Chatterbox: The Bird Who Wore Glasses [With CD (Audio)]

After I read this story to my daughter a single time, she has asked me for it every night since. Children's books are harder than they look. It's not enough to exaggerate a "childlike sense of wonder" and write in a forced babytalk that too many authors imagine approximates a child's speech. A good children's book will hold a child's attention, stimulate thoughts in a young brain and have a distinctive look. A great children's book will do all that, plus get at the heart of what it means to be a child. Chatterbox belongs to that rare class of children's book that transcends the genre by being all of those things, and more -- soulful, deep, funny. The rhyming language will doubtless conjure mentions of Dr Seuss, and they're apt -- the rhythms and playfulness merit the comparison. But to my mind, Chatterbox rises above even that high bar. Like the best of its brethren (Frog and Toad, No, David, Curious George) Chatterbox gets that the relationship at the core -- in this case, a sad and lonely girl who meets an extraordinary bird -- is what comprises a memorable story.

Chatterbox: The Bird Who Wore Glasses is a heartwarming picturebook, illustrated in soft colors, story about a lonely girl named Nancy A. Nobody, who befriends a misfit talking parakeet named Chatterbox, or C.B. for short. She makes her parakeet special spectacles so that he can fly better, and makes every effort to take care of her pet. Best of all, she learns the vital lesson that she is special just being herself, and being a good friend to the animal she is responsible for. "With morning's dawning, C.B. said to me, / 'You're Nancy A. Nobody surely you see. / You feed me and bathe me, no ifs, buts or ands. / My little life is in God's and your hands." An accompanying audio CD includes a story reading and two songs, rounding out Chatterbox: The Bird Who Wore Glasses , a charming and confidence-boosting story.

Remember the Batman movies? Well, the movie producer of successful movies like these and entertaining children's television shows such as Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego?, Michael Uslan, has released this adorable children's book. Chatterbox - The Bird Who Wore Glasses is available in a durable, hard-cover format with a lovely cover sleeve that will help prolong the life of the book. At 40 pages and full of excellent illustrations, this book is sure to entertain children. Sad, red-headed Nancy doesn't fit in well with the other kids who call her "Nancy Nobody". She wished and wished for a new friend and one day the dream came true when a feathered, sight-challenged friend flew her way. Nancy felt needed, she was loved, and her world was set right by her new funny bird. John Steven Gurney, a very successful artist and illustrator, colorfully illustrates the large pages with plenty of things to look at. Written in playful, light verse the author does mention things like prayer and "God's love", there fore it may appeal to a religious audience. The book includes a CD with 2 songs and the orated version of the story by actress Brittany Murphy (voice of Luanne on King of the Hill, also known for her parts in Clueless and Up Town Girls). This could certainly appeal to the independent child who wants to "read" the book themselves. As well, the CD option may provide a few extra minutes for busy caregivers. The bullying shown in the beginning of the story, though very minor, may be useful for building empathy in the classroom for lonely and segregated individuals. Children with family pets, especially birds, would definitely enjoy this book. Also, kids that are just becoming used to either themselves or someone they know who has recently gotten eye-glasses. Chatterbox - The Bird Who Wore Glasses is actually the first book in a series by the author Michael Uslan. Check out the website for the book at: www(dot)chatterboxthebirdwhoworeglasses(dot)com ISBN#: 0-97538432-5 Author: Michael E. Uslan Illustrator: John Steven Gurney Publisher: EE Publishing & Productions, Inc. ~ Book Reviewer: Lillian Brummet - Co-author of the book Trash Talk, a guide for anyone concerned about his or her impact on the environment - Author of Towards Understanding, a collection of poetry. (http://www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit)

The eye-catching colors and characters on the cover of this book drew me into it - and I am so glad. This book is a delight for the eyes and for the heart. It seems everyone, particularly children finding their way in this great big world, can relate to Nancy, who discovers through kindness to another that she is certainly NOT a "nobody" but a likable "somebody". Through dynamite illustrations and clever, but never cutesy rhyme, this book has it all. I wish it would become a series.

After reading the book review I thought it would be a nice surprise for my niece. I put this book on my niece's desk and more or less forgot about it. Not realizing, but that evening she asked me to check her homework. I was completely surprised, her book report was all about Chatterbox and Nancy. I read her report and then read the book I do believe she was really touched by the story as I was as well. An Uncle