Children's Books

More of us need a mirror so we can truly see ourselves and discover that there are positive changes we can make that will enable us to be better people and that can make the world a better place to be. This is perhaps the weakest book of the five, but is still a good read. Do start at the beginning, however, of the series, or nothing will make much sense (if anything DOES ever make sense in this mixed up world of today).

Mark Rodriguez 2/26/06

The Mirror of Merlin, Author: T.A. Barron, ISBN: 0-441-00846-1

The Mirror of Merlin book review

As Merlin realizes that his home, Fincayra, is in grave danger of the ever growing haunted marsh, he steps up and decides he is going to find who made that happen and why. This story takes place at the legendary island called Fincayra, just before the medieval times. The characters in this epic story are Merlin, his friend Hallia, the evil witch Nimue, and a friend he meets on his way, Ector, (otherwise known as Arthur). As Merlin and Hallia find a ballymag (a water creature who lives in the marsh) in a stream instead of a marsh, he tells them that the haunted marsh is growing rapidly. They also discover that the marsh ghouls are attacking innocent people, which they only do when someone invades their territory. But they don't know that the evil witch Nimue is behind it all. The reason why the haunted marsh is growing so rapidly is because Nimue traveled through the magical mirror. This can take people into the past or future. Since she traveled through the mirror she has the power to control the marshes because someone unexpected taught her about the magical way. So she uses her magic for evil and controls the marsh ghouls and the marsh itself so she can take over the legendary island Fincayra. This book is one of the better fantasy books I've read.
The reason this book tops my list is because I really like fantasy books and that this book seemed really good to me. This book was also a real page turner. It kept up with the story and it sometimes got really suspenseful at times which caused me to read it even more. There are also really good descriptions throughout the book. I really enjoyed this kind of genre for this book because I love fantasy and anything with swords, dragons, or wizards has always interested me. This book really hit on all of those things that I love. I would recommend people from 6th grade to 8th grade to read it and if you are the kind of person that likes fantasy I would really recommend this book for you. Also there were a couple of surprises in the story that really got me. One of them was finding out that the little boy named Ector is really King Arthur. So if you need a book to read, pick this one up and enjoy!

This novel is a fast, fun, and thoroughly entertaining read. While not on the same level as the classic fantasy novels, Barron has found a way for the reader to connect to the young boy Merlin, and always want more at the novel's close.

In the long winter in a enchanted forest a child was born Merlin enchanted life. This book was a skill fully written book by Rosemary Sutcliff. A novel that will catch the readers eye. Set in England and partly in Norway, far away from the world we know to a unreal universe beyond imagination.

This book set in a fantasy/ medieval setting. The main character in this book is the all powerful Merlin, described as a towering, wise and tattered man. Merlin created by the evil, dark, shadowed, witch, and queen of evil Mab to bring the people back to the old ways. Queen Mab's plan backfired and merlin will do anything to get the queen back for killing his aunt Antasia. At just a hand wizard merlin is ready to fight. But is Merlin ready for the challenges he is about to face? Read the book and find out.

This phenomenal book I would recommend it to any young reader looking for a good book. If i were to rate this book on a scale from 1 to 10 it would be a 10. Any young reader would love this book.

This book review was written by Philip Davis

I liked this book because it presented problems not yet thught of in the average reader's mind. This bookis also intertwined with the other books so you didn't have to meet the whole cast of characters. It took little characters from the other books and made them bigger in one way or another.In every book new information is presented, this book holds alot. Not considering learning about Fincayra itself this book is only second to the fifth book.
I think the best part of this book was when he meets himself, it was a comical meeting. Full of questions and anwsers. The meeting of young and old made me feel and think of pity, sorrow, laughter and wonder on what is to come in the future.
I think the most vivid part of this book was when older Merlin grows a tree right in his own house. In the middle of his own living room! Reading the tree grow is as if you are right in the room when it happens. As if the tree is planted in the book and you are riding it yourself. Not only do you feel that you were there but that you belng there.

I absolutely love this book. It has such a great message, and I agree with a lot of the other reviewers that the message is wonderful for both kids and adults.

The illustrations are wonderfully simple, and I really like how there are few words per page. This book makes for a great read aloud book for pre-schoolers. I read this book recently in front of my class of 4 and 5-year-olds and they clapped at the triumphant ending of the book...they were so happy for the missing piece!

Shel Silverstein's representation of human relationships and the many "holes" that people often have is very astute. I think the subtleties of the different personalities might be over the head of children, but most adults will see just how spot on he is.

I really really can't celebrate this book enough.

This classic book was really written for children, but it has a powerful message for people of all ages!

The drawings are simple but effective, and the story is one that we all can relate to. The Missing Piece starts out alone and is looking for someone or something to complete it. By the end of the story, The Missing Piece realizes he doesn't need anyone to complete him. He is already complete.

This is a very quick read that can help build the confidence of a young child, and can help adults regain the confidence they may have lost somewhere along the way!

This was a gift to me after a divorce. The content is simple yet profound and I love to share it with my children in hopes that they too will know that relationships are at their healthiest when people are whole and complete, rather than half of a whole like a friendship necklace (to the chagrin of tweeners everywhere!) ;) I now share this with others who are going through relationship troubles or struggle with their self-worth.

A person who was one of the most influential in my life gave this to me as a gift. After reading the book, the gesture impacted me that much more. I buy this for anyone that means something to me. This type of book should be shared by all. Silverstein is a master who I still feel isn't talked about enough.

Don't forget 'The Missing Piece'!

I LOVE this book. What a simple way of viewing the process of breakups and of finding meaningful relationships! Great for readers of all ages.

As the title suggests, Molly Moon is hitting Hollywood in this book. But why is Molly heading to the USA after such a weird and hypnotic experience in the Big Apple? You will have to read the book to find out. Remember to read the first book to meet all the characters and work out what they are about!

This is a great book!! A great follow up to the first Molly Moon book. My boys and I take turns reading(ages 8 & 12) We can't put it down! I highly recommend it!

This is the second book of Molly Moon I've bought for my 9 year old. She loves them! It is a fairly thick book but she knocks it out in about 3 days. Highly recommend!!

Little Molly Moon was delivered in a Moons Marshmallow package to Hardwick House Orphanage. Molly Moon learns hypnotism, but with a diamond the world is changed and not everything is going in the right direction. Molly has to stop Davina and Primo Cell, but it is not going to be easy. With the help of her dog Petula and her friend Rocky they have to change everything. But the question is HOW?

This fantastic book by Georgia Bnyg is long but definitely worth reading. It is a great adventure and a fun book. You will not be able to out it down. It is filled with details and it will never get boring. If you want to read this book you have to read Molly Moon's Incredible book of Hypnotism. It is the first book of the series, and this series rocks!

my grandma got the first three books for me as soon as the time travel (book 3) one was in the book store. then she sent them to me in a package. when i saw them, i was in the middle of reading a different book (narnia, i think..), so i put them in my shelf so i could finish "the lion, the witch, and the wardrobe." when i finally finished that by thanksgiving '06, i pulled out the molly moon books and read the first one, the second one, and the third one, straight through in that one day! it was so much fun when molly and rocky (in the second one) were in New York, livin' the sweet life. and i thought my heart was going to burst when (also in the second book) the magpie could have made them into human being salsa!!!

but i thought it was great when they were in Sinclair's car, watching ms. trinkleberry and nockman. (hahahahahaha!!!)


i love this book, and ive loved all the other ones, too!

From the first page I couldn't believe that she was describing my daughter to a tee. All of the other information and books on Asperger's was so rigid that my daughter did not fit their ideal of Asperger's, yet she fit most of it. But, because of this book I could see my daughter completely. I am about to re-read it. It's a library book but I will be soon ordering my own copy and telling her therapist who have no clue about Asperger's about it as well.

What an eye-opening experience it was for me to finally find an explaination to my son's behaviors! Wow, we would have been stuck with an AS child being treated for ADHD and still having no success in the social adjustments.

The first night we recieved our book, my husband and I stayed up half the night screeming, "Look at this . . . This is my son"! It set us on our way to see a specialist that knew something more than our family pediatrician did about this neurological complex.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, AND THANKS AGAIN!!!

This isn't a book, it is a "good deed" (no, make that GREAT deed). And even that isn't high enough praise. Page by page, we have found answers to dozens of questions that we have been asking, but previously finding no answers. We went to therapists, psychiatrists & psychologists, but until Barbara & Patricia came along with this book, our family was sinking fast.
We are buying additional copies to give to family members and for the staff where our kid goes to school.

I'm the co-author of this book and I'd like to recommend that
visitors purchase our revised edition: THE OASIS GUIDE TO ASPERGER SYNDROME: COMPLETELY REVISED AND UPDATED which became available March 29, 2005.

Click on one of the authors names above and you'll be led to the newest edition.

-Barb Kirby
OASIS

My son was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome two years ago. Of the 5-6 books devoted to Asperger's which I have read, this book is by far the BEST! It is very readable and easy for the layperson to understand and digest. Issues that were barely mentioned in other AS reference books were given time and space in the OASIS book.

My 6 year old LOVED this book. it is a great value for the money. the book comes with ideas for uses of the fashion cutouts (making cards, gift bags, paper dolls, etc.) and the outfits themselves are made by tracing stencils onto the patterned paper and then cutting them out and adding "buttons" (beads) or "belts" (ribbon) and various notions and trims. the stencils are sturdy and can be used over and over again.

even when you run out of the supplies included (paper, glue, sequins, ribbons, beads, etc.) they are easy and inexpensive enough to buy from a craft/scrapbooking store. so unlike some of the books like this, it's not useless when you run out of the supplied components.

i've also given my daughter scrap material (like quilting squares you can buy for cheap) and she can make these with real fabrics, which adds an extra touch of fun for making cards and things. it's a fun project for her to take on playdates, everyone seems to enjoy it.

I tell myself I bought this book for my daughter, but I really bought it for me! I am in love with the little hangers! We have enjoyed this book together, and spent HOURS designing wardrobes for ourselves! I recently framed a page of COURTNEY'S FASHIONS (including her prices) for my studio, and will cherish this one-of-a-kind artwork forever! Courtney has even dug into my paper stash for more "designs," although the book comes with a marvelous assortment of paper! We LOVE the clothing stencils... they will last for years. (I can see Courtney using this in clothing/textile classes when she is in high school and college!)
BEST KLUTZ book ever!

Bought these for my nieces. They love it. They are very creative and this book enables them to create all types of outfits and dresses.Great product.

This was a gift for my ten year old daughter. She enjoys it. The paper designs are excellent. The child does need good dexterity and the cutting out of the small details can be a challenge. We hung a string across her bedroom wall, so she cand display her fashion designs which are glued to mini hangers. Much more fun than paper dolls.

Fashion ROCKS! And so does this incredible toy masquerading as a book-it's FABULOUS, darling! For all budding fashion designers, stylists or anyone curious about the fashion world, this book is definitely for you-BUY IT!! And if you're wondering if you should get the sequel, Paper Fashions Fancy along with it, YES-please do-you won't regret it! The first one is 'to infinity', the second is 'and beyond!!'-it's even better!!

That was my short review. If you need more encouragement and/or details, read on, dear reader!
So, I've had this for like a week now, on the first day, I played with it since breakfast-unable to tear myself away from it, and trust me-it only gets better the more time I spend on it-I could do this for a living!! The novelty never wears off because the possiblities are endless!

Okay, so, the book;
*has quotes from famous designers peppered throughout
*it's colorful, beautiful and easy to understand
*it tells you what comes with the book, what you also need (scissors and pencil), and what you might also want
*has 3 pages of plastic stencils (it's a soft plastic, so no sharp edges) and it tells you exactly how to use them
*there are tips for cutting, making the best use of paper, gluing and embellishing instructions
*there are hints about using color and patterns and ideas for design notebooks, greeting cards and other ways you might want to display your finished creations
*you never have to worry about running out of paper because you can use just about anything!-paper bags, tin foil, muffin cups, tissue paper, white paper that you've rubber stamped, used magazines and catalogs, and of course art & craft stores have an abundance of scrapbook/origami paper and thingies! You could also borrow real fabric and photocopy or scan and print it! Phew! AND if you type in Paper Fashions, you'll see that one of the products is a pack of Extra Stuff'-so you're golden!
*with the book, you already get a sheaf of pretty printed and plain papers and even a sheet of vellum for that sheer look! You're spoilt for choice!
*and you get a cute little tube of school glue, 3 packs of beads and sequins-in warm colors, cool colors, and gold and silver (and in resealable baggies no less!) and you also get 3 bundles of ribbon and and 2 cord trims (phew! that's a lot, huh!) and don't forget-20 cute little wire hangers!

Technical stuff: it's labeled suitable for ages 8 & up (if you're a very responsible and mature under 8 though, you would have to Double Super-Dooper Promise your designated adult shopper that you won't put any of the thingies in your mouth, because choking, not a good look people!)
Also, although it's aimed at girls, I'd just like to say Valentino, Isaac Mizrahi, John Galliano, Jean Paul Gaultier, Narciso Rodriguez, Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford and Alexander McQueen-and Dolce & Gabana; just a handful of world famous men who design womenswear! I'm just saying, a little more open-mindedness makes the world a more balanced and happier place-follow your dreams people! (That would be my Carson Kressley impression-also a totally poppin' style guru!)

Final words, grown ups-if this appeals to you-go ahead and get one for yourself! Why should kids have all the fun?! I'm 30 something, I got this for me (and yesterday I ordered the sequel too!) and I LOVE IT!!!
Okay, I'm done!

Not just for parents...
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of essays on nontheist education and lifestyle. While this book is geared toward parents, and certainly useful for them, I found it highly useful on an individual level as well to think about these issues. I really appreciated the additional resources provided at the end of each chapter, this allows you to take your own pursuit of these ideas much deeper than is allowed in individual essays. Most of the resources also include a note on appropriate age level which was very useful as well. The book touches on practical real world problems, and I found it truly eye opening to read of some of the discrimination that the authors and their children had faced. One topic I wish would have been addressed more is how to deal with extended family members of faith. Dealing with an overzealous teacher is one thing, but how do you strike balance with a loving and good intentioned grandparent who truly may believe that your child may be doomed to eternal damnation because of you. Some of the authors who are in mixed marriages touched on this briefly but I think it is an important enough issue for nontheist parents to be explored further.
I would definitely recommend this book to well just about anyone. Even religious parents would benefit from the critical perspective that is offered of what we teach our children and why.

I am an atheist with two small children exploring how to best raise them in a religious world. This book is so positive and thoughtful that it was a joy to read. The format was easy to follow and all the more helpful because it wasn't written by a single 'expert' on child rearing. It gives you different perspectives (all without god of course) and provides many resources for continued exploration both for the adult and the child. Some of these resources I have encountered online, but many were new to me. I know I will be returning to the book time and again as my children grow and are capable of understanding more complex issues. If you enjoy the book or are interesting in learning more about the author you might be interested in seeking out Dr. McGowan's blog as well.

I really like the way this book is written. Lots of personal stories. Great information on non religious holidays, explaining death to your child, peer pressure.

This book is an absolute must have for families raising children in an atheist or partially atheist (one parent) home. It is a wonderful and positive encouragement for raising happy moral children without religion. Every freethinking family should own this book. It is so upbeat and presents many differing viewpoints on practical topics facing non-religious or mixed-religious families today.

Like others have said, this book has some great ideas and is an excellent resource. My only complaint is that some of the essays are a bit tough to read (and some are not at all, which was great). I felt like I needed to be an English major, or have a dictionary next to me while reading certain authors. I really like the main author's chapter introductions, and I bookmarked several of the essays for later reference. I definitely recommend it, but I did find myself skipping certain essays that seemed just a bit too deep or complicated.

This is often the first book I read to my upper elementary student children. Many have not been read to or for some other reason do not know the JOY and FUN of a good book.

We act this one out. From getting their muscles "kneaded" and arms "stretched" like dough. I get their permission first. Sigh... that is the decade we are living in.

We "shake" flour (really a salt shaker.) And sprinkle oil (in a firmly sealed vial.)

We whirl and twirl a stuffed animal in the air. Next the checkers (pepperoni)

Then the children "cook" in the oven. (actually under a desk.)

This is one book the children ask for and moan when I tell them it is at my other school.

It makes believers of them that books are exciting.

What a fun book! Our 3 year old loves being made into a pizza with all sorts of toppings made from paper or play food. Great activity that ends with a nice hug!

This is a wonderful and exciting book for all family members of every age. It's sturdy, nicely illustrated,easy to hold and to read. Talk about love in the family, this book illustrates to parents the importance of communicating, touching, and just having a good time with our children. Pete's a Pizza brings out the child in adults and keeps the child in children.

Cheer your kids up by turning them into pizzas. A cute book for any collection.

Petes's in a bad mood because he can't go oult to play with his friends on this rainy day. To cheer him up and pass the time, his dad invents a fun and unique game. He is going to make a pizza out of Pete! The book is very amusing as the dad rolls the dough (Pete) and sprinkles cheese (paper) and tomatoes (checkers) on the pizza. This could be a wonderful game to play with your own children. Loads of fun to be had.

I really think this book is one of the best, and not just in the TB series! Samantha is my favorite character, and Pride is my favorite horse! This is a must read in the thoroughbred series and for horse lovers of all kind! It has unexpecting turns, unlike some of the other TB books. Whether you pay 1 penny or 100 dollars for this book, it is definately worth it!

In Prides Challenge, Ashleigh Griffen and Mike Reesse are ingaged and Pride has a new rival. After Pride has recovered from his injury, he is ready to head back on to the track. But Pride wont be alone, Lord Ainsley, Brad and Lavinia's new thoroughbred is on his way to the winners circle himself. Pride is doing very well in training and his workouts so he is entered in another race and Samantha Mclean and Ashleigh Griffen agree that Pride is back to business. Pride is tough competion again, adn so is Lord Ainsley. Fianlly Ashleigh and Samantha both agree that Pride is ready for the three year old test, the Tripple Crown. But Lord Ainsley is right behind them. But now Wonders Pride and Lord Ainsley will race against eachother. But now, Ashleigh is to busy plannign her wedding but will still ride Pride but now its up to Samantha to make sure the lookalike of Ashleighs Wonder (Wonders Pride) does is his best out there. But can Pride beat one of the other best colts in the country of Kentucky? Im sure u will love this book. And if u want to talk im at Blades60@aol.com

This is such a happy,sad,blood boiling,heart thrilling book.Lavinia.UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SHE DRIVES ME CRAZY. Sorry about that. But I had to get it out of my sistem.Well anyway back to the story.Pride is such a great horse. But I don't see why Samantha had to kick Ashleigh out of the picture.Ashleigh only had four books all to herself.so not fair.Lavinia acts like she knows everything there is to know about horses.Like she would know.She is so stupid.Well I hope you enjoy this book.BY

A. Alger's review says it all. Unfortunately, Harper Collins has decided to end the series abruptly after #72. With such a dedicated following and online fan base with members from all over the world, this is a classic and beloved series that has inspired many people and provided horse fans with vicarious thrills and adventure. Ashleigh saved Wonder, now it's up to you to help save Thoroughbred. [...].

I first read Pride's Challenge when I was in second grade. I bought it at a book fair because it had a horse on the cover and reading about a sixteen-year-old sounded glamorous and exciting. Well, I read the book cover-to-cover more times than I can count; I can even still recite the majority of the first chapter (and, bizarrely enough, Joanna Campbell's bio) by heart. It wasn't long before I just had to get the rest of the series. Now, ten years later, I'm still a devoted fan and I still count down the days to the release of the latest book.

Thoroughbred was always a higher caliber than the other horse series I read in elementary and middle school. I was absolutely drawn into the world of Ashleigh, Samantha, and yes, even Cindy. This book was what started it all, though. The author does justice to all her characters -- human and horse. Pride is a racehorse so believeable you keep waiting to hear about him on TV, so incredible you get goosebumps reading some of the racing scenes, and so lovable you want him to come live in your backyard. The storyline is quick-paced with plenty of twists to keep you thrilled to the end. Most of all, though, it sparkles with realism and with candor. I feel like I know the people I read about and that Whitebrook Farm really is hidden somewhere in those Kentucky hills.

That's why I was so upset to hear that Harper Collins plans to end the series after #72 is published. I have been a loyal fan for ten years -- and I know I'm not alone in that. So if you'd like to help save this series, one that has molded the dreams of horse-crazy girls for many a generation, then please check out the Whitebrook Farm [...] website. Sign the petition, send the publisher an email, drop them a letter in the mail. But most of all: do SOMETHING. Pride has his challenge. Now this is ours.

Amy Candler is the perfect person. She was made from many other people. She hasn't felt more alone than she does right now. She can't tell anyone her secret, not even her best friend.

Throughout the book, Amy is trying to figure out who she really is. Until one day, her mother surprised her and she met the scientist that had genetically enhanced her: eye sight, ability to run, and lift things a lot heavier than any other normal 12 year old girl.

In my opinion, the book was great because it doesn't just come out and say what the problem is, you kind of have to guess what is going on. I think it's more like a mystery book.

The only thing that I didn't like was the way the author wrote the book. She wouldn't let you know it was another day until you were half way into the paragraph.

I would recommend this book for young girls that are trying to find who they really are.

Have you ever had the feeling someone's watching you? And you know that your life is in danger even in your own house? Well in the book "Pursuing Amy"
That's how Amy feels every day of her life. But for her it's not just a feeling, its reality.

Amy is not a normal human, actually she's not really human at all. She is a project. Her and seven others exactly like her. This was defiantly an interesting twist to the book. Amy also has numerous problems. She is in desperate need for someone to talk to. Her and her best friend get in a huge fight. Then when she finally finds someone who understands her and someone to talk to, he is murdered. I found this part of the book very interesting, yet depressing.

Amy's mom finally gets a boyfriend Amy approves of. But he turned out to be a horrible person, who tries to kill Amy's mom and capture Amy. He's one of those people who are after Amy. Now Amy's mom is in the hospital dyeing. I couldn't put the book down when I started reading this part.

Amy has no where to go. What can she do? You can find out the shocking background of Amy's life, and what she's going to do about it by reading the book "Pursuing Amy". This book will have you at the edge of your seat wondering what's going to happen next. You will not be disappointed I guarantee it!

Amy finally saw Dr.J. Yes! This book was sad, action packed ,and had trusting friends. This is a book that has a moral for everyone to understand.

This book was the second best book ever. I think the first one was more adventurous though. This book was full of drama and helpful hints on life. I think that 10-13 year old girls should read this. It talks a little bit about relations and a little bit about becoming closer friends to your so called mom. There are secrets in life that thet are best kept hidden. If it doesn't need to be known then leave it alone. Sometimes you need to tell someone though so you can feel a little relieved and it's not a big burden on your shoulders. I like this book because it added a lot to the first book.

This book was the second best book ever. I think the first one was more adventurous though. This book was full of drama and helpful hints on life. I think that 10-13 year old girls should read this. It talks a little bit about relations and a little bit about becoming closer friends to your so called mom. There are secrets in life that thet are best kept hidden. If it doesn't need to be known then leave it alone. Sometimes you need to tell someone though so you can feel a little relieved and it's not a big burden on your shoulders. I like this book because it added a lot to the first book.

I thought that Up Up, Down was a great book. When the father fell down and his bottem was red. That anna repeats the same things. The baby brother because when he said no!! there were great. Yes in the store I always repeated the same thing. All kids read this book!!!

I think it was a wonderful book because the book was funny. My favorite part was when Anna fell down, because it was funny. The funniest part was when Anna said, I'm the queen of the castle mommy is a dirty rascal. Anna was my favorite character, because Anna was the funniest character in the book. The illustrations were very wonderful and colorful. I recommend all children should read this book.

I liked this book because it was a funny story. My favorite part was when Anna said, ouch my favorite character is Anna but I thought this book is all ages to read this book yes, I remembered something about my live. So have fun and buy this book.

I thought the book Up, Up, Down was a great book. My favorite part was when Anna repeated what their parents said to her. Also, I thought the funniest part was when Anna bundled up her parents with humongous band-aids. My favorite character is Anna because I thought she was very funny and always fooling around.

My favorite part of Up, Up, Down is when Anna parents told her, "Don't climb." The funniest part was when Anna sang, "I'm the king of the castle, mommy's a dirty rascal." My favorite character was Anna. I recommend this book to kids in elementary school.