Holidays Books

I'd wonder how much time and frustration it would take finding out all this in depth information about the country and it's attractions myself. Especially since we didn't know much about Poland in the first place. It was a true blessing having this book around, especially since many Poles at places you need it most often don't speak English or German. Only price information should need some adjustment (which might have something to do with EU membership related inflation?). I used the print which was updated in Jan 2005, but some prices already doubled!

I recently went to Poland for the first time and found this book to be an absoutely wonderful guide to Warsaw, Krakow, and the Auschwitz concentration camps. All too often guide books that cover an entire country lack the kind of detail a traveler needs, but this book did not suffer that problem at all. The section on Warsaw was actually better organized and contained more detailed factual information than the DK book dedicated solely to that city. This was the only book I needed to help me get around Krakow and Auschwitz as well. I can't speak for the hotel and restaurant recommendations in the book because I never used any of them, but as far as information about historical sites and points of interest this is an outstanding book.

Update: In planning for my second trip to Poland, I recently purchased the Rough Guide to Poland, and I have to say it is even better than the Lonely Planet book because it includes quite a lot more detail. If you only buy one book, get the Rough Guide. But if you buy two, the Lonely Planet book is also very good.

My wife's maternal grandparents hail from Poland, so when planing a Eurpoean vacation for this summer, Poland it was. As independent travelers, we have always favored Lonely Planet travel books in the past. Once again Lonely Planet delivered the goods. Detailed descriptions of things to see & do, places to stay, and various methods of transportation. Additional internet rescources for finding more hotels than the ones reviewed. I would recommend this series of travel books to all from young backpackers to mature (myself) travelers.

Lonely Planet has been known for covering EVERYTHING in it's books. Thie one really does have a big flaw. Sites are quite OK and hotels are good too - though sometimes choices may be strange. However shopping is done dreadfully - at least in Warsaw. If your happy with the souvenirs you bought using this book, then you are quite lucky. Many shops with fine hand craft, genuine Polish hand-made are unlisted. Also shops with Jewish memorabilia, getting more popular after turbulent history tend to be missing. And when you come to normal shopping its a complete disaster! You wanna hang out in a mall or buy clothes a lot cheaper then in western Europe? Sure... Tourists and Ex-pats do it. But for sure NOT using Lonely Planet. The ever popular Arkadia Mall (biggest in this part of Europe), a place where English, German, French, Spanish and other languages are often heard as often as Polish is missing. So is the not much smaller and also popular with expats Galeria Mokotów. And what mall do tehy list? The dull out-skirt Sadyba Best Mall with a few stores, the usual fast-food joints and a few crappy stores. And it's lonely planets best tip on shopping? Come on! Almost no one goes there, except primary school trips (it's only attraction is the IMAX cinema).

I am puzzled by teh Warsaw shopping chapter. You can't come to the city and not here of Arkadia or Galeria Mokotów. If you see them, you can't recommend the crappy Sadyba Best Mall. So either someone didn't reaserch shopping at all (and just went to SBM) or Lonely Planets standards are dropping and the choice was made in some different dark ways. I just hope the ownership was not an issue. SBM is the only American mall. Arkadia is European, Galeria Mokotów - Jewish and most others French... What other thing could have provoked such a choice?

As a Pole living abroad (but frequently visiting) I have the dual perspective of "a local" but also that of a tourist. This book is easily the best source of background information on all sites and places in modern Poland, from the well-known tourist attractions to the small villages off the beaten track. I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of historical, ethnographic and cultural information about many of those places.
Thanks to this book I managed to discover some interesting places in Poland that I should have known about, if not visited before. Once I got there, I found that relying on the information in the book (especially on "how to get there" or "where to stay") proved more reliable than the information available to the visitor "on the ground". My short trip to the Jura National Park, north of Cracow, was a perfect example of a trip I would not have done if it was not for this guidebook.
Thoroughly recommended to anybody planning to spend an extensive holiday in Poland, or for repeat trips; if your travel is limited to the main cities like Warsaw, Cracow or Gdansk you may find other guidebooks, specific to those locations, sufficient.

This trilogy was an inspiration to all who allow themselves to
open up their hearts and minds to people who has dysfunctional and abusive families.
Ms.Holiday has done an wonderful job in capturing the attention (my attention) of the readers..

Shanelle over came the obsticles that came her way from childhood through adulthood and she's finally at peace.

I will admit, the 3rd book to this trilogy 'Loves Twilight'
brought tears of sadness to my eyes only to turn around and bring tears of joy to them in the end....

Sincerely A New Fan....
Billie..

Love's Twilight: The Finale, by Moody Holiday is the last book in her trilogy. In Love's Twilight: The Finale, Shanelle is all grown up. She has become a wife and a mother. The demons that have haunted Shanelle for most of her life are kept at bay, while a somewhat normal life waits for her to embrace it. But just when things seem to be getting on track, Shanelle runs into Derrick, her first love. Shortly thereafter, Shanelle's world rains down at her feet and settles in a puddle mixed with murder and deceit. We then find out if Shanelle has what it takes to continue, or if she allows the demons to come ashore and drag her out to sea.

This last book was an excellent finale to the trilogy. The book was well written and the characters were depicted well. It has been fun watching Shanelle mature throughout this trilogy, and it has been even more enjoyable to watch Holiday's writing mature as well. I look forward to hearing more from this writer in the future. Love's Twilight: The Finale, is the cherry at the top of Holiday's ice cream sundae called a trilogy.

T. RHYTHM KNIGHT
APOOO Bookclub

"Love's Twilight" is the third book of Moody Holiday four book series.

Shanelle Foster has been a dedicated wife and mother to her husband, but everything comes to an abrupt end when her husband is killed after going through an intense year. Her friends help her pick her life back up and start to move on.

Derrick Johnson has been in love with Shanelle Foster since they were in high school, but since he was chasing the dreams of medical school he had to leave Shanelle behind to work on those dreams. After seeing her, he continues to attempt to court her after making a sound decision that he wasn't ready to let her go.

This book is the last of the series and it answers questions that left you wondering in the first and second book. It if brings you to an understanding of the whole trilogy. My favorite part of the book is when Shanelle finally decides to open Derrick's envelope and finds out his true feelings for him. If I could change the book in anyway I would change the part at her best friends wedding.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has not read a sequel and looking to get their hand on some good writing by an excellent writer.


Missy
R.E.A.L. Reviewers

Moody Holidays's Triology
Wild Innocence, Sweet Redemption, & Love's Twilight
Gets Five Stars!


What did you think of Moody Holiday's Triology Wild Innocence, A Tale from the Eighties, Sweet Redemption, The Sequel, & Love's Twilight, The Finale ?

It was heart wrenching urban love story that was hard to put down. You can
relate to the characters growing up trails of your first true love and
feel her emotional pain as she loses her lover and friend. Her struggles
between remaining faithful to memory of the only lover she has ever known
and rekindling a bond with the lover she never forgot.



How would you rate this book (from one to five stars)?
It is a differently a five series



What would you like to say to the author?

Thank you for reminding me of the good old days , and showing young women
that sex and self respect go hand and hand. We need more authors that
don't focus on the just the physical aspect of relationship but deals with
the reality of ups and downs family drama and happy ever after all in one.



Review by:
Michelle McKinney
Of SistaGirl Reviewers
sistagirlbookclub.com

LOVE'S TWILIGHT by Moody Holiday is the finale of the trilogy of Shanelle, Alex and Derrick. As the story begins, we find Shanelle reflecting on the murder of her husband Alex, a police officer. Shanelle takes us back to the days leading up to the bloody killing and questions his integrity and the integrity of others. As the story unfolds, there is much blame placed and plenty of guilt to go around.
Forced to make it on her own, Shanelle is thrown back into a relationship with all the doubts that come from a love lost and found again. Only this time, she has a son to raise and he is her first priority; her second is finishing her college education.

Holiday did a nice job of highlighting Shanelle and her ability to think and make decisions for herself. In the first book, Wild Innocence, we witness Shanelle's survival from a dysfunctional family. In the second book, Sweet Redemption, we feel Shanelle's avoidance of her life and the steps she takes to keep the peace, and with LOVE'S TWILIGHT, we get a look at Shanelle finding the love of self and finally trying to come into her own as a woman, mother and widow. Shanelle's major hurdle is pleasing people other than herself, mainly Alex's family. Holiday flips the script somewhat and throws in a family secret that appears to answer many questions Shanelle has about her life.

As with the first two installments of the trilogy, Holiday showcases her talent as a poet with beautiful, descriptive poems about Shanelle's life, thoughts and hope for the future. I enjoyed reading Holiday's trilogy of Shanelle Brown Foster because I was able to see her mature from a teenager to a woman with all the bumps, bruises and finally triumph that is expected. With a thought provoking storyline, descriptive prose, excellent character development and witty dialogue, this is a heartwarming finale to a very good collection.

Reviewed by Dawn R. Reeves
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

I bought this book because someone here reviewed it as "Better then the movie" Well it is exactly the same except for an extra line once every 20 pages or so.But is is a great book.

Wow! I love this book... and even now as 18 I still read this book to get me into that "Christmas spirit" I so desperately want to be in... I read this book every year it's one of my regulars on my holiday reading list.

Valentine Davies weaves such an impressive story that it will make the most skeptical child believe and it will make us that no longer can- wish we could. This is simply the perfect holiday story- one a parent could read to a child before they go to sleep or a story that a moderate second grade reader could read on their own without any difficulty...

I love reading this more than I do watching the classic version of the movie for Valentine Davies makes this book more magical than the movie could ever hope to be. All in all if you want to buy a book for the holidays- for someone on your shopping list this is definately one to buy! Or even own for yourself!

I read the book Miracle on 34th Street by, Valentine Daviesý. It was a fabulous Christmas fiction book. The main message or theme that I got from the book was anythingýs possible-you just have to believe.
Doris Walker is in charge of running the Macyýs Day Parade, which takes place on Thanksgiving Day. When her Santa Clause slacks off last minute she finds Kris Kringle and hires him to do the job. Kris does an amazing job. The only bothersome thing is he really and truly believes that he is Kris Kringle-Santa Clause. Doris doesnýt believe him, and thinks he might be insane. Along with Doris not believing in Santa Clause, nor does her 6 year old daughter Susan. Kris however wants to change that, he wants to make them believe..he believes Christmas is all about believing. Doris and her boss think Mr. Kringle is insane so they send him to a mental institution. Mr. Kringle then worries-what is going to happen with Christmas? How could he disappoint millions of kids all over the world? He some how has to find a way to save Christmas!
I loved the book. I read it around Christmas which seemed to make the book even better. It was a memorable book that I will remember constantly throughout the holiday season. It was so good I might read it every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It would be nice to have a tradition like that.
This book didnýt really relate to my Christmas Holiday Season. As a child I always believed in Santa unlike Susan did. My parents encouraged the belief of Christmas and Santa Clause until my brother and I started questioning and figuring things out. Still till this day I believe Christmas was always better when I was young and believed. It made the Holiday Season seem so magical.
Read Miracle on 34th Street to see if Susanýs Christmas was magical!

I read the book Miracle on 34th Street by, Valentine Davies'. It was a fabulous Christmas fiction book. The main message or theme that I got from the book was anything's possible-you just have to believe.
Doris Walker is in charge of running the Macy's Day Parade, which takes place on Thanksgiving Day. When her Santa Clause slacks off last minute she finds Kris Kringle and hires him to do the job. Kris does an amazing job. The only bothersome thing is he really and truly believes that he is Kris Kringle-Santa Clause. Doris doesn't believe him, and thinks he might be insane. Along with Doris not believing in Santa Clause, nor does her 6 year old daughter Susan. Kris however wants to change that, he wants to make them believe..he believes Christmas is all about believing. Doris and her boss think Mr. Kringle is insane so they send him to a mental institution. Mr. Kringle then worries-what is going to happen with Christmas? How could he disappoint millions of kids all over the world? He some how has to find a way to save Christmas!
I loved the book. I read it around Christmas which seemed to make the book even better. It was a memorable book that I will remember constantly throughout the holiday season. It was so good I might read it every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It would be nice to have a tradition like that.
This book didn't really relate to my Christmas Holiday Season. As a child I always believed in Santa unlike Susan did. My parents encouraged the belief of Christmas and Santa Clause until my brother and I started questioning and figuring things out. Still till this day I believe Christmas was always better when I was young and believed. It made the Holiday Season seem so magical.
Read Miracle on 34th Street to see if Susan's Christmas was magical!

Doris Walker works at Macy's. She's in charge of choosing people to be in the parade, but when her Santa Claus shows up drunk she fires him and hires Kris Kringle on the spot. Kris believes he's Santa Claus, and Doris not believing in anything ignores his insistent opinion.

Of course, Doris has her 6 year old daughter Susan thinking there's no Santa Claus either, and Kris makes sure he changes the little girls mind. But trouble begins when he is admitted to Bellevue, a mental institution, and now with the help of his friend Fred, he must try to get out or Christmas will be ruined for everyone. Especially little Susan.

This book is truly wonderful, and it shows that if you just believe anything is possible.

This book is adorable and is really nicely illustrated. I love the story and the rhymes are cute and not scary at all for the little ones and the pictures are sweet. I can't comment on my daughter liking it since she's only one year old, but I got her this book for her first Halloween after I briefly thumbed through it at the bookstore. It's even pretty enough to give as a gift. Really cute.

I love this book as much as my little girl. The illustrations are beautiful and really suck you into the story.
I would definately recommend this to any mom out there who is looking for a good Halloween book.

A wonderful poetic book...made for parental pleasure and equally pleasing to the youngsters too. You won't dread re-reading this book multiple times. Goes great with the author's "Twisted Sistahs".

I love this book as much as my (...)son does. He wants me to read it to him all the time. And what a great message at the end of the book.

Since children are always especially entranced while listening to a story about a character who shares their name, when we learned of this book we purchased it as a gift to a very young "Miss Fiona". While it certainly doesn't rise to the really exceptional level of a potential classic, it definitely is an above average story wonderfully complemented by the accompanying color illustrations by Karen Crouch of Miss Fiona and her multitude of cats and pumpkins.

As the title suggests, this is a cheery Halloween story. Miss Fiona is a very old woman who dresses like a witch and lives "past the spooky graveyard...in a big old haunted house". However, if she is a witch, she must be related to the Good Witch of the East rather than the Wicked Witch of the West, since her specialty is preparing MISS FIONA"S STUPENDOUS PUMPKIN PIECES which she refuses to serve until midnight after all the other houses have been visited by the youngsters for their "trick or treat".

The mood is upbeat, and the lessons (regarding how incorrect preconceptions can be - Halloween stories don't have to be scary and witches don't have to be bad) are incorporated into the story in a subtly effective way.

The story is told in rough verse with generally rhyming stanza. It certainly would not win any awards in a poetry contest but is a very effective and appealing way of telling this story to its intended audience.

It is always difficult for me to rate books outside my areas of specialization, particularly books for very young children. (In addition, my knowledge of the subgenre of children's Halloween stories is almost nil.) Nevertheless, based on my extensive reading many years ago of stories to my two daughters as well as my more limited reading of the genre since then, my opinion is that while the illustrations so perfectly fit the story that they might deserve five stars, the story itself and the verse by which it is told combine to produce a composite rating below that level. However, I want to emphasize that this is a story that I believe will be thoroughly enjoyed by the young children to whom it is read and the slightly older beginning readers who can have the pleasure of reading it themselves.

Tucker Andersen

Our Family is so thankful for this book! Not only is it funny, but is also easy to read. This book gave me the confidence to celebrate Shabbat. We are already talking about "taking it to the next level" by incorporating the weekly Torah portions - this will be a book I will refer to for years to come.

Loved this book so much that I bought another for a friend (which she will receive for a Hanukkah gift). Very reasonable approach to celebrating Shabbat in today's modern world.

The modern, busy Jewish mother here receives a key to getting everything done in 24 hours AND to putting on Shabbat to bring a busy family together. Here are recipes, prayers, and even discussion questions that offer a wealth of ideas to translate an old ritual into modern times. Any collection catering to modern Jewish living needs this.

This is a wonderful book for both those exploring Shabbat as a new experience or for those wanting to expand their practice. This is not the usual "How To" book. The author shares her practice, how her friends celebrate and other possibilities. There are no judgements.

You will find the blessings, Torah portions along with questions for discussion as well as craft projects and recipes. Funny and thoughtful; both a good guide and a good read!

This book was well written and easy to read.It provided many suggestions
for keeping not only a religious tradition but family connecting for a meal together. In these fast paced times when two people work ,jobs and activity schedules keep us apart. This book helps alot.

Another classic from Rosemary Wells! Here, youngest sibling of four, Morris, is not permitted to play with his older siblings' exciting Christmas presents, and no one wants anything to do with Morris's babyish teddy bear until Morris discovers a magic disappearing bag and everyone wants to play with his toy. Any younger sibling -- or even just a young child who feels powerless sometimes -- will relate. I like how Morris gets to live the fantasy of making his siblings "disappear" and getting to play with all their stuff in a gentle, non-violent way. The Christmas aspect of this story makes it extra fun around the holidays, but we read it all year long.

As a kid this (along with Noisy Nora) was my favourite book and I still think it's one of my all time greats. It has moved house and country with me innumerable times.
It's a sweet story about Christmas, feeling left out by older kids, triumphing by winning attention and causing trouble, and learning to love a bear, but it's never saccharine or preachy.
It's a must have for every house that ever has a small child visit (and also for those who like to see bears triumph over more gimmicky gifts).

Ok so i was sitting in my kid's pediatricians office waiting (as usual) and reading one of the books in the room to my child. it was one of the Max books by Rosemary Wells. So, i'm sitting there looking at the book thinking...gosh! this art work looks soooo familiar! what it is about this book...then an old story comes to mind that i can barely recall. but it kept bugging me and in moments I recall this book i had as a kid about a bunny or something (looked a lot like the Max charactor in the authors more recent books) that got a magic bag for xmas. I couldn't rmember the title though. it's been on my mind on and off since then and I just found the authors name a minute ago on amazon while looking for kids books and decided i was going to investigate and surely find out if she is connected to that old favorite of mine. i could have whooped out loud when I finally spotted "morrie's Disappearing bag" on the list! i'd found it! now I HAVE to buy it for my two littlw ones! I love this book! it's so cute! funny thing is...my little boys name is max! not that this book is about max the bunny.....anyway, i highly recommend this cute book!

Now a quick note: In the original publication of "Morris's Disappearing Bag", Morris is a little white bunny. He has now been colored brown. Very interesting choice on the part of the publisher.

I hereby nominate Rosemary Wells the winner of the Cute But Never Saccharine Picture Book Award printed between the years of 1800-2589. You are familiar with her work, even if you have never read it. Best known for her early board books starring the irascible Max and his patient elder sibling, the author also did slightly older fare. In every book, however, Wells takes the side of the underdog. The littlest sibling. The one most prone to feeling left out. In "Morris's Disappearing Bag" this theme has become all encompassing. Here is a story that truly captures what it feels like to be ignored and unwanted by your siblings.

It is Christmas Day and Morris is delighted. As he and his three elder siblings open their presents, each rabbit (for so they are) is enraptured by their gift. Victor gets a hockey outfit, Rose a beauty kit, and Betty (just to smash a couple stereotypes while we're at it) a chemistry set. Morris gets a lovely bear, but it soon occurs to him that his siblings don't appreciate his present. While they switch one another's gifts and experiment with them, Morris is left all alone. No one wants to play with his bear. It isn't until Morris locates an extra unwrapped present containing a bag of invisibility that Morris finally has a gift cool enough to lure his elder sibs with.

Is there a moral to be learned here? I dunno. If there was it would probably be something along the lines of "Get a better toy and win the love of your fellow man". I don't buy it, personally. I think this is just a fun adorable tale illustrated with Rosemary Wells's fantastic pictures. No one draws adorable bunnies like this woman. Or so perfectly evokes a child feeling sorry for himself. Morris sitting all by himself with his ears at half mast is so simultaneously cute and pitiful, you just want to give his roly-poly little body a big big hug. All in all, this is a fantastic book (the older brother applying make-up to his face is worth the price of admission alone). A great story for Christmas, and a wonderful tale for all the year round. Grab yourself a copy.

What if you were the youngest rabbit in the family and nobody wanted to play with your Christmas bear because it was too babyish? Would you feel left out if your sisters and brother said you were too little to play with THEIR presents? Would you sit in the corner with your ears drooping in sadness?

If that tugs at your heartstrings, meet Morris. He's the dearest little bunny you ever saw, and SO sad on Christmas morning. He loves his new bear but he's too little to play with Rose's beauty kit, Victor's hockey stick, and Betty's chemistry set. While they are having fun, Morris crawls under the tree and finds ONE FORGOTTEN PRESENT, a bag. He pulls himself into the bag and -- DISAPPEARS!

Oho! Now the other bunnies are singing a different song. They all want to share their presents with Morris while they try out his disappearing bag. Who can blame them? Wouldn't we all like a disappearing bag from time to time? Such a fine present. Morris generously gives turns with his bag and has a go with the other presents. He's got the most coveted Christmas gift of all, but all he wants is a little consideration, to be part of the crowd, to be included.

Rosemary Wells writes a terrific story and her illustrations are sheer delight. Little droopy bunny ears, puffy cotton tails sticking out of the bag, hilarious bunny play with the chemicals, the makeup, the hockey kit -- and precious little Morris with all his feelings worn on his sleeve.

I've had this book since my sons were little, and given it to a number of children. I always buy a new copy for myself, just in case I need it. My favorite!

Linda Bulger, 2008

I have been searching for this book since we had our first grandchild five years ago. I read it to my girls; it was one of their favorites. I'm sure our copy fell apart from "too much love" and I want to be sure our grandchildren have a chance to experience Morris.

This charming little book has been an important part of our children's Christmas for 15 years. We have had to replace it several times due to loving wear. Now we give it regularly to friends young and old. A perfect story, gentle and understanding, for everyone who remembers being a little kid at Christmas.

From the first reading this book was an instant top of the bookshelf for my two sons,and then later my niece. It is simple, but somehow entertains the imagination magically. Just what does go on inside of that bag??? Even though the kids are now teenagers, they still argue over who truely owns "Morris". This Christmas all three "kids" will receive their own copy, but mom is keeping the orignal hardback version!

This was one of my favorite books when I was a little girl. In my early 20s, I somehow thought of this book and tried to find it again, but I couldn't remember the author's name or the title of the book. All I remembered were bunnies and a "disappearing bag." I am ordering this book right away. This book is a must for all children.

Like all of Rosemary Wells' work, this book could not be improved upon! I grew up on her books, and still collect them. Her characters are illustrated in such a way that their every expression enchants, and not a word is wasted in the creation of a perfect story. In Morris' Disappearing Bag, youngest child Morris feels left out on Christmas morning while his three older siblings exchange turns playing with each others' new toys. Morris will not be consoled by his parents or by his new teddy bear. But (in characteristic Wells fashion) a surprise is in store for us that will make this Christmas a magical one for Morris--and an unforgettable read for everyone. (I've read this book every year since 1980, and I assure you, it's a must-have!)

Rosemary Wells always knows how to touch the heart, be the reader adult or toddler. Max and Ruby and her Bunny Planet books are fantastic, but please keep a look out for her older (and just as perfect) ones as well.

I just finished a ride of a little over 1000 miles from my home in NJ to and through WV and VA. I used this book to guide me on some really terrific roads and through some truly beautiful areas. This was the first long, extended ride I've ever taken and it was in large measure due to the "encouragement" expressed through this well written resource. If you're thinking of traveling through the Appalachians then I would recommend that you purchase and pour through this well written book before you go.

I just got back from a near-1000 mile trip through the Appalachians. I used this book to guide me through some thoroughly fascinating and beautiful areas -- the author, Dale Coyner, has create a terrific resource! I am not exaggerating when I say that VA Route 39 has changed my view of the eastern United States (I lived in the West -- Alaska, Utah, and Arizona -- until 2000). I'm sure I won't be the first, but I've set a goal to do all 36 rides in the book.

I showed this to the clerk at the bookstore at the Peaks of Otter wayside on the Blue Ridge Parkway. She's a rider, so she took the name of the book down with considerable enthusiasm and pledged to talk to the manager about stocking the book in the store. It seems strange NOT to have your book on the shelves in such a rider's paradise!

great book detailing not just roads, but local custom and color for the mid-atlantic area from PA down to the Carolinas and eastern Tennessee.

numerouse routes from a central point in each region are detailed and the local dining, lodging, and other points of interest are detailed in an interesting style of writing.

useful for anyone who wants to tour the mid-atlantic region and take their time doing it...

I worked in the motorcycle industry for over 10 years as a service manager and still ride with all my old co-workers.

We thought we knew all the best roads in our neck of the woods but we were wrong.

We pick a route, get into the middle of nowhere and then get lost.

This book has filled in the blanks for us.

A must have if you're a real rider.

For me there are three parts to a good trip - the preparation, the adventure itself, and then the memories. This book has helped me a long way in achieving all these pleasure points. The maps and text are wonderful; the crafty photo's with tasty captions peppered appropriately throughout this guide left my partner (who does not accompany me) recommending more sights than I could handle. A keeper, if not just for that.

I gave this to three sets of grandchildren for Christmas. They just loved it!! It was one of trhe best gifts I could ahve given.

This book and CD are excellent for sharing with your entire family. My children ages 10, 7 and 5, loved the story and its characters. The illustrations are vivid and tell a great deal about the story. We cannot wait to share it together again during the next Fall Giving Season.

For awhile, I was afraid this book wouldn't make it to our house by Christmas, but it came in the nick of time.

The illustrations are perfect, the story is lovely. The bonus CD of Dick Van Dyke reading the story, makes it special.

Featuring a main character, "Mr. Finnegan", based on legendary celebrity Dick Van Dyke, Mr. Finnegan's Giving Chest is a Christmas-themed picturebook about Maggie, a young girl who enjoys bullying others, even during the Christmas season. She unexpectedly meets the mysterious Mr. Finnegan, a toymaker who looks after the Giving Chest. The Giving Chest disburses gifts; its purpose is not to reward oneself, but rather to help others. Mr. Finnegan sends Maggie on an seemingly simple errand with the chest, and in the process, she learns more about holiday cheer and begins to feel the warmth of Christmas spirit. A delightful book about experiencing Christmas through a child's eyes, striking illustrated with smoothly rendered, three-dimensional digital art. Mr. Finegan's Giving Chest has a fair amount of text for a picturebook; an accompanying audio CD offers a read-aloud performance by Dick Van Dyke himself.

Although I love Dick Van Dyke, and he does a wonderful job as he reads the story on the CD, I felt let down when I finished the book.
As I read, I kept waiting for the plot to get better. To me the story line seemed a little sappy and very predictable...like every other tale that tries to tug at your heart strings.
The pictures are beautiful, though!

This is a wonderful book. My wife and I really enjoyed it. While it is a very good story in itself, it also serves as a very accessible introduction to Henry David Thoreau's Walden and the concepts of a simplier life. Very good stuff.

You really have to read this you'll love it. I think that Robin Vaupel will be the next best selling auther. This book really should be made into a movie.We really need to tell as many people as we can about it!

After finishing "My Contract with Henry," I let out a sigh. Not only did this book pull you in with a captivating plot, it also had a complete ending. I guess you could say, all the "i's" were dotted, and all the "t's" were crossed. The book gives you satisfaction of reading it. Having read many, many books in my life, I do not have a favorite all together. Sure, i have favorites per genre, but this book left me with out a doubt. This IS my favorite young adult novel. Robin Vaupel is a very accomplished writer, and I can not wait for the next of her books, "Austin's Orbit." I know hopefully that one day, this great book, "My Contract with Henry," willbe a major motion picture!

My 11 year old son read this book and wrote a review for the school newspaper. This is what he wrote. "This excellent novel, tells of a ninth grader, Beth Gardner, who is assigned an experiment that would change her life. As she lives in the woods trying to relive the life of Henry David Thoreau she learns to love the wilderness. When a building company buys the woods, Beth does not know if she can save her beloved sanctuary. Mrs. Robin Vaupel is a devoted teacher and a promising author. Her hard work and dedication, that she put into this book has paid off with fabulous results. This was the best book I have ever read and it was a privilege to be allowed to read this magnificent story before it hit the shelves. I would recommend this book and if I had the authority I would not hesitate to award it he Newberry Medal. On a scale of 1-10 I would give this book a 10."

A ninth-grade English teacher in Michigan tries to interest her students in the writing of Henry David Thoreau by dividing the class into groups and asking them to create their own Experiment in Living. The ragtag group made up of Stuart, Hollis, Beth and Rachel takes the assignment to heart. They each sign a "Henry Contract." And before you know it, they've somehow constructed a cabin in nearby Wayburn Woods. Each member of the group eventually finds a niche -- one that didn't exist before, and one that highlights heretofore unseen talents. Thus do these "invisible" personalities become known to the rest of the school. By the time Wayburn Woods is threatened by a housing development, the place has become familiar to a wider range of students and community members. We can only speculate about what the future holds for our characters and their hometown.

Robin Vaupel has crafted a wonderful YA novel that's sure to turn young people on to Henry David Thoreau. His words and philosophies are peppered throughout the plot, and each chapter begins with an inspirational quote. [I'll forgive a small error: "In WILDNESS is the preservation of the world," not "in wilderness." That's a common mistake that even finds itself painted onto the walls of nature centers.] The story unfolds from Beth's viewpoint, and I found myself wishing I could be fourteen again and could be Beth. My experience in high school libraries convinces me that teenagers of both genders will find this book a worthy read. The most environment-oriented among them may use it as motivation to see and save their own special places. The world could use such inspiration!