Animal Books

The trapper Link and his snow dog Chiri are my favorite characters in books by Jim Kjelgaard. Link and Chiri are both natural loners who are steadfast and competent in the far northern wilderness. Chiri's mother is a big pack dog that Link had just bought. Her first litter of puppies had been killed on the trail by a cruel master. With a new litter on the way, she cleverly runs away and bears her three puppies in a windfall in the territory of a fierce black wolf that hates man and dog alike, having been shot early in life. Chiri is the biggest and most promising of her pups, and the only one who escapes from the black wolf. His mother and siblings dead, the lonely pup learns survival by necessity, and being a superior animal, becomes a strong and able hunter. The trapper Link is also strong and competent, but like the orphaned dog, he is lonely. He has dreamed of having a special dog who can be his companion in the wilderness. How he tames the great dog and together they live in nature, experiencing beauty and danger, and hunger and plenty, should make dog lovers and nature lovers of any young person who reads the book. There is a sequel that is just as good, maybe better, entitled "Wild Trek". If you liked these two books of adventure in the north, you would also like "Lost in the Barrens" and "Curse of the Viking Grave" by Farley Mowat.

This story has delicate explainations of many things for instance, the beautiful nature, the sign of each season, and the animals behaviors especially the humorous doing of the mask face puppy, Chiri. Moreover, The story has shown the relationship between dogs and men that is very impressive.

This book was one of my favorite childhood reads when I was growing up. I loved dogs, and I loved it when dogs bit back and had their own little adventures. Years later, and now a young adult, I still cherish this book, however, I now love wolves as well as dogs, and although I love how Kjelgaard describes the harsh wilds style a la Jack London, it is clear that Jack London has come first, and did something a bit better when it came to wild wolves.

Meet Queen, a Husky/Irish Wolfhound mix that is supposedly The Dog to get and a lucky trapper Link Stevens had gotten her from a good bargain. However, Queen is weary of man after being mistreated by past owners, and even more so when she is due with pups. So fleeing Stevens' cabin and his dogs, she goes off into the wild to raise her puppies in peace. Of course, as the summary already supplied, we already know Queen and two of her pups will die to a vicious black wolf with a grudge against mankind and the beasts who are slaves to men. The black wolf is the main villain in the story, the leader among a great pack of bloodthirsty wolves who follow their leader in the joyful act of killing for the sake of killing. Of course, the strongest, darkest, and bold pup survives the black wolf's vicious killing of his family by hiding deep in a hole and fighting back as the black wolf tried to dig him out. After that, the gray pup grows into a strong, wild dog who is soon captured by Link Stevens. Link names the dog Chiri and despite his many tries to break the dog in, Chiri proves to be too wild for the man to handle. After Chiri runs away from Link, the man gives up and tries to leave his cabin along with his other dogs when the weather proved too harsh to stay. However, the black wolf and his bloodthirsty pack await in the next corner, and after tense moments, Chiri comes out of nowhere, slays the bad wolf and saves the day.

The action is very well-written, the suspense there, however, the author does not seem to know anything about wolves. Given the time period that it was written in, I can't be too rigid about it, but let it be known that wolves do not travel in such a large pack, even if food is scarce. If an outside wolf ventures into their territory, they will do their best to chase it out, but they will not go out of their way into territories to make sure that tresspassing wolf is dead. They also do not kill their young if they prove to be too weak or worthless to hunt down game. Wolves also do not blunder into the snow when chasing prey. Their paws are flat, large, and they are able to walk across snow. Reading this when I am now a lot older was a bit painful because there were so many false facts about wolves in this story. Although the author had tried to give the reader that it was only the black wolf's pack who killed for the sake of killing, I couldn't help but think that he was also labeling all other wild wolves. Despite these mistakes, I'm sure you can stomach down this helping of a wild dog facing the harsh wilderness in one sitting, unless you're a rabid wolf lover, to which I think you should avoid this book like the plague.

This boook was and is still my favorite book in my collection. This is a thrilling story about a trapper named link stevens who traps in the "Black Devil's" territory.The black devil is a black woulf who was shot by a Chirikov as a puppy and in time the black wolf has killed him.
Link lost ha dog named Queen who was about to give birth to a litter of puppies.She dose and is killed by the black wolf protecting her puppies . Only the masked face puppy or Chiri survives .
This story is one of the best

I am a 50ish woman and Jim Kjelgaard was my favorite writer when I was a young reader. I found I could get his books and ordered Snow Dog and Wild Trek. As an adult I still find the writing to be better than average compared to many current best selling authors. I enjoyed reading Snow Dog and am looking forward to reading Wild Trek (which was my favorite book).

Reading Kjelgaards books, and other books about the outdoors and wilderness adventures, probably contributed to my life long love of the outdoors and my interest in the environment and conservation.

I am glad to see young readers are still enjoying his books

This book is in my top 5 favorite books ever - and I own a library. The illustrations are beautiful, and the message timeless - just go get your own copy and enjoy!

I received this book over twelve years ago by a relative when I was five years old, and it still remains a treasure on my bookshelf. There are some books that embody a sense of magic well beyond their words and after long putting this one down, the images, love of tales, and the pure passion of the myths stays with you. James C. Christensen's work very obviously could stand alone. The brilliant rich colors and original imagination very nearly breathe life into an eloquent, albeit essentially simple story. You end up `seeing' the adventure as it pans out, on the decks of the Basset as it goes sailing, looking for magic.

The story has always remained dear to me, having characters that not only do you empathize with and care for immensely but end up seeing little bits of yourself entwined in. I love the subtext with the science in a world where physics and rigid rationalities are not shunned out, but rather melded together in an appreciation of what an untamed imagination has to offer a world that works within rules and boundaries; an ideology that I have long since held with reverence and respect. That without the ingenuity and sparks of original thought, the very fuel and passion of science and humanity's natural need and compulsion to understand, would be left lackluster, without the same benefit, and without the very essence that makes us who we are.

It is a quiet little book that has interwoven themes in a light manner and stays in a genre all its own. Someone obviously cared deeply about the origins of the myths, tales, and creatures, and through the perspective of Professor Aisling you shall find footnotes telling of their backgrounds and stories. As a kid this is why I fell in love with reading, the type of thing that leaves a dreamlike quality in the waking hours and sends shivers down the spine.

As that child, I saw the excitement and adventure that often keeps a young one entertained, though also growing up through the last twelve years I have drawn depth out of it. Originating from someone young who cared little for the sensible, polite etiquette of today's society (Cassandra), to now someone who roots and thrives and builds their life off of the science of the world (Miranda), I can see myself in both daughters. I have been both daughters. The book has a story of loss in its pages, and contributes to how our dreaming and imaginative nature is often lost in light of trauma and death, and also how it can wither or steel over as we grow older; as we come to understand the world expects a certain sense of propriety out of us. The two girls here are the split halves of a sphere; the pure willingness to believe with the mind of a child, and the sensibility and maturity of a questioning nature. Neither science nor the imagination is on some level complete without the other, and here they are personified in two strong females rooted in the deep bond of family.

This will be a book to give a child that will most likely appeal to their tastes, though will always remain something accessible to those older, and something that one will never tire of picking up. It's the sort of thing that will always hold something new with each stage of life and therein lays my ardent affection for the mythology, calm wisdom, and art within its pages. A golden and heartfelt story awaits you on a neglected dock. Credendo vides, my friend.

I think that my favorite part of this book were the illustrations. Then again, I hesitate to call the pictures in this book illustration; they step into the realm of artwork. Christensen's artwork is beautiful! The colors are vivid and alive, and sometimes I couldn't turn the page because I wanted to soak in every detail. They were so real, that I had a hard time looking at Medusa's eyes because it almost seemed that they would turn me into stone if I looked.

I loved the way the story and art went hand in hand to tell the voyage of the professor and his two daughters. If you love daydreaming about fantastical journeys, this is the story for you! Everything from Greek Mythology to Mideival Legend is found by sailing with the crew of the Basset.

What great story would be complete without having an equally great message! The message of this book is as beautiful as the story and its artwork. For fear of spoiling anything, here it is in the latin: "cresendo vides!"

If you love fairy tales then this book is for you! with an excellent story and beautiful pictures, I open my book at least once a week! I highly recommened this book to all ages! A true classic!

A story about a family coping with heartache and struggling to pick back up the pieces of their torn lives. Full of whimsical illustrations and imagination. For kids and the kid at heart, the only thing you will regret is not going on this fantastic voyage of distant shores and mythical creatures.

A wonderful yarn, author combines a little suspense, authentic points of view about what life is like for a weasel, it had a very touching ending.
Bagley Brown Jr. is a literary hero in my book! The illustrations were very well done, they conveyed what the characters were feeling in the story. I felt Author and Artist got the same sense of the Wainscott Weasel's world. I recommend this work and would like to express my weaselful gratitude to the Author and Artist for making the story come to fruition.

A parent turned me onto this book several years ago. I read the book aloud to my second graders and it soon became a hit! The children begged to create a play based on the story. They then created an adapted play and performed it for the school and the parents. Since then, I've used the book each year in my classroom. I've read it to my own children and used it in classes at church. The message is strong the story is endearing. I highly recommend this book.

This is a must have for any home with Elementary age children.
We all really loved this story, full of adventure and amusing characters.

The Wainscott Weasel
Author:Tor Seidler
In this book a weasel named Zeke Whitebelly falls in love with a girl, Wendy Blackish. Bagley Brown Jr. falls in love with not Wendy but a fish named Bridget! Paddy the frog comes asking for help. Bagley cant resist when Bridgets involved. Then he finds out she has kids. Will he still help them? Find out in this amazing book about weasels helping alll creatures and how love can go far.
Review by: Frances

This was a wonderful story which takes place at a location Mr. Seidler used to visit and that means a lot to him. The weasel society enjoys life and dancing, and even has its own celebrity, Bagley Brown. Bagley has a secret crush that would raise eyebrows if it were discovered, and he questions a pretty weasel's crush on him because he's never done anything great enough to earn the honor of sharing his father's name. Circumstances happen to change his destiny, and the destiny of his tough-guy rival, Zeke Whitebelly. I liked the theme of loving someone who's different, because even in this day and age the love of someone for a person of a different color or faith still raises some eyebrows. The way the book ended was a complete surprise to me, and the description of the beautiful lake with the ocean nearby made me wish I could pay a visit.

Wooffer is a beautiful story about all sorts of animals in Wooffers daily life. Wooffer has a very kind and loving heart, and is always ready to help out his animal friends whenever they need him.
I laughed and cried about the wonderful adventures of Wooffer.

This book is for children and all adults.

So sit back and enjoy all the fun with Wooffer and his pals.

Jacqueline Rankine-Van Wassenhoven.

I can't tell you the last time I read a children's book. I read this one, though - from cover to cover in one night. In fact, I was going to finish for the evening when I was a little over halfway through, but Molly, my Bichon, wouldn't let me put the book down. We both thoroughly enjoyed it, and know what the great-grandchildren are going to get for their birthdays.

Margaret, the hen. Reginald, the rooster. Cho Lee Yen, the peacock. Marygrey,Camille, the pregnant rabbit,Sir Doodah,Sandy Crane,Pogo, Daisy,Jazzper,Ibie,Sarah,Bill ,Baby Jazzmin..WOOFFER..

You don't know them..Oh...You missed this book?Get WOOFFER...

This is the first book I enjoyed with my son and still enjoying..even he knows all the characters of this book..Time has changed ..It was the time when our granny and mummy were telling stories just keeping there hand on our forehead so we can sleep..but what do you expect that my son will sleep ?While reading WOOFFER to him he was sitting like a small alert puppy listening each and every word of Wooffer.

"Betty Fasig knows well how to get connected with the animal kingdom.If still you are unaware of animal friendship "WOOFFER" will tell you the whole thing.

In 33 stories Betty has successfully engaged each small or big animal sending some moral messages and leaves an impression on a small kid's mind..He easily recalls the character as well the related story and that's the beauty of "Wooffer"..

It's a big issue in any body's life when a book turns his/her life or changes her attitude..Practically I noticed that whenever my son is a bit off the track I remind him all the great job done by "WOOFFER" and he accepts that.Wooffer is like a "superhero" for him.

Not only children, I think even elders should also read this for may be they have forgotten some real basic moral values somewhere in their busy materailistic life..

Thank you so much Betty for this Wonderful gift....
Bhawana
[....]

A must have book for any home where children visit or live. Book of 33 short stories about a courageous little Wooffer and all his backyard and Lester Field friends. The child in you will fall in love with this book.

" Woofer, Stories You Can Read to Your Dog (and Other Children,)"
by Betty Fasig
is a collection of stories from the viewpoint of this delightful
dog. One truly steps over the threshold into Woofer's world; you see everything from the (quite low to the ground) dog's viewpoint. Every
tale is a charming saga from the life of Woofer and his friends.
Not since Anna Sewell have I read works that offer an animal's view
point this way. The stories are wonderfully suited for younger
audiences, and the action as well as the characters will enthrall
them. Actually, this adult reader must admit to being thoroughly
enthralled, as well .
There are many clever descriptions, fun puns, and unusual twists
to be discovered within the stories. My favorite is the squirrel
family who are all " Branch Executives," but a close second is the
mouse family "of thousands." Throughout, country animals are
featured, from everyday birds to the newcomers Sandy and Sandra
Crane, and all the small animals one does not think about
ordinarily.
The writer here truly looked outside the human world, to find
interaction and wonderful, engaging stories going on right in her
back garden. This lovely book is a wonderful reminder of what fun
it can be to read.
Nancy Lindley-Gauthier

Books arrived within seven days of purchase - excellent service when you consider they travelled more than 12,000 miles to Australia.

Excellent, elegant, always fascinating. Something the you shouldn't miss in your library. A great way to introduce Miss Potter's work to your chindren.

I've bought the books for the kids I will have someday, but the beautiful box was damaged when I opened it. I've tried to return it, but the shipment costs are high... Amazon should be more responsable for it! But the histories are lovely...

I bought this box as a gift to my family, as we have always loved the stories by Beatrix Potter. We've had a couple of books standing in the bookshelf since we (the parents of the family) were small ourselves. We have two boys ages 6 and 3, and both of them have fallen in love with Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny and the rest of the animals.

The box itself is both handy and pretty, and we placed it directly in our bookshelf. The books inside are the same as the ones that can be bought separately, and they all contain Potter's beautiful artwork and well-written stories.

All in all we, the whole faily, are very pleased with this buy. It just couldn't get better.

I'm also really pleased with the prices here at Amazon, as we would have to pay about $300 for this boxed set in Norway.

This is a wonderful collection in a beautiful box. I purchased it for my daughter's first birthday because I wanted to get her something more lasting than a toy. I was given the 12 book collection as a child, and The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin was the first book I ever read by myself. I remember loving how the small books were perfectly suited to my small hands. (Thus, if you are thinking about getting the book with the complete collection in one, I would not recommend it for a child. It would be better for a budget conscious person to get a collection with fewer books.) The stories are so appealing and timeless, and the illustrations are just beautiful. The price may be high, but I consider it to be an investment, and one that I highly recommend.

This is one of those books I found as a child AFTER seeing the Disney movie and reading that it was based on a book. As usual, the book is so much better! If you've never read this book, but you're fond of the movie, or of dogs, you will love it. The story is truly heart-warming, and I love that certain scenes are oh-so familiar if you've seen the movie, but so much of the story is completely new! Did you know Perdita is NOT the name of the "leading lady"? That's all I'll say about the actual story, but please, read it for yourself, even if you don't have kids. It's a wonderful read-aloud book, too--the first time my husband ever heard about this book was when I made him lie down and let me read it to him. We didn't have a child then, so now we get to share it with our son, too. Truly, a wonderful book. However, just so you know--the second book is not nearly so good! I own both of them, but I probably won't read the second one more than one more time, when I read it to my son. It's just not at all the same thing--aliens in London? Anyway, read 101 Dalmations and I know you'll enjoy it!

I loved this book I read it when I was very young, I fell in love with it then, I lost the book and for years thought of getting it again. I feared that I would not like it as much, it was as I remembered, and not the Disney version. I still love the book it did not let let me down. It made me laugh, cry and now understand my dog a little more (ha ha)

I owned this book by Dodie Smith when I was a boy. I loved it and from this story I developed an even stronger love for dogs and animals in general. Written in a most loving way, the story takes us beyond the later Disney film's watered down presentation of the story and dives deep into the realm of dogs. We discover the magic of "dogdom" and how dogs of every kind communicate with each other and with their humans (as Dodie states, and I am certainly paraphrasing, dogs own their humans, but let them think they own the dogs because it is so sweet!)

I have only one complaint about this publication of the book. the illustrations are just short of atrocious. I had an earlier edition of the book that had wonderful drawings that clearly were created with a real understanding of the story and what Dodie was trying to say. The illustrations in this edition look like they were pulled from someone's generic dog clip art. They are technically fine in their own right (I could NEVER draw like that), but they just don't capture the magic of the book.

If you can look past the illustrations, this is a wonderful story and a well written book.

101 Dalmations has appeal to dog lovers of all ages, breeds and sizes.

Dodie Smith - Thanks for leaving this gem for all to share.

This is a charming and delightful book that is deserving of its status as a classic of children's literature.

It takes a dog's eye view of the world, and features as its heroes Pongo and Missis, a pair of Dalmatians whose litter of puppies disappears one day.

As they set off to reunite their family, they find themselves in a struggle against the illegal coat-making operation of one Cruella Deville, an iconic villainess whose name and passion for high temperatures hint that she may be the devil incarnate.

The book becomes a fantastic quest book that takes place in the heart of England. The adult dalmatians find friends and foes along their path, and end up liberating nearly a hundred little puppies.

Smith has fun with the details and logistics of feeding, disguising, and transporting the refugee puppies, and young readers will enjoy learning the particulars of the secret lives of dogs.

The original animated movie adaptation is a good and fairly faithful movie in its own right, but the book is better by far.

Some parents might shy away from the book because of the gruesome idea that Cruella literally skins her young charges, but I think that the darker elements are an integral part of the winning tone, which refrains from talking down to children.

Highly recommended!

I won my tattered, dog eared, Disyned-fied copy of "100 Dalmatians" in a school auction when I was 7 years old. I learned to read late because I'm dyslexic (hence any bad spelling you may notice) so this was the first real chapter book that I ever owned and the very first I read.

It was great. This is a fabulous novel for all ages but especially for kids. I'm not going to re-hash the plot because I think the whole world knows it by now. The themes of good parenting, loyalty, and of course, good, intelligent, kind dogs are things that every child should learn. It is true that this book contains some talk of puppy killing, which didn't disturb me, and I'm guessing that today's 7 year olds wouldn't be scared by it either.

Another reason to read, or let your child read this book is that it will encourage a love of dogs, and having grown up with dogs every minute of my life, I can tell you having one (or more) helps immensely in all kinds of situations, social and otherwise. It provides an example of love and loyalty, as well as the responsibility involved in feeding and caring for a dog. However on that note Dalmatians, contrary to the lovable Pongo, Missus and Perdita in this book, do not make good dogs for children. They don't have the temperament for it. If you read this book and decide to get a dog for your child (an excellent idea) I recommend a good old fashioned mutt (they're smarter because they're not inbred) or a border collie, which can actually be trained to be nannies for children because of their sheep herding instincts.

Anyway, five stars. Great for the whole family, and an excellent way to encourage reading in a child of any age. At 18 years old I still love reading this book. And the sequel, "The Twilight Barking" isn't half bad either.

Considering how well known a fact it is that infants are most intrigued by black and white objects and pictures, we had the hardest time finding many books that offered them. We were very pleased to find this book on Amazon. We ordered it when our son was 4 weeks old, and he's very drawn to the pages. It is great to see which animals peak his interest and as he has grown (10 weeks now), it still entertains him. You can tell it is stimulating because his expressions totally change with each new page.

This is a great addition to your infant's library.

I was skeptical but decided to give the black and white books a chance. I'm so glad I did. My daughter loves them, especially this one with its happy animal faces. When she sees the dalmatian puppy, she smiles, kicks, punches, and laughs. This book is well worth the few dollars it costs.

This hardboard book has large, full page black and white drawings. Each page features a different animal-bunny, cat, etc. This is a great infant and toddler book to practice naming and labeling animals.

Bought a few black and white books and have been showing them periodically since our baby has been only a few days old. He will stare at the book and study things. I've only gotten through the cover and one page but I can see the images really capture the babies attention. Will be using it for months to come. Very nice illustrations. Highly recommended.

I ordered this book after reading that newborns are most stimulated by black and white images. I was amazed when I held the book up for my 3-week old to look and he actually looked at it and focused on each of the pages, scanning back and forth. It was really neat to see him paying such close attention to something at such an early age.

Adoption is supposed to be an act of goodness, but there are those who would corrupt it. "The Baby Thief: The Untold Story of Georgia Tann, The Baby Seller Who Corrupted Adoption" tells of Memphis-based black market baby merchant Georgia Tann, who operated from the 1920's to the 1950's conning mothers out of their children or just out and out kidnapping them, only to turn around and sell them to the wealthy to claim as their own. Her orphanage was applauded in spite of its horrifically high death rate. She habitually hid adoption records, a practice that has unfortunately become standardized in today's adoption industry. An expose of a dark individual who treated babies worse than cattle, "The Baby Thief" reveals why, despite its more stringent modern regulations, modern adoption needs to rethink some of its practices (such as sealing records). Highly recommended.

This book exposes the history of adoption in the United States, particularly its corrupt underside. The book addresses four themes:

1. Changes in attitudes about adoption, as well as adoption laws, in the past 100 years.

2. Corruption in adoption, embodied in "The Baby Thief," Georgia Tann. This includes the long-term impact on her victims.

3. Georgia Tann's long-term impact on society as a whole, including her lasting impact on today's adoption laws.

4. A call to revise adoption laws.

It's an engaging read, but loses a star for several instances of repetitive information.

Definitely recommended.

Georgia Tann ran an adoption agency from the 1920s until the 1950s. Supported by a corrupt government, she stole children from poor Memphians and sold them across the country to wealthy families. She ignored background checks and rated people by the amount of money they could pay her. As a result, children were torn from their mothers arms, sometimes right after their births, and many were placed in abusive families. Some tricked mothers never saw their children again. Raymond has a personal interest in the story as an adoptive mother herself, and her enthusiasm makes for a quick read. Her interviews with people who knew Tann and the people affected by her shady practices are excellent additions.

Raymond does a good job of getting at as much information as she can, and this book is well researched. However, I would have liked to know a bit more about the celebrity cases involved. Christina Crawford is perhaps the most famous Georgia Tann adoptee; why wasn't she discussed? Was she stolen from her birth parents? Pamela Powell is also mentioned; Dick Powell threatened to fight if her birth parents tried to reclaim her. Whatever happened to that case?

Overall, this is a good read and not just for people with a specific interest in adoption.

Excellent recollection of a horrible, horrible time in our so-called Democratic Society. I appreciate the efforts of the author and all who helped her. I wish Steven Speilberg would turn this into one of his epics. His Holocaust movie set in motion positive reactions, respect and awareness. Let's hope he can bring this to fruition. But more importantly-the research presented here and the stories told should affect our Elected Officials and our Supreme Court....they should OPEN ALL THE RECORDS sealed because of the manipulation of a criminal, evil woman and her corrupt support system. As an adoptee I want to know who I am-it is my constitutional right to know. To quote Alex Haley:"In all of us there is a hunger, marrow deep, to know our heritage, to know who we are, and where we have come from. Without this enriching knowledge, there is a hollow yearning; no matter what our attainments in life, there is the most disquieting loneliness." Alex Haley Thank you again Barbara-Bravo

A couple of years ago I watched a docudrama on A & E starring Mary Tyler Moore as the depraved monster Georgia Tann. When I searched for a book written about Georgia Tann and the Tennessee Children's Home Society, I found this one and read it in two days. It was riveting, thought-provoking, and heartbreaking. What a shame that her lies were not exposed years earlier when more of her victims may have had the opportunity to reunite with their loved ones. She and her cronies destroyed countless lives with their deceitful practices, and I hope that this book will create an awareness of people who prey on others so that history can never repeat itself in this way.

Robin Jarvis's Dark portal is an exiting, action filled thriller.Some might say it is a weird and an odd topic,but the characters being mice and rats gives the story an extra push, rather than cats and dogs.Everybody reads about cats and dogs.I like this book mainly for 2 reasons:1.there is lots of violence and action. & 2.when you read certain parts where she refers to other events it kind of makes you reread the event she is talking about so you can completly get understand what is going on.
Children 10 and younger probably shouldn't read this book because of the major violence and gore(fighting and blood).

I really enjoyed reading this book and found it nearly immposible to put it down and I would think about it during the time I wasn't reading it. I don't generally enjoy books about animals, but this one was fantastic. The society of mice and bats and rats were fantasticily conciveed by Jarvis, who clearly delivered all aspects of the story. I plan to purchase the second one as soon as possible!

it is the first book in the trilogy and is a great book. the end leaves you thinking that there isn't anymore, but just wait till you read the Crystal Prison. anyway, this is one of the best book having talking mice and other animals. way better than what i have read of the Red Wall series.

The Dark Portal by Robin Jarvis is 5 stars for excitement and survival.
Albert's life is on the line and his daughter Audrey would risk her life to save him. Albert is very kind hearted and is near death in the scariest place that any mouse would want to go! Will Audrey be able to save her father or will they be eaten by those horrific rats?
I life this book because it shows us that mice have a life that is just like ours.
This book is recommended for all kids that love excitement and really dark places.

I just don't like rats. They are vile and digusting creatures. I don't like planet Jupiter either. It is a dumb name.

I recently purchased this cookbook. It is really outstanding - the authors carefully chose the recipes to include here. The blueberry summer cake was a hit this week - my guests couldn't get enough and weren't shy about taking every last piece of it with them. The Puerto Rican Bean dish is outstanding as well. The recipes are less complicated than some I've come across, which I really appreciate. The photographs are also helpful in guiding you as you prepare a dish. I highly recommend this. It is quickly moving to the top of my favorite cookbook list.

The vegan recipes offered in this book will excite your taste buds and rekindle your passion for good food. A wonderfully health conscious collaboration of recipes, from various chefs, authors and the people at Friends of Animals with a great personal touch from Priscilla Feral. Family friendly recipes like Wheat free wild rice pancakes (pg.8) and scrambled tofu (pg. 11) keep the kid's complaint free through breakfast. There is a great range of sophisticated to super simple recipes to satisfy any taste.

While i personally tend to simply wing it when cooking and rarely use recipes or cookbooks, my friend Heather Steel also from Victoria, BC asked if i could post her review of Dining with Friends since she s had such positive experiences, which has inspired me to want to crack it OPEN as well!

Here s Heather s review:

When I m trying to decide what to bring for a potluck, this is the first book I take off the shelf. So far, every recipe I have tried from this book has been a huge success! This is the first recipe book I can actually make such a positive statement about. No matter how accurately I try to follow a recipe there are usually at least one or two recipes in a vegan cookbook which flop - especially in the baked goods section. I ve tried over half of the recipes in Dining With Friends are they have ALL turned out ultra delicious. Most are quite easy to prepare with common vegan ingredients and yet their presentation is really quite unique. I m particularly impressed with the dessert section ... the Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake, for example, looks unbelievable elegant and is a unique addition to vegan and non-vegan tables alike. It is fun to prepare these dishes for non-vegans and totally change their mis perceptions of vegan food. Another bonus about this book is the Raw Foods section which contains yummy, enzyme-rich treats for the tummy. Even if you re not into raw, most of the dishes in this book contain relatively healthy ingredients so you can feel doubly good about eating them as their good for you and for the rest of the animals on the planet.

As a NYC resident, there are fantastic restaurants and prepared food geared towards vegans here, so it takes a lot for me choose to create my own gourmet meals.

Dining With Friends inspired me to spend more time preparing some truly delicious and classic recipes and to share them with others. The first recipe I tried was the Cashew Cream Lasagna, and not only did it knock my socks off, it impressed several non-vegetarians at a holiday gathering to no end. One taster refused to believe it was vegan, due to the exquisite and rich cheesiness of the dish. I'd formerly thought of vegan lasagna as rather boring until this recipe-now it's my first choice for bringing to events and for impressing those wary of plant-based cuisine.

My latest favorite for winter months is the Vegetable Bisque-a delicious and comforting soup which melts in your mouth and has just the right amount of texture and creaminess. As someone who was never a big fan of tempeh, I've since changed my opinion after making the Tempeh London Broil. This dish is simply spectacular and goes will with almost any side dish you can think of. As for desserts, I can guarantee that anyone who makes the Key Lime Pie will adore it as much as I do!

No kitchen is complete without this cookbook, so I encourage anyone to but a copy (or several) as gifts for friends and family. It just might inspire you the way it inspired me!

Dining with Friends has many great vegan recipes that my family and I have enjoyed. The Lentil Orzo Casserole is fabulous and the Cashew Cream Lasagna was a huge hit. My teenage sons lapped up the Cream of Broccoli soup. The recipe for Braised Brussel Sprouts is a tasty new way to prepare this often overlooked vegetable. They were so good that my son and I ate them all and had none to bring to the Thanksgiving dinner we attended. Aah, the vegan cookie dough! Very easy to prepare and the Thumbprint Cookies were gone within hours. I had planned on making the Snowy Almond Crescents however, those same teenage hands got into the dough and that was the end of that. At least I didn't have to worry about salmonella poisoning since this was vegan dough after all and contains none of the cruel and unhealthy animal products. I look forward to trying many more of the recipes in this beautifully prepared cookbook.