Showing results by publisher "Phoenix Books" in Literature & Fiction

"...there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." So says Rat, as he welcomes the lonely Mole to the community of the River. Whether messing about in boats, touring in Toad's motorcar, or simply relaxing at home, Mole, Rat, Otter, Toad, and Badger demonstrate the honorable human characteristics of kindness, patience, and tolerance toward all that have made this classic tale beloved by generations since it was first published in 1908.

Tales like How the Leopard Got His Spots and The Elephant's Child answer questions only children would ask and answer them in a way only children would believe. Kipling very much intended his Just So Stories to be read aloud - and no one does it better than Carl Reiner as he brings each original story to life. A superbly amusing and entertaining experience, Kipling's Just So Stories will delight both young and old alike.

Do you believe in Santa Claus? You will after you've experienced this magical Christmas classic that pits cynics against Santa-believers. Miracle on 34th Street begins when a last-minute replacement in the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade claims to be the genuine Santa. Is he the real thing or just a charlatan in a red fuzzy coat? In a classic courtroom climax, the department store's Kris Kringle must convince everyone, including a skeptical little girl named Susan Walker, that Santa Claus really does exist.

Children of all ages will delight in listening to these four original stories performed by Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Golden Globe-winning celebrities. Betty White reads Mary Sheldon's A Day at the Zoo, the story of Lizzy and her troublesome friend Eric on the day they finally get to visit the zoo. Sharon Stone performs Dancing in the Park, the story of a dancer named Claudia who is determined to cheer up a sad little boy in the park. Jeremy Irons gives a lively performance of Ari Meyers' The Triumphant Beautiful Egg, and more!

In the excitement of the season, the true meaning of Christmas sometimes gets lost. These warm and humorous stories provide a gentle reminder that it is the day that we celebrate Christ's birth. In Waldo, Tell Me About Christmas, a little boy is more interested in his presents than in why we celebrate this joyous day until his best friend, Waldo, helps him learn the true meaning of Christmas. In The Star of Melvin, the smallest angel—who is responsible for the smallest star—is given a very special task. Can love alone make his star shine bright enough to show the way?

Academy Award-winning actor and author Alan Arkin tells a brilliant tale in this young-adult novel, The Lemming Condition. The story is an allegory on conformity, as Bubber, a lemming, is faced with following his entire race to self-induced extinction. Bubber struggles to decide if he should participate in what appears to be an insane death walk, only to constantly be told by family and friends that this is just the way things are. The story provides a superb lesson on conformity, free thinking and personal accountability.

Lil' Jordan's 9 Holes of Fear is a fun, fictional tale of a courageous kid who, with the support of his father, conquers his fears by challenging a golf course filled with monsters. This story is an exciting and unpredictable adventure that also shares a lesson in the principles of sportsmanship. Lil' Jordan's potential, preparation, and perseverance help him face the nine-hole test.

In this much-anticipated sequel to Tell Me a Scary Story—Carl Reiner's first children's book—odd beams of light come from nowhere, along with oodles of goopy goo, memorable characters, and mysteries for kids to solve. As the story becomes scarier, Reiner pauses to ask if he should proceed, “Or is it too scary?” That's for kids to decide! Here's a fun story with delicious thrills and scary stuff that children will ask for again, and again.

Young and older listeners alike will treasure this collection of Beatrix Potter's beloved animal stories, narrated by Football Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw and legendary actress, singer, dancer, and comedian Carol Channing, with musical accompaniment. Stories include tales about the adventures of four little bunnies named Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail, and Peter; a terrier and a ginger cat who own a shop; a naughty squirrel who loses his tail; and two mischievous mice and a doll house.

Young listeners will adore these two inspirational children's stories that are accompanied by original music. The History of Christmas: In this charming metaphor about the discovery of self-worth and the following of one's destiny, a grandfather tells the story of Jesus' birth and how he found his star. The Smallest Mouse in Town convinces himself that he is a giant, and in the end, he proves that the most important thing is to be who you are no matter what. After all, liking yourself is one of life's most important lessons.

Meet the Silly family—Willie, Millie, Lilly, and Billy—and their silly neighbors, relatives, and friends in this lyrical romp of storytelling. Inspired by his grandson, Hollywood legend and award-winning director and comedy writer Carl Reiner weaves a whimsical tale of family fun. Read by the author, this recording highlights fun rhymes, tongue-twisting tales, and hilarious characters that will make children everywhere giggle with delight.

In Spanish for Natalie: A New Friend, two girls from different cultural backgrounds discover they have a lot in common. Natalie is eight years old and has only her new kitten, Popsicle, to call a friend—or so she thinks. After her father encourages her to meet the new girl across the street, Natalie discovers a whole new language: Spanish. Through her newfound friend, Maria, Natalie learns how to say many new words and phrases in Spanish, including hello and goodbye, as well as numbers, colors, foods, and animals.

Children the world over have believed in the legend of Santa Claus forever—until told differently. Now, there is no reason to think otherwise! Robert Sullivan, a senior editor at Life magazine, has diligently compiled documentation to prove that Santa and flying reindeer are anything but myths and that Santa Claus does, in fact, make his trek around the globe each Christmas Eve. With the expertise of some of the world's most renowned Arctic experts, wildlife biologists, historians, and polar explorers, Sullivan offers solid proof that Santa and his team do exist.

Treasury of Classic Children's Stories is a delightful collection narrated by beloved entertainment icons. Bedtime and playtime will never be the same again as families gather to listen to classic tales brought to life by award-winning performers. Audrey Hepburn performs story adaptations by Mary Sheldon; John Ritter tells the story of Jack and the Beanstalk; Sharon Stone delivers an off-the-wall rendition of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs—as retold by Richard Hack—and Orson Welles performs the all-time favorite The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde.

Since 1904, when Peter Pan first flew across a London stage and into the bedroom of Wendy, John, and Michael Darling, this classic tale has continued to delight children of all ages. Peter, a mischievous and free-spirited boy who never grows up, lives with fairies on a mythical island called Neverland. There, he can fly and is the champion of a band of boys and best friend to the fairy Tinker Bell. Returning to England, Peter becomes involved with the Darling children, who all happily soar with him to enchanted Neverland and numerous adventures.

A naughty white kitten, Sagwa, comes from a long line of royal Chinese cats. Her mischief changes the spirit of a cruel magistrate and helps shape the future for her ancestors. This beautiful story illustrates why Siamese cats are really Chinese cats and why their faces, ears, paws, and tails turn darker as they grow up.

Children will love these four original stories of heroism and courage brought to life by four immense talents...Jack Lemmon, Burt Reynolds, Martin Short, and Jean Smart.

It is business as usual down at the Digby, Wisconsin fire house until the day that eight year old Matty, the fire dog, gives birth to seven beautiful puppies. Six of the puppies are perfect in every way, but the seventh has a bad leg. As the chief says, "That poor old dog. It looks like he's got a bad digit" And that's how Digit got his name.

Provocative to some, stimulating to others, boring to jaded sophisticates, this is a book that must be heard—although it can aslo be thrown with great effect.

Each little sea pig is confident that his house is the strongest. But the real question is, whose will survive the big, bad sea wolf? This classic tale will capture children's interest and spark their imagination.