Baker Books

My teen son and I try to "make time" for a lesson in this book as much as we can...it is very easy to follow and allows for a great discussion between us.

I bought this book to give to relatives with children, but liked it so much that I bought one for myself. I love the way the authors help us to think about the Scriptures. They don't just give "the moral of the story," but they really explain what the passages mean--yet in terms that are easy to understand. The writing is simple but very engaging, even for adults. This book is helping me to think about the Bible and about my faith in new ways. I never miss a day.

I'd been searching for a book of devotions to share with my children, ages 2 and 6. This book is a wonderful way to introduce kids to the Bible in ways that make sense to everyday life.

I appreciate the fact that the authors include texts from nearly every book of the Bible, even tackling scripture that is much harder to interpret to children (like scripture from the Prophets that make God look like an fearsome ogre). Yet these authors are able to handle those texts with grace, helping even adults understand deeper theological issues without simplifying them, and without trying to provide "pat" answers.

The book begins with an introduction for children/youth, and an introduction for parents/caregivers. There is one page for each day of the year, including scripture, a reflection on the text, and a brief prayer that follows along with the focus.

If you are seeking a book of devotions to share with your family, get this one. It's very insightful and good for all ages.

Making Time For God is a Godsend! I have 5 children and I find it difficult to make time to read 5 different books every night.

This book satisfies the needs of all my children ages 2 1/2 to 12 1/2 (4 boys and 1 girl). The older kids are able to understand the text, and the conversations that follow our reading, include the younger children.

This book gives us a dose of reality and religion at the same time. It makes sense to us, is easy to read and we are able to apply lessons in our daily life. Making Time For God helps me as well, since I was not raised in a religious household. I am still learning alot, so I was happy to find a book that was not "over my head".

My aunt was so excited to hear about this book that she wanted a copy for her library.

Thank you to the authors. We love your book!!!

In "Mark's Story," Dr. Marvin G. Baker has taken the Gospel of Mark from The New Testament and transliterated it into a style and reading level that children and adults can easily read and more clearly understand. The story is told in the first person narrative and is illustrated with contemporary illustrations in a coloring book style.

The book is written such that John Mark is the storyteller. He begins by introducing himself and sharing a few details about his desire to tell some stories about the Messiah, God's son, coming to earth. Mark also shares interesting details about the time period he speaks of and what life was like. Mark speaks about John the Baptist and his significance, the twelve disciples, rules the people were asked to live by, and many more fun and interesting facts. Mark wants everyone to sit down, get comfortable and enjoy his story about his friend, Jesus!

Dr. Baker has written his book at the upper elementary reading level (age 9-12) but by no means should it be assumed this book is only for children. Sometimes one may find reading the Bible to be a challenge to grasp and understanding the intended message cumbersome. "Mark's Story" will help!

All the stories are true and all the places are real in "Mark's Story." God's truth is shared as it is in the Bible. Illustrations are included which present Jesus Christ as he might be dressed for today. Dr. Baker's hope is that you will feel a good friend has taken you by the hand to share some stories together.

Christian education teachers, parents, homeschoolers or anyone should find this a worthwhile resource. The gospel is presented so both children and adults may lucidly understand. I highly recommend this book!

Mark's Story is narrarated by John Mark. Their is no room for error--- he saw what he saw. Not only witnessing many of Jesus' miracles, but, also recounting them so the reader can be transported to a better understanding of this spiritually rich Gospel.

The first in the "Gospel Storyteller Series", Dr. Baker; http://www.gospelstoryteller.com, explains complex theological concepts in a manner that children of all ages can understand. In fact, this is the first in a series of five books dealing with the four Gospels and Acts.

This would make a perfect goodnight story while at the same time increasing Biblical literacy. As this book points out, the heroes and heroines of the Bible were like you and me--- imperfect. This fictional delight, told from Mark's perspective, makes a further step in proving that Jesus is as vital and alive today as He was 2000 years ago.

Do yourself and your child a great big favor: make sure to read Mark's Story: An Introduction To The Gospel Of Mark.

Though never one of Jesus' disciples, Mark knew Jesus and the twelve intimately. This book is Mark's story of his relationship with these men in the three years of Jesus' ministry on earth. This is his story of his friend, Jesus.

"My story begins [...] when I was just a boy living in the city of Jerusalem. This was several years after John the Baptist had been born. I was just a kid like you when all this happened."

Told in today's language, Mark, the story-teller, begins with John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus, which was the start of His ministry. Mark goes on to recount the events and locations of Jesus' travels, healings, teachings and the constant pestering by the Pharisees. The parables are related in easy-to-understand examples of what Jesus taught.

The illustrations, done by Paul S. Trittin, show the characters in modern-day dress, to help the young readers to relate to the story.

This idea, the first in The Gospel Storyteller Series, was developed from a 'vision' the author's late daughter Vangie had. She had asked: "What if the New Testament were transliterated in a style and reading level that children could easily read and clearly understand?" To do that became Dr. Baker's goal. And I believe he has accomplished it.

Dr. Baker is currently working on book two: Matthew's Story.

Peggy Phifer ©2003

"Mark's Story: An Introduction to the Gospel of Mark" is basically the Gospel of Mark related in a person-to-person storytelling fashion. The text is easy to read even for a ten or eleven year old reader and would be of great value to anyone seeking to teach their children the common stories of the Bible as related in the Gospel of Mark. While the idea is good and I could see this book being given to young readers to start their journey into learning the Bible, there is one thing that I find annoying about the book. The writing style itself is somewhat choppy. It seems that the writer felt each quote had to be followed or preceded with "He said", "they said", "it said", or something similar. Just open the book to any page and you will find things that are redundant (i.e. page 18 "'He didn't say, but I think we can find him', was the response." Obviously it was the response since it was in answer to a question.), and full of things that break the natural flow of the material. Even with that caveat it is still a recommended read for young or marginally literate readers.

Yes! I've finished the three-part Peel series! Peel's biographies are seen by many as the most complete and definitive account of Mary Baker Eddy's life. This is for good reason - Peel had some of the best access to documents regarding Mrs. Eddy, conducted some of the most thorough research, and had the most to say. While Peel is a Christian Scientist, non-Christian Scientists can enjoy these books.

I have read several other Mary Baker Eddy biographies, and feel these volumes, as well as the Gillian Gill tome, are in a class by themselves concerning the story of Mary Baker Eddy's life. Gill seems to be more concerned with the trials Mrs. Eddy had to face, especially the Next Friends suit. Neither have any glaring omissions, but Peel seems to focus more on Mrs. Eddy's vision of transforming her discovery of Christian Science into an international denomination and beyond. This makes sense - as a Christian Scientist, Peel is more concerned than Gill with the saga of Christian Science and how it is entwined with Mrs. Eddy's history.

While Peel may be slightly more sympathetic with Mrs. Eddy than Gill, neither one biographer provides a whitewash of her travails. While this is the most exciting volume of Peel's three volumes, I would not recommend one picking up the book right here. One would do much better to start at the beginning (The Years of Trial), slow as is may be. You'll enjoy it once it really starts to pick up.

In the 1890's Mary Baker Eddy had a son and an adopted son, but her real child was the Christian Science movement. Fearing idolatry, she had her book CHRIST AND CHRISTMAS withdrawn. The church in Boston was to be built on a triangular plot of filled-in tideland on Norway Street. When the church was completed, Mrs. Eddy addressed the congregation notably one Sunday on sin and repentance.

There were two streams of Mary Baker Eddy history. One was supplied by supporters, the other by opponents of her cause. Alfred Farlow, Committee on Publication, was one of the people tasked with establishing the official history. Early Eddy manuscripts showed the residual influence of Quimby. Mrs. Eddy herself was unable to engage in retrospective analysis since she was concerned about the future of the movement. In the later years Mrs. Eddy sought to discourage her followers from haunting her drive and using other means to get her attention.

The controversy with the ambitious Augusta Stetson is recounted. The challenges of other followers are given in considerable detail. Finally there is the indication of the issues involved in moving forward after Mrs. Eddy's death to the erection of her movement on the foundation of less personal authority. The notes at the back of the book are one of the best features of it.

I read this biography in college. I was able to draw several conclusions from the chapters. Chapter 1. A scandal would harm her adopted son. Chapter 2. A really good leader can attract a lot of admirers. Chapter 3. By not trying to outdo others, she created a very tolerant church. Chapter 4. A Concord newspaper owner thought Mary Baker Eddy was a fake. Political Interlude. To introduce Christian Science on Mainland China was dangerous. Chapter 5. The establishment of the Committee on Publication was greatly needed at the time of a court case that was filled with propaganda against her church. Chapter 6. Teachers and readers in the East would be better off if they had solid learning and culture. Interlude Semantic. A mistaken metaphysical concept is a topic at a meeting with Governors of the church. Chapter 7. She said much work needed to be done. Chapter 8. She decided that the Mother Church reader should become the reader at the Concord church. Chapter 9. She immediately was sure Einstein had made a great discovery. Chapter 10. She thinks it is vital for anyone to demonstrate this Science. At times while reading the biography I was reminded of the period in history when German scholars inspired Charles Briggs to question the authorship of the Bible, the biblical account of Creation, and the divinity of Jesus.

Mary Baker Eddy was a controversial woman, and biographers often either laud or vilify her depending on their personal bias. Peel's 3-volume biography is a welcome departure from this pattern. His work is carefully researched, with extensive references, and is probably the most definitive and complete biography of Mrs. Eddy on record. His impartial, objective viewpoint lets the reader make up his or her own mind regarding a noted religious and historical figure.

This is an excellent tool for church small groups sharing to let everyone know and discover their divine design by knowing their leadership styles, judgement preferences. By using the provided inventories, cell group leaders can draw a group profiles of their cell group members and is a good idea for pastors to help their followers find their ministry potentials and to given them opportunities.

From the heading given above, I am obviously a Malphurs' fan. He consistently provides titles that are helpful for ministry, and this one is no exception. Here he brings together advice on vision, spiritual gifts, personality, leadership style and natural gifts into one integrated volume.

Unlike many of his other books, this book focuses not on the church but on the individual. I recommend it for any Christian desiring greater insight as to how God desires to use him in ministry. This one is well-worth the price!

Malphurs wants those who minister to the body of Christ to realize that they can best fulfill their ministry by knowing themselves. This is done by discovering their God given design. Their divine design is made up of spiritual gifts, passion, natural gifts, temperament, leadership styles, and learning preferences. Once a person has an understanding of their divine design they can then develop a plan for ministry; a plan that will bring the maximum glory to God

Malphurs' book, Maximizing Your Effectiveness, has been one of the greatest books I've read as a seminary student thus far. If you've felt a call of God on your life to participate in ministry on any level, this book will set you on a course for sure success. It's a great resource for gaining a knowledge of who you are in Christ, what your God-given talents and abilieties are, and how they come to play in the ministry God is calling you to. The book uses a very practical approach to discovering your ministry gifts and helps you to understand the development process, thus aiding in the laying of a proper foundation for your future ministry.

The appendixes are packed with simple assessments, inventories, and indiciators which you can take to help discover and develop your divine design. A must read for those beginning in ministry or those who have been struggling with finding your proper place in ministry!

An excellent account of some very important and under-discussed issues. Sincerely wish it would get suitable attention.

That last word in my review title refers to any American who is concerned about the true values of democracy, regardless of political party. This book is an essential overview for anyone with a scholarly or political interest in the state of the American media and free speech, with a strong focus on economics. Granted, Baker does present some real difficulties with readability, and the book is often quite difficult to get through, especially in the early chapters on economic theory. But rest assured that beneath the dense academic writing, there is a powerhouse analysis of different political science theories of democracy, how they interact with economics and market theories, and how all of the above create an American media environment that might give the people the information they want (and need) with varying levels of success. Baker finds, with convincing evidence, that the misnamed "free" markets that are currently all the rage politically do not work for a public good like useful media content, and he's got many highly plausible policy recommendations that are both politically and economically feasible in the real world. Watch closely and you'll also find a few winning insights beneath the dissertation, such as a recommendation that government provide incentives to producers for creating better content, rather than trying to censor the sex and violence that results inevitably from unfettered market trends. This book is difficult but does a masterful job of summarizing and analyzing all current knowledge of media economics, politics, and ethics. [~doomsdayer520~]

This book evaluates the role that government regulatory power can play in ensuring a free and dynamic press, using economic analysis and Bakerian democratic theory. I found the book to be very interesting, exceptionally well written, and singularly rectangular. The author has a deft touch and keen sense of his audience.

Ed Baker's book is a superior examination of the notion of a free press and its relationship to market regulation and democratic values. Baker studiously and carefully lays out one of the finest critiques I have ever seen about the limitations of markets for democratic communication. I cannot exaggerate my enthusiasm for this book.

Each vignette seems to speak to the little things in life that sometimes steal my joy. I am encouraged to trust God in new ways as a result of discovering Road Warriors!

I keep this book in my "traveling suitcase" so I always have it with my while on the road. It has been a real encouragement to me each time I read a new meditation. It's wonderful to know that other people share the same frustrations, loneliness, and challenges. An excellent gift for yourself if you travel or for someone you know who needs to be reminded that God is with us where ever we are!

This is the perfect GIFT BOOK for the road warrior in your life. Tip: Inscribe the first page with your name, a loving message and your telephone number. When the flight is delayed, you will get a call from your traveler.

The hardcover volume has over 100 one-page meditations consisting of a biblical reference, a story and a quotation. Each meditation is a quick read and each stands alone. These quick bites on travel make the book easy to read while traveling. Your road warrior will love you for the gift.

As the author of 113 books (including revisions and foreign-language editions) and a publisher, I must comment that this book is very nicely done. DanPoynter@ParaPublishing.com.

Don't let the size of this book fool you. This little gem is powerpacked and guaranteed to help you discover the "little extra's" that can make the BIG DIFFERENCE while on the road. Full of stories, principles, biblical insights and great wisdom this a treasure trove of truth. Enjoy it and enjoy your life on the road much more. God bless those who put it together.

I've had this book and volume 2 for over 30 years and always find myself coming back to them every so often. I learned my first jazz chords from book 1 and those voicings still feel like home. There's a lot of practical knowledge on chord substitutions and embellishment. I still play the little intro chord melodies that reminded me of the Mills Brothers.

The soloing section is a good foundation in what I'd describe as "post-Charlie Christian-but-not-quite-Wes-style" lines. Riff blues, Rhythm Changes, etc. As someone has said, these books are pre-tab and I'll make the obligatory pitch to encourage guitarists to read music - it doesn't take long to learn the basics and it will open musical doors that you'll never regret opening.

Volume 2 deals strictly with chord soloing and harmonization and some of the nomenclature (i.e. "T1 T2") leads me to think that Baker may have studied the Schillinger system at some point. I always found book 2 more difficult and less systematic than book 1, but I know there's good stuff in there if you're patient enough to extract it.


With the wealth of material available today I'm a bit amazed but happy to see these books still in print. It must be older teachers who used them years ago and remember how solid they were. I hope young players have the patience to get something out of them.

This is one of the few books I could get back in the mid 60's to help me understand what was going on in jazz chords. Mickey Baker teaches in this book rather like I was taught 50 years ago - look at these sets of chords, see how they sound better than a straight set of majors and minors, practice them like this exercise. And so on until you get better. Interestingly, Mickey talks about how much practice you should do - 2 hours a day and each lesson will take you about a week, he says - so there's a years work at 2 hours a day according to Mickey. But by that time you should be able to comp really well and solo over any jazz tune. (Well as well as you can get in one year anyway!) This is a very practical book and one that any player having got the basics down should be able to start. Some of the chords are difficult to finger - but who says playing is easy anyway? You'll find nothing here you can't use and an approach which is very much like all good player use - no unuseable chords or fingerings, no harmony or techique just for the sake of it. All good practical playing tools.

This book is pretty much the same as the blue version, which is revised and updated in it's layout. And there's a second book that's yellow and orange cover to follow this black and yellow book one (I know cause I've got them all).

By the way - being from the 50's these books don't have TAB. But as all the chords are charted and most of the music is written in simple keys like C D G F Bb, you should be OK. At this level of playing you should be able to do this sort of basic reading.

Mickey Baker Book 1 is a bit of a misnomer, it sounds like it could be a beginner's book, let me assure you it is not. You should have some guitar skills before tackling this book. It moves very quickly through the first few lessons (which will take you a while), but the exercises do help you develop an ear for jazz chord voicing and turnarounds. It's a great book and still a classic after 50 years!

I think Mickey Baker's Complete Course In Jazz Guitar - is very good book.

Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (5/06)

"Mountain Cabin Mystery" is an adventure about Scott, Al and Benji; three young friends who are taking a required wilderness class with the hopes of being accepted on a summer backpacking trip in the Colorado Rockies. After much work and being turned down twice already, the twelve year old boys are selected to be a part of the Wilderness Wanderers group specifically labeled as Timber Wolves.

This story by Max Elliot Anderson is packed with excitement and danger, just what a reluctant reader might take to! The boys do many things right, but they also neglect some of the important rules learned about backpacking in dangerous territory. Brian is one of trail leaders who is also a youth pastor at his church in Denver. The young man promises to share the research he is doing for his Master's Degree on what he has learned about environmental issues versus Christian issues in dealing with the environment, as this becomes a topic of discussion and concern for Scott. In my opinion, this was a minor subplot, but some may find it a relevant topic.

Anderson deals with some very real and frightening issues in "Mountain Cabin Mystery." The boys mistakenly find themselves on a restricted military zone where the U.S. Army is conducting mountain training exercises on a search and capture mission. The simulated drills are cancelled when the boys stumble upon terrorists with maps and satellite pictures ready to wipe out important targets around the city of Denver. The boys learn that sleeper cells exist in nearby locations, just waiting for the signal to do as much damage as possible to innocent victims.

The boys ingeniously use a harmless laser pointer and a flash camera to lure the terrorists from hiding, making the terrorists think they are being stalked with a high powered weapon with a laser sight. The boys foil the terrorists' escape by flattening the tires of the escape vehicle. Scott, Al and Benji are eventually awarded by authorities for saving many lives and for doing the right thing in the face of danger. The underlying message of those searching for the young campers brings to mind God's words, "My lamb was lost and I'd do anything to find you," says Benji's father.

This book seemed quite intense, dealing with dangers we unfortunately face on a daily basis. Anderson dedicated this book to the memory of 9/11, and I found this to be a moving gesture. The story will definitely keep you riveted while frantically turning pages to learn the outcome!

Although fiction, I recommend "Mountain Cabin Mystery" to any beginner interested in backpacking in the wilderness. It is filled with good information about safety in the wilderness, what to do in case of emergencies, and what can happen if specific directions are not followed. This would make a great read for a youngster getting ready for camp. I recommend reading this book to all who've enjoyed Anderson's other books, for this is one of his best.

My older two boys who are 8 and 10 years old LOVED these books. I have one boy who doesn't like to read, but it was easy getting him to read everyday with this series of books! They would come tell me everything that happened in the part they read that day. I'm so glad I found an adventure that they like to read and isn't harsh on their little minds.

Part of the Baker Trittin Press "Tweener Press Adventure Series" for young readers, Mountain Cabin Mystery finds that Scott and his friends on a wilderness camping trip when curiosity and a Kodak moment causes them to leave the trail. That's when the find themselves surrounded by a dense fog, facing a menacing bear, finding a remote cabin that seems to offer shelter --- proves to be a trapped encounter with terrorists! A very nicely crafted, attentention riveting adventure tale, Mountain Cabin Mystery is especially recommended reading for children ages 10 to 14.

Max Elliot Anderson, writer of Adventures for readers ages 8 to 13, has penned another winner with "Mountain Cabin Mystery." Within hours of its arrival in my mail, I had put aside my other chores to sit down and read the fourth book of Max's Mystery Series. At one time, Anderson was a reluctant reader. He has successfully exceeded in his goal to turn other reluctant readers into eager ones. Although his stories are aimed at pre and early teens, this Grandmother has thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of Max Elliott Anderson's books.
Scott and his best friends, Al and Ben, have been dreaming of a wilderness camping adventure. They each completed and passed the wilderness training classes and are eagerly awaiting the response to their application to the Colorado Wilderness Camping Adventure. Delighted to finally receive their acceptance notice, they prepare, unaware that they will experience more on the trip than expected. I don't want to give away Anderson's action-packed, riveting plot, but I promise, you will not be able to put down the book until the final page. Max Elliott Anderson's books are so interesting I hope the publisher will consider printing boxed sets as gifts for young readers. Anderson's previous titles - Newspaper Caper, Terror at Wolf Lake, and North Woods Poachers - are equally entertaining and action oriented. Max tells me he has four more books ready for release this year. Max Elliot Anderson's books are destined to become classics along with such greats as Tom Sawyer, The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. Anderson is a talented writer; his books should be available in every local and middle school library. I am privileged to be on this author's list of reviewers and look forward eagerly to his next adventure.
Beverly J Scott author of Righteous Revenge, Ruth Fever and Jena's Choice

Two of the three Punsylvania books, Mrs. Bretsky's Bakery and Beli's Deli, were selected best books for three years in a row by the International Reading Association and Book Council. The children themselves were the judges. (authors)

Two of the three Punsylvania books, Mrs. Bretsky's Bakery and Beli's Deli, were selected best books for three years in a row by the International Reading Association and Book Council. The children themselves were the judges. (authors)

Two of the three Punsylvania books, Mrs. Bretsky's Bakery and Beli's Deli, were selected best books for three years in a row by the International Reading Association and Book Council. The children themselves were the judges. (authors)

CORRECTION TO PREVIOUS REVIEW: Two of the three Punsylvania books, Mrs. Bretsky's Bakery and Beli's Deli, were selected best books for three years in a row by the International Reading Association and CHILDREN'S Book Council. The children themselves were the judges. FIVE STARS NOT FROM AUTHORS BECAUSE WE CAN'T BE OBJECTIVE ABOUT HOW MANY STARS BOOKS RECEIVE. (THIS IS A NOTE FROM THE AUTHORS.)

It was funny and clean. Reminds me of Minnesota hunting season. Would recommend it to any one.

A game warden is murdered in Michigan's Upper Peninsula on opening day of bear season. Little Donny, Gertie's grandson, has gone missing. The warden was murdered at Little Donny's tree stand.

Gertie's son, Blaze, is the sheriff, but he is after Little Donny as he thinks he is the murderer. Gertie believes in her heart that he's innocent.

Gertie and her two friends, Kitty who also believes she is Gertie's bodyguard, and Cora Mae who is after all the men, set out to find Little Donny, prove his innocence, and find the real killer.

Grandma Johnson, Gertie's mother-in-law who lives with her (against her wishes), doesn't make things easy. Then when Little Donny's mother descends on Gertie to await word on her son, Gertie kicks it up into high gear.

Blaze keeps trying to get Gertie for driving without a license. She keeps working at dodging him.

Gertie and her associates are a hoot. I love this series. You never know what Gertie will do next. I wish I knew Gertie. She sounds like she'd be a lot of fun!

The setting of Michican'ts Upper Peninsula is great. It really adds to the story.

I highly recommend this book and series!

Deb Baker's MURDER GRINS AND BEARS IT has hero Gertie back in top form. Against the wishes of her son the local sheriff, she gathers her associates, her fake badge, and her stun gun and sets out to solve the murder of a game warden. You don't have to be familiar with Michigan's Upper Peninsula to enjoy Gertie's antics, but if you have been there, it will be no surprise to meet this little old lady who drives without a license and investigates without a qualm. Gertie is hilarious, she's fearless, and she's priceless.

The Stephanie Plum of the geriatric set is back in Deb Baker's sequel to Murder Passes the Buck. Having decided to create her own (unlicensed) investigative agency "The Trouble Busters," widow Gertie Johnson acquires the auctioned-off, vandalized sheriff's truck (that sheriff is Gertie's son and that she was the vandalizer is another story) and arms herself with a trusty bag of weapons that includes a taser, cattle prod, mace, and handcuffs. What she's not ready for is the body that is discovered near a hunting blind with the main suspect being her favorite - and missing - grandson. While her son is determined to keep her off the roads (Gertie never managed to learn how to drive or get a license), Gertie sets out to prove Little Donny's innocence with a posse that includes her single and predatory best friend Cora Rae, the police dog that Gertie unintentionally managed to get fired, and her self-proclaimed bodyguard Kitty.

Once again Ms. Baker has created a hilarious mystery that whips along to a dramatic finish. Gertie is plagued with family members who hinder her as much as they help, yet her love for them always shines through. Moments of laugh-out-loud humor are balanced by Gertie's vulnerability as she battles to protect her grandson and ferret out a murderer by following the clues that her son ignores. This Yooper Mystery series continues to grow stronger and readers will be eager for Gertie's next appearance.