Virginia Books

Fantastic artistry to go with one of the classic songs, especially for those of us in West Virginia. Can't help but sing as you read. Great fun for the whole family.

I am from West Virginia so Country Roads has always been dear to my heart, especially being a WVU grad where it is blasting all over town on football Saturdays! I bought this for my nephew and I'm sure he will love all of the illustrations as much as I do. Lots to look at on each page and I love how the illustrations are done as if it has been quilted.

My son received this book as a gift for his first birthday. He loves it (and he has no clue who John Denver is)! We've read/sang it a hundred + times. He loves looking at the illustrations, as do I. My husband & I graduated from WVU, so this song is near & dear to our hearts. We hope to make a little Mountaineer out of our son too....this is a good start.

A great song with amazing illustrations. All the pictures look like quilt pieces. This song is timeless and kids love it. I've got kindergarteners who can belt this out and they never get tired of reading/singing it over and over. Very well done. Can't wait for more John Denver songs to come out.

John Denver's music paints a beautiful picture in your mind, but this book brings it to life even more! Book is very animated---almost seems like the pictures move as the vehicles go up and down the rolling hill. Great quilted-look art that covers almost every space in this book. LOTS of things going on (you could look at this book all day long and still find something new the next day) Well worth the money!!! Get is for all your John Denver fans :)

I think "Making Love Again" is a must for couples that are about to go through Prostate Surgery. I wish we would have had Keith and Virginias story to read when my husband went through it. It was so informative and true. We were not told enough by our Doctor either. We never really knew enough about the outcome and no one told us of the shots that now we do use. The psychological side is so very important for both husband and wife, it certainly should be addressed before, so you know what to expect.
Thank you all for writing the book. It's not so lonely out there with others sharing their feeling with you.

Rhondabe

This book is written by a husband and wife who continue to experience permanent impotence as a result of prostate cancer sugery. The book is structured like a "diary" with dated entires over a several-year period written separately by both husband and wife who are honest about their fears, disappointments and frustrations. It does not dwell on the surgery itself, but focuses on the post-surgical successes and disappointments as they try to engage in sexual relations using various options. It focuses on the loving relationship between the spouses, but it is also realistic about sexual needs -- from both partners' perspectives.

My husband is a young 65 and I am 46; we read this book out loud together about 9 months post-prostatectomy surgery, and it was tremendously helpful to both of us. After the surgery, the doctor had told us that impotence was unlikely in our situation, so we were not prepared for it. The book was particularly helpful with dealing with the disappointment we both felt in this regard. The book also helped us to see that most couples have to struggle with several alternatives for intimacy over a lengthy period and that not every option works for every couple.

The book was not at all preachy, but instead was subtly encouraging to my husband to be open to trying a wide variety of options that we probably would not have considered otherwise. (It does not suggest anything kinky). It gave us information that allowed us to resume [drug-induced] intercourse, which we believed was physically impossible.

A big relevation for me was that impotency is not always an "all or nothing" concept. I had no idea how discouraging it can be for a male who simply doesn't know whether he can or cannot physically perform -- or whether he will ever be able to.

The theme of the book is not to quit looking for satisfactory ways to experience intimacy and sexuality -- whatever that may look like in your personal situation. It does discuss a very intimate topic, but it does so in an honest way and it was not as difficult to read outloud together as I had expected. It gave us detailed information that we did not know and that we would never have felt comfortable asking for from our physician. Having read the book, we knew what the doctor was talking about when he suggested various options.

I definitely recommend this book, regardless of the reason for the impotence issues. I think it would be most useful for a couple -- it is written by and for heterosexual couples, but it would be equally applicable to homosexual couples as well. In my opinion, the book would be less useful for singles, although it could be helpful for a single female who is considering or is in a relationship with a male with impotence issues.

14 years after my husband's first diagnosis of prostate cancer I learned several facts in this book, but, most important, for the first time it has made me begin to believe that things CAN be different for us if we both choose to work at it.

Diagnosis. Treatment he chose and I said I'd support was radiation and we *thought* we'd been told about all the possible longterm effects. NOT SO! Six years later I saw a vital, athletic, physical man feeling totally becoming afraid of, tense about, uninterested in our previously-fabulous sex life. Finally, this week when I read this book, we learned that some impotence develops much later from radiation than from surgery, but it *will* develop!

Then depression. Deep. Sullen. Withdrawal from interests and from me. Our physician prescribed medication and counseling. The counselor saw him *once* and said, "Go home and don't be so passive!" Flat, flat affect. No joy. But he kept *trying*, bless him!

Then four years ago recurrence! It took my husband
over 6 months to choose a treatment and he only did so then because our doctor and I insisted on it! Surgery. At our city's outstanding cancer center. SUCCESS. His PSA is undetectable.
He does have some mild incontinece.

The surgery team introduced us to Muse. It worked 90% for us and the team was very excited for us. We used it once. Once in 3 1/2 years! From then on my husband has just refused to act on sex, talk about sex.

I've tried everything. I've begged my husband to return to the team and ask them for direction. He couldn't bring himself to do that. We grew farther and farther apart. My heart was breaking. I felt unattractive and sad and rejected.

Last week I read this book. I finished it in two sittings. And I was deeply touched and am now full of hope and new courage. When I handed it to my husband I only said that it was the most important thing that has happened to us in 14 years. I said it has touched me deeply and asked him to read it this week so we can discuss it next weekend. He promised he will read it tonight.....but, interestingly, he has gone to bed early not feeling well. Whether it's another "avoiding" or a real headache I won't know but a few days. But I really believe that when he does read it he will see he's not alone. He'll see we are not alone.

Right now I'm going to order several copies. I'll give one to each of our adult children so they'll know where we've been in our marriage. One will go to our surgery team to share with patients. Another will go to our family doctor so she can read it and have more personal knowledge of what prostate couples go through.

This is one of the five most important books in my life.

This is a great book on the subject of impotence. I am an 8 year Prostate Cancer survivor and this book tells it like it is. Virginia and Keith are to be commended for sharing the intimate details of their recovery.

This is great information for anyone dealing with the effects of prostate cancer. It provides a roadmap for working through the side effects of most prostate cancer treatments.

For Virginia the decision seemed easy, Keith's fear of becoming impotent from the prostatectomy was irrational in relation to the possibility of dying. How could he even think that being able to have sex was as important as living? For Keith the decision was not as easy. With his male ego wrapped up in the decision and the importance of being able to have sex with his wife it just was not as simple. After deciding in favor of the operation there was a lot of adjustments to be made and Virginia found that things were a lot more complex than she had imagined.

In "Making Love Again", Virginia and Keith Laken invite the reader into their personal lives and the difficulties they faced as a result of his prostatectomy. Their thoughts, fears, hopes, and disappointments are laid bare to the reader as they openly discuss deeply personal questions and feelings. If you ever wanted to know what it is like to deal with impotence in a marital relationship this book deals with the emotional struggles that are not normally discussed openly. The power of a loving commitment, strength for the challenge, and hope shine through as well as a true commitment to help others through the copious listing of sources of help in the appendix.

Readers should be cautioned that because this book necessarily discusses sexual intimacy between two people some may find it too graphic at points. On the other hand, it shows the extent to which the authors are letting the reader into their personal lives. "Making Love Again" is a very highly recommended book for those going through concerns about a prostatectomy or any sudden impotency of a permanent or temporary nature.

I absolutely loved this book. It grabbed you from the start and never lets you go. I truly wished that I could have read the whole book in one sitting I hated putting it down. The story flows just perfectly and you really get very involved with the characters. I want my boys to read this book...

This novel was excellent! Better than most New York Time's Bestsellers. I can't wait for her next book!

This is one of the best books I have read!!!! It held my attention all the way through. I was so anxious to find out what was going to happen next that I kept jumping ahead then I would come back to where I was. I have 3 boys and I want all 3 of them to be just like Cain Farrell.What an amazing character. The story was absolutely amazing.It was sad, happy, and madning. I was so wrapped up in the story I was getting mad at the author. I was sad that the book had to end.

What a story! Foley's characters were developed so well, I felt as if I had known them all my life. As the book's main character (Cain Farrell) goes through the harrowing events of being unjustly accused of a crime he did not commit, I was right there with him. I got so emotionally wrapped up in Cain's life, I wanted to strangle him, and then a page later I wanted to embrace him. Start early, you'll be up all night reading this one!

This book is a must read!! The author does an absolutely fantastic job of conveying the emotions that all the characters are feeling. You feel as if you are right there with Cain, the main character, through all of his misfortunes as well as his triumphs. I laughed and cried and literally could not put the book down.

I spent a LOT of time looking for the right memory book for my daughter when she was born. I started to look around for a different one for the son I am expecting next month, and decided to go with this one again. The second one will feel cheated out of enough as it is; but at least I can give him the same quality memory book - provided I keep up with it! But as my daughter approaches 5, I'm so glad that I did continue to fill in hers. It is a wonderful keepsake - and incentive to print out at least a few of the 1000s of digital photos.

I am happy with this book. It has dividers for each section, it has pockets for storing things. It really is detailed for recording all the "firsts". It has a page for each month and then 'milestones and achievements' for 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5. It has milestones such as first scribbles, uses own name, turns pages one by one, points to pictures in a book. For having our first child it has covered practically everything that I wouldn't know to record. I have two books (this one I bought and the other was a gift). This is much more detailed than the other so it depends on what you are looking for. Also, the other book I have is more cute-sy and refers to parents as Mommy and Daddy. This book refers to parents as Mother & Father as well as Mommy and Daddy, Mom and Dad. For instance it says "Mom's Page" but then it says "Mother's full name." I like it better in that regard. Bottom line, I'd buy it again.

I was delighted with all the different pages. Seems to have a place for almost everything. The monthly photo section is my favorite I think. The book is made very well and should hold up for years and years. My only complaint is that I wish it had more envelopes to tuck small keepsakes in. But it shouldn't be a problems for me to add more in. This is still the best Baby's book you can get for this price. And I spent long hours hunting for the perfect one.

I first purchased the Baby's book-first five years for my niece. Everyone who saw it agrees it is the perfect gift for a new parent. It is something so organized, yet simple and very detailed. One day they will be able to look back and have times, dates, and pictures for all those new and first time events. I have since ordered it for my expectant neighbor, and I just know she and her family will love it. It is the best gift I can think of for a new parent.

I really like it, I had looked around for a while. Easy to fill out, asks alot of questions that I wouldn't even think of. Only things I don't like are there are no "teeth charts" to chart which of the baby's teeth came in first, and theres not a whole 'lotta room to write notes on the pages if you decide to put their monthly pics. Overall I think it's fine and will probably buy a couple more for my expectant friends.

ON THE DAY I GAVE THIS REVIEW,I WAS NOT SURPRISED TO FIND THERE WERE ONLY THREE BOOKS LEFT,WITH MORE ON THE WAY.MR.REGER'S WRITING STYLE IS VERY CLEAR IN ALL THE DETAILS THAT INVOLVE EXPLAINING A CIVIL WAR BATTLE.NOT AN EASY TASK.JIM PUTS THE READER RIGHT INTO THE STORY,WHERE ONE CAN EASILY VISUALIZE ALL THAT IS GOING ON.I ANXIOUSLY AWAIT HIS NEXT BOOK.

This is the only book required on anyone's personal library shelf for the First Battle of Bull Run. Mr. Reger has done the research extremely well and transports the reader back in time to July, 1861 with accuracy and with superb ease of understanding. Having read many books on the First Battle of Manassas, this is the only one that is presented to the reader in an easy to understand and follow format. Mr. Reger is a storyteller who simply takes the reader to the narrative. It is hard to believe that Mr. Reger was not an actual part of that battle, telling the stories first hand. Once into this book it is very difficult to put down until finished.

Reger's book is a particularly vivid account of the beginnings of the American Civil War. His characterizations of those involved, largely as fallible and confused humans trying to deal with seemingly inevitable and fateful forces, are engaging and welcome. While generals and presidents do appear, the focus of this novel is on the "little people," Americans on both sides who found themselves fighting and dying without really understanding just why (or how) they got there. I particularly liked the West Virginia slant--we've heard a lot from the descendants of the lost aristocracy. Let's hear from the hillbillies.

Baptism at Bull Run is an excellent and enjoyable book. Its treatment of men who were disdained early in the war, but whose greatness was recognized later, is especially good. Such men as Jackson and Sherman were handled with subtlety, and without overemphasis; their foibles, as well as their latent ability, were depicted concisely, and well. Baptism is right up there with Killer Angels, at the top of the list.

Having just finished James Regers novel, "Baptism at Bull Run", I felt compelled to write about it. It is not often that you see a historical fiction that uses history as anything but a backdrop for an entirely fictional story. Yet, Reger uses the history itself as the story, bringing to life a look at the great and famous generals, as well as the common foot soldier that you rarely hear a word about. The story really transports you to a place and time in a way that no history book could ever do. I hope more authors would take the time to the research and craft a story in the fashion that this author does, as it marries the best of two worlds and brings history to your front door. I highly recommend this book and look forward to future efforts.

I bought about ten of these because they are so easy to carry around and are printed with easy to read type and sell at a very good price. I have many other editions of Shakespeare's plays but these are perfect for what I wanted. I have lots of other editions with introductions, evaluations, etc. and I don't really need that in my bag. These editions are a great way to read the plays without carrying around five pounds of book!

this is shakespeare's most accessible comedy. it's a farce about mistaken identities among identical twins. nothing complicated here. the play has it's funny moments. it's not the bard's best comedy; that's 'much ado about nothing', imho. but this is not a bad place to start.

Shakespeare's vision grew tremendously over the course of his writing career. However, this play demonstrates that his uncanny power as an artist grew quickly and was present in some form from the very begining. It is exceedingly hard to buy the common notion that this was his first comedy when it is so much better than "The Two Gentlemen of Verona" in nearly every way. The dialogue is fast paced and screamingly funny. The characters interesting if broad and there are some surprising touches that, aside from being interesting in and of themselves, point down the road to later, darker comedies. Chief among these is the amazing opening, perhaps still unequaled in all comedy for the level of grimness. These are the first words uttered in a play long seen as a kind of sitcom of Shakespeare's plays: "Proceed, Solinus, to procure my fall, and by the doom of death end woes and all." The speaker is Egeon, a merchant about to be put to death for simply coming from the wrong country. The whole first scene feels like a cloud is hanging over it and there is a sense of fear-infused urgency that catches the mind off guard and makes the joyous, lunatic story all the more welcome while at the same time coloring it with real drama, making it all the more exciting. To be sure, there is little real depth and much of the play is like a sitcom but only the best of sitcoms and perhaps "Monty Python" at their most absurd is a better comparison. The plot is well chosen (from the Roman comic dramatist Plautus) and well handled. For some reason the play is not well known even among the early comedies which is a shame. It is probably the best of them, even surpassing the wonderful "The Taming of the Shrew". Aside from being an easy read, keep in mind the play is good to perform as it holds up well and doesn't suffer from being tinkered with. I've seen one production that was mostly straightforward but did a few weird things that worked like magic. They would've sunk almost any other Shakespeare comedy. I must also mention the last moment between the two clowns. It is as heart-warming and humane as it is funny. The master is already present AND growing. Do yourself a favor and pick up this play, you'll laugh your head off!

I recently re-read THE COMEDY OF ERRORS prior to attending The Colorado Shakespeare Festival's performance of this farce-like play under the summer stars here in Boulder. Based on Menaechmi by Plautus, William Shakespeare (1564-1616) produced this romantic comedy between the years 1592-93 and published it in the First Folio in 1623. While on its surface this early play may seem superficial and frivolous when measured against KING LEAR or HAMLET, it is not without its own unique depths. It also shows that the Bard had a sense of humor. It tells the hilarious story of two, identical twin brothers (Antipholus of Syracuse and Antipholus of Ephesus) and their identical twin servants (both named Dromio), all of whom were separated at sea during their infancy until redisdovering each other through a series of madcap mix-ups, mayhem, and mistaken identities in the apparently insane town of Epheseus. Meanwhile, Egeon (the father of the Antipholus twins), has been granted a day to raise local ransom for illegally entering Ephesus. In that day, the separated twins are reunited, Antipholus of Ephesus pays his father's ransom, and Egeon discovers his long-lost wife (Aemilia) living in the local priory. In the end, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS is as much about the power of family as the search for completing oneself. It is a play that reminds me that it is perhaps better to re-read and understand Shakespeare than to devour one bestseller after the next.

G. Merritt

One of the problems that great artists present to us is where to begin in getting to know their works. Their masterworks are often so full of what they have spent a lifetime developing that most of it is lost on those who have not yet put in a significant amount of effort becoming familiar with that artist's style and means of expression. Yet, if one begins with their apprentice works one may become discouraged because they lack the miracles of the masterworks. So, where does one begin?

Shakespeare offers the reader an additional challenge of an English that is removed in style and idiom from us by 400 years. It is not an insurmountable challenge. In fact, it is quite easy to overcome with a bit of time reading it and getting into the flow. It just seems strange in the beginning, but it really does become easy to read once you spend some time with it. However, getting over that small hill has kept many from enjoying the glories of Shakespeare.

This play, "The Comedy of Errors", is clearly an early work. It has many virtues, but despite them it does not offer much of what we really value in Shakespeare. It is a very fine play and is constructed very well. It is a wonderful first work to read of Shakespeare because it is short and has a very simple plot. The new reader does not have to spend much effort contemplating characters or the immense subtlety of language of the great works. Its charms are direct and what it has to offer is pretty much on the surface of the words.

The plot is, like all farces, ridiculous. It involves twin brothers who are served by twin slaves. They are separated early in life and when the play opens one set does not know the other exists. One set (the Antipholus and Dromio from Syracuse) visits Ephesus where the other set (the Antipholus and Dromio of Ephesus) lives. The play involves people confusing the two sets to the bewilderment of those suffering from the confusion. It really is quite funny. Of course, eventually, all is resolved to everyone's delight.

This edition, like all of the individual editions Arden offers of these plays, has a wonderful opening essay that offers a great deal of background on the play including a discussion of its performance history, sources, and discussion of the play itself. The appendices in the back offer excerpts from the sources and some brief information on the Gray's Inn performance of 1594.

If you desire to study Shakespeare and are willing to spend time reading many of his plays, "The Comedy of Errors" is a good work to start with just to ease into the language and get a feel for some of the conventions of Elizabethan theater. Just don't stop here. Shakespeare has so much more to offer that you owe it to yourself to continue your exploration of this supreme artist.

*****
I have been reading collage books in order to get ready for a collage class I'm taking next month; while all the ones I've read have their strong points, this book is truly the "Bible" of collage---it contains the widest and most in-depth information of all of the books I've read. It covers so many topics, and for a beginner, enables me to see just what can be done with collage. As I become more experienced, though, I am certain that I will refer to it again and again.

Ever type of collage conceivable to me is covered here, with step by step instruction. It is written in an instructional (as opposed to entertaining) style, and is definitely a reference book, but one that I think every collage artist should have.

If you are wanting to learn more about collage and can only afford one book, this one is it. It covers many different styles, so unlike other books, if your style is not the same as the author's, you might be left out---no chance of that with this book.

Highly recommended.
*****

I'm speaking as someone who knows zilch about collage -- or close enough to zilch that it doesn't matter. Which means I'm extremely impressed by the way the authors clearly explained techniques and concepts in a manner that didn't confuse the ignorant (me) while informing both beginners and experts. I'm guessing they DO inform experts just because of the wide range of information. The result is that I feel I really begin to understand the basic concepts without being overwhelmed. My only problem is to choose which fun methods to try first. There is certainly an exhaustive array of options. I can't speak for more experienced people but, for beginners, I can't imagine a book being more helpful than this one.

This book does offer specific projects and yet leaves an open-ended aspect for artist innovation and personal touch. There are a lot of methods explored and so this text is a great one in addition to the works of others in this genre. The greatest part about this book is that contemporary collage artists are featured and this gives the reader a connection with his/her peers. There is no "art history" and "these are the famous collage artists" feel to this book: it is 100% TODAY people who are creating collage art. This aspect makes the world of collage feel approachable and in the here and now.

I have dabbled with collage and assemblage and want to do more. What I mainly want is info on supplies and technique, rather than an overview of what other artists are doing in the field, or a history of the art, or coaching to overcome fear of doing art. I took six collage and altered book books out of the library. This one worked best for me. The information about what supplies, adhesives, and papers/boards to use was well organized, clear and simple. Each technique was presented in a straightforward, step by step way accompanied by examples. This book had more techniques in it that seemed like ones I would want to work with than some of the other books - I'm not at a stage where I want to build a complicated studio setup or use photocopiers and photography a whole lot in my artwork, but I appreciate knowing about techniques that are a little more advanced than gluing paper down.

This book was actually a text book for a college class. As a not very artistic person, I found some of the projects to be a bit intimidating. However, the explanations were very helpful. The pictures are beautiful. I found the descriptions of the elements of design very helpful.

This is a thorough book and one that I refer to often. It helps to identify many of those pieces you find in your grandmother's china cabinet. There is a lot of information about the various designs, colors and years of production. It's one of the handbooks that I constantly look to for information.

I got this gift for someone else, and they LOVE IT. All the information they were seeking was there, plus it helped price and identify the Fenton items they had.

The pictures in the book are beautiful, you can see every detail.

im a newer collector so i needed some reference guides.this book has tons of pictures, pricing and information from cover to cover..id recommend it to any fenton collector new or old

Book is very helpful in identifying pieces. New Fenton lovers should buy this!

The lack of an index makes this book difficult to use efficiently. The only guide is the table of contents which divides the book by pattern, then color. If you want to look up a particular piece and you don't know the name of the pattern, you will have to look through the entire book to figure it out and hope the piece you have happens to be in this book. Likewise if you don't know the color name of the piece. With Fenton, what you think is pink might actually be called peach. Is what you have light blue, aqua or turquoise? You won't be able to figure it out unless you look at every possibility. If you happen to collect Fenton "Amberina" don't buy this book, there isn't any reference at all to that color.
I find the layout too busy and hard to look out. The black type on green background for the price guide adds to the busy look.
Yes, there are a lot of photos and info but in my opinion, the book really needs to be more well organized for me to call it a good book.

This book is a fantastic read, I recommend it to anyone over 12. The heartwrenching tale of betrayal and sadness will surely move you. If you read this book I guarantee you will want more. Who could stop at one Virginia Andrews book? I think this is the best volume in the series. The characters are true to life, the plot is intense and realistic. This novel is a must for the personal library of any avid drama reader. The reason I gave it only 4 stars is because, although it's a great story, I think it's really too dark and sad for regular reading. I have a copy and I have read it twice since I got it, which was about three years ago. I don't think it's the type of book you can read over and over again without depressing the hell out of yourself. Still, read it, even if you only read it once.

I COULD'NT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN FOR TOO LONG .THE CHARACTERS WERE ALL I COULD THINK ABOUT FOR WEEKS AFTER I FINISHED READING THE BOOK. HOW COULD A FAMILY EXPERIENCE SO MUCH LOVE, HATE, GREED AND BETRAYAL?THE WAY THEY DO WILL AMAZE YOU. I CAN'T WAIT TO READ THE REST OF VIRGINIA'S BOOK, AS SOON AS I CAN GET MY HANDS ON THEM.

A story of a widowed mother of 4 young children who takes her family to her own very wealthy mothers house to live until she can get a job and support herself and children. A number of years before, she fell in love with her cousin and her father said that if they were to ever get married he'd write her off of his will, and if they were to bare children, he would never ever forgive her. She did marry him, and she was written out of his will. However he did not discover that they had children, but the evil and cruel mother did. So, the children live upstairs in the attic, where their grandmother brings them food everyday, until hopefully their mother can be forgiven by her father, and be written back onto the will. However, the few days that are supposed to be taken to get written back on the will, turn into years and the children are eventually forgotten. They escape after 4 years of being locked up.

Reading novels have never been my passion,but after a friend told me the story behind this book, i couldn't hesitate but got a copy for myself.I couldn't put it down until i was done with it,which ofcourse took me the whole day.This novel is so touching and so real.I had to buy the other series that follows,only to miss Petals in the wind which i am still hunting for right now.I really recommend it for anyone.Varginia Andrews,yr books are my favorite,i really love yr writing style.

LO mejor que he leido.Triste ver como una madre deja de amar a sus hijos para amar el dinero.Mentir para lograr ser dueña de la herencia de su padre a tal extremo de abandonar sus hijos a la obscuridad del atico.Robarle años de vida a sus hijos para lograr riquezas.Sumamente interesante no podria soltar el libro y estoy loca por saber como sus hijos logran vengarse despues de haber escapado las garras de su madre y abuela.No duele tanto el maltrato fisico como el maltrato mental que sufrian estos 4 hermanos.No puede dejar de leerlo,lo mejor de lo mejor.

I love this book!! It is a very simple but a very cute story. This book is perfect for a pizza theme and kids love it!

I loved this book when i was 4! My mom would read it for me every night!It was great!My mom thinks that too!Now i am 10 and i still love the book!If u want a great book for your kid buy this one!! I bet your kid will love it!!!IT IS THE BEST!!!I think u should buy it!! by Melanie

My boys (ages 3.5 and 21 months) love this book. They can connect with the whole "Pizza Man" coming to the door thing, and the book is simple enough that my 3.5yo can read it by himself (well not really "read" it, but he feels like he can because it was easy for him to memorize). The illustrations are very creative, and the boys really enjoy how fun they are. It is a very participatory book for the kids, and a great way to instill in your kids a love of books. I have no clue why this book is out of print! I got a brand new one off ebay for a reasonable price.

I am just so sorry that this book is out of print and soooo expensive. It is just wonderful and my kids (boy and girl; now 3 and 5) ask for it at least 3 times a year (and I know we would read it even more often if we owned a copy).

Principally, this is a story all about waiting for dinner to arrive. Little Vivian has been patient but now toys can no longer distract her, which is when Mom steps in to exercise a little imagination. She asks Vivian what she will say when the door bell rings and they open the door. Vivian answers, "Hi Pizza man". Mom then asks what she will do if it's not pizza man, but instead pizza woman. Real silliness ensues when the question becomes what will she say to pizza cat/dog/duck/cow/snake/dinosaur.

The pictures are rich, fun and exotic (by Ponder Goembel). Pizza Duck has jewelry, ear rings and a turban: very grand. Pizza Snake wears 3 bow ties and a bowler hat. Overall it is silly and imaginative fun, a great mental exercise for toddlers and adults alike. If you can't afford this steep price, look for it at the library.

Finally: "Ring, Ring!" Who is it?

Some books should never be allowed to go out of print. Virginia Walter's Hi, Pizza Man! is one such book. This deceptively simple picture book about pizza delivery and imagination delivers the kind of story toddlers and preschoolers can enjoy over and over again. My kids at the library routinely request the "pizza man" book every time we have picture book reading.

The premise of this book is pretty basic: a young girl is waiting in her apartment for the pizza man to arrive with dinner. While they are waiting, the mother plays a game with her child, having her guess what they will say when the pizza man comes and they open the door. Of course, soon the pizza man is a pizza lady, then a pizza kitty, all the way to a pizza dinosaur! Each time the audience guesses what the response will be with animal sounds corresponding to each creature. ("Meow, Meow, Pizza Kitty", etc.) On its own, this plot is pretty bare bones, and wouldn't invite much praise, but Ms. Walter's illustrations transform it into a much loved book. Engaging in a realistic style with colored pencil as her chosen medium, Ms. Walter's creates fantastic images of pizza delivery creatures at the door. From the pizza lady in her mink stole and baseball cap, to the pizza duck in his turban, to the pizza cow all decked out with a rose in her mouth, each image is detailed, funny and interesting.

This is a book that hinges on participation of the audience. Children will quickly pick up the pattern of the plot. The texts asks what they will say if it's a pizza kitty at the door. The audience volunteers the answer as the page turns to reveal the kitty in a tophat with a pizza resting on one paw. By the end of the story, children are well primed when the doorbell finally rings and they know exactly who will be at the door. As a concept book, this picture book introduces animal sounds, allows the children to predict what will be said next, and provides comfortable repetition. One of the reasons I enjoy using this book is that it involves the use of animal sounds in a more urban environment. Children who live in the city will readily identify with the concept of a pizza delivery man coming to the door where many of them may never have been to a farm or out in the country. Another level you can add to the reading of this book is to ask the child or children where the animals are holding the pizza (it changes in every picture) and this can reinforce parts of the body.

As a whole, it's just a delightful read that children will ask for. And while adults may sigh at the endless rereads, it's a light read, and your children's pleasure will be worth it. For those who enjoy this book and are looking for similar reads, I'd recommend Bark, George! by Jules Feiffer and Lemons are Not Red by Laura Vaccaro Seeger.

Happy Reading! ^_^ Shanshad