Queen The Books

This is an enjoyable read, light and yet very interesting. Its strength is the way it weaves together history and legend, connecting together many of the facts, stories, and ideas of Judaism, Persia, Greece, and Rome, setting up a clear vision of how the Middle Eastern world became what it was when Jesus was born. Its weakness is that it is too short, and necessarily skips over a great deal. But there are plenty of dry academic tomes to fill in the gaps.

Dr. Cort writes with wit and grace and this excellent resource gives one the sense they are getting an insider's view.

Highly Recommended!

Rev Dr Michael Ellner
NYC

I love ordering my text books from Amazon. I have always recieved fast shipping and text books in good condition. I'm very happy with my purchases.

After Jo Ann Brewer's superb INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION textbook, I would get this resource to keep me up-to-date on the foundational knowledge that stands as essential for early childhood professionals. Even though it lacks a chapter exclusively devoted to the all-important role of play in early childhood education, the absence of such a discussion leaves the learner with a more neutral reference point from which to decide his position on whether or not to align with a play-based curricular philosophy

Morrison presents a starkly realistic and contemporary overview of the field with an outstandingly streamlined overview of Piaget's Stages of Cognitive Development (where he keeps a keen and faithful eye on expressing the ideas from Piaget/Inhelder's THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE CHILD).

After getting the Brewer text and Morrison, you should need no other book of this type. Please try Feeney, Christensen, & Moravcik's WHO AM I IN THE LIVES OF CHILDREN if you need one more excellent text.

This is the first book from the eurohistory publishing company that I've purchased, and I have to say I was impressed. The Gilded Prism chronicles the lives of Konstantin Nikolaievich and his descendants through the last century of Romanov rule. The book starts with Konstantin Nikolaievich the family's patriarch who was the brother of Alexander II. He played a huge part in the reforms of his brother's reign and was a talented musician although his later years were frought with tragedy. Next is his wife Alexandra Iosifovna who came from Germany a young and somewhat frivolous princess to become a highly respected and imperious Grand Duchess although very conceited and self absorbed. The book then follows the lives of their children. The oldest, Nicholas, brought scandal and embarrassment to the family while the two daughters Olga and Vera became popular and beloved women in their adopted homelands. Konstantin Konstantinovich proved one of the most dutiful and charitable members of the Romanovs, but also led a secret homosexual life. Dimitri was just as dutiful as his brother and was a talened military commander and horse breeder. The youngest, Vyacheslav, who is often times forgotten because he died young, was said to be intelligent and doted on by his father. The book also chronicles the descendants of Nicholas and Konstantin Konstantinovich who led equally interesting lives themselves. I give the book five stars because it gives much detail and information on this branch of the Roamnov family. The Konstantinovichi were an artistically talented, highly intelligent, dutiful, and charitable family at a time when most Romanovs were known for being callously decadent and lacking in intelligence as well as concern for the common people. It is refreshing to read a novel that isn't completely devoted to the overdone subject of Nicholas II and Alexandra. The one sore point I found with this book is that there isn't as much info on Olga and Vera like there was on their brothers, but the title does say The Konstantinovichi Grand Dukes & the Last Years of the Romanov Dyansty and not the Grand Duchesses so I guess it's to be expected. The most interesting part of the book was the story of how Nicholas and his American mistress Fanny Lear (just one of her names I might add), got embroiled in a scandal that led to his exile and being nearly forgotten by the rest of the family. The book also analyzes the nature of Konstantin Konstantinovich's homosexuality. It also contains three sections of photos, many I've never seen before, several family trees, and even features some of Konstantin Konstantinovich's poems, which are full of emotional and artistic depth. The book is relatively short but the wealth of information and photos proves the age old saying it's quality over quantity. I was thoroughly impressed and will definitely purchase more books from eurohistory in the future.

This is an excellent book. Once again Greg King and Penny Wilson have done an outstanding job. There are many wonderful photos as well as information on the family of Grand Duke Konstantine Konstantinovich and his nine tragic children. Bring on Guilded Prism II. Thank you for a great book.

Just like its predecessors, THE GLASS WORD, the final installment in Kai Meyer's Dark Reflections trilogy, takes no time to get right into the action. Central character Merle (whose mind is advised by the spirit of the Flowing Queen), her friend Junipa, and Vermithrax, the winged lion, have emerged from a harrowing battle in Hell --- and the various effects of the Stone Light --- to find themselves on the side of one of the huge pyramids of Egypt, which has been buried in snow in a new Ice Age.

All the plot threads that Meyer set in motion earlier in the series come into play here, and all the characters, creatures and menacing enemies who populate this world (so like and yet unlike our own) are back for the final installment. Winter pursues Summer, mirrors create endless reflections that may or may not be trustworthy, and spies and mummies lurk on all sides. Sphinxes, pirates, sea witches and mermaids all have their part to play as the action moves toward the inevitable --- but surprising --- final battle, a battle in which Merle and her friends all have important, and perhaps even tragic, roles to play.

Not surprisingly, given the title of the series, many of the scenes and individuals depicted in the Dark Reflections trilogy are dark indeed. THE GLASS WORD is no exception, as characters must constantly shift their loyalties, evaluate their trust and even re-consider their faith in themselves. Again, Meyer provides readers not only with nearly nonstop action but also with genuine philosophical questions that will challenge fans right to the end.

Given its "in medias res" beginning, large cast of complex characters and detailed fantasy construction, THE GLASS WORD is not a book that readers should (or will want to) pick up without familiarizing themselves with the other volumes first. Those who have followed Merle's and Junipa's adventures from the first pages of THE WATER MIRROR, however, won't want to put this last installment down until they make their way to its satisfying conclusion.

NOTE: This is the third book in a trilogy, just in case you were unaware, and if you can make sense of this story without having read the first two... You're either amazing or scary.

Merle, Vermithrax, Junipa, and, of course, the Flowing Queen, have just barely escaped Hell and Lord Light with their lives. Although none of them is, or will ever be, quite the same. Thanks to the stone light, Vermithrax has turned from regular stone to a nearly impenetrable obsidian, and Junipa's heart is no longer human. Merle is not sure who she can trust, and that includes herself. The Flowing Queen, while not absent, is considerably more silent now. But these personal issues are only the beginning of their problems.

Winter has made his escape as well. He is on a manic hunt for Summer, his only true love. And a blizzard of snow and ice both follows and precedes him. The deserts of Egypt are covered, and all their inhabitants, including our heroes, are in danger of freezing to death. Well, maybe not Vermithrax. Unless they can locate the Iron Eye, the fortress of the sphinxes.

At the Iron Eye their current "mission" will finally be complete. For better or worse. No one is clear on what specifically needs to be done. (Except maybe the Flowing Queen, but she doesn't seem to want to share.) What is clear is that it will take every one of them, and each of their unique abilities, and even some unexpected help, for them to save the world they know. Survival is a completely different concern.

From the very beginning this book overflows with information, and there is no pause. You, as the reader, are almost as exhausted as the characters! There is no time for back history, so you might want to brush up on it before you start this book.

The characters you have come to love, or hate, are all back. Even some that you thought were gone for good. More then a few of them have surprises for you. You just may find yourself changing your opinion of some of them.

This book is literally so fast and furious that my mind is still reeling from it!

I promised you a view of the trilogy as a whole, and I give it five stars. It's absorbing and intricate and frenetic. But, I'm changing my pop culture reference. I see it more like Lord of the Rings. You could experience it in pieces, and it's pretty good. But the impact as a whole is so much greater. Take a day, or a weekend, if you can, and read them all at once. You won't be disappointed.

Reviewed by: Carrie Spellman

The year is 1868, but in the back woods of Tennessee, the Civil War is still brewing. Twelve-year-old Gnat Stokes, whose mother abandoned her at birth and whose "no-good pappy" is a "thieving Rebel," lives with her grandfather in Mary's Cove. Gnat has a reputation as a troublemaker, but secretly she just wants to learn about the world --- she loves reading, and desperately wants to go to school.

Mary's Cove is surrounded by misty, creepy swamplands, presided over by the evil Foggy Bottom Swamp Queen, Zelda, and her army of bogie monsters known as Swamp Knights. Seven years earlier, Zelda, who often takes the form of a panther, kidnapped the handsome youth Goodlow Pryce. Since then, Goodlow's sweetheart, Penelope Drinkwater, has pined over her lost love.

Gnat wants to like Penelope, but when a talking cat (soon named Eatmore Beans) delivers an enchanted locket with a cryptic message from Goodlow, Gnat intercepts it and finds herself head over heels in love with Goodlow. Soon Gnat and her three friends are on a quest to rescue Goodlow so that Gnat can become a town hero and find true love.

GNAT STOKES AND THE FOGGY BOTTOM SWAMP QUEEN is written from Gnat's perspective, in a folksy, down-home tone that lends ambience to this Appalachian tale. Inspired by the old Scottish ballad "Tam Lin," GNAT STOKES draws on many folk traditions, but also includes more modern touches such as Gnat's infatuation with LITTLE WOMEN and a running joke about the adverse effects of eating too many beans.

With its Southern tone, dramatic and humorous scenes, and unforgettable heroine, GNAT STOKES AND THE FOGGY BOTTOM SWAMP QUEEN feels like an old-fashioned yarn people used to tell around the camp fire, making it an ideal story for families to read aloud together.

--- Reviewed by Norah Piehl

Gnat Stokes And The Foggy Bottom Swamp Queen is a keeper-- touching, funny, and full of faith in the healing power of love. Sally Keehn has given us a memorable fantasy adventure told in vivid language rich with the tone of the Smoky Mountains and delivered in a fresh, authentic voice. I loved every word and the spaces in between.

The characters, even minor ones, are colorful and well-drawn. Granny Hart, collector of stories, catcher of babies, with second sight, who delivers sermons with every bath, and explains the different kinds of love with the metaphor of a many-sided love-crystal. Grandpa, with his steadfast presence, his wisdom about the importance of properly naming people and animals, and his three Idas. The newly arrived teacher, Miss Hope, with her gold tooth, her love of books, and three magic Latin words, "Amor Vincit Omnia," to be spoken as talisman when facing danger--"Love Conquers All." Eatmore Beans, a talking cat with a Scottish accent who delivers to Gnat a gold locket containing an urgent message, and then befriends wordless Baby Earl. And Gnat herself--a bona fide original, self-described as "twelve and running amok," motherless, a plucky mountain gal hungry for books and learning, an open-hearted scallywag determined to redeem herself and be a hero.

Further enhancing the enjoyment, the settings of Mary's Cove and Foggy Bottom Swamp are vividly imagined and artfully described. And the names of people and places delight: Goodlow Price, Jib Darnell, Hallelujah Pond, Devil's Notch, and my favorite, "The Francis Spittle Home For Wayward Girls." Also, the naming rituals described add an interesting layer of meaning to a story already rich with thoughtful symbols and messages.

I've enjoyed all of Sally Keehn's books, but this one has stolen my heart....

i recieve this book as a gift ,give to another friend who loves anything about Romanov's.you get information about grandduchesses who were not well know.the storys will have you to the point you can't put this book down.

Obviously the contributors are knowledgeable individuals chosen to work in areas of their expetise. A book on this subject was long over due. I think other readers will be amazed at the high quality of writing and researched details that went into this book. A repetoire of little known facts about the lives of most of these Grand Duchesses (20 or so) that have never been published elsewhere before. The readers will be enthalled by the stories and left wanting for more. I recommend it highly and for me it will prove a good book for references.

My mother sent us this simple little book. At first glance (to adult eyes), it's not much of a story (as is often the case with toddler books). But our two year old loved it. It was read several nights a week, sometimes several times each night. It was soothing and reassuring to go over those words and see the pictures again and again. A small voice would correct you if you stumbled over a phrase or missed a word. It was the first book that she pretented (through memorization) to read to some of her stuffed animals. AND now at age 5, it's the first book she took to kindergarten to read (for real) to her kindergarten teacher. She is so proud.
What's the appeal? I think my mom nailed it, the story basically describes a toddler's day. You wake up, you get up, you get dressed and go out. Simple, bold drawings are easy for small eyes to grasp, and the huge colorful scarf is just fun.
This book holds special memories for me at least, and will be one of her baby books that gets saved.

Both my 4 year old, who is learning to read, and his 19 month old sister love this book. Each page is about a colour, and this, together with rhyme, gives very good contextual clues for an early reader. "The green queen, lay in her red bed, and looked at the grey day" etc.

This remarkable work of fiction/biography/rapportage and montage is both vastly entertaining and deeply disturbing. Certainly, it is the most detailed portrait of the emotional and cultural logic of a suicide ever written. It is also a window onto the landscape of Quebec society in the 60s and 70s. All this is offered in the most accessible and playful form with multimedia annotations, and cultural excursions that carry the reader along through circle after circle in this intimate journey. Anyone who loves literature, is fascinated by human motivations, or simply wants to know more about a unique soul in its place and time, will be richly rewarded.

This is simply the most unique and impressive book I have ever come across. It weighs in at a whopping 1.6 Kg or 3 1/2lbs. After 6 straight days of reading I feel educated, voyeuristic, saddened and have a deeper sense of insight into Quebec History and Aquin's literary influences. The book, 26 years in the making, is the story of Hubert Aquin's life and ultimate death by his own 'words'. Sheppard explicitly depicts Aquin's life and death as a work of art with respect to a long tradition of such in literature and film. Through quotes, musical interludes and interviews Aquin's last violent act was a work of art by a shattered man. His life, full of tragedy (self-inflicted or otherwise), love and loss, begat several classics in Quebec Literature, namely Prochain Episode. Sheppard's book surely merits a wide audience as does the work of Aquin. I urge you to consider reading this book. Excellent value for the $$. Do pick up and read a copy... it is like jumping off a floating dock in the middle of a familiar lake of your childhood memories. You can swim safely near the tether and enjoy the security that its proximity provides, or risk wading farther away and try to touch the bottom to see how deep you can go. Metaphors aside, it is better to use Sheppard's own words from his 1969 essay, Violence and the French Canadian Male, an early critique of Aquin's first two novels, "We all must try to understand how to be worthy of it." *

* Canada: A Guide to the Peaceable Kingdom, ed. William Kilbourn. p.192.

I loved this book. It wasn't a dry historical recap, but a very funny, interesting, and informative read. There were lots of extra tidbits sprinkled throughout the book about how life was back then, and that added to the enjoyment. The illustrations were terrific and enhanced the text. I highly recommend for junior high, and even for adults!

Henry VIII and his Chopping Block is a wonderful way to get kids to actually want to read history! It's all unbelievingly true. Henry VIII is a fun and funny way to learn about England's most famous king. What were his manners like(you may not want to know)? What were the secrets of his six wives? Get the chief executioner's tips on how to die. Read the Tudor Tatler, the newspaper of the time. Get the truth on how they dressed, what they did, what they ate, and...how they died. Read Henry's "Secret Diary". Be sure to read the "For the Chop" letters which tell the real storys on famous people who died because fat Henry lost his temper(quite normal, compared to other things he did).This first quality book is complete with HISTARICAL cartoon illustrations. Buy it today.

Although the book was written for middle-schoolers, most Americans can't give a single fact about Charlemagne. His story is told in an engaging style with language appropriate for adults. Several maps and illustrations help keep track of events. It serves as a perfect introduction to Mr. Sypeck's next book, due later this year, "Becoming Charlemagne."

Mr. Sypeck has done a superb job of bringing the Holy Roman Empire to life for young readers.