Boards Books

My 8-month old loves these books. The pictures are simple but endlessly fascinating to him, and the message is simple and clear. I read this, "Yummy-Yucky" and "Quiet-Loud" every day to him and he never tires of them. (I cannot say the same for every book I want to read to him.)

My daughter is 17 months old and I am now buying this book for the second time because she has already overused her old one. At one point she was just bringing me pages and seemed so disappointed when all I could do was turn the cardboard over. I eventually had to just throw the pages away and get a new one.

Cute board book for little ones. Its even cuter when I catch my just turned 4 yr old reading it to her 18 month old sister.

The illustrations in this book are incredible, bright, rich and so beautiful to look at. There are only a few words on each page which is really great for the littlest of kids. They'll sit through this one, for sure! This is a must own book!!!

This book became an instant favorite with our 5 month old baby. She loves the smiling baby on each page and the bold colors capture her eye. Great book for little ones.

Although my baby is only 8 weeks old we already have lots of baby books that have been given to us. But I liked that your books have the purpose of "bonding" with baby. The fact that some proceeds go to charity made it doubly enticing to me. Lastly the price is reasonable.

I am a certified English teacher and know the importantce of reading to young children. I read about your book in Parents magazine and thought it would make a perfect gift. I have read to all three of my own children and they absolutely love to read now...Thanks for this great opportunity.

I am an avid reader and I want to teach my child the importance of reading from the beginning. So I am happy to see these perfect little board books help me spend time bonding with her, as well as to open up the world of books and reading to her at a early age.

I am an avid reader and I want to teach my child the importance of reading from the beginning. I am happy to see these perfect little board books help me spend time bonding with her, as well as to open up the world of books and reading to her at a early age.

I'm interested in early development (i.e. even for my newborn). I've had many other mothers recommend CDs and videos such as Baby Einstein, but liked the higher interaction that reading books provides. Also, I'm a first time mother, so I'm really walking into new territory. Bonding with Baby books offer the kind of guidance I'm looking for.

these books have a single pic per page. my son has loved them since he was about 6 months old. he has learned names and shows excitement when his favorite pics show up. these are actual photos not drawings.

We got these books for our 20 month old son. He picked up on all the words pretty fast. He loves to take the books and read them! Although he loves the truck book, the words are just too big for him at this time. I would say buy these books for your little ones. It has one picture one word per page instead of many on one.

I would say this is my 2 year old's favorite set of books right now and I can see why. With lots of big and colorful photos, it's a fun mix of objects that she wants to learn about.

This is also a very durable, well-made set and has stood up to lots of rough use.

My 18 month old and I love these books, I actually had gotten First 100 words when she was a year old and within a few months she could either tell us what a picture was or if we asked she knew almost every picture. This is a great learning book and actually these four books would have been a great place to start! I highly recommend the first words books and this four pack set!

These books are terrific! My sister-in-law is a teacher and she highly recommended these books. She bought them to teach her son as well. If a teacher uses them, then I thought that I couldn't go wrong. Very bright, colorful with true life pics to describe each picture. It's a great start to help build your child's vocabulary. FYI: It should be labeled BOARD BOOKS with an S. This is a SET of 4 books and buying it this way saves you money!

FANNY AND SUE

I just finished this wonderful book -- and am sad it is over! I am also wiping tears from my eyes --

Meet Fanny and Sue, twins so identical that no one but their own mama can tell who is who! This book starts in the 1920's and ends at the twins 18th birthday. This book is crying for a sequel!

Fanny and Sue may look totally identical, but their personalities are totally different. Sue is the shyer of the two, loves to read, wants to teach. Fanny is trouble with a capital T; she has her heart set on becoming an actress in Hollywood.

The book takes us through the every day lives of the twins along with the ups and downs of life. We are introduced to family and friends. The style of writing reflects very nicely on the era -- in the expressions of the times, the movies, movie stars, the slower, kinder pace of life. We travel with the twins through good times and bad -- illnesses we will never suffer such as polio and scarlet fever. We are hand in hand with them through the Depression and its after-math.

The format of the book was cool too -- Fanny narrates one chapter, Sue the next, so on and so forth. Loved it! Loved the characters! Loved the twins!

This is a WONDERFUL book, you need to read this and recommend it to all of your family and friends. I am hoping for a sequel and any other fiction by the fabulous Karen Stolz. Do read WORLD OF PIES by her too!

READ THIS BOOK! You will be soooo glad that you did!

Thank you!
Pam

I can understand what the Publishers Weekly reviewer was talking about---if he or she is used to "modern" novels full of very sad happenings and completely nothing sentimental and many deep character insights, this would not be the book to read. However, if they were like many of the real people out there, they would probably love this book. It's full of details that really made the place and time (St. Louis in the 20s and 30s) come alive for me---things like what Fanny and Sue wore, what they ate, how their room was decorated, what it was like in the isolation factory, how they prepared for their first date and how their parents reacted, all that. I kept waiting for the ultra sad moment to arrive that often mars such a read for me, and was relieved it never came---their lives had their ups and downs like most of our lives, but they moved on. This book is crying out for a sequel---it ends just as the next phase of their life is starting. I loved World of Pies also, and am looking forward to more by this stand-out author.

Meet Fanny and Sue, twins, born in the depression era. Despite hardships these two weather the storms of scarlett fever, polio, dire straights financially, all with the help of their loving family. Fanny is out going, vivacious, and dreams of stardom as she watches the "talkies" in the theater. Sue is more bookish, shy and dreams of teaching. The antics of these two make the reader laugh out loud, and the problems they encounter cause the reader to choke-up a bit at their fortitude and tenacity of heart. Lovely, warm, comforting, and real, this book is a precious gem to throughly enjoy!!!

leaves you wanting to know even more about these two great girls. If you like World of Pies you'll love this one. Different, but just as good.

This is just a really sweet book about twin sisters & their family. I wish things were still the way they were in this book. I would love to have known more about Fanny & Sue's lives. Hopefully this author will keep more coming.

After a brutal mugging in NYC, Jeff Resnick struggles to patch up his life, accept his new psychic abilities, and attempt to use those abilities to help solve a gruesome murder of a banker in Buffalo, New York. The slim book is tightly written and moves briskly forward, a great asset for any mystery. A former insurance investigator downsized out of a job prior to the mugging, Jeff takes the tantalizing clues his on again/off again psychic abilities provide and combines them with sound detective skills to hunt down the killer until he pushes the killer too far threatening his domestic situation. The main plot is intriguing, well done, and a solid read for any mystery lover. The secondary plot surrounding his domestic situation plodded a bit and lacked depth. Still, it's a four out of five star read for the mystery reader in me. For those mystery readers who like the psychic angle, it might climb a bit higher.

L.L. Bartlett's MURDER ON THE MIND is just what I look for in a mystery these days: a book with a balance of plot, character, and something extra. Mystery readers have read it all, so writing a good whodunit requires a meld of good writing with an intriguing element that make the story go in an unexpected direction. Bartlett succeeds on both counts.

Jeff Resnick is hurt, unemployed, dependent on his brother ... and psychic, apparently the result of his injury. As the mystery of who killed a local banker unfolds, he deals with his own doubts and aversion to his "gift" as well as his brother's and that of the police who must be convinced he just "knows" what happened to the eviscerated victim.

What Barlett does well is avoid some traps common to paranormal mysteries. Jeff is a believable character and neither his brother nor the cop descend to the stereotypical role of non-believers who ignore the evidence before them. Neither does the paranormal element get so "woo-woo" that disbelief can no longer be held at bay. Everyone in the story is real, and I accepted Jeff's ability and sympathized with the fact that he wasn't any happier about believing in it than those around him were.

Jeff as a character is well-rounded, and he grows within the story, learning that some of the things we believe as kids are not quite the way we perceived them. As he recovers from his physical injuries, he takes the first tentative steps toward a new level of maturity, finding that accepting the support of others doesn't make a person weak, and that repayment of that support doesn't have to be by tangible means.

MURDER ON THE MIND was published by Five Star Press but is now in paperback through Worldwide Mystery, available on the eHarlequin website beginning Oct. 1st. It's well worth reading, and one can only hope that there is more to come about Jeff Resnick as he begins his second life with second sight.

L.L. Bartlett's MURDER ON THE MIND is an exceptional debut mystery that adds a paranormal element to the enjoyment of unraveling traditional investigative techniques. Told in the first person through the eyes of a psychic sleuth, or perhaps brain damaged, MURDER ON THE MIND heightens the level of suspense as each new clue or vision arises.

A mugging in Manhattan, leaves former insurance investigator Jeff Resnick with broken bones and a fractured skull --- and completely dependent on his rich estranged half brother Dr. Richard Alpert and his girlfriend Brenda Stanley. Visions of a hunt and and a hunter stalking his deer prey terrify Jeff. The doctors diagnose brain damage. Days later, a local banker is found dead, his murder eerily similar to the details of Jeff's nightmares. Jeff believes the attack has left him with a sixth sense, a psychic ability to see murder before the event. Jeff uses his visions and his investigative skills to try to solve the crime but as he gets closer to the killer, danger arises from all corners. Will the police trust his revelations are due to psychic visions or attribute his knowledge to a more nefarious means? As Jeff becomes closer to his half brother, dangerous past secrets emerge touching his traumatic childhood. Somewhere danger lurks and Jeff must work hard and fast if he doesn't want to become a victim to one of the dark secrets he uncovers.

L.L. Bartlett writes a magnificent mystery! MURDER ON THE MIND mixes an eerie, psychic paranormal element with an investigative hunt for clues and facts, never sacrificing the mystery to an easy resolution. Intriguing twists keep the reader poised at ever page. MURDER ON THE MIND will appeal to a variety of readers from lovers of traditional mysteries to suspense lovers with its ominous, supernatural feel and even beyond these genres as moments of tenderness and fear both move the reader's heart. L.L. Bartlett truly leaves the reader guessing, never quite sure of the murderer's identity as terrifying details mix with an investigative trail more typical of light mysteries. The complicated psychological battle between Jeff and his brother might turn either way. With possible brain damage in play, is Jeff a reliable first person narrator? Will past secrets come to light to add another twist to this murder mystery? L.L. Bartlett's fine writing keeps the pages turning with eager anticipation until the very end.

If it weren't for bad luck, Jeff Resnick would have no luck at all. Just when Jeff thinks his life is on the upswing after sustaining corporate downsizing and personal tragedy, he is viciously mugged by teen-aged thugs in New York City. The injuries leave him with more than a shattered body; his independence is also shattered because he must now ask for help from his estranged half-brother, Richard Alpert, who insists Jeff come back to Buffalo to recover. Jeff reluctantly agrees.

Adjusting to life back in Buffalo is difficult. Not only does Jeff have to come to terms with being dependent on someone for help, he has to recover from the skull fracture he sustained in the attack. And there is the matter of the vivid mental images he keeps having - images of the victim of a savage murder, the overwhelming feelings of the murderer and those of a terrified witness to the crime.

Seeing Jeff come to terms with the surprising new circumstances of his life, including the new "ability" his injury seems to have awakened is what propels Murder on the Mind and takes the reader on Jeff's often harrowing journey. L.L. Bartlett's clear, taut prose keeps the reader wanting to know more as the tale unfolds and the core truths are revealed about the murder, the murderer and Jeff's new-found insight. Bartlett also leaves a few intriguing questions unanswered, begging more tales of Jeff, Richard and the wonderfully-drawn supporting characters in the book.

I highly recommend Murder on the Mind, a fast-paced and original mystery with an unexpected setting and a very unconventional investigator. I look forward seeing more of Jeff Resnick and the environs around Buffalo, New York very soon!

The story content and flow of the plot is exciting and easy to read. I found myself becoming attached to the main character and wanting to help him find the perpetrator of the crimes of murder. This book is well written and I'm looking forward to another adventure in the literary life of Ms. Bartlett's creation, Jeff Resnick.

I so thoroughly enjoyed this book that I had dreams about it later. I just couldn't stop thinking about it, such a great concept and subject matter. Upon finishing the book I could have picked it up and reread it again. Especially loved the awesome detailed descriptions and the pacing of "Forced Conversion." I love it when a book can take me away and this one definitely did. Just get this one already!

Thoughtful, fast-paced and disturbingly realistic, 'Forced Conversion' grabs you from the first paragraph and takes you on a gutsy ride of body, mind and soul. This book is a sci-fi action adventure in the genres best, most morally valuable tradition. It shows us what could be, gives us time to think up reasons why it couldn't happen, then shows us just how it might happen anyway. I love those kind of stories, but hate the authors that write them. They don't let me feel safe at night.

(In the interest of full disclosure, I have to say that I have known the author for years and have always thought he had a certain creative and intellectual genius. That said....)

One of the things I look for in a story is how the very first line grabs my attention. Then I look at the first paragraph. Finally, the first chapter. This probably drives some writers crazy, but my time is limited. If a book can't get me excited in the first chapter, then I move on to another story. This book grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go. The first paragraph was particularly arresting, especially given the threat of global islamic terrorism we now face. I read the first paragraph, set the book down, looked at my wife, and said, "Wow".

In essence, the book asks a series of straight-forward questions:

What if the earths population continued to rise as resources continued to fall?

What if religious fundamentalism made it worse?

What if famine, over-population, pollution and an explosion of regional conflicts, some of them nuclear, were a result?

What if technology became so advanced that it could, literally, solve all our problems, but only if EVERYONE embraced it?

What if those who didn't agree, who were, in fact, convinced that to agree meant the cost of their immortal souls, were forced to participate anyway?

And finally, what if this vision of the future was so realistic and so solidly founded on our current understanding of the world that you, the reader, would have a hard time saying it COULDN'T happen?

No, this book will definitely not make you feel safe at night.

I have seen reviews that compare Don Bingle to Robert Heinlein. I disagree. Heinlein would have written about 100 more pages, put them right before the last chapter of this book, and ended with an attitude of "life is hard, bitter and disappointing. Too bad." Not Don Bingle. Sure Don reminds you of Heinlein, as well as Bruce Sterling, Tom Cool and Charles Sheffield. But Don has his own darkly wonderful ending to his story. One that seems to say, "Yes. Life is hard, yours sucks .... and that's just the way it is. Do the best you can."

That's what I like best about this story. There are heroes here of many different shades of gray. All of them, including, perhaps, mankind itself, is just doing the best they can. Did they make the right decision? Well, you'll just have to decide that for yourself.

Visceral, bloody -- and one hell of a page turner! Bingle tackles the philosophical issues surrounding uploaded consciousness in a fresh, exciting way. This is the debut of a major novelist -- don't miss it. (I said this on the dustjacket, and I'm happy to repeat it here ...)

In a future world where humanity has decided to move en masse to artificial reality, on self-replicating computers, the only threat to the new world is those that chose to stay behind. Thus, the Conversion Forces (ConFoes) must enforce the mandatory conversion. Circumstances force together a conflicted ConFoe and a defiant Mal. Meanwhile, reality is not as stable as one might think....

An interesting science fiction tale about science, artificial reality, and what it means to be human. Like the movie Total Recall, you'll be left wondering where reality ends and the virtual world begins.

I had just finished re-reading Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" and was contemplating the issues and choices that the main character in that story, Guy Montag, had to face as the result of his sudden reawakening and recognition of the morally bankrupt society he found himself in (a society of government mandated book burning and mindless entertainment aimed at pacification), when I decided to pick up a copy of "Forced Conversion" as my next read. To my delight, I found that Mr. Bingle's story, graphic and brutal though it may be at times, centering on a speculative near-future of government-forced conversion of humanity to eternal virtual worlds sustained by self-replicating computers (a nasty, messy, and ultimately fatal process), easily as entertaining and thought-provoking as Mr. Bradbury's classic "451." The story is fast-passed, and like Guy Montag, the ConFoe Derrick is faced with a reawakening to the morally and diametrically opposed (and mutually exclusive as we come to learn) processes of forced conversion verses self-determination (religious, criminal, debauched, or otherwise). The ending is so surprising that, like me, you'll probably have to read it at least three times to make certain your eyes aren't playing tricks on you, at which point you'll gasp inwardly. Afterwards, you'll challenge yourself as to which option would be better: forced conversion or death? If you like thought-provoking and cutting edge entertainment, I recommend "Forced Conversion," and not just to fans of science fiction.

My son loves the Happy Baby series! I can't say enough good things about these books. It's hard to find a book that will have my toddler sitting down for a few minutes and sitting quietly reading, but these books do it.

We bought Happy Words to help with his vocabulary, and it didn't take long to see his interest grow in wanting to know the names for things around the house. I know he enjoys the book because he pulls it out nearly every day for me to read it, even more, he's starting pointing to certain pictures asking me to repeat the names, so I know he's learning and taking it in. This book has about 13 full spread pages each with a familiar scene for a toddler- getting dressed, eating a meal, going on a walk, taking a bath, facial expressions etc. What I like most is that these scenes and words included are pertinent to a toddler, they're not just about whatever, but things a toddler needs to know the names of. Last but not least, did I mention my son loves this book??

So, if you're a mom of an infant/toddler or buying these as a gift for one, these are a SURE BET. They are also reasonably priced in my opinion. Other books in this series we own and enjoy are the Colors and ABC's. We'll definitely be buying more too as time goes on. Way to go Roger Priddy!!

I've been on a mission to find a book that meets the following criteria for my 9 month old son:
- Must be a board book (because he chews everything!)
- Mustn't be too long (32 pages maximum because we're dealing with a short attention span here)
- Mustn't be too big (so my son can easily pick up and play with the book)
- Must contain photographs of familiar objects and other babies (because all of his other books only have illustrated pictures of animals for some reason!)

"Happy Baby: Words" fit all of the above criteria perfectly and my son loves it to death. He can actually turn the pages himself and he gets so excited seeing all the baby photographs inside.

Great book!

perfect for identifying objects. bright and cheery, so babies and toddlers love to look at the pages.

I read this to my little one and it has helped increase her vocabulary. She loves pointing to the pictures and saying the words. She is also able to associate the pictures to what she sees in her day to day activities.

Our copy has been through two children. Both of my kids love the bright and clear pictures. We are teaching my son sign language and this book is great for teaching simple words and signs! A well loved book!

My son loves the Happy Baby series! I can't say enough good things about these books. It's hard to find a book that will have my toddler sitting down for a few minutes and sitting quietly reading, but these books do it.

We bought Happy Words to help with his vocabulary, and it didn't take long to see his interest grow in wanting to know the names for things around the house. I know he enjoys the book because he pulls it out nearly every day for me to read it, even more, he's starting pointing to certain pictures asking me to repeat the names, so I know he's learning and taking it in. This book has about 13 full spread pages each with a familiar scene for a toddler- getting dressed, eating a meal, going on a walk, taking a bath, facial expressions etc. What I like most is that these scenes and words included are pertinent to a toddler, they're not just about whatever, but things a toddler needs to know the names of. Last but not least, did I mention my son loves this book??

So, if you're a mom of an infant/toddler or buying these as a gift for one, these are a SURE BET. They are also reasonably priced in my opinion. Other books in this series we own and enjoy are the Colors and ABC's. We'll definitely be buying more too as time goes on. Way to go Roger Priddy!!

I've been on a mission to find a book that meets the following criteria for my 9 month old son:
- Must be a board book (because he chews everything!)
- Mustn't be too long (32 pages maximum because we're dealing with a short attention span here)
- Mustn't be too big (so my son can easily pick up and play with the book)
- Must contain photographs of familiar objects and other babies (because all of his other books only have illustrated pictures of animals for some reason!)

"Happy Baby: Words" fit all of the above criteria perfectly and my son loves it to death. He can actually turn the pages himself and he gets so excited seeing all the baby photographs inside.

Great book!

perfect for identifying objects. bright and cheery, so babies and toddlers love to look at the pages.

I read this to my little one and it has helped increase her vocabulary. She loves pointing to the pictures and saying the words. She is also able to associate the pictures to what she sees in her day to day activities.

Our copy has been through two children. Both of my kids love the bright and clear pictures. We are teaching my son sign language and this book is great for teaching simple words and signs! A well loved book!

It's a great book. Esp for dealing with the huge issue of hair later on- what a great way to bulid self esteem about hair/color/being a girl. I like that it does all of this in a matter-of-fact way. No big preachy stuff. My daughter loves it and so do I.

I bought the board book for a friend's 1-year old daughter after my friend talked about how there's not many children's books about black children and discussing various things about black women's hair. I love bell hooks' social theory books, I've always thought she's incredibly enlightened and clarifying, and she's managed to pass on her love and wisdom in this wonderful, fun, poetic, colorful book. I especially appreciate the beautiful watercolor artwork, as many children's books don't seem to have anyone paying attention to how good the artwork actually is.

Great book showing the great variety of hair types and style among beautifully painted brown-skinned girls in bold watercolor. The only problem I have is that all the girls look the same! I know it is focusing on their unique hair, but all these girls are unique too.. I wantes to see more variety in their faces and body types too.

Purchased it to read to my toddler daughter, we enjoyed it many many times.

The little girls depicted are healthy, and love themselves and the way they look. I like the abstract art, and non-idealized images of real kids with real hair.

What a delightful work for the very young. A Mom Duck is searching for her one "lost" duckling and searches the pond, asking the other creatures "have you seen my duckling?" Of course the duckling is not actually lost, and if you and your child look close, the duckling can be found here and there, hidden (as little ducks should be) in various locations. The kids get quite a kick out of this one as it is interactive an they must search for the little "lost" duck. The art work in this one is great and quite appearling. The simple text is repetitive and fun for the child. This is simply a fun read for the small child and a fun read for the adult reader as they help the child find the duckling. Highly recommend.

My boys LOVE animals, especially ducks, so this is a big hit. If you like "Silly Little Goose" by the same author, this one's sure to be popular in your house.

At first I thought this book was going to bomb with my 13 month old. I thought the pictures were complicated and there was not much text. But I was wrong. She loves it. She has memorized where the lost duckling is on every page and she really can't get enough of it. So, surprisingly, I highly recommend this one!

I like Wheres my Duckling, it wass a great book.Children that are just learning to read will really enjo this book. They will be able to tell what is going on in the story by just looking at the pictures.The pictures in the story are very well illustrated. I would recommend this book to early childhood teachers.

This book is filled with lovely pictures of a mother duck as she searches for her baby who wandered off.

The pictures are wonderful. The few repetitive words there are encourage my child to 'read' the book. He also loves finding the duck on every page.

I wish I could find more books like this one- simple, gorgeous pictures, a nice story with a happy ending, a lot of opportunity for other activities while you read. We find the missing duck, count the ducklings, look at the pretty colors, look for other animals and more.