Festivals Books

Benjamin, a boy-like dog, celebrates his ninth birthday with a party for his friends. He receives many presents and loves tearing the wrappings from the packages and discovering the wonderful gifts inside. Once the party is over, Benjamin remembers how happy he felt opening the presents, and feels sad because he won't experience this joy again for another year. He therefore decides to rewrap one of his presents each evening and open it the next morning. When he runs out of presents, he decides to wrap other items in his home, and this is where the book gets really interesting. The narrative vanishes, and the reader, through a series of detailed illustrations, sees how Benjamin's appreciation of ordinary household items is renewed when he is deprived of their use during the short time they are wrapped. For example, he can't cook when his stove is wrapped, reads by candle light when the lamp is wrapped, and sits on the floor when his favorite armchair is wrapped. Then the reader sees Benjamin's joy as each item is unwrapped. This activity continues until the following year, when Benjamin's friends arrive for his tenth birthday party and discover that he has wrapped his entire home! The story ends with Benjamin feeling that he will never want another birthday present again, because everything around him is a gift and will always be. With a positive message and detailed illustrations, this book is real gem.

This book is special to me because my son's name in Benjamin. But that isn't what makes it a well written book. I like the imagination and problem solving Benjamin has. He knows how to fix a problem and does it in creative ways. The best part, however, is at the end. The ending leads us to a life lesson - that we should appreciaite everything and everyone around us and to let them know it.

Despite the bias that might come with having Judi Barrett as a childhood art teacher, I can say honestly, that this is my favorite book. Even as an adult, I often refer this book to all my friends. The simplicity of how to regain that feeling of anticipation, surprise, happiness and every joyous feeling associated with birthdays, is refreshing to the adult mind. This book gave me the innitiative to leave money in my pockets, and hide letters in old books, for it rediscovers the idea of rediscovery.

This collection of stories was wonderful. Every story was different and the book features a wide range of stories and emotions. I felt transported to a different time and place.

This is a great collection of stories ranging from family tales to folktales.Among my favorite were:John Henry Faulk's "Mrs. Fanny Rollins and her fake rubber bosoms," an old celtic legend of Finn McCoul is quiet but very powerful, Jay Stailey's stories jumped off the page with humor as did Finley Stewart's four offerings.Sometimes sad, often wildly funny the book gives us a glimpse of who we all are as human beings. My husband and I keep it by the bed for a quick reread f a story every now and then.Where can I find more like this?

I found this a WONDERFUL book! The stories are new and great. Perfect for adults and children, these are great stories to read to your kids before they go to sleep. But after they do, you'll keep reading for you!

Angelica is making a present for her mom for mothers day but Chuckie dosen't have a mom but he had dreams of having one, but he can't give presents to a dream. Chuckie trys Spike to be a mom but he figures that won't work.

this is a wonderful story in which each of the babies give their mommy a present... except for chucky. he finds a picture of his mommy, and thinks it is "booty-ful". he gives the picture to his daddy and it makes him sad, making chucky think he doesnt like the picture. chaz tries to explain as well as he can to his young son that the lady in the picture is his late mother but she still loves him very much.

the part that really got me was the end where a lady reads a poem written by chucky's mommy. she tells him that even though she is gone, she will always be near him. one part is something like "when you feel the warm wind gently kiss your face, that is me, i will always be near you." ~tears~ while the lady is reading the poem chucky is playing innocently, never to know his mother, making the moment even more touching.

This is a wonderful story. Most of the book is very cute and shows a lot of each baby's imagination. But there are a couple of sad parts too that could bring on the tears. For instance, it's happy when Chuckie finds his Mother's picture and realizes it's the lady in his dreams; but it's sad when he shows the picture to Chaz and Chaz becomes sad (Chuckie thinks his Daddy doesn't like the picture, and he says to Tommy "I thought it was a pretty picture"). Also, the poem his Mother left for Chuckie is sad, but happy as well because he knows his Mother is still all around him. I really like this book and the Mothers Day special of the same story, but sometimes I really have to prepare myself for it because I know what's coming.

What kid doesn't like R.L. Stine? My boy read it a couple of times and will probably read it more. It's a hard cover - it'll last forever! Really happy with this purchase.

The perfect collection of scary stories. My grandson and I cuddle in a large chair with the lights turned down. I read each story with character voices which he loves. There's not a boring story in the bunch. We have a wonderful time.

I would also recommend Scary Stories: The complete 3-Book Collection by Alvin Schwartz.

This is a really good book. It gives you a full picture in your head about what each author is talking about. I recommend this book for you.

On the threshold of R.L. Stine's favorite holiday, Halloween, he's come out with a wonderful new book that is like a witches brew with multiple ingredients. The main ingredient in BEWARE is 'scary'. Added to the mix of scary stories, are some funny ones, tantalizing poems, a horror-comic, spooky illustrations, and like a cherry-on-top of an ice cream sundae, are R.L. Stine's intriguing introductions. I really liked reading an assortment of thrilling stories, R.L. Stine's favorites by different authors,the two he wrote himself, and two he retold. The scary ones definitely gave me chills. I now have a new appreciation for rats, ferris wheels, halloween costumes, elevators, witches, ghosts, and all kinds of creatures that can surface from one's imagination. Everyone will have their own favorites...Another cool thing are the spiders and cobwebs that trickle down each page while you read...This is a great book for both children and adults who like twists and thrills.

This book contains 10 heartwarming stories. I think that every story has its own perspective of what life is all about. Some of them make you laugh, and some make you cry. The author of this this book should pat herself on the back. This is a book that you don't want to miss.

Many great heartwarming stories packed into one terrific book! These stories make you want to send a "birthday surprise" of your own to someone very special! This book will surely be on your shelf for many years. Don't miss the short stories from your favorite authors in Birthday Surprises.

I fell in love with this book when it was named to the Texas Bluebonnet Awards List in 1996-97. Since then my students have LOVED reading the stories...each of them unique...each with a special message! What a treasure! It is the perfect motivator for inspiring students to write!

I've been looking for this book as my daughter wants to get it for several gifts. I'll pass on to her that I found it. I have read it and seen the reaction of children to this book. It's absolutely delightful. What a shame that the above review from the School Library Journal is so unfavorable...
Get this book for your child or grandchild and it will become as traditional at Christmas Time as reading "Rudolph" or "The Snowman" is...... You'll enjoy it too!

This book is adorable, charming and sweet an absalute must for all you people who like to read.

This book is adorable, charming and sweet an absalute must for all you people who like to read.

Brian is so excited when his parents buy him a pet bird. Everyone is amazed when he teaches it how to talk. When his pesky big brother leaves the door open though, the bird flies out. While Brian's visual impairment plays a big part in the action of the story, it certainly isn't the focus of this charming book. This book acts as a great way to introduce children to diversity.

I purchased this book for my six year old nephew who is blind and a bird lover. This book is incredible! The illustrations are wonderful and the story focuses on family togetherness, not just blindness. It is a wonderful book for siblings with differences, any child really.

Brian's Bird is a wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated picture book. Author Patricia Davis tells a simple direct story while creating many opportunities for visual images. Layne Johnson's striking and colorful photo-like pictures jump to life off the page.

This story of a blind boy who delights in his new pet parakeet is ideal for young readers. The book treats Brian's blindness in a positive manner. The scene in which he uses his sense of touch to solve the mystery of his birthday present gives young readers the opportunity to gain understanding of the special skills of a blind person. The description of how the bird's feet feel on Brian's finger is delightful.

Brian exhibits patience and persistence in teaching his bird. There is humor in the story, as when Brian hears someone calling his name, only to realize it is the bird. Once again, the author highlights the use of an alternate sense.

Brian's brother presents challenges for Brian from the opening pages of the book. Indeed, his brother's actions lead to the bird's flight from the house. The boys work together to solve the problem and sibling teamwork wins the day.

The book presents many opportunities for an adult reading this story to a young child to discuss a variety of issues. The book is also appropriate for young readers up to age 8 or 9 to read on their own.

This is one of the most beautiful photographic essays I have ever seen. It is so intense, it is almost too much (like the movie Moulin Rouge); but because it is a book rather than a movie, you can take it in at your own pace. The colors, excitement, and sensuality of Carnival are captured in a way that makes you glad you, too, are a member of the human race. The CD which comes with the book is a nice addition, but doesn't come close in vividness and stimulation to the photos.

Here I am living in New Orleans, the home of Mardi Gras with a passion for Carnival and happy feet that move uncontrollably when I hear a samba beat! As a photographer and ethnomusicologist, I am most appreciative of a job well done. This book with its vibrant stop action YOU ARE THERE photos of beautiful dancers in colorful feathers and minuscule sequins and beads, wild frenzied crowds, happy musicians and Rio de Janeiro excitement really takes you there! The text is fascinating too and gives insight into the people, preparation and parades that make this legendary event happen each year. Plus wait there's more, folks! This package goes beyond what most books of its kind offer-it brings you the SOUNDS of Carnival music in a rockin CD. Corny as it may sound, this IS the next best thing to being there! It's always a party here in The Big Easy and I can enjoy this book and CD during Jazz Fest as well as Mardi Gras, it is timeless. Austrian author and photographer, Helmut Teissl is an artist and I'd sure like to see what he could do with Mardi Gras! Come on down, Helmut, I'll throw ya some beads from my French Quarter balcony!

This book and CD are the next best thing to going to Carnival in Rio. Carnival is the Brazilian equivalent of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Except the scale and intensity of Carnaval dwarf Mardi Gras. Few of us will ever get to Brazil to enjoy the spectacle, but we can enjoy it from afar thanks to Helmut Teissl and his experience over 12 Carnivals.

Before praising this work further, let me put out a caution. This book contains images of bare breasts and barely covered buttocks and private parts that will offend some. If those images are troubling to you, I suggest you avoid this book. For those who are neutral on the subject, I found the displays of female anatomy to be consistent with portraying the event, rather than being present for inappropriate reasons.

One of the great strengths of this book is that it explains about the competition among the Samba clubs that is the key feature of Carnival. I learned that there are many requirements for how these are conducted. For example, there must be a group of at least 70 women over the age of 45 wearing skirts. The costumes of these women can weigh as much of 33 pounds each. That's a lot for a small woman to bear. There is also a large group of male pushers, who roll the floats ahead with hand labor. The music section that produces the Samba beat will often exceed 300, and each Samba club has its own unique Samba sound, which you can hear on the CD.

The photographs cover preparations throughout the year, as well as Carnival itself. Some of the images are of people standing, and others use a long exposure to capture the astonishing motion of the dancing. These latter images are like abstract art. In each case, the images are in vibrant color, like plumage of exotic animals in the Amazon jungle.

There is also a lot of social commentary in the photographs. In several cases, performers are wearing very expensive costumes and display smiles featuring the rotting and missing teeth of the poor. In other cases, you see expensive orthodontia in the smiles among the featured women of the Samba clubs. The costumes and the gaity seem to be pushing back against the blackness of night, the darkness of death, and the risk of damnation. In some ways, you will feel like you are watching a voodoo rite in a James Bond movie, rather than a fun parade.

After experiencing Carnival, I suggest that you think about the key rituals of our own society. What positive and not-so-positive qualities are represented? As a starting point, you might begin with Halloween and then move on to Thanksgiving. Then consider your town's Memorial Day parade. I leave it to you to choose your rituals after that. How can you and your family develop and nurture rituals that will be good for each of you and the whole family?

Feel the beat!

My children attend the local Montessori program. I bought two copies of the book, one for them at home and one for their school. Before the new year I donated the book along with a small Sabzeh (sprouts grown for Persian New Year) to the classroom library. Their teacher loved it and read the book aloud for other children.
I read this and all other books in Farsi for my children, so I wish the author had provided the Farsi translation as well. They are at an age now that can distinguish Farsi script from English, and wonder how or why I am reading an English book in Farsi!

This book ended my desperate search for material to present to my kids'
schools about Norooz! Ever since my first child started pre-school (he
is 8 now and in 3rd grade), I have been looking for a good book to
introduce Norooz to his classmates. Every year, I have done my
improvisation of what I thought was the best language for kids to
follow. But needless to say, my presentations would go way over their
head, and I could see that they were anxious for me to pass the goodies
around!! Last year, I ordered a video called "bachehaye Bahar". It was
supposed to have a description of Norooz in English as well. It was yet
another disappointment. Besides the very bad quality of filming and
sound, the whole thing was in Farsi!

In this book, Yassaman talks about Norooz very eloquently from a child's
perspective who is born and raised here in the US (San Jose). Both my
kids, 6 and 8 enjoyed the book and now for the first time, I finally
have a book to share with their class about Norooz! I highly recommend
it to all parents with young children.

The book is well written and simple. Perfect for little ones who have a short attention span and love colorful pictures. The book is perfect to read to a pre-school class. The activities in the back of the book were also a hit with my 4 year old. Also a perfect gift for youngsters, your pre-school and local library.

I saw this book on the front display table at one of those large mall bookstores, and was so impressed by it that I plan to buy 5 more from Amazon as gifts for family and friends this holiday!

Beautiful large photos, great production quality, and an absolutely encyclopaedic amount of information on festivals and celebrations around the world. The chapter on Wife Carrying (by men) is hilarious, the chapter on the Miss USA Competition is insightful, and the section on virgin rituals is eye-opening.

Whether used as a reference text, or browsed casually as a coffee-table photography book, "Celebrating Women" offers something for everyone. I highly recommend this book and Amazon is selling it at a great price.

From the moment I opened Celebrating Women I was totally swept away by the double page spread of its stunning first chapter photograph. The energy and spirit behind this ambitious journey by photographer Paola Gianturco comes alive not only through her gorgeous photographs, but also her enlightening words. The descriptive details are told in such intimate and animated language; and the rich color photographs capture the texture of these festivals in a way that explodes the senses.

It's amazing how each culture celebrates women for such different roles. What an opportunity to travel the world with this beautiful book, and in addition to the festivals profiled here, the book includes a listing by month of well over 100 more festivals to explore. The world becomes a bit smaller and hugely more wonderful. I loved seeing women not only celebrated as nourishers and providers, but also as political and as brave. The historical background for the festival in Thailand greatly intrigued me--depicting how women in 1826 saved their own lives and their city from armed invaders by their cunning use of seduction. Some festivals are steeped in history and religious ceremony, while others emerged out of necessity like the one in Guadeloupe. Back in 1916 women who worked as cooks (earning a modest income) formed an association to provide medical care and funerals for their members. Over the years this has become an annual opportunity to get together and present the best Creole cuisine by cooks resplendent in colorful Creole dress accompanied by musicians coming as far as France.

I highly recommend this book for all women everywhere and everyone else who knows and loves them. A beautiful, exciting, illuminating, and intriguing treat for the soul!

Paolo Gianturco is not only a VERY fine photographer, capable of capturing some of the richest color panoramas available in print today, she is also a woman with a mission: Gianturco opens doors, windows and any available aperture to celebrate the glory of Woman.

Gianturco traveled the world, with obvious extended stays in China, Thailand, Spain, Poland, Bolivia, Finland, and the USA, and found a phenomenal number of festivals and events that allow us insights into the various cultures of the world and their particular means of paying tribute to Women. Whether the festivals honor women as goddesses, athletes, healers, warriors, lovers, or heroes, Gianturco photographed these festivals in all their grandeur and then focused on individuals and small groups to make each event a personal conversation.

Her writing is of the highest order: Gianturco shares secrets and cultural pride in her reporting of interviews and personal responses to what she has observed. This is a gifted artist both in photography and written word. To saunter through these pages is to visit peoples, places, and customs new to most of us (with the possible exception of her folio on the Miss USA contest!). Her CELEBRATING WOMEN is successful on every level. Highly recommended for all libraries. Grady Harp, March 05