Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a perennial favourite with children and adults alike. Its imaginative illustration and clever cut-out detail charts the progress of a very hungry caterpillar as he eats his way through the week.

This board book edition of what is surely a classic picture book is glossy, sturdy and ideal for curious little hands to get to grips with. (Ages 9 months to 2 years)--Susan Harrison

Hungry for the Caterpillar!, 14 Oct 2008
If you love reading to your child, do not miss this book.

It is a delightful, humourous,dream-like surreal book, with a repetitive, poetic, chanting story.

It is (deservedly) a children's classic. Many reviewers here have tried to break down the different elements of this book.

What I would like to convey is the whole experience of reading the book which teaches a simple life experience to a child - which is highly spiritual, particularly the last pages where a riot of colour is the world through the eyes of a butterfly.

The story has optimism and beauty at its very core.

It has limitless opportunities for teaching and conversation. There is a colouring book of the fantastic illustrations which can be bought - the video and CD features lovely music and a calm and peaceful narrator.

Tops my list for children and grown ups of all ages.

A Classic, 12 Oct 2008
Not only is this book fun for young hands, as it's perfectly sized and sturdy, it is also educational. Neither the young boy I got this for or his older brother would put this down for days. It went in the car, to nursery and even to bed

Yum!, 16 Sep 2008
An infamous short tale of the caterpillar that munches its way through the edible obstacles on each page, until it becomes a butterfly. Arguably the most famous of the Eric Carle short stories, The Hungry Caterpillar symbolises the journeys things take in the world in order to accomplish something great. Themes in this book include the virtue of patience and the fact that things can sometimes take a surprising turn.

`The Hungry Caterpillar' shows all the great hallmarks of a young children's book, in that it easily lends itself to the curriculum and is as simple as it is equally open to in-depth interpretation. Possibilities of further learning include additional studies of phonics, links with food technology (fruits and their properties) and Art lessons, which could include the replication of the story by building giant cardboard fruits and a willing pupil dressing up as the wriggly main character!

Thanks to its content, messages and style, this book is useful for readers from Reception to low attainment Year 2.

A true classic!, 14 Sep 2008
I was so happy when a friend gave me this when my now 13 month old was born, it reminded me so much of my childhood. I was even happier once he was big enough to start turning it's pages and poking his fingers in the holes and listening intently (well, not always!!) as I counted each different bit of food. He plays with it all the time and it is so hardwearing and virtually indestructible (unlike some other books I have purchsed!).

It's so amazing that a book I adored as a child, which I then read to my younger sister (well, more knowing it off by heart as I couldn't even read then!!) is now being adored by my son.

It's wonderful to know that there are still some sacred things left that haven't been replaced by a flashier, more plasticky version.

This is a definite must-buy for all little kids (and big kids too!).

Keeps them occupied, 15 Aug 2008
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a great little book. It keeps my daughter occupied for hours on end. Just a quick flick through it is enough to convince any adult that a small child will like it. Simplistic, enjoyable and charming. And actually quite funny.
Well recommended for very small kids.

Hungry for the Caterpillar!, 14 Oct 2008
If you love reading to your child, do not miss this book.

It is a delightful, humourous,dream-like surreal book, with a repetitive, poetic, chanting story.

It is (deservedly) a children's classic. Many reviewers here have tried to break down the different elements of this book.

What I would like to convey is the whole experience of reading the book which teaches a simple life experience to a child - which is highly spiritual, particularly the last pages where a riot of colour is the world through the eyes of a butterfly.

The story has optimism and beauty at its very core.

It has limitless opportunities for teaching and conversation. There is a colouring book of the fantastic illustrations which can be bought - the video and CD features lovely music and a calm and peaceful narrator.

Tops my list for children and grown ups of all ages.

A Classic, 12 Oct 2008
Not only is this book fun for young hands, as it's perfectly sized and sturdy, it is also educational. Neither the young boy I got this for or his older brother would put this down for days. It went in the car, to nursery and even to bed

Yum!, 16 Sep 2008
An infamous short tale of the caterpillar that munches its way through the edible obstacles on each page, until it becomes a butterfly. Arguably the most famous of the Eric Carle short stories, The Hungry Caterpillar symbolises the journeys things take in the world in order to accomplish something great. Themes in this book include the virtue of patience and the fact that things can sometimes take a surprising turn.

`The Hungry Caterpillar' shows all the great hallmarks of a young children's book, in that it easily lends itself to the curriculum and is as simple as it is equally open to in-depth interpretation. Possibilities of further learning include additional studies of phonics, links with food technology (fruits and their properties) and Art lessons, which could include the replication of the story by building giant cardboard fruits and a willing pupil dressing up as the wriggly main character!

Thanks to its content, messages and style, this book is useful for readers from Reception to low attainment Year 2.

A true classic!, 14 Sep 2008
I was so happy when a friend gave me this when my now 13 month old was born, it reminded me so much of my childhood. I was even happier once he was big enough to start turning it's pages and poking his fingers in the holes and listening intently (well, not always!!) as I counted each different bit of food. He plays with it all the time and it is so hardwearing and virtually indestructible (unlike some other books I have purchsed!).

It's so amazing that a book I adored as a child, which I then read to my younger sister (well, more knowing it off by heart as I couldn't even read then!!) is now being adored by my son.

It's wonderful to know that there are still some sacred things left that haven't been replaced by a flashier, more plasticky version.

This is a definite must-buy for all little kids (and big kids too!).

Keeps them occupied, 15 Aug 2008
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a great little book. It keeps my daughter occupied for hours on end. Just a quick flick through it is enough to convince any adult that a small child will like it. Simplistic, enjoyable and charming. And actually quite funny.
Well recommended for very small kids.

Still got the magic, 14 Oct 2008
I just finished reading Artemis Fowl and The Time Paradox and I'm happy to say that I really enjoyed it. It's difficult to sustain a series without it getting old and repetitive, but I think Colfer has managed it. Maybe it's because it's been a while since the last in the series came out, I don't know, but I loved it. I was gripped by the action while still learning new things about the characters and having a laugh along the way as well. Bring on the next one!

By Angus Nicholson, 07 Oct 2008
Artemis Fowl is a fantasy book about a teenage criminal mastermind who discovered subterranean fairies. It is an action-packed book filled with wacky characters and jokes.
The plot is about Artemis having to travel back in time to find a cure to save his mother. The cure is a lemur which Artemis had killed when he was ten-years old because Mother had spent the money that Artemis was going to use to help try and get back his father who was taken by the mafia. This was a childish piece of revenge and he's now going to have to retrieve it from his younger-self's clutches.
Artemis, until recently, had been a criminal sought on becoming the most powerful one in the world until he discovered that that wasn't the most important thing in life. Now, he had a new outlook on life and was using his brains, power and wealth to help the environment and he had now given up his criminal lifestyle. You see that Artemis is now a family man with two younger brothers and is set on making his family's life as enjoyable as possible.
The storyline was brilliantly thought out with characters from the different books reappearing. However, you started to become slightly confused as you began to wonder who was from the present and who was from the past, so it started to turn into mayhem. Once having discovered where you were in the book (after reading it back a few times), it was a very entertaining read. The story kept going at a fast pace so you were always on the edge of your chair. I was gripped from start to finish so the author succeeded in that department yet the plot became, in some places, too thick to handle.
Overall, it was a great book and I would happily re-read it over and over again as it was a vastly enthralling experience.


Not one of the better AF books, 04 Oct 2008
I would definitely agree with Guest Reviewer Mo's write-up that this is the weakest of all the AF books, particularly after 'The Lost Colony', which was just brilliant. It does feel that Colfer is re-visiting old stuff and rehashing it, although there is a good twist at the end. Having said this, it was still a good read, and fans of the AF series will like it.

Fowl wishes, 19 Sep 2008
It's been two years since the last entry in the Artemis Fowl series, and although Eoin Colfer's Airman was enough to sustain me during that time I would prefer them to come once every year. But I do understand that authors need to try something new one in a while.

This entry has Artemis and Holly jump eight years into the past to find a cure for a rare disease that is about to be lost forever with an nearly-extinct species of lemur. But since Young Artemis was the one responsible for the animal's demise it's not going to be so easy for them to outwit and outmaneuver their rivals. Obviously the plan does not go smoothly and the mayhem escalates until the closing chapters.

Anyone who hasn't read the previous five books (and if not, why not?) won't have a clue what's going on here, and sound knowledge of the series is needed in order to fully keep up with the story. I did begin to notice a few plot holes here and there and a couple of bits that didn't make exact quantum physical sense, but that's why it's called 'The Time Paradox' after all. Colfer must have a wonderfully active imagination to keep a hold of all this in his mind before writing it down.

It sets up the story for another sequel but I would like to see Artemis and Holly move on as friends next time instead of them always falling in and out, I've had enough of that, and the lack of love between them cost this entry a star. Still, a solid 4/5 though.

Pure Genius!!!, 15 Sep 2008
I can't even explain the fantastic plot twists that riddle this book.
The tension of one Criminal Genius against another, with an old, surprise character from earlier in the series it's completely enthralling.
both Artemis's have trouble hanging on to life especially when K....... comes into the fray!

Hungry for the Caterpillar!, 14 Oct 2008
If you love reading to your child, do not miss this book.

It is a delightful, humourous,dream-like surreal book, with a repetitive, poetic, chanting story.

It is (deservedly) a children's classic. Many reviewers here have tried to break down the different elements of this book.

What I would like to convey is the whole experience of reading the book which teaches a simple life experience to a child - which is highly spiritual, particularly the last pages where a riot of colour is the world through the eyes of a butterfly.

The story has optimism and beauty at its very core.

It has limitless opportunities for teaching and conversation. There is a colouring book of the fantastic illustrations which can be bought - the video and CD features lovely music and a calm and peaceful narrator.

Tops my list for children and grown ups of all ages.

A Classic, 12 Oct 2008
Not only is this book fun for young hands, as it's perfectly sized and sturdy, it is also educational. Neither the young boy I got this for or his older brother would put this down for days. It went in the car, to nursery and even to bed

Yum!, 16 Sep 2008
An infamous short tale of the caterpillar that munches its way through the edible obstacles on each page, until it becomes a butterfly. Arguably the most famous of the Eric Carle short stories, The Hungry Caterpillar symbolises the journeys things take in the world in order to accomplish something great. Themes in this book include the virtue of patience and the fact that things can sometimes take a surprising turn.

`The Hungry Caterpillar' shows all the great hallmarks of a young children's book, in that it easily lends itself to the curriculum and is as simple as it is equally open to in-depth interpretation. Possibilities of further learning include additional studies of phonics, links with food technology (fruits and their properties) and Art lessons, which could include the replication of the story by building giant cardboard fruits and a willing pupil dressing up as the wriggly main character!

Thanks to its content, messages and style, this book is useful for readers from Reception to low attainment Year 2.

A true classic!, 14 Sep 2008
I was so happy when a friend gave me this when my now 13 month old was born, it reminded me so much of my childhood. I was even happier once he was big enough to start turning it's pages and poking his fingers in the holes and listening intently (well, not always!!) as I counted each different bit of food. He plays with it all the time and it is so hardwearing and virtually indestructible (unlike some other books I have purchsed!).

It's so amazing that a book I adored as a child, which I then read to my younger sister (well, more knowing it off by heart as I couldn't even read then!!) is now being adored by my son.

It's wonderful to know that there are still some sacred things left that haven't been replaced by a flashier, more plasticky version.

This is a definite must-buy for all little kids (and big kids too!).

Keeps them occupied, 15 Aug 2008
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a great little book. It keeps my daughter occupied for hours on end. Just a quick flick through it is enough to convince any adult that a small child will like it. Simplistic, enjoyable and charming. And actually quite funny.
Well recommended for very small kids.

Still got the magic, 14 Oct 2008
I just finished reading Artemis Fowl and The Time Paradox and I'm happy to say that I really enjoyed it. It's difficult to sustain a series without it getting old and repetitive, but I think Colfer has managed it. Maybe it's because it's been a while since the last in the series came out, I don't know, but I loved it. I was gripped by the action while still learning new things about the characters and having a laugh along the way as well. Bring on the next one!

By Angus Nicholson, 07 Oct 2008
Artemis Fowl is a fantasy book about a teenage criminal mastermind who discovered subterranean fairies. It is an action-packed book filled with wacky characters and jokes.
The plot is about Artemis having to travel back in time to find a cure to save his mother. The cure is a lemur which Artemis had killed when he was ten-years old because Mother had spent the money that Artemis was going to use to help try and get back his father who was taken by the mafia. This was a childish piece of revenge and he's now going to have to retrieve it from his younger-self's clutches.
Artemis, until recently, had been a criminal sought on becoming the most powerful one in the world until he discovered that that wasn't the most important thing in life. Now, he had a new outlook on life and was using his brains, power and wealth to help the environment and he had now given up his criminal lifestyle. You see that Artemis is now a family man with two younger brothers and is set on making his family's life as enjoyable as possible.
The storyline was brilliantly thought out with characters from the different books reappearing. However, you started to become slightly confused as you began to wonder who was from the present and who was from the past, so it started to turn into mayhem. Once having discovered where you were in the book (after reading it back a few times), it was a very entertaining read. The story kept going at a fast pace so you were always on the edge of your chair. I was gripped from start to finish so the author succeeded in that department yet the plot became, in some places, too thick to handle.
Overall, it was a great book and I would happily re-read it over and over again as it was a vastly enthralling experience.


Not one of the better AF books, 04 Oct 2008
I would definitely agree with Guest Reviewer Mo's write-up that this is the weakest of all the AF books, particularly after 'The Lost Colony', which was just brilliant. It does feel that Colfer is re-visiting old stuff and rehashing it, although there is a good twist at the end. Having said this, it was still a good read, and fans of the AF series will like it.

Fowl wishes, 19 Sep 2008
It's been two years since the last entry in the Artemis Fowl series, and although Eoin Colfer's Airman was enough to sustain me during that time I would prefer them to come once every year. But I do understand that authors need to try something new one in a while.

This entry has Artemis and Holly jump eight years into the past to find a cure for a rare disease that is about to be lost forever with an nearly-extinct species of lemur. But since Young Artemis was the one responsible for the animal's demise it's not going to be so easy for them to outwit and outmaneuver their rivals. Obviously the plan does not go smoothly and the mayhem escalates until the closing chapters.

Anyone who hasn't read the previous five books (and if not, why not?) won't have a clue what's going on here, and sound knowledge of the series is needed in order to fully keep up with the story. I did begin to notice a few plot holes here and there and a couple of bits that didn't make exact quantum physical sense, but that's why it's called 'The Time Paradox' after all. Colfer must have a wonderfully active imagination to keep a hold of all this in his mind before writing it down.

It sets up the story for another sequel but I would like to see Artemis and Holly move on as friends next time instead of them always falling in and out, I've had enough of that, and the lack of love between them cost this entry a star. Still, a solid 4/5 though.

Pure Genius!!!, 15 Sep 2008
I can't even explain the fantastic plot twists that riddle this book.
The tension of one Criminal Genius against another, with an old, surprise character from earlier in the series it's completely enthralling.
both Artemis's have trouble hanging on to life especially when K....... comes into the fray!

Perfect to introduce them to books!, 29 Nov 2008
A wonderful little book. Has lift the flaps so the little ones can interact whilst you're reading the story. A simple story, but kept both my girls entertained again and again. They never seem to get bored of it. Solid and sturdy - excellent for toddlers and babies a like. You won't be disappointed.

basic but well loved, 28 Aug 2008
My 15 month old boy loves this book mainly because he loves opening flaps! We vary between this and the 'Where's Spot' book (where the flaps are easier to spot). He never seems to tire of them!

Interactive Story, 08 Aug 2008
This book is wonderful with lift up flaps and a simple story which delighted my son as a toddler. Even now we like to look at the book and lift the flaps. I would recommend this book to any toddler, its wonderful.

Great for babies AND parents!, 23 Mar 2008
This is our 4 month old son's favourite book, as indicated by his rapt attention and animated arm and leg waving on certain pages. All the pages have bold colours, and the small amount of text on each page has a rhythmic quality that makes it enjoyable to read aloud and keeps little'n engrossed. He particularly likes the lion page, although this might be in part due to his dad (me) performing a load "Roar!" at this point. I'll update review when our son is old enough to read it himself.

My son's first and favourite, 18 Mar 2008
I first heard the story told on Cbeebies story time. I re-enacted it much to my son's amusement and we bought the book at the earliest opportunity. Its a great book with a simply premise- several pets are sent by the zoo and all are unsuitable until the last one "he was perfect. I kept him". Its a lift the flap book with just enough text to keep their attention on each page. The illustrations are simple and bold and the book presents opportunities to talk about proportions and appearances and of course, to make funny animal noises. My son, in his enthusiasm, has wrecked the first one we bought him and we are going to have to buy a new one. That's how much he loves it. Since this book, he has really learnt to enjoy books as a one to one activity with me, which makes me really happy.

Hungry for the Caterpillar!, 14 Oct 2008
If you love reading to your child, do not miss this book.

It is a delightful, humourous,dream-like surreal book, with a repetitive, poetic, chanting story.

It is (deservedly) a children's classic. Many reviewers here have tried to break down the different elements of this book.

What I would like to convey is the whole experience of reading the book which teaches a simple life experience to a child - which is highly spiritual, particularly the last pages where a riot of colour is the world through the eyes of a butterfly.

The story has optimism and beauty at its very core.

It has limitless opportunities for teaching and conversation. There is a colouring book of the fantastic illustrations which can be bought - the video and CD features lovely music and a calm and peaceful narrator.

Tops my list for children and grown ups of all ages.

A Classic, 12 Oct 2008
Not only is this book fun for young hands, as it's perfectly sized and sturdy, it is also educational. Neither the young boy I got this for or his older brother would put this down for days. It went in the car, to nursery and even to bed

Yum!, 16 Sep 2008
An infamous short tale of the caterpillar that munches its way through the edible obstacles on each page, until it becomes a butterfly. Arguably the most famous of the Eric Carle short stories, The Hungry Caterpillar symbolises the journeys things take in the world in order to accomplish something great. Themes in this book include the virtue of patience and the fact that things can sometimes take a surprising turn.

`The Hungry Caterpillar' shows all the great hallmarks of a young children's book, in that it easily lends itself to the curriculum and is as simple as it is equally open to in-depth interpretation. Possibilities of further learning include additional studies of phonics, links with food technology (fruits and their properties) and Art lessons, which could include the replication of the story by building giant cardboard fruits and a willing pupil dressing up as the wriggly main character!

Thanks to its content, messages and style, this book is useful for readers from Reception to low attainment Year 2.

A true classic!, 14 Sep 2008
I was so happy when a friend gave me this when my now 13 month old was born, it reminded me so much of my childhood. I was even happier once he was big enough to start turning it's pages and poking his fingers in the holes and listening intently (well, not always!!) as I counted each different bit of food. He plays with it all the time and it is so hardwearing and virtually indestructible (unlike some other books I have purchsed!).

It's so amazing that a book I adored as a child, which I then read to my younger sister (well, more knowing it off by heart as I couldn't even read then!!) is now being adored by my son.

It's wonderful to know that there are still some sacred things left that haven't been replaced by a flashier, more plasticky version.

This is a definite must-buy for all little kids (and big kids too!).

Keeps them occupied, 15 Aug 2008
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a great little book. It keeps my daughter occupied for hours on end. Just a quick flick through it is enough to convince any adult that a small child will like it. Simplistic, enjoyable and charming. And actually quite funny.
Well recommended for very small kids.

Still got the magic, 14 Oct 2008
I just finished reading Artemis Fowl and The Time Paradox and I'm happy to say that I really enjoyed it. It's difficult to sustain a series without it getting old and repetitive, but I think Colfer has managed it. Maybe it's because it's been a while since the last in the series came out, I don't know, but I loved it. I was gripped by the action while still learning new things about the characters and having a laugh along the way as well. Bring on the next one!

By Angus Nicholson, 07 Oct 2008
Artemis Fowl is a fantasy book about a teenage criminal mastermind who discovered subterranean fairies. It is an action-packed book filled with wacky characters and jokes.
The plot is about Artemis having to travel back in time to find a cure to save his mother. The cure is a lemur which Artemis had killed when he was ten-years old because Mother had spent the money that Artemis was going to use to help try and get back his father who was taken by the mafia. This was a childish piece of revenge and he's now going to have to retrieve it from his younger-self's clutches.
Artemis, until recently, had been a criminal sought on becoming the most powerful one in the world until he discovered that that wasn't the most important thing in life. Now, he had a new outlook on life and was using his brains, power and wealth to help the environment and he had now given up his criminal lifestyle. You see that Artemis is now a family man with two younger brothers and is set on making his family's life as enjoyable as possible.
The storyline was brilliantly thought out with characters from the different books reappearing. However, you started to become slightly confused as you began to wonder who was from the present and who was from the past, so it started to turn into mayhem. Once having discovered where you were in the book (after reading it back a few times), it was a very entertaining read. The story kept going at a fast pace so you were always on the edge of your chair. I was gripped from start to finish so the author succeeded in that department yet the plot became, in some places, too thick to handle.
Overall, it was a great book and I would happily re-read it over and over again as it was a vastly enthralling experience.


Not one of the better AF books, 04 Oct 2008
I would definitely agree with Guest Reviewer Mo's write-up that this is the weakest of all the AF books, particularly after 'The Lost Colony', which was just brilliant. It does feel that Colfer is re-visiting old stuff and rehashing it, although there is a good twist at the end. Having said this, it was still a good read, and fans of the AF series will like it.

Fowl wishes, 19 Sep 2008
It's been two years since the last entry in the Artemis Fowl series, and although Eoin Colfer's Airman was enough to sustain me during that time I would prefer them to come once every year. But I do understand that authors need to try something new one in a while.

This entry has Artemis and Holly jump eight years into the past to find a cure for a rare disease that is about to be lost forever with an nearly-extinct species of lemur. But since Young Artemis was the one responsible for the animal's demise it's not going to be so easy for them to outwit and outmaneuver their rivals. Obviously the plan does not go smoothly and the mayhem escalates until the closing chapters.

Anyone who hasn't read the previous five books (and if not, why not?) won't have a clue what's going on here, and sound knowledge of the series is needed in order to fully keep up with the story. I did begin to notice a few plot holes here and there and a couple of bits that didn't make exact quantum physical sense, but that's why it's called 'The Time Paradox' after all. Colfer must have a wonderfully active imagination to keep a hold of all this in his mind before writing it down.

It sets up the story for another sequel but I would like to see Artemis and Holly move on as friends next time instead of them always falling in and out, I've had enough of that, and the lack of love between them cost this entry a star. Still, a solid 4/5 though.

Pure Genius!!!, 15 Sep 2008
I can't even explain the fantastic plot twists that riddle this book.
The tension of one Criminal Genius against another, with an old, surprise character from earlier in the series it's completely enthralling.
both Artemis's have trouble hanging on to life especially when K....... comes into the fray!

Perfect to introduce them to books!, 29 Nov 2008
A wonderful little book. Has lift the flaps so the little ones can interact whilst you're reading the story. A simple story, but kept both my girls entertained again and again. They never seem to get bored of it. Solid and sturdy - excellent for toddlers and babies a like. You won't be disappointed.

basic but well loved, 28 Aug 2008
My 15 month old boy loves this book mainly because he loves opening flaps! We vary between this and the 'Where's Spot' book (where the flaps are easier to spot). He never seems to tire of them!

Interactive Story, 08 Aug 2008
This book is wonderful with lift up flaps and a simple story which delighted my son as a toddler. Even now we like to look at the book and lift the flaps. I would recommend this book to any toddler, its wonderful.

Great for babies AND parents!, 23 Mar 2008
This is our 4 month old son's favourite book, as indicated by his rapt attention and animated arm and leg waving on certain pages. All the pages have bold colours, and the small amount of text on each page has a rhythmic quality that makes it enjoyable to read aloud and keeps little'n engrossed. He particularly likes the lion page, although this might be in part due to his dad (me) performing a load "Roar!" at this point. I'll update review when our son is old enough to read it himself.

My son's first and favourite, 18 Mar 2008
I first heard the story told on Cbeebies story time. I re-enacted it much to my son's amusement and we bought the book at the earliest opportunity. Its a great book with a simply premise- several pets are sent by the zoo and all are unsuitable until the last one "he was perfect. I kept him". Its a lift the flap book with just enough text to keep their attention on each page. The illustrations are simple and bold and the book presents opportunities to talk about proportions and appearances and of course, to make funny animal noises. My son, in his enthusiasm, has wrecked the first one we bought him and we are going to have to buy a new one. That's how much he loves it. Since this book, he has really learnt to enjoy books as a one to one activity with me, which makes me really happy.

My fave Meg book!, 07 Oct 2008
I have never been a mad Meg Cabot fan but I have read a few of the Princess Diaries and Mediator books and I totally loved her last book Jinx, so I was eager to read this one when I found out what it was about and it is definately my favourite book by her to date.
Its about a teenage girl called Emmerson who is a tomboy and spends her time playing computer ganes with her friend Christopher (who she is secretly crushing on!), her sister Frida is the exact opposite, her main mission is to be popular and she idolises teen supermodel and face of Stark Enterprises, Nikki Howard. When Emmerson gets dragged along by Frida to Stark Megastores for a performance by popstar Gabriel Luna, something happens that will change Emmerson forever - literally!! She wakes up a month later in the body of Nikki Howard - Emmerson Watts is no more!
She is unable to tell anyone about this as it will cost her parents £2 million, including her friend Christopher who believes Emmerson is dead. She goes to school where everyone idolises her but she can never tell the truth.
At times I found this book pretty emotional especially the later Christopher scenes and I really hope in the sequel 'Being Nikki' theres a happy ending for the 2 of them, will he realise who she is?
If Meg Cabot continues to write books like this and the brilliant Jinx, she will go from being an author I just found alright to one of my favourites!

Yay for Airhead, 23 Jun 2008
This book is everything you want in a book.A main charachter you can sorta relate to.It is gripping and a good read.It is very bittersweet with the odd bit that I wanted to cry.It is one the best book written by Meg Cabot and mabey one of the best books in the world.I can`t wait till the sequel Being Nikki!!!!!!!!!!!!

Courtesy of Teens Read Too, 16 May 2008
I can't lie; this had to be the oddest book that I have read by one of my favorite authors!

Emerson Watts is a pretty typical nerdy girl at a good school. She has one best friend, who she is secretly in love with (It is a guy, by the way.) But she is only typical until she goes to a store opening with her sister and gets injured in a very freak accident.

When she wakes up after about a month of being unconscious, she feels like she is someone else.

And she actually is.

This is not a paranormal book. She gets a brain transplant.

At the end of the book I literally said, "Get me the next book! NOW!" The ending is a total cliffhanger!

The characters are smart, witty, and a little weird, as with typical Meg Cabot books. A fun read, even though the beginning is a little hard to understand, and can be difficult to get into. However, it is definitely worth reading the whole thing, because it is truly hilarious!

Reviewed by: Taylor Rector

Hungry for the Caterpillar!, 14 Oct 2008
If you love reading to your child, do not miss this book.

It is a delightful, humourous,dream-like surreal book, with a repetitive, poetic, chanting story.

It is (deservedly) a children's classic. Many reviewers here have tried to break down the different elements of this book.

What I would like to convey is the whole experience of reading the book which teaches a simple life experience to a child - which is highly spiritual, particularly the last pages where a riot of colour is the world through the eyes of a butterfly.

The story has optimism and beauty at its very core.

It has limitless opportunities for teaching and conversation. There is a colouring book of the fantastic illustrations which can be bought - the video and CD features lovely music and a calm and peaceful narrator.

Tops my list for children and grown ups of all ages.

A Classic, 12 Oct 2008
Not only is this book fun for young hands, as it's perfectly sized and sturdy, it is also educational. Neither the young boy I got this for or his older brother would put this down for days. It went in the car, to nursery and even to bed

Yum!, 16 Sep 2008
An infamous short tale of the caterpillar that munches its way through the edible obstacles on each page, until it becomes a butterfly. Arguably the most famous of the Eric Carle short stories, The Hungry Caterpillar symbolises the journeys things take in the world in order to accomplish something great. Themes in this book include the virtue of patience and the fact that things can sometimes take a surprising turn.

`The Hungry Caterpillar' shows all the great hallmarks of a young children's book, in that it easily lends itself to the curriculum and is as simple as it is equally open to in-depth interpretation. Possibilities of further learning include additional studies of phonics, links with food technology (fruits and their properties) and Art lessons, which could include the replication of the story by building giant cardboard fruits and a willing pupil dressing up as the wriggly main character!

Thanks to its content, messages and style, this book is useful for readers from Reception to low attainment Year 2.

A true classic!, 14 Sep 2008
I was so happy when a friend gave me this when my now 13 month old was born, it reminded me so much of my childhood. I was even happier once he was big enough to start turning it's pages and poking his fingers in the holes and listening intently (well, not always!!) as I counted each different bit of food. He plays with it all the time and it is so hardwearing and virtually indestructible (unlike some other books I have purchsed!).

It's so amazing that a book I adored as a child, which I then read to my younger sister (well, more knowing it off by heart as I couldn't even read then!!) is now being adored by my son.

It's wonderful to know that there are still some sacred things left that haven't been replaced by a flashier, more plasticky version.

This is a definite must-buy for all little kids (and big kids too!).

Keeps them occupied, 15 Aug 2008
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a great little book. It keeps my daughter occupied for hours on end. Just a quick flick through it is enough to convince any adult that a small child will like it. Simplistic, enjoyable and charming. And actually quite funny.
Well recommended for very small kids.

Still got the magic, 14 Oct 2008
I just finished reading Artemis Fowl and The Time Paradox and I'm happy to say that I really enjoyed it. It's difficult to sustain a series without it getting old and repetitive, but I think Colfer has managed it. Maybe it's because it's been a while since the last in the series came out, I don't know, but I loved it. I was gripped by the action while still learning new things about the characters and having a laugh along the way as well. Bring on the next one!

By Angus Nicholson, 07 Oct 2008
Artemis Fowl is a fantasy book about a teenage criminal mastermind who discovered subterranean fairies. It is an action-packed book filled with wacky characters and jokes.
The plot is about Artemis having to travel back in time to find a cure to save his mother. The cure is a lemur which Artemis had killed when he was ten-years old because Mother had spent the money that Artemis was going to use to help try and get back his father who was taken by the mafia. This was a childish piece of revenge and he's now going to have to retrieve it from his younger-self's clutches.
Artemis, until recently, had been a criminal sought on becoming the most powerful one in the world until he discovered that that wasn't the most important thing in life. Now, he had a new outlook on life and was using his brains, power and wealth to help the environment and he had now given up his criminal lifestyle. You see that Artemis is now a family man with two younger brothers and is set on making his family's life as enjoyable as possible.
The storyline was brilliantly thought out with characters from the different books reappearing. However, you started to become slightly confused as you began to wonder who was from the present and who was from the past, so it started to turn into mayhem. Once having discovered where you were in the book (after reading it back a few times), it was a very entertaining read. The story kept going at a fast pace so you were always on the edge of your chair. I was gripped from start to finish so the author succeeded in that department yet the plot became, in some places, too thick to handle.
Overall, it was a great book and I would happily re-read it over and over again as it was a vastly enthralling experience.


Not one of the better AF books, 04 Oct 2008
I would definitely agree with Guest Reviewer Mo's write-up that this is the weakest of all the AF books, particularly after 'The Lost Colony', which was just brilliant. It does feel that Colfer is re-visiting old stuff and rehashing it, although there is a good twist at the end. Having said this, it was still a good read, and fans of the AF series will like it.

Fowl wishes, 19 Sep 2008
It's been two years since the last entry in the Artemis Fowl series, and although Eoin Colfer's Airman was enough to sustain me during that time I would prefer them to come once every year. But I do understand that authors need to try something new one in a while.

This entry has Artemis and Holly jump eight years into the past to find a cure for a rare disease that is about to be lost forever with an nearly-extinct species of lemur. But since Young Artemis was the one responsible for the animal's demise it's not going to be so easy for them to outwit and outmaneuver their rivals. Obviously the plan does not go smoothly and the mayhem escalates until the closing chapters.

Anyone who hasn't read the previous five books (and if not, why not?) won't have a clue what's going on here, and sound knowledge of the series is needed in order to fully keep up with the story. I did begin to notice a few plot holes here and there and a couple of bits that didn't make exact quantum physical sense, but that's why it's called 'The Time Paradox' after all. Colfer must have a wonderfully active imagination to keep a hold of all this in his mind before writing it down.

It sets up the story for another sequel but I would like to see Artemis and Holly move on as friends next time instead of them always falling in and out, I've had enough of that, and the lack of love between them cost this entry a star. Still, a solid 4/5 though.

Pure Genius!!!, 15 Sep 2008
I can't even explain the fantastic plot twists that riddle this book.
The tension of one Criminal Genius against another, with an old, surprise character from earlier in the series it's completely enthralling.
both Artemis's have trouble hanging on to life especially when K....... comes into the fray!

Perfect to introduce them to books!, 29 Nov 2008
A wonderful little book. Has lift the flaps so the little ones can interact whilst you're reading the story. A simple story, but kept both my girls entertained again and again. They never seem to get bored of it. Solid and sturdy - excellent for toddlers and babies a like. You won't be disappointed.

basic but well loved, 28 Aug 2008
My 15 month old boy loves this book mainly because he loves opening flaps! We vary between this and the 'Where's Spot' book (where the flaps are easier to spot). He never seems to tire of them!

Interactive Story, 08 Aug 2008
This book is wonderful with lift up flaps and a simple story which delighted my son as a toddler. Even now we like to look at the book and lift the flaps. I would recommend this book to any toddler, its wonderful.

Great for babies AND parents!, 23 Mar 2008
This is our 4 month old son's favourite book, as indicated by his rapt attention and animated arm and leg waving on certain pages. All the pages have bold colours, and the small amount of text on each page has a rhythmic quality that makes it enjoyable to read aloud and keeps little'n engrossed. He particularly likes the lion page, although this might be in part due to his dad (me) performing a load "Roar!" at this point. I'll update review when our son is old enough to read it himself.

My son's first and favourite, 18 Mar 2008
I first heard the story told on Cbeebies story time. I re-enacted it much to my son's amusement and we bought the book at the earliest opportunity. Its a great book with a simply premise- several pets are sent by the zoo and all are unsuitable until the last one "he was perfect. I kept him". Its a lift the flap book with just enough text to keep their attention on each page. The illustrations are simple and bold and the book presents opportunities to talk about proportions and appearances and of course, to make funny animal noises. My son, in his enthusiasm, has wrecked the first one we bought him and we are going to have to buy a new one. That's how much he loves it. Since this book, he has really learnt to enjoy books as a one to one activity with me, which makes me really happy.

My fave Meg book!, 07 Oct 2008
I have never been a mad Meg Cabot fan but I have read a few of the Princess Diaries and Mediator books and I totally loved her last book Jinx, so I was eager to read this one when I found out what it was about and it is definately my favourite book by her to date.
Its about a teenage girl called Emmerson who is a tomboy and spends her time playing computer ganes with her friend Christopher (who she is secretly crushing on!), her sister Frida is the exact opposite, her main mission is to be popular and she idolises teen supermodel and face of Stark Enterprises, Nikki Howard. When Emmerson gets dragged along by Frida to Stark Megastores for a performance by popstar Gabriel Luna, something happens that will change Emmerson forever - literally!! She wakes up a month later in the body of Nikki Howard - Emmerson Watts is no more!
She is unable to tell anyone about this as it will cost her parents £2 million, including her friend Christopher who believes Emmerson is dead. She goes to school where everyone idolises her but she can never tell the truth.
At times I found this book pretty emotional especially the later Christopher scenes and I really hope in the sequel 'Being Nikki' theres a happy ending for the 2 of them, will he realise who she is?
If Meg Cabot continues to write books like this and the brilliant Jinx, she will go from being an author I just found alright to one of my favourites!

Yay for Airhead, 23 Jun 2008
This book is everything you want in a book.A main charachter you can sorta relate to.It is gripping and a good read.It is very bittersweet with the odd bit that I wanted to cry.It is one the best book written by Meg Cabot and mabey one of the best books in the world.I can`t wait till the sequel Being Nikki!!!!!!!!!!!!

Courtesy of Teens Read Too, 16 May 2008
I can't lie; this had to be the oddest book that I have read by one of my favorite authors!

Emerson Watts is a pretty typical nerdy girl at a good school. She has one best friend, who she is secretly in love with (It is a guy, by the way.) But she is only typical until she goes to a store opening with her sister and gets injured in a very freak accident.

When she wakes up after about a month of being unconscious, she feels like she is someone else.

And she actually is.

This is not a paranormal book. She gets a brain transplant.

At the end of the book I literally said, "Get me the next book! NOW!" The ending is a total cliffhanger!

The characters are smart, witty, and a little weird, as with typical Meg Cabot books. A fun read, even though the beginning is a little hard to understand, and can be difficult to get into. However, it is definitely worth reading the whole thing, because it is truly hilarious!

Reviewed by: Taylor Rector

a small-sized version of the original bestseller, 26 Nov 2000
I was disappointed at the small size of the board book - even tiny fingers find it hard to poke through the holes munched by the caterpillar. The little toy is cute, I had thought that he would be able to 'eat his way through the holes in the pages', but as stated above the book is too small. Having said that , The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a classic enjoyed by my children 20 years ago and still popular today.

Eoin Colfer, author of Artemis Fowl, describes his creation as "Die Hard with fairies". He's not far wrong. Artemis Fowl is the most ingenious criminal mastermind in history and with his trusty sidekicks, Butler and Juliet, in tow he hatches a cunning plot to divest the fairyfolk of their pot of gold. Of course, he isn't foolish enough to believe in all that "gold at the end of the rainbow" nonsense. Rather, he knows that the only way to separate the little people from their stash is to kidnap one of their number and wait for the ransom to arrive. But when the time comes to put his plan into action he reckons without Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon (Lower Elements Police Reconnaisance) Unit--a sort of extra small Clarice Starling with pointy ears and wings--and her senior officer Commander Root, a man (sorry, elf) who will stop at nothing to get her back.

Fantastic stuff from beginning to end, Artemis Fowl is a rip-roaring, 21st-century romp of the highest order. The author has let his imagination run riot by combining folklore, fantasy and a fistful of high-tech funk in an outrageously devilish book that could well do for fairies what Harry Potter has done for wizardry. But be warned: this is no gentle frolic so don't be fooled by the fairy subject matter. Instead what we have here is well written, sophisticated, rough and tumble storytelling with enough high-octane attitude to make it a seriously cool read for anyone over the age of 10. --Susan Harrison

Hungry for the Caterpillar!, 14 Oct 2008
If you love reading to your child, do not miss this book.

It is a delightful, humourous,dream-like surreal book, with a repetitive, poetic, chanting story.

It is (deservedly) a children's classic. Many reviewers here have tried to break down the different elements of this book.

What I would like to convey is the whole experience of reading the book which teaches a simple life experience to a child - which is highly spiritual, particularly the last pages where a riot of colour is the world through the eyes of a butterfly.

The story has optimism and beauty at its very core.

It has limitless opportunities for teaching and conversation. There is a colouring book of the fantastic illustrations which can be bought - the video and CD features lovely music and a calm and peaceful narrator.

Tops my list for children and grown ups of all ages.

A Classic, 12 Oct 2008
Not only is this book fun for young hands, as it's perfectly sized and sturdy, it is also educational. Neither the young boy I got this for or his older brother would put this down for days. It went in the car, to nursery and even to bed

Yum!, 16 Sep 2008
An infamous short tale of the caterpillar that munches its way through the edible obstacles on each page, until it becomes a butterfly. Arguably the most famous of the Eric Carle short stories, The Hungry Caterpillar symbolises the journeys things take in the world in order to accomplish something great. Themes in this book include the virtue of patience and the fact that things can sometimes take a surprising turn.

`The Hungry Caterpillar' shows all the great hallmarks of a young children's book, in that it easily lends itself to the curriculum and is as simple as it is equally open to in-depth interpretation. Possibilities of further learning include additional studies of phonics, links with food technology (fruits and their properties) and Art lessons, which could include the replication of the story by building giant cardboard fruits and a willing pupil dressing up as the wriggly main character!

Thanks to its content, messages and style, this book is useful for readers from Reception to low attainment Year 2.

A true classic!, 14 Sep 2008
I was so happy when a friend gave me this when my now 13 month old was born, it reminded me so much of my childhood. I was even happier once he was big enough to start turning it's pages and poking his fingers in the holes and listening intently (well, not always!!) as I counted each different bit of food. He plays with it all the time and it is so hardwearing and virtually indestructible (unlike some other books I have purchsed!).

It's so amazing that a book I adored as a child, which I then read to my younger sister (well, more knowing it off by heart as I couldn't even read then!!) is now being adored by my son.

It's wonderful to know that there are still some sacred things left that haven't been replaced by a flashier, more plasticky version.

This is a definite must-buy for all little kids (and big kids too!).

Keeps them occupied, 15 Aug 2008
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a great little book. It keeps my daughter occupied for hours on end. Just a quick flick through it is enough to convince any adult that a small child will like it. Simplistic, enjoyable and charming. And actually quite funny.
Well recommended for very small kids.

Still got the magic, 14 Oct 2008
I just finished reading Artemis Fowl and The Time Paradox and I'm happy to say that I really enjoyed it. It's difficult to sustain a series without it getting old and repetitive, but I think Colfer has managed it. Maybe it's because it's been a while since the last in the series came out, I don't know, but I loved it. I was gripped by the action while still learning new things about the characters and having a laugh along the way as well. Bring on the next one!

By Angus Nicholson, 07 Oct 2008
Artemis Fowl is a fantasy book about a teenage criminal mastermind who discovered subterranean fairies. It is an action-packed book filled with wacky characters and jokes.
The plot is about Artemis having to travel back in time to find a cure to save his mother. The cure is a lemur which Artemis had killed when he was ten-years old because Mother had spent the money that Artemis was going to use to help try and get back his father who was taken by the mafia. This was a childish piece of revenge and he's now going to have to retrieve it from his younger-self's clutches.
Artemis, until recently, had been a criminal sought on becoming the most powerful one in the world until he discovered that that wasn't the most important thing in life. Now, he had a new outlook on life and was using his brains, power and wealth to help the environment and he had now given up his criminal lifestyle. You see that Artemis is now a family man with two younger brothers and is set on making his family's life as enjoyable as possible.
The storyline was brilliantly thought out with characters from the different books reappearing. However, you started to become slightly confused as you began to wonder who was from the present and who was from the past, so it started to turn into mayhem. Once having discovered where you were in the book (after reading it back a few times), it was a very entertaining read. The story kept going at a fast pace so you were always on the edge of your chair. I was gripped from start to finish so the author succeeded in that department yet the plot became, in some places, too thick to handle.
Overall, it was a great book and I would happily re-read it over and over again as it was a vastly enthralling experience.


Not one of the better AF books, 04 Oct 2008
I would definitely agree with Guest Reviewer Mo's write-up that this is the weakest of all the AF books, particularly after 'The Lost Colony', which was just brilliant. It does feel that Colfer is re-visiting old stuff and rehashing it, although there is a good twist at the end. Having said this, it was still a good read, and fans of the AF series will like it.

Fowl wishes, 19 Sep 2008
It's been two years since the last entry in the Artemis Fowl series, and although Eoin Colfer's Airman was enough to sustain me during that time I would prefer them to come once every year. But I do understand that authors need to try something new one in a while.

This entry has Artemis and Holly jump eight years into the past to find a cure for a rare disease that is about to be lost forever with an nearly-extinct species of lemur. But since Young Artemis was the one responsible for the animal's demise it's not going to be so easy for them to outwit and outmaneuver their rivals. Obviously the plan does not go smoothly and the mayhem escalates until the closing chapters.

Anyone who hasn't read the previous five books (and if not, why not?) won't have a clue what's going on here, and sound knowledge of the series is needed in order to fully keep up with the story. I did begin to notice a few plot holes here and there and a couple of bits that didn't make exact quantum physical sense, but that's why it's called 'The Time Paradox' after all. Colfer must have a wonderfully active imagination to keep a hold of all this in his mind before writing it down.

It sets up the story for another sequel but I would like to see Artemis and Holly move on as friends next time instead of them always falling in and out, I've had enough of that, and the lack of love between them cost this entry a star. Still, a solid 4/5 though.

Pure Genius!!!, 15 Sep 2008
I can't even explain the fantastic plot twists that riddle this book.
The tension of one Criminal Genius against another, with an old, surprise character from earlier in the series it's completely enthralling.
both Artemis's have trouble hanging on to life especially when K....... comes into the fray!

Perfect to introduce them to books!, 29 Nov 2008
A wonderful little book. Has lift the flaps so the little ones can interact whilst you're reading the story. A simple story, but kept both my girls entertained again and again. They never seem to get bored of it. Solid and sturdy - excellent for toddlers and babies a like. You won't be disappointed.

basic but well loved, 28 Aug 2008
My 15 month old boy loves this book mainly because he loves opening flaps! We vary between this and the 'Where's Spot' book (where the flaps are easier to spot). He never seems to tire of them!

Interactive Story, 08 Aug 2008
This book is wonderful with lift up flaps and a simple story which delighted my son as a toddler. Even now we like to look at the book and lift the flaps. I would recommend this book to any toddler, its wonderful.

Great for babies AND parents!, 23 Mar 2008
This is our 4 month old son's favourite book, as indicated by his rapt attention and animated arm and leg waving on certain pages. All the pages have bold colours, and the small amount of text on each page has a rhythmic quality that makes it enjoyable to read aloud and keeps little'n engrossed. He particularly likes the lion page, although this might be in part due to his dad (me) performing a load "Roar!" at this point. I'll update review when our son is old enough to read it himself.

My son's first and favourite, 18 Mar 2008
I first heard the story told on Cbeebies story time. I re-enacted it much to my son's amusement and we bought the book at the earliest opportunity. Its a great book with a simply premise- several pets are sent by the zoo and all are unsuitable until the last one "he was perfect. I kept him". Its a lift the flap book with just enough text to keep their attention on each page. The illustrations are simple and bold and the book presents opportunities to talk about proportions and appearances and of course, to make funny animal noises. My son, in his enthusiasm, has wrecked the first one we bought him and we are going to have to buy a new one. That's how much he loves it. Since this book, he has really learnt to enjoy books as a one to one activity with me, which makes me really happy.

My fave Meg book!, 07 Oct 2008
I have never been a mad Meg Cabot fan but I have read a few of the Princess Diaries and Mediator books and I totally loved her last book Jinx, so I was eager to read this one when I found out what it was about and it is definately my favourite book by her to date.
Its about a teenage girl called Emmerson who is a tomboy and spends her time playing computer ganes with her friend Christopher (who she is secretly crushing on!), her sister Frida is the exact opposite, her main mission is to be popular and she idolises teen supermodel and face of Stark Enterprises, Nikki Howard. When Emmerson gets dragged along by Frida to Stark Megastores for a performance by popstar Gabriel Luna, something happens that will change Emmerson forever - literally!! She wakes up a month later in the body of Nikki Howard - Emmerson Watts is no more!
She is unable to tell anyone about this as it will cost her parents £2 million, including her friend Christopher who believes Emmerson is dead. She goes to school where everyone idolises her but she can never tell the truth.
At times I found this book pretty emotional especially the later Christopher scenes and I really hope in the sequel 'Being Nikki' theres a happy ending for the 2 of them, will he realise who she is?
If Meg Cabot continues to write books like this and the brilliant Jinx, she will go from being an author I just found alright to one of my favourites!

Yay for Airhead, 23 Jun 2008
This book is everything you want in a book.A main charachter you can sorta relate to.It is gripping and a good read.It is very bittersweet with the odd bit that I wanted to cry.It is one the best book written by Meg Cabot and mabey one of the best books in the world.I can`t wait till the sequel Being Nikki!!!!!!!!!!!!

Courtesy of Teens Read Too, 16 May 2008
I can't lie; this had to be the oddest book that I have read by one of my favorite authors!

Emerson Watts is a pretty typical nerdy girl at a good school. She has one best friend, who she is secretly in love with (It is a guy, by the way.) But she is only typical until she goes to a store opening with her sister and gets injured in a very freak accident.

When she wakes up after about a month of being unconscious, she feels like she is someone else.

And she actually is.

This is not a paranormal book. She gets a brain transplant.

At the end of the book I literally said, "Get me the next book! NOW!" The ending is a total cliffhanger!

The characters are smart, witty, and a little weird, as with typical Meg Cabot books. A fun read, even though the beginning is a little hard to understand, and can be difficult to get into. However, it is definitely worth reading the whole thing, because it is truly hilarious!

Reviewed by: Taylor Rector

a small-sized version of the original bestseller, 26 Nov 2000
I was disappointed at the small size of the board book - even tiny fingers find it hard to poke through the holes munched by the caterpillar. The little toy is cute, I had thought that he would be able to 'eat his way through the holes in the pages', but as stated above the book is too small. Having said that , The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a classic enjoyed by my children 20 years ago and still popular today.

A Primary Teacher's Perspective..., 16 Sep 2008
Another highly successful collection of books that give a new twist to faeries and all things mythical. Except unlike so many others of its kind, this book focuses upon the rather unlikely and unsavoury young aristocrat criminal mastermind, Artemis Fowl. On a quest to steal leprechaun gold, he holds a young faery to ransom but gets more than he bargains for as the winged equivalent of the SAS storm his plush mansion.

Eoin Colfer's genius in this series of books is injecting a somewhat tired premise with a new twist. Particularly with this first novel of the long-running series, the reader is given plenty to think about as faeries have jet-propelled wings and mythical creatures are given a gritty and very tangible edge.

There is no doubt that many more readers of various ages will enjoy Artemis Fowl, and like the other modern heavyweights such as Harry Potter, Colfer's books can quite easily be enjoyed by readers of all ages. However, in a school setting the book is most likely aimed for a gifted Year 4 reader and up. Regarding curriculum links, there is potential for some extravagant and rather ambitious science and maths lessons that can link with events in the book.

An adults perspective, 13 Sep 2008
I write this review from the eyes and mind of an Adult.

After reading the current Artemis Fowl series I find myself waiting for more. Eoin's hard work in these books clearly shows.

What stands out is that these books are quick reads for an Adult. But the point that is most worth mentioning is that you do not feel like you have been short changed. You are given a full story with few, if any, questions that are not answered in the narrative.

I would reccommend this book to an adult who is journeying on a train for example. Around 3 hours of continous attention is all that is needed to read this book and enter the world of Artemis, Butler, Holly, Mulch, Foaly, and many more interesting and complete characters.

MS


Something Fowl this way comes..., 15 Aug 2008
Some people may be fooled into thinking that Eoin Colfer's creation of Artemis Fowl is an attempt to imitate Harry Potter. But whilst it is a fantasy adventure, aimed at kids but with crossover potential, there's very little to liken the two of them.

The main point being that Artemis Fowl is more about technology and gadgets than magic. True, there is magic, but fairy wings are petrol powered, boats explode with Semtex, CCTV is hacked into and leprechaun becomes LEP Recon. The duet of magic and gadget works.

Well, most of the time. Despite being a twenty-something with a decent head for electronics, even I found most of the terms and jargon being flung at me bewildering. Will a 12-year-old really understand what the half-life of Solinium means? Well, probably - children are more techno-minded than we give them credit for - but the terminology is everywhere, and it can get a little OTT and obtrusive at times and you wonder what the point of it is to the story.

But then Artemis Fowl has it's trump card - it's sheer originality. There's no particular bad guy or good guy: for those of you who find Harry Potter's unwavering goody-goody act too much will find Master Fowl the perfect tonic. He's an anti-hero, he's a genius criminal mastermind, and even at the tender age of twelve is very charismatic. When he's not in the scene, you await his return. And, as I said with the example of LEPRecon, old fantasy elements like fairies, elves, goblins and dwarves are hauled into the twenty-first century and given a makeover. No wand waving or broomsticks here.

Basically, Artemis Fowl comes with a big fat recommendation. If you love Harry Potter, this is right up your alley. Adventure, action, magic and furious page-turning awaits you. If you hate Harry Potter, however, go for it. If Harry Potter and Artemis Fowl were in a class together, Harry would be the perfect teacher's pet whilst Artemis would be the bad boy at the back of the class. Brilliant.

Plot & humour, no characterisation or depth, I loved it, 27 Jul 2008
How to tell whether an adult would like these books?

1 Do you like action books / action movies with pacy plots?
2 ... even if there is no characterisation or emotional depth?
3 Would you like a book that has a lot banter in it, but also has a dry humour running all the way through?

If you said 'yes' three times, I think you would like the book. Even one 'no' and I'm not so sure. I loved it.

It has a pacy plot. Think Jason Bourne, James Bond, Batman movies, Die Hard. Like these examples, it has very little characterisation.

It's got a lot of humour, though sometimes the banter gets a bit much. It reminded me of Terry Pratchett, but lighter. Artemis Fowl, the 12 year old criminal mastermind, is part James Bond, part James Bond villain, with a little pinch of mafia godfather. He is ridiculously clever, in an entertaining way, motivated by money again in an entertaining way, but endearing too.

Other reviewers argue whether it is or is not like Harry Potter. I think it's nothing like HP. More like part Robert Ludlum (the author of Jason Bourne), part Terry Pratchett (drier humour, but not as fantastically weird as TP).

It does have goblins, elves and dwarves in it, but don't let that put you off - it's an action book in a fantasy setting, rather than a fantasy book (in my view).

For an adult, it's a light read (Waterstones had it in the 9-12 year old section), but a fun way of filling a few hours.




amazing book, 29 Jun 2008
Artemis fowl is a genius? humm, maybe so. but so is eoin colfer. the book is interesting and very easy to read in a single sitting which i have done. i have read the entire series (so far!) and loved them all. The way eoin combines fiction with fact (fairies and humans) is sheer genius. 5 stars.

Hungry for the Caterpillar!, 14 Oct 2008
If you love reading to your child, do not miss this book.

It is a delightful, humourous,dream-like surreal book, with a repetitive, poetic, chanting story.

It is (deservedly) a children's classic. Many reviewers here have tried to break down the different elements of this book.

What I would like to convey is the whole experience of reading the book which teaches a simple life experience to a child - which is highly spiritual, particularly the last pages where a riot of colour is the world through the eyes of a butterfly.

The story has optimism and beauty at its very core.

It has limitless opportunities for teaching and conversation. There is a colouring book of the fantastic illustrations which can be bought - the video and CD features lovely music and a calm and peaceful narrator.

Tops my list for children and grown ups of all ages.

A Classic, 12 Oct 2008
Not only is this book fun for young hands, as it's perfectly sized and sturdy, it is also educational. Neither the young boy I got this for or his older brother would put this down for days. It went in the car, to nursery and even to bed

Yum!, 16 Sep 2008
An infamous short tale of the caterpillar that munches its way through the edible obstacles on each page, until it becomes a butterfly. Arguably the most famous of the Eric Carle short stories, The Hungry Caterpillar symbolises the journeys things take in the world in order to accomplish something great. Themes in this book include the virtue of patience and the fact that things can sometimes take a surprising turn.

`The Hungry Caterpillar' shows all the great hallmarks of a young children's book, in that it easily lends itself to the curriculum and is as simple as it is equally open to in-depth interpretation. Possibilities of further learning include additional studies of phonics, links with food technology (fruits and their properties) and Art lessons, which could include the replication of the story by building giant cardboard fruits and a willing pupil dressing up as the wriggly main character!

Thanks to its content, messages and style, this book is useful for readers from Reception to low attainment Year 2.

A true classic!, 14 Sep 2008
I was so happy when a friend gave me this when my now 13 month old was born, it reminded me so much of my childhood. I was even happier once he was big enough to start turning it's pages and poking his fingers in the holes and listening intently (well, not always!!) as I counted each different bit of food. He plays with it all the time and it is so hardwearing and virtually indestructible (unlike some other books I have purchsed!).

It's so amazing that a book I adored as a child, which I then read to my younger sister (well, more knowing it off by heart as I couldn't even read then!!) is now being adored by my son.

It's wonderful to know that there are still some sacred things left that haven't been replaced by a flashier, more plasticky version.

This is a definite must-buy for all little kids (and big kids too!).

Keeps them occupied, 15 Aug 2008
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a great little book. It keeps my daughter occupied for hours on end. Just a quick flick through it is enough to convince any adult that a small child will like it. Simplistic, enjoyable and charming. And actually quite funny.
Well recommended for very small kids.

Still got the magic, 14 Oct 2008
I just finished reading Artemis Fowl and The Time Paradox and I'm happy to say that I really enjoyed it. It's difficult to sustain a series without it getting old and repetitive, but I think Colfer has managed it. Maybe it's because it's been a while since the last in the series came out, I don't know, but I loved it. I was gripped by the action while still learning new things about the characters and having a laugh along the way as well. Bring on the next one!

By Angus Nicholson, 07 Oct 2008
Artemis Fowl is a fantasy book about a teenage criminal mastermind who discovered subterranean fairies. It is an action-packed book filled with wacky characters and jokes.
The plot is about Artemis having to travel back in time to find a cure to save his mother. The cure is a lemur which Artemis had killed when he was ten-years old because Mother had spent the money that Artemis was going to use to help try and get back his father who was taken by the mafia. This was a childish piece of revenge and he's now going to have to retrieve it from his younger-self's clutches.
Artemis, until recently, had been a criminal sought on becoming the most powerful one in the world until he discovered that that wasn't the most important thing in life. Now, he had a new outlook on life and was using his brains, power and wealth to help the environment and he had now given up his criminal lifestyle. You see that Artemis is now a family man with two younger brothers and is set on making his family's life as enjoyable as possible.
The storyline was brilliantly thought out with characters from the different books reappearing. However, you started to become slightly confused as you began to wonder who was from the present and who was from the past, so it started to turn into mayhem. Once having discovered where you were in the book (after reading it back a few times), it was a very entertaining read. The story kept going at a fast pace so you were always on the edge of your chair. I was gripped from start to finish so the author succeeded in that department yet the plot became, in some places, too thick to handle.
Overall, it was a great book and I would happily re-read it over and over again as it was a vastly enthralling experience.


Not one of the better AF books, 04 Oct 2008
I would definitely agree with Guest Reviewer Mo's write-up that this is the weakest of all the AF books, particularly after 'The Lost Colony', which was just brilliant. It does feel that Colfer is re-visiting old stuff and rehashing it, although there is a good twist at the end. Having said this, it was still a good read, and fans of the AF series will like it.

Fowl wishes, 19 Sep 2008
It's been two years since the last entry in the Artemis Fowl series, and although Eoin Colfer's Airman was enough to sustain me during that time I would prefer them to come once every year. But I do understand that authors need to try something new one in a while.

This entry has Artemis and Holly jump eight years into the past to find a cure for a rare disease that is about to be lost forever with an nearly-extinct species of lemur. But since Young Artemis was the one responsible for the animal's demise it's not going to be so easy for them to outwit and outmaneuver their rivals. Obviously the plan does not go smoothly and the mayhem escalates until the closing chapters.

Anyone who hasn't read the previous five books (and if not, why not?) won't have a clue what's going on here, and sound knowledge of the series is needed in order to fully keep up with the story. I did begin to notice a few plot holes here and there and a couple of bits that didn't make exact quantum physical sense, but that's why it's called 'The Time Paradox' after all. Colfer must have a wonderfully active imagination to keep a hold of all this in his mind before writing it down.

It sets up the story for another sequel but I would like to see Artemis and Holly move on as friends next time instead of them always falling in and out, I've had enough of that, and the lack of love between them cost this entry a star. Still, a solid 4/5 though.

Pure Genius!!!, 15 Sep 2008
I can't even explain the fantastic plot twists that riddle this book.
The tension of one Criminal Genius against another, with an old, surprise character from earlier in the series it's completely enthralling.
both Artemis's have trouble hanging on to life especially when K....... comes into the fray!

Perfect to introduce them to books!, 29 Nov 2008
A wonderful little book. Has lift the flaps so the little ones can interact whilst you're reading the story. A simple story, but kept both my girls entertained again and again. They never seem to get bored of it. Solid and sturdy - excellent for toddlers and babies a like. You won't be disappointed.

basic but well loved, 28 Aug 2008
My 15 month old boy loves this book mainly because he loves opening flaps! We vary between this and the 'Where's Spot' book (where the flaps are easier to spot). He never seems to tire of them!

Interactive Story, 08 Aug 2008
This book is wonderful with lift up flaps and a simple story which delighted my son as a toddler. Even now we like to look at the book and lift the flaps. I would recommend this book to any toddler, its wonderful.

Great for babies AND parents!, 23 Mar 2008
This is our 4 month old son's favourite book, as indicated by his rapt attention and animated arm and leg waving on certain pages. All the pages have bold colours, and the small amount of text on each page has a rhythmic quality that makes it enjoyable to read aloud and keeps little'n engrossed. He particularly likes the lion page, although this might be in part due to his dad (me) performing a load "Roar!" at this point. I'll update review when our son is old enough to read it himself.

My son's first and favourite, 18 Mar 2008
I first heard the story told on Cbeebies story time. I re-enacted it much to my son's amusement and we bought the book at the earliest opportunity. Its a great book with a simply premise- several pets are sent by the zoo and all are unsuitable until the last one "he was perfect. I kept him". Its a lift the flap book with just enough text to keep their attention on each page. The illustrations are simple and bold and the book presents opportunities to talk about proportions and appearances and of course, to make funny animal noises. My son, in his enthusiasm, has wrecked the first one we bought him and we are going to have to buy a new one. That's how much he loves it. Since this book, he has really learnt to enjoy books as a one to one activity with me, which makes me really happy.

My fave Meg book!, 07 Oct 2008
I have never been a mad Meg Cabot fan but I have read a few of the Princess Diaries and Mediator books and I totally loved her last book Jinx, so I was eager to read this one when I found out what it was about and it is definately my favourite book by her to date.
Its about a teenage girl called Emmerson who is a tomboy and spends her time playing computer ganes with her friend Christopher (who she is secretly crushing on!), her sister Frida is the exact opposite, her main mission is to be popular and she idolises teen supermodel and face of Stark Enterprises, Nikki Howard. When Emmerson gets dragged along by Frida to Stark Megastores for a performance by popstar Gabriel Luna, something happens that will change Emmerson forever - literally!! She wakes up a month later in the body of Nikki Howard - Emmerson Watts is no more!
She is unable to tell anyone about this as it will cost her parents £2 million, including her friend Christopher who believes Emmerson is dead. She goes to school where everyone idolises her but she can never tell the truth.
At times I found this book pretty emotional especially the later Christopher scenes and I really hope in the sequel 'Being Nikki' theres a happy ending for the 2 of them, will he realise who she is?
If Meg Cabot continues to write books like this and the brilliant Jinx, she will go from being an author I just found alright to one of my favourites!

Yay for Airhead, 23 Jun 2008
This book is everything you want in a book.A main charachter you can sorta relate to.It is gripping and a good read.It is very bittersweet with the odd bit that I wanted to cry.It is one the best book written by Meg Cabot and mabey one of the best books in the world.I can`t wait till the sequel Being Nikki!!!!!!!!!!!!

Courtesy of Teens Read Too, 16 May 2008
I can't lie; this had to be the oddest book that I have read by one of my favorite authors!

Emerson Watts is a pretty typical nerdy girl at a good school. She has one best friend, who she is secretly in love with (It is a guy, by the way.) But she is only typical until she goes to a store opening with her sister and gets injured in a very freak accident.

When she wakes up after about a month of being unconscious, she feels like she is someone else.

And she actually is.

This is not a paranormal book. She gets a brain transplant.

At the end of the book I literally said, "Get me the next book! NOW!" The ending is a total cliffhanger!

The characters are smart, witty, and a little weird, as with typical Meg Cabot books. A fun read, even though the beginning is a little hard to understand, and can be difficult to get into. However, it is definitely worth reading the whole thing, because it is truly hilarious!

Reviewed by: Taylor Rector

a small-sized version of the original bestseller, 26 Nov 2000
I was disappointed at the small size of the board book - even tiny fingers find it hard to poke through the holes munched by the caterpillar. The little toy is cute, I had thought that he would be able to 'eat his way through the holes in the pages', but as stated above the book is too small. Having said that , The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a classic enjoyed by my children 20 years ago and still popular today.

A Primary Teacher's Perspective..., 16 Sep 2008
Another highly successful collection of books that give a new twist to faeries and all things mythical. Except unlike so many others of its kind, this book focuses upon the rather unlikely and unsavoury young aristocrat criminal mastermind, Artemis Fowl. On a quest to steal leprechaun gold, he holds a young faery to ransom but gets more than he bargains for as the winged equivalent of the SAS storm his plush mansion.

Eoin Colfer's genius in this series of books is injecting a somewhat tired premise with a new twist. Particularly with this first novel of the long-running series, the reader is given plenty to think about as faeries have jet-propelled wings and mythical creatures are given a gritty and very tangible edge.

There is no doubt that many more readers of various ages will enjoy Artemis Fowl, and like the other modern heavyweights such as Harry Potter, Colfer's books can quite easily be enjoyed by readers of all ages. However, in a school setting the book is most likely aimed for a gifted Year 4 reader and up. Regarding curriculum links, there is potential for some extravagant and rather ambitious science and maths lessons that can link with events in the book.

An adults perspective, 13 Sep 2008
I write this review from the eyes and mind of an Adult.

After reading the current Artemis Fowl series I find myself waiting for more. Eoin's hard work in these books clearly shows.

What stands out is that these books are quick reads for an Adult. But the point that is most worth mentioning is that you do not feel like you have been short changed. You are given a full story with few, if any, questions that are not answered in the narrative.

I would reccommend this book to an adult who is journeying on a train for example. Around 3 hours of continous attention is all that is needed to read this book and enter the world of Artemis, Butler, Holly, Mulch, Foaly, and many more interesting and complete characters.

MS


Something Fowl this way comes..., 15 Aug 2008
Some people may be fooled into thinking that Eoin Colfer's creation of Artemis Fowl is an attempt to imitate Harry Potter. But whilst it is a fantasy adventure, aimed at kids but with crossover potential, there's very little to liken the two of them.

The main point being that Artemis Fowl is more about technology and gadgets than magic. True, there is magic, but fairy wings are petrol powered, boats explode with Semtex, CCTV is hacked into and leprechaun becomes LEP Recon. The duet of magic and gadget works.

Well, most of the time. Despite being a twenty-something with a decent head for electronics, even I found most of the terms and jargon being flung at me bewildering. Will a 12-year-old really understand what the half-life of Solinium means? Well, probably - children are more techno-minded than we give them credit for - but the terminology is everywhere, and it can get a little OTT and obtrusive at times and you wonder what the point of it is to the story.

But then Artemis Fowl has it's trump card - it's sheer originality. There's no particular bad guy or good guy: for those of you who find Harry Potter's unwavering goody-goody act too much will find Master Fowl the perfect tonic. He's an anti-hero, he's a genius criminal mastermind, and even at the tender age of twelve is very charismatic. When he's not in the scene, you await his return. And, as I said with the example of LEPRecon, old fantasy elements like fairies, elves, goblins and dwarves are hauled into the twenty-first century and given a makeover. No wand waving or broomsticks here.

Basically, Artemis Fowl comes with a big fat recommendation. If you love Harry Potter, this is right up your alley. Adventure, action, magic and furious page-turning awaits you. If you hate Harry Potter, however, go for it. If Harry Potter and Artemis Fowl were in a class together, Harry would be the perfect teacher's pet whilst Artemis would be the bad boy at the back of the class. Brilliant.

Plot & humour, no characterisation or depth, I loved it, 27 Jul 2008
How to tell whether an adult would like these books?

1 Do you like action books / action movies with pacy plots?
2 ... even if there is no characterisation or emotional depth?
3 Would you like a book that has a lot banter in it, but also has a dry humour running all the way through?

If you said 'yes' three times, I think you would like the book. Even one 'no' and I'm not so sure. I loved it.

It has a pacy plot. Think Jason Bourne, James Bond, Batman movies, Die Hard. Like these examples, it has very little characterisation.

It's got a lot of humour, though sometimes the banter gets a bit much. It reminded me of Terry Pratchett, but lighter. Artemis Fowl, the 12 year old criminal mastermind, is part James Bond, part James Bond villain, with a little pinch of mafia godfather. He is ridiculously clever, in an entertaining way, motivated by money again in an entertaining way, but endearing too.

Other reviewers argue whether it is or is not like Harry Potter. I think it's nothing like HP. More like part Robert Ludlum (the author of Jason Bourne), part Terry Pratchett (drier humour, but not as fantastically weird as TP).

It does have goblins, elves and dwarves in it, but don't let that put you off - it's an action book in a fantasy setting, rather than a fantasy book (in my view).

For an adult, it's a light read (Waterstones had it in the 9-12 year old section), but a fun way of filling a few hours.




amazing book, 29 Jun 2008
Artemis fowl is a genius? humm, maybe so. but so is eoin colfer. the book is interesting and very easy to read in a single sitting which i have done. i have read the entire series (so far!) and loved them all. The way eoin combines fiction with fact (fairies and humans) is sheer genius. 5 stars.

Demon Fowl, 18 Jul 2008
Keep it simple, keep it fast and keep it jokey: Perfect entertainment for the mid-teens (and older).

I've enjoyed all the Artemis Fowl novels to date - and this latest, Artemis Fowl and the Lost Colony, is no exception.

For those not in the know, Artemis is a teenage genius with a penchant for crime, and a big - very BIG - minder called Butler. He's been annoying the hell out of the fairy kingdom for years, although, having saved each other from disaster more than once, they have the sort of a love-hate relationship neither side would admit to: Holly, ex-LEPrecon (the fairy police), is his principle contact and Foley (the centaur) the technical wizardry supplier - oh, and there is a singularly repulsive character called Mulch, the perfect manifestation of all younger teenage toilet humour jokes - what comes out of his backside on a regular basis shall not soil these pages, even though it might fertilize the ground (and pollute the air).

In this episode Artemis starts off demon hunting in Barcelona - and catches more than he bargains for.

For starters there is an initially slightly younger female genius just as arrogant, just as rich and just as infuriating as he is himself: And with the surging of adolescent juices, Artemis is getting a little emotional: Not his sort of thing at all - he even has to ask Butler for advice! She's too busy working on a paper for her first Nobel prize to take much notice.

Then there are the demons - whose own adolescent juices make the trials of the average human no more taxing than squeezing the odd blackhead. One of the demons seems to have a problem of delayed adolescence - but that turns out to be a good thing for all demon kind, although somewhat embarrassing for the poor individual concerned.

The final element is a suitably manic maniac, Kong - the human equivalent of a Polar bear amongst the seals. He had the misfortunes to have had a creative older brother whose embroidered `boggy-man' stories result in a series of very unfortunate events at the top of a very high skyscraper and an exhibition of very accurately detailed stone carving from the Celtic fringes.
Nothing to worry about though - even though Artemis lets Holly die and fails totally at one point, trapping himself forever on the other side - all ends happy `til the next episode, in the end.

Great read (parents - steal it off the kids and sneak it under the bed covers).


Very different from the other books in the series but equally fantastic, 12 Mar 2008
Barcode: 9780141320793

This is Artemis Fowl on an epic scale. Taking longer to get into than the other novels in the series, this is in every way a completely different aspect of the series in its content. In many ways it presents a far more mature scenario, going hand in hand with Artemis's growing maturity as he reaches puberty. The introduction of the demon world adds to this as we follow No1, a young imp shunned by his peers.

Once the book kicks into the swing of things though, it contains some of the best moments of the Artemis Fowl series so far. The break-in to Minerva's house is classic high-octane action in the way Colfer does so well. Minerva herself is a charming character and a fascinating deviation from the classically evil villains of the previous books in the series. In many ways she is basically the female Artemis Fowl and of course, the chemistry between the two is awesome.

All the usual jokes and smart humour is present here, ensuring an immesnely enjoyable read and the conclusion of the novel (last 100 pages or so) is epic in its awesomeness. From the dramatic showdown on the Tapei Tower to a certain scene in the demon world that is heartbreaking in how moving it is, you come to see Artemis in a whole new light.

As a whole, the Lost Colony represents a fascinating new chapter in the series and i can't wait to see where things go from here. Highly recommended!

The Lost Colony, 09 Mar 2008
The Artemis Fowl Series is Way Better than harry Potter, read this book in around 3 days of getting it! Very good and only one problem: you cant put it down!

cant wait for the next installment to find out what happens with holly, artemis and the others!

"Your first lengthy conversation with a girl your own age", 28 Oct 2007
This new book in the Artemis Fowl series succeeds at moving the story forward and introducing some new and important elements. As if it was not enough with all the different magical creatures, such as fairies, elves, goblins and dwarves, now we get to meet demons and warlocks. These two species are also associated with quantum leaps in time and space, which introduces a level of complexity in the plot that is hard to grasp. Trying to understand the logic behind this process will prove to be challenging to say the least, and Colfer says it clearly in his own words: "Time quand