Vans Books

"Men, Money & Chocolate" by Menna van Praag was a delightful, fun read, a perfect book to take with you to the beach or on vacation this summer. It was really fun to see Maya (the main character of the book) go from feeling like her dreams will never come to true (and who hasn't felt this way) to watching her transform, follow her dreams and find a way to have them come true.

I highly recommend this book!

In this heart warming simple yet powerful book, we discover Maya, a cafe owner who had kept a lid on her heart's desires for a very long time. We are taken along on Maya's journey in rediscovering her passions and her expressing them into her life. Does Maya's life sounds familiar to you? Well it did for me at some point or another in my own life. Almost everyone in his or her life has had limiting thoughts that have put a stop to their doing something that they felt in the hearts to do but their minds suggested it was silly or that they just could not do it. In reading this book I rediscovered my own joy and passion for life, from simple task such as sweeping the floor to expressing my love to my husband.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a way to ignite your own heart's desires, say learning a new sport or getting out of a rut you found yourself in..pick up and read "Men, Money and Chocolate" and watch joy and pleasure come into your own life.

This book is just a must: easy and fun to read, with lots of inspirations and insights into your relationship with yourself, the mechanisms of your thoughts and the magic of being in the moment. I highly recommend it!

The most wonderful book about going for your dreams.
Maya, the heroine, has a life dream, but think it's impossible to make it real.
With the help and support from various people Maya finds a way to make her dream come alive. It's a joy to follow her thru different stages of fear, giving up, hope and finally jump for her dream.The author, Menna van Praag is such a lively writer, that one becomes friend with Maya in an instant. Written heartfelt and with great humor, this book is fun to read and a true inspiration for everybody wanting a magical life.

For everybody who want's their dreams become true and have a magnificent life, I also can highly recommend the book "Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: A Book About Instantaneous Transformation" by Ariel and Shya Kane.The authors found a way of living, that empowers you to have a magical life day in day out, which they share in their book. I found this book the most practical and helpful to have an ongoing sense of well being and true self-expression in my life.

Menna van Praag is such a lovely writer that there are some passages you will want to read and reread as they are just too moving to be enjoyed only once. Join van Praag's main character Maya as she embarks on the most exciting journey of all - the one of self discovery.

Men, Money and Chocolate is as rich as cocoa, without the calories! If you are looking for a sweet read, one that will inspire and touch you -- if you want YOUR dreams to come true -- this book is for you!!

I loved this book....could not put it down. Being from the Baltimore/DC area I loved reading the familiar city and road names. Amazing how you can feel a bit sorry for such a mean S.O.B. I'm very much looking forward to Van Horn's next novel. I hope it's not too long of a wait! Keep up the good work!

Mentor is an awesome book and an excellent suspense thriller! I could not put this book down. I actually felt sorry for the killer. I'd love to see this on the big screen! I'm ready to read it again. I'm looking forward to Van Horn's next book! Highly recommended!!!

Having read "Mentor" more than once all the way through, I'm surprised by my reactions to Van Horn's first novel. I was captivated by his bold style which creates a devastating sequence of events right from the start! - took me the rest of the book to make sense of my own conflicting emotions - never before have I read a novel that left me feeling equally sympathetic to the "good guy" AND THE "bad guy." Excellent drama - kept me struggling with my opinions of the characters and their multiple personalities from beginning to end - different and new!! - if this is any indication of Van Horn's future work, I am eagerly awaiting the next feature from this talented writer...put me on the "thumbs up" page and thanks for offering up this thriller just in time for those of us who like to get a "new read" for Halloween month!!

"Mentor" is a great first novel from Van Horn. The characters are believable and the book has a good pace to it. I caught myself feeling sorry for the bad guy, who is really BAD! Hope to see more from this writer. Highly recommended.

"Mercy's Face" is a terrific sequel to "Grace Falling Like Rain" and yet it is its own story. I agree with the reviewer who found the humor in it, and couldn't help laughing as I pictured some of the scenes as I was reading it. The story flows easily and wouldn't let me go; even when I thought I should stop for the night and go to bed I couldn't stop reading. And it is always pleasing to know that time was taken to research the history involved in a work of fiction; makes me want to visit Brownwood. I know it's published by Two Story Publishing House, but I want more. Don't stop with two, Donna.

After reading "Grace Falling Like Rain" our library readers eagerly awaited this sequel. We were not disappointed it was just as great as the first, and we await more follow-ups.

Donna Van Cleve has done a tremendous work in this book. It is incredible to become a part of the lives of the characters, and to root for them and cry with them as they live out the story in Mercy's Face. My husband and I have both read this book, as well as her first book, Grace Falls Like Rain. They are both outstanding and will leave you wanting to know more about the people that become your family throughout the course of this story. Thanks so much, Donna. We look forward to your next piece of page-turning work.

This is a wonderful book. Van Cleve does a fantastic job of balancing all of the elements involved in this western/romance/adventure/historical fiction while also uniting the story with the teachings of forgiveness, grace and love. The author does a great job of tactfully handling adult situations in a way that is respectful to the intelligence of the reader while also never straying beyond a PG rating. And it's funny to boot! I'd recommend it to anyone.

This book is one of the best analysis of Mies as a person, and his thinking towards architecture. This book correctly shows the correlation of art and architecture in Mies, and how Mies have viewed architecture as art (just like Herzog/Meuron are doing it presently).

It is also very interesting to read the historical aspect of Mies emigration to America, and how he have tried to adopt himself to this new land and method. Even though, his early years in Berlin/Bauhaus have molded most of Mies thinking, it was America (after the WW2) that was ready to explore new things, and thus, Mies was able to test his architectural ideas in large structures such as the office/apartment towers.

For the current discount price, this is a great bargain, and you will have a much better understanding of Mies and his architecture.

When I saw this book half priced (just 59 €!!) at a bizarre spanish store , I just could't help buying it. Wonderful edition, it excedes in: content, photographs, drawings, design, typography and material quality. Very serious and recommended book.

It is a rare occasion to find such an exhaustive study done on an artists work anywhere. Although the work of Van Der Rohe will always be seen as a vital contribution to the history of architecture, the depth and focus of the essays in this catalog will certainly bring appreciation beyond a simple fetishization of Van Der Rohe's Barcelona Pavillion. The inclusion of models, sketches, historical photographs, and works of art from his time offer a multi-faceted explanation of his works and their importance. It is a book that is not only scholarly in nature but also has a beauty that will engross the reader whether they take the time to read the essays or not. The book gets better the more you look at it and the final essay by Koolhaas offers a refreshing and pointed critique of the role of the conservator of Mies' work and how alive his work is. In this age where high modernism has been reduced to style without context and weight this book takes one of its best practitioners, shakes the dust the things that Van Der Rohe created, and offers us a stellar view of a brilliant contribution to American life.

The book by Phyllis Lambert "Mies in America" is the most intelligent and correct interpretation of the work of this master architect that has yet appeared in book form.
It is deep in detail of all his major works in this country.
It is a necessary read for all architects and historians of contemporary architecture who seek knowledge of this major twenith century artist .
The research done for this writing puts the work considerably ahead of any other Mies publication.

This is a great book you'll come back to again and again and if you don't have it, then your library is incomplete. Shulze has obviously did his research and come up with a readable and fascinating story that tracks Mies's work all the way from Aachen to Chicago. I can't say enough in praise of this work. Where other authors skim the surface when writing about Mies and his work, Schulze dives deeply into the pond and reveals some fascinating background information on the man, his time and his work. I cannot recommend this book enough and feel it should be a text for all architectural students. My only regret is that I should have read it 20 years ago.

This is a biography and a very complete one at that. It is not strong on illustrations, drawings, or theory but it is the best book at understanding Mies as a person and in his private life. If you are interested in his work more so another excellent book is David Speath's Mies Van Der Rohe the two of these books together will give an understanding of of mies the man and his work, which to really understand both are nessisary. This book is about the man who reminded us that the simplest solution is the stongest solution.

As a fan of modernism and a resident in a Mies Van Der Rohe-designed Commonwealth Plaza building in Chicago, I have an acute appreciation for Mies' vision and mastery of form and function in architecture. I borrowed this book from a friend and was mesmerized by the depth in which Mr. Schulze chronicled some of Mies' best works. I received incredible insight into the philosophy of this master architect. The text was accompanied by black and white photos of the buildings and designs and was perfectly matched. The black and white layout of the book focuses the reader on the form of these buildings and its importance, thereby giving a glimpse of the thoughts behind the designs. The book is incredibly comprehensive and a must for anyone with an interest in architecture and modernism. Unfortunately, the book is not in print and I have been constantly searching for my own copy, preferably new. I hope that the University of Chicago Press, itself part of a highly-regarded academic institution, to quickly offer a reprint of this valuable book. I would love to obtain a hardcopy version, as I strongly feel that this is a collection-quality book.

While much is known about the works or Mies van der Rohe, little is ever revealed about the man himself. After reading Franz Schulze's book I found myself reflecting quite deeply on my own direction in the great field of Architecture.

Schulze gives readers a honest perspective on the mysterious personality of Mies. He tells much about his marital life, his relationship with his daughters, and his political life; three aspects of the man which had significant influence on his career.

In the end Mies is painted as one who did what was necessary to become great, but never lost sight of the true essence of arguably the most influential of all art forms.

Schulze appears to have a deep respect for Mies and is therefore very frank in this book. However, he is not merely spouting rhetoric. Much of the biography is based on interviews with those close to Mies, including his grandson, Dirk Lohan, who himself is a successful architect in the Chicago area.

I had lunch with Van Reid in August of 2001. He was as fun to talk to as his books are to read! I love the humor, the insight, the intrigue and the adventures of the Moosepath League! I agree that this installment is not as "heavy" as Daniel Plainway (at least to all but Ephram, Eagleton,and Thump!) but all the other elements are present. I laughed out loud several times while flying, which caused my fellow passengers to wonder about me, I am sure. Moxie!

How could I have missed this series? I enjoy stories set in this period because my own father was born in 1890; in Kentucky. He was a small-town boy, following the work to Ohio where he and several of his brothers settled.

I can picture him being a member of such a club as the Moosepath League and having small adventures such as author Reid depicts in this series of books. My father was not bumbling like most of these characters, but he was witty and funny and would no doubt have led them on even more exciting adventures.

Reid paints a vivid picture of a small town of the late 80s ... filled with characters who would make entertaining neighbors. They'd certainly liven up any neighborhood with their quaint, old-fashioned, yet quirky fun.

It's obvious this is a satire, and I love satire myself. (I discovered these books because on Amazon.com they were placed beside one of the books I wrote: THE TOONIES INVADE SILICON VALLEY. While the TOONIES does not disparage our lovely Valley in anyway, I certainly delighted in poking a bit of fun at our techie culture ... tongue-in-cheek humor, of course ... as Mr. Reid does in these books.)

Fun reads! Enjoy all four.

For excellent quality, humor, detailed plots, and kind, likeable characters, you can't beat Van Reid's "Moosepath League" novels. The latest, "Mrs. Roberto", seems to me to be a little lighter in tone than "Molly Peer" or "Daniel Plainway", but is still immensely involving and entertaining. This kind of writing just cannot be found anywhere else today. If you are fond of the classics or nineteenth century American literature, you will love Van Reid.

The willing adventurers of the Moosepath League of Victorian Portland, Maine, have lost none of their good-natured innocence in this fourth adventure, despite entanglements with tavern keepers, loose women, pickpockets, hoboes and worse. Indeed, Van Reid's droll storytelling depends upon it.

Misdirection and misunderstanding form the strong foundation of the meandering and digressive missions of the League's six members, who gather at the Shipswood Restaurant in the spring of 1897 for one of their regular dinners. They raise their water glasses (prohibition has been in effect in Maine for 46 years) to their only female member, Miss Phileda McCannon, who's making a journey to settle her deceased aunt's affairs. Mr. Tobias Walton, their chairman and the oldest at 48, is a bit subdued on this occasion as Phileda has not given an answer to his proposal of marriage.

Joseph Thump, Christopher Eagleton and Matthew Ephram are still in a small state of excitement after nearly running down a tavern keeper named Sparks who could have been Thump's double, but for his workingman's clothing and his high-pitched voice. The youngest member, Walton's faithful assistant Sundry Moss, 23, is the only one who dares to hazard that the crowd of ruffians backing away from the near-accident were pursuing Sparks rather than attempting his rescue.

The trio of Thump, Eagleton and Ephram have not seen the last of Sparks. Walking home through an unfamiliar and doubtful part of town, Thump happens to save a policeman from certain death-by-falling-piano, thereby incurring Mrs. Sparks' heartfelt gratitude for preserving her cousin, the perpetrator, from a murder charge.

This might again have been the end of it, but the trio, inspired by an incident in a play, determine that the lovely balloon ascensionist, Mrs. Roberto, must be in need of rescuing. Their mission leads them to a house of ill-repute (not that they ever realize where they are) and a run-in with the gang that's after Sparks, from which they escape thanks to Sparks' youngest son and his urchin friend who lead them over Portland's slippery rooftops. Sparks' network of less-than-respectable relatives continues to aid the trio as they seek Mrs. Roberto from Bangor to Dresden Mills, taking up with a large party of hoboes along the way.

Meanwhile, Moss, attempting to distract his employer, has taken Walton to visit his uncle in Norridgewock, though they never make it quite that far. The train is delayed in Bowdoinham where Walton is pressed to come to the aid of a glum prize pig. Perplexed by the locals' assumption of his expertise in porcine matters (the reader has been let-in on the misunderstanding), but as willing and easy-going as ever, Walton embarks on a visit to the Ferns, unhappy owners of the depressed pig, where Moss, a farmer's son and a bit more worldly than his fellow Moosepathians, soon susses the problem.

With digressions for the furtherance of romance and good acquaintance, Reid piles misunderstandings upon misunderstandings, constructing a hilarious journey through the towns and by-ways of Maine and the social strata of its best inhabitants. It all culminates in a spectacular and chaotic natural disaster, reuniting the League and necessitating numerous rescues and confusion and some wonderfully vivid writing.

Lots of local color and history round out the adventure. Reid's prose is playful, witty and dry, as well as eloquent and visual. The contrast between the transparent innocence of the steadfastly clueless trio and the sharp wits of Sundry Moss (think young George Burns and Gracie Allen) is a pleasure, further enhanced by the ready-for-anything calm of Toby Walton. Reid (whose Maine roots go back more than two centuries) leaves us with a tantalizing hint of the next to come in the League's adventures. These books are for anyone who enjoys wit and good-natured storytelling in the Dickensian tradition.

Expertly translated from the original Dutch by Debra F. Onkenhout, My Friend Anne Frank is the personal reminiscences of Jacqueline ("Jopie") van Maarsen, the best friend of Anne Frank, who corresponded regularly until the Holocaust destroyed Anne among its many millions of victims. A powerful tribute to Anne as a person, remembering her for who she was and the good times spent together, rather than simply dwelling upon her suffering and pain, My Friend Anne Frank is a deeply emotional and moving testimony of a remarkable young life and a very special friendship.

This is an extraordinary little book. Anyone with an interest in Anne Frank would be foolish not to read this. Written by a real friend of Anne's (who is referred to in the diary as "Jopie"), we are offered something in this book that cannot be underestimated--a different point of view on some of the experiences Anne describes by someone who really experienced them with her. Quotes from the diary are expanded upon and explained and some minor mysteries are resolved by the woman who, as a girl, was with Anne when these things happened.

Some readers might be disappointed that this book is so brief. I, on the other hand, was sympathetic to Van Maarsen's shyness, desire for privacy and reticence to speak so as not to appear as someone taking advantage of Anne's fame. In fact, I think this makes her book even more compelling. Van Maarsen speaks strictly to things she knows and experiences. She does not try to pad the book with her own personal details and agenda. She seems to have written this book for us--the people interested in knowing more about Anne--and not for herself.

As the years pass, there is the growing risk that Anne will become so sainted as to go beyond reality. Additionally, the readers of the diary often forget that we are hearing a story entirely from the perspective of a young girl. This does not diminish Anne's achievement but I think it is important to keep in mind that Anne was a real person with faults as well as great talent. Plaster saints do not inspire as well as true human beings in whom we can find a reflection of ourselves. Van Maarsen reminds us of Anne's humanity by giving us a different point of view of Anne's experiences. It is an invaluable resource.

May 26,2001:

If you love the Diary of Anne Frank, you will want to have this book. It raises intriguing questions such as if you had been Anne's friend, would you now want to stay out of the limelight? How would you like it if people only wanted to know you because you were her friend? That it took the author ("Jopie" in the Diary) so long to write this (published in Dutch, 1990), is an indication of the painful struggles she has had with these and related issues. The spirit of candor in the Diary is present in this book also. So much so that ironically, some readers will be disappointed in the ending. We want Anne's friend to carry the torch of her legacy. That our image of how she does this may differ from the author's--hopefully will not lessen our ability to appreciate the author for sharing her unique experiences.

Update of August 28, 2001:

After seeing this review, the author wrote to me that she continues public speaking. Examples of such speeches are described in fascinating detail in the book. As her note to me eloquently stated:

"Anne's diary conveys a very strong message, a message against discrimination and prejudice. By telling about my friendship with Anne and the circumstances during the war, I can give authenticity to her story. So, after having hesitated for years, I now 'carry the torch of Anne's legacy.' I speak for my friend, who cannot speak any more, and I feel quite satisfied to do so."

Some might wonder how or why the author could "give authenticity to Anne's story" which speaks so directly to their heart. It is apparent that this comment is meant for people who have denied Anne wrote the Diary. The book explains that the author provided samples of Anne's handwriting to the Dutch Institute For War Documentation after the war. This was used to confirm the Diary was written by Anne. Too, there are incidents described in the Diary that only Anne and the author witnessed. In Anne's 1942 poem to the author, which contained a personal twist to a common verse, she wrote:

"Dear Jackie,

Always show your sunny side

And be a nice girl at school

Remain my dearest little friend

And everyone will love you.

In remembrance of your friend,


Anne Frank

The last two lines of this verse have proven prophetic. It is clear that Anne would love her dear Jackie even more for having written this book and speaking where Anne's voice trails into silence. The world is indeed fortunate that Anne continues to have such a lovely friend.

this book is a beautiful report about a teener's friendship that became exceptional by the events that took place at the time, and about the influence these events had on "jopie's" life in the years that followed.

This is the most comprehensive book about the art of Patrick Nagel. It includes all of the paintings he did for Playboy as well as commemorative prints and sketches he did. I was surpised to see that he did a sculpture piece. It is a pity that the book is now out of print. The late Patrick Nagel was a genius. May his legend live on!

This book gets 5 stars because it is currently the only book on the subject of Patrick Nagel's art. However, as a longtime Nagel junkie, I have some bones to pick with it. The purpose of this review is to give the reader a bit of its unwritten history, some guidance on its contents, and some suggestions for future editions. The last point will be discussed with the first two.



First, a bit about its history. "The book" (as Nagelphiles know it) was printed in a rush by Nagel's publisher, Mirage. Nagel died in early 1984, and the prices being realized by galleries selling his prints skyrocketed. In reality, the book is a very glossy advertisement for Nagel's work in the first years after his death. It included those originals and prints that Mirage had for sale. It is incomplete, and does not show off of the breadth or quality of Nagel's work. Any academics studying this artist's work would hold their noses when examining the images. The images were hastily collected from works on hand, and do not provide an expository of this talented artist's short life.



Second, the book is wrong in subtle but important ways. The images were (and are) iconic and popular. In fact, many were cut out and displayed as small prints by fans and fly-by-night "art" businesses. However, the colors are too often muddy and do not reflect the actual colors of the original works. As to the tirage of the limited editions and posters reflected at the end of the book, these numbers are occassionally incorrect and often do not reflect printers proofs that were signed by Nagel. Further, as to the image of "Standing Lady" and "Wasserman Silkscreen", the pictures are reversed in the book (an understandable mistake if one looks at both images, but one which underscores how quick and rough this book was when it was published.)



The bottom line: If anyone is interested in Nagel, or wishes to collect his prints, this book is a must to own. However, a new book should be written with more in depth history and analysis of the work, along with more comprehensive and higher quality examples. Where possible, notes on edition sizes for prints should be corrected where they are not precise.

The Nagel Book is one book that is worth looking at, with its awesome poster illustrations and one of a kind look at women and how beautiful and strong they are is truly something I love and now collect for my own house. I have 2 of the framed limited poster editions already and I hope to collect more!!

An extremely well-thought out book. Contains a large body of Nagel's lavish pieces, along w/ pencil drafts, print & lithography histories. Pages are large enough for framing & compliments his distinctive palette of colours. Also available in paperback( although through another publisher at one point). A must for your coffee table or your art book collection

This is one of the best baking books I have ever read, makes you feel like your at your grandmother's house, smelling Thanksgiving Turkey while helping roll out bread dough and icing cookies. One of a kind book that you'll just love and cherish for years to come.

I have had this cookbook for several years and have used it many times. The "7 layer lemon cake" is just like Miss Hullings in St. Louis. The apricot-white chocolate cookies and the ginger saucers are heavenly. The cinnamon roll recipe is by far the best I, or any of those I have baked them for, have eaten.
The only difficulty is finding some of the special ingredients i.e. - barley malt syrup, potato flour, etc.

This is one of my favorite baking books. I'm an avid baker and love baking "old-fashioned" goodies. This book is my "bible" for old-fashioned baking. I have made a host of recipes, including the babka, donuts, pies and cakes and must say that all have turned out exceptionally well. I must confess, however, that I am not familiar with the bakery items these recipes are trying to emulate, so they may, in fact, fall short of the mark. Nevertheless, they are tasty and my family adores the babka! Be aware, though, that these recipes are not quick and easy, but do take time and patience to prepare. The time and patience are well rewarded!

Very well written. As a collector of cook books I must say I have enjoyed reading this book both times. I have tried three of the recipes,Pecan Kringle..... The results were not quite right. I have tried this three times now and it seems the dough was not as I remembered from O & H Danish Bakery. This was more bread like. I have tried the Wheat Walnut Bread and found it to be most delightful. What wonderful Chicken Salad Sandwiches it made. I have been looking for the Kringle recipe for over ten years. I have spent hours and hours in book stores and library's across the country. This has become one of my favorite cook books in a very short time. Many thanks to Jill Van Cleave for her hard work in putting this book together.

In NO MORE NIGHT MARES readers are taken on a journey led by a noble stallion by the name of Eclipse. Eclipse is said to have been born at the moment of a lunar eclipse with the moon itself shining in his eyes. In his younger days, he and other members of his herd were captured by men who wanted to make them tame. Eclipse manages to escape, and eventually becomes the strong leader of a herd of his own. Yet the threat of humans was relentless, and eventually he and some of his herd were cornered. That is until the forces of nature unite and make a stand for freedom.

Dawn VanZant has a unique voice that is reminiscent of the fairy tales we all heard as children. She has a gift for integrating fact with fantasy, and man with nature. In NO MORE NIGHT MARES, she has taken the abstract concept of freedom, and brought it to life through the stories of the wild horses. In addition, she uses the horses to teach messages of hope, perseverance, and courage. She also demonstrates the impact of man on nature and how not all change is good. The simple illustrations compliment the story well, while leaving room for the imagination of the reader. The author includes a collection of Internet resources so that readers can learn more about wild horse preservation efforts. NO MORE NIGHT MARES will be most enjoyed by those already familiar with horses, but it will likely ignite a passion in anyone who reads it. And while the book isn't explicitly political, this heartwarming story is sure to spark an interest in this cause with a new generation of readers.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

With this book, Wild Heart Ranch Books brings children another lovely, melancholic story about horses and their quest for freedom.

In this story the author draws a connection between the Pegasus Constellation and the time long ago when "the land was filled with wild horses thundering across vast plains."

It is the story of a noble, wild stallion named Eclipse, and his struggle to protect his herd from hunters. It is also a story of friendship. It is with the help of an enemy stallion named Golden Earth that Eclipse is able to save his herd from a wild chase. Besides Golden Earth, the earth and the moon also help in their own magical way, as these are the "Spirits of Freedom." The author uses myth, fantasy and even a bit of magical realism to add depth to the story.

Unlike I Sea Horses, a title with a similar theme by the same publisher which is aimed at younger children, The No More Night Mares has fewer illustrations and longer, more complex text. The illustrations, though, are photo-like and rich with detail, making the beauty and strength of these animals come alive across the pages.

This is a nice book for parents to read to children who love horses, or for those who wish for their children to understand the meaning of freedom and the harm that man has unwillingly done against these intelligent, magnificent creatures.

In honor of the once great herds of wild horses, the legend of Comet, Moonbeam and Lucky Stars - the night mares, is born. For all the magic and wonder that the herds instill in our hearts, the essence of the night mares shines down from the midnight sky granting wishes from the stars.

The beautifully illustrated, magical book, "The No More Night Mares," is an inspiration - but more than that, it is a dream weaver, a mind-expanding myth, and a mystical tale of moral guidance and love. What child doesn't dream of horses or wish upon a star?

Eclipse is the fastest and strongest stallion in his territory. He is the leader of his herd and is blessed by the protection of the night. He moves his herd of females and foals through the fog and darkness so that their greatest danger, man, does not detect them. Having been captured as a foal with his mother, Eclipse's escape has made him very wise. One night though, even he is unaware of lurking danger.

A friendly rival, Golden Earth, races to warn Eclipse of an approaching herd of two-legged hunters. Dividing the herd, sending the slowest of his mares and the foals to safety with Golden Earth, Eclipse gathers his fastest mares to draw the humans away. What happens next is the stuff legends are made of. The mares become guiding lights forever more.

Creating a legend is not easy, but Wild Heart Ranch, with author Dawn Van Zandt and illustrator Kim McElroy have done so, inspiringly. Appealing to horse lovers of all ages, and anyone who gazes at the stars in wonder, "The No More Night Mares" is a book to be treasured.

With this book, Wild Heart Ranch Books brings children another lovely, melancholic story about horses and their quest for freedom.

In this story the author draws a connection between the Pegasus Constellation and the time long ago when "the land was filled with wild horses thundering across vast plains."

It is the story of a noble, wild stallion named Eclipse, and his struggle to protect his herd from hunters. It is also a story of friendship. It is with the help of an enemy stallion named Golden Earth that Eclipse is able to save his herd from a wild chase. Besides Golden Earth, the earth and the moon also help in their own magical way, as these are the "Spirits of Freedom." The author uses myth, fantasy and even a bit of magical realism to add depth to the story.

Unlike I Sea Horses, a title with a similar theme by the same publisher which is aimed at younger children, The No More Night Mares has fewer illustrations and longer, more complex text. The illustrations, though, are photo-like and rich with detail, making the beauty and strength of these animals come alive across the pages.

This is a nice book for parents to read to children who love horses, or for those who wish for their children to understand the meaning of freedom and the harm that man has unwillingly done against these intelligent, magnificent creatures.