Children's Series Books Books

I have not read this book in years. HOWEVER, the title and author has stuck with me, and I soon plan to buy this book.

I am not Christian, nor am I a person to read fiction with religious themes in it. I AM religious, Hindu to be exact, but when I read fiction I am not thinking of scripture, I am reading for entertainment.

So I picked up this book with hesistance. But WOW, I still remember it, because it made an imprint on my heart. I read this book when I was going through tough times and it helped me to be strong. I was having religioius conflict in my family and in my heart when I read this book, and it enabled me to continue onwards and not give up hope, and to find strength in me and realize the God was giving me strength; that every one step I put forth towards God, God would return it with ten steps towards me.

this book was inspiring. But as well as being inspiring, it is also a gripping read. You are sucked into Tracey's life and Tracey's head and you care about her, SO much. Massi is excellent at making you relate to and care for this character, even if you thought you wouldn't.

Furthermore, the story is entertaining and funny. It is not all somber and solemn, although it does address deep issues and philosophical questions. This book is an intelligent book, entertaining, overall a GREAT read. I would recommend it to all.

:) The sequel, "All Through the Blood" I think it is titled, is equally amazing and satisfying.

it took me a while to get into this one as its written in a unique style but once it grips you, you can't put it down. you come to care deeply about the main character as she struggles to overcome a painful past and face the daily trials head-on

The Valkyries books (Moody Press) are really parts one and two of one story: a rare blend of a coming-of-age tale set in the 1970's, an exciting athletic narrative, and the story of a young girl's poignant and gripping spiritual journey.

Just after her 8th-grade year, Tracey Jacamuzzi goes against her Italian-Catholic upbringing by attending a Baptist tent meeting and "getting saved"--a term that baffles her friends and family. Tracey's conversion is too much for her parents--a father who is already violent toward her, and a mother who is too preoccupied with an extramarital affair to give her eldest daughter much thought.

A violent showdown with her father results in Tracey being banished to the Sanctuary of Mary and Joseph, an all-girls' Catholic boarding school. Here she endures cruel hazing before realizing that basketball is the school's all-consuming passion, and she must become skillful at the sport in order to survive. An older girl takes Tracey under her wing as a basketball coach and mentor, and becomes her best friend in the process, making life more bearable at the school.

The team's mascot, the Valkyries--valiant female warriors in Norse mythology--become symbols of Tracey's quest for strength and truth.

But Tracey must still deal with questions in her growing faith, and the fact that what she is reading in the Bible is often at odds with the doctrines taught at the school. In addition, the fact that she is outspoken and often headstrong makes for some severe confrontations with Sister Mary, the rigid and coldhearted acting principal.

Along the way, God brings people into Tracey's life that give her love and acceptance and help her answer the spiritual questions that haunt her. School volunteer Maddie Murdoch imparts wise counsel and the promise of a motherly love Tracey craves.

Jeri Massi brings the story grippingly to life. You feel outrage when Tracey is abused, share her pain when she is treated unkindly and unfairly, and are moved when she learns new spiritual truths. (The fact that I, a 40-something, non-athletic woman from a conservative Baptist background, could so empathize with this Italian-Catholic teen-aged girl, is a credit to Massi's ability to make this story so real.) Massi's descriptive pen makes you actually see the mist shimmering on the serene campus, and vividly described dream sequences hint at her background in writing science fiction. And the basketball scenes are fastpaced and exciting, and could only be written by someone intimately acquainted with the sport.

If you are a Catholic, you may not appreciate Massi's unflinching criticism of the church's doctrinal conflicts with Bible teaching. But she doesn't vilify Catholics themselves--one of Tracey's "good angels" in the book is the elderly Sister James Anne, who gives her unfailing love and acceptance; Father "Bing," the school's Bing Crosby-look-alike headmaster, shows her kindness; and she develops good relationships with some of the nuns who teach and coach her.

Ultimately, I was captivated by Tracey's story (I scarcely put the books down while reading them!), and enriched by the lessons she learned about God's grace, His Sovereignty and His loving plan for one girl's life. Although these books would be ideal for a teenaged girl--especially one who is interested in sports--the common themes and the page-turning narrative make them a terrific fit for anyone who enjoys top-notch fiction.

"I am blessed and encouraged after reading this story. I feel - I remember why I believed in Jesus when I first did. Thank you for reminding me of what is good and true in the Lord."

"I'm speechless. I just finished it, and I know I have to write to you, but I truly have no idea what to say. What an amazing story! The way you wrote it made me feel as if I was there watching it.

"I have just finished reading your Valkyrie series. It was a work of the very highest standard. Rarely have I read at story that has engendered such a range of emotions in me or moved me in such a spiritual way."

"I VERY much enjoyed reading that book. I think it's Christian fiction at its finest."

"I just wanted to thank you for your work in writing it and making it available.... The message of God's grace in light of our own failures was not lost on this reader, and I hope it reaches many more people in the years to come."

"I genuinely feel...that apart from the undisputed classics like NARNIA and the CURDIE books, VALKYRIES is the best Christian novel for young people that I have *ever* read."

This story rings with honesty. It's a transparent account of coming to Christ from outside an Evangelical background. In the unlikely but believable environment of the Sanctuary of Mary and Joseph, Tracey Jacamuzzi comes to grips with the precious cornerstone of Protestant doctrine: the Grace of God is all that we have. Fast paced with the pounding rhythm of a basketball game, filled with grief, tragedy, hilarity, and an amazing, quick-fire dialogue that one seldom sees in Christian fiction, this book is a keeper. You won't be able to put it down! Be sure to get both VALKYRIES: Some Through the Fire, and volume 2, VALKYRIES, All Through the Blood. You need to read both to get the complete story!

This is the time of book you like to read more than once! It was terrific. You really felt like you were at ridiing camp with them. I suggest this to horselovers everywhere!

I think Summer Horse was a great book,because everyone was working together to help Carole find out why Ditto didn't respond to her commands.In the end was good because Carole finally realizes why Ditto did't respond to her commands.

I like ow they always did were together. And how there is a second book to follow it. I like the last part where Lisa moves into Stevie's and Carole's Bunk and when Starlight arrives!

I first read this book, when I was about 10, 11 or 12. I was hooked on the Saddle Club at 9 and even now, at 15, still find myself returning to them occasionally. I have read 'Summer Horse' and 'Summer Rider' countless times, and still go back for more! I found Stevie's determination to save the camp, Carole's lesson in adapting to suit her horse and Lisa's dedication to her school work an inspiration (although this was not necessarily how it was intended). This is an exciting book and a most memorable one! I borrowed my user name from it! I used to read the books non-stop, and although I never read the entire series, I wanted more than anything to be a part of the Saddle Club - I still do really. Hehe. Anyway - READ THIS BOOK!!!!

I like how each Saddle Club member had a problem. Lisa had a different cabin at camp than her two best friends, Stevie's boyfriend wasn't paying attention to her, and Carole was assigned a horse who has a mind of his own. I can't wait too read "Summer Ride", the next book in line.

This is one of my favorite books of the series. Almost as good as the 5th book (my favorite). I can't decide if I like it more than the 3rd book or not though. Both have the creepy Little Red Riding Hood in it and she is SUCH a fun character to read.

This 6th book in the Sister's Grimm Saga makes me hungry for more! If you want an exciting twist to Happily Ever After, this is the series for you.
The Grimm Sisters and their unusual friends are lovable characters that readers really connect with emotionally. I feel curriosity, anger, embarrassment, and hope, right along with the characters.

The only thing I didn't like about this book - was that it ended! :) My parents gave me the first four books for Christmas, and once I started them, I couldn't wait to read 5 and 6. By the way - I am in my thirties! :)

The Grimm books are clever - simple enough that a child can enjoy, but smart enough, so well-written, that I enjoy them too!

I highly recommend this series!!

Despite their many problems (including the fact that their parents are under a sleeping spell) Sabrina and Daphne Grimm are growing up. Sabrina, despite herself, is becoming a girly girl and Daphne is starting to imitate Sabrina. In a way, this is a welcome diversion for the girls as their grandmother's best friend, Mr. Canis, is on trial for crimes he committed while he was the Big Bad Wolf. The Grimms have very good reasons to fear Mr. Canis will not have a fair trial, but do everything they can to help him, including trying to find out what really happened to Little Red Riding Hood and her grandmother. What they discover will surprise all of them - even Mr. Canis.

"Tales from the Hood" is the wickedly funny sixth book in Michael Buckley's The Sisters Grimm fantasy series. The series is set in Ferryport Landing where fairy tale and other fantasy characters such as the Queen of Hearts, Robin Hood, Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, and others live. Buckley has a lot of fun turning the fairy tale world inside out for better or for worse (especially the Wizard of Oz series - he does a number on the Scarecrow in this book) and creates a world in which the Queen of Hearts is mayor and the Sheriff of Nottingham is, well the Sheriff. All of the regular characters in the series are maturing as the series goes along, especially Sabrina and Daphne and Mr. Canis - whose back-story is finally reviewed in the book and it is a good one. While the book is aimed at children, readers of all ages will enjoy it - adults will love the way Buckley skews the fairytale and fantasy characters. And without revealing too much, the courtroom scenes are some of the funniest scenes in that setting I've ever read - Buckley's choice of judge is inspired. The book ends on a cliffhanger that left me anxiously waiting for the next book in the series.

"Tales from the Hood" is a great entry in a wonderful fantasy series.

Another great page-turner from Michael Buckley and his Sisters Grimm series. My daughter (9) and I took turns reading the entire series and I'd have to say this may be the best of them all, and that is saying something. A bit more dramatic than the others, the Grimm girls are growing up a little and so we are treated to some love, angst, and even sadness. I almost cried at one point, but my daughter took it all in stride so I don't think the book is overly dramatic, it's just that good. If you are looking for some answers and ready to get more insight into some of the Grimm family secrets than buy the book, pick a comfy chair and jump in!

Kimberly Kirberger does the best job of understanding teenagers! I admire how shes always out trying to help teenagers~ This book on friendship is a fun book to read~ It also has advice and stories of friendships. I enjoyed reading this and I will probably read it again! I can't wait until Kimberly comes out with another book! If you want a fun bok on friendship this is the # 1 book I reccommend! Whether your wanting advice, point of views, poems, fun stories, or even good quotes... then this book is for you!

This book, Teen Love Series on Friendship, gives a lot of good advice to teenagers who are having problems with friends. This book is the same format as Chicken Soup For The Soul and has one of the same authors. The other author is Colin Mortensen from MTV's Real World Hawaii. And of course, the teenagers who write the stories and poems.
Topics include:
Being Yourself!
Being Your Own Best Friend
What is Friendship?
Challenges in Friendship
Making Friends
Cliques, Groups and Popularity

Friends and Lovers
and a lot more!
I recommend this book to girls ages 12 - 17.

I really love this book! I read it all of last night and I didn't want to put it down. Its perfect for teen girls.

I have not finished reading it yet. But from what I have read I thought was really good. I would recommend this book to teens. It tells stories about teens. I have read many stories in this book and they are helpful to me! This book is very much like chicken soup. I would suggest this book to anyone that enjoys the chicken soup series.

Being a teen is very hard sometimes and much of the difficulty caN COME FROM THOSE WE LOVE THE MOST. Our friends can make our day and yes, sometimes ruin it. The thing that I felt was so great about this book was the way they took both things into account and didnt make a good and bad friend thing about it. They understood that sometimes when we are growing up we have problems with the people we love. KIm Kirberger talks about celebrating friendship and this book does do that. but it also is honest and supportive about the hard times. My mom bought me this book, as she does all the books by Kirberger and once again it helped me more than words can say. This is another winner and all teens shouldhave it in their rooms for those times when we need to know it is normal and okay to have some rough times along with the many good ones.

As others have said, this is so much more than a coloring book. I have a serious illness that really limits me and the time that I spent coloring these added so much to my days plus the fact that I could then display them so that I could look at them over and over. I have a wall that I displayed them on along with other stained glass designs that I love to look at. It is definitely a great book to add to any collection.

I use watercolor in these books. I've made some beautiful suncatchers with "my" artwork from this book.

I love stained glass. I think the stained glass coloring books are fantastic. This one has so many wonderfull designs in it. Glad to have added it to my collection.

The book presents 16 color images on its covers.
The patterns on 16 pages are translucent black and
white patterns suitable for enlarging 300-800%.
The "coloring book" misnomer disguises the books use
for serious stained glass makers.

This coloring book is so beautiful, you might be afraid to color on it. The artwork is wonderful and detailed, and it's a great book for older children and adults.

Dr. Scott Hahn has the reputation of a brilliant scholar and a passionate follower of Christ. This breathtakingly beautiful book is a reflection of great love and devotion to Salvation History.

The beginning of the book - the Foreword - is worth the investment. The illustrations are nothing short of spectacular. Extremely well documented with Scripture and quotations from the Church Fathers and from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, this is a classic masterpiece.

I just want to say that I love this book. Me and my husband bought it during the 1st Annual Catholic Scripture Study Conference 2006 in Charlotte, NC last April. We studied Bible with the International Catholic Bible Society (SOBICAIN)in Venezuela and we were looking for a compendium in English that could help us prepare ourselves to teach Bible studies in our parish. This book is so beautifully made that makes the excellent content and the visual design a delight for both intellect and spirit. And I admit it, we are also Dr. Hahn's big fans since we read his conversation story (Rome Sweet Home) and some other of his books (Hail Holy Queen, The lamb's Supper, Lord Have Mercy and his contribution to the books Catholic for a Reason). May God bless him and his family aboundantely because thanks to his books a lot of craddle catholics are coming back to the Church with a renewed faith and he's gaining countless of converts from other Christian denominations. I definetely recommend this book for both people seeking to study Bible for themselves or to teach a complete course in their parishes... and I don't give more stars because Amazon doesn't have more!!!!!

Honestly, this is the single most incredible Scripture textbook for High School aged students that I have ever seen in my life.

I was first made aware of this series about a month ago, when I learned that a local Catholic High School had chosen to use one of the titles. One of my closest friends, the theology teacher at my son's High School, then ordered the entire series.

As a professional theologian -- and as a professional educator -- I can only sit back and be amazed. This is simply the BEST one-volume introduction to Scripture that I have ever seen. It is faithful to the text, without denying the contributions of higher criticism. It is faithful to the Teaching of the Church. It is brilliantly illustrated and laid out. As someone who examines texts for a living -- it simply blew me away. I will be ordering a copy for my parish library as soon as possible. I only wish that a parish edition, suitable for CCD classes (and the limitations under which they labor) could be forthcoming.

Dr. Hahn has outdone himself.

Very, very highly recommended!

As the director of adult faith formation at a Catholic parish, I am using this text in tandem with the Bible as the textbook for a 9-month course on the Bible (30 classes, one class per chapter in this book). Our adults are devouring the material and *absolutely love* the content, layout, font, sacred art, diagrams, and beautiful photographs, which make this book such a fabulous resource for any student of the Bible.

I wholly recommend this text to all high school classrooms as well as to all parishes and organizations that wish to facilitate a complete course on the Sacred Scriptures in order to give the student a Catholic Scriptural worldview and an overview, a framework, by which one may understand Salvation History as mediated by the Bible.

Also, if you simply want to learn the Bible in the privacy of your own home - perhaps with your spouse or a friend - you should acquire a copy for yourself and read through it (perhaps one chapter per week). The chapters are short, easy-to-read, and full of amazing information.

If sitting on your coffee table, the textbook looks enticing, and I guarantee, from personal experience that visitors will open it up and start flipping through the pages to view the eye-catching, colorful pages. Then, you'll hear the question, "Where did you get this?? How can I get my hands on one?"

I love this guy. I watch him on EWTN all the time and he is great. He is the smartest guy about the bible and he makes it all so accessible. EWTN sells these books for $45 - I only mention this because of all the more than $45 prices I see here.

This book was great for helping plan my son's kindergarten valentine party. The snack ideas were super and pretty easy to assemble. The highlight of the book is the valentine bingo game where everyone wins at the same time. The children just loved the game as they all shouted "bingo" at the same time. We also did the ice cube game and the cupid game. Both were also big hits with the children! I would highly recommend this book for any class parent needing some creative ideas for kids from 5+.

With all the crafts, snacks, and games, you will have everyone entertained for years to come. This book is great for classrooms, parents, day cares, work, & more. Perfect paired with Valentine Boxes.

Wonderful Book - Pleae make more like this!!

What a wonderful book. Valentine parties are always a favorite the crafts/activies are warming to ones heart. Every room parents or hostess/host needs this book for any type of party. Suggestion purchase the complete set.

I run an after-school program for a non-profit organization with children that range in age from 6 to 14. It's very difficult to plan holiday events that will interest all the kids, but I got some great ideas from this book! It covers everything from games, to crafts and special treats. While most of the activities are geared towards the younger crowd, I was able to extract some ideas for the older kids as well. A very well organized and creative book!

For those of you new the the series, yes, the manga and anime known as "Wedding Peach" (WP) looks a lot like "Sailor Moon" (SM). Why? Well, not only is it a typical magical girl shoujo (such as "Magical Girl Pretty Sammy" and "Tokyo Mew Mew"), but the producers of Sailor Moon have actually worked on the series. I also find WP different in that it has a more focused storyline (saving love versus saving the whole universe), fewer magical warriors, and one singular body of evil. So, if you enjoy SM or like series but want something more digestable, I highly recommend WP.

As for the sixth volume, I admit, it was rushed. Nao Yazawa, the creator, admits it to being rushed. And frankly, I like her honesty. I do not see many manga writers that own-up to such things; at most, I see them tip-toe around the subject. (Of course, this could just be my experience; if you've read of others that have acted similarly, be thankful.) That being said, the storyline is wrapped up well with a mix of drama, action, and a fitting happily ever after.

I really like this Manga. It has action romance, and surprises around every corner. I reccomend this to any Manga reader. I plan on getting all of the Wedding Peach books.

I love Wedding Peach, and when I found out it was being published into the English language, I was pshyced! I've been into Wedding Peach for about three years, and I never thought it would make it to the USA, but it has. Anyways, this manga was pretty good. It is obvious that it wasn't translated from the original Japanese version, but from the German version because there seems to be german words in the backround scenes that are supposed to be sound effects...kind of strange. Other than that, its worth buying. I definately recomend!

You've just transformed into an angel of love and told that you must fight devils. WHAT ON EARTH JUST HAPPENED HERE!!!?!?!?!?!?!
That's exactly what happens to Momoko Hanasaki, daughter of the angel Celestia. Devils from the Demon Realm are on earth, threatening to steal all energies of love and replace it with hatred. Momoko and her friends Yuri, Hinagiku, and Scarlet are out to battle with the demons as the angels Wedding Peach, Lily, Daisy, and Salvia!
Along the way, new friendships are found, and many secrets are revealed.
Don't miss out on this new shoujo sensation! Be sure to get the anime too when it comes out on DVD in APRIL 2004!!!

This is the volume that actually jump starts the Wedding Peach plot. Before was a very long introduction and character establishment. Now that it has passed, volume three sends the Love Angels into understanding the history of the war they're fighting and comprehending how important their role is. Though the story doesn't become darker, it's a bit somber at times (especially in later volumes) which, I think, most will find refreshing.

Volume three is a reward for getting through the first two, and a nice passage into the final volumes that are definitely worth reading (especially if you've come this far).

This book is about Tracy and Doug's wedding. Sierra learns important lessons about purity. She promises God (and her future husband, whoever he turns out to be) to save herself for her future mate. This book will help teen girls realize the importance of staying pure. It really helped me. It's also filled with lots of romance and fun and will make you grow closer to God.

It is fantastically well done! Sierra is a great christian series. There isn't to many good books for kids to read, but Sierra definetely is great!

No one can bring characters alive like Robin Jones Gunn. Her writing captures my heart from the first page and leaves me satisfied at the end. Great job!

finally doug and tracy are getting married!!! their long awaited marriage is finally gracing us w/ its presence!! and you know how long a wait its been if you've read the Christy books. hooray. that (their wedding) was kinda obvious though since he proposed in #... i'm not saying. but though its a happy occasion little problems are creeping around the corners waiting to pop into Sierra's life and irritate her. what challenges will she face? will everything work out? how will she react when she experiences the celebration of purity firsthand? okay now i'm starting to sound like the back of the book, so i'll stop now. i think #3 is the best but this book is definitly close behind. its at least the second best, if not tied for first. definitely no doubt about it -- but only if you've read the Christy Miller series. otherwise it means nothing. absolutely nothing.

Thank you so much, Mrs.Gunn. I have to say this is my first Sierra book, I have read. It's just the Wedding, and the kiss, and talks about purity is what made me read this one first. The Wedding, and their first kiss was wonderful. When I read the part about the rehersal, I was jumping and twirling around my school. Then the kiss made me scream and laugh cause of the Ushers. I cried at the shower, laughed out loud cause of the chicken, the only thing that got me is, when will Todd and Christy get married or if they ever will.I can't wait till the College Years when Sierra, Katie, Christy and Todd all go to the same college. I have to tell you, I'm a bookworm, I'm always reading these books, I cry alot of times and laugh alot and sometimes even scream. These books got me hooked, I give Godly advice away to my friends and tell them the lessons I've learned from these books. I especially like The Christy Miller Series, I gave comments in every book I have read. Thank you ,so very much!

Todd & Christy Forever! Doug & Tracy Forever! Paul & Sierra Forever! P.O. FOREVER!

As mentioned in the previous reviews this book is for the entire family and for all ages. My three-year-old daughter loves the illustrations in the book and wants us to read the book to her. So with a little tweaking she enjoys the book and participating in word play with us. Michael Kline's creativity is incredible. This book will not only improve your verbal skills but also your visual imagination. If you have never had a creative block this book with certainly help you out. I use some of the word games in my classes to increase my student's abilities to visually communicate.

Michael Kline has hit the hail on the nead with WordPlay Cafe. It's an invitation to look at and practice language in a completely different way. It takes some practice but I guarantee, once you let the imagination go, you will want to keep delving into the world of wordplay and punzles!

In WordPlay Cafe Michael Kline's banquet of word fun and lively illustrations guarantee a feast of food for thought. This guy Kline says a mouthful. He knows language and he knows how to make children want to eat their words.
-- Richard Lederer, author of Pun & Games and The Circus of Words

First there were words. Then the words were made fun. And in Wordplay Cafe author Mike Kline shows you, oh so successfully, how to make more fun with words. This interactive book teaches kids of all ages the power of words and ways to be creative with their meanings and sounds. It's a great way for kids and parents to have quality time with each other.
Mary K. Baumann and Will Hopkins
Art Directors, Kids Discover magazine
New York, NY

Kline has a wonderful sense of humour that can be appreciated by any age group. He really challenges kids (and adults) to look at language in a different way - the fun way! The book reads like a rollercoaster ride...or maybe a better analogy would pinball machine: it bounces off topics and tangents in a delightfully free-wheeling manner. Not for ADD kids, this book is meant for children who are willing to engage with subject matter for a wonderful reward. Kline's book belongs in the category of "children's books" the way that Bloom County belonged in the same comics section of the paper with Funky Winkerbean and Family Circus. This book truly works best when the whole family joins in on the fun. The activities are perfect for getting fun discussions going between children and adults. A highly recommended read for anyone (at any age) who wants to re-discover language and have fun along the way.