Adventures at Tall Oaks: New Friends

"Adventures at Tall Oaks: New Friends" by Elena Pavlova is one of the best children's books I have ever read. There is something here for children of all ages. All readers will enjoy the story of Maggie and Denny, who discover a new world in their own backyard, and older readers will smile at the many characters' unique personalities. Pavlova has done the younger child a great service by not "talking down" to her readers. By presenting the various characters in different stages of development, she is able to introduce unfamiliar words through the more knowledgeable characters who then explained their meaning, and sometimes pronunciation, to the other characters. The book is divided into chapters, thus providing natural stopping places for the younger child, while allowing the older reader to feel a sense of accomplishment when all the chapters have been read. The illustrations by Ingrid Magalinska are beautiful. They have an "old world", nineteenth century look that will delight children and parents alike. This is a must book for your favorite child, grandchild, or even you!

The author of this book has some imagination - there is always something new, exciting, and creative going on. This book will inspire questions from children and help to develop their own imaginations. The book is tastefully illustrated with detail and color. I didn't think this book was "ordinary" -- I thought it was outstanding! I highly recommend this book as a gift to children...they will love it! I also hope this author continues to write more books - she's that good! Lori Sullivan, Watchung, NJ

The highly imaginative and beautifully illustrated backyard adventures of a brother and sister may well prompt girls and boys to go out their own backdoors into the fresh air world where puddles can become high seas and squirt guns can drive off crocodiles.

I love looking at the pictures in this book as my mom reads to me because Maggie looks just like me!

I just read this book. The pictures are beautiful. I recommend this book for second graders.