Product Description
"A frank, intriguing memoir."
--People

"Painfully shrewd, and written with real delicacy and pathos."
--The New York Times Book Review

"Home reflects the very qualities that first made the working-class English singer a star 45 years ago: intelligence, gentle humor, and a clear, sweet, surprisingly powerful voice . . . In warmly nostalgic later chapters, the book begins to glow."
--Entertainment Weekly

"A delightful remembrance of her own childhood, and an engrossing prelude to her cinematic career . . . Andrews is an accomplished writer who holds back nothing while adding a patina of poetry to the antics and anecdotes throughout this memoir of bittersweet backstage encounters and theatrical triumphs."
--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Frank and fascinating . . . Andrews comes across as plainspoken, guilelessly charming and resoundingly tough."
--Time

In Home: A Memoir of My Early Years, Julie Andrews takes her readers on a warm, moving, and often humorous journey from a difficult upbringing in war-torn Britain to the brink of international stardom in America.Amazon.com Review
Syphilis, alcoholism, infidelity, and indeterminate parentage may seem improbable touchstones in the back story of one who didn't so much portray as embody the blithe Maria in The Sound of Music. But as this memoir of her formative years makes clear, there is more gravitas to Andrews than meets the eye. From her childhood in rural England and initial forays into British theater, to her first massive successes on Broadway and in the West End--notably as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady--Home puts her celebrated career in context. While arguably offering more detail about the Andrews family than necessary, it nevertheless dishes wonderful anecdotes about legends and Andrews contemporaries like Noël Coward, Rex Harrison, Robert Goulet, Richard Burton, and Rodgers and Hammerstein, in prose as crisp and immaculate as the author herself. It also offers a revealing look into the intricate, exhaustive craft of performing--skills often taken for granted in tabloid times. Since the book ends just as Andrews is about to launch into the celluloid stratosphere, can Volume II be far behind? After Home, it would be most welcome. --Kim Hughes ... Read more

Customer Reviews (85)

Good
It was a good read.Interesting reading about her childhood, early start in show business.At times, her writing can be dry and I was skipping ahead toward the end, when it was going flat.
She spent to much time writing about the 1950's, My Fair Lady with Rex Harrison and a few other shows.
She mentioned briefly about making the movie Mary Poppins and her time with Walt Disney
No mention of Dick Van Dyke or any reference to the Sound of Music.
She will need to write another book and pick up where this one left off.
It was good, but I have read better books on celebrities

Flat footed finish
Peculiar....the book is throttling along with breathless speed as her career and new motherhood both pick up speed. One minute she is with her first husband Ted Wells and is being wooed by Walt Disney to star in Mary Poppins. That chapter closes and the book is flat fininshed. Most readers will know that her marriage to Ted breaks apart and she goes on to superstardom as Maria in the Sound of Music, but the book ends abruptly with no denoument. It is as though the actors just leave the stage and all go our to dinner together leaving the audience still in the theatre. She has no writer's craft at all.

A most enlightening read
Wow. Just wow. I, like so many others, know and love Julie Andrews for her roles in so many important films and her unbelievably beautiful singing voice. I am so glad that I opted to first read this autobiography, told by Julie herself, rather than first reading one of the available biographies which have mixed reviews. I learned so much about her life before becoming a worldwide star and how much she and her family went through in those early years. Though I would have loved to keep reading and hear her story about the years since she was selected to play Mary Poppins, I guess that will have to wait. I do hope that Julie Andrews will indulge all of us loyal fans once again (or more) with a continuation of her life story. I had a front row seat to see her in Victor/Victoria on Broadway in 1997 and thoroughly enjoyed seeing this legend in person. Now, as then, bravo, Julie!

I wanted emotions, not just facts
You know, I loveme some Julie Andrews.If you pressed me into naming only one favorite movie of all time (as I really have at least one in each genre), it would probably be The Sound of Music.Why?Because it's a great movie for both kids and adult.When you're little, you like the first half of the story.When you're older, you enjoy the love story and the second half of the movie.

So, I was really excited to read her memoir.But since I read it right after Carol Burnett's latest book, it fell flat for me.It was rather boring in many places.And I really didn't need the background on her grandparents.I guess I wanted her to tell me more about her emotions, rather than just recite facts.

I had no idea that the book would end at 1964.I was looking forward to reading all of the backstories about the filming of The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins.The book ends before that.

I can't recommend it unless you're an absolute diehard fan who feels as though nothing in your life will be complete unless you read this.

A Spectacular Glimpse into an Icon
Julie Andrews was born in 1935 to vaudeville pianist Barbara Morris and teacher Edward Charles "Ted" Wells. The marriage was brief because Barbara left Julie's father for her vaudeville partner, Canadian tenor Ted Andrews. Julie was raised in a rather haphazard fashion, bounced around to various relatives and friends when Barbara and Ted were on the road performing before she joined them. The Second World War was ravaging London. Rationing, shortages, nightly blackouts, anxiety and fear became a way of life for young Julie, who had vivid memories of the war years.

Ted quickly realized that Julie possessed a strong, clear, lovely soprano voice --- something quite unusual in such a young child --- and he insisted she take singing lessons. Julie also studied dance, which Barbara's sister taught. By age 9 she was on the road, regularly touring with her mother and stepfather --- hardly a normal life for a child. At age 12 she made her professional solo debut in "Starlight Roof" at the London Hippodrome. That performance set her on the road to stardom.

Julie's childhood was anything but secure and serene. Barbara and Ted's messy and protracted divorce caused much stress, and they were hardly model parents. Alcohol played a large part in their lives, and family finances were often shaky. Julie spent some time with her father whenever she could, but show business was the one constant in her life. Offstage the talented child star was awkward, shy and uncertain. She realized at an early age that the income derived from her talents was necessary to help keep the family afloat.

In 1954, at age 18, Julie left her native England to star on Broadway in a new show titled "The Boyfriend." It was an instant success. Due to her reluctance to leave her family and friends in London for such a long period of time, Julie refused to sign the standard two-year contract and instead agreed to only one year. As it turned out, her decision was certainly a good one because when she was offered the role of Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady" (which she played on Broadway for two years and then in London for 16 months), she was free to take advantage of this opportunity.

In 1957 Julie starred in the television musical "Cinderella." Next came her leading role as Queen Guenevere opposite Richard Burton's King Arthur in "Camelot." During one of her performances, Walt Disney, who was in the audience, was so impressed with Julie's talent that he met her backstage and offered her a real plum --- the starring role of the delightful nanny in the film Mary Poppins.

In 1959 Julie married her childhood friend and longtime sweetheart, Tony Walton, a very talented set and costume designer.

As the book closes in 1963, Julie, Tony and their infant daughter Emma move to Hollywood as Julie begins to prepare for her Mary Poppins role.

Julie describes in detail what it was like to work with such show business luminaries as Richard Burton, Moss Hart, Walt Disney, Robert Goulet, Roddy McDowell, Carol Burnett and many others. She explains how demanding rehearsals were and how she continually worked to perfect her craft, to tweak this or that, to try each day to make her performance better than the previous one.

Those fans who have seen Julie Andrews's movies, television shows and live stage performances, and have heard her lovely voice, recognize how truly gifted she is. Reading HOME makes one realize how hard she worked to make her considerable talent seem effortless.
... Read more

Product Description
Julie Andrews and her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, have hand-selected a wonderful mix of their most cherished poems, songs, and lullabies in this rich and diverse poetry collection. Brought to life with James McMullan's stunning watercolor paintings, this volume features nearly 150 treasured works, including beloved classics and modern favorites from Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, Jack Prelutsky, Shel Silverstein, Rodgers & Hammerstein, and more - twenty-one of which are theatrically and playfully read aloud by Andrews and Hamilton on the accompanying CD

Andrews introduces each of the nine themed sections with intimate stories and family memories, offering readers a glimpse into her world and her personal connection to many of the selections. There are even a number of special poems written by the authors themselves as well as contributions from close family members.

This deluxe anthology is bound to inspire an early love of poetry and song and become a classic for families to grow with and treasure throughout the years. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (34)

Simply beautiful
I purchased this for my granddaughter, and I know it will be a family keepsake.It is the most beautiful book, with sentiments I share with my granddaughter and will share with the others to come.

Great For Storytime
This beautiful collection of poetry selected and edited by actress Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton is a great book to have around for bedtime reading. The variety and selection is impressive, with poems and lyrics by A.E. Housman, William Wordsworth, Edith Nesbit, Rodgers & Hammerstein, John Updike, Charles Dickens, Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, Victor Hugo, Robert Frost, Robert Louis Stevenson, A.A. Milne, Shel Silverstein, William Blake, Ogden Nash, and many others. Also included are works by both of the editors, and some favorite poems by members of their family, adding a personal touch to the collection.

James McMullan's vivid watercolors bring the words to life and add to the charm of the book, with illustrations on just about every page.

The book also comes with an audio CD of Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton introducing and performing 23 selections from the book.

Some of my personal favorites featured in the book were the very amusing "I Met A Rat of Culture" by Jack Prelutsky, Nikki Grimes' wonderfully empowering "A the Library", and Tennyson's powerful "The Brook".

The collection is organized into themed chapters that focus on appreciation for nature, growing up, optimism, the arts, and love for life. I spent several weeks reading a poem or two aloud to my two-year-old as part of our bedtime story routine, and I found the tone and variety of the poems kept my interest while the sounds of the words were enjoyable to my son. This is a great book to read cover to cover or for just the occasional selection, and it's a good one to have on hand for introducing a child to poetry and reading aloud.

Beautiful Collection
I purchased this for me to read to my new grandson.Its a beautiful collection for any age to read and treasure.What a great way to make memories.

Julie Andrews' Collection of Poems, Songs, andLullabies
It is a great collection of poems,songs and lullabies. The content is for all ages. Because they are of different lengths; the book is easy to pick up at any time and read a selection.The CD that the book contains is also very nice.

My daughter loved the book!
I heard Julie Andrews talk about the book and knew it was something I wanted to get for my granddaughter.My daughter loved the book (and also loves Julie Andrews.) ... Read more

Product Description
A little cat and her owner travel through France in search of work, finding great adventure and, finally, good fortune. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Big little Fan of Bonnie Boadicea
When my daughter was born in 1997, I enrolled her in two book clubs: Random House and Children's Book of the Month.The last book that I bought for her from the CBM club was Julie Andrew's "Little Bo."At the age of 3 1/2 she was already cat crazy like her mom. "Little Bo" quickly became a favorite bedtime story.In fact, she named her cat (a male black & white tuxedo) Bounder, in honor of Little Bo's father.We must have read that story at least ten times already.So with the fate of Billy and Little Bo uncertain on the last page, we were delighted when "Little Bo in France" was finallly available.

What a wonderful story and delightful pictures.It was nice to see Tubs show up in Paris.I hope there are many more Little Bo stories left for Julie to write about.We want to know how Maximillian, Samson, Polly and Bounder are doing.Sarabande and Princess, as we all know, are safe and sound with Mrs. Edith Edge.One can only hope that she's fired that horrible Withers by now! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (15)

So Boring!
I am glad I got this book form the library. It was so boring. I did not enjoy reading it at all. I had read the autobiography "Home" by Julie Andrews. I picked up this book to learn more. In my opinion the author is a very poor writer.

What an amazing career
This is the second book on Julie Andrews that I own.I also have her autobiography. I first heard of Julie Andrews when I saw Walt Disney's movie "Mary Poppins".That was followed up by her performance as Maria in "The Sound of Music".I have her on DVD in the first version of Richard Rodgers' and Oscar Hammerstein's musical adaptation of Cinderella.She was also in "Thoroughly Modern Millie" with Mary Tyler Moore and Carol Channing.And let's forget her as Queen Clarice in "The Princess Diaries" and "The Princess Diaries:Royal Engagement".I have the original Broadway cast recordings of "My Fair Lady" and "Camelot", both of which she starred in.I also have the original motion pciture soundtrack to Disney's Mary Poppins.She has had an amazing career.

Julie Andrews: An Intimate Biography
Learning about Julie Andrews' life was the purpose in buying this informative book.I was also comparing information I gleened from her autobiography.I always wondered why she and Carol Burnette were such good fast friends.Now, I know and have even more respect and love for Julie's work in theater, music, and writing.

She is one talented person with a voice from heaven as a young person.She truly made the right decisions for her career, in spite of her parents and their influences.There is much to learn about acting, singing, and dancing for a young person persuing that career, or an "oldie" like me who admired her as a young adult.Fortunately (or unfortunately) it has caused me to buy many of her movies and more CDs.Enjoy!

false information
nice try but this book is chock full of errors and false information. i am a loyal andrews fan myself and reccommend her autobiography home if you want to know the real story.

Reasonably enjoyable
While I sort of agree with the reviewer who compared this book to an 8th grade book report, I enjoyed it nevertheless.A few observations:

1.The book borders on the hagiographic, which explains why Ms. Andrews comes across as a throughly decent woman, with no major faults to speak of, at least according to Mr. Stirling.

2.In the lives of most famous entertainers, there is a kind of "magic period", during with they are at the peak of their fame and doing whatever it is that makes them famous in the first place.Sooner or later that magic period disappears, and while they remain famous of course, the narrative of their lives becomes far less interesting.So it is with Ms. Andrews.Her magic period was from 1956 (when she began her role as Eliza Dolittle on Broadway) through 1965 (when The Sound of Music came out), with Camelot and Mary Poppins sandwiched in between.Once that was finished however, there simply isn't much left that is so fascinating afterwards.Obviously, her performing career was far from over at age 30, and Stirling dutifully records her career after this point.But, aside from a few brief highlights (Thoroughly Modern Millie and Victor/Victoria), there really isn't much left to speak of.To put it another way, if the biography of her life ended in 1965, one would be describing about 90%-95% of the portion of her life that makes her worthy of a biography in the first place.If it started in 1966, even though she was only 30 at the time, there would be very little else to say that is biography-worthy.It is interesting that Ms. Andrews' own autobiography almost DID end at this point (1964).However, if one were to write a biography of her life starting at age 30, no one would buy it.That not her fault of course, but it does present a problem for her biographers. ... Read more

Product Description

The magic of finding a home Mandy, a ten-year-old orphan, dreams of a place to call her own. Escaping over the orphanage wall to explore the outside world, Mandy discovers a tiny deserted cottage in the woods. All through the spring, summer, and fall, Mandy works to make it truly hers. Sometimes she "borrows" things she needs from the orphanage. Sometimes, to guard her secret, she even lies. Then, one stormy night at the cottage, Mandy gets sick, and no one knows how to find her&#8212except a special friend she didn't know she had.

For every child who has fallen in love with The Secret Garden orA LittlePrincess, Julie Andrews Edwards's 1971 novel will be aheartwarming discovery. Any sometimes-lonely child with a giant imaginationwill recognize Mandy's dreams and rejoice in her ultimate fairy-tale happyending. Judith Gwyn Brown's Edward Gorey-esque pen and ink drawings (withnone of Gorey's sinister air) are quietly memorable. Fans of Julie Andrews Edwards--Sound of Music star of stage and screen--will be thrilled to see her latest children's book, Little Bo: The Story of BonnieBoadicea, or to an earlier favorite, The Last of the Really GreatWhangdoodles. (Ages 8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (149)

Wonderful
This book is amazing for any young girl to read.I read it when I was young and had to get it for my niece.

Mandy by Julie Andrews
What an adorable book!Easy read and really great story for all ages!

This book was a delightful surprise!Not only is Julie Andrews a talented actress,
she is a talented writer - and this was her first book!

Recommend this highly for anyone. I know i plan to read these to my grandchildren.
I hope to collect them all!

J. Hermansen
Cypress, CA

Interesting and heartwarming...
This story begins in a large orphanage for girls in England. The main character is Mandy, a young orphaned girl who lives under the matron's strict, precise rules. But then she discovers something that turns her life upside-down: a tiny cottage, nestled away in the thick woods near the orphanage. The girl immediately falls in love with the little house, especially the magnificent "shell room", and she ultimately claims it as her own. Time and time again, she slips away to her new hideout, and very slowly the house begins to be something beautiful. Walls are scrubbed and furnished, and brilliant flowers are planted outside. Mandy slowly and carefully scrubs and digs away years of filth and grime. But the matron begins to be suspicious, and Mandy must struggle to hide her secret more than ever. Then Mandy falls ill in the cottage. Who will save her? Who is the "secret visitor" who keeps visiting her cottage? This book is interesting, heartwarming, and suspenseful. I loved watching how gradually the cottage became beautiful. The ending is sad and happy at the same time. It's an amazing book and extremely descriptive - for instance, when describing the flowers Julie Andrews says something like this - "Masses of brilliant petals laid thickly on one another." I'd recommend this book to anyone, old or young!
-Mikael
Age 11

Glad to have found it
Bought this book years ago for a little girl in the family and it became her favorite book.Now the next generation is here and I wanted it as a gift.Was so happy to find it and in a collectible form.Shipped VERY timely and exactly as described.I'm VERY happy.

One of the best books ever
I have the original hardcover version of this book, given to me at the end of 2nd grade by my teacher.I am 44 years old now and it still one of my all time favorite books.I re-read it every few years, and still cry every time.Young girls will identify with Mandy, whether or not they are actually orphans.How many of us wouldn't just love to find a cottage in the woods that they could fix up and call their own?Highly recommended! ... Read more

Product Description
While her friends and family may not believe in fairies, Geraldine knows, deep down, that she is a VERY fairy princess. From morning to night, Gerry does everything that fairy princesses do: she dresses in her royal attire, practices her flying skills, and she is always on the lookout for problems to solve. But it isn't all twirls and tiaras - as every fairy princess knows, dirty fingernails and scabby knees are just the price you pay for a perfect day!

This new picture book addition to the Julie Andrews Collection features the joyful illustrations of Christine Davenier, and is sure to inspire that sparkly feeling within the hearts of readers young and old. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Julie Andrews A long way from the Mountain
I am so enthralled with the new Julie Andrews books for children. I have two year old twin granddaughters and these are so perfect for them. She has captured the true feelings and enticement that little girls crave.
GREAT BOOK

charming pictures, inspirational message
I had as much fun as my princess'' granddaughter when I read this to her.Beautiful!

Beautiful
This is a delightful book for girls. I loved it and I am a grown woman.This has such a great message in it and so beautifully told and illustrated.A book every little girl should have, to help her realise she can be whatever she wants to be.

Good book for girls
A lot of hype over this book so I purchased it for my 3.5yr old twins.They do like the book and the message is a good one but I don't love the book would not give it 5 stars but 4 instead.The writing could be a little more creative instead of repeating "that is the price you pay" twice which I don't find to be very well written statement.I do like this book but like the Ladybug Girl series better.

The Very Fairy Princess
I bought this book for my 4 year old niece and she loves it.I loved the message.Beautiful book written by one of my favorite childhood actresses, Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma. ... Read more

Product Description

Santa Claus is the King of Forever, Land of the Immortals. When one special boy writes to Santa asking what no other child has ever asked, a miracle occurs: Santa and Mrs. Claus are blessed with a daughter. But the birth of Holly Claus also brings about a terrible curse—from an evil soul named Herrikhan. Holly's heart is frozen, and the gates to Forever are locked, barring exit or entry.

Customer Reviews (33)

Best Book Ever!
I found this book very inspiring. The characters were original and very likable. All of the illustrations were detailed and lovely. My favorite part was the moral:Love Conquers Time.

Enchanting
I loved this book it brought me back to my child hood in a fun and loving way. I thought it was well written, I did not want to end. I hope the Author writes a sequel

The greatest book ever!
This is the greatest book ever!Kept me on the edge of my seat every time I picked it up to read.Full of hope and wonder.I lent it to my sister, a teacher, and she recommended the book to the school's librarian.Most of her students wanted to borrow it fromher to read it, because she'd read some of the book outloud to them and they fell in love with it.I recommend this book to EVERYONE!!!!!

A great read aloud
This is a fabulous story about adventure, magic and the power of kindness. Its so creative, I just had to share it with other teachers! It gives a whole new life to the 'pantheon' of Santa Claus, creating characters who move you, scare you and have you cheering them on.

Two bookmarks up!! One of my favorites ever!
This is a fantastic story!I really liked the characters, especially the main character, Holly. The beautiful illustrations add to the magical feel of the story.I really like the author's style.I liked how you couldn't tell who the "bad guy" (Herrikhan) would appear as in New York at first.The author has a great way of describing everything, especialy the land of Forever.This is a great book to share and read aloud.It is one of my top two favorite books ever.Most people who really like high fantasy will really enjoy this book. ... Read more

Product Description
The story of Julie Andrews--her meteoric rise, devastating fall, and incredible comeback, from the little English girl with a crystalline voice to the legend who has outlasted her critics. of photos.Amazon.com Review
In this satisfying, straight-ahead biography of the star ofMy Fair Lady, Mary Poppins, and The Sound ofMusic, Robert Windeler walks a fine line between adulation andgossip. While his admiration for the former singing sensation shinesthrough the text, he grapples earnestly with her parents' alcoholism,her extramarital affair, and the long stretches in her career withouta Broadway or Hollywood hit. What emerges is a multidimensionalportrait of a former British child star who lost her way in earlysuccess and found herself--and an interesting new toughness--throughsome midlife failures, which lead to her 1995 Broadway comeback inVictor/Victoria and her defiance of the Tony Awards. There'smuch more in Andrews of the scrappy survivor Victoria Grant (ofVictor/Victoria) than any magical nanny. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Couldn't put it down.- Diane
A great book with lovely pictures.I just couldn't put it down.
The writer obviously knew her well and shared her amazing story. It was witty, sad and yet it often made you smile.She's also a gutsy lady with a gentle kind nature and very, very talented. Recomend this to anyone..

Long-winded and overheard
Julie's a great actor, but this bio isn't as interesting as its subject. An editor is needed for Mr. Windeler's overdrawn overdone prose.

rawther opiniated, yet still delightful
What's with the cover picture? I mean, I love Victor/Victoria, but Julie is a beautiful woman... why did he choose this picture? Also, there were times in the book where Windeler's personal opinion was a little offensive to me. I suppose that is alright, because he is allowed his opinion, but it seemed to me like he was bashing the movie "Star!", which happens to be one of my favorites. Other than the difference in opinion that occurred occasionally between the reader and the author... this book was a delightful, yet 'real' holiday about Julie Andrews. It's loaded with anecdotes and great accounts of 'The Adventures of Julie and Carol (Burnett)' (as I call them). Over all, this is a good read for the Julie Fanatic, just keep in mind that you don't always have to agree with what this biographer has to say . ;)

A Woman of Wonders
This book about Julie Andrews is extremely interesting.Julie has had many inspiring experiences in her life and continues today to have many more.This book explains how she became what she is today.Also, this book tells the reader many interesting facts about Julie Andrews personal life and career.

GREAT BOOK!
Julie Andrews: A Life on Stage and Screen is a great read and I have to say that I found it rather informative. Aside from a few spelling and grammatical errors, it was a good book. Any serious Julie fan should read this! ... Read more

Product Description

The Whangdoodle was once the wisest, the kindest, and the most extraordinary creature in the world.Then he disappeared and created a wonderful land for himself and all the other remarkable animals -- the ten-legged Sidewinders, the little furry Flukes, the friendly Whiffle Bird, and the treacherous, "oily" Prock. It was an almost perfect place where the last of the really great Whangdoodles could rule his kingdom with "peace, love and a sense of fun"-- apart from and forgotten by people.

But not completely forgotten. Professor Savant believed in the Whangdoodle. And when he told the three Potter children of his search for the spectacular creature, Lindy, Tom, and Ben were eager to reach Whangdoodleland.

With the Professor's help, they discovered the secret way. But waiting for them was the scheming Prock, who would use almost any means to keep them away from his beloved king. Only by skill and determination were the four travelers able to discover the last of the really great Whangdoodles and grant him his heart's desire.

Julie Andrews Edwards, star of stage and screen, has written a unique and beloved story that has become a modern classic. The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles is sure to continue to delight readers everywhere. This edition includes a new foreword by the author.

Readers who have explored Narnia, Oz, or Willy Wonka's chocolatefactory will be thrilled at this new destination--a marvelous landthat will inspire and stimulate creative and scientific minds. And whobetter to expose young readers to new ways of seeing, smelling, andhearing than Julie (Andrews) Edwards of Mary Poppins andThe Sound of Music fame? Her lively and clever style pullsreaders along effortlessly; she, like the professor, is one grownupwho can teach children never to close their minds topossibility. (Ages 9 to 12) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (276)

My Favorite Book of All Time
The story begins with Ben, Tom, and Lindy Potter (as this book was published long before "Harry Potter,"I wonder if maybe J.K. got Harry's last name from this...) who visit the zoo one day and meet a curious man dressed in all sorts of funny clothes. As each sibling races to tell the other what animal they are most excited to see, the odd man pipes up and explains that each animal in the zoo are very nice, but there is an animal unlike any other: a whangdoodle. Ben, Tom, and Lindy dismiss the mans talk of the unknown creature as eccentricity.

Later on, they meet the curious man again... only this time they learn that he is a Nobel Prize winning geneticist named Professor Savant. He soon tells the children more of the mystical whangdoodle, which in Webster's Dictionarydescribes a whangdoodle as "a humorous, mythical creature of fanciful and undefined nature." The Professor tells Lindy, Tom, and Ben that all whangdoodles perished from the Earth, but one remains in a land only accessible through imagination. He asks the children to help him achieve his goal of meeting the last whangdoodle and trains their imagination before they can even hope of stepping foot on the grounds of Whangdoodleland. Not everything in Whangdoodleland is happy and nice; the whangdoodle's most trusted advisor named the Prock makes it his duty to make sure Professor Savant and the three children do not meet their goal and will do anything possible.

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles has always been my favorite book of all time. I sat down to write this review and found it quite hard. There is no way I can review a book as excellent as this and feel that my words are adequate enough to convey how well the book is written and how much of an impact it made on my life. This book has everything a reader could want. I actually bought it for a co-worker of mine who is now almost 60 years old and she finished it in one day singing its praises. Many are disappointed that there is no sequel, but i am two sided. I LOVE this book so much I feel as though I NEED a sequel, but the first book is so extraordinary, I feel as though i'm fine without a follow up.

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles
In the fantasy novel The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodless Julie Andrews Edwards crafts a tail so full of description and imagination, you feel like you're in the pages themselves. If you look in the Webster's Dictionary you'll find the word whangdoodle. It means, "Humorous, mythical creature of fanciful and undefined nature.". Now join Ben, Tom, and lindy as they embark on a journey to Whandoodleland to find the last of these amazing creatures. The adventure starts when they meet the Professor, a man with different ideas, at the zoo, after that they visit his house for imagination lessons, so they can reach Whangdoodleland. Then they finally reach it, and journey to the not so unimaginable places within. All readers will enjoy this nicely paced book where imagination can take you anywhere

Best Childhood Memories
This was my all time favorite book as a child. I read it in the 4th grade and loved all the imagination and invention in this book! Very creative! Plus, I love Julie Andrews Edwards; not only a wonderful actress, but a wonderful author!

Julie Andrews is Magic
My favorite book growing up was Mandy. So when I began to tutor several second graders with exceptional reading skills and was scratching my brain for enjoyable novels we could enjoy together, I immediately wanted to check out the Julie Andrews Collection. I had never read The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles - I couldn't tell you why; I remember wanting more after I put down Mandy but for some reason I never picked this one up.

But as an adult, I did. And I think I loved this novel more than my students. There is nothing more refreshing to me than to discover a well-written children's book, remniscient of Oz and Wonderland and all of my favorite classics. It was as magical for me as it would have been fifteen years ago, because Edwards' writes with the wonder of a child in a way that is anything but childish -- instead, insightful and wise.

Recommended to all. I don't see how you could not be charmed by this book. Period.

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles
This is such a classic children's fantasy book!I'm kind of disappointed that I didn't get to read it as a kid, but I am glad that I found it later on.It seems like it would make a really great read-aloud to a group of students.As often seen in children's fiction, a lot of it is really convenient, parts of it are really predictable, but it all makes for a great story, and there are some great suspenseful bits along the way.There are a lot of smaller conflicts that quickly get resolved, under the umbrella conflict of finding the Whangdoodle, and then the greatest conflict of all that isn't revealed until near the end.A really cool part of this book is its exposition to vocabulary through the Professor's narration.I'm really glad we didn't get the cop out "it was all a figment of their imaginations/a dream" ending.I'm also really glad that in the end, it's a story about the Professor and the realization of his dream, rather than a focus on the kids, although they are still a big part of the story.There are parts of the book near the ending that do get a little preachy, but it's still a fantastic fantasy read for kids and their parents/teachers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Aborbing and Awesome
This is my first time to write an online review, but listening to Julie Andrews is such a treat that I had to write one.After reading Home, which was highly absorbing, the reviews on the CDs were so good, I thought, "Hmm, I think I'll get these, too."I am currently on my second go-through of the CDs.It is amazing how much I have forgotten from the book, and even the CDs' first go-through.As others have noted, Julie's candor is awesome.What's more, she is so courageous in her presentation, never once showing any sadness, even when the events are tragic and hard for her to bear.Her voice is at once bright, warm, and soothing.And, on occasion, dramatic, as she sometimes bursts through her dialogue with a sudden flourish to highlight her points.For a brief moment, one thinks she is on stage.Those are happy surprises and ones that make the entire reading such a joy to listen to.I listen on my way to work and am actually sorry when I arrive at my destination, but happy again when I'm on my way home, ready for the next chapter.There is a friend in the car with me and Julie's voice, as her singing, lifts the spirits and brightens the day.Thank you, Miss Andrews, for sharing your life with us.Your voice, whether in songs of the past, or in the spoken word today, is a true delight.We cherish you.Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Home CD: Julie Andrews
The CD didn't disappoint. Time went so fast while I listened to her story. I was planning to use this CD for my long travel, but I ended up listening even for short distances. I can't help but to listen to the whole CD twice. Her voice, her delivery are more than enough to get this CD and then of course some beautiful revelations of her early life.Because I was so entertained by this CD, I bought the book Intimate Biography by Stirling which seems to be the continuation of this book.I am guessing, she might not do a sequel to her Home memoir because Stirling picked up where she stopped. Get this CD, it's worth it.

Julie does it again
I am so very honored to own this cd collection. Now when she reads me the story I have to book to follow along.The book and cds are great to read. You can really learn how she started in life and up to Mary Poppins.I will treasure this forever.Thank you

Loverly
For those of us who love Julie Andrews, and wish that she had recorded so much more before she tragically lost that crystal clear soprano, this recording is another way to appreciate the gift of her voice.Reading the book is no comparison to listening to the author herself; her clean pronunciation of every carefully chosen word makes you want to rewind and savor every delicious phrase over and over again, like the first taste of a Godiva chocolate.I thought I knew pretty much everything about her life, having fallen in love with her at the age of 11 when Mary Poppins fist came out, then backtracking, discovering with delight the cast recordings of "The Boyfriend," "My Fair Lady," and "Camelot."But I learned so much of her young life as no one else could describe it.I listened to most of this set of CDs on long car rides, and I'm surprised I ever ended up at my destination - having been transported back to England, and smelling the roses of her English gardens, knowing her family members intimately, hearing all the little pieces that shaped this remarkable creatures life.
Even if you have read the book, do yourself a favor and purchase the CD set, find a comfortable spot, fix a cup of tea, and prepare to hear this wonderful storyteller share her personal experience of "Home."

Home Is Where Julie's Heart Is
At 25, Julie Andrews had it all: She was a Broadway star about to take on her first starring role in a film, Mary Poppins, she was happily married, and she had just become the mother of Emma. Her smile and lovely voice were known to tens of millions around the world.

But the path from her origins to those heights was not the expected one. In this candid memoir, Ms. Andrews takes us for an eye-opening ride through her family's genealogy, her career as a youthful vaudeville star, her experiences in becoming her family's sole support at a young age, and the many amazing things that happen in performing companies. It's a wild trip!

Before the book ends, she gives us behind-the-scenes looks at many of the giants of 20th century entertainment including Moss Hart, Alan Jay Lerner, Fritz Lowe, T.H. White, Walt Disney, Rex Harrison, Richard Burton, and Carol Burnett.

She is a lady in all that she has to say, but she does have opinions. The finely nuanced reading captures her true feelings in subtle ways that the book cannot hope to do. I could have listened to this recording all night, every night. It was marvelous! ... Read more

Product Description

Below the bright lights of Broadway, there sits a long-forgotten architect’s model of the great Sovereign Theater. In this secret space, a troupe of theater mice busily rehearse their own show, "Broadway Airs." Suddenly, the Sovereign is threatened by demolition, and Adelaide, the leading lady mouse, disappears. Will the little theater survive? And will the star return in time for opening night?

Customer Reviews (6)

Amazing!
This purchase is one that I will never forget.As a theater junkie myself, taking a look into the world of Broadway was exhilarating with a fun twist... as the reader looks through the eyes of a mouse! The language was beautiful, though not too hard, so anyone, I would say, ten and up could enjoy this book. I really loved this book, and would recommend it to anyone with a lust for theater, as well as anyone looking for a good read. A ten!!!

Children books
My 11-year daughter loves Julie Andrews' books in general. We are trying to gather all the collection.

5 Minutes to Curtain, Please, 5 minutes...
THE GREAT AMERICAN MOUSICAL, by none other than THE Julie Andrews and her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, is a truly sweet, absolutely adorable, totally enchanting YA tail, er, tale about a troupe of Broadway mice who live in the sub-sub-sub-basement of The Sovereign Theatre.Here, in a miniature replica of The Sovereign, the mice put on their own shows, including the hits "Hello, Mousey," "Mice and Dolls," "Felines" (the forbidden play in the mouse world); and, of course, their current production, the New Year's Eve extravaganza, "Broadway Airs."

This engaging story has a charming and familiar cast of characters:Emil, the director; Harold, the aging character actor; Adelaide, the diva; young Pippin, the intern; Wendy, the ingénue, Curly, the young comedian; Rose the comedic supporting actress; Sky, the suave leading man; Don Q, the producer; Little June, the child star; Henry, the country professor, and a host of others, all with names and temperaments taken straight from well-known musicals.As the scene opens, The Sovereign Theater is about to be demolished, and our diva, the star of the show, has disappeared!What will happen next?Will they make it to opening night?Well, as you know, "the show must go on."

THE GREAT AMERICAN MOUSICAL is beautifully written in a clean, clear, simple, almost lyrical voice which makes it a pleasure to read; I can almost hear Julie Andrews reading it to me.That does not mean it talks down to children, however.All the terms of stagecraft are used correctly and consistently throughout the book, with a glossary of terms located in the back for young readers (and others) not familiar with the language of the theatre.The pen and ink illustrations by Tony Walton are very clever and quite lovely, with several of them depicting famous scenes from famous musicals, with rodent starts, of course!And check out the cover art.It pays homage to legendary choreographer Bob Fosse.Or is it, perhaps, Bob Mousse?

Quite simply, THE GREAT AMERICAN MOUSICAL is a great deal of fun.I am going to recommend it to my 11 year old, but I am also going to read it to my 3 year old.I think both kids will captivated by these theatre mice, each in her own way.I know I was, and I think you will be, too.HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

A Bow to Musical Theater
Julie Andrews Edwards says her idea for the story occured while she was working on a PBS program, Broadway: The American Musical. They were filming in one of the famous Broadway theaters when a mouse came out to observe. The theater people admitted the lower levels of the theater were quite overrun with the critters.

A troupe of mice are putting on a New Year's Eve extravaganza in the basement of of Sovereign Theater. Their little theater is the architect's model of the the original theater. The actors include an older, Shakespeare quoting, character actor named Harold; the ingenue, Wendy; the handsome leading man, Curly and every other stock character from any musical you can think of. The characters' names themselves, all come from American musicals.

The new owners of the Sovereign, plan to tear the theater down and replace it with a television studio. This news shocks the acting company. Disaster strikes again when the diva, Adelaide, is caught in a humane mouse trap up in the costume shop. The group must put aside their distress and and rework the show because "the show must go on."

Adelaide is released near the docks and befriended by a professor of mouse lore named Henry who promises to help her get back to the theater in time for the performance.
The traditions of the musical theater are included: the ingenue who must step-up to take a star turn, the young theater-struck Pippin who just wants a chance to show what he can do, and Adelaide, the grande dame whose star-power cannot be matched. The musical numbers, although not named, obviously come shows like My Fair Lady and Fiddler on the Roof.

The pen and ink illustrations by Walton support the storyline. The scenes of NYC are nicely done with an excellent degree of detail. A pleasant read, the book offers an opportunity for youngsters to learn more about the American musical theater. An extended glossary of theatrical terms is also included. I like a book for kids that uses words like "proscenium."

A teaching guide is available on the book's website.

A Mousy Good Time
It figures that mice would hold theater productions in the basement of a Broadway theater! Okay, maybe this only happens in fiction, but how wonderful if it were true. In this story such a troop exists, complete with the players you'd expect: the character actor, the diva, the handsome lead, and the plethora of behind-the-scenes mice needed to run the show. Offstage drama--the sudden disappearance of Adelaide, the diva--puts the show in peril. Adelaide, thanks to her robust appetite, has been captured in a humane mouse trap. The young son of the theater's new owner hands the trap to a truck driver, who dumps it onto a snow bank in Brooklyn. Despite their grief at her loss, the cast agrees "the show must go on." Hours outside the city, Adelaide is freezing--and facing her first obstacle in her journey back to the theater. She is saved from Scud, a thuggish rat, by Henry, a mousy professor who specializes in mouse lore. Henry (with other mice and unknowing humans) helps Adelaide to regain the stage in time for her big number. The cast and audience go wild, as they assumed they'd never see her again. A second story line involves Pippin, the junior assistant mouse, who helps to save the decayed theater from a wrecking ball. This tale bops along, never sagging. It is bolstered by Walton's delightful black-and-white illustrations, and a back glossary of theatrical terms. ... Read more

Product Description

Thanks to you . . . I notice wonder in the smallest thing

Customer Reviews (13)

Lovely
This is a lovely little book.A great gift for any mother or daughter.I loved the photos in it of Julie's family and friends.Very inspirational.

Cute
Very short and cute. Not much on the advice side. You love babies? Or know a Julie Andrews fan? Then give it a try. Check it out of the library first.

An 18 page pamphlet
Very disappointed.'Heard about it on the Today TV show.It is an 18 page, hardcover pamphlet, 90% photos, with captions.Total text of "wisdom" could fill no more than 3 pages.

I gave this to wife for Mother's Day
My wife is a Julie Andrews fan, and that was enough to recommend this book.The book reflects on a mother's relationship with her child, and all that she comes to learn while "seeing" the world with a "child's eyes."

My wife loved the book.It makes for a wonderful gift.

A Great Gift for Mother's Day, Mom's Birthday, or New Mom
This book is filled with beautiful photographs and inspiring words about Mom's and kids.It brought tears to my eyes... ... Read more

Product Description
From her childhood career, performing with her parents in vaudeville, to her starring stage role as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady to her film successes in such classics as Mary Poppins and Victor, Victoria, this biography covers the professional life of Julie Andrews, and provides fascinating insights into her personal life as well. 250 photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A Great Book For Julie Andrews Fans
This a wonderful book full of wonderful pictures of Julie with her friends

and the people she has worked with. There is a very nice foreward written

by Carol Burnett.

A Love Story
If my house was on fire, this is the one book I would grab. The pictures are outstanding, the book features much information about her early career and lots of memorabilia from her childhood years. These are not the overused pics of Julie that we all see over and over again. Not sure why Julie had it pulled from the shelves, but I would certainly describe this book as a love story to Julie from Arntz and Wilson. This book just warms my heart.

A Wonderful Book about a Beyond Wonderful Super Star
Julie Andrews. The world's most beloved singer and actress. The darling of entertainment closest to our hearts. But, there is just one problem. When the world thinks of Julie, they immediatly think of Mary Poppins (for which she won an Oscar) or Maria von Trapp. Nothing annoys me more than that. People can't seem to undertsnad that hse is NOTHING like Mary Poppins! The only thing I think they may have in common in they are both good with children.
I encourage all of you out there to read a Julie biography book! Heck, maybe I'll write one! But do yourselves a favor and get this book! Learning about the fascinating life of Julz Andrews will be something that will both surprise and capture you- you will NOT regret it! ... Read more

Product Description
Even an old dump truck deserves a second chance.

It's a sunny morning on Merryhilll Farm and everyone has a job to do, including Bee-Bee the Backhoe and Trundle the Tractor. But one old truck is no longer working; Dumpy lies rusted and broken in the long grass. Charlie and his grandfather decide to fix him up in time to help with the building of a new bar.

This delightful tale of loyalty and teamwork, the first in a series about the trucks and tractors that work on and around Merryhill Farm, will have children cheering Dumpy on as he is transformed from a broken-down heap into a gaily-painted, indispensable, and beloved truck.Amazon.com Review
One sunny day on Merryhill Farm, all the trucks are busily toiling, including Trundle the Tractor and Bee-Bee the Backhoe. All, that is, except for one rusty old forgotten fellow: Dumpy the Dump Truck. Relegated to the weeds behind the barn, Dumpy has been gathering dust and mouse nests for a long time. And it looks like the end is near when Farmer Barnes decides it's time for the old barn to come down, and Dumpy to be, well, dumped. "But I love Dumpy," says Charlie, the farmer's son. "It's so sad to get rid of something you love just to make room for something new." His grandfather, Pop-Up, agrees, and before they know it, the two are up to their ears in grease, paint, and tools. But can they finish sprucing up Dumpy before the barn has to come down?

Dumpy the Dump Truck is the first in a series about the trucks and tractors of Merryhill Farm by Julie Andrews Edwards (author of The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles and Little Bo: The Story of Bonnie Boadicea , and beloved star of Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music) and Emma Walton Hamilton. Loyalty, teamwork, and an ever-so-subtle message about the value of the elderly are at the heart of this book. After all, Pop-Up isn't ready to be dumped yet either! Tony Walton's watercolors are filled with friendly-featured vehicles and pleasantly scratchy-looking farm animals and humans. If you like Dumpy, don't miss Dumpy at School! (Ages 4 to 7) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Dumpy the Dumptruck
This has become my 3 year old grandson's favorite book to read.In fact when we see each of the vehicles in other stories, he always calls them by name.I will definitely be adding other Dumpy stories to his library.

Dumpy the Dump Truck
This is a wonderful little guy's tale of a dump truck for all the truck afficionado's

Perfect!!
Thank you Ms Andrews for such a great little series. My 2 grandsons love Dumpy and are overjoyed when a new Dumpy book comes out. Ms Andrews, you sure know children. Thank you for the gift you have given my two grandsons.

Perfect!!
Ms Andrews has done a great job in this and all her Dumpy Books. My grandsons love the story of Dumpy and everytime I say,"boys another Dumpy book is here", they smile from ear to ear and want me to read it immediately. Great books for PreSchoolers Ms Andrews, you know children very well...Thanks

I have grown to HATE this book!!!
I have read this book at least once a day for the past year.I HATE IT!My son loves it.He is 2.5 now, but dumpy was one of his first vocab words.This is not a modern book, but a slow paced family oriented view of life as it was/ought to be.Be prepared to be animated and read with lots of noises.The whole collection is full of them. Thanks to these books, my son can tell the difference between a backhoe and a bulldozer and a rooster and a chicken. ... Read more

Product Description
Everyone's favorite fairy princess is back and just in time for her ballet recital in this new picture book addition to the Julie Andrews Collection. At first, when Gerry is cast as the Court Jester and not the Crystal Princess, she is dismayed -- nothing is pink and no one can see her crown under her silly jester hat! But just as the recital looks like it's headed for disaster, our ever-energetic very fairy princess swoops in to save the day!

Gerry's sparkle radiates from the page once more through Christine Davenier's whimsically elegant illustrations in this spirited, ballet-themed follow-up to The Very Fairy Princess from the renowned mother-daughter team of Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton. ... Read more

Product Description

In the noble and dangerous times of medieval France, the young knight Aubrey de Montdidier, nephew of the Count of Montargis, has been strangely murdered. His friend the brave Sieur DeNarsac, captain of the count's men-at-arms, and Thierry, a young page, must now solve the tragic mystery. Yet it is a magnificent white wolfhound by the name of Dragon -- Montdidier's faithful companion -- who brings an unexpected, shocking conclusion to the puzzle of his master's untimely death.

Customer Reviews (6)

Devotion of a beloved dog
A must read.What a wonderful story, faced paced and takes you right into the Medieval times.Will recommend this story for children's bookclub.

Too sad Dragon is not Irish Wolfhound....
This is a very nice book that every kid will love. The story is well kown legend of my country (france)with a lot of action and very good details of the middle age. Unfortunately, the author has obviously never met an Irish Wolfhound. I own one and believe me she has absolutely no idea of the power, strengh, weight and size of those dog!! Her descriptions are those of a large german sheperd not of a 75kg Wolfhound.
If you are an Irish Wolfhound owner and buy this book for that reason, you will be disapointed.

A really good book
My daughter really loved this book.She is entering 4th grade and it was perfect for her.

A great book!
The book is about a dog and knights. There are a lot of surprising details in the book. The characters are all great, too. My favorite character is Dragon the dog. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes knights in battle. Thank you Julie Andrews for writing this book.

doggone dragon
A story of mystery and suspense, a book of honoring, and a thriller for the whole family. This book, dragon, is like a Sherlock Holmes mystery: Dragon is the explainer of what happened, DeNarsac is Sherlock, and Thierry is Watson.

I suggest this book if your interested in the things below:
1.Mystery
2.Medieval times
3.Knights
4.Dear Watson
By Jake ... Read more

Product Description
Julie Andrews's internationally celebrated voice is now captured on CD as she reads her own book for children.

Little Bo has become an instant best-seller and a favorite story for readers of all ages. Exciting, suspenseful, and warm, Little Bo follows the adventures of a brave little cat as she leaves the safety of her home and joins a young sailor on his journeys.

This delightful tale is now available with a CD of Julie Andrews Edwards reading her well-loved book. What could be nicer for youngsters than to have a good-night story told to them by their favorite celebrity?Amazon.com Review
Little Bo: The Story of Bonnie Boadicea, Julie Andrews Edwards's thrilling and poignant tale of a brave little seafaring cat, has won the hearts of young readers everywhere. So children will be thrilled to know that the book is now available with a reading on CD by the multitalented author herself. Creator of such marvelous books as Mandy and The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles, and star of the well-loved movies, The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins, Julie Andrews Edwards reads with warmth, humor, and excitement. What could be a better sendoff to bed than hearing that familiar voice narrating the salty, stormy adventures of Little Bo and her kind young sailor friend, Billy Bates, on the Red Betsy?

This very special gift package includes a hardcover edition of the bestselling Little Bo and a compact disk audio recording by Julie Andrews Edwards. (Ages 7 to 11) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

LITTLE Bo is a BIG hit!
Little Bo is a charming and engaging series; we are eagerly awaiting the next book! My granddaughter kept wanting me to read on to the next chapter and not stop until the entire book was read. This is an excellent story as is the Little Bo in France.

Great Introductory Chapter Book for Child Familiar With Kittens
I read this to my 7 year old in 2 nights. He is not a reader yet, and finding reading material is a challenge in that the things that he can read himself are too simple to interest him. We have two kittens which he loves, and he could identify with the kitten antics in this book. The story-line kept him interested - although he occasionally wanted to flip ahead to look at the next illustration to anticipate the action. The pictures are wonderful, and this is a warm story. When we finished my son asked if there was another book in the series that we could read!

Julie Andrews is truely magical
As a child I fell in love with the actress Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music.Still an outstanding actress, I enjoyed her recent Princess Diaries, I am continually amazed at her abilities.If singing like a nightingale and acting weren't enough, she has also proven to be equally talented as an author!My eleven year daughter bought Little Bo two years ago with her hard earned allowance money.She couldn't put it down then and frequently goes back to enjoy it over again.She is currently reading it to her five year old sister who can't wait for bedtime now since she so enjoys her bedime story.The only problem is that their eight year old brother runs off with it at the most inopportune times thus wreaking havok!He thought if he could sneak away and read it in hiding no one would tease him.Boys who are almost nine are only supposed to read cool stuff, you know.He, too, found Little Bo irresistable and no longer even tries to hide it. I'm beginning to wonder if Mary Poppins wasn't really a fictional character at all but a chapter in Julie Andrews life.Don't stop now Ms. Andrews.We love you!

A Must-Read Children's Book
Bonnie Boadicea "Bo" is a little kitten born into a family with a loving mother and father, but not to kind owners. She is the runt of the litter, and doesn't eat much due to her small size. Her father loves her, and to make her feel special gives her a big name, but calls her "Bo" for short.

One day it is time for the kittens to leave their mother, and the nice warm house. They realize that they are going to be hurt unless they escape from Mr. Withers, who was supposed to take them to the pet shop. So all the kittens run in different directions, and are soon scared, wet and hungry.

Bo meets a nice sailor and gets into all kinds of mischief with him on the boat he works on, and is soon a sailing cat with a nice home and a kind owner.

This is a must read children's book that anyone, young or old, would enjoy.

Julie Andrews Edwards reading _Little Bo_ is a must.
The CD/book edition of _Little Bo_ is a must for young children. Julie Andrews Edwards reads as well as she sings. This edition adds much to the written text. The CD can be used as a series of short readings. The conclusion of each chapter is accompanied by gentle music that tells the child or parent that there is a natural break. The author researched the book well, and the portions of the book that take place on a fishing boat during a severe storm are very plausible. Henry Cole's soft drawings do much to convey the flavor of the story.

Bo, the kitten, and her siblings were sent away during a snow storm by the owner because their sire was an alley cat.Bo finds a friend in Billy Bates, a sailor aboard a fishing boat.Bo survives a severe storm and the dislike of the boat captain.Billy and Bo leave the boat to find new lives for themselves. ... Read more

Product Description

There once lived a humble musician named Simeon. Longing to be worthy of the beautiful Sorrel's love, he sets off on a quest for knowledge. His journey brings many discoveries, but the vast tapestry of sounds and ideas he encounters becomes overwhelming . . . and, dispirited, Simeon turns for home. Alone in the grace of nature, he experiences a series of wondrous events that lead him to the discovery of his true self and the glorious gift he has to offer.

Julie Andrews Edwards, author of The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles and star of Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music, has teamed up again with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton (Dumpy the Dumptruck, etc.), for an original story with all the elements of traditional fairy tales. Award-winning illustrator Gennady Spirin creates magical pictures that hearken back to Renaissance era artists. Also includes a reading by the charming Julie Andrews Edwards. (Ages 5 to 8) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Breathtaking!
That's what my daughter, 37, said about it as I finished tucking in my granddaughter on her 7th birthday. I'd just given her the book with our cake 'n ice cream celebration and was about to burst to read it to her. My daughter, sadly, is NOT a bookaholic like her mother, but it took her no time at all to see how truly special this book is. Others have mentioned human values, art, and music especially. I'd first mention the look of the book itself, whose marvelous illustrations ("illuminations" better describes the art therein) give immediate evidence that THIS is a book to be reckoned with! Having seen many incunabula and medieval illuminated ms. in my lifetime, I was still blown away by the sheer beauty of any spot one could randomly choose, from cover to cover. To comments about the story, already given "weight" or prominence by what one has seen as one turned to the first page of text, I'd add its wholeness: love, desire for self-improvement, the totality of Creation, persistence in The Search even in the face of much disillusionment, even failure; hope, ever present; the beauty 'round us; eyes to see and ears to hear; creativity; the desire to be worthy of one's Beloved; compassion; empathy, courage, and increasing spirituality. If there were a single word to summarize it I'd say "integrity." I can't imagine being a child and learning this story over and over, to ponder after one's night prayers into the dreams of sleep. This is a book to give every Seeker you know, to every new parent and/or grandparent,to a high school graduate sent on his or her Journey. It is a treasure, and yes, it's breathtaking.

Magical Book
Perhaps this book was aimed to be read by children. I had interest in reading it in order to find out its connection whith Julie Andrews' next concert, at O2 Arena-London, next May, because it has been announced that it will be narrated there.
I've discovered a magical book, both for children, but mainly for adults.
I recommend it for those who still believe in human values, nowadays almost considered "out of fashion".

A Passionate Fable
"Simeon's Gift," written by Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton is a beautifully written and illustrated children's book. It is a magical story of a young roving musician who leaves the woman he loves to prove his worthiness by experiencing the world beyond.He finds his music and self in nature and returns to his beloved Sorrel.This passionate fable blends both music and the arts, which are captured in Gennady Spirin's gorgeous illustrations.I highly recommend this book for children and adults alike.

I had the opportunity to see the premier of the musical adaptation of "Simeon's Gift" July 11, 2008 with the Louisville Orchestra, with Ian Fraser conducting.Julie collaborated with Ian Fraser, who wrote the music, and John Bucchino the lyrics, to bring this magical tale to life on stage.Five costumed singers played the major roles, with Julie narrating. It was a very magical, exciting and memorable evening."Simeon's Gift" will tour the country in a show called "A Gift of Music."

Beautiful story, beautiful illustrations!
Believe it or not, Dame Julie Andrews herself signed a copy of this book for me at Harrod's in London!This story has so much heart and the illustrations are simply gorgeous.

Wonderful book!
A beautiful story, beautifully illustrated, and wonderfully told by Julie Andrews (on the CD that is included.)
I know my kids will enjoy it, and recommend it to anyone who loves a beautiful, well told, story! ... Read more

Product Description

Baldmoney, Sneezewort, Dodder, and Cloudberry are the last four gnomes existing in Britain. Until recently, the brothers have lived together in their oak tree home on the banks of the Folly brook. But several months ago, Cloudberry disappeared, and the others eventually decide they must try to find him.

Customer Reviews (7)

Little Grey Men - highly recommended
I first read this book as an early teenager, with my head still wrapped up with fairies and the magical world. It so stood out in my memory that I decided to buy it as an adult, many years removed from the initial reading. What I can say is that it immediately sunk me back into that world, the language is as beautiful and engaging as when I first read it. It is a joy to read for any age I think, for the young one who will want to go make friends of the gnomes, or the adult that needs a little reminder of the magic still within their imagination. Beautiful, captivating and heart-warming. I highly strongly recommend this book!

Kim M-M

Little grey men
I first read this book in 1949 (at age 12) when it was the monthly selection of the Junior Literary Guild. I'm 72 and I've just finished reading it for the 5th time. (I've never read a book more than twice except this one). Because of my age, I've just sent my copy on to a family with young children. It may be the best children's book ever written. It has wonderfully descriptive writing, lessons to be learned from life (Think about the "Bambi" movie), and a splendid ending. It really needs to be read to children because of the dated (1940's) wording and because it was written in England and so many words and phrases may need to be explained because they may not be familiar to American readers.

Just a "Grand" book.

A four-season adventure through the Warwickshire countryside
The Little Grey Men tells the tale of three gnome brothers who left their tree house in search of a more adventurous brother who left two years before. Dodder, Baldmoney and Sneezewort travelled up and down the Folly river gleaning adventures as if they were escaping lions in the African veldt or fighting malnutrition while marooned on a desert island, a la Robinson Crusoe. Will they ever find Cloudberry?

BB paints the scenery of the Warwickshire countryside in such detail that one feels his love of this tiny patch of the world so powerfully. He ascribes this love to the gnomes, "being halfway between animals and our unhappy selves, they appreciated the world far more than a great many mortals. To them the whole year was lovely, ... and not an hour passed by but they found something to admire and relish."

As in every good quest, the gnomes make new friends, battle formidable enemies (yes! more than one!), survive natural catastrophes and finally come home to a roaring fire and a good Elderberry wine.

It is a good tale to follow as you walk along the banks of an English river, but it is just as good in the bedroom of your high-rise apartment.

Nature and Fantasy
This is a lovely little book.However, Julie Andrews is not the author, as another commenter noted.She loved the book as a girl, and wanted to make it available again via her Harper Collins imprint (and actually wrote the introduction).Although the cover cryptically lists the author as "BB", the man listed as the illustrator actually wrote the story as well as doing the woodcuts in the text.Reminds me a little of Watership Down....

Little Grey Men
This is a wonderful book. One can read this book over and over again and never become tired of it.Julie Andrews is a wonderful author, she just transports you into the story, very well written and a most enjoyable story for all ages. ... Read more