The book is good quality, has some good rhymes and nice designs.

The CD is also high quality, with pleasant voices, good music and nice sound effects. My only complaint is that the CD rhyme order is completely different to the order of the rhymes in the book. This means that if someone wants to learn the rhymes they need to constantly look at the index trying to find the page of the next rhyme that comes up. It's actually very annoying and a pity such a big flaw exists in an otherwise great product.


Wonderful CD to accompany a great book, 09 Dec 2007
I've heard so many ropey CD compilations of children's nursery rhymes. This one uses only acoustic instruments and is pleasant to listen too. The illustrations in the book are great and the rhymes have my children miming the actions and singing along.

A great mixture of Cookes career history and actual reports, 14 Oct 2000
Anyone who truly enjoys listening to Alistair Cookes talks would love this audio book. His background, and career is charted and combined beautifully with a great selection of actual reports.

It would be a worthy addition to your collection.

A brilliant story with a flaw, 05 Oct 2006
My 3 year-old son has been enjoying the various adventures of Harry for some time now. I bought this book to prepare him for a family dental check-up. The story itself and the illustrations are up to Ian Whybrow's usual standards, with plenty of opportunities for my son to "Raaahh" and join in.

Unfortunately, I have to agree with the earlier reviewer who noted that there is an element of the story which could be unsettling for a small child who has no reason to be afraid of the dentist. The the story portrays Harry as being scared of the dentist's drill and being reluctant to sit in the big chair. I did not pre-read this story before sitting down to read it to my son, and found myself wondering how I was going to extricate myself from the awkward situation that the mention of the drill had created.

Help your little monster cope with the dentist!, 07 Jun 2006
We love the Harry books, and my (2 years 10 months) son is a huge fan. He has also always been perfectly happy about visiting the dentist so far. But this still really captured his imagination. I completely disagree with the previous reviewer who suggests it puts fear into children's minds. Quite the opposite; I think it addresses a potential fear before it gets out of hand. We had a great chat about how you MIGHT be scared of the dentist (like Harry's tyrannosaurus), but WE'RE not scared, are we, because we know that dentists are friendly and fun (like the dentist in the book).... you know the sort of thing.

The upshot was that when we next visited the dentist, little one was even more confident, and 'Raargh'ed even better than before!!

In summary; great story, superb pictures. Any Harry fan will love it. Buy it - you won't be disappointed.

Harry goes to the dentist, 15 Aug 2005
My children love Harry and the dinosaurs. I am a dentist and I thought this one might be fun but I am disappointed that it talks about Harry being worried about the dentists drill. The majority of young children need no dental treatment other than checkups and when it is needed it needs careful and gentle introduction. I feel this book could put unnecessary anxiety into a child's mind about their dentist. There is a lovely book in the Usbourne First Experiences range which is much nicer.

A great story to help children approach dental check-ups, 06 Mar 2005
Harry and his dinosaurs are off to the Dentist's but his big sister Sam has been showing him her filling and worrying him. Harry thinks Mr Drake might want to do drilling. Luckily there's a magic button on the bucket to make Tyrannosaurus grow big to have the first turn in the up-and-down chair before Harry and the rest of the dinosaurs bare their teeth. Raahh and then rinse. My children and I love all the Harry books and this one is a good one. I do think that the 'Harry and the bucketful of dinosaurs' series is a slightly acquired taste, a taste that's very definitely worth acquiring. I wasn't hooked the first time I picked one up because there is a little low-level misbehaviour such as the brother-sister squabbling. However, the more of the series you read the more you enjoy each one exactly because of this: Harry is so real in a pretty normal family (Mum & Nan - there's no Dad in evidence). My children certainly appreciate this. They relate to Harry being slow about leaving the house, though actually Harry's very well-behaved in this story. This is a grat book to read prior to going to the dentist - much more fun that a 'visiting the dentist' type book and my children were more than happy to practise Jurassic wide-open mouths for brushing. Great!

A must for all frightened dentist goers, 30 Jan 2003
This book was an excellent introduction to dentists. My son (3 years old) was terrified of going and would really create a fuss after reading the book he wanted to go just like Harry and the dinosuars. A really colourful book with lovely illustrations and very helpful with frightened children

A heart-warming read, 20 Oct 2002
Betty Boothroyd describes her life, starting as a child in a working-class home in Yorkshire, progressing to a brief but much-publicised spell with the Tiller Girls dancing troupe; becoming after a long struggle a Labour MP, and finally her election as the first woman Speaker of the House of Commons. I enjoyed this book, and would rate it next to Ted Heath's autobiography in that genre. I'm really put off by political autobiographies which the authors use to justify their past record, or settle old scores. Betty does neither. Instead, she gives a lively account of life climbing the political pole, and a refreshing insight into Westminster, from the unusual vantage-point of the Speaker's chair. Her vision of the role of Parliament in controlling the governing party of the day, and holding it accountable, is inspiring. She is an instinctive, energetic politician, not a theoretician, but her warmth and heartfelt insights are nonetheless inspiring. She does keep the reader somewhat at arm's length from her personal life, which is probably prudent in today's senationalist society.This is a fairly easy read, but an enjoyable one.

Not the Usual Political Biography, 11 Nov 2001
Many of us have read John Major, Maggie Thatcher, Wilson, and other political biographies simply because we're political animals. Betty Boothroyd's contribution is unusual - she combines the trials and tribulations of being a parliamentarian with the funny and humourous side of the role.

As the first woman Speaker in the Commons, she overcame significant obstacles in gaining the fierce reputation she held as she retired. In this excellent, moving and often funny book, she recounts some of the difficult times she had, faultlessly combining these stories with the often hilarious antics of her Westminster colleagues.

The ending to the book leaves the reader with a clear idea of how she intends to use her time in the House of Lords, as Baronness Boothroyd. She may not be as prominent a figure as she has been in the lower house, but I have no doubt that she will be just as principled.

This is an excellent book, and it will appeal to all - even those for whom the genre of 'politics' normally leaves cold. Superb - order it now!

not the best, 05 Nov 2007
I bought this book for my two boys who are six and seven years old, it looked great to me. Unfortunately after reading a few of the stories my boys said the book was just plain boring! Maybe it would be better suited for girls??? there are so many lovely books out there and I liked the idea of having lots of different stories all in one book, but it didn't work this time !!!

The book has a lots of stories, and they are very good., 28 Mar 2001
My favourite story is the one called Ostriges can't Fly and my second favourite is the one called Tikki Pikki Boom Boom. Ilove the way that each story is kind of different in its own way. I have even got the cassette of it! It is one of my favourite books apart from Cirque Du Freak of course!!! (My sister buys the cassettes of the series and we listen to them as soon as we get them!)

The book has a lots of stories, and they are very good., 28 Mar 2001
My favourite story is the one called Ostriges can't Fly and my second favourite is the one called Tikki Pikki Boom Boom. Ilove the way that each story is kind of different in its own way. I have even got the cassette of it! It is one of my favourite books apart from Cirque Du Freak of course!!! (My sister buys the cassettes of the series and we listen to them as soon as we get them!)

A Christmas Carol, 02 Jan 2008
It seems that lots of Christmas traditions were born in the UK between 15th and 19th century. Charles Dickens cleverly used the background of the Victorian houses and societies and produced a splendid Christmas story.

The highlight of this classic is that Mr Scrooge gradually becomes aware of his selfishness and indifference whilst being hooked on earning a lot of money for himself, while his former colleague, Marley takes him to the world where an awful number of people are suffering from the poverty. Marley who died seven years ago feels extremely guilty for ever not helping the poor when he was alive. Having become a ghost, he begs Mr Scrooge to provide goodwill to the miserable people. Moreover, he is taken to various places, in line with Christmas in his past, present, and future.

A series of dramatic dreams shows him the moral of Christianity and conveys the true spirit of Christmas, i.e. peace and goodwill to all. Consequently, he changes his mind, presents a cheerful manner, and offers generous support to people, to the astonishment of his employee, Bob Cratchit who is told by his boss that his salary will be raised.


The classic Victorian Christmas story, 15 Dec 2007
A Christmas Carol is the classic Victorian Christmas story. Even though we know it well it continues to be a joy to read. Dickens creates some wonderful pictures of the bustling life in 19th century London. Some of the dialogue remains so fresh and still raises a smile in the reader no matter how many times you have read the book before. "You'll want all day tomorrow, I suppose" says Scrooge to his clerk on Christmas Eve. And the conversation between Scrooge and the two gentlemen who are asking him for donations to help the poor and destitute at Christmas is as funny (and poignant) as anything in any Dickens novel.

Although it is sometimes described as a children's book I do feel parents need to make an assessment as to how their children may react to some of the ghost scenes. Some adults I know say they had nightmares as a result of the appearance of Marley's ghost and the rattling chains!

It just would not be the same without it........, 03 Oct 2007
My all time fave story and I just have to re-read at least twice in the Xmas run-up. The writing just grabs you in a way that no other writer can and as for the characters, well they are already written into folklore.

Baa... Humbug, 02 Jan 2007
Christmas is a time to give and this story really gives the reader something!
Charles Dickens has a magical power over a reader and he used it over me!
Hope you enjoy this childrens classic!
One little point though... to everyone who doesn't like Dickens don't bother writing a review!

great classic novel, but difficult to read, especially for children, 17 Sep 2006
The review below is slightly misleading as this particular version is COMPLETE AND UNABRIDGED.
I would recommend reading a simplified version first, if you are not familiar with the story. Then have a dictionary to hand as you read this one!
The classic story is timeless, and one of Charles Dickens' most well known tales. As with many of his stories, the pictures he conjures up are rooted in his own experience of life in Victorian Britain, with it's great contrast between rich and poor.

looking for some short xmas stories?, 17 Mar 2003
this is the book. Some stories have wintry scenes, some are less christmassy, some a bit too short but overall not a bad book. Not what I had expected (I was looking for something with a lot more festivity) but a good stocking filler for the kids!

Fabulous book, 14 Mar 2006
My 6 year old and nine year old daughters both love this book. Unusual well thought out story and great illustrations - funny not scary.

Beware of the Storybook Wolves, 03 Dec 2005
My daughter enjoyed this book but watch out because she now refuses to go upstairs alone because she is scared that the story book wolves are about. She loves other Lauren Child books. Be warned!

modern yet charming, 27 Aug 2003
This book is all about Herb who is scared of his fairytale book being left in his bedrm in case the characters come to life. His mum forgets one night to take it with her & the story is all about what happens as Herb deals with the 2 wolves who want to eat him ("little boys is pudding!!!"). I bought this book for my 5 yr old son but it was so much fun that my 9 yr old was asking if he could listen in too! This book is fantastic fun - lots of scope for silly voices whilst reading (i love doing the wolves & the fairy godmother!). As with all Lauren Child books , this comes highly recommended by my whole family - kids & adults alike!

Fabulous, 19 Jun 2002
Lauren Child is fantastic, we tells such a good story and the illustrations are fabulous. A must for your child, my daughter loves it!

Fantastic fun for all from 2 to 102!, 16 Dec 2001
Hilarious story which is as much fun to read as it is for the kids. Works on ten different levels so if you have kids of different ages this is a great book to keep everyone amused. Highly recommended.

Lovely book and CD, 13 Apr 2008
This is a lovely book and CD. My baby daughter has enjoyed me singing them to her and I'm sure she'll love singing them when she's older. The rhymes are all in order as on the CD (except the first one - Here we go round the Mulberry Bush)and Mum can read the words (as I didn't remember any nursery rhymes!!!). Well recommended.

Nice book, nice music, 17 Jan 2008

The book is good quality, has some good rhymes and nice designs.

The CD is also high quality, with pleasant voices, good music and nice sound effects. My only complaint is that the CD rhyme order is completely different to the order of the rhymes in the book. This means that if someone wants to learn the rhymes they need to constantly look at the index trying to find the page of the next rhyme that comes up. It's actually very annoying and a pity such a big flaw exists in an otherwise great product.


Wonderful CD to accompany a great book, 09 Dec 2007
I've heard so many ropey CD compilations of children's nursery rhymes. This one uses only acoustic instruments and is pleasant to listen too. The illustrations in the book are great and the rhymes have my children miming the actions and singing along.

A great mixture of Cookes career history and actual reports, 14 Oct 2000
Anyone who truly enjoys listening to Alistair Cookes talks would love this audio book. His background, and career is charted and combined beautifully with a great selection of actual reports.

It would be a worthy addition to your collection.

A brilliant story with a flaw, 05 Oct 2006
My 3 year-old son has been enjoying the various adventures of Harry for some time now. I bought this book to prepare him for a family dental check-up. The story itself and the illustrations are up to Ian Whybrow's usual standards, with plenty of opportunities for my son to "Raaahh" and join in.

Unfortunately, I have to agree with the earlier reviewer who noted that there is an element of the story which could be unsettling for a small child who has no reason to be afraid of the dentist. The the story portrays Harry as being scared of the dentist's drill and being reluctant to sit in the big chair. I did not pre-read this story before sitting down to read it to my son, and found myself wondering how I was going to extricate myself from the awkward situation that the mention of the drill had created.

Help your little monster cope with the dentist!, 07 Jun 2006
We love the Harry books, and my (2 years 10 months) son is a huge fan. He has also always been perfectly happy about visiting the dentist so far. But this still really captured his imagination. I completely disagree with the previous reviewer who suggests it puts fear into children's minds. Quite the opposite; I think it addresses a potential fear before it gets out of hand. We had a great chat about how you MIGHT be scared of the dentist (like Harry's tyrannosaurus), but WE'RE not scared, are we, because we know that dentists are friendly and fun (like the dentist in the book).... you know the sort of thing.

The upshot was that when we next visited the dentist, little one was even more confident, and 'Raargh'ed even better than before!!

In summary; great story, superb pictures. Any Harry fan will love it. Buy it - you won't be disappointed.

Harry goes to the dentist, 15 Aug 2005
My children love Harry and the dinosaurs. I am a dentist and I thought this one might be fun but I am disappointed that it talks about Harry being worried about the dentists drill. The majority of young children need no dental treatment other than checkups and when it is needed it needs careful and gentle introduction. I feel this book could put unnecessary anxiety into a child's mind about their dentist. There is a lovely book in the Usbourne First Experiences range which is much nicer.

A great story to help children approach dental check-ups, 06 Mar 2005
Harry and his dinosaurs are off to the Dentist's but his big sister Sam has been showing him her filling and worrying him. Harry thinks Mr Drake might want to do drilling. Luckily there's a magic button on the bucket to make Tyrannosaurus grow big to have the first turn in the up-and-down chair before Harry and the rest of the dinosaurs bare their teeth. Raahh and then rinse. My children and I love all the Harry books and this one is a good one. I do think that the 'Harry and the bucketful of dinosaurs' series is a slightly acquired taste, a taste that's very definitely worth acquiring. I wasn't hooked the first time I picked one up because there is a little low-level misbehaviour such as the brother-sister squabbling. However, the more of the series you read the more you enjoy each one exactly because of this: Harry is so real in a pretty normal family (Mum & Nan - there's no Dad in evidence). My children certainly appreciate this. They relate to Harry being slow about leaving the house, though actually Harry's very well-behaved in this story. This is a grat book to read prior to going to the dentist - much more fun that a 'visiting the dentist' type book and my children were more than happy to practise Jurassic wide-open mouths for brushing. Great!

A must for all frightened dentist goers, 30 Jan 2003
This book was an excellent introduction to dentists. My son (3 years old) was terrified of going and would really create a fuss after reading the book he wanted to go just like Harry and the dinosuars. A really colourful book with lovely illustrations and very helpful with frightened children

A heart-warming read, 20 Oct 2002
Betty Boothroyd describes her life, starting as a child in a working-class home in Yorkshire, progressing to a brief but much-publicised spell with the Tiller Girls dancing troupe; becoming after a long struggle a Labour MP, and finally her election as the first woman Speaker of the House of Commons. I enjoyed this book, and would rate it next to Ted Heath's autobiography in that genre. I'm really put off by political autobiographies which the authors use to justify their past record, or settle old scores. Betty does neither. Instead, she gives a lively account of life climbing the political pole, and a refreshing insight into Westminster, from the unusual vantage-point of the Speaker's chair. Her vision of the role of Parliament in controlling the governing party of the day, and holding it accountable, is inspiring. She is an instinctive, energetic politician, not a theoretician, but her warmth and heartfelt insights are nonetheless inspiring. She does keep the reader somewhat at arm's length from her personal life, which is probably prudent in today's senationalist society.This is a fairly easy read, but an enjoyable one.

Not the Usual Political Biography, 11 Nov 2001
Many of us have read John Major, Maggie Thatcher, Wilson, and other political biographies simply because we're political animals. Betty Boothroyd's contribution is unusual - she combines the trials and tribulations of being a parliamentarian with the funny and humourous side of the role.

As the first woman Speaker in the Commons, she overcame significant obstacles in gaining the fierce reputation she held as she retired. In this excellent, moving and often funny book, she recounts some of the difficult times she had, faultlessly combining these stories with the often hilarious antics of her Westminster colleagues.

The ending to the book leaves the reader with a clear idea of how she intends to use her time in the House of Lords, as Baronness Boothroyd. She may not be as prominent a figure as she has been in the lower house, but I have no doubt that she will be just as principled.

This is an excellent book, and it will appeal to all - even those for whom the genre of 'politics' normally leaves cold. Superb - order it now!

In 3 words - a brilliant read!, 01 Aug 2000
Josephine Cox has the unique talent of writing books which provoke every emotion in the reader. This book in the Emma Grady trilogy has all this - and more. We feel for the characters as if we know them and, as with all Josephine Cox books, it is very hard to put down the book once started.

The whole trilogy must be read to understand and fully get to know the characters, the whole Emma/Marlow storyline is one of my favourites. You will find yourself impatient to get to the end!

The Last Diaries: In and Out of the Wilderness is the final self-revealing chronicle of Alan Clark's highly eventful life and times. The French are eternally amused by the insistence of English newspapers that our politicians' lives must be squeaky clean (after all, they reason, what's a mistress or two?). And certainly John Major's famously ill-advised "Back to Basics" campaign exploded in his face as minister after minister came crashing down in flames as a succession of sex scandals hit the headlines. But one politician always rode above such hyperventilating moral indignation--Alan Clark, whatever his faults (and he would be the first to admit they were legion), was never a hypocrite. When charged with a new indiscretion (such as his famous liaison with virtually the entire female side of a family) he would cheerfully admit it, and even those not sharing his High Tory sympathies would not hold it against him.

Such is the sheer vigour and perception on display here (not to mention the disarming candour--none of that famous "economy with the truth" in these unbuttoned pieces), that it's a considerable cause for regret that this is the last we will have from the late politician. In the great tradition of such diarists as Pepys, Clark delivers a fascinating picture of an era and his place in it. Just a few words of Clark on (for instance) Tony Benn displays Clark's from-the-hip observations: "His mind is so quick and versatile--but the loony prejudice just beneath the surface... the motivation that keeps him active." All those anodyne politicians' memoirs, which strove to be as unrevealing as possible, look even paler next to a document as forceful as this. Whether or not your name is in the index, this is absolutely fascinating reading from a flawed politician who nevertheless makes most of his colleagues--in and out of the Tory party--look uninspiring figures indeed. --Barry Forshaw

not the best, 05 Nov 2007
I bought this book for my two boys who are six and seven years old, it looked great to me. Unfortunately after reading a few of the stories my boys said the book was just plain boring! Maybe it would be better suited for girls??? there are so many lovely books out there and I liked the idea of having lots of different stories all in one book, but it didn't work this time !!!

The book has a lots of stories, and they are very good., 28 Mar 2001
My favourite story is the one called Ostriges can't Fly and my second favourite is the one called Tikki Pikki Boom Boom. Ilove the way that each story is kind of different in its own way. I have even got the cassette of it! It is one of my favourite books apart from Cirque Du Freak of course!!! (My sister buys the cassettes of the series and we listen to them as soon as we get them!)

The book has a lots of stories, and they are very good., 28 Mar 2001
My favourite story is the one called Ostriges can't Fly and my second favourite is the one called Tikki Pikki Boom Boom. Ilove the way that each story is kind of different in its own way. I have even got the cassette of it! It is one of my favourite books apart from Cirque Du Freak of course!!! (My sister buys the cassettes of the series and we listen to them as soon as we get them!)

A Christmas Carol, 02 Jan 2008
It seems that lots of Christmas traditions were born in the UK between 15th and 19th century. Charles Dickens cleverly used the background of the Victorian houses and societies and produced a splendid Christmas story.

The highlight of this classic is that Mr Scrooge gradually becomes aware of his selfishness and indifference whilst being hooked on earning a lot of money for himself, while his former colleague, Marley takes him to the world where an awful number of people are suffering from the poverty. Marley who died seven years ago feels extremely guilty for ever not helping the poor when he was alive. Having become a ghost, he begs Mr Scrooge to provide goodwill to the miserable people. Moreover, he is taken to various places, in line with Christmas in his past, present, and future.

A series of dramatic dreams shows him the moral of Christianity and conveys the true spirit of Christmas, i.e. peace and goodwill to all. Consequently, he changes his mind, presents a cheerful manner, and offers generous support to people, to the astonishment of his employee, Bob Cratchit who is told by his boss that his salary will be raised.


The classic Victorian Christmas story, 15 Dec 2007
A Christmas Carol is the classic Victorian Christmas story. Even though we know it well it continues to be a joy to read. Dickens creates some wonderful pictures of the bustling life in 19th century London. Some of the dialogue remains so fresh and still raises a smile in the reader no matter how many times you have read the book before. "You'll want all day tomorrow, I suppose" says Scrooge to his clerk on Christmas Eve. And the conversation between Scrooge and the two gentlemen who are asking him for donations to help the poor and destitute at Christmas is as funny (and poignant) as anything in any Dickens novel.

Although it is sometimes described as a children's book I do feel parents need to make an assessment as to how their children may react to some of the ghost scenes. Some adults I know say they had nightmares as a result of the appearance of Marley's ghost and the rattling chains!

It just would not be the same without it........, 03 Oct 2007
My all time fave story and I just have to re-read at least twice in the Xmas run-up. The writing just grabs you in a way that no other writer can and as for the characters, well they are already written into folklore.

Baa