Holidays Books

I bought this book to help us decide if Las Vegas could be a family vacation destination. After reading it, I see that most of Vegas is for adults only. However, if you end up with your children in Vegas and need to entertain them, this book is priceless! It exhaustingly covers every nook and cranny of kid-accessible entertainment in and around the greater Las Vegas area. This is invaluable information written by a long-time Vegas resident and experienced mom.

Whoever this lady is, she saved our trip! My wife found this book online while we were planning a long weekend trip to Las Vegas. We thought we would figure out the kids entertainment plans when we got there, but this book did ALL the legwork for us. She has a light hearted writing style, but she obviously knows "her" town!
Ms.Espin, my children thank you, my wife thanks you, and my WALLET thanks you! (Now, can you teach me how to win at poker?)

Las Vegas and kids? Yes, it is possible to bring your children to Sin City and find a good time is had by all - thanks to Kathy Espin. With the glut of gaming books, mob tales and Elvis stories it is a delightful treat to find something that offers a fresh twist! As a long-time resident, I was happily surprised to learn that even us old Vegas 'Hound Dogs' can still learn a new trick or two!

Let me start of by saying I am not much of a reader, but when I received a copy of this book I was moved. The honesty in this book and the references are on point. I have gone to many of these places myself and done a lot of the things said in this book and they are just like kathy said they were. I find this book a good reference when I am bored and have nothing better to do. It also helped me when I had company and didn't know what to do with them. I took them to a few places that the book said to and then I gave them the book and they just had a blast. I recommend this to everybody even the locals who think they know everything about this town(I used to be one of them) its so informational that its kind of mind blowing that kathy took her time to study and find all of these places. Thank you kathy for a wonderful book and I hope there are many more to come.

As a single mother of 3 adolescent kids, this book was a godsend! I was able to find all kinds of fun things for them to do while I was enjoying myself in Las Vegas. I love the organization of the book and all the "local" tips. It is apparent that the author is a long-time resident of Las Vegas and that she has kids herself. The suggested activities are fun and wholesome, which I was worried about. I didn't know if there would be "wholesome" things for my kids to do in Las Vegas until I read this book! Thanks Ms. Espin for all the advice!

I am a hardcore Trina Schart Hyman fan, so this book is just another in my collection of her art work. The pictures are stunning. My kids spend hours looking at the pictures. The Red night, blue night, black night theme does get a little old though. The story is about a strange man who comes to King Arthur to ask three favors. After a year, the stranger sets off to free a princess trapped in a tower. He has to face many knights along the way and proves his worthyness in doing so.

I really liked this book because of the story, it was factual. It corresponded well with the legend. The pictures were really well done, I love those dresses! :)

The illustrations are wonderful, and if you like sweet, honest Sir Gareth, as I do, you will enjoy this story, even though it's a kids' book. :)

Excellent book for use during any medieval or knight study. Fourth grade boys in particular would love this book, however, any student in elementary would enjoy the book. The illustrations are very good. Younger students may need the book read to them. Goes along with King Arthur studies and tales.

I bought this book for a report in my British Literature class. The assignment was to find a children's book related to the medieval period. I read it and enjoyed it thoroughly. The text is easy to follow and the pictures are great. Great book for any child, boy or girl.

A great book for the child who loves cats.

author of "Hobo Finds A Home"

When Alex loses her kitten it seems like another terrible thing that happens to her after the disease she already has. Fortunately the Adam Hope family comes down with a plan not only to find the little cat but also to collect money to send her to have treatment in London. This is a very cute cuddling story that will make you cry.

Kitten in the Cold
By: Ben M Baglio

This heartwarming story is about Alex Hastings who is sick in Europe. For a Christmas gift Alex and her family are going to America for the operation. Three days before Christmas, Amber, the cat, is missing. Can they find her, or will she freeze?

I like this book because it has excitement. It takes you and draws you in. It's sad when Amber is missing. I like Mandy in this book because she will do anything to save an animal in need.

I think the main idea in this book is that friendship never ends. Alex doesn't want to leave Amber in Europe. See if Alex will solve her problem! Ben Baglio makes you think about your cat or pet and makes you wonder if your pet would run away in the freezing cold.

Mandy and James meet a very ill little girl named Alex who has a beautiful kitten named Amber. Alex has to go to America for a very serious operation, but won't go until she finds Amber, her kitten, because she is too worried about her. Will Mandy and James be able to find Amber to make Alex feel better about getting her operation?

This is an absolutely fabolous book! One of the best books I have ever read! Here is what it is about: Mandy Hope and James Hunter work at The Animal Ark Veterinary Clinic in Welford, England. It is Christmas time. When an ill Alex Hastings {she has a severe heart problem} has to fly to the United States to get an operation, her beloved cat, Amber, mysteriously vanishes. Can Mandy and James find the lost kitty before Christmas Eve, or is she lost forever? Find out in this funny, tense, heartwarming story that deserves 4 paws up!

Best travel guide bar none. Fits your pocket or small purse.. Visually great looking. There are actual pictures .... All high recommended hotels different prices..Great maps.. hard to get lost . Great recommends for food I am a shopper.. Absolutely great & unusual shops ..None of the bad tourist gear only the styling gear.. .I am familiar w/ New York but I still use this guide. This is the one I get around with...I do not go anywhere without this guide if there is one available for the destination Im will be traveling to....

This is the most ergonomically designed useful city guide I've seen.
100 percent portable, no batteries, internet connection and user friendly.

I have bought several editions of this handy little guide over the years and am now giving one to all the guests at my daughter's New York wedding. It is very easy to use and has great suggestions for dining, sight-seeing etc. with very simple sections for each area of the city. I call it my New York bible.

I went to New York for the first time for two weeks. This map is great. It's small, easy to carry, and easy to read. You won't feel so obvious if you have to pull it out on the street corner or on the subway. It was so much better than the full size map that I got from the hotel. Beware, it only covers Manhattan. So if you have to travel to the outer boroughs (Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, Queens) you'll need a different map. However, since all the siteseeing, shopping, and eating I wanted to do was located in Manhattan, it was the only map I needed.

The first time I went to New York, my mom bought this for our trip. It's been a life saver since. The maps are very detailed but small enough to carry with you without looking obnoxious. The subway map is detailed as well and when you use them with your sectioned maps, it completes the whole picture. This is a must have especially for first time visitors as the maps are very easy to read. I'm going on my third trip in two months and had to pick up another copy of this, as I can't seem to find my older one. I couldn't imagine a trip to NYC without it!

As a person who has celebrated Kwanzaa for a couple of decades and as the creator of several kwanzaa products myself, I found the book 'Kwanzaa: From Holiday to Every Day' to be a very informative book on this growing celebration.

The book offers historical info on Kwanzaa and illustrates how the celebration connects people of African descent around the world with our cultural roots.

The book shows you how to organize a Kwanzaa celebration of your own and has a lot of great contacts for Kwanzaa music, books and supplies.

I recommend it for anyone interested in learning about Kwanzaa. I also recommend it for those who already know of and celebrate Kwanzaa as a way to reinforce its concepts and its meaning to you.

This book explores not only the holiday of Kwanzaa, but how to incorporate the values of Kwanzaa into your everyday life without going outside of who you intrinsically are. You are already a person who is creative, caring, conscientious and interested in African inspired cultural values, then this book can expand and enhance your practices.

Ms. Angaza's journalistic style takes the reader on a historical voyage as well as a personal one. Her sense of prose will dazzle the reader as well as make him ponder of why it is so important to celebrate such a holiday. This book has even inspired me to throw my first Kwanzaa event this year.

I picked up Ms. Angaza's text, Kwanzaa: From Holiday to Every Day,and have begun to read it like a novel. I thank Ms. Angaza for penning this positive vibration and upliftment. Her prose is smooth and rational. It puts into perspective the cultural repression and damage to the psyche of Africans worldwide while also providing numerous examples of our triumphs, successes and committment to our cultural heritage.

I laughed out loud at the passage where she exposes the cultural bias inherent in the debate over hyphenated identities and the kiss me i'm Irish example. She's crafted a blend of history, social commentary, practical applications, call to action and inspirational vignettes that can be beneficial to all. I reccommend purchasing this text just for the resource section - simply phenomenal. The resource seciton could be used as a life long self study core curricula. Don't overlook the recipes - yummy. She presents things so honestly (sans pretext) that I think people will be encouraged to try out many of the book's recommendations. A Complete guide is an apt subtitle for this work.

I thoroughly recommend this book to everyone! Were I able to give it 6 stars, I would have given it 7. This book is not simply a nice read... it is an Absolute Need. Seriously, this piece comes at a time when our communities & our families are in dire need of self-realization and a reconnection to the roots and core values that make African people unique. One of the things that was most impressive to me was the level of research that was done to compile this work. Who knew that so many people in so many countries across the world are celebrating Kwanzaa and adapting it's principles. Myself and my mate have even discussed beginning to travel each year during the holiday so that we may expose this tradition to our children as it is celebrated throughout the world. If you have never celebrated Kwanzaa, have celebrated all your life or think that this book is not for you... Buy this book! It is for you and you will absolutely not be dissapointed. The Resource pages toward the back are worth the purchase alone.

Loved these simple writings about special memories of the Christmas of different Latinamerican authors. Simple enough to share with our children during Christmas season so they can have a bite to our typical celebrations and learn more about our roots. Christmas is a season of devotion, parties, and just special realities that mix together bringing about our unique typical lives. Recipes, songs, poems our typical way. It is plainly: typical. Excellent.

Brought tears to my eyes as I remembered when I, as a child, would get up before the first rays of tropical light to participate as an altar boy in all the early morning services, and then go have breakfast at someone's house and quickly head back home to put on my school uniform before starting the day. Thanks for rekindling those long lost memories.

Las Christmas is a collection of stories celebrating Latino families and the celebrations around Christ's birth. Although many of the stories are full of warmth and happiness, (and recipes), there are a few with sadness and the poignant remembrances of poverty. This book is a must for Spanish teachers, like me, who want to try to capture the true "flavor" of La Navidad.

I bought this book for my daughter and before I wrapped it,I started browsing thru it. The different memories of Christmas past bought tears to my eyes when I recalled my 1st Christmas in Puerto Rico. It was so exciting going door to door and greeting our neighbors with "Parandas". The recipes included are an excellent way of passing our LATIN TRADITIONS down from generation to generation. What a great gift for anyone who is interested in how different cultures enjoy Christmas or for anyone who would like to learn to cook traditional holiday food. Recipes are very "reader friendly".

Such a fun read, even the sad stories since they, too, are part of our shared history. Can't wait to make the pernil. Helped me understand the crazy notion of "asalto" that I grew up with but had no idea was cultural in nature; I just thought my Dad was nuts. As a second generation "born here" there was so much I had an inkling about but this book taught about our history and traditions in the best way possible - through food and music, tears and laughter.

This book is a fascinating window into the Paris of the inter-war period. Written in 1942 by a well-known journalist of the time, the book contains the reminiscences of Elliott Paul, an American who chose to call a neighborhood in a little back street of Paris home for some 17 years. In the first part of the book, Paul paints a picture of the neighborhood and the characters who populated it. The second part of the book describes the changes to his neighborhood as Europe began to descend into war, and the book finishes with Paul's despair as he thinks over all that was lost to him and to France once the Second World War finally broke out in earnest.

I found the first part of the book most compelling. Yes, it may be historically interesting to read later about how the political events of the time were interpreted by an American living in Paris and by his French friends, but it is the day-to-day details of life in Paris during the 1920s that remain fascinating today. After reading this book, I began to get an inkling at how un-developed France was compared to the general standard of living we expect and find today throughout Europe. From Paul's descriptions, living conditions in Paris in the 1920s were comparable to those found in many developing countries today. In his hotel, for example, the toilet facilities consisted of what some call today a "Turkish toilet", with one shared squat toilet for the entire floor, with only a partition door for privacy. Milk was adulterated before being distributed door-to-door in unwashed bottles by a buxom teenager. There was no central heating in the homes of ordinary people, and those who couldn't afford a small coal stove in their rooms for heat warmed themselves by rubbing their skin with cat-fur mittens, purchased at the local pharmacy. Women had not yet been granted property rights. They couldn't own or sell property or bank accounts, and they weren't even allowed to travel without written permission from their husbands or fathers. Looking back today, it's incredible to think how much French culture has changed. I wonder what Paul would think of modern French culture if he could experience it again- -what changes would he approve of, and what would he find distasteful? No doubt, as an outsider, Paul probably formed a few inaccurate hypotheses about French culture, but he lived long enough in the country and neighborhood to discover some truths as well. And as an outsider, he found them interesting enough to write about. It is only because they were written down that they survive at all- -they are just too far removed from modern realities to even be conceivable today. This is a great written record of Paul's experiences, and well worth reading.

Before getting into the body of my review, I want to clear up a fairly common misconception. The only thing that the movie, THE LAST TIME I SAW PARIS, has in common with Elliot Paul's book is that they share the same name. The movie was based on a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald entitled, "Babylon Revisited."

I wonder what Elliot Paul would think if he could see today's incarnation of his beloved rue de la Huchette where the action of the book is centered. Before the second World War, when Elliot made it his home, it was a poor street of "mom and pop" businesses, small apartments, a laundry that doubled as a bordello, a third class hotel or two, a few small cafes and, most of all, a place where one sat out on the stoop and visited, or debated, with his neighbors until the wee hours. Not a very high class neighborhood and certainly not a place that had any attraction for tourists.

That portion of the Left Bank that includes the rue de la Huchette is called the Latin Quarter because of its proximity to the Sorbonne University. At one time it really was a place where the students hung out, but no more. Because it has become so touristy, the students have moved their extracurricular activities a few blocks away. I get the feeling that every tourist bus passing through Paris includes in its itinerary a walk down the two or three blocks that comprise the street. Every other door leads into a small restaurant and in front of each is a hustler enticing you to come in for dinner and to have a free "aperitif." If you know where to eat, or are lucky, you can get a good, reasonably priced, meal there. The street is always lively and crowded.,

Paul's rue de la Huchette, as I described it above, was a world, or at least a war, away from what one experiences today. He became such a part of the neighborhood that he was always called on to arbitrate neighborhood disputes. One young girl, Hyacinthe, fell in love with him while she was still a pre-teen, wrote him very adult sounding love letters, and even as an adult still adored him.

He describes a scene when, after a long absence, he returns, and, as soon as the word gets out that he's back, he finds himself the guest of honor at the party to end all parties. Everyone buys him drinks but no one allows him to reciprocate. Sometime during the celebration he passes out. The next morning, not knowing how he got there, he wakes up in one of the two front rooms in the hotel, rooms normally reserved for "couples in a hurry." Because the room was free and the gesture so generous, he doesn't complain about the bed bugs.

This wonderful street and these people that Paul loves and brings to life for us are destroyed by the Nazi occupation of Paris during WW II. The saddest moment of the book comes near the end of the war when Hyacinthe, now grown up and become a famous actress, dies as a result of asphyxiation caused by a charcoal burner that she and her mother were using to keep warm during the cold Paris winter. Her death which, like all the events in the book is a true event, is symbolic of the end of an era in Paul's life and of the life of a more innocent Paris.

I think that I might have liked Paul's rue de la Huchette better than the present one. If you read THE LAST TIME I SAW PARIS, I think that you might feel the same.

One of the most delightful books I've read in a long time. Elliot Paul writes of his beloved Rue de la Houchette on the Left Bank of Paris in the turbulent period between the wars. His appreciation enlightens us, appreciation for the arts and culture of France, of its people and its food and its foibles and, it the 20's and 30's, its deplorable politics.

For instance here is some of his ecstatic picture of Les Halles: France, in her wisdom, ordained that all the strawberries for miles and kilometers around should convene near a grand old church just after midnight, and should be ranged there neatly in straw baskets, garnished greenly with their leaves. If one man can small one wild strawberry at a distance of eight inches, how far can four million men enjoy the perfume of one million, five hundred thousand strawberries ... laid out on ancient cobblestones? Or this on mushrooms: Twenty-five hundred square yards of mushrooms, back to back, as neatly matched as dancers by Degas.

How I would have loved to have been an habitue of the bar at Hotel Caveau. To see Father Panarioux heading for the bar at the same time as Madame Mariette of the brothel, from opposite directions, each bowing to the other in a hesitation dance as to whom should pass through the entrance first. To have been served by the always-smiling Georges, the Serbian waiter, who, lacking papers and wanting to avoid internment `finds` some French army clothes and waits by the side of the road heading south - he`s rather fight the Italians than the Germans - for a division of cavalry to go by - he`s good with horses. To have supped with the wealthy M. de Malancourt who used his influence to get his mistress out of prison, married her, settled on her a great deal of money and a passport and delivered her to Switzerland, returning himself to Free France where he distributed the rest of his money to the refugees who poured in from every corner of Europe. Above all, to have been astonished by the extraordinarily precocious Hyacinthe who, a successful actress in 1939, refuses to leave France for Hollywood: I am lost, like the rest of France But I am a part of Paris, of the stifling soul of France. When France goes, I go. When Daladier (the Prime Minister) sells France, he sells me. I am part of the bargain.

Alas, the good times came to an end, helped by Mr. Chamberlain's umbrella and the greed and obtuseness of politicians. Paul writes, No matter how many Frenchmen voted, or how they voted, the same predatory combination ran the country for the benefit of large employers and speculators on a colossal scale. Voters in a so-called democracy may depose tyrants or crooks in isolated cases, but they cannot give birth, full grown like Minerva, to honest and experienced statesmen to take their places.

Plus ca change, plus c'est le meme chose. (Add accents as required!)

I love this book, for many reasons. Ellliot Paul was my father's best friend. They traveled together in Europe, Elliot working on one of his books (I forget which) and my father working on his (alas, never published). I knew Elliot as a kid - I even saw him on his deathbed, a sight I'll never forget. In any case, this is a WONDERFUL read, atmospheric, full of unforgettable characters, especially the author himself. I only wish I could write like this.

What both the reviews currently featured fail to mention is that Elliott Paul has a keen eye and a keen wit. He writes with warmth and affection, but also a journalist's detachment. His writing style is in keeping with the street and the characters he brings to life so vividly. And although he is dealing with a world long gone, if you've been to Paris, even now, you'll recognise it in his pages. This book is one of the most perceptive and delightful travel books I've ever read. One example of Paul's gems: in one chapter he explains that 'Belgian pate' means pate that's half rabbit and half horse, that is, one rabbit to one horse. Several chapters later he informs us that there were no Italians in the neighbourhood since Italians and Serbs don't mix, "and when they do, the Italian has as much chance as a rabbit up against a horse in a Belgian pate" - I love that line and how it sums up so succinctly a whole array of rich rivalries.

Beautiful photography, follows and expands on the extremely well done PBS series.

I picked up this book without having seen the companion PBS series, but now I'd really like to see it. The book presents a very nice story for each lighthouse visited, discussing more of the people stories that go along with the history of the houses themselves. A really nice find for lighthouse fans.

It is very informative and provides much detail about all the lighthouses. There are numerous pictures and they are absolutely great. This book also gives you very good directions on how to travel to each of the lighthouses some of which are very remote. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

I loved Ray Jones book, "Legendary Lighthouses". I do have copies of all his books, since he is married to my daughter.This book he autographed, For Mom Happy Chanukah Keep the lights burning. Ray & Fran. Arent I lucky!!

Ray Jones is among the best lighthouse photographers working today. He provides some of his best photos for a book in which writer John Grant provides a good narrative and history of lighthouses in general. This book strikes a good balance between information and photography.

We bought this book and the information was very useful. We especially found the information on transportation and lodging to be helpful. The book lists plenty of restaurants too. There was so much to see and do on our trip and this book really helped us plan out a wonderful vacation. There is a lot of information on some of the smaller towns in Andalusia and elsewhere. All were amazing. All in all it's a very helpful book and worth the purchase.

I used this guidebook while touring Spain and Portugal. It was full of good information on places to visit and places to stay. The directions were easy to follow and I found their reviews of the places I stayed to be accurate. A word of caution - the Lisbon bus depot has relocated since this book was published - check with the tourist office for up to date info.

Excellent information for all tourists. . For the older traveler willing to spend a few more dollars forget the lodging advice, use the food, transportion, money information,etc.For the young on a budget all the information is important.

Whenever you would want to travel on "a shoestring" consider this guide. It gives some great suggestions for things to see, places to stay and nice restaurants. All this information is presented in a structured and clear way. Let's go is not afraid to express their own opinion without being biased. It is also great read if you want get some background on Spain and Portugal.

The big question at hand of course is if it beats the Lonely Planet and other budget guides. I feel this is something of personal preference. The information in the guide is not that different from one of the other guides but the way they structure it is different. An advantage of the Let's go is that it seems to somewhat less popular than the Lonely Planet.
Therefore you run less of a risk that this "special place" that is mentioned somewhere in the guide is crowded with other travelers that bought the same guide.

...and I used this guide both times. Incredible amounts of information for the budget traveler. I especially appreciate how accurate everything is. The food recommends are great, too.

Basically, of the guides I have used before, this is the best for somebody on a budget. Also, this guide seems the best for anybody traveling alone.

My son (2yrs) got this book and loves it so much!
the colors and real life action!!

he loves to watch kids do karate!
i recommend highly!

This is a great non-fiction about Chinese New Year, for ages 4-12! The text is simple enough for younger children and detailed enough to really be informative for older children. Following a young child through his preparations for the celebration immediately brings young readers (and listeners)into the story. Vivid photographs of familiar and novel scenes help children to relate to Ernie Wan while learning about a significant aspect of his culture. Rather than lecturing the reader, this book invites the reader to share in one boy's celebration of the Chinese New Year while teaching about the holiday at the same time. This book has been well-loved by my children (now ages 8, 10, 12) for many years. We are now on our second copy of the book! It comes out every Chinese New Year, and even some other times through out the year. My children often ask to take this book to school to share at Chinese New Year. (Bonus: inside the back cover is an explanation of the Chinese zodiac with years and personality traits.)

Follow Ernie Wan and his family throughout a traditional Chinese (Cantonese) New Year Celebration! Colorful photos and detailed text provide good insight to a fascinating and beautiful culture! Photos of New York's Chinatown and Chinese schools are accompanied by cultural facts. From kung fu school to New Year traditions, this book is more than I expected. The Lion Dance is covered very well, but is certainly not the sole topic of this outstanding book! Ages 4 and up.

For my preschool class, I am pairing this book with an 11' long paper dragon and a stuffed dragon puppet. The children will be making paper lanterns and sampling various Chinese foods. They should really enjoy the unit on Chinese New Year!

Gung-Hey-Fat-Choy! Happy New Year!

If you have small children,their first encounter with the lion can be the stuff bad dreams are made of. Our 16-month-old son was both frightened and intrigued by the lion that came to the Chinese restaurant where our friends' son was enjoying his first birthday. The book follows Ernie Wan through his preparation to his first lion dance one Chinese New Year's day in New York's Chinatown. You see the customs and rituals that lead up to his debut. More important, you see the closeness of his family and the value of rites of passage in gathering people together. My family is not Chinese but my wife and I have immigrant parents. If you are trying to demonstrate why maintaining your cultural heritage is worthwhile, Lion Dancer will support your cause. My son literally drools on the pictures of the Chinese dishes and the kung-fu kicks of the lions amid the firecracker smoke. If I have a single criticism, it's that the pages of this paperback will fall out after repeated reading. And if I'm entitled to menion one mature indulgence, the book includes a section describing the personalities of the various animals in the Chinese lunar year. You might agree that the year you were born is more telling than the month.

I thought the book was very interesting with wonderful pictures
for children to look at. Despite being written for children to enjoy, it gave some insight to anyone, curious about this aspect of Chinese culture.