It S Not Easy Bein Me

An American comic icon tells the story of his second–act rise from obscurity to multimedia stardom. "When I was a kid," writes Rodney Dangerfield, "I worked tough places in show business––places like Fonzo's Knuckle Room. Or Aldo's, formerly Vito's, formerly Nunzio's. That was a tough joint. I looked at the menu. They had broken leg of lamb." For once, one of America's most beloved comic icons isn't kidding. Dangerfield has seen every aspect of the entertainment industry: the rough–and–tumble nightclubs, the backstage gag–writing sessions, the drugs, the hookers, the lousy day jobs – and the red–carpet star treatment. As he traces his route from a poor childhood on Long Island to his enshrinement as a comedy legend, he takes readers on a roller–coaster ride through a life that has been alternately touching, sordid, funny, raunchy, and uplifting – equal parts "Little Orphan Annie" and "Caligula." And unlike most celebrity autobiographers, he seems to have no qualms about delivering the unfiltered whole story, warts and all. Dangerfield's personal story is also a rollicking show business tale, full of marquee name–droppings (Adam Sandler, Sam Kinison, Jim Carrey, Johnny Carson, Jerry Seinfeld) and good stories about same. Defying the old saws about the fleeting nature of fame and the dearth of second acts in American life, Dangerfield transformed himself from a debt–ridden aluminium–siding salesman named Jack Roy to a multimedia superstar – and stayed an icon for decades. His catchphrase – "I get no respect" – has entered the lexicon, and he remains a visible cultural presence and perennial talk–show guest. Dangerfield's hilarious and inspiring musings should thrill comedy fans and pop–culture watchers, and his second–act comeback will strike a chord with readers of all stripes. Maybe he'll even get some respect.

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 I was born in an eighteen-room house owned by my mother’s sister Rose and her husband. After a couple of weeks, my mother took me back to her place in Jamaica, Queens, where we lived with my four-year-old sister, Marion, my mother’s mother, her three sisters, and a Swedish carpenter named Mack. #2 I was raised by my mother, who was very cold. I never got a kiss, a hug, or a compliment. I wanted people to tell me that I was good, but instead, I heard laughter and applause. #3 I had to make my own entertainment as a kid. I would listen to the voices below my window, and know what that meant. There was going to be a fight down there, and I would always identify with the loser. #4 My mother was coldhearted and selfish, and her sisters weren’t much better. I remember being lied to by my aunt Pearlie when I was four. She said I could go to the movies with my sister, but when I came back out, she and Marion were gone. I stood there crying and yelling, Pearlie, I washed my hands and face real good.

Massie Block: Getting back into Octavian Country Day was a piece of sugar-free cake, compared to Massie's next goal-finding the key that unlocks an ah-mazing legendary secret room at OCD! Alpha eighth grader Skye Hamilton and her clique have stashed the key in the bedroom of one mystery Briarwood boy, but who? Whoever finds the key gets access to the secret room for an entire year and the prestige that comes along with it. But what happens when LBR Layne seems to be getting closer? This is way more than a matter of life or death, it's a matter of in or out! Kristen Gregory: Always been a star on the soccer field, but her style gets majorly cramped when her friends are forced to join the team. They better start kicking those soccer balls or Kristen's going to start kicking some . . . ! Alicia Rivera: Uses her skills as a gossip reporter to scheme her way into the rooms of all the Briarwood hotties! Dylan Marvil: Heard depression makes people lose weight. Is hoping for some sad news soon because she's popping donut holes the way some people pop Tic-Tacs. Claire Lyons: Being famous isn't all it's cracked up to be! Her agent confiscates her gummies, and forces her to do some very bad things to make her more "edgy." Worst of all, her constant meetings with lawyers and movie execs are eating into her time with the P.C. and with Cam! Is being a Hollywood starlet worth the Gucci-high price tag?

P.J. Funnybunny doesn't want to be a bunny anymore! In this hilarious story, a young bunny explores life with different animal friends. This bunny-rific tale of self-discovery is now available in a simplified board book perfect for the littlest hands—and with a festive, sparkly cover, it makes the perfect gift to fill any Easter basket. P.J. Funnybunny is tired of cooked carrots and his big ears. It would be way more fun to be a bear, a bird, or a pig...right? Read along as P.J. leaves home and tries to determine who he is—and where he belongs. But this bunny might just learn that all he wants to be is...himself! This sturdy board book adaptation, with text abridged from the beloved Dr. Seuss Beginner Book, makes a fun-filled read aloud for babies and toddlers!

Lewis is a quiet shy student at Garvey Middle School in the inner city. For Lewis school is a constant nightmare. He is constantly in trouble, despite being a good student with excellent writing skills. Lewis desperately wants to make his mother proud and not follow in the footsteps of his father who is in prison. He is constantly influenced by his friend Jason who always seems to lead him toward trouble. Lewis meets Mr. Willis a weird but concerned teacher at his school. Mr. Willis enrolls Lewis in the Empowerment Program which exposes Lewis to a different world. Lewis then begins to contemplate change. Will Lewis continue to travel down the wrong path towards tragedy? Or will he make a turn towards success?

A collection of wise and witty quotes from and inspired by Jim Henson similar in format to The World According to Mister Rogers. "When I was young, it was my ambition to be one of the people who made a difference in this world. My hope is to leave the world a little better for my having been there. It's a wonderful life and I love it." -Jim Henson "Yeah, well, I've got a dream too. But it's about singing and dancing and making people happy. That's the kind of dream that gets better the more people you share it with. And, well, I've found a whole bunch of friends who have the same dream. And, it kind of makes us like a family." -Kermit the Frog, The Muppet Movie

What could make a better present than a classic Beginner Book? Six of them—for less than the price of two! We've taken the complete text and art of three beloved P.D. Eastman titles: Go, Dog. Go!, Are You My Mother?, and The Best Nest; Robert Lopshire's Put Me In the Zoo (the first of his books featuring the character Spot); Marilyn Sadler and Roger Bollen's It's Not Easy Being a Bunny (the first PJ Funnybunny story); and Mike McClintock's charming, cautionary tale A Fly Went By, and bound them together in one sturdy hardcover omnibus. A perfect introduction to reading that will whet young readers appetites for additional books in the Beginner Book series.

Big Bird sometimes is handicapped by being too big.