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

This adventure story has everything you could want: the good guy, some bad guys, the girl, sword fighting, revenge, romance, of course a happy ending, and rodents of unusual size. Join Westley the plucky farm boy, Buttercup the beautiful young maiden, Inigo Montoya the driven, embittered swordsman, and many other strange and unusual characters in this swashbuckling tale of good-natured silliness. It is read by Rob Reiner, who directed the motion picture based on this classic tale.

"...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.

Three sisters listen to their grandmother recount a mesmerizing childhood memory on a rainy afternoon. The long complex story, filled with danger and excitement, relates what happened when Ying-ying was seven and celebrating the Moon Festival in China. On that long-ago night of the Moon Festival, she encountered the Moon Lady, who grants the secret wishes of those who ask.

> The Wonderful O tells of a man named Black who despised the letter "O". He deleted it from his language and omitted it from his words. Opals, moonstones, owls and oaks could not possibly be his items of choice. He preferred emeralds, rubies, sapphires and maps. At least they had no "O". Soon he wanted his entire village to omit the letter "O". But the villagers found words they would not do without HOPE, LOVE, VALOR, and the most important one of all.

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.

Join the Owl and the Pussycat on their long journey to save the walking, talking Bong Tree in this clever story filled with love and laughter, silly songs, fabulous felines, vile villains, precocious pie-rats, and lots more to tickle one's fancy. Enhanced by an original musical score that contains 10 hysterical songs.

Combine a crime, a criminal, a fat man in a fez, and a guy named "Chicken Man," and you get a zany sci-fi adventure that defies gravity. As Wizard of Comedy Daniel M. Pinkwater transports the Snarkout Boys and the Rat through the tunnel under North Aufzoo Street to the warmth of Beanbenders, you'll meet some strange characters and learn much about the versatile avocado.

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.

Amy Tan's light, airy voice engages the listener as if sharing a bedtime story. The naughty white kitten, Sagwa, comes from a long line of royal Chinese cats. Her mischief changes the spirit of the cruel magistrate and future for her ancestors. A beautifully written story about why Siamese cats are really Chinese and why their faces, ears, paws and tails turn darker as they grow up.

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.

Eight of Shakespeare's most celebrated plays have been specifically adapted to introduce young listeners to his works. Based on the work of E. Nesbit, these classic retellings capture the drama and flavor of each original play, while simplifying plot and detail.

Melvin Spellbound's humdrum life suddenly becomes extraordinary when 111-year-old Borgel arrives for a visit. In this clever, funny, off-the-wall story, Melvin's sort of Uncle Borgel seems like an Old World refugee when he shows up at the Spellbound home and moves into their back room with 32 small black suitcases. However, his true identity as an experienced time-and-space tourist is soon revealed when he takes young Melvin on a fantastic intergalactic road trip in search of The Great Popsicle.

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!

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.

It's Lizzy's favorite holiday...Christmas! And this year, a very special surprise awaits Lizzy and her best friends, Eric and Petunia - a fantastic journey to the North Pole to visit Santa's workshop. This delightful story is read by actress Betty White.

When Yellow Dog saved a boy from drowning, he became a canine hero. But now dog and boy are in danger again, alone in the wilderness after a boat trip separates them from the boy's father and leaves them stranded in the Canadian wilderness. This time, it's the boy's turn to become a hero, and with a little help from this former stray dog, he uses his best judgment in a brave attempt to get home. In this compelling story of loyalty and adventure—as read by actress Mimi Rogers, who appears in the film version—the boy and Yellow Dog become partners in survival and friends for life.

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.

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.

The Ugly Duckling tells the tale of a duckling abandoned and deserted because he was different. Despite trying to make friends, the ugly duckling is laughed at and rejected by just about everyone he meets. Then one day the ugly duckling comes across a number of beautiful razorbills swimming in the ocean. It is here that he discovers his real identity, seeing his own reflection in the water. He had grown into a beautiful razorbill, too, and had never been an ugly duckling after all.