Lobster Books

I really enjoyed this book, over all it is well written and the recipes look interesting too. It fills a glaring gap in the history of the Kennebunk's by providing a first person account of the Jewish experience in that famous tourist spot. It is something that has been overlooked by historians writing about the Kennebunk's largely because so little information on that subject survives or is available. Having lived in, researched, and written about the town of Kennebunk myself for over 20 years I really enjoyed the book however, it contained some really major, and embarrassing factual information. For instance, the "Brickstore museum" is really The Brick Store Museum, "Liz" Magnuson is really "Roz", there is no Kennebunk Historical Society, The Grist Mill Restaurant was spelled like that not Griste and to the best of my knowledge there was no newspaper called the "Kennebunkport Times". Also the "Main" Historical Society is really The Maine Historical Society. This may sound petty and nit picking but I think it's important especially when you thank someone in your acknowledgements and get their name wrong! I also found that in the book that the writer, Rebecca Charles, frequently interchanged Kennebunk and Kennebunkport as if they are the same town when in fact they are separate towns with separate governments. The only other issue I found annoying and distracting was her constant use of "David and me"; or "Momma and me" (for example) instead of the correct "David and I"; and "Momma and I". This is something an editor or the professional co-writer, Deborah Di Clementi, should have picked up on.
Other than the above problems this is a well written and entertaining book which I read it in one sitting. It was fascinating to read about the Forest Hill House and the people who original operated. This book will make an excellent addition to the many works of history all ready published on the Kennebunk's!

From chef and owner of New York City's Pearl Oyster Bar Rebecca Charles comes Lobster Rolls & Blueberry Pie: Three Generations of Recipes and Stories from Summers on the Coast of Maine. Family history and heritage permeate a fine gathering of family recipes, from Sugar Snap Peas with Lemon and Toasted Almonds to Blackberry Nectarine Crisp. The vintage black and white family photos are lovely embellishments to a blend of memoir and cookbook.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

If you love Maine, you'll love this book. Rebecca Charles has written a memoire for all of us who share similar family histories. She has captured the special pull of the Maine coast that keeps so many of us going back year after year, expressing well how it remains unspoiled after nearly a century. And she's done it without being overly sentimental. My grandparents began our annual tradition of summers at Kennebunk Beach just before World War I and we now take the family's fifth generation every year. I enjoyed the book so much that I've given copies to half my family.

I'm not big fan of seafood, but this cookbook of three generations of a Scottish-Jewish-American family and their summers in Kennebunkport Maine, was captivating. Its chock full of family photos, memoirs, and touching pictures from the last century. I particularly enjoyed the text, the stories, and photos and would like to encourage the author to write a novel, or more memoirs and stories. It would be a fascinating and delightful to read more.

I cannot comment on the recipes. I do not care for seafood, but I found this book valuable for the stories alone which were touching. 5 stars.

I love narrative mixed with factual, so learning the history of a family and a place [Kennebunkport, Me.] while perusing tons of delicious recipes, was a really enjoyable experience. The subject matter, the writing style, the layout--everything was top notch. In addition to recipes, there's lots of handy food tips, like how to buy the right scallops. I would reccomend the book to anyone with interest in an enjoyable read, a good cookbook, or a beautiful coffee table book.

Every 15-year-old in the walled city of Noveskina is about to take part in Demonstration Day...except Miri. Unlike Eris, with the power to fly, and her best friend, Jalene, who can tell the most incredible stories, Miri has not developed a Talent. Jalene swears that their friendship will not change on the day of their Masking, when they will officially become adults of Noveskina and bonded with the rest of their age-mates, but Miri isn't so sure. If she doesn't find her Talent, she will be doomed to a life in the lower classes, bringing shame on her family of Important Officials. In this city, where voices are regulated by the Mask you wear, she may lose all privilege to speak her mind.

As Masking Day arrives and Miri still has not found her Talent, her parents force their decision on her, but Miri is determined to keep her friendships alive. When she witnesses parts of a secret ritual, Miri finds herself on the run, expelled from the life she knew and the people she loves. Suddenly, more is on her shoulders than her place in society, while she discovers much more about her world than she was ever allowed to know.

I loved the imagery throughout this book, and was entranced with the workings of Miri's world. Throughout it all, Miri's trials are sure to resonant with most anyone who has every struggled to live up to their promised potential. This story breathes with a rich harmony that leaves the reader captivated up until the last page.

Reviewed by: Allison Fraclose

Miri's treacherous journey is sure to wrap you into the pages of worry, fear, excitement, victory, and the miraculous beauty of music! I've read the book five times, and If I read it again, I still wouldn't be at all bored. Read it. You'll see what I mean!



Sonia Copple, age 8

Once again Ellen Davidson has given us science fiction which is both a joy to read and thought provoking. The setting she creates may be exotic, but her characters are very close to home. Miri's ability to transcend the limitations imposed by her upbringing are an inspiration, and Ms. Davidson's fertile imagination creates such fun that the reader hardly notices that there is a lesson to be learned.

My daugher adored this book! She couldn't put it down, and in fact missed out on some full nights of sleep since she stayed up so late reading it. She has also read and loved "When the Third Moon Wanes" by the same author, and was disappointed when I told her Ms. Davidson didn't have any other books published at this point. A terrific book for preteen and teenage girls!

Stolen Voices written by Ellen Dee Davidson is an excellent book for young adults. I read this book not knowing what to expect and a little skeptical, but ended up really enjoying it. I am planning on using this book in my classroom one day in either a literature class or a writing class. I would highly recommend this book to other teachers because it addresses pertinent young adult issues in a very creative and different way.

Young adults are very interested in themselves and finding out who they really are, what talents and strengths they have that make them unique. They want to separate themselves from others, especially their parents, using their own voice. Having friends and what they think is the be-all end-all in their lives. Learning how they are going to contribute to the adult community and transition to that new world is a pressing matter they are trying to deal with, among other things. These are the issues that Stolen Voices addresses. This book is perfect to use in a writing class when you're teaching the students about finding their own voice in their writing, which goes along with finding their own voice in their daily lives, not just on paper.

I really liked that Davidson used a fantasy kind of setting to write about very real matters; that contrast was something that helps draw readers in. It also makes discussing these things easier because they aren't hitting so close to home, which allows students to more honestly respond to them.

This is a very down to earth easy to read book, one that any gay teen could easily understand. This was written in a time before AIDS, though I found it somewhat disturbing that he engaged in sex with other elementery students as a child, that certainly didn't take place on our playgrounds! It's a quick read also, and flows smoothly, and the author has good dialogue with the reader. Full of humor and emotion, I would recommend this book for gay teens to read to realize they are not alone with these feelings.

The first person I 'came out' to was a great friend, he reccomended this book to me, and it was the most worthwhile book I'd ever read. Anyone who is coming out, has come out, is thinking of coming out, or knows someone who is coming out should read this book. The first person perspective is endearing, and you can really feel for the author.

This is a great book for both teens and adults who are coming out, along with Best Little Boy in The World. The author of the latter revealed himself to be Andrew Tobias a well-known financial writer, and he wrote a sequal to let us know how things turned out for him. But, I haven't been able to find out what has become of Aaron Fricke. (He hasn't written anything since the book that he wrote with his father in the late 80's). I hope that he is doing well. Does anybody know what has become of him?

I knew Aaron quite well. Not in 1980, but from about 1985 - 2000. We even lived as roommates together on more than one occasion. Reflections of a Rock Lobster is a great read. It is also mostly a work of fiction. Sure, Aaron did sue for the right to go to his senior prom with a male date. His reasons for doing so - fiction. Aaron was catapulted to prominence when he unknowingly arrived at his prom to TV cameras and the news media. His law suit received an enormous amount of attention and soon Aaron was being asked on to the talk show circuit. He knew a good thing when he saw it. It was then that he became the gay spokesperson people believe him to be. In fact, Aaron's initial motives were only self-serving: he wanted to get back at his high school principal. After years of bailing Aaron out many jams - including drug addiction, shoplifting, prison, etc. I finally said good-bye to Aaron by having him forcibly removed from my home in San Francisco. Aaron wrote an important book. That is for sure. It has touched many people's lives including my own. It is definitely a good read, but please let's get the story "straight".

When I came out at fourteen my mother bought "Reflections of a Rock Lobster" for me as her way of showing support. This book was very helpful to me at that time in my life. It was well written and kept my interest. The fact that it dealt with feelings and issues many gay teens face made me feel more comfortable to be myself. I would recommend anyone who knows of a gay teen who has just come out and needs support, or any teen for that matter to have them read this book. If you have read this book and liked it I would also recommend "Not Like Other Boys--Growing Up Gay, A Mother and Son Look Back" by Marlene Fanta Shyer, Christopher Shyer.

I'm old and cranky, and don't read kid's books for my own amusement, unless I read them to my 5-year old son. Having said that, I stumbled upon "Feltus" and couldn't put it down - I derived a non-adulturated grown-up pleasure from that book that took me back to my childhood and beyond. So I have no choice but to recommend this wonderful sample of "children literature" to all adults who may wish to remember that there was a time in our life, however long ago, which was enchanting and mythical, and which no cranky grown-up could comprehend or mess up. Oh, yes, you could also read it to your kid. Maybe he or she would like you a bit more. Rats forever!

I loved this book. It's unique and delightful. The characters, names and scenarios are highly imaginative and full of twisted fun. I hope there's a sequel coming soon!

I'm always in search of books that parents can enjoy as well as their children, and this is one of them. Treggiari can really develop a character you can sink your teeth into. Highly recommended!

My son and I loved this book! I have no doubt that this author has more 'Feltus' lurking up her sleeve or in her pen or under her typewriter or in some portal somewhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At first, when reading "The Curious Misadventures of Feltus Ovalton," I found myself comparing it to other stories like Harry Potter, A Wrinkle in Time, etc and I kept trying to predict what would happen next based on those other stories. Pretty soon, though, I was so immersed in the characters and their adventures, that all I thought about was what was coming on the next page. I love to root for the underdog, and this book not only had plenty of those, but they each were an intriguing mix of lovable, pathetic, brave, weird, and sometimes gross qualities. Feltus, himself, was one of those kids whose bratty attitude I initially found annoying, but as I got to know him, I realized how much his cynicism was a survival strategy for getting through childhood. Ultimately, I think Feltus reminds me of myself, and for that I love him!

The otherworldly creatures and magical phenomena in the story were a lot of fun and were refreshingly original. They were just fantastical enough to be intriguing, and just realistic enough to be believable. Well, not believable like I'm looking for portals to other worlds under my sink, but believable like, households in our culture have so much waste going out in trash cans and garbage disposal units, that a whole other culture probably could survive off our refuse!

All in all, this book is definitely worth checking out. It has something for everyone... magic and adventure, social commentary, as well as a misfit/hero/rebel/regular kid to identify with. I look forward to Feltus' next adventures!

My first grade class at St. Theresa School really enjoyed this story. It's a great way to explore the seasons and holidays!

Elton the Elf is an outstanding book. It's fun for my class to help Elton through the various holidays and find the holiday he belongs to. The children are able to see many holidays that are celebrated throughout the year. They want to read it again and again.

This book was absolutely wonderful. The story is adorable, and the illustrations were splendid. Traveling through the holidays was great fun. I highly recommend this unique book!

Elton the Elf is a wonderful book for young children. I teach at a preschool and this book tells about an elf who goes through the whole year trying to find his holiday. The story beautifully explains what happens to the elf as he travels through the year until he finds his home. The book illustrations along with the story shows the children what happens at each month from January to December. The young children love hearing about the elf (...).

Elton the Elf is a wonderful storyline about a little elf who finds his way home after traveling through various holidays. The unusual idea of traveling through holidays is a unique one. Both the author and illustrator, who has bright and colorful illustrations, mesh their talents together creating a children's book that will bring a smile to both adults and children's faces.

Love the book! Been looking for these debates for years. It's nice to learn the behind-the-scenes arguments for and against the Constitution. Also nice to know that partisan bickering is not new.

Unlike the political commentators of the late 20th and early 21st century (watchers of Sunday public affairs programs and AM radio listeners know who they are), the commentators of the 18th century actually had something of substance to say. This was a time when education was rare, but when done was done well. The New American Library does its usual exceptional job in assembling the material in this book including some of the more important selections from the Federalist Papers as well as some of the writings of the anti-Federalists. Here the role of the government and the nature of freedom are really explored. Life was better before politics became about feeling and emotion. Every American should read this book, but only if he wants to really understand the basis of the American experiment.

I've gathered other collections (i.e., The Federalist Paper, Constitutional Debates) over the years, but this collection (along with Volume 2) is by far the most comprehensive yet affordable collection to date. Given the fact Bernard Bailyn compiled the contents and wrote the background material, the reader can rest assured that a distinguished historian is behind these endeavors. Bailyn's commitment to detail and analysis of primary sources has always been one of his hallmarks. He continues that commitment in these two volumes.

There is more material here than the average person probably ever knew existed regarding the constitutional debates. Letters, newspaper articles, formal treatises, and speeches all provide the documentation. Bailyn wants to show the depth and richness of the discussion, which varies from those who feared loss of personal liberty to those ready to embrace the document. Anyone who picks up these volumes will come away with an idea of how complex the constitution really is - that it will never be all things to all people, but it does ground our national identity. It becomes the task of each succeeding generation to uphold the tradition yet strive to assure the Constitution carries out its intended purpose. Obviously this is no small feat to be taken lightly.

The books are arranged chronologically, more or less, divided into subsections. The reader will get the broad spectrum of constitutional debates (the Federalist Papers are included, the "antifederalist papers" are included) as are the fears, assurances, and the entire range of human emotion regarding the Constitution are all there for the reader to peruse.

The only spoiler I offer is the peculiar selection of a Benjamin Franklin letter as the very first entry of the set. Franklin fears the Constitution yet is willing to embrace it just the same. In a way, this might be the quintessential document of the entire collection as all Americans have reason to heed Franklin's concerns.

Study of the Federalist Papers, of course included in this two volume series, is a conduit for understanding the American ethic. When the Federalist Papers are viewed as included in this chronological deliberation between the Federalists and Antifederalists, they become even more profound than the enormous depth they can achieve when read alone. The concerns of Brutus and Agrippa are answered, the repititive call for a 'Bill of Rights' revealed. Madison wrote to Jefferson in 1825 defining the Federalist Papers as 'may fairly enough be regarded as the most authentic exposition of the text of the federal constituion, as understood by the Body which prepared & the authority which accepted it.' The enormous insight gained from tracking the arguments and concerns of the proposed Constituion , and the responses of the Federalist cannot be easily estimated, yet the result is a much more informed conscience of the American experience. Madison in the same letter mentioned above stated that Federalist Essays did not foresee all the misconstructions which to that date had occured, nor prevent some it did foresee. For the concerned and deliberate citizen of today many of these issues remain, issues such as Federalism are current topics and all too often the opinions of the few become the conscience of the many, examining these volume will do much to alleviate this vexing condition. More alarming is the realization that many of the fears of the Antifederalists have become a reality in todays polity. An excellent and comprehensive collection thank you Bernard Bailyn.

Editor Bernard Bailyn has assembled a first-rate collection of letters, circulars, pamphlets, speeches, and what would be the colonial equivalent of modern op-ed pieces that allows today's readers to witness the founding of a government through the eyes of (and with the voices of) those who were really there. But don't be fooled into thinking this is going to be the stilted, polite prose that often belongs to 18th century philosophers or debaters. Many of the pieces Bailyn has selected are remakrkably spry and teeming with understated wit.

Those who think that mud-slinging, negative campaigning, and assaults on the integrity of the opponent are modern day creations may be surprised to see that those in the 18th century could be just as nitpicky, petty, and ascerbic as their present day decendants -- and yet still remain surprisingly gentlemanly about the whole thing. Some letter writers absolutely seethe with irritation at their opposition, and by presenting his debaters in roughly chronological order, Bailyn ensures that for every "Oh yeah?" uttered by a Federalist, there will soon be a responsive "Yeah!" from the anti-Federalist side. It all makes for lively and informative reading, and one wonders if such a critical debate could be carried out with such manners in today's media.

It should come as no surprise that most of the Hamilton-Madison-Jay Federalist Papers are in here, as are the level-headed, persuasive anti-Federalist arguments of James Wilson and George Mason. But the real jewels in these volumes lie in the thoughtful and frank correspondence that passed back and forth between not only the Major Players, but also between some of the lesser-known writers, who make their cases for or against the Constitution with genuine passion and conviction.

Bailyn wisely leaves the spin to the writers themselves, but when he does step in, Bailyn is a most helpful editor, and the final 240 pages contain short biographies of every writer (or letter recipient) in the book, an informative chronology of events (and Bailyn makes sure readers have a perspective for the debates in this book by starting the chronology in 1774, some 13 years before the first words in this book were spoken), and competent notes on the text to help readers unfamiliar with some of the players or events keep everything sorted out.

Even though we all have the luxury of knowing that Everything Came Out All Right In The End -- the Constitution was ratified -- there is still quite a bit of drama here, particularly in the debates in the State Ratifying Conventions, which are carried out with suitable handwringing and bluster on both sides. Appropriately, then, the final piece in here is the dramatic speech the previously skeptical John Hancock delivered in the Massachusetts convention, informing his colleagues he would, indeed, vote for ratification. Hancock's words are as stirring now as they were then -- but I'll let you read them for yourself.

If you have the opportunity, purchase both Volume I and Volume II together. Not only will you get the complete debates (Volume I ends in February 1788; volume II is needed to make it to August), but you'll also get one of the Library of America's typically attractive slip-cases. It's a little more expensive, but worth it.

The prices in this book are out of date - it was published in 2001 and in 2005 the prices across the board were about 30% higher. Budget conscious Las Vegas visitors will want to keep that in mind.

Otherwise it was a terrific resource for "freebies" and kid-friendly attractions.

I have enjoyed Las Vegas as a single tourist in the past, but when I decided to bring my family to Las Vegas, I knew that I needed to do some planning. I never knew just how family-friendly Las Vegas really was! The Lobster Kids' Guide to Exploring Las Vegas was a critical resource that made better use of our time. This book provided me with creativity and adventure. I was able to plan out our vacation and make last minute decisions with the direction from this author, who's descriptions were "right on". And, there was a large variety of activities to choose from. My family absolutely loved our vacation and I loved the ease of it all (descriptions, tips, directions, price info, etc.). Thanks to the help from this book, I know that the memories of our vacation will last a lifetime!

This book is great if you plan on visting Vegas with the kids in mind. It gives a good description of the attractions, addresses, phone numbers, height restrictions, and prices. We've started checking off the things we've done in the table of contents. The only downfall is it doesn't really give a review of great buffets...only some suggestions of kid friendly eateries.

Now that I live in LAs Vegas, the rest of the family, and heir families are coming out. The Lobster Guide is a great tool to help them plan all the litlle trips fand activities for the kids.

I bought two copies and ship one to the folks prior to their coming to visit. They decide what they want to do and see and it saves me hours of hassle.

The book has information on attractions and shows I never knew about.

If you have kids, or have guests who have kids. GET THIS BOOK!

This book saved me a bundle of time and expenses when family came out to visit here in Las Vegas.

I was a big hero to my nephews and nieces because I knew all the best places to take them to see free shows and other exciting things. My sisters and brothers loved me because once the kids had their adventures, they were free to do the adult vegas experience.

Whether you live here (and have family and their children coming to visit) or whether you are bringing your family, this book has a complete list that will keep the little ones happy. From pirate battles to clown museums. Rollercoasters to wild life parks.

BUY this BOOK

Page has done a fantastic job with this first publication. The book is intelligently written using vocabulary that will encourage children to ask questions. Life as a Lobster is a great book for parents to read to their children opening up many opportunities for conversation. The illustrations will help to spark young minds to creativity, and the lesson of the story will help children to open their eyes to the world around them. A great story and a fantastic first start. Like another reviewer here, I can't wait to see where this story takes us next, and I hope to follow Page in her career for a long time to come.

This is a wonderful little book for children of all ages. Beautifully illustrated by a number of artists in many styles the writing is thoughtful and provocative which will keep your child and your self entertained till the last page.

Highly recommended.

This is a wonderful little book for children of all ages. An excellent gift or addition to your own coffee table. The artwork is superb, the writing thoughtful and provocative in an almost fairytale setting. I especially liked the page devoted to the readers own artistic expression. I look forward to seeing what Ms. Curry can do next.

This book is very well written, and beautifully illustrated by a number of artists in many styles. It has an interesting way of encouraging children to ask questions about themselves and the world around them. And in the end teaches them to look for their place in the world, and to accept it.

Highly recommended.

It's very rare to run across a children's book that keeps the traditional fairy tale mood, while not over-expressing it. Page Curry's 'Life As A Lobster' goes beyond that, pushing encouragement where few other childrens' books would.

Illustrated by an extremely colorful array of international artists, 'Life As A Lobster' carries a message of true meaning and following through on what's right. Sometimes the "prettiest" solution isn't the best, and without being clouded by irrational fantasy thought this book sends a child a message that a very meager amount of other authors would dare to exert.

Extremely original and highly recommended.

As a mother of four-year old twins, both of whom have severe food allergies, I commend and admire Ms. Rogers on her book. It is wonderful! To date, I think it is the best book in print re: food allergies and the host of issues that go along with them. Recommended reading for ANY family with ANY type of food allergy. Also excellent reading for any person who comes in contact with your child. It's straight-forward, easy to understand content provides a clear picture for those folks who are not familiar with the host of emotional, psychological and physical aspects that people close to food allergies experience on a daily basis. Congratulations to Ms. Rogers on a job very well done!

This book is a must have for families with an allergenic child. While the book focuses mainly on seafood allergies, and how to help your child cope with them, the tale is suitable for children with any allergies. Both innovative and original, No Lobster, Please! is a jewel among childrens' literature.

There aren't many books out there for children about allergies. The author definitley has a way with kids, and this is a great book!

This book is skillfully written for those children who may not fully understand the complexities of seafood allergy, and for those of their young friends who don't understand what the allergic pal has to cope with. Written with insight and illustrated by youngsters, this book makes a difficult issue very accessible to those kids who need it. Not often is a non-fiction book entertaining while at the same time instructional.
"No Lobster, Please!" fulfills both roles handsomely. A copy should be in every pediatrician's and every allergist's waiting room.

No Lobster, Please! is the nonfiction story of James Rogers who is in first grade at the H. Olive Day School in Norfolk, Massachusetts. James's Mother, Ms. Robyn Rogers, wrote the story for him, and the book is illustrated by James (see the self-portrait on page five) and his classmates in Ms. Fazio's class. Ms. Fazio also designed the cover. This is a book that is clearly written, illustrated and bound in love for James.

As the book opens, James is the narrator. He's sad because his family and friends are going to a lobster party. He cannot go because he's so allergic to lobster that even the air from the cooking of lobsters can cause a reaction.

James then tells us how he found out about the allergy. One day he helped his Mother crack open her lobster. From touching the lobster, he got the red bumps of hives, his lips swelled, his mouth felt tingly, his tummy hurt, and he felt like he was going to be sick. Breathing started to be hard. A call to 911 brought an ambulance and a shot of epinephrine from the paramedics. At the hospital, the doctors gave Ms. Rogers another shot to carry around for James. He didn't like the shot, but he knew it made him feel better.

As a follow-up James was tested for allergies and found out that he's allergic to all shellfish and many other types of seafood. His allergic reaction could get worse with repeated exposure, so he has to be careful.

He cannot eat at seafood restaurants, places that have seafood in their buffets, and sits as a "tuna-free" table at school. When the cafeteria has fish sticks for lunch, he eats with the school nurse.

Returning to the present, James's Dad leaves with his brother and sisters for the lobster party. James's Mom stays home, even though lobster used to be her favorite food.

He's in for a surprise, though, because she has a fun day planned just for him! He had so much fun he forgets where everyone else had gone. While ordering a dessert, he tells a little joke, "Wait, one more thing, no lobster, please!"

When I was six, beautiful banana splits beckoned. But I'd never had one. I begged my Mother for one. She finally relented (for they were very expensive). The waitress asked me what I wanted on it. I didn't know what came with a banana split. So she asked me if I wanted vanilla, strawberry and chocolate ice cream. That sounded fine. Then she asked if I would like chocolate syrup, strawberry sauce and pineapple. I didn't know what pineapple was . . . but, well, why not? The enormous delight arrived and I dug in. It was great! Except . . . I started to itch. Then I started to swell. Then I had trouble breathing. Yup, pretty soon I was at the doctor's office. I remember it like it was yesterday . . . and don't recommend the experience. Reading this book brought all of that back. I never did quite understand what had happened until years later when I read up on allergies. I had had a temporary allergy to pineapple which I have since outgrown. But I didn't try pineapple again for many years.

Two of my children are very lactose intolerant. They can become violently ill on two slices of pizza (without taking the necessary tablets to help reduce the problem). And they crave eating dairy foods, all of which cause their insides to expand rapidly with gas. Naturally, their friends' parents always serve pizza, milk and ice cream whenever the kids get together. It's tough. Their experiences are a little like James's, but not so serious or frightening . . . just physically and emotionally painful.

For neither my children nor myself have I ever seen a children's book to help put food allergies and food digestion issues into context. I wish this book had come along a lot earlier!

Although this book focuses on lobster, I think you could use it for children with other allergies and food and environmental intolerances. In fact, having most such problems would seem like a relief compared to what James has to go through.

The best part to me is that the book shows how to take a child's "special" problem and turn it into an opportunity to make a child feel special. When our children were little, we ordered many versions of the computer-generated books that customize the book about the child. It never occurred to me (even though I'm a writer) to create my own children's book for each child. My hat's off to Ms. Rogers for going to the nth degree to create a special good feeling for her son. Nice going!

After you finish this book, I suggest that you make a book with and about a child in your life (whether a daughter or son, a nephew or niece, or grandchild . . . or just a child down the block). You'll feel special, too.

Now in a new edition featuring updates concerning where the kids interviewed in the first edition are now and what they're doing, 7 Secrets of Highly Successful Kids is a compilation of true stories about successful tweens, each with a personal strategy for achieving his or her goals. From a skateboarder to an actor, a drummer, a ballet dancer, a magician, and much more, each young person describes largely in his or her own words the challenge of honing personal skills, as well as the rewards of achieving progress towards one's dream. An excellent inspirational and motivational book, especially recommended for grade school library collections.

This year, 2005, marks the 125th birthday of our national anthem. What most people don't know is that it started out as a French-only song written to celebrate a holiday in Quebec, long, long ago, and grew slowly, like our nation. This book tells the story of that long journey.

Picture a palacial ballroom in Quebec City on the night of St. Jean Baptiste day, June 24, 1880. Five hundred guests are on hand for a banquet -- the crowning event of an international celebration of the French in North America. The Governor-General is here, along with Quebec's Lieutenant-Governor and the Honourable Wilfrid Laurier, plus senators, judges, mayors and delegates from across Canada and New England. They sit at six long tables laden with delicacies: salmon, turkey, capon, roast beef and lobster salad. For dessert are ices, creams and pies of strawberry, peach, raspberry, rhubarb and plum. What a party! All that's needed is a song. And the organizers have just the thing: a tune freshly-penned by one of Quebec's most renouned composers: Calixa Lavallée.

Lavallée hailed from St.-Hyacinthe, Que., and his resumé shows that nothing ever changes: He had to go south to succeed. Lavallée enlisted as a musician in the Union army in the U.S. Civil War, emerging wounded and honourably discharged. He then found fame writing operas in New York, Boston, Paris and London. Returning to Quebec in 1880, Lavallée found his compatriots buzzing with plans for celebration. The habitants had heeded the Catholic Church's plea to make babies, and the French felt powerful and proud. Party planners asked Lavallée for some music. The words came from another son of Quebec, Mr. Justice Adolphe-Basile Routhier.

After the meal at the Quebec City banquet hall, the band of 100 trumpets struck up, accompanied by a choir. "Electrified by an unstoppable impulse," reported those who were there, the crowd stood and heard for the first time the brand-new song, whose words existed only in French: "O Canada." Over the next 20 years, the song became a hit in Quebec, sung in churches and on all formal occasions; 2,000 schoolchildren sang it to the Duke of Cornwall and York (later King George V), when he visited Quebec in 1901. Then the tune spread east and west -- but with no English words.

People across Canada began to compose their own English lyrics, and by the 1920s, English Canadians sang 200 different versions. Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, seeking an official English O Canada for the Diamond Jubilee of Confederation in 1927, asked his chief archivist to write Canadian Clubs from coast to coast, asking for "a copy of the text used by your club." The replies, as preserved at the National Library, show that Stratford sang, "O Canada! Beloved country thou; Hope's holy wreath adorning thy young brow," while Toronto sang, "Lord of the lands! Beneath thy bending skies; On field and flood, where'er our banner flies."

Amid this confusion, one version stood out, written in 1908 by yet another son of Quebec, Montreal judge Robert Stanley Weir. Rather than translate the French, Judge Weir captured the spirit: "O Canada! Our home and native land." The federal government chose to publish Weir's song for the 1927 festivities, and it is the song we sing, with minor modifications, today.

The song spread in World War II and by the 1960s won its place as the country's national song. But it was still not official. Finally, in the wake of the 1980 sovereignty referendum, the House of Commons showed a rare common purpose, and on June 27, 1980 voted unanimously to pass the National Anthem Act. Exactly 100 years after its birth, O Canada finally became the nation's official anthem.

Sumptuously illustrated with full-colour collages and photographs, this book is a must-read for every child who belts out O Canada at school in the morning, and wants to know more about where it came from.

7 Secrets of Highly Successful Kids tells the stories of real kids and what makes them successful as kids. It provides good insight into what it takes for kids to be happy and feel a sense of accomplishment using actual stories from about 15 kids, both boys and girls, from Canada and the U.S. Kids can read this to see how other kids have handled situations similar to those they may be facing themselves, whether it's moving or dealing with problems at school or any of numerous other challenges children have to face and overcome. It can inspire kids to bring out the best in themselves.

Imagine you're 11 years old. You are performing a magic show in front of 50 children. You pull out your "magic wallet" out of which you can make flowers appear. Only, they don't appear. What do you do?
In 7 Secrets of Highly Successful Kids, David Armstrong, a child magician in Toronto, describes how he overcame that challenge. In all, 22 kids from across North America share stories of their success in this book, aimed at kids aged 8-12. Meet a skateboard champ, a pianist, two singers, a drummer, a gymnast, a female hockey player and many more kids.