Vans Books

Our 19 month old grandson loves Cars, Trucks and Things That Go, so this book is perfect for him. It is not too old for him. He looks and looks at the pictures on the pages and says the name of the object over and over.
He has learned many new words from having this book.

The Pig family takes a road trip. On their way to the beach for a picnic, they encounter cars and trucks, vans and motorcycles, tractors and buses. What an exciting day!

My kids delighted in finding Goldbug. A very fun book for children who like cars.

After wearing out a couple of these books 30 years ago with our own kids, we still have fun giving copies to new parents so that their kids can enjoy the search for Gold Bug with them--over and over again. The detailed illustrations keep kids' attention for hours, and the fanciful vehicles and their drivers are great for feeding little imaginations. There is a whole host of R. Scarry books, but this is the one we like the most.

I remember this book from when I was a kid. Now my two year old has it and he loves looking at the great illustrations and learning new words. He even insist it goes to bed with him every night. A very good book for 2-year old boys who are curious about "things that go". A must have!

I recall reading this book to my younger sister many years ago.
I recently purchased this for a 6 year old. He squealed with delight.
It is his favorite R S book.

Richard Scarry books are classics - great for young & old.
Delightful pictures & so fun to look at!

Henri Nouwen had a truly God-given gift - the gift of explaining timeless spiritual truths in very clear, ordinary language in a conversational and deeply captivating way. His words and his explanations imprint themselves into the memory and stay in the heart, and truly help to change lives. Much of his wisdom surely comes from his own struggles, which he admits to in the book - he personally struggled with depression, pride, desire for success and fame, envy, etc. - common human ailments. He also struggled with feeling unworthy of God, and with feeling distant from God. Yet, he learned to overcome his struggles (though he admits that he is still on a journey), and he describes how.

This is the third book I have read by Neuwen. After reading Life of the Beloved I really didn't think that anything could compare, but this book, if not better, is at least just as good. It is an instantly timeless spiritual classic. The whole book is a reflection on Rembrandt's painting, The Return of the Prodigal Son. First Nouwen reflects on the younger son who came back from a foreign land. Then he reflects on the older son who witnesses his younger brother's return. Finally, Nouwen reflects on the father figure. His insights are deep and beautiful. He leads the reader to a natural and yet incredible insight: that after identifying ourselves with both the younger and older brother, we must realize that rather than being either of these two brothers, we are called to become the father!

"Return of the Prodigal Son" is a wonderful opportunity to hear the gentleness and genius that was Henri Nouwen. The book was originally a talk given at retreat when Nouwen was 57, about 8 years before his death, in the time following his famous service at Toronto's L'Arche Daybreak facility for severely handicapped adults. Nouwen's humility is on display, as are his deep spiritual and psychological insights.

The impetus for Nouwen's reflections was Rembrandt's "Return of the Prodigal Son," painted when the artist was elderly, and following multiple tragedies in his own life. Nouwen's inspiration is less the painting, though, than the parable. His lecture is split into three parts, focusing on the younger son, the older son and the father. Nouwen's take on the parable is Jesus's radical break with interpretations of God that held sway in his own day as they still do in ours. The God that Jesus defines is not angry, vindictive or retaliatory, but completely open in love and forgiveness. While many will agree with this description of the Father, fewer will agree with Nouwen that this image of the Father exists the rest of Holy Scripture (both OT and NT) as well. While many of us are willing to accept Scripture's seemingly schizoid vision of God, Nouwen does not. He is completely committed to the loving father portrayed in this parable. For those committed to the God of condemnation, hell and judgment, Nouwen will be a disappointment (or a challenge). Human beings separate themselves from a God who is always anxious to take them back, teaches Nouwen.

In Nouwen's take on the story, the younger son teaches the journey from dissolution to containment. Dissolution includes dissipation of the kind associated with the younger son in the parable -- insults to parents, arrogance, squandering of resources, immorality. But dissolution extends to other activities and attitudes that spread our energies beyond our capacities. We spread ourselves too thin, spiritually, usually out of a desire to impress those in our lives whom we want to impress or influence. But by recognizing our sonship with God, we realize that we do need to impress of fathers (whether heavenly or worldly) into loving us, allowing us to bring our spiritual energies into containment and focus. The elder son often lives in our hearts alongside the younger son. The elder son's error is in resentment and separation. He cannot rejoice that "this son of yours" has returned from death, whining about his own ceaseless and unrewarded labors. But his error also speaks to a misunderstanding of the Father's love. He feels he will be loved *because* of his obedience (evidently given grudgingly) and has missed that his gift is to have been in the presence of the Father all along.

Nouwen's deep insight into the parable, whose subtlety and profundity become apparent the more listen, is astounding. The parable has the power to heal as well. For any who have felt conflict or hurt in family situations, as has Nouwen himself, the parable points the way toward a recognition of our true place in the world, and in God's eyes. This is not a dewy "I'm OK, You're OK" insight, but can lead to a profound shifting of our existential relationship with ourselves, our parents and our God. What false fronts and defenses we might shed if we truly believed in a God who loved us as beloved children -- no matter how far astray we had gone?

Nouwen's style and delivery belie the intensity of his own struggle and the wisdom of his teaching. Yet the insights continue rolling in, like waves following the passage of a ship, long after the book is over. A fascinating and potentially life-changing book.

This book opened up so many different ideas on the well known story of the Prodigal Son. I loved reading this book. It was my first Nouwen read, and it definitely will get me reading more of his books. If you are not familiar with Nouwen, this is a good first read.

This is an excellent life changing book. Presents the core truth of the Christian Gospel in a way that touches everyday attitudes and struggles. A book so personal and touching you may find that Nouwen is addressing your own unique circumstances. I certainly did. You may find yourself thinking about a new way to live. This book changed my life.

Everyone needs to reflect upon their life at some point. This book is excellent in helping one to see how their journey in life has brought them closer to God.

I bought this title thinking it was the book form, but I found that the portfolio pages could be framed and hung-up so that the pictures could be constantly in sight, that way you can build your story subconsciously over time.
The pictures are wonderful; the use of grayscale makes it easy to see whatever color you want. The title of the book tells what type of pictures are inside, all are mysterious,
This title is great to get your kids into story writing or just writing period. They can learn to proofread and practice their spelling and grammar. This would be a good resource for homeschoolers as well as school teachers.

I'm a student teacher, and i'm really excited about using this book in the future with children that I will teach.

The illustrations are really thought provoking and gorgeous.

The illustrations are large and clear and are presented nicely in the packaging.

I would definitely recommend this book to anybody that teaches or to any parents. :)

My grandchildren (ages 10 and 6) really enjoy making up stories to go along with the pictures. This has been fun for all of us. It is a creative activity--gets them away from the video games.

I saw this book reviewed on the Martha Stewart show. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but it looked promising and I ordered it anyway. WOW! What a wonderful surprise. There is very little prose, but the pictures are delightfully thought provoking. We decided that my son's teacher would love the book and we gave it to her. She is now using it as a jump start to creative writing exercises. I recommend this book especially for writing teachers and kids that need a little help getting started on a story.

I love Chris Van Allsburg illustrations and I love all his books but I was surprise by the portfolio format, english is not my mother language and from time to time I get lost in translation. Anyway I'm happy!!!

Jorge gives all the details and excellent explanations to help you with whatever type of grow you want to use. Very comprehensive and well researched. Best book I've seen if its' kind. You won't regret getting this book.

One of the most concise and complete referance of this subject that I have seen in a long, long time. Invaluable to those interested in the subject matter.

This is THE BEST book for any begginer, on how to grow marijuana. Absolutly every one of the important five parts (air, water, nutrients, light, soil) of growing marijuana are explained in details in this book. It also is packed with some good growing ideas. For expert growers, this book could give you some new ideas.

The only thing that this book does not go into detail is hydroponics. It explains enough on basic hydroponic growing, but not more than that.

Very useful full of information on all subjects, along with color pictures to give you an idea of what and how things should look.

From simple one-plant projects on the balcony to hi-tech hot rod hydroponic grow rooms, this book covers everything! Over 2-lbs in weight. 512 pages. 1120 up to date, color images. From selecting seeds to outrageous harvests and how to get there, in color-coded chapters that are easy to understand & great looking--Green for Vegetative Growth, Yellow for Light, Blue for Air, Red for Pests, ect. I even found that the ads, (which some reviewers disliked), were high quality and informative.
If you don't know the first thing about growing, or have been around the block a few times but you're still not clear on the difference between TDS and the EC of your nutrient solution, Jorge has the answers.
Of the dozen or so grow books I've bought, this is the 1st book I'd recommend for your grow library. Better yet, order two or more as presents for your friends, and in a few months they might be back with some special treats as a way to say "Thank You"

My boyfriend's father convinced me that, as an art history major, I needed to read this book. I was a little hesitant, but after the first chapter I was completely hooked.

This was a truly powerful book. No matter that it is not a true biography, it was beautifully written and moving. I would recommend this to anyone with even a passing interest in art.

Amazing book and so very well written as all of Stone's other books are...I have always been mesmerised by Van Gogh's paintings, especially when I saw an exhibit of his in London.The colours were so wonderful that I just stood there infront of those pieces of art like a zombie ! I loved this book !

I loved this book. For someone like me, with just a passing knowledge of art and art history, it was pretty amazing to learn about Van Gogh's development as an artist and the Impressionist art movement. In addition, I think that its two major themes of expression and immortality are going to have a lasting effect on me.

By expression, I mean that Van Gogh put all his time and energy into expressing himself in a way that he felt was making the best use of his skills. For him, his calling was a new form of art, and he stuck with it despite receiving no recognition or profit for his work during his lifetime. By immortality, I mean that although Van Gogh was not successful in his lifetime, his work lives on and is hung in the most important museums in the world.

Highly recommended.

This is a beautiful novel about a beautiful human being. If you love Van Gogh's paintings (he is my personal favorite of all painters) then by all means, you need to read this wonderful book. In his prose, Stone is able to paint a vivid, vibrant, illuminating portrait of an amazing artist. I was truly blown away and completely consumed from the first chapter on. I actually read this fine story after visiting the Musee d'Orsay (Museum Orsay) in Paris and seeing first hand the magnificent works of this illustrious Impressionist. Of all the great many paintings presented at the Louvre and d'Orsay, it was the Van Gogh's that captivated me more than all the others (which is saying a lot, because the whole place is captivating!). I couldn't believe some of his self-portraits. What really fascinated me the most was the despondency in those steel blue eyes of his. This is what led me to read this story. I wanted to know where all that pain and suffering came from. Irving Stone answered all of my questions and then some. He is a brilliant and insightful writer and I will be looking forward to reading his novel "The Agony and the Ecstasy" which is based on the life of another favorite artist of mine - Michelangelo.

Anyone who is struggling to become an artist needs to read this! Talk about sacrifice and desire and heart and passion... this man Van Gogh was a true original. A man like no other before or since.

"...for by sadness the countenance of the heart is made better."

I can't recommend this one enough.

I should have read this biography sooner. I used to be in love with his paintings, and even fantasized that IF I were to travel back in time, I would've married him -- all this BEFORE I read this book. After I read it I found out that there was one such infatuated woman (Margot), and also a tragic unrequited love story that led him to religion and then to painting. Anyone who is creative will sympathize with the extent to which pain can be transformed into the strength to create. The creative path is not always materially rewarding, and even if it is all an artist has, it will continuously change others' lives. I absorbed every word of this book and was hooked until the very end. Poverty and disinterest is ephemeral... belief in oneself is revolutionary.

I first learned about this book a few years ago when I was babysitting a friends child. I thought it was cute then. Since then, I have had a little boy of my own, who is now almost a year old, and he really likes this book. He really seems fascinated by all the things this book does! He doesn't usually sit still to read books, but this keeps his attention. I also just purchased the book "Dog" by Matthew Van Fleet. That is a birthday gift for my son, but my husband and I both think that its a cute/humorous book. (anything that isn't annoying for me to read repeatedly is a huge plus!) I am now very interested in other books by this author, and excited to purchase a few more by him! Can't wait for the new "Alphabet" book to come out!!

My 9 month old loves tails. She was so interested in it, we've had to take it away for now, as she tore off the cute pig tails. The book has a nice cadence. It helps kids learn about uncommon animanls. Very nice handmade book with movement, texture, and smell. They should put a warning on the skunk scratch and sniff, that will catch you by surprise!

My baby received this book for Christmas. She is one. She LOVES this book. She loves to feel and move the tails. She did rip the end of the pigs tail off, but for once I don't care. This book is golden!!!

My 1 1/2 year old daughter recieved this as a gift and she loves it! There are many things to touch and pull. (Two wagging tails and one that pulls up to reveal new things)

I will warn you that I have had to patch this books twice.

The first time was for the pull up tab. She managed to rip half of it out of the book. The pages are not cheap and flimsy... my husband was "watching" her at the time and she had the time to sit and really yank on it a few good times. And since she was only pulling on one side... Well... It was a quick and easy fix.

The other patch job, is actually mentioned by another person here. The pig's swatting tail... she ripped the poof off and I managed to find it two days later.

This is a great book that any child would love! :) Just be sure to keep an eye on her while she's playing with it.

This was a gift for my youngest and then I bought it for my sister's youngest. It's a great book with things to move and touch. My six year old reads it to the little ones and learns about new animals.

Outsourcing buyers, clients, advisors, analysts, investors, managers, executives and media all quote this book as the "bible of outsourcing"! We're looking forward to the 2008 edition which is coming out next year.

The book successfully provides a 20,000 foot view of key aspects of outsourcing, including a deeper focus on Business process outsourcing. The content of the book is divided into three key parts
* How to plan, lead and manage outsourcing initiatives
I found this section really relevant to sourcing professionals, especially for those focused on `buy' side of sourcing
* The indispensable guide to finding an outsourcing career
This section is peppered with a few interesting ideas, especially for those in the west who are coming to grips with the Outsourcing elephant in the room
* The indispensable guide for outsourcing entrepreneurs
More of a Business 101 with a bit of sourcing focus

The topics covered are vast so doing justice to every aspect of sourcing is hard. I only wish the authors had brought in further depth in a topics like Risks (with a capital R) Governance, SLAs and other operational challenges .

Overall a good guide book for those looking for an overview on the topic.

This book is excellent. It discusses why outsourcing is essential for doing business and the process requried to do so. It is straight forward, good for not only for Companies interested to outsource, but also anybody who is interested to learn about outsourcing.

The book offered very useful information and guidelines that could immediately apply to our work. Additionally, the author has revealed a new path to business knowledge, offering further opportunities to pursue the successful implementation of company strategic goals in an ever-changing and challenging business environment.

With Lou Dobbs and a host of others focusing only on the negative aspects of outsourcing, it's refreshing to see someone talk about how outsourcing can drive economic growth also. The dominance of service businesses is restructuring the economy and, like all change, some of it will be painful. Good jobs will come from value-added activity, not by bemoaning the inevitable. Outsourcing is just another way that the market exposes management inefficiency.

Each chapter reminds you of a time in your own life, and makes you ask yourself "what did I learn from that experience" and what about that situation makes me who I am today. You can't help but stop and think about the things in your life that really matter. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to develop, inspire and laugh.

Reading this book brought back memories and the emotiions of a youth growing up and learning not just about the world but more importantly the people in it. This book is a must read to individuals who wish to re-experience the joy of youth and the challenges it brought.

What an experience seeing these stories in print! They hit very close to home. In fact, they were FROM my home. Growing up in our home was a trip!. We were all very different, yet very much alike. Shared experiences have created a bond like nothing else. Our parents had a great impact on who we all are today. I'm proud to be Joe & Barbara's daughter, and Phil, Mark & Dan's sister. Phil's book created the same emotions in me as it has for many others. The tears and laughter were there, but I also feel the pride of being Phil's sister. As I read the book, many of the chapters reminded me of other stories he could have included (and some I'm glad he didn't!). Thanks for the stories Phil, you always were full of them!

After hearing Phil speak so many times, I didn't think it could get better than that, until this book. It was if he was right there telling me his stories personaly and touching my heart with everyone of them. The book is so easy to read and draws every reader back into their childhood. I love the way he tied the entire book together to end with such an inspirational feeling that there is hope in this world if parents would take the time to spend time with all of their own (little Joe's boys and girls)

This book is a Trojan Horse -- it looks like a warm, homespun book full of humorous down-home anaecdotes. But in reality it is a book of wisdom gleaned from rural roots and applied to the corporate boardroom. Phil Van Hooser has done a marvelous job of telling stories that have point.

I bought this for my nephew who is 18 months. Like most tots, he is obsessed with "dog-dogs" and puppies. I was excited to find a great book with realistic pictures of dogs that he could easily recognize. This has quickly become a huge favorite for him, and it's so dang cute that nobody minds "reading" it to him over and over again!

As always, Amazon came thru for me. A perfect gift for a little boy. He
loves it.
MLC

We showed the cover of this book to our son in the bookstore, and he was in love with it from that moment. We have a pug at home, and our son was so excited to see "Jaa"(his name for our pug) on the cover wagging his tail. We took some time to read the book to him at the store, and he was so excited the whole way through. We also have the book "Tails" by the same author which is the only book our 11 month old will sit through without trying to squirm away. We have not yet given this to him as it is a gift from the dog for his first birthday. However, I am more excited for him to get this book than I am for him to get the climber he is getting from us! I know he will love it! I love this author and his books, and will continue to purchase these books as gifts! Great books!!!

This is the cutest little book! Full of activity and laughter to keep a little one (and parent) enertained! The photos & rhyming story are FUN!!

My 1 1/2 year old loves this book. Pulling the tabs, feeling the dogs fur, and just looking at all the diferent dogs.

I only have one "complaint". When I bought this book (it was from a bookstore) there were three copies of it... Two of them were a little broken. (On the "Wet dog... shake shake shake" tab) On one the head was missing entirely. On the other one the head just didn't move (it had probably been dislodged and was on it's way to falling off.) I realise this is probably due to use being at a bookstore, but I thought I'd warn everyone... Test EACH tab before buying.

:)

It's a wonderful book and I think most children would love it! (I also recommend getting Tails with is made by the same guy or people.)

I think this is the best book written on the topic of third culture kids. The book is insightful and answers questions that are just under the surface for both kids and those who love them.

This book discusses emotional and identity development of children growing up in foreign countries and re-entry issues. This is an excellent book for those who have lived abroad during the developmental years 0 - 18 and for parents. A must read!

This book was recommended to us and I would recommend it to anyone living outside their own culture with kids. The information is very valuable to helping children adjust and understanding how growing up outside their culture will affect them.

If you have lived in a country other than the country your parent(s) are from for a significant period of time as a child and then had to move back (or to another, very different place)...this book is for you. Like many other tck's, I have always felt out of place and just thought I was different or weird. I could never understand why my parents never had the same sentiments. Now I understand that the way I feel is a normal outcome of the way of life I had as a child. This book is also a great reference to those serving in the military with children, moving constantly both within the US and around the world. It puts the missing link in place and explains the complex emotions that child tck's experience as adults. It all makes sense now, and I can even understand why I married a Frenchman and why we're planning on moving back to Europe!

Being a child living in between a passport culture and another culture which one is daily relating to, needs not be a negative experience. There are certainly some unique issues for such cross cultural dwellers but with good preparation, communication, support systems, family functionality, the life of TCKs can be incredibly hopeful and beneficial.

Pollock and Van Reken have created a very readable and enjoyable account of the lives of a third culture kids. Clearly they have much knowledge and exposure to TCKs and have pulled together their many thoughts and reflections to give us the full picture of such an experience.
The book is both practical and insightful with many lists and suggestions for families. The personal vignettes and testimonies make the explanations more real. Though, it would have been more helpful to have more background information about the testimonies to place in proper context.
I appreciate the attitude of the book that there are challenges as well as great benefits and the choice lies with individuals to take responsibility for their own actions. Often reactions to life reside inside themselves rather than in outside events and situations. (p.181)
The book paints a nice picture of the TCK's family and experience but it gives very little guidance in actually helping and counseling such kids who may not have positive outcomes from their time abroad. It would be valuable to have a second volume of specific counseling techniques, interventions, and therapy guidelines to better serve TCKs and ATCKs who struggle from a less than ideal experience.