Canada Books

An excellent book! Pictures are all exquisite - very close-up so you can really see what different bats look like. In addition to the terrific pictures, the text is also superb. The writing style and level of detail makes it perfect for someone like me who does not have a science background per se but is really interested in learning more about bat behavior, their anatomy and their needs. Bats from around the world are included here. Topics such as migration, feeding habits, flight, echolocation and hibernation are covered. This is more than just an overview of bats in general though, there are examples specific to bats that we might see. For example in the section on what bats eat, there's info on the Little Brown Bat and the fact that it tends to eat small aquatic insects versus Big Brown Bats tending to eat June beetles, etc

Did you know that studying bats can teach also teach us about humans? Those with poor sight are often labeled "blind as a bat" but the simple fact is that these small animals do have eyes and several species (like the flying foxes) see well, thank you very much. So what do they do when their echolocation "sees" one thing and their eyes tell them something different? What role does color play?

This book is filled with neat information, scientific questions, and gorgeous color photographs that kids will love. The book is divided into seven chapters on everything from the basic lure of bats, their auditory "vision" and what they eat to where they live, how they look and how to conserve them.

The rich photographs show all kinds of fruit, insect-eating and vampire bats, feeding and in their roosts all over the world.

The book closes with four brief sections on bat classifications, anatomy, scientific and common names, and other books and technical publications about bats.

The type is fairly large, and the text is both scientific easy enough for independent readers aged 10 and up.

For kids who like nonfiction or nature this book is a must. And it will teach them to love these important animals, too long maligned. Alyssa A. Lappen

This book is great! I has alot of close and detailed pictures. It gives a really nice description on each species as well. I enjoy it, as well as my 5 year old.

This book has great pictures and is full of many interesting, little-known facts about bats, without being too simple. Perfect for a new bat lover, or to introduce less bat-friendly people to the diversity and value of bats.

I found this book unexpectedly in Grandma's house, and, as I've decided to start reading more, I read it. It was terrific. Leslie told exactly how he felt, and he told it well enough that I felt it too. What happened to him may as well have happened to me, reading this book. His narration took me directly into the North Woods. And, once I was there, there was no lack of a story to keep me moving along. I watched the three cubs become his family; I watched them grow up; I watched them through fun and hard times. The forest was rich with detail and poignant occasions. I am staunchly against crying, but at the end I seriously thought about considering it, and that's not something that is easy to make me do. All in all, I have to say that you really need to get your hands on this book.

In correction of the review written below, the book was made into a movie in 1974, starring Patrick Wayne. It's very hard to find, but is worth seeing. The story, both on the page on the screen, is wonderous.

Staci Layne Wilson

I have read this book for the 5th time since I was about 8 years old. I am 36 and it has never lost its' grip on me. Leslie's first hand account of communing with bears in British Columbia's remote, yet not remote enough, North Woods is truly unforgettable. How this book became out of print, and never a movie or documentary defies explanation. Leslie's descriptive language and compelling narrative is a tribute to nature writers everywhere. Readers who like Farley Mowat and Robert Redford would like this book. I plan on passing this on to my 2 year old son as my mother passed it on to me whaen old enough to comprehend. Long live the bear!

I have read this book for the 5th time since I was about 8 years old. I am 36 and it has never lost its' grip on me. Leslie's first hand account of communing with bears in British Columbia's remote, yet not remote enough, North Woods is truly unforgettable. How this book became out of print, and never a movie or documentary defies explanation. Leslie's descriptive language and compelling narrative is a tribute to nature writers everywhere. Readers who like Farley Mowat and Robert Redford would like this book. I plan on passing this on to my 2 year old son as my mother passed it on to me whaen old enough to comprehend. Long live the bear!

THIS BOOK ABOUT FRANK MAHOVLICH IS WELL WORTH READING. THE BIG M WAS ONE OF THE BEST AND CLASSIEST PLAYERS OF ALL TIME. HIS GRACE AND POWER ON THE ICE WERE A THINK TO BEHOLD. HIS SON TED, DOES A GREAT JOB TELLING HIS STORY AND HITS ON ALL 8 CYLINDERS. I ESPECIALLY ENJOYED THE PARTS CONCERNING PUNCH IMLACH AND HIS DICTATOR WAYS AND THE VARIOUS OTHER COACHES AND PLAYERS THAT THE BIG M PLAYED FOR AND AGAINST. A GREAT READ FOR ALL HOCKEY FANS.

This book has been very enjoyable. Ted Mahovlich has done an excellent job in telling us the interesting story about his father. He showed us the Punch Imlach lacked class and Frank Mahovlich had a lot of class and finally enjoyed his career when he joined the best organization in sports at the time the Montreal Canadiens. I would recommend this to any hockey fan or sports fan in general

Frank Mahovlich was one of THE great players in the history of hockey. This books gives a thoughtful and intelligent insight into the mind of the quiet giant who won four Stanley Cups with the Leafs and two more with the Canadiens.

Told alongside the biographical narrative of The Big M is the author's experience of going on the road with his father, in the touring team of NHL past masters. Not only does this expose the reader to some beautiful anecdotes about other former stars of the game, but also captures the bond between father and son in a most moving way.

Ted Mahovlich is a very accomplished writer, telling his father's story with compassion, respect and honesty in a fine style that makes the book hard to put down. A must for any fan of hockey and/or good writing.

This book is great, not your normal biography. Ted Mahovlich captures a seldom read about side of his father Frank, along with the exploits of his spectacular career. The author spent considerable time traveling and playing with the old-timer greats while interviewing them as wells as capturing moments the common fan is not privey to. If you are a hockey fan -- this books for you. (Yes I know I live in Texas, but I moved here)

This is a great book. The author has a wonderful way with words (although I sometimes think he is showing off his lexicon skills). I felt anger, compassion, and frustration at the antics of the participants in this novel. Any book that can manipulate emotions like this one deserves high praise. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Wonderful, moving book about the effects of the twin evils of religion and nationalism on a small Anatoliam village at the start of the 2oth centuty - the writing is perfect. 5 stars and then some. Read tis if you want to join an army!

Don't get me wrong; I loved Captain Corelli's Mandolin, but Birds without Wings is even better. Louis de Bernieres reminds me of Rohinton Mistry. Both authors take a long time between novels, but the results are so well crafted that I can't complain about the wait. I was just pleased that this book was 625 pages long, so that a good read lasted a long time.

Captain Corelli's Mandolin was really the love story between Antonio Corelli and Pelagia with some of the novel devoted to other villagers and political figures of the time. Although from the opening of Bird without Wings it would appear to be the love story of Philothei and Ibrahim, their story is just one strand of many that make up the story of their village, Eskibahce. The village is the main character of the novel and the story tells of the villagers who live harmoniously despite differences in religion and ethnic origins until the events of WWI and the ensuing war for Turkish independence disrupt their Utopian lives. Probably no one living in Eskibahce felt that they were living in a perfect world until the enforced emigrations took place.

One area that de Bernieres has really improved over Captain Corelli's Mandolin is in the integration of the outside historical detail with the main story of Eskibahce. Although I found no difficulty beginning Captain Corelli, I have heard from other readers that they grew confused with the multiple narratives and were unable to reconcile the interior monologue of the Greek Prime Minister with the other early narratives. In Birds without Wings, the story of Mustafa Kemel, the leader of the independent Turkish movement, is told from his birth and is related intermittantly throughout the novel. Although these chapters were of the least interest to me and they were often the point where I would stop reading, they were essential to convey the larger historical context of the novel. Without this information, the reader would have been as perplexed as the villagers were about the governmental decisions that affected their lives so drastically.

De Bernieres' best trait is his ability to present both sides of the story fairly and equitibly. In the end both the Greek and the Turkish sides are equally to blame as are the Allies who interfere for their own motives. The ones who come out most blameless are the Italians and the friendship between Lieutenant Granitola and Rustem Bey, the Muslim aga of Eskibahce, was reminiscent of the situation in Captain Corelli's Mandolin where the Italians were jovial and gentle occupiers.

I have visited both Greece and Turkey, yet I learned more about the history and geography of both countries from this novel than I did from my travels. Another novel that I enjoyed earlier this year is Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. It began with the exhile of the Greeks from Smyrna, the same event that occurs near the end of Birds without Wings. However, it was only by reading de Bernieres' novel that I discovered the location of Smyrna, which I had supposed to be somewhere in northern Greece when I read Eugenides' book since the characters always spoke of themselves as Greek.

Prior to reading Captain Corelli's Mandolin, I had read de Bernieres' South American magic realism trilogy. I just think he is getting better as he writes more. In Birds without Wings, Drosoula, Pelagia's intended mother-in-law and friend from Captain Corelli's Mandolin, is depicted as a young child and woman and remembers her past in Turkey from her old age in Cephalonia. She is the only one of the Greek exiles whose fate we learn of. I hope that de Bernieres plans a subsequent novel that might help us to learn what happened to some of the others, like Mehmetcik, the boy who imitated a robin and grew up to be a bandit or Leyla, Rustem Bey's mistress who pretended to be from Eastern Turkey who was really Ionna from Ithaca.

Actually I am looking forward to the next Louis de Bernieres novel, no matter what its topic may be.

Birds Without Wings by Louis de Bernieres was worth the wait. At first glance it may not seem like a book to bring to the cottage but de Bernieres ability to create a whole village of interesting characters is a perfect book to sit back in an Adirondack chair and let the day slide by. I found myself wanting to learn more about the actual events of the novel's time-frame and I was satisfied that the book was not Captain Corelli's Mandolin but another showcase for de Bernieres' immense talent.

I love this book! It was written with a thorough grasp of the scientific aspects of matching your plants to the birds you want to attract, and creating mini-habitats where birds will feel welcome and secure. But this is obviously a labor of love too. The book is organized so that you can look up plants and birds separately, but it also helps you to understand how they relate to each other. Information about growing zones is included for each plant, so you can easily chose species suitable for your location. The line illustrations of birds are excellent-very artistic and spirited, and clear enough to make it easy to identify the birds in real life.

One pleasant surprise was how easy it change my boring backyard in an older suburb into a haven for many species of birds. A lot of the plants mentioned in the book were already there, including some I had planned to remove until I read this book. I gradually added many more bird-friendly plants, including a prairie garden which finches seem to love. The result was almost magical-the more things I planted, the more birds showed up! Another bonus was that if you have enough plants that birds like, you can get rid of conventional bird feeders-just give them a natural supply of food, and a birdbath or other water source, and you will be amazed at how many bird species you will see-all in your own back (or front) yard!

A fabulous book for beginning birders, Birdscaping your Garden acts as an all-purpose guide to identification, habitat, and feeding habits. Identification is aided by a short description as well as a black and white sketch and a full-color photo. Each two-page spread discusses one bird with details including migration and winter range, breeding range and behavior, nesting, and a short list of plants to use for bird food.
The feeding guide is garden and plant focused (rather than the typical hanging birdfeeder type focus) with the idea of using native plantings to attract and feed birds. Purchased seed options are rarely mentioned.
As organized and helpful as the individual page layouts are, the overall organization of the book is lacking. The reader is forced to browse through all 64 birds in the directory section to find what is being sought since the birds are not listed in any particular order. The book's lack of regional focus is also limiting and reduces the number of relevant entries to about 30 if you live in New Jersey, for example.
The final section of the book is a plant directory which is organized alphabetically by scientific name. The section includes photos and general cultural guidelines for plants that will shelter and feed the birds previously discussed. A list of "Birds Attracted" within the individual plant descriptions is a nice cross-reference with the bird directory section.
The dichotomy of the book should not put you off - it is clearly written and useful despite its overall lack of organization. There is no doubt it is valuable for creating a native, bird-friendly garden.

Want to "reform" your backyard? This book is a great place to start. A wonderful primer on birds and plants, this book is also a solid reference book. I highly recommend it for anyone who is interested in, or is serious about, creating a great place for the birds and the bees to hang out.

I first found this book at our local library and when I went to photocopy "a few pages" I realized I was about the copy the whole book so I decided to just buy the book for myself. It's terrific! It goes through all sorts of species of bushes and trees, indicates what type of wildlife is attracted to it, how they use it, etc. It has good pictures too. A real must have for the backyard gardener who wants to have some wildlife in their life. Highly highly recommended

BREADFRUIT is one of two books thus far in a series written by Celestine Vaite, a Tahiti native, that centers on Materena Mahi and her family and friends on the island of Tahiti. FRANGIPANI introduced Materena to America; "the best listener in Tahiti" is warm and generous, a natural problem solver. This first novel took us from her early days with her man, Pito, and her three children to focus on her journey to find herself. It was the story of her search for her calling in life, ending with her daughter's entrance into college and Materena's budding new career as a talk show radio hostess.

BREADFRUIT, which was originally published first, features nearly everyone from FRANGIPANI, but the plot focuses on Materena's desire to marry. Most Tahitians don't have a need to marry, but there are a few weddings here and there, and Materena is deep down envious when she sees those newlyweds speeding off in Mama Teta's wedding car. When Pito (in a drunken state) asks Materena to be his wife, she cannot contain herself. It's too good to be true (and it is). She begins planning and researching what she needs to get ready for her big wedding day. In between her planning, life goes on.

As in FRANGIPANI, BREADFRUIT is a series of chapters that takes snippets of Materena's life with anecdotes and stories about various people in her family. The stories, told in a very casual, chatty manner --- as is Materena's way --- are funny, often hilarious and sometimes sentimental. There's the incident with the carpet that her cousin Lily was to give away to Materena, and Materena uses it to give her house a new look. (Unfortunately the carpet is a vibrant green.) There's the time when she is asked to appear in court because she and her children were caught trespassing on private property. (The reader finds out later that she was actually taking her kids swimming next to the airport, running across the runway because she felt it was safer to do that than cross a busy street). Then there is Materena's attempt to buy a new bed, and her visit with her mother to her grandmother's grave. They argue over where Materena will be buried --- next to her own mami or next to her husband (in another town).

This is yet another charming novel by Celestine Vaite. She's the first native Tahitian to win the "Prix litteraire des etudiants" (for BREADFRUIT). Readers will get the feel of what it's like to live in a rural Tahitian village, where hardly anyone has a washing machine, many are unemployed, and it's the women who seem to rule with a heavy stick. Materena herself is a professional house cleaner, but she's proud of her children and what she does. Most of all, despite the problems they have, she loves her man Pito and would marry him in a heartbeat. Of course, she has her work cut out for her, trying to get Pito to own up to his original marriage proposal.

--- Reviewed by Marie Hashima Lofton [...]

Reviewed by April Sullivan for Reader Views (8/06)

"Breadfruit" is the tale of Tahitian woman, mother, and professional cleaner Materena Mahi. It is the middle book in a trilogy about this heroine. The first book is "Frangipani" and the expected third will be "Tiare". In this book, Materena is proposed to by her man Pito after thirteen years and three children together. She does not take this drunken proposal too seriously, but it gets her thinking about marriage and how she would like to have a ring on her finger and a marriage certificate on the wall.

Author Celestine Vaite writes knowingly about Tahitian people and their ways as only someone who has had personal experience could. She was born and grew up in Tahiti. She fell in love with an Australian surfer at age sixteen, whom she married and followed to Australia where they now live with their four children.

The story follows Materena as she broods over the thought of a wedding in silence. This is not something she wants to put out on the "coconut radio", the local term for the gossip chain. In this small Tahitian village, Materena is constantly running into streams of cousins, aunts, and other friends and relatives. The book links all of the stories they remember and share as they pass each other on the street or visit in each other's homes.

Vaite's writing style is simple and perfectly portrays the lifestyle of these Tahitian villagers. My favorite part is the cultural lesson you get in a fun way. She throws in native words and phrases among the English in a way that makes it possible to understand their meaning instantly. The names of the characters and Tahitian words are so different and sing-songy, I was tempted to read the book aloud to really get into the flow.

"Breadfruit" was great as a stand alone book, but now that I know there are more I am eager to read the first and third starring Materena and her family. This funny and fast-paced love story was a wonderful summer read. As Materena would say, "Ah oui girlfriend, pick up a copy today!"

Celestine Vaite's Breadfruit is a reviewer's dream. An earthy mix of the literary, the romantic, and the eccentric, Breadfruit follows the love crisis of Materena Mahi.

Materena and the father of her three children, Pito, have lived together on the island of Tahiti for fourteen years, but marriage has been nowhere on the horizon. One night, in a drunken stupor, Pito finally proposes to Materena. Materena is thrilled and wastes no time imagining her perfect wedding: pricing a chocolate cake and a wedding chauffeur and eyeing a luxurious new bed for a wedding gift.

But after fourteen years is Pito what she really wants? And was he even truly proposing? Materena fantasizes about her perfect wedding, all the while wondering if she's just letting her heart overwhelm reality.

Meanwhile, life on the island stops for no woman and daily dramas keep Materena busy. Cousin Giselle gives birth in a Mercedes, Materena's mother insists on talking to her dead grandmother for hours, and there are the free tiles Cousin Lily is giving away--not to mention the kids. Romance runs rampant throughout Vaite's novel, reinforcing what all women know--that love conquers all and family is the toughest job in the world.

Vaite's novel is populated with quirky characters and tales--like the pink peg Materena's daughter wears to give her a more perfectly pointed nose. The short-short chapters that read like flash fiction emphasize the eccentric, free-flowing attitude of the narrative, and the novel's unusual structure, all allow Vaite to work in more fully developed characters and to play with the sense of time, following back stories where appropriate and the side characters' own romantic dilemmas (did I mention that romance runs rampant?).

While Breadfruit's plot is familiar, its Tahitian setting is exotic and full of colorful language, legends and cultural idiosyncrasies that make the novel glow with a South Pacific charm and pragmatism.

Armchair Interviews says: As the follow-up to her novel Frangipani, Vaite's Breadfruit is a laugh-out-loud, feel-good novel that combines heart, wisdom, and an approachable style that will leave readers anxious for the final installment of Materena's trilogy.

BREADFRUIT by Celestine Vaite
October 8, 2006

Amazon Rating: 4.5/5 stars

This is the second book by Celestine Vaite that I've read, and I loved them both. Both books take us into the world of Materena Mahi, a hard working professional cleaner who is raising her two children in Tahiti, with the help (somewhat) of her man, Pito. BREADFRUIT is the story of Materena and her mission to get Pito to fulfill his marriage proposal (of course it doesn't' help that he was drunk when he made the proposition).

Readers will love the antics of Materena and her friends and family, as they get along each day, living in poverty. But their lives don't seem to be that of poor underprivileged people. They are rich in family, and their children, at least Materena's are fulfilling the dreams that the older generation could not. You will laugh and cry along with Materena as she experiences life in Tahiti, surviving as best she can, and making sure the man in her life goes through with that marriage proposal.

This is probably the most enjoyable book I have read regarding hockey or hockey players. Brett provides a light-hearted look at his life that is neither boastful nor "preachy". He is surprisingly modest given the extraordinary career he has had. I particularly enjoyed hearing of his days growing up in the shadow of his legendary dad and how he overcame his own personal obstacles. This book could easily have been two or three times as thick but I am guessing Brett would not have enjoyed writing a lengthy tome - and clearly Brett is motivated by fun more than anything else! A great lesson for anyone!

Brett Hull was a great hockey player. He worked very hard to become a star player. It was very hard growing up the son of a famous hockey player,especailly after his parents divorced. I think Brett Hull will be remembered and admired for his goal scoring and records he set on the ice. After reading this book I will remember him for how hard he works and how he never gave up his dream. I would recommend this book top everyone that is a hockey lover. I enjoyed the book and was happy I chose it.

THIS IS THE STORY OF BRETT HULL IN HIS OWN WORDS. I REALLY LIKED THIS BOOK. BRETT DOES A NICE JOB DESCRIBING HIS CAREER, RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS DIVORCED PARENTS, AND HIS THOUGHTS ON BEING HIMSELF. BRETT FINALLY PLAYED ON A STANLEY CUP WINNER IN 1999. HE TELLS OF ALL THE PLAYOFF DEFEATS AND THE FRUSTRATIONS DURING HIS CAREER. HE ADDS HUMOR, HONESTY, AND ALOT OF INSIGHTS ON THE GAME OF HOCKEY. I RECOMMEND THIS TO ALL HOCKEY FANS AS A GOOD READ.

This is a great book, all of you brett hull fans or not, should go and get this book, it is definetily the best book i've ever read in a long time

I loved this book so much, I went out and got the rest to the series to read. The story line and the characterizations of the characters are incredible. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read!

I am a very picky reader. I love to read, but it has to be the perfect story line. If you know what I mean. Lots of people think of Christain books as being boring. that is what I thought when I saw this book. After a friend told me to read it I was wrapped up in the story line! I even went out of my way to find, and buy the rest in the series! This book, By Honor Bound, is a story of real life problems, plus heros and heroines that will stay in your heart. If you are looking for a book (or books) to read, find one of the Guardians of the North books and dig in!!!

I have read the first 2 of the Guardians of the North so far. I have enjoyed them immensley and can't wait to read the others! I would definately recommend these books to anyone who enjoys history, a romance, or a wonderful Christian novel! I have enjoyed many other novels by his father Gilbert Morris. I have read the entire House of Winslow series and can't wait for the latest book to come out! I would certainly recommend this book to anyone willing to read it!

I've read the whole "Guardian of the North" series.It is well written and easy to read. The history of early Canada wasnew to me and very interesting. I recommend that the books be read in the order intended although that is not absolutely necessary. If you like Christian fiction, this series is worth a try!

Mark Vinet has written a very important, highly readable book which bridges the events leading up to the Civil War with the development of the Canadian nation. Citing hundreds of sources, author Mark Vinet presents an enlightening step-by-step approach to a number of pre-Civil war related topics such as the history of slavery in North America--the only place racially motivated bondage ever thrived. For example, a law put in place by John Graves Simcoe, the Lt. Governor of Ontario in 1793 making slavery illegal in Ontario, prompted the British to outlaw slavery throughout the British Commonwealth a number of years later. There are many other little known but eye-opening stories in this work which reveal the importance of Canada and Canadians to Civil War era study. Vinet also places the underground railway-perhaps Canada's greatest achievement in helping to destroy slavery in the United States-in context as an international effort involving brave people who put their lives on the line for their belief in freedom for all.

I was fascinated in discovering Canada's unknown history and connection with the American Civil War. My ancesters are from Canada and it opened my eyes to that country's involvement in our bloody civil war. I was surprised to discover that modern Canada took shape in 1867, 2 years following the end of the civil war.

Mark Vinet has written a very important , highly readable book which bridges the events leading up to the Civil War with the development of the Canadian nation. Citing hundreds of sources, author Mark Vinet presents an enlightening step-by-step approach to a number of pre-Civil war related topics such as the history of slavery in North America--the only place racially motivated bondage ever thrived. For example, a law put in place by John Graves Simcoe, the Lt. Governor of Ontario in 1793 making slavery illegal in Ontario , prompted the British to outlaw slavery throughout the British Commonwealth a number of years later. There are many other little known but eye-opening stories in this work which reveal the importance of Canada and Canadians to Civil War era study. Vinet also places the underground railway-perhaps Canada's greatest achievement in helping to destroy slavery in the United States-in context as an international effort involving brave people who put their lives on the line for their belief in freedom for all. I look forward to his next book--the second of four histories of the Canadian involvement in the United States Civil war

Mark Vinet has written a very important , highly readable book which bridges the events leading up to the Civil War with the development of the Canadian nation. Citing hundreds of sources, author Mark Vinet presents an enlightening step-by-step approach to a number of pre-Civil war related topics such as the history of slavery in North America--the only place racially motivated bondage ever thrived. For example, a law put in place by John Graves Simcoe, the Lt. Governor of Ontario in 1793 making slavery illegal in Ontario , prompted the British to outlaw slavery throughout the British Commonwealth a number of years later. There are many other little known but eye-opening stories in this work which reveal the importance of Canada and Canadians to Civil War era study. Vinet also places the underground railway-perhaps Canada's greatest achievement in helping to destroy slavery in the United States-in context as an international effort involving brave people who put their lives on the line for their belief in freedom for all. I look forward to his next book--the second of four histories of the Canadian involvement in the United States Civil war

I loved it because her grandma made her a quilt just for her.The quilt helped Ariel feel better about the coming baby.This reminds me of my life because when my sister was born I didn't get that much attention.

A library search of quilting information produced this book. I was actually looking for a quilt instruction book. and didn't realize that it was an actual story until after I requested the title from the library. I was initially disappointed because it was not what I was expecting. but since I was intrigued by the title, I read the little book.

THE CANADA GEESE QUILT takes place after World War II in Vermont. The main character is Ariel, a 10-year-old girl who loves being outside and has a natural talent for drawing. She lives on a farm along with her parents and her grandmother. Grandma is a lively lady and a gifted quilter. People around the country and even the world have purchased her wonderful quilts. Ariel shares a lot with her Grandma except for one thing. Ariel hates to sew.

The story begins with Ariel watching the sky as the geese return from colder areas up north. It's one of her delights to see the large flocks of geese in flight. This is also a time of change for the family because they will have a new baby in the fall. Ariel has mixed feelings about the baby and her Grandma decides that the two of them should make a quilt to welcome the little one. Ariel draws the design and her Grandma does all of the sewing.

All is going well until the old lady has a stroke and after weeks in the hospital, she returns home. Grandma can barely speak and when she does, it's hard to understand her. She must now use a cane to support herself when she walks. Ariel doesn't know what to say and even how to act with this lady who is like a shell of her real Grandma. Over time, Grandma and Ariel reach an understanding and decide that they must get back to the quilt, but since her grandmother can't even hold a needle, Ariel must now finish sewing the quilt.

Growing up can be frightening for children when they are faced with all of the changes that come with life. This gentle story handles two situations in a warm and loving way.

Ten-year old Ariel's best friend is her grandmother. After her grandmother suffers a stroke, Ariel is afraid of this woman who has lost the will to live. With her help, her grandmother begins to walk and talk again, and Ariel gains a new understanding of the 'knowledge' that is passed on through the generations.

I am teaching my 10 year old daughter to quilt. She found this book in the "Accelerated Reader's Program" at school and read it because it had quilt in the title. We read two chapters every evening and we loved every page! It was hard to wait for the next evening to arrive so we could read the next chapters. This is a story about a young girl with many changes in her life. Her mother is expecting another child and her Grandmother comes to live with them. The girl loves to draw ane her Grandmother asks her to draw a picture so she can make the new baby a quilt.Many changes occur within the family because of the pregnancy and then serious health problems for the Grandmother after the quilt is started. The story revolves around the young girls struggles with the changes and who will finish the new baby's quilt. A great book to read with a warm and believable ending.