Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 27 votes)
5 stars
8(30%)
4 stars
12(44%)
3 stars
7(26%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
27 reviews
July 15,2025
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What a remarkable find!

A grandson was engrossed in reading Tal, and out of curiosity, I decided to give it a try as well.

This book is truly a treasure trove filled with imaginative and creative stories that transport the reader to a world of wonder.

I was completely captivated by the stories and couldn't help but fall in love with the unique character names.

One might assume that a book published way back in 1929 would be written in a complex and difficult Victorian English, but that is not the case with Tal at all.

Surprisingly, it is an easy and enjoyable read for kids, making it accessible and engaging for young minds.

It's a book that combines the charm of the past with the appeal of modern storytelling, making it a must-read for both children and adults alike.

Overall, I highly recommend Tal to anyone looking for a delightful and entertaining literary experience.
July 15,2025
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I read this at my child's recommendation.

And I have to say, it's truly a remarkable one. It immediately brought to my mind the wonderful world of Haroun and the Sea of Stories.

I'm so glad that we have the opportunity to share books, characters, and adventures together.

It's like opening up a whole new realm of possibilities.

We can springboard into new imaginaries, whether it's with reference to the Wimzies or other unforgettable scenes.

These shared experiences not only strengthen our bond but also expand our minds and fuel our creativity.

It's a magical journey that we embark on together, and I'm looking forward to many more such adventures in the future.

July 15,2025
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This is a truly strange and wonderful tale that my dear father read to me when I was just a little child.

It was by far my favorite childhood story, and ever since then, I have had the pleasure of reading the same book to my own children.

The particular edition that I possess was a very special gift from my father to my mother on their very first wedding anniversary.

It is beautifully inscribed with the words, "May this story bring as much joy to our future children as it did to me when I was a boy."

Even to this day, it remains one of my all-time favorite stories, carrying with it a sense of nostalgia and a precious connection to my family's past.

I am so grateful to have this story in my life and to be able to pass it down through the generations.

It truly is a treasure that will always be cherished.
July 15,2025
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My 7-year-old daughter begged for this book for Christmas after hearing it at school.

After reading out loud my favorite childhood books, such as The Chronicles of Narnia, I promised to read this book to my kids. However, I really disliked this book and couldn't wait to finish it.

Surprisingly, my kids, aged 7 and 10, loved it, which is why I'm giving it 3 stars.

I far prefer my childhood favorites like Narnia, the Chronicles of Prydain, the Hobbit, and A Wrinkle in Time. I also much prefer the Harry Potter series.

The nice thing about this book is that there really isn't anything scary in it, so it's okay for 6 to 8-year-old kids who might be too young for some of the others I've mentioned.

Nevertheless, I thought the story was too contrived and the characters weren't very interesting. The book is full of short stories, some of which are pretty good, but overall, it didn't capture my interest like my beloved childhood books.

Maybe it's just a matter of personal taste, but I don't think I'll be reading this book again anytime soon.
July 15,2025
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Fun adventure!

There are lots of inventive stories in this collection that the girls really enjoyed. They had a great time picking out their favorites.

However, it's not my favorite type of writing. Maybe it's because I have different tastes. But one thing is for sure, the kids absolutely loved it.

They were completely engaged and entertained by the imaginative tales. It's wonderful to see how these stories can spark their creativity and bring joy to their faces.

Although it might not be to my personal liking, I can still appreciate the value it holds for the children. It shows that there are many different kinds of literature out there, each with its own charm and appeal.

And as long as the kids are having fun and learning from it, that's what really matters.
July 15,2025
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Read to my 6-year-old and 8-year-old, and we all loved it so much.

It was truly a wonderful experience. The story had captivating characters and an engaging plot that held their attention from start to finish.

As I read aloud, their eyes widened with excitement and they hung on every word.

The vivid descriptions in the book brought the story to life in their imaginations.

They would interrupt me from time to time to ask questions or make comments, showing their deep interest in the story.

At the end, they both begged me to read it again.

It was so heartwarming to see their love for reading and the joy that this book brought to them.

I will definitely be looking for more books like this to share with them in the future.

July 15,2025
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Great read aloud book!

I started out reading it to an 8-year-old. Right from the beginning, the 8-year-old was completely engaged and kept exclaiming, “this is the best book ever!” The excitement was palpable.

Soon enough, an 11-year-old also joined us. To our delight, this older child loved the book just as much as the younger one.

The story seemed to have a universal appeal that transcended age. It was filled with captivating characters, thrilling adventures, and beautiful illustrations that brought the story to life.

Both children were on the edge of their seats, hanging on every word. It was truly a wonderful experience to share this book with them and see their faces light up with joy and excitement.

I would highly recommend this read aloud book to anyone looking for a great story to share with children of all ages.
July 15,2025
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An interesting and unique children's book awaits young readers. Its author, Paul Fenimore Cooper, is the great-grandson of the renowned novelist James Fenimore Cooper.

This book is essentially an extended fairy tale, filled with wonder and magic. It contains several other captivating fairy tales within it, adding to its charm.

The main character, Tal, is a boy of mysterious parentage. He embarks on a journey with Noom-Zor-Noom, the storyteller, and his talking donkey, Millitinkle. As they travel, they encounter many strange lands and fascinating creatures.

Along the way, Noom-Zor-Noom entertains Tal with his wonderful stories. At the end of their journey, Noom-Zor-Noom must tell a story to the King of Troom. If the story is good enough, a powerful spell will be broken. However, if it fails, Noom-Zor-Noom will face a dire fate, such as prison or something even worse.

I firmly believe that this book would be an ideal read-aloud for younger children. The structure of the chapters and stories is perfect for episodic reading, allowing children to enjoy it in small doses rather than overwhelming them with a large chunk at once.

I'm truly glad that Purple House Press has revived and reprinted this gem. It truly deserves to be more well-known and cherished by children and adults alike.
July 15,2025
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This is an extremely interesting and highly imaginative adventure.

My mom read it to me when I was around 1st grade. We borrowed it from the school library, and I fell in love with it instantly. However, a few years later, when I wanted to reread it, I discovered that it was out of print. I searched everywhere but could not find a copy.

The unsuccessful search for this book led me to explore our local used book stores. It was quite an eye-opening experience.

Now, to my great delight, this book is available new again. I'm so glad to have a copy of it.

I'm currently sharing it with my first grader, and he is really enjoying it. Interestingly, I've forgotten almost everything about the story, so it feels like new to me too.

It's wonderful to be able to relive this adventure with my child and create new memories together.
July 15,2025
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This is truly a wonderful book to read aloud at bedtime.

It has been an absolute delight sharing this book with my two boys.

We have spent many precious moments together, with me reading the engaging stories and them listening intently.

The vivid illustrations and captivating plot have held their attention from start to finish.

In fact, it's the best book I've read with them in a long time.

It not only provides entertainment but also valuable lessons and moral teachings.

After each reading, we have great discussions about the characters and the events in the story.

I highly recommend this book to all parents looking for a quality bedtime story to share with their children.

It will surely become a cherished part of your family's bedtime routine.
July 15,2025
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A good book for bedtime reading, as it is divided into short chapters filled with numerous isolated stories.

When I was a child, this book was extremely popular at school. However, upon recently rereading it, it didn't seem as remarkable to me.

In fact, the manner in which the old man convinces Tal to leave his village and embark on a trip with him almost appears like a menacing kidnapping.

The stories themselves are highly creative, yet not overly substantial.

Perhaps what made the book so outstanding when we were kids was its vivid imagination. My favorite "place" was the location where the witches would assemble around the mirror pools.

It's interesting how our perspectives can change over time. While the book may not have had the same impact on me as an adult, it still holds a special place in my childhood memories.

It serves as a reminder of the power of imagination and the joy of reading during our formative years.

Even though it may not be the same incredible book it once was, it still has its charm and can provide a bit of entertainment before bedtime.
July 15,2025
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Certainly, this is one of the best children's books ever written. It has a certain charm that transcends age boundaries. Although it is a bit on the long side, it is a literary gem that can be relished by both adults and children alike. I remember vividly that I had to surreptitiously take my mother's copy because I was so enamored with it. The story within its pages held me captive from the very first word. I found myself rereading it time and time again, each reading uncovering new details and nuances that I had missed before. It is truly a book that never gets old, and one that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a wonderful reading experience.

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