Rock Books

Here is Sinatra stripped of everything who leaves me knowing he has deserved my love and admiration all these years. With Sinatra, he drove himself through life going after whatever he wanted and risking the consequences. We get to look at his ups and downs and his prides and his falls. We see him suffer at love and sing about it. We see him finally, after all the aborted tries, finally sink himself into a relationship with his last wife that kept him happy until he died.

Life for Sinatra was all or nothing at all and he did life his way and fell into lots of tender traps and led some into his own tender traps, like one famous movie star I will let you discover on your own.

What so special about Nancy's book is that she is amazingly organized and objective in her account of her father's life. And the CD, well the CD is everything. You get to hear Sinatra on Sinatra, unabashed.

Everyone on the planet needs to buy and read this book to learn what life can be when you go for it all every day!

Kudos to Nancy for a biography well, well done.

This book has excellent pictures with the most vital information for a biography project. A great buy and great read for interested fans of Ol' Blue Eyes.

No wonder this book is so thick- it's filled with numerous photos of Frank Sinatra, his family, and friends over the years. I love looking at these pics, and so will any other Sinatra fan. There is detailed info throughout the book as well. This is one worth having in your collection.

This scrapbook is a real treat to any true SINATRA fan.It is full of pictures of everybody who was important in his life from his parents to collaborators like arrangers NELSON RIDDLE; all his wifes from NANCY to BARBARA;the legendary LOUIS B. MAYER etc.Better than most biographies because it is based on facts not rumours.The early pictures from his beginnings are alone worth the price.I was fortunate enough to get this book at the third of it's price and i went through it very fast because once you open it, you simply can't take your hands out of it.If FRANK became the singer of the past century, it's not by accident, he worked hard at it.I was particulary touched by his loyalty to his true friends.FRANK SINATRA is a mirror of his country. He was the son of immigrants who lived the AMERICAN dream to the fullest.Where is the AMERICAN dream today now that it's last legend is gone?Let's not complain too much ,because everything that FRANK SINATRA ever recorded is now available on cd.Nostalgia when you think of it is a very good thing.SATURDAY is not the loneliest night of the week anymore thanks to the chairman of the board.If you are not already a fan, this book should do the trick.

I had to get this book after seeing how low the price came down.The original price was 40 dollars. Nancy Sinatra's book on her Father has everything in here.I couldn't believe Frank weighted 13and a half pounds when he was born on December 12,1915.The Doctor ripped and scarred his ear,check,and neck,plus puncturing his eardrum.Frank wasn't breathing,so his grandmother Rose held the baby under cold running water until he gasped his first breath and cried.This book is like a Diary.It goes from year to year,sometimes month to month.All of Franks movies,records,concerts,TV shows,songs,and the name of the songwriters are in here,plus hundreds of pictures,starting with Frank's baby photo, ending with a touching family photo taken in 1996.There's a wonderfull picture of Marilyn Monroe taken with Dean Martin sitting ringside at the Sands..All of the stars are in here,and family pictures we've never seen before.If you are a Frank Sinatra fan,you have to get this Book.Its huge,and the pictures are fantastic.

If you are looking for a resource book for quality children's literature, the Hand that Rocks the Cradle will be an invaluable tool. Nathaniel Bluedorn has made your job selecting conservative books for your children's reading enjoyment. I have spent many hours previewing books for my children as they have gotten older, and this book will make my job a lot easier. I prefer conservative books for my children's reading, and with the great organization of the list of books with brief summaries, I can easily choose books for hours of reading enjoyment. Thank you for a wonderful resource!

I purchased an earlier, smaller, edition of this book a few years ago and used it to find some excellent historical fiction to use in reading aloud to my children. Nathaniel Bluedorn begins, "The year I turned five my mother read the Little House series to us kids. That began a long procession of books she and Dad read to us. The pictures I drew in my mind of those stories decorate my childhood memories. They molded me. I want to help you read to your children."

After an introduction about the importance of "Reading Aloud," which discusses why, how, and what literature, the author provides an expanded list of 400 classic books for children, with time and geographic setting of the story, publication date of the book, language level (1 is language and plot are easy-- all ages, 2 is language is more difficult or plot more complex--ages 10 and up; 3 is language is advanced or plot more mature--ages 13 and up), and a summary of the plot, all listed alphabetically by author, with an appendix of the books by subject at the end. Nathaniel wrote, "Reading levels help many parents. My mother didn't stick to these reading levels; I'll forgive you if you ignore them."

This list is drawn from the books that Harvey and Laurie Bluedorn read to their children, plus books that Nathaniel, his brother, and his sisters read for themselves. Book lists can be helpful in choosing appropriate literature for children--for reading aloud to them and for their own reading pleasure. As with any book list, there will likely be many titles that people love but are omitted. The fact is that no book list can reasonably contain every book written for children, even every good book, but if you are interested in locating suitable reading for your children, Hand that Rocks the Cradle is a good start.
REVIEWED BY: Wayne S. Walker

What's a good way to choose the best books for one's child, with a massive sea of literature in today's market? " Hand That Rocks the Cradle: 400 Classic Books for Children" is a comprehensive guide to children's literature, pointing out the classics through the centuries that today's children will simply adore. A must have for any parent who is unsure of which books to have for or read to their children, "Hand That Rocks the Cradle: 400 Classic Books for Children" is a good addition community library parenting collections.

I have read much material in the past several months written by the Bluedorns, all of which has possesed a unique level of quality. This book is no different. It is a must have for all parents! Reading to your children is the one of the most important tools we have in fostering our childrens' brain growth and development. It is especially important during the formative years.

I have looked at a couple of different reccommened books lists, and this one has been the most helpful for us. There are so many hidden jewels on this list. What a blessing! I thank God for the Bluedorn family.

What a great resource for families! I love to help my children choose their reading material and I really appreciate being able to look up titles in this useful guide. Hand that Rocks the Cradle gives brief summaries that include reference symbols for reading level, time the story takes place, geographic setting and publication date. The format is a handy size - easy to pop in a purse or back pack and take along to the library, book store or curriculum fair.
One thing that could make this book even more usable would be an index by title including page number for the review. It does have an index by subject,but the index does not include page numbers - only the author's last name.
As a homeschooling mom I know that I can rely on this book - written by another homeschooling family - with confidence that they have read these books - not just pulled them from a published "must read" list. I look forward to using this book for many years to come.

Every month, for years, I have been blessed to participate in serving communion to the flock in our body of believers. It is not something I take lightly. I meditate on the verses and words of our Savior concerning communion, and contemplate the meaning of His shed blood and atonement for our sins... yet until Michael Webb peeled away the years of `institutional religion' and made the sacrament come alive with meaning, did I really contemplate the completeness that the blood of Christ brings the life of the believer. You will be blessed by understanding the true meaning of the protection of the believer through appropriating the finished work of the Cross!

Mike Gardner
Bible Teacher
Charlotte, NC

Like a New Testament rabbi, Michael J. Webb uncovers startling truths hidden in the pages of Scripture. Drawing upon the whole Bible, Webb provides example after example of passages that beckon Christians to enter into the richness of the life Christ offers. The sections devoted to Old Testament foreshadowing of the ministry of Jesus are worth the price of the book. I came away from In the Cleft of the Rock with a greater appreciation for the majestic scope of God's plan of redemption. So will you.

Excellent book. Well written and very easy to understand. Michael lays out the Gospel in a way that blows away what we know of modern day Christianity. The church is supposed to be the entire body of Christ and Michael tells us how to function as if we were that body already. I highly recommend this book for the beginner to get a head start on their walk with Jesus, and for the long time believer to get back to the real basics. ENJOY!

Biblical truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, is hard to come by in these days of luke warm American Churchianity. Michael lays out the reality and the necessity of suffering, as well as the challenge regarding how WELL we undertake our privelege to participate in the sufferings of Christ. His insights regarding the blood of Christ are Divinely inspired, and need to be part of every Christian's diet. To say that this book is needed is an understatement; it is long over due, and will be a blessing to all who receive the wisdom of twenty two years of study that went into this text. Michael articulates brilliantly the real picture of Christianity. Be blessed.

As Christians, we have no real idea of the power given to us in the death and especially the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Michael Webb reveals what the Word has to say on this subject, proving that there is a a whole other level of power for us to walk in NOW.

James Brown was a true innovator. Nobody can take his genius away from him. He has passed on to occupy the ancestral realm. Remember the ancestors are always with us, you simply have to invoke their names.

I recommend this book for any James Brown fans or casual reader of history.

RIP to the Godfather of Soul, Soul Brother #1, The Hardest Working Man in Show Business. This been a great blow and to all of us James Brown fans here. This book was the one I needed to keep me focused. Just read it all the way through earlier this year. Very strong, uplifting and powerful. James Brown was the Hero, the Legend, the American Pioneer. He wasn't just an entertainer or a hit maker or an artist, he's a man that have overcome alot on what's happening in the world: going thru poverty, business, the Civil Rights Movement, the world, loss of jobs, politics, way of culture, way of living, and a way to express ourselves thru a meaning of religion, life, hunger, soul, pain, and suffering. The Man had it all. Boy I'mma miss him and his talent. His spirit always captures us thru this day. GOOD GOD!!!

Thanks for all the hardship and legacy you put us into, Brother James Brown.

I bought this book a couple of years ago, and once I began reading the first page I couldn't stop until I'd finished the whole book. The things that JB had to go through as a young boy, it's a wonder he didn't wind up on death row, or in an early grave. It's a good thing that he turned his attention to music, and put all he had into it. Even though he was never really raised by anyone, or had a real family life he was able to make his mark in life. I'm glad that he acknowledges the power of God, and he knows what God can do. I enjoyed reading this book. This is a must read for everyone.

I'm 34 I had listened to some James Brown manly the hits. I had the oppertunity to see his show a couple of months ago. It was fantastic. I started getting some of his other albums like the big payback(my favorite) I must tell you I'm hooked I can't get enough of that sound. I finished this book today. It was awsome his takes on things are so down to earth. If you're down with Mr. Brown than you gotta read this.

What a life. What a personality. I have enjoyed this book enormously: You get the feeling that this is James Brown telling you his extraordinary story in a long and fascinating conversation. He talks about his music, his personal life and troubles, his philosophy, and, what I think is most thrilling, show business and stage performance.

My main goal in reading this book was resolving a personal doubt: Was he the genius behind his records, or was it Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley or his producers? After reading the book and listening to his records with lots of new insights, I have little doubt that the main driving force (although not the only one) in his records was himself. What Brown says about his music, where it came from, how it was made, what he intended to say, really made me discover many things in his records! For instance, if you have 'Live At The Apollo (1963)' (one of Brown's best albums) or have listened to it, DON'T MISS what he has to say about it -and play the LP again. I couldn't stop laughing for almost a quarter of an hour.

On another hand, I was also wondering: Is he a ruthless, egotistic and authoritarian character, as he is sometimes portrayed? In the book, JB openly and candidly talks about the discipline in his band, prison, guns, Black Power, and politics; and, paradoxically, in the end I finished with the impression of having received a lesson in confidence in man, tolerance, faith and spirituality. Soulful singers like him or BB King really have something to say about life-not only in their records.

On a last note, I think the (co-)writer Bruce Tucker has structured the book very well, hooking you from the beginning until the last page. As usual, it is better to avoid beginning with the prefaces and forewords, and leave them for the end. Only a little information about musicians in the sessions would have been welcome -although it is true that it's not the scope of the book.

Definitely worth reading it if you are a James Brown fan, and also very commendable if you are interested in music in general.

this is a good book about jim's high school days.opsasnick did a good job
of interviewing jim's classmates and friends from that part of his life.
i give it five stars!!!

A very interesting look at the Washington D.C. music scene of the late 1950's early 1960's with memories shared by those that knew a young Jim Morrison.

I've read a number of Doors books and whenever they talk about his school yrs I often wondered if anyone would investigate it. This book covers Jim's High School yrs from 1959 to 61 graduation. Some of these stories make sense to a number of antics Jim has later done as a rock star. I remember reading that Jim would just leave The Doors for days & no one would know where he ventured. Jim as a 17 yr old done this as well. Plus talking to his high school friends about faking his death. No one ever remembers Jim even talking about forming a band or shown any interest in rock music. Besides influences of philosopher Nietzsche, French poet Rimbaud, British Poet/artist William Blake I liked the chapter that talks about Jim's books and favorite authors like Kafka, James Joyce, Camus, and the Beat Generation Kerouac, Burroughs, Ginsberg to name a few. They also list some the of titles w/ a brief discription. Very interesting to see where Jim got his influences.

WOW! Mark Opsasnick's new book "The Lizard King Was Here..." is by far the
most scholarly and erudite book on Jim Morrison yet! So much factual
never before released information on Jim's life and times in Alexandria,
Virginia that it boggles the reader's mind. One on one interviews with
dozens of Jim's former high school classmates and exhaustive research has
opened a whole new wonderful vista on Jim Morrison's life before he turned
his attention to the west and LA and his cofounding The Doors in 1965.
If you are a Doors fan or not this book is required reading! Puts to shame
all the other efforts by dubious authors to get to the psyche of The
REAL Jim Morrison. If you read this book you will come away knowing a lot
more about Jim than you ever thought you would. The book is packed full of
details about Jim and his Alexandria milieu that will keep you turning the
pages for more and more. This is a FUN book! Rare photos too! Add it to
your library today! This IS the real deal!! I'm on my 3rd reading!!
-Richard Castleton,VA.

Many of Jim Morrison's influences have been well documented: the French symbolists, James Joyce, the Beat writers, and the 1960s Los Angeles scene. Still, there are gaps in understanding his terrifying genius and talented rage.

Mark Opsasnick highlights the influences of one of the most misunderstood periods in Morrison's brief life, his high school years in the once-sleepy town of Alexandria, Virginia--right outside of Washington, DC. Opsasnick documents these influences with plenty of cultural history and numerous, skillful interviews with people who knew Morrison, or perhaps knew him as well as anyone did.

Unlike some other accounts of the band, the author's scholarship and attention to historical detail are simply exceptional. He is thorough, though never pedantic. Opsasnick, a talented cultural historian, makes these languid years return, alive again in all of their strangling proventialism. Yet he does this without bowing to cheap nostalgia or contemporary cultural haughtiness. He writes like someone who is intensely interested in his topic, the times, and his town. Maybe this is why this book book is so hard to put down.

Opsanick does not try to solve the mystery of who Jim Morrison "really was". (In fact, he lets the reader ponder a delightful new enigma as an epilogue.) Instead, he describes a key developmental period of a petulant introvert, who would later reinvent himself and shock the world. And in doing so, the author wrote an immensely enjoyable book for anyone with even a casual interest in the Doors, the DC area, or the cultural hollowness of the late 1950s.

im a great fan just want to express my thoughts the web site contains to many commercial thoughts i dig all the cds you have releasded the one that striked home is yes i am #5 that is the greastest tune ever released melissa is cool just a human like me

Melissa has always been a favorite artist of mine since my girlfriend and I found a tape of hers on the dollar rack in a Walgreens in CA. We discovered that she had more than one tape, and we immediately went to find the others. Everything us nosy fans wants to know is in this book. That and more! I would most definitly encourage and Melissa fan to read this book and to buy a copy to add to your personal library. It is a must have info book!!!

This is the most informative and entertaining book about Melissa Etheridge. The book is well written, well organized and has some detailed information on how each CD was made and what the stories were behind them. It's the only book about Melissa Etheridge you will ever need.

The book, to me, was very good. It was very vivid in the telling of Melissa's life. It wasn't like reading an exam paper like the first book I read about her. All in all, the book was excellent.

This was the book both Lifetime's "Intimate Portrait" and VH-1's "Behind the Music" used as a reference for their specials on Melissa. Can't get much more definitive than that!!!

This book is done right. All the chords are clearly shown and they seem correct too!
I've been practicing Hotel California for a few days and it's been a blast.

This is the greatest guitar book I have ever used. I liked it so much I bought another copy and mailed it to my buddy in Kansas. Yahoo it is SO worth the cost.

First class - ideal for those who want the rhythm sections to some great classics

I just received this book and I am very impressed. I have only been playing the guitar for just a short while and still taking lessons. I like the way this book is laid out and easy to follow. Anyone that knows the Eagles' songs and know the basic chords can play the songs in this book. I am glad that I bought this book and recommend this to any beginner or advanced guitarist. It is ia fun book.

Excellent for Beginner to intermediate guitarist. Good selection of Eagles favorite songs in easy to play chord progressions.

Excellent information on the history of gemstones, understanding color and cuts. Exquisite examples, beautifully photographed. A must for anyone interested in gemstones or the history of jewelry.

This is a beautiful book with lots of interesting information on the gem collection.

This review is for the paperback version of the book, which I loved. It has a lovely balance of terrific photos & explanations of the various sources of the featured gems. It serves as a nice beginning reference when you have heard the terms sapphire & red sapphire (huh? I thought red gems were rubys or spinels) and would like to know more about which gems are related to others.

And did I say the photos are just wonderful? Enjoy!

If you have visited the National Collection and want a souvenir to remind you of the stunning array of unique World Class Gems then this is the book for you. Both the format of the book and the superlative quality of the photography make this book the next best thing to being in the exhibition hall. There is a fairly light weight coverage of the gemmology in the text, but it mostly focusses on the history and ownership of these fabulous gems. The National Collection is unique, no where else in the world is there such a concentration of fabulous jewels with such an interesting history, with the possible exception of the British Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. This book is a fitting celebration of such a marvellous collection.

"The National Gem Collection," by Jeffrey E. Post, features photographs by Chip Clark. The book is a beautiful celebration of the title collection, which is part of the Smithsonian Institution. The informative text discusses the history of the collection, facts about types of different gemstones, and specific pieces in the collection.

The full-color photography is really stunning, and brings a rich assortment of gems to glorious life. Some of the historic pieces pictured are the blue Hope Diamond, the diamond Napoleon Necklace, the Hooker Emerald, and more. Also shown are a colorful collection of "fancy" diamonds, a rare red diamond, the 858-carat uncut Gachala Emerald, the delightful "pink tutu" (a band of dainty rose quartz crystals on a large smoky quartz crystal), a dazzling group of fire opals, a lapis lazuli carving from Afghanistan, and more.

I appreciate how the book celebrates gemstones at various stages: uncut, cut, and set in artfully crafted pieces of jewelry. Many different types of gemstones--aquamarine, garnet, spinel, chrysoberyl, turquoise, etc.--are covered. Features such as a scanning electron microscope photo of the inner structure of an opal give the reader a deeper understanding of the science behind gems. From start to finish, this book is a marvelous feast for both the eyes and the brain.

For a long time now, publishing houses of category romance have stated vehemently they would not publish books whose heroes were musicians or rock stars.

Catherine Andorka has not only made a clean break of the unwritten rule, but has done so with excellence in her novel entitled, "Once Upon A Secret."

The hero, Brad Daniels, is "Rock Music's Sexiest Bad Boy." He seems to have everything going for him, talent, success, money, good-looks and charm. But Brad has a secret.

The book does not dwell on a rock star's life, though it does give a glimpse into the hectic, fast-paced, lack-of-privacy lifestyle of the music industry.

The painful secret Brad Daniels has carried with him and how he has managed to keep it from others for years is an examination into the hero's character and intelligence. Insight is given into the way people compensate and mask-over flaws, defects, and imperfections, and the lengths they will go to camouflage or conceal them even if not necessary.

Brad discovers the effect he has on the heroine, Tori Glenn a strong-willed chiropractor, and the powerful influence he wields over her teenage brother Kevin. Drastic measures must be taken to free him of the restrictions his secret has imposed on his life, and that of the woman he loves. How he deals with the hidden information and the manner in which he frees himself of its restrictions is a credit to the creative talent of author Catherine Andorka.

The book is compelling, informative, touching, and eye opening. The depth of each character sets the stage as the true focus, Brad's secret, impressively unfolds through the pages of this novel.

For a superior read that will tug at your heartstrings---become spellbound by the tale of "Once Upon A Secret" by Catherine Andorka.

Published by Five Star, 2002 ISBN 0-7862-4601-4

I hated for Once Upon A Secret to end because I had bonded with the characters, except Leona Farnsworth, of course. Although I never thought I would have much concern for a rock star, Catherine Andorka created a very endearing character in Brad Daniels. Chiropractor, Dr. Tori Glenn, was instantly captivating. I found it refreshing to read a 'Romance' novel
that had deep family values and a well written love scene allwrapped up together. Ms. Andorka has managed to write an exciting and caring book which she magically centered with a very serious and painfully difficult issue. I recommend this book to all who love romance but also desire to expand their understanding/empathy of the sometimes painful parts of life many keep hidden from others. Very well done, Catherine!!

After the death of her parents, Dr. Tori Glenn assumed the responsibility of caring for her younger brother Kevin. She instilled in him the high educational standards her parents would have expected if they had lived. She is very proud of his latest accomplishment of winning the statewide contest for young journalists. His prize included an interview with famous rock star Brad Daniels. Although a rock star with the reputation "Rock Music's Sexiest Bad Boy" is not the type of ideal role model she would have picked to influence her brother, she still shows her support by accompanying him to the concert and interview. Upon meeting Brad, she is surprised that he is nothing like she had envisioned him, his kindness to her and her brother is very heart-warming.

Brad Daniels was on top of his career as one of rocks leading male vocalists. He felt that he had the world at his fingertips-but something was missing that would make his life complete. When eager fan injuries his hand, and endangers him canceling the concert in steps in Dr. Tori Glenn to the rescue. Tori is a Chiropractor who has come to his concert with her younger brother, who is schedule to do a backstage interview with him. Her kind and compassionate nature appeals to his baser senses. Could she be what his life is lacking? Will he be able to convince her that his lifestyle and image is nothing like the tabloids have fabricated

Catherine Andorka is the type of author you know you are going to enjoy within minutes of reading the first few pages of her latest novel. It is rare to find an author with talent and ambition to write "outside the box" themes that bring to light characters that are facing very real and emotional issues. From the moment I first read the blurb of ONCE UPON A SECRET, I knew this was a novel and author I must track down. I am pleased that I listened to my six sense, for it has led me to not only a book to treasure, but an author who I feel is one of the most talented in the industry. Her flawless writing style is to be admired and commended.

Once Upon a Secret is a very satisfying novel that goes beyond the standard romance and touches on other issues in people's lives. Her characters are alive and the dialogue is moving. It's refreshing to read about a rock star and a small-town doctor and how they negotiate the differences in their diverse lives.

ONCE UPON A SECRET Catherine Andorka ISBN 1-8932108-16-3 Neighborhood Press Available now

Contemporary Romance Location: Chicago

Tori Glenn is a Chiroprator who is raising her fifteen year old brother Keven after her parent's death. Brad Daniels is a famous rock star who is performing in concert in her area. Kevin won a state-wide contest for young journalists and has an interview with Brad Daniels. He and his sister attend the concert and have back stage passes. While Tori is a conservative woman, she finds herself immediately attracted to Brad. She holds herself back believing he has plenty of women throwing themselves at him. She's suffered a broken heart once and is afraid to open herself up to be hurt again. Besides, they are complete opposites with different lifestyles. But Brad is not the typical rock star. He is not a womanizer and has many of the same values as Tori. Her skill as a Chiroprator comes in handy when Brad is injured by over enthusiastic fans. The first thrust of infatuation grows swiftly into love but along with their closeness is his fear that she'll find out his secret. He uses various ruses to cover up the problem which he is afraid will put an irreversible rift in their in their relationship. Even though he's a success as what he does, his self-esteem in certain areas is low. They are two wounded souls finding love and fullfillment in each other. Despite the difficulties they encounter it is obvious these two are meant for each other. Major publishers have expressed their prejudice against rock stars in romance books claiming the readers can't identify with the life style. Perhaps that is one of the reasons this author chose epublishing. however, Catherine Andorka bridges that gap by creating a female protagonist who approaches the rock scene as we might have. Brad is not the usual coke head, ego maniac star either but a man looking for acceptance, love, and family. As I read the book I was charmed by the characters, and pleased by the flawless writing style of the author. As with so many of the ebooks I've reviewed lately, I'm amazed at the quality of writing. I hope that epublishing achieves the success of traditional book publishing so that talented authors like Catherine Andorka get the recognition they are due.

reviewed by Bea Sheftel

I purchased this book along with the first one, "Painting Animals on Rocks" as a gift for my father who loves to paint. He really has enjoyed them. The details and the "how to" descriptions are great for learners and those who enjoy a challenge.

This book has so many ideas for a craft person. The instructions are very easy and the rocks are fun to make. My 5 year old grandson found it easy too. He made a Lady Bug. This book is worth having if you are loooking for a project that doen't cost much money.

I stumbled upon this hobby by accident. I was an art minor in college and have done a lot of oil paintings. When a friend told me about painting animals on rocks, I had no idea what she was talking about. I have painted my first animal (a leopard) and it turned out great. I gave it to my cousin and she raved about it. The author is wonderful in her ability to inspire and direct "the student." My only disagreement is with having to draw the outline on the rock starting out. I think that may add a certain difficulty. I just go ahead and paint, making slight adjustments when needed. I find doing it that way to be much easier. I am really loving my new found hobby and hope to possibly sell some animals on rocks in a craft fair held annually here where I live. I am 67 and retired.

This book has so many ideas for a craft person. The instructions are very easy and the rocks are fun to make. My 5 year old grandson found it easy too. He made a Lady Bug. This book is worth having if you are loooking for a project that doesn't cost much money, and is really fun to do. You can take the whole family out on a hike looking for rocks, this was a nice outing too. Have fun and enjoy.

I had been interested in Lin Wellford's books for a long time, but never really painted an animal rock. I bought this book, ready to try it. First I did a frog, which was very simple.
The furry animals use a script liner, and that is not my favorite paint brush, so I was a little nervous that I couldn't achieve the fur strokes.
I went ahead and tried a squirrel, and I was so surprised at how easy the fur turned out to be. I've painted a few more animals since then, and they are very easy to do. Very watery paint and a #1 script liner (the shorter one) makes it very easy.
If you are looking to start painting rocks, don't hesitate...this is the perfect book! I would recommend it to everyone who is interest in painting!