Works Books

Byron Barton's Trains has become an unlikely favorite for our 2-year old. I say unlikely because it's so different from what most of his favorites (which are heavy on Sandra Boynton, Jez Alborogh, and the Spot series) are like. The art is extremely simple, using lots of bold colors, and the story doesn't rhyme or feature any noticeable repetition. It's not really even a story at all, but rather a descriptive sentence on each page highlighting the kind of train or activity shown.

I don't know whether it's the bold colors or just the subject matter (my son is absolutely fascinated by all kinds of vehicles), but this little board book went straight into his bedtime "top 5" and shows no sign of leaving! I may not get it, but I'm confident enough after seeing my son's reaction to this book to recommend Trains to the parents of any toddler interested in trains.

My son loved this book from the time he was about 15 months old. The words and the illustrations are simple and catchy. I'm not sure if this one comes in paperback but I highly suggest getting all of the Barton books in the board book style. They are sure to be read over and over!!

This story was kind of boring, not as melodic as some of the other books (Cars is our favorite) but kind of cute. Graphics are somewhat boring too (compared to the others)

My kids love this very cute little book.. They want me to read it to them over and over again. A great book for your little one. Must have!!

I was a teacher in early childhood and I love to find new books for my grandson, who is almost 3. At the early level they need simple books both in text and pictures. The Barton books have a very simple text and great pictures and my grandson loves all of them. I always let him choose what books to read and Barton is his favorite since he was 1 1/2. I would recommend all of his books for young children ages 1 to 4. We have read Trucks, Trains, Men at Work, Planes, Airport & Dinosaurs.

NEW EDITION, PLEASE!! Why are great kids' books like this allowed to fall out of print? All of my kids spent hours pouring over every page of this thing, seeking all the exciting little details that were hidden in the illustrations. The story is fun, the illustrations ravishing-- it's a joy to read to a 4 or 5 or 6-year-old, and older kids will enjoy reading it themselves. Seeing the prices on available copies, I'd better hang onto our tattered copy for eventual grand-kids....

I have always loved this book. It is for anyone with a vivid imagination. I first saw it fifteen years ago and still read it today. It is one of those classic books like "The Battle of Otok" "Trumpets in Grumpetland" or any other great children's adventure.

The illustrations are really good in this book. I especially liked the keys on some pages that explain the many details in the pictures. I like the hidden faces in every picture. I like the Grumpets and Trumpets and their battles between bad and good. I like the maps. All aged kids would like this book and its companion, Grumpets in Trumpetland.

hello my name is nick thomas,
When i was a younger child (i am now a teenager) i owned the book trouble for trumpets. Recently i have remembered the book and realized i have lost it and have not looked at it for a long long time. it was always my favourite book and i still wish to find another one, but the sad part is that it is now too much for a book i once owned. i highly recommend this book for anyone that has a superb imagination. this book inspired my life deeply. I am still tempted to find that book and for anyone looking for one go for it , that book was amazing.
thank you for your time.
Nicholas James Thomas

The English cultivate a talent that we Americans, for all our inherent charms, lack. Consider for a moment the picture books of artists like Graeme Base or Peter Cross. In both their works, lush full-color illustrations are filled to overflowing with hidden details, small clues, and minor hilarities on almost every page. Of course, for all Base's charms, he can't hold a candle to Cross's work on the "Trumpets" series. I've never run across a picture book, no matter how beautifully illustrated, that sported the illustrator's name before the author's on the book's cover. "Trouble For Trumpets" is the first I've seen to do this, and deservedly so. Fairly reeking of its own Englishness, the story tells of a battle between good and evil in a fairly Redwallian manner. It's not for the plot that you'll be reading this book, however, but for the journey that takes you through its pages.

Podd welcomes you right from the start. He's a Trumpet, which is to say that he's a rather adorable creature that enjoy the summers and hibernates during the winters. Trumpets have a well-organized society and must continually protect themselves from the opposing Grumpet army. Grumpets are like Trumpets but they prefer the cold and dark and are intent on conquering the Trumpet land. In this particular tale, Podd and his friend Livingstone are on a bit of a vacation when they come across a Grumpet submarine. While the rest of the Trumpets are traipsing off to hibernate, Podd is intent on discovering what the Grumpets are up to. He spies on them and is captured rather quickly before he can ascertain the nature of the Grumpet "secret weapon". Fortunately, Podd is able to make a daring escape, warn the Trumpet army, and participate in a truly epic battle between Trumpet and Grumpet forces. In the end, the Trumpets win and Podd is allowed a much-deserved nap of his own.

The story, such as it is, is nothing much to crow about. Traces of "The Borrowers", "Redwall", and "Brambly Hedge" come to mind in its narrative. None of this is to say that the story is poorly written. I'm just pointing out that the real winner here is illustrator Peter Cross. I spent literally half an hour inspecting as many little tiny details as I could in a single picture, and I probably haven't even scratched the surface of what there is to find here. Cross makes references to Magritte and M.C. Escher, places little numbers all over the pictures with a corresponding key at the bottom of large color spreads, and is shockingly accurate when it comes to the flora and fauna of the British countryside. Mice, birds, insects, and reptiles are rendered completely realistically here. You can make out every little feather on his English Robin's breast and for some it will come as no surprise that starlings are the birds most used by Grumpets. And just in case you're feeling particularly in need of entertainment, Cross has hidden 22 faces amongst his illustrations throughout the book, as well as including a Grumpet alphabet for translating secret messages. Whew!

It's very sad to say, but the nearest American equivalent to Cross's work would have to be Martin Handford's, "Where's Waldo" books. And like "Waldo", I'm more than certain that if the "Trumpets" series achieved the same level of popularity, it would be banned just as quickly for the same reasons. Do you remember when some overly protective parent got "Waldo" banned because in one of the pictures featured a woman leaping out of her bikini top? Well, should a reissue of "Trouble For Trumpets" ever come to America's muddle-headed attention, the two pictures of topless female Trumpets (they're pin-ups and not grotesque or even particularly noticeable) would undoubtedly turn a few heads. By the way, don't go picking up this book if you're looking for strong female characters. The only gals you're going to find here are nurses, mothers, ladies on the wireless (tip o' the hat to World War II), and little girls. No fighters nor independent gals. We're talking 1940s roles for women. So eschew the book if you don't dig the archaic use of ladies.

I've hardly scratched the surface of what there is to find in this book. If you look at the cover you'll see references to future illustrations, a ladybug processional, Celtic Trumpets, machines to bowl over Rube Goldberg.... the list goes on and on. Undoubtedly some people will claim that the "Trumpet" series is too British for Americans. I disagree. If Alfred A. Knopf will do Mr. Cross the honor of republishing this title, I think we might all be pleasantly surprised by the reception it receives. In case that never happens though, let's just enjoy the book for what it is. A rousing gem to be treasured by those few who know about it.

'Uniquely Felt' is the best book I've seen on the art of wet-felting. Wet-Felting is the process of taking raw wool and silk fibers and shaping them into wall hangings, scarves, clothing, etc. Then you wet the fibers with soapy water so they shrink and mat together forming a piece of fabric.

The book introduces the reader to many artists in the field along with their works and techniques. The photographs are stunning and the 'how-tos' are easy to follow.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the art of wet-felting.

This book is an excellent reference book with every aspect of felting being addressed.Filled with so much information. Really enjoyed the featured artists.

Uniquely Felt is the best felting book I have in my library! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is starting out in felting or those who may be more advanced. Great projects with step by step instructions.

I'm new to working with felt and this book is an excellent introduction to the material and various techniques. There are enough choices of projects to keep me busy for a long time, too. I like having lots of choices when I'm learning to work in a new material, and that's definitely the case here. The projects are described well and the materials list is excellent. Also, the list of resources is a plus - no long hunts for anything too obscure or expensive.

I would definitely recommend this book for anyone new to working with felt, and even for those who have some experience there are some inspiring variations and techniques they would enjoy.

Very well illustrated, too - I do like having good pictures when I'm learning something new!

First of all, this book touches upon felting techniques (as in, mentioning them in a paragraph or two) but doesn't tell you how to do them. For example, it talks a lot about what soap to use when felting. Soap? What? Why am I using soap? The book doesn't say. If you know how to felt already, then that's one thing. But if you don't know how to felt, then you're pretty much screwed.

Also...I feel the need to mention the projects. Most of them are hats, and weird hats at that. There is a template for a scarf, which is fine, and a book cover (which, in the photo, doesn't really look like it fits) and 1-3 other "normal" items. The rest are REALLY weird hats, tunics, vests and cloaks. I don't even know WHAT to say about those, other than that they are definetely beyond the description of "unique".

I was really disappointed with this book. I have no idea what to do with it, as shipping would cost more than the price it cost to buy a used copy. Maybe I'm just missing something here, but to me this book is nothing more than a discussion of different types of felt and felting artists. Oh, and really weird hats!

No ifs ands or buts about it. This is the best VH book to date. Given their recent tour there were actually two books about the band released this past year. This was one. The other was EVERYBODY WANTS SOME. Friends and fellow fans there is simply no comparison. Van Halen: A Visual History 78-85 by Zlozower is the ultimate in pictures and commentary. Zloz was shooting, hanging and partying with Dave, Eddie and the rest of the gang back when the author of that other book was still wetting their huggies. If you could only buy one VH book this would be it. Why waste your money on cut-and-paste tripe pieced together by an outsider with no ties whatsoever to the band and their crew when instead you can own what will surely be considered the best VH book ever presented to us by a world class photographer who was practically the fifth member of the band during their run with DLR. This is the best book out there, at least until the band decides to tell the story in their own words. There aren't enough stars to rate this so just do yourselves a favor and grab one!

The reviews of this book do not do justice to this book. The pictures alone are spectacular. Neil Zlozower took nearly every famous and infamous picture of Van Halen during the DLR years. They are all here along with a plethora of never seen before photos of the band and quotes and anecdotes from a broad spectrum of the music industry ranging from Jimmy Page to Slash. The book itself is well done also, the cover beneath the dust jacket has a nice glossy finish on it and the pages themselves are nicely bound, sewn in instead of just glued in so that the book can be laid flat when open without damaging the binding. This book is a must for any true Van Halen fan or collector.

WOW, WHAT A WONDERFUL WAY TO GO BACK IN TIME W/ THE VAN HALEN BOYS...ESPECIALLY DAVE, CUZ W/O HIM THERE IS NO VAN HALEN!!!!! IF YOU LOVE VAN HALEN, YOU NUST MUST MUST BUY THIS BOOK!!!!

I remember hearing the first track of VH 1 when it was released,
bringing with it chills up the spine and jaw dropped.
This book brings you in a time warp to witness rock history, and
realize - in case you didn't - that Van Halen dropped a bomb on
the music scene. Not only a revolutionary guitar god, but songs
and live performances that rose light years beyond what was coming out
of the U.S.A. at the time. The kind we won't see again, either.

The photos, by a master of R&R photography, look like they were taken
yesterday. Crisp, clear and a great mix of group shots and live. The
backstage pics of Eddie preparing his axe arsenal, for example, are priceless; Alex behind one of his monster drum kits.

And yes, it appropriately culminates with 1984 - got a problem with that?

Felt like I was back in high school, as I flipped through this book about the Rock God's -- Van Halen. Finally a Van Halen book worth looking at. Beautiful book about the Greatest Rock Band and Guitarist of all time.

I bought this book at a dollar store and it was worth every penny. Oh well, now that you've suffered through my lame attempt at humor move on to Bob Smith's genuinely funny and frequently moving collection of memories of childhood and busted romances. I usually avoid humor books of this sort (the authors usually concoct nothing out of nothing) but Smith has a engaging style of writing and vivid insights that can really take you back to your childhood, especially if you are in the same age range as him. The funniest are his memories of his fourth grade teacher, Mr. McGaffin. "I quickly realized one of the benefits of having a male teacher was that I could look at Mr. McGaffin as much I wanted while he taught...I studied Mr. McGaffin as if I was going to be tested on the geography of his face." Later that year, Smith discovers his semi-conscious crush has a "friend" Jeffrey and is curious about their relationship but too shy to pry, fortunately for him he is around when "Debbie Gruber...a loudmouthed girl and every thought that came into her head fell from her mouth like a letter through a mail slot" bluntly asked "Mr. McGuffin, do you live with Jeffrey?" Later, Smith learns the men live nearby his home and rides by their own their bike and spots Mr. McGuffin mowing the lawn. "I regretted I hadn't asked the inquisitive Debbie Gruber to tag along. She would have demanded, 'Can we see the inside of your house?'"

This book is so funny I might save up a dollar and buy his other one.

I had high hopes for this book. It started off really well. The stories of Bob's break-up from Tom was actually interesting to read, and was a story I could follow and invest in. I was hoping for a happy ending at the end--perhaps taking this sad event and finding the humor and of course life lessons in it.

Halfway through the book, Bob resorts to childhood memories. It almost seemed as though he was writing two different books, one of memories and the other of his current life. I felt somewhat lost at times. The stories were entertaining, but didn't seem to make sense being plopped down in the middle of the rest of the current day situations. He ends the chapter with "Mom, I have a date." What a great line! It allows the reader to find out with who?? Is he moving on? Is he the man of his dreams? We never get to find out.

Instead, he moves quickly into his childhood, relating stories that are amusing in their own right but highly out of place. It almost makes me wish that the author would take a chance and finish that third book, finish the second book, and rerelease them.

He then skips back to current day with his misadventures of dates...which sort of leaves me wondering what was going on with the childhood chapters in the middle of the story. They didn't seem to go with the rest of the text.

It was enjoyable...but it left me wanting more.

I picked this book up at a booksale and really enjoyed it. Bob Smith is a very funny guy that talks about his failed relationship of 10 yrs, his relationship with his family and how he's beginning to date again and getting on with his life. I think his feelings on a relationship ending, on his mother, etc, are very universal and not limited to gay people. I think gay and straight alike can enjoy this very funny book. Find a copy and try not to crack a smile!

What makes a good author, in my opinion, is his or her ability to capture the human condition in such a way that it comes across as real.

What makes a good comedian, again in my opinion, is to take slices of ordinary life and see the humor in them. Mr. Smith is clearly capable in both areas. While he's not the only person (let alone gay one) to see a relationship end, his ability to harness all of the involved elements (the concerned family, division of the utensils, joint custody of mutual friends and the eventual return to the single's scene) and make them both funny and touching.

It may not be as funny if you can't "relate" .. but for anyone who has ever addressed and gotten through a painful situation through humor, this book is a treat.

I love this book. Actually, I love all three of his books. This book is a must read for anyone who has recently broken up with a boyfriend and needs a chuckle and a little hope. I love everything Bob writes. I subscribe to 'Out' magazine just to see what he writes next. I'm ready for the next book. Keep 'em coming, Bob.

I was lucky enough to be given this book as a gift, because my parents know that I often use the web to locate information for school projects. It has tons of useful websites and is well-organized. I definitely recommend it.

Build a personal library of information using free web resources with the help of Tomaiuolo's The Web Library: Building A World Class Personal Library With Free Web Resources, edited by Barbara Quint. The Web Library is simply packed with web links and updates, as well as assessments of the pros and cons of given reference sites. Anyone can use no/low cost Web resources to build a comprehensive personal library of data, documents and images: The Web Library outlines keys to locating such gold mines and includes interviews with librarians and leading content providers alike.

I usually steer clear of web site directory books because they become obsolete very quickly. This book presents more than lists of sites. It contains some unusual and even provocative information concerning whether it is preferable to read in hardcopy or online; it also has interviews with people who create content at the freebie sites and this gave me a fresh perspective on the availability of free resources. The best thing is that isn't chock full of screenshots, it's full of information.

I spend a lot of hours searching the web for work. I bought a copy of this book and it kept disappearing off my desk--borrowed by co-workers. Now I keep it locked in my desk drawer--they'll have to buy their own copies! Well done, Nicholas and Barbara! Hope to see more of your books in print.

This book was a wonderful book which I was pleased to share with my co-workers, most of whom are all resourceful men and women who search the internet for work. As a businessman, I must say that this book was incredibly useful in my many projects and has brought my company's profit up by 3%.

I so loved reading and re-reading the Little House series with my daughter that I had to go to the library and find more that Laura wrote. I loved this account of her 1915 trip to visit Rose in San Francisco - who knew that Rose lived such an interesting life (as a journalist, for instance, she flew with a stunt pilot, strapped to his wing ... )?

A fast, enjoyable read. Little House fans won't be disappointed.

I always enjoy these,easy to read and understand,books. I also like anything along the Laura Ingalls Wilder line. Always good reading. A book for any age to read.

I found this collection of letters written by Laura Ingalls Wilder (author of the "Little House" series) to be fascinating. The letters were written to her husband when Mrs. Wilder went to San Francisco to visit her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane, in 1915.

The reader gets Mrs. Wilder's description of a San Francisco that is recovering from the earthquakes and fires that took place earlier in the century and is now hosting an International Exposition. Mrs. Wilder's description of her first encounter with the Pacific Ocean is wonderful.

The reader also gets a glimpse into the life of Mrs. Wilder. She is very concerned about finances and things back on the farm. She has yet to write her first "Little House" book, but her daughter, who is already an accomplished journalist, is helping Mrs. Wilder get a feel for writing.

This book will be a treat for readers interested in the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder and those interested in a portrait of San Francisco in the early 20th century.

I love all the little house books. I am buying these so I can read them again and also to build up a library for my grandchildren.

Laura Ingalls Wilders makes a trip by train to visit her daughter, Rose, in 1915 in San Francisco. It was during the 1915 World's Fair. Laura visited for two months and wrote interesting, detailed letters back home to Almanzo about what she saw and did.
Some of her descriptions were captivating in their detail. The book fills in gaps and answers questions about the years following the events of the Little House books. The reader meets Rose, the daughter, as an adult, and begins to learn about her amazing life as a successful writer.
It was during this visit that Rose begins to help Laura learn how to better write for publication, such as how to block-out a story.
The reader gets an insight into Rose's fierce loyalty and sense of responsibiity to her parents.

Anyone dealing with heart disease, either themselves or a family member would benefit greatly from the information in this cookbook. The information is well laid out in a very easy to understand format and the recipes are easy and 'doable'.

WomenHeart's All Heart Family Cookbook

After my husband had triple pass surgery I wanted to start cooking "heart healthy", so I purchased this cookbook...and I am so glad I did. I use it everyday and have not found a recipe that isn't delicious and easy. I highly recommend it to everyone!

This cookbook contains so much good information about heart healthy foods-I learned a lot! And the recipes are wonderful. You will love this book whether you are trying to eat healthy, lose weight, or just enjoy a good meal. I plan to buy copies for Mother's Day and holiday gifts.

A friend gave me this book and it is just fabulous. The receipes are wonderful - love the Tandoori Chicken and Cilantro Broiled Chicken Breasts, Flourless Choc. Cake, Rich Tomato Soup and Beef Tenderloin with Port Cranberry Sauce, ---BUT--- it is the precise, clear, beautifully written and presented discussion of the 40 heart healthy foods that brings me to open this book several times a week. It is just such a valuable source of nutritional information. This book is not just for those who have heart disease (I, thank goodness, do not), but for every person who is alive in the 21st century and trying to eat a healthy diet.

Both of my parents have undergone bypass surgery within the past 8 months. It has been very intimidating to read all the information of how to prevent heart disease, especially having to relay the information to my parents. I came across this book last week and love it. Coming from a family that loves to ask questions this book has a lot of answers. I love that the first part of this book thoroughly explains heart disease, prevention, and how certain foods can be beneficial to your heart. It was also a great idea to list the recipes (w/ page numbers) at the end of each 'Heart Healthy Food' description. This book is well organized and makes cooking their recipes along with other heart healthy recipes more attainable.

I never thought I would like this book because my wife read most of it outloud to me, all the while she was hooting and howling with laughter. She kept saying, "Are you sure she doesn't know you?" It was curiosity that caused me to pick up the book and read it for myself - silently. I found myself chuckling at first and at times, laughing loudly. I really liked her many shades of men that she illustrated in her "Choose Wisely" chapter. I hope that I am a Cowboy.....my wife only rolled her eyes when I announced that I thought it described me to a tee. I sent Mimi O'Bara an email (from her website) and she sent me a very funny answer. She has a great sense of humor and a very realistic view of life. I recommend this book highly!

I received this book as a gift from my sister who lives in Dallas, who insisted I would find it hilarious. I had my doubts beause I seldom get "Texas humor" however, I was wrong. First this is not Texas humor, this is Life Humor. O'Bara's observations and strategies to cope with a life filled with children, husbands and/or life partners, careers challenges and all the acompanying stresses and strains of everyday life are, indeed, hilarious. She cautions us that these are "survival guidelines" rather than the road to perfection. She celebrates the friendships she has with her woman friends, reminding us that we are obligated to all stick together,laugh whenever possible and cry together, when we must. She actually gives very sensible advice, all the while laughing and waiting for the next cataclysmic event to occur. Her husband, like mine, is an avid golfer and I howled with laughter at her description of "The Golf Effect".....as I read it outloud to my husband he couldn't help but laugh as well...somewhat sheepishly! I believe that I have found a friend....perhaps even a soulmate in Mimi O'Bara and encourage you to do the same.

This book is fantastic for people of all ages and genders. I bought this book for my mother and she read it within a week and liked it so much she bought 12 copies for her friends. This book describes the trials and tribulations a working woman has to go through while trying to balance her children, her job, her husband and her house. If you are looking for a comedic masterpiece for either your mom, your wife or even your girlfriend this book is perfect.

I was wondering why my mother was laughing so hard and I picked it up and read it. Even I thought it was hilarious, a 24 year old law student. Buy this book if you are in for a bucket of laughs!

Mimi O'Bara gives new meaning to multi-tasking. I recognize her family! This book hits home and is a must read for women who think the balls in the air are hitting them on their heads too often. Order two; one for you and one as a gift to give your career colleague who is also super mom and adoring wife and thinks no one understands her plight. Nothing takes the sting out of a bad day better than a good laugh. Mimi O'Bara provides more humor than the Comedy Channel. Kick off those heels and give yourself a fun break. This book made me laugh more than I can explain.

Opening "The Working Woman's Guide to Balancing Career, House and Spouse" led to the most enjoyable plane ride I can remember! I chuckled, laughed out loud, commisserated and felt I had a friend and soul-mate in Mimi O'Bara. I didn't care that I was not offered anything worthy of eating. I didn't care who was sitting next to me, invading my space. Upon landing, a man sitting across the aisle from me, tapped my shoulder and asked what I was reading that had entertained me so completely for the last few hours. I looked at him, summing up that he fit the description of every scenario described in the book, and told him it was really nothing he would enjoy. He looked a bit hurt and left out, which only made me love my reading diversion even more!

I have read excerpts from this book to friends at parties, given it as gifts to girlfriends coast to coast, office compatriots and relatives. To realize I am not alone out there in the corporate world of men, kids, balancing it all and keeping a smile on my face, was like breathing for the first time in a long time.

I feel that I have a friend in Mimi O'Bara. I hope she is encouraged to continue writing. I'm sure there's more stories to tell. Her humor, insight and reality keeps me smiling!

The Peifer family's work in Africa is tremendously inspiring, and Steve's record of their journey, which is both poignant and funny, really makes you feel like a friend from the start.

Having seen Steve Peifer on CNN Heroes Awards, and You Tube videos, I was additionally inspired by his book. It's just like reading your own personal emails from him. While there is the occasional typo,it's not preachy or pretentious,and his deep devotion to his family,faith and ministry are awesome. He's got a great sense of humor which must really help him out in the midst of struggles of real life in Kenya. I hope & pray his work will continue to grow, especially in light of recent turmoil. If you're not expecting a novel then you won't be disappointed in his style, and hopefully rewarded by inspiration leading to action.

An amazing, honest, heartfelt and humorous collection of email letters written by Steve who lives and works with his family at Rift Valley Academy in Kenya, Africa. From adjusting to life in Africa to adopting 2 African children, you will not only gain a glimpse of the hardships many Kenyans face but also a compassion for the people like Steve who are doing their best to help make a better life for the children in Kenya. A must read for anyone who wants to know what life as a missionary is like or wants to know how their financial contribution CAN make a difference.

I read this book from cover to cover while flying home after hearing Steve speak. Steve is a wonderful story teller - I laughed and I cried when I read this book. I'm going to write on the inside of the cover "Read this and then send it to someone else, because this book is the kind that has to be shared". And then I'm going to send it on to someone else that I'm sure will love the book as much as I did.

I know this family personally and worked with them at Rift Valley Academy. They are very down-to-earth people and it was fun to revisit the names and places where I lived through the pages of this wonderful book. They are inspiring and set an example of following God step by step in obedience. The anecdotes are hysterical, nearly as funny as Steve himself. You will find yourself laughing out loud! The descriptions of the problems in Kenya, the lives of missionaries and their kids and the questions they raise for Steve and his family are honest and thought-provoking. A very meaningful read and a way to put a face with the myriad of problems facing Africa today.