The Magical Land of Noom (Books of Wonder)

Rating:
Summary: This Reached My Little Brother When Nothing Else Could
Review: Forty-five years ago they didn't know a lot about dyzlexia and other learning disabilties and my little first-grader brother really had problems learning to read. He even got held back in first grade which made him sad and he actually started to hate reading and books in general. The teachers and our parents treated him like he was dumb and school was turning in to a nightmare for him. Then in second grade he had an angel for a teacher. She was patient and she loved her students and she read THIS special story book to them. My little brother came home every night and at the dinner table he would tell us all about the adventures from the magical land of Noom which is "moon" spelled backward. His eyes sparkled and his speech became animated. He couldn't wait to get to school the next day to hear more. He did so much better that year and he kept trying with books because of that kind teacher and this enchanting story book. Johnny Gruelle, who created Raggedy Ann and Andy, knew how to reach children with his light-hearted, funny adventures and his utterly charming illustrations. Please share this magical book with children you love. I bought a brand new copy for my "little" brother even though he's all grown up now and tons more successful than I am, and I'm the "genious" of the family.

Rating:
Summary: This Reached My Little Brother When Nothing Else Could
Review: Forty-five years ago they didn't know a lot about dyzlexia and other learning disabilties and my little first-grader brother really had problems learning to read. He even got held back in first grade which made him sad and he actually started to hate reading and books in general. The teachers and our parents treated him like he was dumb and school was turning in to a nightmare for him. Then in second grade he had an angel for a teacher. She was patient and she loved her students and she read THIS special story book to them. My little brother came home every night and at the dinner table he would tell us all about the adventures from the magical land of Noom which is "moon" spelled backward. His eyes sparkled and his speech became animated. He couldn't wait to get to school the next day to hear more. He did so much better that year and he kept trying with books because of that kind teacher and this enchanting story book. Johnny Gruelle, who created Raggedy Ann and Andy, knew how to reach children with his light-hearted, funny adventures and his utterly charming illustrations. Please share this magical book with children you love. I bought a brand new copy for my "little" brother even though he's all grown up now and tons more successful than I, the "genious" of the family.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful and Magical!
Review: I read this book approximately 40 years ago. The story and concept made such an impression on me that I have searched for the book through-out my adult life. The details have grown fuzzy except for the cow, the dark side of the moon, and the flying machine. The overall concept, however, is still fresh in my mind. Children really can accomplish good things. They are important and have a place in the world. I felt very brave and adventurous when I read this book, and it gave me hope for the possibilities somewhere for me. It helped me escape and it brought me wonderful dreams. I'm so grateful it is being published again.

Rating:
Summary: A long lost treasure rediscovered.
Review: I was given a copy of this book when I was a child by my grandparents. I am now purchasing a copy for my granddaughters. How wonderful that Books of Wonder is once again making this treasure, this old friend, available to young readers today,

Rating:
Summary: Passed down from generation to generation
Review: my great grandfather was given this book by his parents in the early 20's (orriginally published in '22). He gave it to my mother, who in turn gave it to me. It is tattered, and some of the pages are falling out but besides that its in good condition. I absolutely loved this book, it is so creative, i am actually going to go out and buy one for my mom just for the ... of it, and then one for my 9 year old cousin.

Rating:
Summary: An extraordinarily imaginative story with a "quest" theme.
Review: While doing an out of print book search on Internet for one of my favorite childhood books, The Magical Land of Noom, I discovered to my great surprise and joy that it was reissued this year! Born in 1938, I was given the book at about age 5 and I still have that much read copy which was also much loved by my children.Wanting to give a copy to my grandchild,I was seriously considering spending upwards of $250 for a used copy.This book is singularly magical in the English tradition of such classics as The Princess and the Goblin and The Phoenix and the Carpet and appeals to the very imaginative child. Like the Wizard of Oz, it foll- ows a sort of "quest" type plot in which the char- acters must succeed in getting through many scary adventures and surmounting many obstacles to reach their goal of returning a long imprisoned princess to her throne. There are molasses candy bogs,ink rains, and a wicked magician, but there are also pleasant adventures involving such delights as lemonade springs, mushrooms that taste like cake, and a wonderful meal served by invisible hands.The illustrations,including fascinating black line drawings in addition to full color plates, are gorgeous and bear the imprint of the design trad- itions of that era.The reading level is set at 9- 12 but I think the book can be introduced to a certain sort of child even as early as 5. I rejoice in this reissue and was pleased to read of the delight of other Amazon customers at this re- view site. It seems that I wasn't the only one to have such vivid,striking memories of this special book. I have purchased 6 copies for special friends and relatives,young and old. Now a new generation can explore the Magical Land of Noom.