Amy Hest

Advantages: Teaches children that wearing glasses can be cool
Disadvantages: none

...***Background*** Amy Hest has written many books in her career as a children’s author but this Baby Duck series is one of her best in my opinion. This book is also known as Baby Duck and the Bad Eyeglasses in certain bookstores. Jill Barton has won awards for her fantastic illustrations and it is clear to see why when looking at this particular book. ***The Story*** Baby Duck is sad because she doesn’t like her new glasses. “They were too big on her baby face. They pushed against her baby cheeks. And she did not look like Baby.” Everyone in her family tries to make her feel good about them, saying how sweet she looks and how much better she must be able to see with them, but she insists that she doesn’t like them one bit. Baby Duck is frightened to hop or dance or play in case her glasses fall off. Instead she... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Still an enjoyable book
Disadvantages: Slow and difficult to get into.

...I have read five Martin Amis books after I became completely hooked two years ago. I was saving 'the rachel papers' as I knew it was guaranteed to be one of the best..after all the did turn it into a film. However when I got around to reading it I found it a huge disappointment. Maybe I chose to read it at the wrong time, but I found I couldn't get into the book now matter how many times I tried. I found it very slow. There was a clear plot: boy needs girl and must get her. The boy is nearing 21 (I believe he was played by Dexter Fletcher in the screen version) who is transfixed by a girl who is in a completely different league to him - a rather upperclass girl who treats him like dirt and seems to string him along to draw out the book. He spends the majority of his time hidden in his basement bedroom drinking alcohol... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Excellent formatting and storyline
Disadvantages: length

...Once you first start this book you won't want to put it down! This is a very quick read and it is very well written. The book is set for the age group of teenagers and it teaches a very important message to the readers about Internet chat rooms. It all starts with a very easy setting, which any teenage girl can relate too. It starts with many teenage girls, at school in groups. This is very typical for children at secondary school as there are many different groups. Obviously there would be the popular crowd and the 'odd' ones. So with a mild argument with her friends, Amy decides to use Internet chat rooms. She meets this guy, and knowing a teenage girl's mind, creates strong feelings for him. She then decides to meet him. This is where it all goes wrong.... the book is laid out in a very easy-to-read format, with some text... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful