Customer Comments

Christina Hill has commented on (6) products.

Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner

Christina Hill, May 14, 2013

My 4 year old daughter and I read a lot of books. We've worked our way through Dr. Seuss, Curious George, Clifford, Little Critter. I'll spare you the complete list. But Skippyjon Jones is the only one I'm still not sick of. We've read it at least 30 times and tomorrow will be 31. It's hilarious, cleverly interactive, and punny in that way the best kids' books and programming have to be to stand up to the inevitable repetition. If you're debating between this and any other picture book, get this one. It's the best.

Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No

report this comment

You Will Be My Friend! by Peter Brown

Christina Hill, January 1, 2013

This sequel to Peter Brown's Children Make Terrible Pets is the best sequel I've ever read. In the first book, Lucy Bear is a believably loud and charming little bear who's giant pink speech bubbles speak louder than mere words. The brilliance of You Will Be My Friend! is that unlike the quaint story where she originally appeared, the new book has a poignant message: be yourself. Sure, there are many books with that message for this age group (3+), but it's so simple and funny in this one. My 3 year old daughter likes You Will Be My Friend! so much that she's taken it to preschool to share at story time.

As a parent, this is a book I've literally read at least 25 times and I'm still not ready to hide it under the couch. I could go for 26. It's that good.

Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No

report this comment

A Midsummer Tights Dream by Louise Rennison

Christina Hill, July 3, 2012

Once again, I laughed till I fell asleep much later than I had intended. Every time a new Louise Rennison book finds its way into my hands, I promise myself that *this time* I will read the book S L O W L Y and make it last because the read is quick and the year is long. Of course I failed. Once you pick up this book, you wont be able to put it down. The bottom line is that Midsummer Tights Dream is hilarious, rejuvenating, and can turn anyone into a 13 year old girl when they read it. Its a fabulous romp through the dramatic preteen mind. If you've never read a Rennison book before, don't wait any longer.

Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No

report this comment

Mighty Be Our Powers: How Sisterhood, Prayer, and Sex Changed a Nation at War by Leymah Gbowee

Christina Hill, January 7, 2012

This book reads a bit like a no 1 Ladies Detective Agency novel, if Precious Ramotswe's beloved Africa was falling to pieces and she had had enough. The style reminded me of Maya Angelou's masterful novel I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. This is a lovely book and I drank in every delicious sentence.

For anyone unfamiliar with the story, Leymah was awarded a Nobel peace prize in 2011 for organizing a sex strike that turned the tide in the war in Liberia. She was 30 when she changed the world. Just for contrast, I should point out that when I turned 30 I could barely get my dishes done.

If you're looking for some 'sisterhood power' style inspiration, this is your book. If you love to read literature with a gentle tone and a well turned phrase, this is your book too. I started it at night after my daughter had gone to bed and I couldn't put it down until I had finished it. It's really worth your time, even if the dishes have to stew a little bit.

Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No

report this comment

Candide #1: Candide by Voltaire

Christina Hill, November 28, 2011

If you've never read Candide, you don't know what you're missing and I feel sorry for you. For a guy who died 3 centuries ago, I feel like Voltaire really 'gets it'. He was counter-culture before it was cool.

I love re-reading this book, because there is always something fresh and funny about it. The characters are simultaneously two dimensional and incredibly real, which makes for fun imagery as you read. But the best part about Candide is the conversation it creates between those of us who have taken the plunge. The philosophy is striking and infinitely relevant. You can break it down, if you'd like, and be Team Martin or Team Pangloss. This is a really old book that never gets old.

And if you don't like the story, this edition at least has some dirty illustrations.

Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No

report this comment