Titles Books

The book is all pop-ups that show how the fairies live and hide. My ten year old received this book for her birthday and it's the one gift she didn't want to put down to open up more presents.

This is a beautiful, but somewhat fragile1book -- probably more satisfying for girls than boys. Make sure thr recipient is old enough to handle it without tearing it.

This really is a fantastic book. What beautiful pictures and illustations. My daughter loved it.

How to Find Flower Fairies

This book is wonderful. It is beautifully done. Not just for children. Adults enjoy this book, as well. I have sent it to my grandchildren, and their parents are enchanted with the book, too. I highly recommend this book for all ages.

I actually bought this book to use it as a background for photo's of my fairy sculpts. Well,when this book came, it literally took my breath away. One, the cover is beautiful, then when you open it and go page by page, you see all the little things. Things that if you don't take your time, you'll miss. If you have a young girl that loves magic and fairies, this is a wonderful, wonderful book. I've honestly never seen a book like this. It is amazing......

The Hunting of the Snark is a whacky piece of poetical silliness by Lewis Caroll. Complete nonsense, no-one knows what a Snark is, or why Snark hunters hunt it, or why anyone would want to become a Snark hunter to start with. Anyway, the poem is definitely amusing at times with some of the humour he slips in.

The Hunting of the Snark seems to be a very, very short imitation of The Canterbury Tales. The first chapter (titled a fit) introduces all of the occupations of all the different people going on a journey. However, instead of going on a general pilgrimage and telling tales along the way, their trip is very specific to hunting.

The Baker actually attempts to tell a story, but the Bellman (who leads the group) says there's no time for storytelling. They have to catch the Snark before nightfall.

Along with the Bellman and Baker, a Banker, a Bonnet-maker, a Butcher, a Boots, a Billiard-maker, a Barrister, a Broker, and a Beaver tag along to hunt for the Snark. The Beaver is afraid of getting cut by the Butcher, so he puts on a dagger-proof coat and talks to the Banker about buying an insurance policy.

The Beaver is involved in a hilarious scene with the Butcher later, when the two attempt to compute sums. But perhaps the funniest scene of the entire book is in the Barrister's dream when the Snark declares sentence on a pig, only to find out the pig has been dead long before the trial even began.

I'd highly recommend this short poem for Carroll fans, even though it's not big enough to contain but a small portion of what's to be found in the Alice books.

I have read a great deal of nonsense in the past, but this was by far the best nonsense that I have ever read. There is no point, no meaning, no sense, and no boringness. It is a delightful poem (which is well written and very fun to read aloud) about a crew on a ship hunting a snark. The crew includes a captain who only rings a bell, a beaver, a cook who only cooks beavers (the beaver and the cook did not get along well), a man afraid that the snark would turn into a boojum and make him disappear, etc. As you can tell, this makes for an insanely silly poem. The subtitle is rather fitting, as my sides were definitely hurting from laughter when I was done. Well done Mr. Carroll.

Overall grade: A+

Nonsense poems can easily miss the mark
Yet, this masterpiece has that spark.

"How do you kill a _____?", you ask
To find the answer was the hunters' task.

"What was their fate?", you wonder
Did they ever catch their elusive plunder?

A paragon of haunting Carollian lore
Be in no doubt that you'll finish wanting more.

This poem is just great!

First, this one of the most delightful pieces of writing that ever appeared in (more or less) English. It succeeds as a sustained exercise in illogic. I am sure that only a mathematical logician like Dodgson could possibly have pulled it off - only someone with such deep understanding of reason could master unreason so completely.

Second, Martin Gardner's commentary adds depth and background to the reading. Gardner explains terms that are now obsolete, but also adds his own analysis and a rich history of the Snark phenomenon. It should be no surprise that Gardner is still best known as the long-time editor of Scientific American's column on Mathematical Games, a mathematician himself.

I can't add much to the scholarship or praise that already surrounds this incredible poem. I would like to point out, however, that most non-native English speakers are unfamiliar with this poem. Many of them have only ever seen the serious side of the English language, and have never seen English at play. I consider this short work to be the ideal introduction to the very best of English-language nonsense.

//wiredweird

What can i say about this book?

Well for starters, it "takes you there". It strips the fat of excess materialism from your consciousness and takes you to a place of truth and peace that is our natural inheritance as children of GOD.

Im not really sure from whence these letters emanate but they come from a source very far and yet in our very breath. Reading an essay with utter devotion, will take you to your center from which we are meant to live anyway.

Its a permanent fixture on my bedside table

I was given Letters of the Scattered Brotherhood many years ago as a gift. My copy was recently misplaced and I was able to order another copy from Amazon. I refer to the letters daily and I find it fascinating that I just happen to turn to a page that contains a message I need to receive that day. The letters speak directly to my spirit and the words always guide me in a very loving way. Approached with an open mind and an open heart, "Letters" is invaluable!

These epistles were printed in a religious weekly from 1934 to 1948, then they were gathered and published in book form. Many of them were written in the difficult days of World War two. The letters have been interpolated with quotations
from the great company scattered the world over who have found faith to walk in immortality now. The letters, we are told, are not written by one person, yet the likeness of terminology and viewpoint make them appear to be from one mind. One thing is certain these letters come from a higher register. Mary Holbrook Wilson Strong arranged the letters and gathered the quotes in this wonderful spiritual resource of a book.

I first found Letters of the Scattered Brotherhood as a discard on a religious book rack. It was an old, out of print hardcover edition, and I came to treasure it. Unfortunately, one day I left it on a bench, and didn't find it when I went back. I have grown to believe that someone who needed it more than I at that moment found it. That seems to be the way it came to me. I have since replaced it with the newer, paperback version, and I still value it greatly. It is a book you can open to any spot, at any time, in any need, and find something to speak to you. Truly timeless and inspired.

The Letters of the Scattered Brotherhood is the best book I have ever owned. I bought it many times at used book stores to give to friends since I found my own copy in the early 1980s. I am so glad to see that it was reprinted in 1991. Now I just order it from Amazon. This is a book that I have never read from the front to the back. I have always just closed my eyes for a moment then opened it. It is ALWAYS on the right page. Not magic, just real. 5 stars plus a heart. Buy this book. Your answers are in it too. Then listen.

This book was just made for grandmoters to share with their grandchildren. Mine loved it and we spent a great deal of time discovering new things among the intricate work of the children, their clothes, bugs, etc. It is a delight.

This is a beautiful book showcasing an extraordinary quilt although one need not be a quilt aficionado to love and appreciate it. It is my favorite gift for a young child, or any adult who loves quilts or children's books or fairytales.

I found this book and story so enchanting!

Everytime I look at the fotos of the actual
quilt - I see something new and am thrilled.

My only regret is that there is not more of
the wonderful fotos and story....

What a treat!

Beautiful book! I love this children's book and am also a quilter so I enjoy having this work of art all the more!

This book is worth every penny for the close-ups of the quilt used in the illustrations. This is a very pleasant story of the earths renewal. Not too long and not too short, it should hold a young child's attention very well.

I read to my son's class and had selected two stories to read. By the time I left I had read the entire book. They kept asking for me to "read another one". Need I say more? This is a wonderful book for children. Highly recommended.

What I liked most about Once is the great messages in the stories. When I first read it I thought how much my kids would like it, but then, by the time I finished reading it, I realized how much I liked it. The messages are not just for the kids. Bunny Green is so true to life and yet told in a way that kids will easily understand the message and the meaning.

I was really suprised how much a kiddies book could have an effect on me. Grouch almost made me cry and made me realize how much I love my friends.

A great book, a great buy and a great bunch of messages.

"Once.." really does have it all. Great stories, funny characters, wonderful morals, and cute lovable illustrations. I really hope this book wins an award. It really is a great buy, my kids loved it and I enjoy reading it to them. I hope there is a "Once II..." or at least a follow up? Amazon...do you know if that will happen? Let us know.

It is not often I find such a wonderful book by chance. I read Once from cover to cover before reading it to my children who loved the characters as much as I did.

Herman the Pebble is now a star in his own right with my children.

As an elementary education major, I am always on the lookout for new childrens' books. "Once" is a fabulous new children's book. The characters are cute and loveable (my favorite is Herman the pebble) and each character must learn to deal with various life situations. This book is good for children of all ages. Each story is wonderful. I plan on reading this book to my students for years to come. When is the next one coming out? :)

A great book to share with children, or, in my case, grandchildren. Teaching children about greed and accumulating of "things" is made so much more enjoyable with this book. As an avid quilter, I have made many, many quilts for the grandchildren, and they can really relate to the story. A definite buy.

Wonderful story with a great illustrations for children of all ages. A perfect message of what is really important in one's life, not to be caught up with worldly things and to serve others makes one really happy.

Lovely story--luscious illustrations. I wish I could quilt as quickly as you can turn the pages and read the story.

This is the book that tells all about how the Quilt maker came to be who she is. We loved the "Quiltmakers Gift" and so we had to get this one too. We were not disappointed!

Heather mama of 5

The quiltmaker of this story was born into great wealth, living inside a city walled off from the outside and where everyone inside was also rich. She was so wealthy, she ran out of things to spend her money on and so began wondering what was on the outside. The town elders told great tales of danger and woe, so she and the other young people were afraid to venture outward.
However, she reached the point where her curiosity got the best of her and she managed to find a way out of the town. She was shocked to discover that everyone outside her former town was poor and forced to do without. Yet, even with their lack of things, they were all willing to help her when she needed something. This was a lesson she took to heart and eventually here wanderings took her back to her point of origin.
Once back in the town she tried to convince the elders to help the poor but they refused. Furthermore, when she left the town again she was not allowed to take any of her wealth and under no circumstances would she be allowed back in. This did not prove to be a burden as her pure heart caused even the animals to bring her what she needed. Her first act was to make a quilt for a mother and son who were huddled and freezing. Once that was done, her heart was warmed so from that point on she made quilts and gave them away. The joy of those acts made her realize that up until that point her wealth had all been a façade and now she truly understood what it meant to be rich.
This is a story told with such simple passion and elegance that it moves you. Charity is something that you do for yourself, because the act of giving away can give you more joy than the objects themselves could ever have generated in your life.

Zeepvat didn't write anything short of an amazing book on the 19th century Romanovs. She really got into the intimate details of family life as well as writing of their political role. A must read book for all Romanov fans!

A delightful collection of stories starting with the first Nicholas and Alexandra in 1817, winding it's way to a story about the Tsesarevich Alexei. Many lesser known members of the Imperial Family are here, many who are quite interesting in and of themselves!

Very well written series of 'short stories' of different members of the Russian royal family at the turn of the 19th century, some obscure and not normally written about, which I found very refreshing. I am an avid collector of historical biographies, Russian royal family especially, but I have never seen such a comprehensive exploration of the Romanovs. Quite a few pictures I had not seen before also. All in all a great investment, and a very good read.

This book goes way beyond the normal stories of Tsar Nicholas II and Tsaritsa Alexandra Feodorovna. Charlotte Zeepvat leads us through the personalities in the Romanov family, and what part they played in imperial Russia and its downfall. Through these biographies the reader can understand the slide from a united family to the rival factions that partly brought about the Revolution and its aftermath. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever wondered about the imperial house of Russia , and the fate that awaited them.

This is a well written book that covers the last century of the Russian Romanov dynasty.

The author has chosen a wide focus rather than a narrow one on Nicholas II and Alexandra. For once we get to meet the other family memebers, learn about their personalities and what events shaped their lives and the fate of the dynasty.

We also get to read in detail about the various palaces and estates the family used. These are often referred to in other books without any real background information on their history or importance to the family being described. This book fills that vacume.

If you know nothing about the Romanovs this is a fantastic place to start as all these people's live stories weave in and out of each other to create an amazing and true story.

Our favorite book by far! The texture of the pages, the incredible artwork, the uniqueness of the handwritten words, and most of all, the touching beauty of the story messages all lend themselves to this being an amazing book. Patience, hope, friendship, forgiveness, and working together give such important meaning to this story. I'm grateful it is a part of my kids' childhoods. Invaluable!

Mr. Ering came to talk at our school today. He shared his wonderful, creative mind & exciting spirit with our students! They loved his presentation & enthusiastic readings of his books. What a treat!

My students & my own children at home LOVE his illustrations -- especially in this book.

"Frog Belly Rat Bone" and "Necks Out for Adventure: The True Story of Edwin Wiggleskin" speak to the importance of perseverance & patience -- terrific lessons for us all. :-)

I am looking forward to more from Mr. Ering!

This book is terrific. My 5 and 3 year old children equally love it. They like the transformation of Cementland, they enjoy the little thieves and laugh at the ingredients that make up Frog Belly Rat Bone. My kids will repeat the Frog Belly Rat Bone chant as well. Great job!

I had heard of this book from a friend, and thank goodness I did. The book is not only fun for my almost 5 year old, but is fun for an adult too. The story line flows for easy reading with funny parts, and lessens to be learned. Take time to look at each drawing, every time you look you see something new. As a parent I always look for books with a good vocabulary and this book meets that and then some. I give Frog bell rat bone 5 Stars. It is truly one of the wondrous riches to our book collection.
Connie

Absolutely amazing in its story and creativity. My girls love this book. We ordered this for the local library so everyone could enjoy. My three year old has really bonded with frog belly and chants the funny saying. This is a simple but beautiful story.

This book was a favorite throughout all three of my children's childhood. They never got tired of it and, the real miracle was neither did I! Gustafson's illustrations are outstanding but the story line is a perfect match. Buy it as a gift for any new mother! Worth the price!

This is a stunningly beautiful book with incredible detail drawn on each page. Each animal that comes to the party brings a list of alliterating items that are at times a tongue twister to read, but the illustrations and cleverness are worth the difficulty! If just for the language that it would illicit by discussing the illustrations this is a must have addition to your alphabet book collection!

I purchased this book for my 2 1/2 yr. old son. He LOVES this book and we read it every night. I'm amazed that he has memorized the entire book.

I bought this book for my four year old daughter being it received high reviews on Amazon. I was a little disappointed. About mid story, my daughter was bored with the whole concept and pretty much wanted to go on to reading another book. The illustrations are beautiful and detailed but I think it would be better for ages kindegarten and up rather than preschool or younger. Sorry...

I first checked out this book from our library and it has proven to be one of our best book selections ever. Our 3 year-old son has requested it every single night since we brought it home and he loves studying the illustrations. He is especially amused at the jaguar making a jam sandwhich at the end of the story. I often find him looking at this book on his own. It has truly sparked his interest in letters!

I learned about the functions of the body in an easy to understand layman's discussion: that is, the skeleton, the skin, etc. He tells stories about people he has treated that exhibited some of the illnesses when these areas of the body do not work as they should. At the same time he relates this information on a spiritual realm. Although the book is not new, I liked the way he wrote and found it an easy way to learn about a lot of how my body works.

Dr. Brand's book can't help but leave the reader feeling as though they are disconnected with what is taking place around them. From a personal perspective, it's impossible to appreciate the complexity of performing even the most routine activities throughout the day. On a large scale, this book challenges all of us to consider what our obligations are to society as a whole, exposing what an isolated perspective most of us are able to maintain living in America. This is an excellent choice for anyone involved in a reading group.

Note: This review refers to an additional book, "In His Image" by the same author that I consider a "companion" to this one.

In both these books the authors take us into the world of medicine as seen through spiritual eyes. The parallels between our own bodies and the Body of Christ are fascinating to say the least. Read, for example, how when one area of our physical body is injured an urgent call goes out and hundreds of thousands of cells respond by plugging the holes in the walls, protecting the weak, cleansing the area and rebuilding itself. Read also how the body responds when there is rebellion loose within it. The list includes the workings of: (Fearfully and Wonderfully Made) cells, bones, skin, motion, (In His Image) image, blood, head, spirit and pain.

The reading style is very relaxed and everything is explained simply so that you don't need a degree in chemistry to understand what's going on. A special bonus is Dr. Brand's focus on his life's work with lepers which is interwoven throughout both books. If you've got an interest in how the physical body works and how it relates to biblical concepts, get these books - you won't be disappointed. -- Moza

I highly recommend all of Dr. Brand's and Yancey's collaborative efforts. This one is fairly short and readable and the emphasis here is on the intricate workings of the human body, and what it suggests to us about how the Body of Christ works or should work. Just the chapter on the properties of bone is fascinating enough to warrant reading this book. The gift of movement, or the protection of our skin, is something we most likely take for granted. Dr. Brand will rob us of that conceit! He also gives examples from his groundbreaking work in treating leprosy to show just how precious a healthy body can be. The real message, however, is that God's design for his church is not accidental- just like a working body, it is intricate beauty, strength, and order in dynamic motion!

This is primarily a book about the human body and the startling complexity of what is under (and a part of) our skin. Four main areas of our bodies are discussed; the skin which holds us all in, our cells which make up an intrinsic little universe inside each human body, human bones and lastly motion. The insights into the physical human body are enough to make this book great for it shows that whoever or whatever created the human body was unfathomably intelligent. I prefer to believe that God was the designer and so this book causes me to be in awe of God, who I believe to be the creator of mankind. But for an atheist, this book would have to cause him or her to give great awe and respect toward chance. For if chance created our human bodies, it did one heck of a job. Though primarily about the physical human body, the authors are constantly making application to the spiritual body of Christ which, as the Bible tells us, is the entire group of people on earth who have believed in Jesus Christ. The Bible also makes a lot of comparisons between this strange group of people and the human body. Paul (one of the human authors of the Bible) tells us that God sees this group of people (I will refer to it as the church henceforth) like a human body, with many different parts, each part with a special function. In Yancey and Brand's book, they explore the different aspects of the human body and then show how these apply to the church. The analogies are insightful into how we as Christians are to function. In the introduction to the book Yancey writes, "In a sense, metaphorical symbols are the only way for us to grasp spiritual truths, which explains why the Bible uses them so lavishly... the human body expresses spiritual reality so authentically that soon the common stuff of matter will appear more and more like a mere shadow."

Yancey is a great author, and Brand is clearly a great doctor. The book is written as well as Yancey's other books and it is broken down into 25 short chapters. Each chapter has a specific point, and most chapters also offer an analogy about the church, the spiritual body of Christ. I read the book in 25 days, a chapter daily which was an excellent pace to be able to digest the book while still keeping it constantly fresh in my mind. I would recommend the book to any Christian eager to be astounded by the human body and the spiritual analogies that come from the mysteries of our physical bodies.