California Books

Mrs. Steward shares and intimate view of faith, love, and tribulation as her family navigates a health care system that fails to listen or understand her daughters debilitating illness. This story spans a painful fourteen year search for answers in an often rushed or hostile health care system. In this system women are quickly labeled depressed or hysterical if diagnoses are not easily found and patients easily cured. This nightmare journey of multiple physician visits, painful tests, and ineffective treatments eventually takes Karen and her daughter Melissa to Germany. At last the elusive cause of much suffering was determined to be multiple adhesions and effective surgical care was provided, thus returning quality of life to a bright young woman and her family.

The story of Melissa's victory over pain and illness and her mother's determination to not give up are certainly inspirational. This book not only sheds light on a medical condition that is often not considered on list of differential diagnoses, but also sheds light on a fractured and rushed health care system. The descriptions in this book of various physicians visits range from hysterical to infuriating. Mrs. Steward's impressions of physicians from the patient's point of view are so insightful and well written that I believe all physicians should be required to read this book. In the words of Robert Burns "Oh what a powerful gift to give us, to see ourselves as others see us."

It is my hope that this book will bring awareness of ARD to both patients and health care providers as well as remind us all to treat others with the same respect and kindness that we would like to be treated with.

Powerful, enlightening, inspiring! This mother's completely committed journey to find relief and the answers to her daughter's suffering is nothing short of awesome. In doing so she has given, in her book, the help and the hope so desperately needed by those also suffering from adhesions. Help for those who may not even know, until now, what they are suffering from and the hope to know that their pain can come to an end.

This is one of the most informative and well written books I have picked up in a long time. She knows her topic, she has lived it! The heart and sole that is poured into the book comes through very clear. If you know nothing of the disease you will be well informed when you finish the read. It is not boring and info packed it is info packed and interesting. Edna Summers

When I saw the book my first thought was: finally a book about ARD, a much neglected subject. It is not only a story about an ARD victim and her courageous mother, it is literature, very well written, captivating, devastating, funny. A book that fills a gap-it was time!

As I read this book, I was reminded of being a teenager with a blood pressure of 180/110 and a resting heart rate of 130 beats per minute. My mother and I consulted with a top cardiologist who couldn't figure out what was wrong with me and wanted to put me on tranquilizers. When my mother and I refused the medicine, he called her in and read her the riot act. This was particularly challenging because the cardiologist was one of my father's best gardening service customers. After shopping around with my mother to 12 more doctors, I finally found one who did the obvious and gave me a test to see if I had an overactive thyroid . . . which I did. Within a few days, I was better with medicine to slow down the thyroid production. Without my mother's obstinate pursuit of a proper diagnosis and cure, I probably wouldn't be alive today.

The same is true for Karen Steward and her daughter, Melissa. Unfortunately, Melissa was suffering from complications brought about by adhesions (where one organ is attached to another so they cannot move freely), a condition for which there is no simple blood test as there is for an overactive thyroid. These two brave women suffered through what my mom and I did for fourteen years rather than fourteen weeks, as was the case for me. I feel sorry for them.

Today, the better medical schools (such as the University of Massachusetts) teach physicians to listen to patients and take what they say seriously. The Stewards mostly found physicians who believed that teenage girls and women usually lie about their conditions . . . and just need something to bring down the swelling (cortisone-based steroids and to calm their nerves (antidepressants).

Research in the internet eventually led Ms. Steward to realize that her daughter could have adhesions. Even with that realization and recommendations from enthusiastic patients who suffered from adhesions, the Stewards found two dishonest physicians who operated on Melissa before finding one who was honest and had the right methods to help her . . . in Germany, far from their home in Texas.

If you have adhesion-related ills, you should read this book. If you have mysterious pains in your abdomen and pelvis, are nauseous a lot, have constipation, and have been told that your bowels are narrowed, you should be checked out by a professional who knows this area. The Stewards had success with Dr. Kruschinski, using a method for keeping surgery from causing new adhesions (surgery is the number one cause of adhesions). You can read information about Dr. Kruschinski and words of advice from him at the ends of the book. You'll also see vivid color photographs of what adhesions look like.

In young women where there have been no surgeries, adhesions can also occur due to endometriosis (growths like the lining of the uterus outside of the uterus). In Ms. Steward's case, she was prone to cysts that grew and dissolved. Each time that happened, there was a risk that adhesions would occur. But each physician they consulted said that there was no chance that Ms. Steward could have her symptoms based endometriosis. Right.

Undoubtedly due to concerns about libel suits, the physicians who did a poor job are described with pseudonyms. I would hope someone would open an investigation into those physicians. Several of them need to have their licenses yanked.

The book also points out the poor way that churches, Christians, friends, and neighbors can behave in dealing with someone suffering from a chronic illness. Even if you or your family doesn't have this problem, you can learn a lot about how to be a better person by seeing how the Stewards reacted to poorly considered words and behavior among those they considered friends and fellow Christians.

The Stewards kept going, in part, based on their faith in God. This book is testimony to the kinds of suffering that can be part of God's plan, just as it was with Job.

Bravo, Ms. Steward! You are a good mom and a good Christian.

I teach kindergarten and my class enjoys reading time. They always request "THE DONKAPIGS" By Author Karen McCaig. They really enjoy the character Junior.

I think it was very instinctive how the Author Karen McCaig infused the creatures innocence with that of a child.I was intrigued by the respect and intimacy that Junior had towards his friend Dave's family. If only the world could be so compassionate and introspective.I would definitely buy another book from this series for my little girl Kimberly.

The book was awsome and me and my kids really injoyed it never read anything like it. It made me want to give somone money but then i dint have any. I liked the second story the best, is ther going to be another donkapig story??

Exquisite imagination,creative Illustrations,very delicate insight into compassion. My wife and I have enjoyed reading this book over and over again to our twins.

They just don't make Books like this anymore.Children need to slow down and smell the roses too.I love that this story teaches
children to learn lessons from their actions. I really enjoyed the second story the best. It was very compassionate, it made my daughter and son want to do something for our neighbors that moved in. They are less fortunate than us. Thankyou for some really good reading! When is the next Book coming out??? Theresa

We all have dreams. And when you read this book and do the excercises in it, you will be closer to achieving those dreams. It's pretty simple, a quick read. But Milton makes you work too. The world is against the dreamer and this book helps you to see your dreams and go after them. Check it out.

I've never said this about a book before, but this book has absolutely changed my life. It's a simple approach that helped me to get out of my head and start taking action toward achieving my dreams. The author recognizes that everyone can be an artist in whatever profession s/he chooses. He insightfully addresses the obstacles that we build for ourselves and offers practical solutions for removing them. There are exercises at the end of each chapter that help you to focus on your personal goals. The exercises start out pretty broad and then drill down to become more and more specific as the book progresses. I have read the book many times, and have figured out that it really does make all the difference if you write out your responses to the exercises for yourself. The book is also very engaging because the author has lead such an interesting life. He has had success as an actor, director, author, visual artist, gallery owner, teacher...

This book motivated me to enroll in the author's acting school 3 and 1/2 years ago. I have grown so much as an actress and as a person by having made that decision. To the post of "A Reader" - I'm not a Scientologist. To everyone else - If you're interested enough to read the reviews, I suggest that you read the book for yourself and start making your dreams happen.

I have listened to the tape 3 times so far; in turn I have bought this for four people. Having read numerous books on making lifestyle, career, and relationship changes -- all of which have helped me considerably -- I can tell you that the advice Milton Katselas gives us as "average Joe" citizens (instead of the actors & actresses he has coached) is what I want to follow more than any other book I've read. I am buying the book because this time, unlike with all the other authors who have said basically the same things without the hard-hitting succinctness that Milton uses, I want to write it all down. I want to follow through. I want to change my life for the better. I'm going to do it with more gusto and fervor than I've ever done it before. It's time to REALLY GO AFTER what I want in a career, not just "make my life better" as I've done to date. Many things have improved in my life, but the clock is not turning back. If ever there was a launching pad, this is the book to use.

This is one of my favorite audiobooks. Milton is very pragmatic and focused on real life. Everything he says can actually be applied to your life and your situation. I think my two favorite concepts are the career concept and the flinch, though I totallylove the entire thing. I really love the flinch because it's this great thing you can just bring out when you're having motivation problems. It's much better than "Come on I can do it!" It's "Don't flinch!' To my than makes it this great challenge or a game. So much better than when most motivational speakers say "See every problem as a challenge."

Gently, but without mincing words, this author delivers a matter-of-fact message that cuts through the psychobabble of finding out "why" something is. Then he tells you how to pursue your dreams and to get unstuck from wherever it is you ARE stuck. It works for young and old, scholars and teachers, slow or warp-speed minded. His methods apply to all. I've listened to it three times and will do so again. And I've bought the book! I want to change my life!

I preordered this off her website so I got a print of her beautiful cover as well as the book.

I've always been a fan of her work, and just started doing watercolor so this book is perfect for me. It's given me a lot ideas of things I want to try out in the medium.

Wow, this is my favourite mermaid illustrating book.
Love, that the illustrations are explained with full example and easy to repeat tips.
This book is all you need to create stunningly beautiful female fantasy art.

I received my copy of Dreamscapes and I am thrilled with it. What I like about her book apart from the beautiful artwork, is that she is very detailed about how to start the process of a watercolour painting. Little things are not overlooked and she assumes you haven't painted before. There is even guidance on how to draw. If you have a little drawing experience, it will be easier to follow however the way she lays it out makes you feel like you can tackle her projects. And there are a lot of them! The author also covers materials in depth. If you love fantasy you are going to be really inspired by this beautiful book as I was.

Having been privileged to introduce and feature the Art of Stephanie Pui-Mun Law in my own books nothing gives me more pleasure than to see this wonderful volume 'Dreamscapes' that has just been published. From my own experience I can appreciate the huge amount of work and detail that will have gone into producing the most stunning 175 page book of 'Creative How to Draw' magical Angels Faeries and Mermaids.
Stephanie Pui-Mun Law is one of the foremost Fantasy Artists of the New Millennium her work and detail enchants. Time again one has to return to her images to see and understand her creative inspiration and thought process, yet here in this book she tell us her secrets and shows us how to hone the skills needed to be a success. This book is a must have for any aspiring artist of any age, it educates and enthralls with creative energy and artistic inspiration, welcoming readers to enter and join the enchanted faeries world. It instructs clearly and precisely allowing the reader of any age to easily follow and study techniques. For libraries, education, hobby shops and stores, art colleges, children, students this book will be an all time reference and best seller.
This book teaches conservation and understanding of the beauty of Mother Earth and the importance of protecting the environment, there is no better way to educate than encouraging through instructive art books like this.

I have been a fan of Stephanie's work as a fellow artist. I like her watercolor technique and use of color in her artwork. I purchased the book, not to learn how to create art, but to better understand Stephanie's process as an artist.

Upon reviewing the book, I was very impressed with the presentation of the material and Stephanie's instructional style. It was very clear, and extremely thorough. And all of it is presented in a high quality package. The pages are heavy weight and packed with illustrations and side bars of info. What Stephanie has done here is to give a wonderful gift to anyone who is interested in learning about watercolor illustration. The kind of information here is akin to the type of knowledge a student once might have learned as an apprentice to a master artist. Now that tradition has regretfully passed us by, Stephanie has offered a very viable substitute.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in fantasy illustration, or to someone who just would like to experiment with watercolor techniques. The only thing disapointing about the book is that it ends.

I had the chance to buy the 1957 hardback version used instead of getting the paperback. It is a fabulous book. I've learned a great deal about those three days in 1906.

I did not purchase this book through amazon.com, as I have a hard bound copy with an inscription from the author. This compilation, the narratives and photographs are timeless.

I AM SO HAPPY TO HAVE GOTTEN THIS FOR A GIFT . THIS HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY CLASSIC WILL HOLD A PERMANENT PLACE IN MY LIBRARY OF GREAT NON-FICTION & CLASSICS . THERE ARE 400 PHOTOS AND VERY DESCRIPTIVE CAPTIONS ALONG WITH SHORT STORY LINES THAT ARE WRITTEN IN PROPER CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER .

I HAVE EVEN TAKEN TO USING A MAGNIFYING GLASS TO SEARCH THE FAR BACKROUNDS OF MANY OF THESE HEART STOPPING PICTURES OF PEOPLE, ANIMALS FROZEN IN TIME DURING THE MOST FRIGHTENING DAYS OF THEIR LIVES . I'T SEEMS THAT THERE ISN'T PANIC IN ANY OF THESE FACES WHILE IT LOOKED LIKE THE WORLD WAS COMING TO AN AWFUL FIERY END . WHY HAVE WE AS A PEOPLE CHANGED WHEN CALM WOULD BE THE ORDER OF THE DAY DURING SUCH AN EXPERIENCE ?

MY DAD USE TO SAY MANY YEARS AGO, " MEN WERE MADE OF STEEL AND SHIPS MADE OF WOOD ...NOW MEN SEEM TO BE MADE OF WOOD "

Numerous writers and historians have told me that "The Earth Shook The Sky Burned" is still the definitive book on the events of 1906. Why have they told me this? Because my father wrote the book!

In any case, there is a reason the book has stayed in print for almost fifty years - it was meticulously researched and is an amazing pictorial essay. It is a must-have for anybody interested in those tragic and heroic days.

I was fascinated with natural disasters when I was a child. I remember looking through this book, lying on my parent's bed, staring at the pictures of this horrible event. They haunted me then, and I can still see them in my mind's eye, these 35 years later. This is a story told with visuals, not dialogue. It is beautifully photographed, all without censure or special effects. The photos are grainy and some blurred, but capture the heart of the people of San Francisco, as it is broken and burned. Some images are difficult to see, and readers must use discretion if light of heart. Otherwise, I highly recommend it for anyone who has an interest in natural disasters.

Ron Ely has done it again. Book has a well contrived plot with interesting beach characters. The volleyball techniques and play was laudable and blended in beautifully with the overall plot. Ron Ely can craft the finest plots and his Jake Sands protagonist is as good as you will find.

Great book. I have lived in Santa Barbara for nearly 15-years and Ron's does a great job of describing the "REAL" SB. The plot is sound and the pacing is excellent.

The Rumor is that he has written three additional novels, but the third Jake Sands novel was too heavily edited for his tastes by the publisher so he has chosen not to release it.

This is a shame, if the rumor is true.

If I ever bump into Ron here in town, I will try to get the facts and report back.

Maybe we should all email Simon & Schuster and express our desire for more Ron Ely works to see the light of day...

Great book. Ticks me off that the author has obviously been under-promoted by his publisher/agent. I enjoyed Ely's book for the ambience of Southern California/Santa Barbara, and for writing extremely well. Few authors, especially mystery writers, sound so natural.

The opening and closing lines in this book says it all. "Just another lousy day in paradise". The characters are so real you feel that you know them. Kudos to Ron Ely and I hope there are more on the way. The storyline is tight and the dialouge is as smooth as a single malt whiskey. I've read this book and Night Shadows several times.

I have always been a Travis McGee fan. Loved most of what John D. MacDonald wrote, but then came Ron Ely and Jake Sands. Never have I been so captivated by such a set of characters and the setting of Santa Barbara. If I could give ten stars, I would.

Voice of Youth Advocates Magazine October 2002 VOYA
Growing up in San Jose, California, Arturo Rodriguez and his brothers and sister endured an abusive father, their parents' unhappy marriage, and their father's absence after he returned to Mexico. Rodriguez coped as best he could, but his drinking and drug use, in the wrong place at the wrong times led to his incarceration in California's prison system for young offenders. Against all odds, he put his past behind him, married and had a family, and worked hard to overcome injustices and start a successful business. After his retirement Rodriguez began writing about his life and his family. This book is sequel to East Side Dreams (Dream House, 2001, published in Spanish as Sueños del Lado Este. In this second autobiographical book, he writes about childhood pranks and misdeeds, his mother's near fatal illness, his parent's divorce, the birth of his first child, and how his parents even eventually became friends.
The writing here is unpolished but sincere in true, and the reminiscences and descriptions are vivid and true to life. Neither how he grew to understand his father and other relatives whom he loved despite their flaws. His message for young readers is clear. It is possible to survived and overcome injustices and hardships. Rodriguez maintains a Web site at www EastSideDreams. com and invites readers to visit, view his picture alum, and perhaps send him an e-message. He will answer.-Sherry York Voice of Youth Advocates Magazine

The Midwest Book Review. May 7, 2002
East Side Dreams by Art Rodriguez is full of energy and the struggles that the author himself endured while growing up on the east side of San Jose, California in 1966.
I enjoyed reading this inspirational novel derived from the memories of a teenager who is now a mature and successful businessman.
East Side Dreams has been translated into Spanish to reach the Spanish speaking population in the United States.
As I read the troubling times of Art Rodriguez I couldn't relate to many of his predicaments, but I certainly felt compassion toward him and thanked God for my "normal" life. Mr. Rodriguez touches your heart as you read his passionate book of self-taught lessons.
As you read East Side Dreams, which captures the hopelessness of growing up with an unpleasant childhood, keep in mind that this life drove the author to his true passion-writing!
The author, Art Rodriguez has been honored by the New York Library System to be on the "2001 Books for Teenage List" for his book East Side Dreams. He was also given "The Mariposa Award-Best First Book" at the Latino Literary Hall of fame for this same book. Bravo! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and encourage young readers to read it, as there are plenty to learn from this book. It will bring tears to your eyes.

James A. Cox
Editor-in -Chief
The Midwest Book Review.

East Side Dreams is the debut book and memoir Art Rodriguez, of a Latino American who survived growing up on the rough side, at odds with a dictatorial father, and once an inmate of the California Youth Authority -- a prison system for young lawbreakers. Reflections on both happy and miserable times of his childhood, growing up, learning maturity and finally making a comfortable life for himself fill this heartfelt and revealing personal testimony. Highly recommended reading for young adults, East Side Dreams has justly earned the distinctions of being named the "Best First Book of the Latino Literary Hall of Fame", and has been honored as one of 200 Best Teenage Books in the United States by the New York Public Library System.

My son who is 21 came home with this book and said Mom you have got to read this book it is so good. So I said o.k. mejio let me read it! When I started to ready it it brought back so many memories (I grew up in the East Side of San Jose) and most of the things he was talking about I lived it. I laughed and cried and could not put down the book. This is a great book for all ages. After I got done reading it I gave it to my Father to read and he enjoyed it too.

Art Rodriguez takes us to jail with him so that we never need to go. He sits us next to him in his cell with nothing left to do but sit and remember. We try with him to connect the memories to being imprisoned, but there is no connection at all.

Although Art had an abusive father, he never once cites this as a reason for his violent behavior. He was a kid that made poor choices and got what he deserved. He blames no one but himself, and it is with this realization of responsibility that Art turns his life around. He went from street punk to a successful business man, a supportive father and an award winning author. He shows us that people can change and that bad mistakes are not the end of your life unless you allow them to be. Art Rodriguez is the silent roll model all troubled children are looking for.

This book is a great experience for audiences young and old. Buy it and read it.

I found myself feeling joyful and inspired while reading this story and believe women - especially those that married young - can benefit from reading it. The Prince Charming fantasy is real for many of us. All long-term relationships must evolve for us to live a fulfilling life as an individual spiritual being in-relation to others. Once the initial blush of getting to know each other runs its course, most people have no idea where to go next or what to do. This book guides you through the process of self-exploration with caring and gentleness and does it with no judgments or blame.

When I read a book, I usually form a bit of an idea of what the author is like and I felt like it was written by a friend who understands me. This book has a flow to it that makes it easy to read. It's 'reality-based' and would be worth a read by anyone at any stage of a marriage, or any other relationship for that matter.

By the time I got to chapter three of this delightful Marriage Life-line, I was certain Suzanne Harrill is my Fairy God Mother. Her remarkable insight into how I feel about the hard-hitting reality that after five years of sincere heartfelt mutual joy with my husband--the honeymoon is "somehow" really over--is a bright light of hope into a rats nest of confusion. The book imparts a sense of universal compassion and understanding for the position and perspectives of both wouldbe Cinderella's AND our Princes such that, contrary to how it seems, our plight is natural in the maturing of a long-term comitted partnerships. Each chapter offers hands-on processes to reflect and clarify thoughts, feelings and goals personally and as a couple. Following the guidelines, each person has a chance to explore individual needs and desires while helping each other decide what is best for the relationship. It is a priceless tool for anyone navigating a marriage individually or together.

Accessible. Lighthearted but deeply wise. I read this book on a friend's recommendation because my husband is having a mid-life crisis. I got him to read this book and he said, "Oh, I've been projecting." In other words, he was blaming me for things about himself that he didn't like. It was an important step in a living nightmare that came after 15 years of a mostly wonderful marriage. If only we all took classes in what a mature marriage looks like -- we see our parents' marriages but there is much they don't reveal to children. This book fills that gap. Read it early -- before you *need* to read it. At first, we don't talk with others because we feel shame. But this book helps you see how common these painful problems really are. You aren't alone.

The book was first read by the woman that I am involved with. She really enjoyed reading it and was able to understand more about our relationship. I read the book a couple months later and it also gave me more understanding about our problems between us. The book does stress how important a third neutral party can be of great help and as you might of guess unless you believe in Fairy Godmothers the third party is best left up to an Professional Therapist.

This incredible book for me is a totally new
way of illustrating a fairy tale.
The description of this fantasy world using
postcards is innovative and very interesting.
I strongly suggest this book to all the
art lovers.

As an artist of middle age, I sometimes think of my art as good and my growth as complete... that is, until I look at work like this.

Suddenly I feel like a beginner again, with nothing to do but learn and get better at my art. Mr. Scheurer teaches this teacher how to teach better, just by the inspirational settings he creates and the drawings he does from deep in his imagination. There is a whole world residing in him that is too fanciful to describe. He is my new favorite artist.

Even though this book, at first glance, appears to be an art book, there is a very charming story woven into the "stamp" descriptions, as well. Each page features an illustration of a stamp from the imaginary realm of "Entropia" and a description of the event or history the stamp is commemorating. I read this book in two sittings, only because I had an appointment to keep that tore me away from such a beautiful book. Once finished, this book left me with a strong desire to read and see more of Christian Lorenz Scheurer's "Entropia".

Christian is one of my favorite artist. This new book is full of great stories and wonderful pictures! It's great for all ages.

Bought this book as a gift for a friend but then ended up keeping it for myself.
The fantastic story and beautiful illustrations felt like a mix between Nick Bartock's Griffin and Sabine and Miyazaki's Spirited Away.
This is most inspiring fantasy book I read this year!:)

Besides teaching math in a middle school, I also sponsor a math club. It can be tough finding useful, stimulating activities that are enticing to students, especially when the alternative is free time to socialize. I borrowed this book from a co-worker and found that it was a real hit---full of great ideas that are fun and easy to use. I liked it so much that I bought the book for myself, and a copy for still another teacher, too! At the end of the school year when parents start asking me what they can do with their child over the summer to strengthen math skills, you can bet that I'll be recommending this book.

I use this book to get the kids in my classroom hooked on liking math. Most of the time they end up asking "Is this math?" because they've always believed it was too hard or boring, but this book makes learning math fun because of its interactive activities. I would say it's a must have for teachers too.

I hate math. Memories of trying to understand long division in fourth grade can still make me squirm. Algebra was a lost year of my life - I had no idea what the teacher was talking about. Wouldn't you just guess I'd end up with a son who could add two digit numbers in his head before he started kindergarten? (I'm over 40 and I still can't do it very well) He even thought it was fun to do so.

You can probably guess that the normal elementary school math curriculum did not thrill him. Fortunately, early on, his kindergarten teacher lent me her copy of this book, and suggested that it might help him get started on understanding some higher math concepts, while still being age appropriate. The words "higher math" were not exactly music to the ears of a math phobe like me. But within a couple of weeks, after trying out a few games, I was hooked, and bought my own copy.

During the time he was in elementary school, I think we did at least 3/4 of the activities in the book, not because I thought he should, but because he wanted to. And, to my enormous surprise, so did I. The games and activities in this book are so intriguing that even I began to develop a sense of what it must feel like to really love math. (And, amazingly enough, I even got a little better at basic arithmetic.) Several of the games were so much fun, they became obsessions. We played them day after day.

My younger child, who recently finished kindergarten, doesn't remotely share her brother's love of numbers, but this year I dug out my old copy of the book to see if it might get her more interested. Sure enough, it worked. The games of logic and the games designed to develop rapid mental arithmetic skills that so fascinated her brother don't really interest her. In fact, most of the book is still way beyond her skill level. But I've found quite a few games that are appropriate for a child still struggling to add and subtract single digit numbers. (She says they're more fun than the math games they play at school). And there are several activities (Tangrams, and Color Designs, for instance) that take advantage of her love of art to help her understand math better. At the end of kindergarten, my daughter told me that her favorite school subject was math. I have no doubt that her exposure to Family Math games had a lot to do with that. And I have no doubt that we'll be using this book more and more over the next few years.

Fantastic! Family Math puts math and problem solving skills on the kitchen table. A far cry from homework, these games and activities involve common household materials like toothpicks and dried beans. They are easy to learn, quick to play, and cover a range of mathematical abilities and topics. Definitely enjoyable for both adults and children.
The book is organized into different math topics (like Logical Reasoning, Numbers and Operations, Probability and Statistics) and each activity clearly states the age level that it is for and its purpose.
FAMILY MATH ends with instructions for setting up a Family Math class to teach parents and teachers how to use the material.

This was recommended by our son's 1st grade teacher, we borrowed hers and then bought our own. It's a great family book that incorporates math into fun games. We have a 1st and 4th grader and it works great for both of them. The reviews and suggestions are appropriate and easy to use. The activities are age/level appropriate also, it's a great way to spend some time away from the t.v. and computer.