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This is apparently a classic camp song - not one I ever heard growing up, though.

My nieces request this book a *minimum* of once a week (and usually, once they request it, they want me to read it over and over again to boot!), and we love it every time. Then they often want me to help them reenact the story - I'll be the bear, then they'll be the bear, then the teddy bear will be the bear....

If you're paying attention as you read it, you can even see the various members of the family change their mood as the story goes on and they get hit with various forms of minor disasters.

My 3 year old son loves this book. When we go for a walk around the neighborhood, he wants to pretend that we are going on a "bear hunt" and we recite the book. Great book for imagination.

Quite simply a children's classic. My 2.5year old loves this book. We also recommend checking out the Michael Rosen reading of this book on You Tube.

I can't imagine not having this in the board book version with my next child! I actually found my copy at Potterybarnkids and I was so excited and so was my child the first time we read it. It's simply so classic, it totally a read-a-loud story every page has some new exciting nature noise to sound out and the repetition is perfect for little ears. I started reading this to my daughter around 18mos and a year later she still loves it! A must for toddler libraries!

I loved this book and song as a child...so I thought that I would get it for my little one. Well it came and the pages are in reverse order and upside down...oh well.

Janice Kleinschmidt's amusing and engaging writing style works its magic on Earth: The Musical. Can't wait to see the finale, which I look forward to reading.

I was drawn into the story immediately. Kleinschmidt combines unlikely words with wit and intelligence, weaving a tale that I want to keep reading. Bravo!

Janice Kleinschmidt's character development and dead on descriptions of time and place hit a genuine note in this too short sample of Earth The Musical. The first few pages leave you grinning in anticipation of the rest of the novel. An imaginative and fantastic romp through Palm Springs and galaxies beyond! -- Julie Rogers , Palm Springs

Fun to read, very entertaining. Janice Kleinschmidt's humorous wit makes you laugh out loud, and the author's vivid descriptions create a sense of being right there - like a "fly on the wall". The excerpt left me in suspense! When can we read what happened to Rollie Moon and his encounter with the deep purple eyed woman-slash-alien?

As a lover of science fiction I was easily drawn in to connect with Earth: The Musical. Ms Kleinschmidt has created a suspensful beginning to an extraterrestrial encounter which draws the reader to want to participate (at least intellectually) in this fun, intraspacial romp. I'd rate it highly just for the development of Rolli's character and background as much as for the popular and literary illustions drawn in chapter one. This is a definite "Read me."

Couldn't stop thinking of my time in Italy and the family stories I've heard. Seems authentic...nice pace...what happens next????

Excellent job. can't wait to read the entire book. Such an interesting setting and premise for the book. Makes me want to visit Italy

Meryl McQueen's use of language is exquisite.

In ONLY SALT REMAINS, she paints a vivid picture of a tiny Italian village. So lyrical is her prose that one can smell the air there, see the houses, hear the sounds. Her understanding of this place seems to be thorough and complete.

McQueen has created an intricate and clever plot which would thwart a lesser author. This story is gripping. The author has a full understanding of the relationship between brothers -- both the affection and the rivalry -- and of the interconnected feelings of extended families.

I look forward to reading a full-length work by Ms. McQueen.

As the imaginary makes one feel the warm sun together with the two main characters that stand out as real people, one feels compelled to find out how the plot evolves. Even though the narration is somewhat rough around the edges, the well-developed characters immediately grab one's interest. The setting provides a detailed backdrop that appears natural in all aspects. The speedy introduction of a "mystery" and the brewing "love conflict" make this introduction more reminiscent of a detective thriller, but they sit well in a short excerpt for catching one's attention. There is great potential both in this story and in the author.

In this excerpt Meryl McQueen confidently sets the scene for her novel with graphic, well-researched descriptions of the location (Solunno, Sicily), main characters (orphaned brothers Francesco and Antonio Vigneri) and the harsh realities of daily life working the saltpans of Sicily in the mid 1930's. Much of the storyline is kept hidden but the reader is left with the bare outlines of a double tragedy that orphaned the Vigneri brothers eight years previously as well as hints of underlying tension between the two brothers themselves and also between them and their paternal uncle Mauro and aunt Pia. Circumstances have made life a struggle for the brothers and conservative small village ostracism has left them social outcasts in their community. Many questions surface in the mind of the reader, the answers to which can only come from the complete novel.
The style of writing and the intermittent use of local dialect seem to constantly remind the reader of the novel's Sicilian setting.

Very unexpected twist - time travel to tzarist Russia to save Anna Karenina! Bravo! Very brave and imaginative! And it works.

I enjoyed the first chapter of Yanina's novel...Intriguing start...Looking forward to the rest of the book.

I'll be buying it. With action propelled by tight accessible prose, interspersed with thoughtful rhetorical flourishes, what's not to like? Especially appealing is the prospect of revisiting Tolstoy's stomping grounds as both contemporary and historical settings. Looking forward to reading on.

The writer provides us with a very descriptive, philosophic and literate view of Moscow present day and near past and then smoothly guides the reader into the far past. Smartly written, but her personal obsession isn't all that interesting after she gets to her point. She ends the chapter flat. There's no hook for me to read on although the quality of her writing might get me into more chapters. I hope that she continues to compare/contrast the old and the new of Russia an introspection not that common to we Canadians.

This felt alienating. I'm not sure who the narrator is speaking to; I'm not sure when it's taking place. I felt distanced from the story in this small excerpt.

What a great beginning! I'm a sucker for interesting worlds, and this seems to promise a well-thought out and well-developed one. I generally don't read noir, and so I can't yet feel for the characters, but the chase scene and the little details made for a fast and engrossing read. I hope to read more of this!

All in all I'd say I am very impressed by what I've seen so far in this book. Be that as it may, one gets the sense while reading that all Subspace needs to bring it to the forefront of modern science fiction is a thorough pass by a talented editor.
The characters and setting are clearly top notch, but unfortunately the pacing - particularly the rate at which invented words are introduced - tends to bog the reader down. A little jargon here and there can pique curiosity and draw the reader in; but introducing four, five, six new terms before the reader has time to figure out what the first three mean for page after page is simply asking us to juggle too many balls at once.
To conceive of a new and vigorous universe is the mark of a good writer, and Justin Robinson has clearly achieved that. Is there a great novel here? Yes. Absolutely. Unfortunately one has to dig a little more than most casual readers would be comfortable with.
That said, I must be fair to insist that once the setting is established, once the politics of the era is set in perspective, once the new lexicon is metabolized, there is one hell of a story here.

Blending genres can be as risky as performing oral surgery on a cranky Sarlacc that declined the anesthetic. Chances are you're going to get bit, and it's going to hurt something fierce. In his debut novel "Subspace", Mr. Robinson has woven a seamless blend of Noir and Science Fiction sure the please the fans of well written stories set in either milieu.

The beginning of this excerpt is tense and fascinating. I was eager to know why Montoya was moving so quickly and who was chasing her. The description of the corridors in Santiago was vivid and interesting, and the author managed to reveal details about this world without slowing down the action.

There are some excellent details about how a world without gravity would function, as in the description of the bar that included where the bar was, where the tables were, and how the patrons would stay where they belonged.

I was a bit lost in the slang of this world. Some I could pick up through context, but other words I thought could have been saved until later, when I would have been able to get a better idea of what they meant.

Ramirez's inner conflict about Montoya's plea is interesting, and his character is obviously very complex. I liked him and would be interested in learning much more of his story. The history of Ramirez, Montoya, and Calderon is enlightening and creates the opportunity for a great deal of tension between the characters of Ramirez and Montoya.

So far this was a fascinating story, and I was disappointed not to have the opportunity to read more of it.

The author of Subspace has created a richly believable zero gravity world. Vibrant descriptions and colorful details draw the reader in, and make him believe - I could smell the odors of the world. The pace of the story is perfect; it keeps moving while continuing to impart interesting information to the reader. The description of the bar is excellent, completely adding to the zero gravity feel.

The slang adds to the story; however, I did feel that it needed some accompanying explanation. Most of it I was able to puzzle out, but this did slow down my comprehension and enjoyment of the story as a whole. Also, some of the characters need the same depth and detail as the world the author has created. At times, they felt a bit shallow or underdeveloped.

All in all, this is a fun, fast-paced read.

I love this book and recommend it. It is an easy read, but more importantly the book touches on the basics of persuasion and gives the reader a better understanding of how, where, and what to focus on in order to be persuasive. Truly enjoyable book!

5 A.M. & Already Behind

As a physician I see the result of years of trial and error with people trying to get somewhere in their lives by doing the same thing.

Dave Lakahni's book is about common sense and teaches the skills that people need to communicate both verbally and physically. It shows a wonderful understanding of an art that is logical and usable.

Everyone who has barriers should read this book!

Dr. Don Kennedy

I finished this fantastic book during a three hour flight across country. It is that good. Dave Lakhani writes in style that draws yyou in and keeps you interested. If it sounds like I am reviewing a fiction title it should, the book reads that well.

I have an extensive persuasion library and this book is in my top three. If you read, studied and applied what is in this book you will amaze yourself with what you can accomplish.

Highly Recommended

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R5Z16KDSC08AM A two minute review of Dave Lakhani's "Persuasion"Persuasion: The Art of Getting What You Want

I am overwhelmed by the content of the book and the kind of new thought process I am experiencing. The outlook has changed a lot especially because of the kind of work I am doing (Online Marketing). There were few changes I made immediately, specially adding the word "curious" as I could feel how this would work when applied on me.

There is so much that can be written about the way book can influence your work specially in the field of marketing, but don't forget the difference between Manipulation and Persuasion before you apply the principle in your real life, with friends, families, acquaintances as the principle are effective in these areas as well.

In one sentence, this book has the "the basic principles of survival" that has not been discussed so deeply till now.

Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul; 102 Stories to Give Kids Courage, Hope, Laughter

This book is more than just a book. My friends and I have read it and we agree that it's an awesome book.

My wife loves this book. I get tired of the same fables with pictures. It's nice to read something that peaks the child's curiosity and allows discussion about meaningful things.

I bought this book for my little daughter, but I ended up reading it, too. It had good, inspirational stories about kids. I really enjoyed it.

Chicken Soup for the Kids Soul
JAck Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Kimberly Kirberger, Mitch Claspy
K. Gan
P. 6

This book is what everything a kid goes through. They go through love, friendship problems, family problems and attitude a justment. Every kid should get this book because this book has the answers to your problems. No matter what situation, good or bad, this book does have the answers. This book shares a lot of problems a kid goes through and a lot of good times in their childhood. For me, i don't dislike the book, i really love it!
As I was growing up, I had a lot of problems. One of my problems was the fact that my bestfriend was moving. In this book, it says "But the more i thought about it, the more I realized I wasn't really losing her. The person taught me so much in life and laughter, the person who had helped me grow to be myself, was just going away for a while, to do some growing and learning up of her own." This quote is really true. The person who taught me so much is still here with me. I think that he just needs to keep learning. He was always there for and he made an impact in my life that no matter where he is, he is always going to be apart of me.
This book teaches a kid not to take things for granted. Lately, I been taking time for granted. Me and my brother has been really distance in the last few years. Me and him are seven years apart and we and him never really talked. In one short story in the family section it says " Hey Tova,It's me Sara. I just called to tell you I love you." This quote is a good quote. In this story, Tova is travaling to Egypt to study by herself. Her sister, Sara, is a few years younger then her. Sara wanted to be everything her sister is, so she copied everything she did. On the night Tova left, Sara noticed how quiet it is without her older sister so she cried all night. She then got the courage to call her and say I love you and she did. I wish that I could do this, so this short story gave me the courage too.
I have no favorite part in the book because everything in this book is really usefull in a kids life. This book covers every aspect in a kids life. Turning from a kid to a teenager, this book has it all. I advise every kid to read it because it's really handy when your in need.

I have not read this book, but my nine year old daughter has read and enjoyed most of it. Last night though, she cried herself to sleep after reading graphic stories (near the end of the book) by an incest victim whose father was sent to jail and the daughter of an injection drug user who woke up one night with police pointing guns at her. I'm sure the inclusion of these stories was well-intentioned, but there's no way they are "chicken soup" for the average kid's soul.

The story is engaging and interesting from the start. I was drawn immediately to the realism of Honor's character, absorbed by her thoughts and feelings, and intrigued by her challenges. I enjoyed the psychological nature of the story and I am curious to find out more about Instil and the healing dreams. Also, did Honor really dispense with her Instil stocks or would she try them herself?

I like the conversational style of writing and the integration of dialogue and activity as Carrie and Isabelle make the find in the attic. I would like to discover more about the links between the women of the past and the future.

I got into the story very quickly due to Voula's descriptive and conversational style of writing, the interesting characters and intriguing content and I really am curious to find out more... 2 chapters is not enough!

An intriguing start. I immediately related to Honor, at many levels. The novel's style begins with descriptive story and dialogue, which introduce us to the characters and the themes of; family, spanning time, psychology, relationships, aspirations , forgiveness..........
Voula Grand manages to involve the reader as if they are part of this extended family.
The story is told at a fast pace with a crisp, clear narrative. And develops effortlessly, weaving in the characters as they are introduced to us. I so enjoyed reading about the creative possibilities of, for example, Instil and the YiasYias. I truly look forward to rejoining this family dynasty and reading the full story of "Honor's Ghost".

It's clear even from this excerpt that Ms. Grand has tied together a number of both timely and forward-looking themes. The notion that a pharmaceutical company would cancel a new drug because it works too well to be profitable certainly rings true in this cynical age.

She then extrapolates a plausible near-future in which to explore the direction of our society, and the way that same drug would impact it. The foundation set in these two chapters promises a good read.

The prose is smooth, and the dialogue flows naturally. I look forward to the rest of the book.

I really enjoyed the chapters for the review and it left me wanting to read more. How will the connection with the 2 generations develop? I wanted to find out more about Honor and her part in the story. The characters were engaging. When we jumped forward I liked voula's 'future'. The 1st chapter was informative without being too complicated with psychology. I look forward to reading the rest.

Why did the drug company halt clinical trials when the drug was such a raging success? The patient, a woman who had been abused by her father, reported being visited by her grandmother in a dream and was now able to heal and move on. The attending psychiatrist, Dr. Honor Sinclair, is stunned when the drug company decides to withdraw the drug.

Then the story skips two generations into the future. Isabelle Raith, Honor's great-granddaughter, finds Honor's picture as she is cleaning out the attic...

This is an exceptionally well-written excerpt, with a fine mystery set up in the reader's mind. An intriguing element is the interaction passing down through generations of women, adding a touch of tribal myth to this very modern story. Although this is billed as a psychological novel, there are futuristic and science fiction elements here that should make it attractive to sci-fi fans as well. One really hates to see the excerpt end.

The best reading experience is being taken to a different time and place by a protaganist who captures your heart. Possum propels you into her world with a unique voice. Her feelings become your own. Grieving and spunk combine in this rich character. No, not a character, church truth Possum is living, breathing real. I look forward to the rest of her story.

This tale has the ring of truth to a Southern girl who also experienced deep grief as a child. Ms. Laso shows her impressive talent not only by writing in the voice of a 10-year-old girl, but also by sprinkling in clever sentences that zing with insight ("Plus the big rock stuck in the throat ... it's hard to get past, words out or food in." "And the people left behind have to find the way and the will to crush the quiet before it crushes them."). Ms. Laso has accurately conveyed the dialect, successfully captured the sensations of grief and carefully balanced pain and humor to produce an honest, bittersweet account of an emotionally charged phase of life.

I loved keeping company with Possum and her Southern friends. The setting brought me back to the hours I shared with Lee Harper's Scout and the evenings I spent with John Boy on Walton's Mountain. Possum's narrative and Maria Lazo's lyrical voice told a tender story about painful life transitions- a timeless theme that's relevant in any era and local. In Possum's words, "I was so full of sorrow, I don't guess I would've had the strength to blow the dander off a danderlion." And yet, remarkably, eventually she was able to go "back to doing the things that needed doing, like shooing crows out of Momma's pecan tree, helping Daddy in his woodshed, and naming cloud animals, among my other chores and daily travels. Felt like I had a good hold on things." Learning how to get a 'good hold of things' despite loss and pain is a lesson for not only Possum, but everyone who loves.

Maria D. Laso's ability to draw in this reader to Possum's world was evident from the story's first line. Ms. Laso paints a vivid, textured portait of an earlier time and place that breathes with authenticity. Possum speaks as a child but with a wisdom not found in many of the adults in her world. I was truly sad the excerpt ended when it did. I long to find out what happens with Possum, her dad and the brown lady. "The Morning Come" is a first-rate work by a talented writer.

From the first sentence, Possum's engaging voice and perceptive nature drew me in. The "down home" language lends a rhythm to the sentences, creating a charming first person narrative of this coming of age story of a young girl growing up in 1930's Appalachia and coming to grips with loss, loyalty and love. Her mother and new baby sibling has died in childbirth and Liz Betty "Possum" and her father are left with "sorrow storming inside" and must, as Possum says "find the way and the will to crush the quiet before it crushes them." Possom's humorous turns of phrases resonate with the naive wisdom of an observant, quick-minded, self-confident young girl, and make for delightful reading.

The first chapter introduces Possum and her father each dealing with grief in their own way and the Crow Ladies who come "...fixing to stick their beaks in our business." Possum handles the Crow Ladies with resourceful mischief. In the course of the narrative of the next two chapters we meet Miz Justice, a near-blind old lady with a touch of the Sight, Possum's friend June May, who is ten, a year younger than Possum, and whom Possum describes as having "a coon's compass for a brain," and a Yankee lady, newly come to town, whose charm Possum mistrusts right away. In three chapters, skillfully written, Maria D. Laso presents what promises to be an entrancing coming of age story.

Words are not enough to describe this beautifully written and illustrated book. You should experience the descriptive, poetic words and haunting drawings of a young boys rite of passage. All ages would enjoy the well told story. This is a must read!


Owl Moon

I used this book in my classroom as an example for my students to write thier own story. My 3rd and 4th graders loved the story and it worked great for the lesson I was teaching.

My grandaughter fell in love with this book from the library and Granpa had to buy it for her birthday. It is very well illustrated and well written, Granpa never tires of reading it to her, as she never tires of hearing it. In a market filled with children's books of dubious merit or worth, this is well worth it, to read, to buy, to have in the library of a young reader on her way to a lifetime of reading.

I ordered this book based on the reviews found on amazon. I was looking for a nature oriented book for my 2 year old son. This has become, by far, one of our favorite family bedtime stories. The illustrations are beautiful. The story is heart warming and real. My husband loves to read it as much as I do. This is a classic in our library and will remain so for many, many years.

I like Jane Yolen's work - the children do too (lol). But Owl Moon is probably the most poetic of her works that we have read. The word choice and imagery is wonderful; soft and soothing. You can hear the crunch of snow, and feel the biting cold.

Like the others I give it 5 stars, and would add that it makes for a good bed-time book.

Five Stars. Top notch Read-aloud. Artwork is nice, in darker shades than Yolen's other works. Perhaps not quite as nice in detail, but well suited to the story.