Bell Books

Lloyd Pye has not only been on an amazing journey with the Starchild Skull - but he's taken the reader along for the ride too! His courage and determination to reach the final truth are an inspiration - and this book is just the beginning -

"Read all about it" was the common cry all over the land and how we became informed, then, "Seeing is believing" This book suggests another leap of faith.The world isn't flat people!and yet, it was convenient to the few to have you believe so.
Thank you for your patients and dedication in the writing of this book Lloyd Pye. "Read all about it" Read all about it"

The Starchild Skull: Genetic Enigma or Human-Alien Hybrid? explores amazing possible evidence that humans are not alone in the universe. Author Lloyd Pye chronicles his eight-year-long quest to discern the truth behind an alleged "starchild" skull - from an examination of its bone structure to microscopic scrutiny revealing durable fibers and red residue in its bone, to the results of DNA testing. Could the Starchild have been a human-alien hybrid? Black-and-white photographs and a handful of color plates illustrate this amazing report, enthusiastically recommended for anyone curious about the possibility of intelligent extraterrestrial life on earth.

Lloyd Pye's six-year saga with the skull that was handed to him almost on a fluke resembles a Joe Campbell Hero's Journey more than anything else. He writes masterfully his story of hanging in there against big odds without false modesty yet with no trace of phony self-importance.

IMHO, the story of the skull is complete: evidence in; jury gone home. Lloyd did the job, and the mainstream science gatekeepers still demanding a nuclear DNA test as the only valid criterion of the skull's true anomalous standing is just more evidence of their boring brickishness. These wonks won't budge even when a nuclear DNA test confirms the rest of the highly extraordinary features of this skull.

So Potential Readers Whom Only the Smoking Gun Will Satisfy: Don't pick this one up by the barrel, or you'll burn your fingers.

It's a great book. Imagine yourself in Europe 1,000 years ago and you found photos of the Earth with the Moon in the background as taken from the space shuttle and you had the wisdom and open-mindedness to realize what they were. Now imagine trying to get anyone to accept what we all know now as the simple truth. Since those times certainly many things have changed, but a great many have stayed the same. This book chronicles Lloyd Pye's near decade of struggles to solve the mystery of this strange skull that he has become convinced is of an extraterrestial/human hybrid and the incredible difficulty he has had even getting simple tests done and trying to get out the truth without getting heckled and ridiculed. If nothing else, this story is a lesson in how the scientific community circles its wagons in the face of something that could contradict accepted dogma. But it's much more than that. I didn't think there was anything to this business prior to reading the book, but I must admit I am now, like Lloyd Pye, very anxious to find out all there is to know about this skull. This book shoud end to be continued... The final, and no doubt most important test involves the nuclear DNA and won't likely be done for several years. In case you're wondering why it will take so long, the technique for sequencing human DNA didn't work! The mitochondrial DNA showed the mother to be human; the nuclear DNA (includes the father's), however is not! A new process has been developed to read Neanderthal DNA (it's not specie specific) but it is only done at one lab and there is a waiting list. Read the book and I think you too will see why this could be one ot the greatest scientific discoveries ever.

My two year old grandson is totally in love with trains, especially Thomas and friends. He loves anything with trains. This was a perfect fit for him.

The illustrations are interesting and lend themselve to questions and answers. The flaps are large and sturdy, and opening one actually changes the action in the picture.

My little girl's birthday gift arrived on time and in great shape. It also cost a lot less that it would have if I had gone to the mall AND I didn't have to drive. :-)

This book was just right for the price. I bought it for my 2 yr. old boy because he loves Thomas and I needed to spend a few more dollars to save on shipping costs. The book has been a huge hit with him! He loves the flaps and that James is on one of the pages also.

Thomas is our 2-yr old son's favorite thing right now so we got him a new Thomas book. "Wave Hello to Thomas" is a very simple book with nice pictures and fun flaps. After just a few weeks he has memorized the book and will sit happily "reading" and lifting the flaps. He even takes the book to bed with him.

I work with Ryan at RVA, and I like him enough that I was afraid I wouldn't like the book. There was no reason to fear; this is a terrific book. He is wise and honest, and it comes through. Anyone with a heart for missions will love this book, although you might suggest to Ryan that he devote a LARGE section to ME in the sequel that is sure to come.

Set in Kenya during the Murphy family's first years as teachers of missionary children, Ryan Murphy tells the real story of a faith-driven life abroad. Away from the comforts of home, friends and family, he recounts not only the daily challenges and frustrations, but also the heart-warming victories inherent in doing the Lord's work afar. Murphy's tales of daily life evoke humor, compassion and wonder and take the reader on a unique voyage to a rich and colorful land where adventure and uncertainty lurk around every corner. This is a real page-turner, sincerely told in everyday language. It is a delightful read for anyone interested in a unique memoir and a must for anyone contemplating the missionary life.

This easy read give a fresh look at what God can do with two open heart. Honest, open and enjoyable this book will be an highlight of your day as you fell like you actually been to Rift Valley Ac. This book talks about real life and dose not forget what's really important.

Ryan Murphy has created a realistic view into the modern day mission field. The realities, joys, dangers and frustrations are brought to life in an excellent narrative by this new author. He also challenges today's rather passive, self-serving church to examine itself against the dictates of scripture and the needs of the African people. Ryan and his wife Heather have accepted Jesus call to this faith-based mission. Their courage and selflessness are worthy of support by all who read this excellent book. If the Lord has directed you to this narrative, it's for more than informational reading. Prayfully consider directing your support to their calling! RHMurphy@aimint.net

My husband and I have been volunteering an American missionary school last two months. It has been an interesting adjustment to the culture. We have gone through all sorts of emotions, but the most disturbing emotions have been ones of discouragement and questioning God's hand in bringing us here. Living here has been tough. Praise God that Ryan Murphy's book "ALL THAT YOU CAN'T LEAVE BEHIND" was given to us to read. Not only is it a delightful and entertaining book, but God used the book to show us that our feelings were not unusual. We could relate to Heather and Ryan's first year missionary life and laughed as we realized how similar our experiences were. I am encouraged to know that my emotions are to be expected and that they are not signs that I shouldn't be here, but rather part of the process of entering missionary life. I have been able to see through the Murphys' experiences that we too will survive and grow to love this place.



This book helps one take a deep breath and realize that these feelings are okay. To realize that the struggle will not last forever but that it is part of God's plan is liberating. Praise God for this encouragement! I think anyone who is considering a cross cultural experience should read this book. It is an easy read and will help those coming to the field to understand the "fitting into the new culture" process. I think it is a must read.

Wow, this one has all the information you want or need for binocular observation, and maybe more. If you enjoy astronomy and want one book for binocular astronomy, get this one. It will keep you busy with your binoculars for a long time.

The first chapter introduces the basics of star-watching: constellations, the celestial sphere, seasonal changes, and so on. It also includes a short discussion about choosing and using binoculars. The technical information is a little dated (the optics world has changed in the past 15 years!), but the rest is good solid information.

The next four chapters cover the sky by season. They each introduce the seasonal constellations, and the move straight to the good stuff. And what good stuff it is. Terrificly detailed descriptions of hundreds and hundreds of targets for you to look at, with drawings, charts, and photographs to help you find and identify them.

But be forewarned, this book is by and for amateur astronomers. If your interest in the night sky is very casual, a "twice-a-summer" affair, this book may overwhelm you. For example, it uses the Bayer and Flamsteed IDs for stars (Greek letters and numbers, respectively), and gives directions using degree measurements. You will need and use the star atlas at the rear of the book. Most of this can be quickly learned, but it does demand that you pay attention. This is a good thing. :-)

Chapter 6 describes and illustrates the structure of our own galaxy. It's interesting and very instructive.

Chapter 7 sends you out looking for galaxies. Galaxies, my friends, and with binoculars no less! But with a decent pair of household 10x50 binoculars and a dark sky, you'll be amazed at how the universe unfolds before you.

Appendix A covers the history of the constellations we use to navigate the sky; I found it good "cloudy night" reading. Appendix B covers the basics of stars (e.g., formation, evolution, and categorization), but there are better resources for this information. Appendix C is a very outdated bibliography; the most recent book noted is from 1991.

Finally, the book include indices for every object type, and the ten star charts of the "Bright Star Atlas", which as I said you will need and use.

Anyone with even a passing interest will learn something on nearly every page of this book.

I will say that this book could use an update in look and feel. It doesn't have the polish of, say, "Nightwatch" or even "Turn Left". With an edit and format makeover, a revised edition would just blow the competition away.

As it is, this book expects some effort on your part (which, repeat this, is a good thing). It has numerous detailed charts to guide you, but it could use even more.

Not all objects described are illustrated; that would triple the page count. And the photographs, printed on ordinary (non-glossy) paper stock, are poor cousins of what we've become accustomed to. But they're serviceable in the sense that you get an idea what the field will look like when you get to your target. But don't buy the book for the pictures.

These few negatives don't add up to even a one-star drop in my rating. For the amateur astronomer, this is the cream even if you're just starting the hobby.

But for the person with a passing, post-barbecue curiosity about the darkening sky, this is too much. For you, this is a two-star book; S&T's "Binocular Highlights" may be a better choice for you.

With this book in hand, a red flashlight to read by, and a clear sky above your lounge chair, your binoculars will reveal brand new beautiful and awesome sights for many years to come.

I wrote this review in 2002 for a very well known astronomy website. In my opinion, this is an outstanding resource for the binocular observer. It is not a stand alone book/atlas. Few astronomy references are stand alone. In fact, in my original review I also stated, " The intermediate amateur not only uses a good set of star charts but also might own a deep sky object reference book. The charts are the road maps to the sky but the object references are the library in which we discover the meanings of the objects we view. No one reference seems to have it all. Where one reference book is found, usually another is not far away." Binocular Astronomy is one such object reference. A bonus is that it also provides a quick use atlas in the back of the book. However, the person wishing to become an avid observer will own and use a set of star charts along with this outstanding reference.

Ed Zarenski, CN Binocular Forum Moderator

from 2002
Binocular Astronomy, by Crossen and Tirion, $24.95, $30 to $60 used, 182 pgs. 8.5x11 hard. Organized by season. Lists about 250 objects visible in binoculars. Has a ten-page set of mag 6.5 star charts, The Bright Star Atlas, in the back of the book, nice for the binocular enthusiast who might not have a separate atlas. Chart scale is 29mm per 10 degrees. This book includes a data table to chart reference for every item identified in the text of the book. Larger size detail charts are included in each seasonal section. A great strength of the book is the outstanding sky photos with deep sky objects identified, making this a great choice for the beginner or avid novice. Some of these sky photos look exactly like the views thru my 10x50s and 15x70s. This can definitely be usable as more than a binocular guidebook and could easily be recommended for the avid novice telescope user. A great reference. Highly Recommended!

Binocular Astronomy is an excellent introduction to the underappreciated art of exploring the night sky with binoculars. The book is first rate for small telescopes as well.

The text gives the sense of an observer who has spent many nights with binoculars. The lists of objects is exhaustive and the descriptions are useful. One of his great contributions to binocular observing is his recommendation of 10x50 binoculars, refuting the myth that "7x50s are ideal for astronomy." As he rightly points out, the sky background is darker in 10x50s, making for more contrast and ferreting out dimmer objects.

Be aware that to see all the objects Crossen lists, you will need a very dark sky and lots of experience. These lists go far beyond what a novice will see under a suburban sky.

The only real problem is the unfortunate inclusion of Tirion's Bright Star Atlas. It is not on a par with the rest of the book. The charts have annoying distortion near their top and bottom, their edges have no information to direct the user efficiently to adjoining charts (i.e.: "Continues on Chart 5"), and, worst of all, they are arranged in reverse order, which makes for ridiculous two-page spreads. Imagine opening a road atlas to a two-page spread of, say, the State of Montana and finding the eastern and western halves reversed. In place of one state, you have two disjointed halves. How could any cartographer be so colossally stupid?

Fortunately, there is a simple solution: when you buy this book, add Sky and Telescope's Pocket Sky Atlas for a mere $15 more. It is far, far better designed and goes a magnitude and a half deeper, showing three times as many stars, all of which will show up in your binoculars. It will greatly enhance your experience in the field.

The combination of Binocular Astronomy and Pocket Sky Atlas is unbeatable. Beginners, forget those department-store telescopes and get binoculars, along with these two books.

This is a must have book for the amateur astronomer. It has in-depth coverage of deep space objects. It lacks detailed charts, however, this is not the authors purpose. It rates a 5 on the strength of its meaty content. If you need a chart, buy one to accompany this book. A star wheel will also be useful.

This is the only binoculars-specific astronomy book I own, but it is a beauty. Craig Crossen is a wonderful writer, one who makes you want to run out with your binos and check out the things he describes. He also manages to cram an entire mini-course on the structure of the Milky Way into his Binocular Astronomy book, and includes a good serving of the famous E. E. Barnard photographs of Milky Way starfields. Add to this the fact that the book ends with a reprint of Tirion and Crossen's Bright Star Atlas, and you are ready to go out and observe (provided you've remembered to bring your binoculars!). ALL amateur astronomy books should be this good, this complete and this inspiring.

I have used another Caught Ya for several year, but have moved from high school to middle school. I am really enjoying the Caught Ya specifically for middle school. I can tell a difference in my students' writing, especially in the area of punctuation and more varied sentence formation.

Sara Sherrill
Hurricane Middle School

My gifted class will not sit still for a traditional (boring) grammar lesson, but their writing skills aren't keeping pace with their creative ideas. The "Caught'yas" in this book keep my kids focused on doing their grammar...everyday! The lessons help them with their writing and introduce $100 words into their vocabularies. With the included CD, I don't even need to type or write the "Caught'yas." I just copy and paste into a powerpoint and put the daily work on the projector. Truly a great find!

The service I received was excellent. I received the book within 3 days in perfect condition.

I cannot wait to use this grammar system in my 6th grade classroom. The book has everything you need to jump start your grammar lessons. The book is designed for grades 6-8 to use consecutively. If it works for me I will pass it one to my colleagues. Worth the purchase.

This is the third "Caught 'Ya" book I've purchased - my kids LOVE this idea, and they are LEARNING!

My wife visited the area of Canada described by the book when she was a child, and we plan a return visit this summer. The book is an essential prerequisite, and a very enjoyable read!

Here I am ordering another copy of this book. I keep "loaning" them. I received my first copy in the mid-1950s as a horse/cowboy-loving teenager in Indiana. My USFS Ranger uncle sent it to me because he knew....!!! Knew it would be another huge nudge in getting me out to the Great Pacific Northwest other than just for visits. I made it in 1968 and my husband and I have visited the area depicted in the book countless times. I will soon turn 70 and have enjoyed reading this book every few years throughout my life. It is most compelling. The reviews of others are definitely right on. What more can I say other than, read it?

A personal look in living real life in a land that little is known

Pan Phillips had the "Pan Phillips International Airport" at his fishing camp beyond Anahim Lake B.C. For several years, we flew into his little airport between 2 lakes. Pan told us some of the same stories that are in this book. Louis Soukup was one of the first pilots to the area. Louis would fly in, any equipment that Pan needed, on the pontoons of his airplane. This book gives the stories as though you were sitting at the feet of the men who were the first settlers in this area of British Colombia. It is really an adventure to read.

We own the Legacy Ranch high in the mountains of Northeastern Utah. For years we have loved the beauty of the unspoiled wilderness. Nursing newborn elk calves, watching Canadian Lynx outside their lairs, and many other adventures have cast us in the mold of lovers of the wilderness. To read the adventures of true cowboys, who started with nothing else but their "grit" and ended up with lives spent plumbing the depths of fun and hard work was one of the top literary experiences of our lives. This book, far better than the sequels, will be part o four Christmas giving this year.

I bought this for my 2-year-old son who loves the Backyardigans. I love that this book has beautiful illustrations and the foils add something extra too. There are a few flips on each page and keeps my son interested in the book when he gets tired of listening to me reading. (he has ripped a few off, though) The text rhymes and I sing the book's words to my son in the tune of "Jingle Bells" sometimes and he laughs. This is one book he wants to look at and have me read to him. In fact, he got two for Christmas (one from me and grandma) and he loves them both!

This book is absolutely adorable, any child that loves the Backyardigans will absolutely love this book. If you are anything like me you find that you will have a hard time just reading the book. It's written to the rhythm of the song Jingle Bells, so I find it almost impossible to just read it. I have to sing the words to the rhythm of the song. My son gets such a kick out of it. We've spent many nights laughing and enjoying this book. I highly recommend it.

My three-year-old loves to be read to, especially from books that have flaps. This book fits right into her wheelhouse and our reading sessions are more interactive as she lifts the flaps, points out what's underneath, and giggles. This is a must for parents who (like myself) are trying to limit that daily tug-of-war with television.

Just like the "Monster Halloween Party" book, this book is wonderful for any Backyardigan fan and budding book lover. The flaps are so cute, and pretty durable. I would recommend this for any Backyardigan fan.

The story is nice and simple for my daughter to follow. But I am not a fan of the flap books. I did know it had the flaps before I bought it, but am always upset when they get ripped off or bent or what have you.. ruined.

This book is a must have for any candle worker, the book offers different kinds of candles to use, planning, planetary hrs and moon phases and color symbolism everything is in this book to cast accurate candle magic. I have used this book for years and have yet to go wrong.

Even if you have knowledge or a beginner of the art of candle magic this book will give you the necessary information. It goes through the types of candles, colors, figural, moon phases, planetary hours and some other vital information. My only drawback of this book is that although it provides all the information to burning your candles, it does not explain how to read divinational signs. The skill of preparing and lighting the candles are explained in detail. One important part is the end result. It's important to know if the work was successful or failed. The way a candle burns can give you an indication if things are going to happen slowly or quickly, good or bad. As well as how the flames burn, if the glass encased candle is clear or black. I am now searching for a book that can give me this other piece of information in greater detail. Overall, this is one of the best books to own in your pursuit to mastering candle magic.

This booklet is a good introduction to working various candles and lights. I would suggest that someone interested in burining candles pick this up and give it a read before they buy another book. I would also say that this book is a good companion to "The master book of candle burning" by Henri Gamache.
There are some helpful illustrations and diagrams for the first time candle lighter. This book is worth having.

This is a 62 page book filled with a treasure of valueable candle burning techniques. There are some basic drawings and charts, details of different types of candles, days and colors, a few magical seals, zodiacal information and more. The cover is also well done showing many types of the 7-day variety candles available on the market today.

This book is wonderfull for those who are just starting to learn candle work. I highly reccomend it to anyone who works candles.

This is a phenomenal resource for the Mikado. The piano reduction is imminently playable, and the libretto includes the spoken dialogue between each of the vocal selections. The chorus parts are included, so this little score is the whole show in a complete package, with the exception of not being scored for the orchestra. Unless a person would want to alter some script, or lyrics (such as is commonly done in certain songs, i.e. I've Got a Little List) This Dover Vocal Score ranks right up there with the Stratford Video Production from 1982 - which is one of the best productions of this Gilbert and Sullivan classic.

This well-priced score is a great edition for student productions because it's legible and affordable!

Well, I don't know if it is perfect or not. However, it does have bar numbers, which is more than can be said for most of the vocal editions out there. AND they match the published full scores.

When you are rehearsing or doing any type of serious work with the music, being able to reference bar numbers is invariable. "Second bar of third system on page #148", just doesn't cut it.

Great for learning both dialogue and vocal score for anyone who is taking part in this production or who is just considering auditioning.

Being a serious fan of Gilbert and Sullivan's work and a performer in several of their collaborations, this is a wonderful score. It has every piece of dialogue, every song, and a great cover. If you are ever going to be in a production of 'The Mikado', buy this score!

this book is about nancy drew and her chums bess and george taking a trip to a beautiful seaside place.nancy has two mysteries to solve!her first one involves a lady that goes around selling perfume out of carts and cheating them off threir momey.bess is cheated when she opens the perfume and finds it fake.many other people find they have been cheated out of their money also.the other mystery involves nancy in a dangerous pursiut in a cave when the sound of a tolling bell runs through the cave warning poeple to leave before they drown.when nancy bess and george go to investigate they hear the bell and almost loose their lives!that dosent stop nancy drew though after threats and scares she goes on with the mystery.i would say this is in my top 10.the best part is chapter 19 when the extiment really gets suspenceful and nancy finds herself in dangerous trap!!find out how nancy drew gets out and solves both exiting mysteries!!!

What struck me about the Mystery of the Tolling Bell was its setting-- coastal New England! (Maine, maybe?) such a mystery would delight a Maine-iac like me! Also, it turned out that there WAS a tie-in between that mysterious cave and the
case that Mr. Drew sought to solve for Mrs. Chantrey. It was in this cave where the phonie cosmetic business was in operation. When, after boating accident, Nancy climbed to top of cliff to get her bearings, she felt weak and dizzy and went to sleep. In her dream, two elves carried her away and put them down. The elves were in fact part of the racket, Grumper (who did the chemical work) and his cousin Franz. So, this dream helped Nancy solve the case and bring the swindlers to justice (as she was able to identify two of the crooks). The ringleader, Harry Tyrox,
had a dozen ailases, like Monsieur Pappier, Mr. James et al. So did Mary Smith, the apparent front woman, who called herself Madame, Spanish Senora etc. Like all of the original Nancy Drews, this one is throwback to when many things we take for granted did not exist: there were no computers, transistor radios, dial phones, DVD's, audio CD's, or television (NOT EVEN MUNTZ TV's!) All in all, a very nice one.

This book actually deserves 3 1/2 stars. This is probably my favorite Nancy Drew book but they're not as good as the Annette books.
If you're going to read a Nancy Drew, read this one, but if you want a good mystery, try the Annette books which are better.

This is my favorite of all the Nancy Drew books. I love the story, plot, clues, and charecters. I think that if you only read one Nancy Drew book it should be this one.

This was the eighth book I read,and possibly the best! When Nancy goes on vacation she ends up in a mystery. Her father isn't there yet so she goes out looking for him. She also is sloving the case of the tolling bell which tolls right before water comes rushing out. Aperson dies and a ghost has been seen the end is for you to find out.