Studios Books

This book was able to capture the unique relationship between siblings. Going into detail and siting personal examples; Anna Quindlen was able to make me laugh at my own memories of childhood and the relationship with my sibling. The pictures by Nick Kelsh are able to capture the genuine relationships between siblings in it's most sincere view without having a "staged" look to it. I throughly enjoyed reading this book and really look forward to sharing it with my sister as well as reading it again and again....

Though I don't have siblings the way this book describes, I just gave my daughter the gift of a brother. This wonderful book helped me understand how meaningful their relationship will be, and the photos moved me almost to tears in places. It will make a great baby gift for those having second or subsequent children.

After reading an excerpt from this book, I purchased six copies, one to send to each of my brothers and my husband's sisters. The photographs are snapshots of life in a family that capture the true essence of sharing your space with a sibling. Alone they create a message that is funny, touching, reminiscent. Combined with Ms. Quindlen's prose, they become a treasure of memories that will have you laughing, crying and nodding your head, "Yes. That is just what it was like!"

Donald Graves has broken new ground in that he has written what constitutes - without qualification - what is simply the finest regimental history ever to see print. He blends perfectly the veterans' experience with detailed historical research, and supplements the package with hundreds of original photographs and superb line drawings of everything from the tanks themselves to local campaign maps. His appendices are the best I have ever seen.

Regardless of the depth of your prior knowledge of the Canadians in WW2, finishing Graves' SOUTH ALBERTAS will leave you awestruck, wishing for more. I would hope that this author and others might consider similar, follow-up works on other Canadian regiments, while the veterans are still with us; there can be no greater tribute to their sacrifices. Other, popular histories are but a pale imitation.

Donald Graves has written the book by which any small unit history will have to be measured in the future. At the risk of repeating what Michael wrote - the book contains a most impressive narrative of all the actions of this regiment, including the full treatment of the celebrated stand at St. Lambert-sur-Dive that won the only VC for the Canadian Armoured Corps, and it is lavishly illustrated, with photos and maps explaining the situation on the ground. Donald Graves' writing is concise, to the point, and very successful in bringing the story to life. The most touching point is the identification of every single casualty of the regiment by name, their pre-war occupation, age and family status, setting a memorial for the men. As someone with a strong interest in the Commonwealth military of WW II I found this a superbly done book, teaching me more about the way things were then for the men fighting than any other book I have read. It is well worth any cent it costs, and I hope it will stay available for a time to come.

Outstanding, from the colour photo section, to the detailed appendices, and the "war manual" for those not versed in WW II military terminology or practices (this is helpful for civilian and current soldier alike, as much has changed in 50 years). The book is solidly researched from primary sources, lavishly illustrated with photographs from personal collections, and contains many personal stories and reminiscences. The darker chapters (two men being drummed out of the regiment for raping a Dutch woman) are given equal time with the regiment's loftier achievements. A great book about Canadian tankers in WW II and a must read for anyone interested in the Canadian Armoured Corps in WW II, or Canadian soldiers at war in general. Thank you Mister Graves for setting the standard.

These patterns are a unique work of a true artist. I'm sure she has never had formal training it all comes from deep inside a person to create that way!

Drawing the patterns for this CD was out of pure love
for water in all forms...especially the ocean! Many
patterns came from photos of myself and my husband when
we lived in the Florida Keys and now as we dive and
snorkle many other places. Like Hawaii!

Excellent designs...I thought it woud have more fish and ocean patterns. There are great flowers and and birds as well. The designs have lots of pieces, but can be simplified.

This review applies to all books in the Jedi Quest and Jedi Apprentice series.

Although the target audience is identified as 9-12 years old, I believe the books will have an appeal to any Star Wars fan, young or old. For an adult, the reading is easy but still very interesting. The books have just the right mix of action and character development. I was very entertained and really enjoyed the books. (Maybe too much; several I couldn't put down and found myself reading past midnight!)

Some of the books are in serial format, with the action of the story spread across multiple books. Characters introduced in earlier books often reappear in later installments. This is true not only within a series but from series to series (Jedi Apprentice, Jedi Quest, and Last of the Jedi). It is best to read the books in order, but the author does provide enough background to allow the reader to start anywhere in the series.

For some odd reason, it seems that all the reviews for the various books in this series are posted under all of the books. For the record, this review is for Jedi Quest Volume 4, The Master of Disguise.
First of all, don't be deterred by this book's apparent kiddy exterior. In my opinion, they continue to outdue many of the adult novels by leaps and bounds. This one literally had me sitting on the edge of my seat, unable to put this book down until I came to the conclusion at three in the morning. I identify more with Anakin all the time, as his character continues to develop into the complicated, multi-faceted young man he is by Episode 2. Obi-Wan as well is enjoyable as ever, as are all of the supporting roles.
This book opens on a war ravaged planet where Obi-Wan and Anakin have been sent along with another Jedi team (old favorites Soara and Darra) to find and rescue a missing team of scientists caught in the crossfire. But when one of the two padawans is badly injured, the mission must be cut short, and when it becomes apparent that old enemy Granta Omega could also be involved, things become even more complicated...
All I can say is, this series truly is something special, good for Star Wars fans of any age.

The error may be corrected by the time this is posted, but these comments are on, "Jedi Quest #4, The Master Of Disguise". There appears to be confusion between the pages showing the book together with the description of the third book in this series. Jude Watson has contributed more books to the Star Wars Saga than any other author. This is not due to the scope of her work rather that she has been the sole author for these series that are targeted at younger readers. Although meant for persons decades my junior, I have enjoyed many of her books and I am not the only ancient reader who takes these books to the checkout and is rewarded with incredulous looks by cashiers. I joined the Star Wars Universe when the first film opened and have remained a fan, and chatting with youngsters in bookstores about these books have made the experience all the more enjoyable.

The most recent film, "Episode II", was a success by traditional standards and the envy of virtually every filmmaker. It is now in the IMAX theaters and will probably reach the all time top 10, not accounting for inflation. In terms of its box office performance as a Star Wars film it was anything but impressive, and this has nothing to due with other films that it competed with. Star Wars films do huge numbers because of repeat business, and the fans simply are not responding.

I think at least one reason was readily apparent for the recent film falling over $100 million shy in this ,and even showing more poorly worldwide. Jude Watson corrects the defect in this book, and she is to be commended.

These books are for kids, and PG films also are for kids, the messages they either share through words or images are important, and Star Wars has a huge influence and needs to create its products as though they are aware of this. "Charisma is a trait, not a virtue", explains one teacher in this book, accomplishing a goal via imperfect motivation is a failure, not a success as explained by the same instructor. We often hear, "the ends do not justify the means", as an indictment of questionable conduct. This is an issue with me for the statement is incomplete, and it has become accepted "wisdom" through repetition, not because there is substance to the statement.

The statement should read, is the end justified by any means? The word, "any" changes the entire meaning, and also makes the statement worth considering. Even at this point a person needs to know what end is being sought, and what means are being used to achieve it. When these are known, the discussion can begin, and answers offered.

These books and the three final films are showing Anakin making choices that lead him in to an abyss that will eventually cause the deaths of countless life forms, and finally will kill him. And these are his choices. Anakin is a very gifted young man who lacks the ability to control his feelings regardless of his age. This book does a wonderful job of demonstrating how easy it is to become evil, and it does so better than the most recent film.

Anger is a legitimate emotion; it is not one that generates good decisions. When Lucas made, "Episode II", he let anger take over the film, and several characters, not just Anakin. The decapitations that were routine in the film were all unnecessary, and most were cut from the IMAX version of the film. Mace Windu still executes a human in front of his son by this method, it was not needed, and I believe it cost the film 50 -100 million dollars. Windu executed the character in front of the man's son, I believe it turned people off, and parents kept some kids away.

The greatest Jedi of all, Yoda, was forced in to personal combat in the recent film. He did not instigate it, he did not harm much less kill his opponent. Like many martial arts, and the experts that teach them, they are for defense and not offense, the wise old master is the role model, a protector, never a seeker of vengeance.

There are times violence becomes unavoidable, killing is supposed to be the last possible, and most regrettable, option used by a Jedi, and that should follow in life as well. This book shows how a person can loose himself to violence through bad influences, easy alternatives, and lack of discipline.

This is a good book for young readers and Lucas should read it before he decides on the manner of violence he uses in his next film.

This fantastic book filled with eye popping and colorful photo's of all the novelty and classic collectable radios had me enthralled. The discriptive information for each one was clear and concise and the arty background for each radio subject was excellent. Wim Meter deserves a big hand for his efforts.

The author of this book used extraoridnary care in the selection and placement of each of the items he has shown in this book. In total agreement with the excellent evaluation provided by Robin Benson above, I find Wim's use of appropriate backgrounds on which to superimpose photos of his radios, to be superb. For example, on pages 100-101 three different Stage Coach radios are depicted (along with another, of "The Duke") all superimposed on the background of very rugged, mountanous, terrain which could easily depict Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, or some other desert type of environment. Not only are the radios shown and described, Wim has included various tidbits of information relative to the "time and place". Also of particular interest is his placement of the midevial "Armored Knight" radios, displayed along with period weaponry, all displayed in the surroundings of an actual, and still standing, Castle. Many anecdotes of interest, along with photos regarding the radios, weaponry, and the Castle, itself, are included. I feel this book would be of interest to ANYONE, but particularly to those who collect novelty radios, crystal radios, music boxes, or jukeboxes. It's definitely a book you will enjoy!

Wim Meter lives in Holland and collects novelty radios. He's a graphic designer so it seemed the obvious idea to design the book featuring his collection. From my experience publishers of books for collectors turn out uniformly dull looking titles with bland layouts, photos and typography so it was refreshing to see how the author presented his collection.

The book is all in color and most spreads are devoted to a particular type of radio, pages twenty-four and five has twenty fast food products, seventy-eight and nine shows radios with a Dick Tracy theme, ninety-six and seven has slot machine and juke box radios but what makes this book so fascinating and in my view lifts it out of the ordinary is that all the radios are photographed as a still-life group or they are superimposed on a spread wide image that relates to the items shown, detailed captions and intriguing bits of information are scattered amongst the images.

Visually this really is a stunning book and if you collect or are interested in novelty radios (and there must be some hundreds included) it is the one to get. Design, photography, printing and especially editorial content can't be beat.

***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.

Terry Moore is the mistress of the graphic novel. Her 'Strangers in Paradise' is brilliant and compelling story of individuals and their relationships with one another. As an artist she is in the top ranks of her field! Bravo and please keep up the excellent work.

I thought this book was a great addition to the Strangers in Paradise series. It gives a lot more insight into the characters of Francine and Katchoo, and it lets us learn more about the events that led Katchoo to run away. I like how it starts out, showing the parallel between Katchoo and Francine's lives. This book is like a prequel to the other ones in the series. The Princess Warrior comic at the end is a funny, light-hearted comic putting the characters in a different setting. This is a great book, and even if you've never read a Strangers in Paradise comic before, you should try this one. I would recommend any of the SIP books to anyone. If you have read any SIP books before and enjoyed them, you will like this one as well. Even if you're not a comics fan, there's a good chance you'll find something you like about Strangers in Paradise.

Strangers in Paradise: Volume 6: High School is the next trade paperback collection in Terry Moore's comic series about Francine Peters and Katina (Katchoo) Choovanksi. This book collects the following issues: Volume 3, Issue 13: Prosody; Volume 3, Issue 14: Passion Cry; Volume 3, Issue 15: Cowboys and Cowgirls; and the inexplicable Volume 3, Issue 16: Princess Warrior.

Francine and Katchoo have always been a study in contrasts. Francine is soft, chubby, and flighty, prone to fits of giddiness and a constant worrier. Katchoo is hard, lean, and dangerous, prone to fits of violence, and constantly vigilant. That these two should be best friends baffles, until you delve into their high school years.

Does anyone remember high school fondly? At least, anyone real? The jocks and the cheerleaders may remember riding high, but for the rest of us, high school was one long unending study in awkwardness, humiliation, and inadequacy. The same holds true for Francine and Katchoo, though in wildly different ways.

For Francine, torture came in the forms of being a klutz, always being the odd one out, being the starry-eyed romantic when she's just a chubby girl on the fringe. Francine has a family who loves her, a mother who feeds her whenever something goes wrong, a father who spends an awful lot of time at the office, and a brother more interested in college life than his little sister.

Katchoo, on the other hand, is a self-declared outcast. She smokes, she rides a motorcycle, she is just as likely to punch you as to acknowledge you, and generally has no use for the people serving the same four-year term at puncture high. But where Francine's family provides (in their own way) comfort when the chips are down, Katchoo's family is likely to be the reason the chips are down.

Maybe it's not so surprising that these two girls find one another, and take solace in beig outcasts together.

It's interesting to finally see in print some of the things that have been referred to in passing in the earlier issues of Strangers in Paradise. It seems that we well and truly can't escape our pasts (which all good SiP readers should know by now, anyway). And, you get to see Francine as Xena, and Katchoo as the sidekick (don't tell her that).

Another winner from Terry Moore!

Its good to see that the rural studios work is not unique but rather part of a movement, with other brilliant examples such as the work documented in this book. Beautifully illustrated. Probably the most in depth discussion I've read on the methods and challenges of work among the poor and underserved.
A great contribution to architectures claim to relevance.

This is a great book for both those people who are interested in learning about or those people who are already familiar with environmentally friendly "green" building pratices used in sustainable architecture. Studio at Large specifically chronicles the achievements of the UW BASIC Initiative program that Sergio Palleroni and his colleagues created in 1995. It is fascinating and moving to see the impact this work has on the local and global levels in society.

Prof. Sergio Palleroni teaches the "art-and-science" of "architecture" the old fashion way--with leadership and passion! He's not affraid of rolling up his sleeves, soiling his booth and spending his summer vacations whith his students (the future leaders): teachong design, scheduling and building sustainable communities in the "developing countries."

Over 200 pages color WWII photographs lovingly reproduced on glossy, think paper. Most are carefully composed; some quickly snapped. Some are clearly designed to convey pro-Allie messages. Others just document stuff. I find it hard to put down.

Stunning and an eye opener. Untill I stumbled over this book a few years ago it had never occured to me that WW2 was anything but black and white. Even people who have no particular interest in the war are mesmerized when I show them the book.

Excellent book which present an entirely fresh look to a war we're so familiar with. Good enough for any war-buff and valuable resource material for modellers. Photos are of hi-quality, sharp and beautifully taken. T's unfortunate that many photos are rather static, but it is hardly anybody's fault. I'm eagerly looking forward for the next volume

This is a delightful and erudite picture of an industry that has touched every one of us, by a master of humor, insight, and deep personal knowledge of his subjectan d subjects. In this, the second...or third... important reprinting one would encourage anyone who enjoys our popular, not rock nor roll nor rap, music history to be amused by this volume.

What makes the collection fascinating is that much of this book is in the voices of the songwriters, or in the voices of those who knew them well. And if anyone is an expert on the lore of America's music, it's Max Wilk. The book was originally written in 1971. When it was updated 15 years later, many of the songwriters Wilk had originally interviewed were gone, so reading these chapters in the colorful voices of talents like the late Johnny Mercer, Ira Gershwin, Dorothy Fields, and Harry Warren, who, cigar in his mouth, told him about his three Oscars ("Ah, I use 'em for doorstops!")-- it's irreplaceable. Even Irving Berlin, reclusive and rather irascible, offered his own glimpse into the man behind all those songs. "If it's a collection of gags about the music business," said Berlin, "don't bother talking to me. I'm not a comedian." All these stories are there, plus those of other show business legends like Robert Russell Bennett, Joshua Logan, and nonagenarian P.G. Wodehouse. Taking this wealth of ingredients, Max Wilk put it all together, gave it a stir, got the mix cooking, and then sat back to let the voices take over. For all those who love the heritage of American popular music, get this book, sit back, and read about the masters. Then put on your CDs and listen again to the familiar music they wrote for us.END

I found this book in a second hand store in Sydney (Australia, where I live) about ten years ago. All I can say is I keep coming back to it and rereading it about once a year. It's chock full of anecdotal gems about famous and not-so-famous songwriters of the 20th century. To read of a young Leo Robin daring to tell Maurice Chevalier how to sing a song, or of Frank Loesser punching a soprano in the nose (and then yelling 'Forgive me') is priceless. If you have any interest in 20th century popular music, get it.

Too Much is a children's picturebook about the importance of restraining one's appetite and eating a healthy balanced diet. Simple rhyme brings home a message that all children need to learn as early as possible, especially in today's modern era of rising child obesity rates. "Your body will love you, be healthy and strong, / If you feed it wisely you'll never go wrong. // Let's not forget some things that are fun. / But, remember, nothing should be overdone." Cheerful, cartoony illustrations help bring home the point in this invaluable and positive-minded book highly recommended for both children's library and children's private collections.

The book is colorful and easy to read. I would recommend it to anyone who has children and wants to teach them the importance of healthy choices.

"Too Much" is a great tool for parents and teachers alike in the fight against childhood obesity. The book is colorful and easy to read. Not only does it warn against the dangers of laziness or eating too much, it also gives children fun ideas on how to improve their health & try new activities. "Too Much" is a great asset for every home or classroom!