Journals Books

I love this stationery set and so does my receivers. Emily is great fun and it all comes in handy: sticking the paper together to send it away as an envelope. It's worth your value!

No matter how big technology gets, it will never replace the art and charm of a handwritten note.
So, you open your Amazon goodie box and out falls what looks like a notepad; half the size of A4 (it's the equivalent of writing 2 standard sized postcards), narrow ruled-Emily style of course: The lined side is white with some artwork on the periphery-a cat here, a scratch there, Emily's head, Emily's logo etc., The reverse side is red and black with space for addresses. There are 40 pages in total with 5 different designs (so 8 pages of each design).
So, you write on it (really small writing if you're like me and tend to write letters that can rival the War & Peace novel) tear out the page-which, btw, is conveniently scored in the right place so you don't have to guess where you should fold it; next, there are 3 gummed flaps to moisten (or glue, if you're again like me and have a licking issue), seal, then off to your local post office for stamp-age. The paper's very lightweight so it's inexpensive to post.
These are kind of novel and stylish looking and a pleasure to write on. So far I've used a gel pen and a ball pen on them with equal ease and I think they would take any kind of pen really (not a marker though or anything that might bleed through the other side...)
A radical idea! Other stationery please take note!

Three different cool designs for you to chose from! Send these dark messages to freinds and foe alike....

Emily's products are always awesome and this just adds to her glorious line of stuff.

I love this black mail stationary set, all you need to do is write, lick, fold, stamp and nap! INstructions are on the back with cat showing you how to do it. Very cute, very simple instructions, just get your pen and stamp set, then do the instructions, me and my friend Ashley write Emily's morose code with this!
Now get strange or get lost!
Emily the Strange, the stranger!

I am a law student in the university of Plymouth and i would like you to send me some information that this book contains, concerning the subject of the separation of powers. Your advice will be of great help. Thank you.

First, to the reviewer looking for the doctrine of separation of powers: you'll find it in Montequieu's "Spirit of the Laws". Also check out "The Federalist", number 51.

Now then, Bagehot, like Madison, describes the operation of a modern liberal regime. The trick for founders of liberal government is to produce a government that permits the people civil liberties, but does not permit the people to abuse those liberties, or in the words of Madison, to create a government that is "democratic yet decent". Madison and the American Founders accomplish this end by so constructing the institutions of government that mens' selfish natures will be turned against each other ("ambition is made to check ambition"), rather than united in tyrannical concert.

Bagehot too describes the operation of a system of government that rules by the consent of the governed, yet which does so by restraining the vices of those who ought not to rule. Bagehot argues that the English government is moderate and decent because of a division of government into the "dignified" and the "efficient" parts, and a "noble lie" about the relationship between the two. It is this noble lie that permits the government to operate without the interference of those who would turn it away from the public good. But to discover the noble lie, you'll have to read Bagehot.

Warner Winborne

Professor of Political Science

Hampden-Sydney College

Hampden-Sydney, VA

This book stimulates the little gray cells. Every time I watch Prime Minister's Questions, the superiority of the Cabinet system over the Presidential system is painfully obvious. If Bush were subjected to the kind of scrutiny, in Congress, that Blair is subjected to every week in Parliament, he would have been exposed as an impostor long before supreme executive authority was placed in his hands. Refering to our Civil War, Bagehot wrote: "The notion of employing a man of unknown smallness at a crisis of unknown greatness is to our minds simply ludicrous. Mr. Lincoln, it is true, happened to be a man of... eminent justness... But success in a lottery is no argument for lotteries."

Well, we used up all of our good fortune in the 1860s. We've come up craps in this millenium.

If this is the unaltered version of the book of the same name and same author that I read about 30 years ago, it is a classic. It describes how the classic English Constitution worked, before Britain joined the European Union. Especially it explained how it worked without being written down, largely by constitutional convention which was morally binding but (quite often) not legally binding.

Walter Bagehot was a journalist and a social and political thinker of the middle Victorian period (1850s and 1860s). His classical work "The English Constitution" comes as a collection of polemical assays upon the structure of the British political system. Cabinet, monarchy, Houses of Commons and Lords, execution of political power, and the foundation of the systems of checks and balances are explored in the book.

Throughout the book a comparison and contrast of Cabinet system and the Presidential system (a.k.a USA) is a constant theme. Bagehot does not hide it preference for the Cabinet system, which in his view is a both more dynamic and more effective. One of his main points is that direct popular election is a myth, since most of the electorate are ignorant of the nature of the political power (and moreover are forced to this ignorance by the effective uselessness of the legislative debate in the USA as opposed to the UK). Moreover, a result of the direct election is a static Presidential term of 4 years, which allows the executive branch to execute almost unchecked control of the political process. According to Bagehot, the indirect electoral system of the Commons, where people vote for the MPs and they then select the PM amongst themselves produces a more effective government, which is more responsive to the popular will since it can fall at any time due to policy disputes. A hidden secret of British success according to Bagehot is a fusion of legislative and executive powers in the Cabinet system. In the latter chapters, Bagehot exposures two forms of power - the dignified power (in the person of the monarch and the lords) and the effective power as exemplified by the Cabinet. Dignified power serves as a façade of legitimacy under which the dynamic and opportunist real effective power can subsist. He follows through to explain how each of the minister of the government exercises its power for the common goal, what are the legal powers of the monarchy and how it is exercised indirectly via control of the composition of the peerage and the power to dissolve the Commons.

Bagehot's style is clear, flavorful, his knowledge of political process is profound (with a qualification of more so of British then American), his research is well done, and he is a master of dramatic tricks to keep the reader interested. I would recommend the book as both a scholarly reference, and a well presented popular case.

I first came across this book in my local library. I was so enchanted by the different designs, that after tiring of renewing it, I have decided to order my own copy. I recommend it to any person interested in needlepoint, as well as global designs...

Must add my praise for this book. Gorgeous colors in clear graphic designs plus various colorways so you can see what would happen if you use different colors. I get a feeling of generosity from the authors who obviusly love their craft and want to share it.

In addition to bold and unusual patterns, Mary Norden has an extremely good eye for colors. I use patterns and parts of patterns from this book all the time.

There are many lovely needlepoint books with an emphasis on romantic or Victorian designs. This book consists of designs with Asian, African and Latin and Native American influences. The photographs are beautiful, the instructions and charts are clear, and the colors dazzling! Highly recommended for all needleworkers---knitters, cross stitchers, crocheters, etc.---not just needlepointers.

This book brings the beauty of the various international fabrics to your needlepoint canvas. It's not your grandmother's needlepoint - no cats or flowers, just bold and exciting designs with great color graphs and ideas. I highly recommend this book - I even ordered a copy for my sister although it was out-of-print.

I loved this book on American farm life! It is well-written, interesting and one of the best on this subject, in my opinion. I have just ordered several other of Jerry Apps books.

Jerry Apps magnificently captures the heart and soul of growing up on a small family farm in EVERY FARM TELLS A STORY. His youth was spent in rural central Wisconsin half-a-century ago, but the character of the culture he writes about was not unlike that of much of rural Middle America in those times. The book is based on his Ma's journal accounting of all the family's expenses and revenues through the years, but the anecdotes take you back to all the stories behind those numbers. Apps shares with us how all the entries were, indeed, more than just numbers - they had meaning and context in the bigger picture of what farm life was all about. In a comfortable and enjoyable style, he tells stories of family values, the hard times and good times, the honest dealings and fair play that caused most farm kids back then to grow up with integrity and a solid work ethic. EVERY FARM TELLS A STORY is a great read, but it's much more than just nostalgia. In a personal and sometimes almost poetic way, it documents a significant part of our country's historical heritage.

I really injoyed this book, laughed out loud several times. I really enjoyed all the old farm ads also. Great picture of how farming used to be.

Farm values and management can offer many lessons, especially when told through humor, as Jerry Apps demonstrates in Every Farm Tells A Story; A Tale Of Family Farm Values. Tucked into an inviting chronicle of changes in farming over the decades and resulting changes in values and methods, readers receive a fine blend of business savvy, history, and humor lending to light, easy reading.

I have just come across a book you all should read: it is called EVERY FARM TELLS A STORY, A TALE OF FAMILY FARM VALUES, by JERRY APPS. it is published by Voyageur Press and is a wonderful story about growing up on a farm near Wild Rose Wisconsin in Washara County in the north central part of the state. As most of you know, Cousin Tom Larson and I spent a number of summers on the Bergum farm north of Wheeler in Dunn County; and almost everything that Jerry Apps describes in the book is something we did with Uncle Nelmer (who Tom and I still consider the greatest man in the world) and Aunt Selma (our second mother) and Kon and Stanley on that farm: threshing, making wood, cultivating, feeding chickens, stripping cows; old fashioned crank telephones, freeshows, feed mills--everything. The book is illustrated with period advertisments. This is a brilliant nostalgic journey. It's a neat
companion to my own The Reunion. But all of you should take a trip in EVERY FARM. this is a story that speaks to those of us who have had anything to do with farm life. it's a wonderful book for all my cousins and for all of us.

Steven Fortney
Author of The Reunion.

My husband had received this book for his 50th birthday so he knew it was good. Our neighbor is enjoying it too.

Knowledgeably edited by Ronnie Sellers, Fifty Things To Do When You Turn Fifty is an informed and thought-provoking collection of fifty writers contributing ideas, advice, observations, and instructions upon turning fifty years old. As an ideal how-to and what-to-do book informing its readers of the many fears and beliefs that might concern most fifty-year-olds, and explores why they might feel as they do and what to do to avoid or confront such barriers. Fifty Things To Do When You Turn Fifty is very strongly recommended to all readers who have or are contemplating turning fifty-something as the ultimate guideline of staying young as an explorative and practical fifty-year-old.

This is a compilation from various authors writing on the subject of turning 50. The first contributor really lays it on the line by saying "Stop complaining" and get your act together so that you'll get through many years after 50. I appreciated that these 50 writers "provided essays on a pro-bono basis" and profits from the book will go toward non-profit organizations focused on cancer research. This is a great book to give as a gift to friends reaching this sometimes challenging milestone.

Knowledgeably edited by Ronnie Sellers, Fifty Things To Do When You Turn Fifty is an informed and thought-provoking collection of fifty writers contributing ideas, advice, observations, and instructions upon turning fifty years old. As an ideal how-to and what-to-do book informing its readers of the many fears and beliefs that might concern most fifty-year-olds, and explores why they might feel as they do and what to do to avoid or confront such barriers. Fifty Things To Do When You Turn Fifty is very strongly recommended to all readers who have or are contemplating turning fifty-something as the ultimate guideline of staying young as an explorative and practical fifty-year-old.

Knowledgeably edited by Ronnie Sellers, Fifty Things To Do When You Turn Fifty is an informed and thought-provoking collection of fifty writers contributing ideas, advice, observations, and instructions upon turning fifty years old. As an ideal how-to and what-to-do book informing its readers of the many fears and beliefs that might concern most fifty-year-olds, and explores why they might feel as they do and what to do to avoid or confront such barriers. Fifty Things To Do When You Turn Fifty is very strongly recommended to all readers who have or are contemplating turning fifty-something as the ultimate guideline of staying young as an explorative and practical fifty-year-old.

There is no better timepiece than a child, or two, or four. Parents-to-be understand, intellectually, that time passes and your children grow before your eyes but Laura Pratt captures that whirlwind passage, writing with unflinching honesty and passion each little snapshot from her life as a mother. She uses lush description to perfectly capture, preserve, and report each touching vignette that she shares and the result is a book on motherhood that is by turns hilarious, insightful, and unrepentently sentimental. Highly recommended.

This is a book with something for every parent. Ms. Pratt shares stories that all parents can identify with, from the mad rush to the hospital (only to be told that you're still pregnant--go home), to the adventures of sorting legos and planning your life around your new addition(s).

A great gift for any expectant or experienced mom!

Laura Pratt has quite a way with words--and she clearly loves her role as Mother. The author lets us get a glimpse into the "ordinary" world of mothering 4 children. Her descriptions of everything from the discomforts of pregnancy to a mother's mixed emotions on sending her eldest child to school for the first time will make any mother laugh, cry, and most of all, *appreciate* that someone has put into words so beautifully the way we often feel but can't always articulate. The writing is intelligent and honest; sentimental without being sappy. Highly recommended for any loving mother.

I just love Ms. Pratt's style. This book will have you laughing and crying and nodding in agreement. And it's not just for moms--even my husband could relate to the chapter where Ms. Pratt describes a "real life hopped on pop". I'm planning to buy this book for all my favorite parents.

I just thought this was a fantastic book. I really saw my own life unfolding before my eyes as I turned the pages. The author, Laura Pratt, does a fantastic job of capturing the joys and sorrows of motherhood. And her words made me realize, more than anything else before, just how "fleeting" the "years" are.
Joanne

"Foo, A Japanese-American Prisoner Of The Rising Sun" by Frank "Foo" Fujita, with Stanley L. Falk. Subtitled: "The Secret Prison Dairy of Frank "Foo" Fujita". University of North Texas Press, 1993.

This is an interesting book on many different levels. First, it is the story of a World War II Prisoner Of War. But not just any POW: Frank "Foo" Fujita was a Japanese-American, perhaps the only Japanese-American who was held as a POW in Japan. And, on the third level, "Foo" was a Texan and a member of the Texas National Guard. His unit was called up, to be sent to the south Pacific, and, after the sneak attack, on Pearl Harbor, they were diverted to Australia. The 2nd Battalion, 131st field Artillery was assigned to the defense of the Dutch island of Java, where they were overrun by the Japanese. Most of us have forgotten the American units that were part of the ABDA, American, British, Dutch and Australian forces in this theater, with, perhaps the major exception being the cruiser, the U.S. S. Houston. (See, for example, pages 345-346, where a contemporary "bird-colonel" does not believe that Fujita's unit was never in the Pacific.)

To make the story even more interesting, Sergeant Fujita was an accomplished sketch artist, and he includes contemporary drawings of himself and of the Japanese mistreating POWs. So, on this level, he has enhanced his story visually. His entire diary was in a code of his own fabrication. His diary and his drawings were hidden in a wall of a building in his POW camp; the diary and drawings were recovered after the war. This recovered material makes this book a primary source for the history of Japanese-held POWs.

Excellent primary source supported by explanatory notes supplied by Stanley L. Falk.

Foo, A Japanese-American Prisoner Of The Rising Sun is the true and riveting account of Frank "Foo" Fujita's experiences of being a Japanese American combat soldier who was captured by the Japanese during the Pacific campaign of World War II during the defense of Java in early 1942. Based on his secret prison diary, we are provided a "window in time" regarding the daily life and experiences of a prisoner of war which vividly recounts the privations of the POWs and the living conditions in Japan. The text is illustrated with drawings, maps and photographs. What is surprising is the humor that was to be found -- even in the midst of the most severe circumstances. Foo, A Japanese-American Prisoner Of The Rising Sun is a unique contribution to the annals of World War II literature and highly recommended for academic, community, and personal library collections.

I met Foo in a restaurant in Abilene, TX, sitting in a booth next to him and two other gentlemen. His book was to be released the next day. My wife, after evedropping on their conversation, introduced her and myself. Foo sold us a copy of the book....and autographed it for us. This was several years ago. We have learned he has since died. He was very warm and personable with us. His story is facinating. (His reason for being in Abilene was that there was to be some sort of POW reunion the next day.)

I knew "Foo" (he died last year) and many of the other men (my father among them) who were taken prisoner with him. This is an excellent book about a little known page in American history. Although, in many ways, Foo's captivity was atypical of the treatment most of the "Lost Battalion" received, it is a fascinating, well written book which shouldn't be missed by anyone interested in the Pacific Theater of World War II.

Having known Foo since High School days and later being a sister-in-law, I read the original dairy and saw the pictures he drew of the atrocities experienced there in prison. This book is an excellent account of the way it was. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a factual story of what it was like to be in a POW Camp in Japan during World War II.

Gary Snyder has been an inspiration to me and to a lot of other people for many years now. This book is a joy to read because it gives us so much of his poetry, as well as his philosophy of life, nature and Buddhism over a course of 46 years. Much of it has been pulled from his various books, but reading it again after time has passed brings a new perspective and an added appreciation for the work. Thanks Gary, for doing the real work for all these years.

most of us first heard of snyder though kerouac's dharma bums. and i must confess that is why i was 1st attracted to him and his writings. but to list snyder as just another beat it not only inaccurate it does a diservice to him, his writings and his fearless intellect. snyder is not only a great poet but is also an insightful naturalist and a true zen master. this anthology is actually a zen bible for the 21st century, filled with enjoyable reading and great insights. these writings would make the soul of han shan dance, and sakyamuni smile. this is one of my favorite books. just reading it will lighten your spirit and make your soul dance with joy.

Gary Snyder's power appears to come from mountain, meandering and meditation. In this thick sampler we visit his life to age sixty-eight through notes, prose and poems. The soil of his writings range across a fire lookout station in the Cascade Range, a Japanese Zen temple, the engine room of a Pacific freighter, an audience with the Dalai Lama, work and climbs with Ginsberg, Kerouac, Lew Welch, and Nanao Sakaki, travel in Botswana and Zimbabwe with his sons. The essence of his power is nature. "Nature is not a place to visit, it is home-and within that home territory there are more familiar and less familiar places." Two sons, one Pulitzer, many other awards so far. He writes, he reads, he teaches. One hopes that he never tires of planting words in the soil that is us. If there are any legitimate Earth heroes, Gary Snyder is one.

Gary Snyder is an amazing person. He is an intellect. He is a poet. He is a teacher, a traveler, and he is a deeply spiritual man. He lives the life that we should all attempt to lead, a conscious thinking, methodical, contemplative life, asking questions arriving at conclusions and taking action.

The Gary Snyder Reader is a good compilation of his life's work, the variety inside includes essay, interview, and poetry. This book is a well rounded view of his feelings and belief's about nature, and that of the nature of the soul, the nature of man. I agree with other reviews written here about the power of Synder's writing. His is a strong voice which is able to make a terrific argument about everything from the history of the Christian church and some reasons for underlying social perils to making a call for more activism in one's own community. Make a difference, be responsible, see things for what they are, yes this is all there.

There is also the voice of pain, loss, suffering, anger, and very deep love. Above all else, one REALLY gets the feeling that Synder loves, passionately. Gary Snyder is an extremely talented writer and poet. The same voice that won the Pulitzer is still here. Do more than read and enjoy his works, read and be changed.

Snyder has a way of showing things in life, that the rest of us miss because we are to busy living. Basically I can't say enoough good things aboout his work.

Prayer is one of those personal things that is either done correctly, by biblical instruction, or incorrectly, by emotion, partial knowledge of Scripture, or by what we reason to be right and proper.

Having read the book on which this workbook is founded, I must say that this author stands 110% behind the Bible teaching on prayer, to the degree that (as others have mentioned) some charismatics might get their feathers a bit ruffled.

This workbook is more inductive than explanatory. The book explained. The workbook applies. Knowledge of the Bible is helpful as there are some deep concepts included. But any serious interest in prayer will be met with reflection, insight, and spiritual truths which every child of God is responsible to learn.

Recommended especially for group study.

I spent nearly a month answering all the questions in this workbook. My, my--talk about thorough--this caused me to examine the subject of praying from every angle.

What I liked:
1. (See above.) I wouldn't have EVER thought of some of these concepts.
2. Follows the book which came out earlier. You can sort of examine prayer without the first book, but it's better if you have it. Amazon usually gives you a deal on both.
3. The theology is very solid. Traditional Baptist, I would say.
4. Doesn't delve into all that Pentecostal 'name it and claim it' stuff. The is strictly solid Bible material. (Thank God for meat and potatos!)
5. The Prayer Journal after each chapter. My workbook is marked up!
6. What it really means to pray in Jesus's name! This is very insightful.

What I didn't like:
1. As someone has said the email messages are worded a little differently (some of them) in the workbook. Same thought though. I really liked 'getting' and 'sending' emails from/to God.
2. That I didn't have (wasn't available) the workbook when I first read the book! Sure would have been helpful.

Good stuff. Deeper insight into prayer than 95% of the stuff available. This is not Kay Arthur stuff. Works great for group Bible study!

I also liked "Dragons, Grasshoppers & Frogs!" too. Best easy reading commentary on Revelation.

This is a great workbook that is a companion to the study book of the same title by Mr. Parks. I had begun reading the book when I did get a copy of the workbook. I couldn't believe how much the workbook helped!

The book offers many reflective questions for a person or a bible study group to consider. It's great for offering a structure for a lesson, as well as for an individual to really examine what they've learned and reflect on the uses in their own lives for this wonderful study. The spaces to write MAKE you think about the questions and that was a big plus in my own personal study. I think as a study leader, it would also be a great resource to get class participation and to empower your students to do their own study before the class! As for me, I'm going to go back over the beginning and see what I missed the first time!

I believe the workbook could be used as a stand alone study, but I would recommend using the book companion. It offers so much in the lessons, and gives the reader lots to think about.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to find a closer walk with their Savior through prayer.

UPDATE: I still give a high rating to this exhaustive workbook (maybe I should say thorough??). However, upon reading closer, I have noticed that the emails to/from God do not read exactly the same in the workbook as in the book. Don't know if that is intentional, but it could be a tad confusing for side-by-side study. Oh, the message doesn't change, but it reads somewhat different. Not a big deal, but deserves a mention. Not sure why this was done. (Donna)

When you see how thorough this workbook is, you will understand why books and workbooks aren't written as one. This workbook is packed, and I do mean packed, with interesting, and sometimes very deep personal questions about God and praying. I cannot imagine the mind that would think up some of these inquiries!

I have only browsed the work book, but it is formated just like the book. There are emails to and from God with questions about prayer. I found that I might ask some of these questions, except that I couldn't think of most of them. Whew!

Here are what I like so far:

1. I dare you to think of a prayer question you'd ask God that's not in here.
2. There are many supplementary questions that weren't in the original book. (Really helpful.)
3. Workbook is PERFECT for group bible study. You will know prayer when you're done!
4. Author seems very bible-based, and delves into deeper theological truths.
5. Will provide very diverse discussion among those who take it seriously.

Here are some things I like less:

1. How come it's much more costly than the book it supplements?
2. NOT light material. This is directed toward serious prayer study.
3. Like the book, Pentecostals will disagree with chapter on tongues.
4. Might be a bit too exhaustive for personal study, unless you have the time. Much more so than Beth Moore, Knowing God, etc.

Hopefully there will be a combined discount with the original book. Good? You bet. But somewhat expensive.

Although I enjoyed the original book "God, Help Me Pray!", it left me hungry for an expression of how the prayer principles taught therein could be put into my daily, personal life. I hoped there would be an accompanying workbook, but WOW--the workbook might be better than the original! (And unfortunately, more expensive.)

First, I guess I wasn't thinking the workbook would be so much bigger (literally) than the book. But it is. As best as I can estimate, there are more 250 questions to reflect on, concerning EVERY aspect of prayer. The workbook ends with a nice culminating reflection chapter.

I can't wait to have our Sunday School class go through the book/workbook study. It is nicely organized into a 12-week format, and having already worked through the first two chapters, I can say I highly recommend the workbook!

"Goodnight Moon" is a long-standing family tradition for us and while searching for a new copy for my soon-to-be-born grandchild, I stumbled upon this journal. What a fabulous companion to the book and also a wonderful diary for the new baby. My daughter was in tears when she got it and called me immediately to say how wonderful it was. She had been looking at a "Goodnight Moon theme for the baby's room and had no idea this existed. She started filling things in immediately! I highly recommend this for all new mom's.

I gave this journal a 4 stars because of the two minor problems: (1) The photo corners are worthless. They are not strong enough to hold anything. We end up using glue instead. (2) The size of the book is too small. One of the pages is for us to attach a birth certificate, but the birth certificate is a couple of inches bigger than the page. Otherwise, the book is fun to fill out, and look at occassionally.

I bought this baby journal as a gift for my friend's baby shower. It was a hit! EVERYONE loved it. The journal is beautiful and high quality. I wish it was around when my kids were born! It also makes a great gift when paired with the Goodnight Moon Book--every baby's favorite.

This baby journal is ideal for a busy new mom like me who wants to keep a record of my baby's "firsts" and physical development with minimal effort. It has a nice combination of fill in the info pages, plus blank pages for photos or your own special thoughts and memories if you're so inclined. Every page is beautifully illustrated in the Goodnight Moon theme, but it's not too busy or cutsie. I also like the compact size of the journal -- it's only about 8"x7", not an oversized binder like some other journals. I can keep it handy on my desk or bookshelf. My only criticism would be the photo corners included. They aren't strong enough to hold my birth announcement and photos in place, so I purchased my own corners. This is a sweet journal that I would highly recommend for new moms or as a shower gift. The pretty pastel color scheme (green, yellow, blue & pink) works for a boy or girl.

When I had my first child,I was given several baby journals as shower gifts. I wasn't completely satisfied with any of them; some devoted too many pages to family background; some were too 'touchy/feely' for my taste; much of the artwork was too cutesy for me; and many baby journals have artwork which involves images (photos/art) of babies. I wanted a journal into which I could insert photos of MY baby, not be bombarded by images of other people's babies. I ended up cutting and pasting parts from all of the journals into a photo album in order to put together my first child's album. I discovered the "Goodnight Moon Baby Journal" when looking for a journal for my second child. It has artwork from the book, which is clearly child-oriented, but not sickeningly sweet, the colors are muted pastels of green, blue, yellow and pink, and there is not one picture of someone else's baby. I have used almost every page from this journal and think it is the best baby journal available. Besides, every child reads and loves "Goodnight Moon", so your child can become nostalgic looking at the illustrations in the journal as well as the mementos you insert. Finally, it even comes with adhesive tabs for inserting photos, which is a nice touch.