English Books

The Red Balloon is a wonderful story with an adorable little boy as the star character. I bought both the book and the DVD to give as a present to younger children (4 yrs old). I think they will enjoy if only for the visuals. The film is produced in French language but there is so little dialogue that not understanding the script doesn't affect the enjoyment of watching the film. Overall, it is a fun story with a good feel to it. There were only a couple of situations in the story that I thought might be a little sensitive or a bit scary to younger kids .. one being a group of boys chasing the little boy trying to take the balloon away from him. The other a very quick scene where a school headmaster is upset with the chaos going on and he puts the little boy in a room and locks the door. These are minor to the overall upbeat feel of the story but parents may want to review first to consider their own fast forward editing or explanations. In my case, the quality of the DVD was not great. It's an old film so perhaps the age is showing a bit in the reproductions.

Great story....grew up watching the short film and checking this same book out from our local library. Now that I'm a mom, I have introduced this video and book to my kids, and they're infatuated with everything about it. Great, well-made books with lively photos and storyline that holds little ones' attentions.

this book was written some decades ago but the excellence of the writing and the very skilful, thoughtful & sensitive photography which integrates very successfully with the story, are such that I believe this book will be deservedly popular with very many generations of children in the future. I believe that it is a masterpiece of children's literature and I strongly recommend it as a gift to be given by any parent - or grandparent.

I must have checked this book out a hundred times when I was in Elementary school as it was such a favorite. What a joy it was to find it still in print and telling it's charming story to future generations. This is a classic, and a book that I would recommend to all children and adults that want to hold a piece of their treasured childhood memories. This story was told in film on the International Children's Film Festival, hosted by Kookla, Fran and Olie, and further helps to bring this story to life.
Treat yourself and your children to the story of a boy and his friend, the red balloon.

The photographs, the text and presentation are remarkable. A piece that makes a good complement of the movie.

THis story is classic. I use this book so much that I have to retire my old copy and replace it with a new one every couple of years. It is a fabulous vehicle for storywriting in the primary classroom.

I have been reading Pat Hutchins books to children for many years. They are wonderful!! Rosie's Walk is a great book for sound effects! As Rosie goes obliviously on her walk,the fox encounters all sorts of sound effect producing trials. Great fun!

We have the board book edition, and I have to admit, I didn't think my 2-year old was going to like it when I first flipped through it. There didn't seem to be much to it --- no eye-catching illustrations and not much text. Shows how much I know... My daughter loves it. The story is less about Rosie the hen and more about the fox --- what happens to it from page to page. It is truly a sequential story and shows cause-and-effect: on one page you see the fox leaping towards Rosie, who is walking past the pond. On the next page, you see the fox in the pond. Your toddler will make the connection on her own: "Uh-oh. Fox fall in water."

My absolute FAVORITE book as a child! Simple, clever, and humorous all at the same time. GREAT for children starting to read! A+

We fell for this after watching the scholastic dvd series. It's on the Chicka Chicka Boom Boom video and we're hooked - love the detailed pictures and watching where thefox is headed.

I love this book and this is a perfect source of good learning of idiom for a small price its comes with. Perfect choice of gift for people that would love to read

Can anyone tell me what this book says about the idiom, "the calm before the storm"?

The graphic desciption and origin of the idiom are excellent. The explanation of the idiom is written in simple English that my 5 year old understands and loves. She read half of the book in one sitting. It's like a joke book to her. She was having a good time by herself. (She reads on a 3rd grade level.) I even learned a few things. It's a must have resource like a special dictionary that will also help to expand vocabulary. I now want all of the author's books.

I absolutely love this book. I am a teacher and this book really helped my students in 7th grade learn what idioms are. They really enjoyed learning about where the idioms came from.

Fairly good source for origins of idioms. Not all are here, but many. Some "conjecture" as to origin on many, but they do seem logical. A good over-all (particularly sufficient for elementary level) resource & nice leisure reading.

Having been boxed up in Portugal for several years, only now are the British trying to get some real traction against the French, thrusting into Spain. And they're losing. Marshal Marmont, commander of just one of five huge armies Napoleon has put in Spain, is pushing Wellington back. The English take Salamanca, but only because Marmont pulls out tactically, seeking a better place for the battle he knows will destroy the English. Marmont threatens to retake the city, but the major battle never materializes. Wellington chases him east, but then his army must retreat to avoid being cut off from its Portuguese redoubt by the French.

Sharpe fights both the large war and a smaller, more private one. French assassin Colonel Leroux kills ruthlessly, hideously and often as he tries to break up an English spy ring and save his own hide. Caught by the British but escaping, he kills Sharpe's commanding and junior officers. Sharpe vows to catch him. Sharpe's pal, the intelligence chief Major Hogan, and Wellington both need him caught. Meanwhile they worry about intelligence leaks; the French have a spy too close to the high command.

Sharpe and every other British officer swoons when meeting the dazzling Marquesa who dominates Salamanca society, and we all know which officer the Marquesa will take a shine to, despite his poverty and lack of polish. And when Sharpe and Leroux cross swords, as they do, and do again, we know what kind of sparks will fly.

A friend referred to the Sharpe series as literary opium...he may be right. They are guilty pleasures, for sure....and I worry what will happen when I have read them all.

The thing is, drug or not, Cornwell is a wonderful writer. I laughed out loud a couple of times, was riveted by a love scene, and ran to the computer to look up the actual battle and scenes described. Great stuff.

And then I had the misfortune to read the new McMurtry novel....

"Sharpe's Sword" is a decent entry into the Sharpe series, but I happen to tend to prefer the Sharpe adventures that are primarily military rather than the ones with espionage plots. And, for my taste, "Sharpe's Sword" is a bit heavy on the spy angle and a hair light on the battles. But the book's action scenes, while failing to rival those in, say, "Sharpe's Rifles," "Sharpe's Eagle" or "Sharpe's Company," are still pretty satisfying. "Sharpe's Sword" is far from the weakest of the generally very strong Sharpe series (of the ones that I've read so far, I'd say that "Sharpe's Prey" my least favorite), but it doesn't quite rank among the very best, either.

This is another entry on the Sharpe series. It is fun, entertaining and very readable. Cornwell's research is as excellent as usual. He takes some licenses for the shake of the story and continuity, but this is OK. Some people are outraged by the portrait of some of the real historical characters, but historical characters are rarely depicted accurately in historical fiction, so I think this can be forgiven. Besides, usually a more serious account of these characters is given at the end of the book on the Historical Note.

Many people insist in compare this series with Patrick O'Brian's Master and Commander. I don't think this is fair for any of the series, they are different entities. What they have in common is that once you start you may get hooked and devour one book after another...

And in the literary world today that is a rare and marvelous thing.

Bernard Cornwell's Richard Sharpe series is one of the most beloved collective works in the sub-genre of historical fiction. Spanning over twenty novels (and counting!), Cornwell has treated his readers with thrilling battlefield and bedroom exploits from Flanders to India to Spain and France. While the novels have a definitive formula, they never grow stale.

"Sharpe's Sword" is among the best of the Sharpe novels. Sharpe is a captain of the 95th Rifles, attached to the South Essex regiment as a light company. As fans of the series know, Sharpe has made himself indispensable to the British army (including his patron, Lord Wellington) by being the most lethal rogue in an army full of cut-throats and vagabonds. But in "Sharpe's Sword," Cornwell has created a foe worthy of Sharpe - the French spy-hunter Leroux, a lethal aristocrat whose charge from Napoleon is to topple the British spy network.

Leroux is captured by Sharpe early in the novel, but takes advantage of a foolish British officer's notion of "parole" (in which a captured officer may keep his weapons and freedom if he gives his sworn statement that he will not try to escape). Acting quickly, Leroux murders his way back to freedom, but in doing so he earns Sharpe's undying hatred . . . and envy. Sharpe hates him for being a backstabbing liar, but Sharpe envies him because Leroux has the most magnificent sword Sharpe has ever seen, and Sharpe wants it.

And so Sharpe and Leroux are caught in a duel to the death while the French and British armies slug it out in the gorgeous city of Salamanca and also on the plains of Spain. "Sharpe's Sword" has it all - humor, romance, intrigue, friendship, betrayal, and battles. And what battles! Nobody writes a better battle scene than Bernard Cornwell, and he tops himself when describing a suicidal, insane cavalry charge by Wellington's German heavy cavalry against formed French squares. The reader is flung into the wild madness that is Napoleonic warfare, and it is a glorious madness indeed.

Well-researched and lovingly written, "Sharpe's Sword" exemplifies all that is good in the Sharpe series.

This was the best investment I have made in a reading foreign language book: the price was reasonable, and was considerably cheaper than taking the graduate level reading course. Yes, this book will get you to the necessary level to pass the majority of intermediate Spanish reading proficiency exams. Where it lacks is thorough grammatical description, so for that, I suggest supplementing this book with "Complete Spanish Grammar" from the Practice Makes Perfect series. After every chapter in "Spanish for Reading" I would go through "CSG" and note the chapters I needed to review before going onto the next chapter in "Spanish for Reading." The two in conjunction with each other are absolutely amazing.

Twenty years ago I had another self-instruction Spanish book by Barrons, the same publisher. This book is far better. It claims to use the latest research on language study, and it certainly seems sound to me. I did notice a few minor typos, but overall I found this book worthwhile. I've had four semesters of Spanish and taken some short immersion classes in Mexico. However, I never took a class specifically geared toward reading, so this text has proved quite useful. I do about three pages a day, and in the past month I am certain my skills have improved. The price is quite reasonable.
I have a tip for other struggling Spanish readers: For what it is worth, when watching a dvd movie at home, leave the spoken language as English and use the Spanish subtitles setting when available. This is a painless, almost subliminal way to boost one's vocabulary.

I'm teaching myself Spanish, and this book is really helpful.

This book was well worth the price I paid. It covers a lot of grammar and quite a bit of vocabulary. Most of the exercises are set up so that you only need an index card (or other piece of paper you can't see through) to do them.

Although I wish that it had a dictionary in the back, I'm still giving it a five-star rating. I sure wish it had an audio CD with all the reading passages, because then it would be outstanding, but I'm not marking it down for lack of a CD, since it isn't meant for listening comprehension.

I loved FRENCH FOR READING, so thought I'd give this one a try. Make sure you have a dictionary because there isn't one at the back of the book - and sometimes the passages give you words you've never seen before - with no way to look them up. Also - these chapters seem a bit denser then 'French For Reading', make sure you go slowly, maybe only doing 1/2 chapter at a time.

"There's a customer born every minute" is a fascinating look into the life and business practices of Americas Greatest Showman, P.T. Barnum. The creativity he showed is a recipe for success and happiness every person should strive to attain. Some ideas he had were going bigger than anyone else, creating a buzz, and utilizing the media for publicity. I learned many intrersting things through Mr. Vitales research into this fascinating man. This book was put together nicely, easy to follow, and packed with great information on some many aspects of life and business through the eyes of Barnum. Well Done!

I bought copies of this book for myself and my entire business team.

Hey Joe, print some more I have more customers for you!

In todays world there is so much of competition in business and its becoming harder and harder for people to carve their niche in the market area. But by applying the 10 rings of power in your business, you can become more recognizable and increase your profits. These 10 rings of power helped P.T. Barnum earn millions of dollars in the world of no technology. And these 10 rings of power can make you a rich person too. By this book now and read it. But dont stop there. Be sure to apply the 'rings of power' in your business and see your company grow.

I found this book to be entirely fascinating and engaging. I couldn't put the book down. Joe Vitale has done a supurb job of of conveying the essence of P.T. Barnum and then translating the information into a way we can all use to further our marketing expertise. Run do not walk to get this book and all of Joe's other books! Cody Horton - Author of "Consciously Creating Wealth" & "The High Magic of India".

Once you've read any of Joe Vitale's marketing books, you are hooked - AND - they are all worth it. I started out as an engineer, so marketing doesn't come easy. But Joe "Mr. Fire" Vitale is helping me to think like a marketer. His proactive style really mixes well with mine; I think he has a knack for writer to each person as if you happen to be the one he intended the book for.

Needless to say There's a Customer Born Every Minute has played a huge role in helping me to be a successful businessman. Ever since reading the first book of Joe's, I have considered him to be a success mentor. His wisdom is easy to follow - but more than that, it is right on! I guarantee that if you read this book, you will have tons of business and marketing ideas - it's that incredible.

In his books and tapes, Joe always covers all of the proactive bases: smart thinking, system thinking, futuristic thinking, and positive thinking. If you are truly seeking the kind of success and abundance that makes your life 100% livable - you must read this book. Some of the ideas Joe promotes are found in SUCCESS BOUND, another book built on learning how to live a proactive life that is God centered and fulfilling.

Joe's research of P.T. Barnum is fantastic! He seems to cover every aspect of the great P.T. Barnum's business acumen, plus a lot of what made him such a great person. I hope that I might be as well read and thorough some day.

My recommendation to you is, take a few minutes each day and ponder the wisdom and truths of this book and let them seep deep into your subconscious mind. Then, move out confidently towards fulfilling your dreams and goals, knowing you are one with the Creator and are truly success bound.

Best wishes for a successful and proactive future!

Dr Seuss comes through again. Fun to read, good morals, excellent story.
Lots of fun!!

This is my favorite Dr Seuss book (even though I discovered it only a few months ago). The story and pictures are excellent and (importantly) it is particularly easy and fun to read aloud.

Unfortunately, this book is advertised as being suitable for 5-8 year olds only - NOT TRUE! This book is for ANYONE of ANY AGE who enjoys stories.

This book is so appropriate today, maybe more than when it was written in 1948 (a response to the New Deal, perhaps?)! I'm sure I appreciate the message (beware of freeloaders!!) more than my kids, but they enjoy the story and the pictures (as always) are priceless. Dr. Seuss was a national treasure and his books are all terrific.

This book should be in every child's library (and most adults as well). This is the starter book for Orwell's Animal Farm.

I first read this book when I was a little girl. I was really impressed with it then, of all the Dr. Seuss books I thought it was the best because of the message. The poor moose is so soft-hearted, he lets everyone take advantage of him. It has a wonderful message for children to learn about "users". If you only read one Dr. Seuss book to your children, read them this one.

Ms. Singleton has penned a beautiful, breathtaking novel that is both poignant and humorous, raw and refreshing. Her style is lyrical yet down-to-earth, comfortable as well as beyond the norm. I loved Myraleen's sass and Lilian's unexpected sophstication. These two women juxtaposed yet completed each other. Their characters were as different as their complexions; even so their love was tried and true. The departure from Nadir, MS into war-torn Europe was accomplished so smoothly that it was not a jarring transition. Despite my extreme dislike of "war stories" I was intrigued. How could I be otherwise? "This Side of the Sky" is absolutely beautiful!

I thought this was an awesome novel. I enjoyed every single page. The writer has a gift with words; some of her descriptions made me laugh aloud. If you like southern novels, you will like this one. This story of friendship is one I won't soon forget. I am definitely recommending it to my best friend.

This was a good book. Both of the protagonists were likable, and contrasted each other well. My only complaint is that the book dragged a bit in some parts... particularly when the author focused on the war (and the historical events in general).

Otherwise, I'd recommend this book!

I love Singleton's style. Being from the South, I can relate on so many levels. The two lead characters remind me of myself and a childhood best friend. It was so well-written. I read it so quickly. I couldn't get enough of it. I know I will read it again and again.

I enjoyed this book very much. As other reviewers commented the characterization could have been stronger but put that aside and this book stands out. It's well written. The little known history of the Black WACs was fascinating. Ms Singleton was able to swiftly take the lives of two little girls all the way through to their 80s with little to no effort at all. The novel breezed along! Myraleen and Lilly's lives spanned decades but never once bogged down. Really, a great book!

What would you do if your spouse or significant other, who you believed dead for several years, suddenly reappears on your doorstep -- alive and in living color -- wanting to pick up right where you left off?

That's exactly what happens to Madeline Stone. When her cheating husband Russell's plane crashed, it was good riddance to bad rubbish as far as Madeline was concerned. Russell's brother however, refuses to give up hope. And after six years, the impossible happens...Russell is alive, a little worse for the wear, but alive nonetheless.

Needless to say, Madeline is skeptical that he is who they say he is. She's not happy at all to see the man who caused her so much heartache. But, it's been said that tragedy has a way of changing a person, and Russell is one changed brother! He's loving, caring, the perfect father and husband, and he's very determined to tear down the walls Madeline has built around her heart.

I absolutely loved this storyline! The unexpected twists throughout the story really threw me for a loop, and really enhanced the book.

Whenever I pick up an Adrianne Byrd novel, I know I'm in for a treat. Her characters are always endearing. And even though romance novels are formulaic with regards to the fact that the couple at the beginning of the story will be together by the end of the story, Byrd consistently manages to throw in little surprises that make for an engaging read.

Renee Williams, All the Buzz

This book is a breath of fresh air. The plot was really intriguing and kept me on my toes. Maddie, Russell, and the kids were such a cute family. He was perfect with the kids and perfect with Maddie. The twist and turns in this book were really good. I could not put this book down because I wanted to know if that was really Russell. I could tell that Christopher really loved his brother and his death really changed him. The scene in the book when everybody first met Russell and his eyes immediately went to Maddie was creepy but good (lol). In reading the last few chapters of this book, my mouth was wide open in shock the whole time. You will not believe.

I bought this book when it was first released because well it was written by Adrainne Byrd and I love all of her books. I read this book in one snowy afternoon! It was great, it moved fast and she had some unexpected twists. I loved it. A lot of contempoary romance novels follow a predictable script, this did not. Do yourself a favor pick up a copy. You wont be disappointed

Okay, so this one is going down as one of my new all time favorite romance novels. I wasn't so sure about this one because I've been stuck on reading either Brenda Jackson or Beverly Jenkins. But I decided to put them aside and read one of the many Kimani Romances that I haven't read yet. I'm glad I picked this one. The story line was so well written, and just the way "Russell" and Madeline meshed was so beautiful. Adrianne Byrd did an excellent job with this one. Hopefully she'll continue to write this way. Good job Adrianne

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW. i thought he was sooooooo sweet going into her room at nights while she sleeps to give her a kiss (sighing). Great read, didn't think i would like it but a keeper this one.

My 4 and 6 year old love this book. We checked it out at the library so many times, we finally decided we needed to add it to our collection. Humorous and interesting enough so that the parents don't mind reading it a million times.

This is a great book for boys or girls. It is funny, smart and very engaging for kids. Plus the illustrations are beautiful. This is a great gift for any child 2 and up. Don't limit yourself to non-readers or early readers - this book (and any beautifully illustrated and written picture book) is a wonderful addition to the library of any primary-school aged child.

This book was recommended to me by a fellow mom of boys. My son (age 4) enjoys this book, and we parents get a kick out of the more subtle humor that goes over the heads of preschoolers.

My boys (ages 5 & 2.5) have enjoyed this book so much that we quicky hurried back to the bookstore hoping that Mini Grey had written a sequel! A definite winner!

Traction Man is Here is so fun I had to read it to my grandson 5 times one day! The illustrations are clever, colorful and so interesting you notice something different every time you read it.