Seasons Books

I read about this card kit in Family Fun magazine last year. I ordered it immediately. It comes w/ so much stuff and is very easy for my daughter to make cards. I highly recommend it plus the price is great.

This is much easier for kids to do on their own. We also have the Sparkle kit and it is much too difficult and VERY messy!!! My two daughters (9 & 7) love this kit.

I loved this book. It was so helpful when I needed cards for special reasons. I recommend this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kristen

I love this product. Young and old can put together these cards. They are so cute and can be sent to anyone who is young at heart. Kids and adults will enjoy receiving a "Coconut" greeting card.

I've perused dozens of craft books as the mother of three boys. This one beats them all hands down and I can't wait to get the other three in her seasons series.

I think what attracted me the most is the way the book presents the crafts. Very simple, colorful pictures. Each craft gets a full spread of two pages. There are only about 30 crafts total but they are good ones! Not the same, tired, old, glue macaroni on paper plates kind of thing. And some of these concepts in here have even helped to springboard me (a not-crafty-by-nature-person) into coming up with some of my own ideas.

Highly recommended!

Kathy Ross's creative books have my children turning off the television and asking to have craft-time. I enthusiastically agree to an afternoon of crafts with more fun ideas than ever before. Her projects fit in well with holidays, homeschool themes, or just a rainy afternoon, and are great for any parent whose creativity is running dry, or a child whose imagination needs channeling. We checked this book out from the library so many times that now we have decided to buy one of our own. Great ideas for all ages...even Mom!

This is a great book to use for group crafts. I use it for my Sunday School class and my Brownie troop. The crafts are cute, easy and inexpensive. All of these crafts can actually be made by the child without adult help. I have the fall and winter books and they beat all my other kids crafts books hands down!

This book was amazing, especially if you have children. Thisbook has crafts for Autumn, but I like to them any rainy day. It hasreally easy to follow instructions, pictures and tons of family fun.

Warning: This book is a work of parody. If a casual reader were to pick up this book, they might think it was a collection of a certain sportscaster's columns. And given the style of writing, the grammatical structure, the repeated use of certain rhetorical devices, and the obsessions with a particular collegiate program, such confusion would be entirely understandable. But as you read the entries closer, you will begin to see that the writing is not actually by that sportswriter, but is a very stylish and amusing parody of that sportswriter. That said, this will make the perfect gift for the Duke fan in your family. He will never even suspect that it is a parody and will merely assume it is yet another media tribute to the greatness of his school, which he assumes is universally acknowledged.

If you follow college basketball and have watched/listened to Dick Vitale, even once, you will LOVE this book. It begins with a foreword by "Dukie V" in which he promises to provide the average fan with coast-to-coast coverage of the game, equal coverage to all, by sharing his "columns" from last season. He then proceeds, as is real life, to work Duke and Coach K into every topic. Throughout the book you actually hear Vitale's voice running in your mind, as the author has an uncanny ability to capture Vitale's lingo and manner of speech in writing. I also loved the ribbing of Duke as the author demonstrates how silly some of the media's constant gushing over the program is. I can't remember a "humor" genre book that made me laugh this many times.

If you are a Duke fan you just won't understand, but for the rest of us who love college basketball and understand that there are 'other' basketball teams out there you will enjoy this fun romp through the wild and crazy world of Dick Vitale and his rose colored glasses view of Duke basketball. Brian Allen captures Vitale in a rib tickling, fun paraody of the former coach and his love affair with Duke basketball and coach "K".
As a true college basketball fan you will not be able to put this book down until your sides ache from belly laughs. If you are Duke fan...better stick with the real Vitale.

This book is pure fun and should be apprecated by all (even Dukies).

DO NOT read this book at work. I tried and spewed soda all over my keyboard. If you've read the vster's posts on message boards before, you'll see that this is a common problem! Seriously, these parody "columns" are hilarious, true ROFL material. I've read other parodies of Vitale, but none capture his cadence and lingo as well as this. The author does a fantastic job of spoofing Dukie V and Duke all at once. Each column tracks actual events from last season, Duke's worst in years, and perfectly parallels Vitale's viewpoints, from praising Duke's powerful lineup during early season blowouts of nonconference teams to crediting Coach K with his finest hour in coaching an undermanned team when the losses came in the second half of the year. There's also great post-season analysis of issues like the Don Imus/Rutgers affair. If you are tired of the Dukie V drivel or of Duke, or if you just want some serious laughter, this is a great buy

Lets keep our fingers crossed for more titles from this endering young writer.

Andrew G. Roller is a great writer, lets hope for more titles soon.

The story begins in the world of the Edoans, an ancient race that was shattered in the passing of time of four seasons. One of their leaders, Lord Adimus, gives in to his overwhelming hunger for power and with it he brings down the peace they had lived with for ages. In his lust for dominance, Adimus discovers that Mankind, a race that holds the key to the cleansing of his people as well as the way to preserve his authority.From another race, called the Élan, emerges a diplomatic apprentice by the name Artem. As soon as his mentor gets murdered, Artem discovers Lord Adimus' evil scheme and sets off to warn the Blue Council of the impending doom that continues to grow.

The story begins in the world of the Edoans, an ancient race that was shattered in the passing of time of four seasons. One of their leaders, Lord Adimus, gives in to his overwhelming hunger for power and with it he brings down the peace they had lived with for ages. In his lust for dominance, Adimus discovers that Mankind, a race that holds the key to the cleansing of his people as well as the way to preserve his authority.From another race, called the Élan, emerges a diplomatic apprentice by the name Artem. As soon as his mentor gets murdered, Artem discovers Lord Adimus' evil scheme and sets off to warn the Blue Council of the impending doom that continues to grow.

The fairy world according to Tom Cross is one of exquisite beauty. With his vivid imagination and talent for creating richly detailed illustrations, Mr. Cross took me on an intriguing tour of a garden inhabited by a variety of tiny winged characters whose personalities and wardrobes harmonize with their floral counterparts. His fairies portray innocence, curiosity, contentment, wonder, joy and whimsy. The simple eloquence of the accompanying poetry by Constance Barkley Lewis strengthened my wish that such a world exists. I can no longer work in my garden without searching for evidence of fairies among my flowers. Whether it's a freshly scrubbed ladybug, the tiny silhouette of a fiddle player, or a sleeping infant wrapped in a bud, my garden will never be the same.

I find myself totally entraced by CMB's renditions of Mother Nature and HER kind. The detail of CMB's Secret Garden and what thrives within does leave me in awe. I just sit back, relax and appreciate....

I found this book delightful to look at. Tom Cross is a very talented illustrator. Constance Lewis' poetry is fun to read as well...; I would definitely recommend this book.

This is a beautiful book of some of the most enjoable art dealing with the enchanted realm. I found his artwork originally on greeting cards and was exstatic to see it collected in a wonderful book for coffee table viewing. enjoyable everday!@

Greg Borowski is truly one of America's great young writers. After reading "First and Long," I felt I had been in the locker room and on the practice field all season long. It's a fascinating and poignant account of two Milwaukee schools close in proximity but worlds apart as players and coaches struggle and grow and struggle some more. Borowski has an amazing eye for detail and a gift for sharing it with the reader. "First and Long" is a terrific story for anyone who loves Friday Night football or who wants insights into American cities today. Can't wait for his next book.

Featuring a Foreword by Vince Lombardi Jr., First And Long: A Black School, A White School And Their Season Of Dreams by Greg Borowski is the inherently fascinating and superbly told story of the first year of the combined Messmer High School/Shorewood High School football team. These two southern Wisconsin schools were almost exact opposites of each other with one being black, private and urban, while the other was white, public, and suburban. First And Long is a story about football, but even more, it is the story of contemporary life and the modern issues of cultural adjustment, racial harmony, and the ideals and idealism of youth as mentored by their imaginative and persevering mentors. Unique and highly recommended reading for sports enthusiasts in general, and Wisconsin highschool football fans in particular!

I really enjoyed First and Long, even though I have to say I am not a sports fan. The author is known for his attention to detail, his ability to put a story in context, and his engaging style. All of these really come through in his account of a landmark season for the country's first high school football team formed from a partnership of a central-city Catholic and a suburban public school. Although the two schools are located merely 2 miles from each other, the author shows us how far apart the schools really in so many other ways.

Clearly, countless hours of interviews and observation went into this book. The players really come to life in its pages -- First and Long allowed me to get to know them, and the coaches as well. The glimpses of their lives off the field were every bit as intriguing as the accounts of their work on the field. Intriguing because they didn't fit squarely into one's expectations formed from Hollywood stories of underdog teams facing adversity. This team displayed a different kind of courage, and by the end of the season I wanted to continue following the players beyond the book's final page.

This book reminded me a good deal of "My Losing Season" by Pat Conroy (a excellent look at the author's challenging season playing basketball for The Citadel). I heartily recommend First and Long.

"First and Long" is a must-read for everyone who loves high school football. Greg Borowski gets as close to the gridiron as George Plimpton did. But his story tells so much more: How boys not only from different schools but from such disparate backgrounds forged a team and refused to fail against seemingly insurmountable odds. What's more, this is a story told with a perceptive eye and exquisite detail. See if it doesn't inspire you, too.

This book is a gem. A friend gave me the book. I loved reading each excerpt. Whether you've lost a family member or are trying to cope with the tragedy of September 11 and its aftermath, First Seasons is comforing and healing.

I was given a copy of this book on the death of my mother and found it very comforting. After reading it, I realized this would have been the perfect book to have given to my mother when she lost her husband. It seems to speak perfectly to that situation. I remember one message in the book which particularly caught my attention and made me realize how inexperienced I was at understanding and responding to someone else's grief. It was about trying to eat even when you don't want to -- and it said something comforting about it being OK if you just had a cup of hot soup as you stood at the window looking out. Many of the other empathetic expressions of sympathy on the loss of a loved one reminded me of my mother's experience on her loss of her soul mate - and I finally understand. I now recognize these unexpectedly overwhelming emotions of grief in me - and I hope I will be more aware of the pain of others and my response as I grow older.

This is a lovely book. Its words are heartening, calming, and peace-giving; the design soothing; and the introduction, a benediction. Even if you have not suffered an immediate loss, it has the power to put you in mind of those things which are truly valuable--the love of friends and family, and the beauty and comfort that reside in simple things. First Seasons is a compact care package for the soul.

After the sudden death of my father about a month ago, I knew I was headed on a new journey. First Seasons by Marjory McKinley Spraycar is a simple book that helped me rediscover the little things that can comfort me. I read this book in one day and just reading some of the simple things one can do when they are grieving really helped me. Some of the suggestions are repeated in different ways, but it just reiterates the importance of them. As I continue my new journey, I know I can turn to any page of this book and find some reminder or some suggestion that will make my life better.

This modern tale of the first Fall and the first Winter/snow reads like an ages-old folk tale than a recently written story. Herein lies it's charm.

On a average I buy 10 children books a month and this book has so far been my best childrens book buy this year! The illustrations are beautiful and the story is funny to kids of all ages."The First Snow" has a wonderful lesson in it that even us big kids need to be reminded of.

This is a charming story book in every sense. The illustrations are colorful and beautifully executed, giving a magical feeling to the tale of young Mother Nature's first experience with young Winter. Young Winter can't understand why little Mother Nature won't accept him so he seeks the friendly advice of a huge polar bear named Aunt Artica.
You'll smile at the tactics Mother Nature uses to fend off this perplexing cold weather she faces. The text is lyrical and evocative such as when Summer tells the little girl it is time for her to be leaving and "she packed her trunk full of warm and green breezes." This is a fun one to read to children during the November drearies, perhaps over fresh baked gingerbread.

Poetic and peaceful

My daughter loves these lift the flap books. They are well made and don't tear easily (what she loves to try to do). Very colorful and fun to look at. Keeps her attention. Highly recommended.

Our children love the little people books. They are wonderfully illustrated with fun lift the flaps. The books are very durable also. They are great for small children.

My 2 year-old daughter has had 5 of the Little People lift-the-flap books. She loves them all. This is a great way to encourage learning in counting, shapes, colors, and animals. This is our newest addition to the Little People flip-the-flap books, but the ones we've had for over a year continue to be favorites and we read them over and over.

The Little People pop up books are wonderful...my daughter can never get enough! The pictures are great and there are a lot of flaps, which means more surprises. :)

We loved this book. A favorite of my kids. The illustrations are wonderful and sweet.

We found this book at our library and had to get our own copy, and then we had to buy its companion book, Marshmallow Kisses. Both evoke the delights of the seasons with sweet, simple but specific and unusual text and gorgeous, heavily detailed, folk art-style illustrations. These books make me want to run away with my family to a cozy, country life with cocoa and quilts, and they've been a big hit with our two-year-old, who loves to follow the little stories-within-the story in the tiny images in the pictures.

This is a beautiful book that makes you feel warm inside on a cold winter's day. I highly recommend it.

Try it, you will like it. For the best enjoyment, one should have a young child on one's lap to read it to