Seasons Books

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

I am upset that this book, of all the books I see on the shelves, is out of print! This book is wonderful and inspiring for anyone who knows the faith is more than just hocus-pocus. Caring for the Earth is the best way to please the God/dess. This has been my trad. for a while now and love it!!

This is a must have by Kisma Stepanich! All of her books are wonderful! Especially her Faery-faith books and tarot deck! Buy them all, you won't be disappointed!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is sees the earth as a living sacred organic being. It explains the sacredness of the planet and why we must all work toward protecting its resources. I wish this book were still in print -I am very suprised that it is not!! It should be available for all to read. 5 stars in my book!

If you can get a copy of this book -- the effort will be well worth it. The author blends American Indian practices with Celtic paganism, creating this new earth tradition...

This and the books in this series are so sweet. My 9 month
old loves them. She giggles with each page turn. My 3 1/2
year old loves them because he's the good big brother and
can 'read' them to his sister. Adorable pictures and
beautiful in their simplicity.

This was the first Kit Allen book my son took to. It's such a cute story about a little girl's day spent playing in the rain. And my son's favorite part, the soup steam...every single time we've read this one he's turned immediately to the soup page and said...soup steam. Simplistic illustrations and word association make this an adorable book and one that will become an instant favorite!

The simple pictures and with one word each to illustrate things to wear and do in the rain were a big hit with my son from 17 mos. (He's 20 mos. now) He was more interested after we got caught in a rainstorm, and especially enjoyed the page for "Stomp!" (Also, I think it's really a little girl on the page, she's wearing an undershirt with a bow on it on the first page, but the character is pretty generic.) After this I bought the others in the series as we arrived at the seasons and he has continued to enjoy them. With the one word per page, it's not a problem to read this one five times in a row before bedtime!

Get ready for the rain with Galoshes. The little boy in the story gets his rain clothes on and plays in the rain. This is a perfect book for babies and toddlers. There is one word and picture per page. The pictures are bright and colorful. Pick up this book to share with your little one on a rainy day!

What a tremendous read!!! I found myself hurrying through dinner to get back to the author's description of his mom's other world. I couldn't read fast enough to find out just how her story would unfold. The author's tender telling of the story filled me with joy, made me laugh out loud....cry with hard sobs....and so thankful that he wrote this very personal story. I am eager to share this with all my family and friends....quite simply, 'The Glass House' is a "must read"!!!

Dr. William E. Thompson has written a story that all baby boomers must read as they have or will experience the loss of a parent. Dr. Thompson shares the warm and tender story of his mother's last few days of life in a different light than one would expect. In the preface, the author states the book is about the death of his mother. On first thought, one might think about not reading the story of Flora Thompson for fear of remembering his/her own sad experiences. However, Dr. Thompson's ability to tell the story of his mother's life, growing up in the Oklahoma Territory and "living while she was dying" in The Glass House, quickly grabs us and we become enchanted with her journey and the lessons she shares with her son, Bill.
Flora shares her imagined, yet real life, with "glass chandeliers, glass floors, glass walls, and glass ceilings." She tells stories of parties, dances, cattle drives, tornadoes and floods with such reality that one must wonder how she could know such a life. Flora Thompson leaves the world of hospital tests, tubes, sickness, and pain and crosses into a world of beauty and perfection. In doing so, she leaves me wondering how our mind and heart work together to not only help us escape pain, but to also provide strength and comfort to those we love and leave behind. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Dr. Thompson's book with his graceful and compelling style of writing. I laughed, I cried, I empathized, I sympathized. Flora's story became a part of my world as it entered my heart and touched the memory of my soul.

Flora Thompson, dying from cancer, tried to share to her family about her second home, a Glass House, waiting for her on the "other side of life." However, her son, Bill, a college professor, was a tough sell, a skeptical student. But Flora was bound and determined to convince her family that "this is all real . . . these are not dreams, I really go to this place."

The Glass House is a beautiful and touching book about a distinguished professor who had more lessons to learn from his mother. But more than this, this book represents a gift, a message for all generations . . . of the knowledge that life goes on after "death."

In this compelling memoir, Dr. Thompson steps away from his textbooks and what years of education have taught him to be a son again--to let his uneducated mother teach him some final lessons about living and dying. Flora Thompson's dignity and courage, so often evident during her healthy youth, come forth once again as she battles the pain and indignity of battling a fatal disease.
She's not my mother, but William E. Thompson is willing to share the lessons Flora has for all of us. This is a moving book for anyone, but a must-read for anyone dealing with health problems--their own or a loved one's. It's about dying, but it's also about living.

Another must read/must buy book from Olivier Dunrea. Illustrations beautiful. My son loves it!

My two boys, five and three years like this book a lot, but not as much as my two year old little girl, whom we affectionately nicknamed Gertie - so she adores the duck named Gertie. All the names are great, and I love that it helps with counting. Great purchase that has held up quite well, even after several months of being read daily by three children!

First, this book is very large. It's not as small as Dunrea's other books in the Gossie series. And though it is a board book, the lift-up flaps are not indestructible and parents of toddlers and babies alike would be advised to tape these down with reinforcing tape prior to even giving the book to a child. My 18 mo. old daughter doesn't love this book, though she loves many of the other Gossie books. I think that part of the issue is that the book is so large as to be cumbersome for her to handle (and there's a lot going on within each page). Moreover, there are multiple flaps to lift on each page, so for a younger child, this may be a bit confusing. But it provides for more mileage, I suppose, for other kids. Finally, my only last comment is that it was pretty obvious that the publisher lifted illustrations directly from Dunrea's other books rather than having the author draw up a whole new set of images for this flap book. (That's why I say it's almost a "compilation" of the other Gossie books.) But the photoshopping is not noticeable unless you're looking very critically and unless you're familiar with the other books, as I am. All in all, a very nice book which furthers the Gossie brand.

My toddler loves this book. She enjoys finding little pictures under the flaps. The storyline is great and entertaining. The book material is excellent; it is made of durable board unlike others flap books. Joyful for both children and adult alike.

I listened to the Author's daughter explain about the making of this book and about some of the details in the paintings. It was remarkable! Ken Stark did a fabulous job researching the history and painting accurate pictures to go with the story. After listening to the speaker my Grandma and Mom talked for an hour easy about what it was like growing up in Illinois.
Great read for young and old alike!

Normally I do not read many children's books but the cover ofGrowing Seasons caught my eye as Susan unpacked [the] book...

Leafing through the book caused me to feel very nostalgic, reliving the time when I was a young boy on a small Pennsylvania farm in the late 1930's. Detailed artwork and attention to detail in all the illustrations make a person feel part of the activity being described.

Elsie Lee Splear must be congratulated on her factual portrayal of farm life in the 1900's and her choosing an outstanding artist who's attention to detail produced outstanding illustrations of family farm life in the 1900's.

This book should be read by people of all ages to better understanding what farm life was like in the 1900's.

Can anyone imagine not having an inside toilet and must use the little house out back many times referred to as the "outhouse" with only remnants of an old Sears catalogs which served the need at hand and also provided the patron some reading. Can one believe a life without Charmin?

I highly recommend the younger generations to buy this book, study the wonderful detailed paintings and enjoy reading the descriptions of how it used to be before television. I will always cherish this book and when I need a pick-me-up, I will browse through Growing Seasons and reminisce about the times that were.

I am not sure what touch my heart the most about this book...but touch my heart it most certainly did. So nice to recall a time when folks truly cared for one another. I am looking fowarding to reading along with (or to) my grandchildren as they explore the ways of a much more simple time. I know the paintings, which are truly outstanding and of interest to both children and adults, will excite their imaginations. The story will prompt questions, comments and discussions which I know we will enjoy (and remember). Buy this book and share it with any child you truly care about.

GROWING SEASONS lets the reader in on farm life nearly 100 years ago: chores before dawn, life without electricity,refrigeration,or running water,and raising almost everything needed by the family. It also shows the simple joys to be found in rural life: picnics, Christmas services, Fourth of July celebrations,and reading while tending the cows. Ken Stark's realistic illustrations help the reader step back in time to more richly savor the various aspects of being a tenant farmer a century ago.

The story numerous everyday events: homework by the kitchen stove, homemade dresses for Christmas, perserving meat before refrigeration, cooking for days to feed a threshing crew, and hiding from tornadoes. This is an excellent children's book for learning about farm life in the early 1900's.

So many contemporary picture books fail to tell a story and rely instead on the pictures. This book balances beautifully the saga of the activities of Darrell, a handyman in a northern rural community, with well-executed woodcuts that show him, his environment, and his neighbors. From the title page, with a spectacular back hoe, to the final spread, the book affirms the life of a caring individual and the ways in which people depend on each other. Ideal for the classroom, for home schools, or for individual reading -- with particular interest to parents desperate for books about machinery. If you love Vermont, you'll definitely want to add this tribute to the Vermont way of life to your personal collection.

This is a great book about seasons in Vermont. It is great for my grandson who loves trucks and construction equipment. This book about helping others has a pickup truck, a dump truck and a backhoe that is sure to please any young child.

My 3-year-old loved this book. He is very verbal for his age, and loves cars and trucks and machines. He thought Darrell's adventures were very exciting and loved his machines. I enjoyed this book more than most "machine" books because of the nice story of community service and the beautiful illustrations.

Some kids will think that "Darrell" refers to the hard-working truck In Leda Schubert's tribute to people and seasons of Vermont. While it's true that the real "Darrell" is the craggy faced construction worker/handyman/good neighbor who drives the old pickup, truck-loving kids can enjoy plenty of four-wheeled action. ALong with the pickup (which is red in one scene, and blue in all the others--where's the continuity?) Darrell's uses a big yellow backhoe to move dirt, make a swimming hole, and scoop up Buster, the family dog who chases a ball right into the big hole.

Schubert's sentences are economical yet imaginative: The backhoe is a large machine, but Darrell is an artist. If a hammer drops on the ground, he can pick it up as if he's using tweezers." The evocative writing allows us to imagine ourselves in Darell's big snowboots, rising at 4 am with Buster, and clearing 21 snow-covered driveways by 7 am. As he does so, "porch lights flash in thanks, and he blink his headlights back. HIs stomach growls as he glimpses a neighbor making breakfast.

SOme might call this book old-fashioned, even sentimental, and that's exactly why they might like it. Thematically, the book touches on being a good neighbor, the necessity of cooperation in harsh climates, and the gladly-given reciprocity that attends a good man doing a good job. (Women largely take a backseat here, they're shown making food and washing clothes, although they also help the men get the truck out of the pud ("the dirt roads are like chocolate pudding." During a storm, Darrell is so busy fixing the neighbors wind-shaken houses that he doesn't have time to heed his wife's warning about their own collapsing barn roof. In time-honored tradition, all the neighbors that Darrell helped come over for a "roof raising," and the crew all gets a hot supper of stew and pie.

Aside from the backhoe and a digital alarm clock, the pictures and story could have taken place anytime in at least the last 50 or 60 years. While this nebulous setting may unsettle some youngsters, it can also be adapted to many time periods. Mary Azarian's illustrations look like old woodcuts. Wait--they are woodcuts! Lined faces and wind-tossed jair are handsomely unglamorous, clothing and the Vermont countryside are authentic (the book covers four seasons, with a beautiful picture of vibrant autumn trees. THe only season that doesn't really get its due is Spring, but Ms. Schubert captures the hopeful feelings of the season (unless you're a T.S. Eliot fan) when Darrell tells a family unable to pay him that they can just do it later.

Without preaching, moralizing, or self-congratulation, the book shows both the necessity and the intrinsic and extrinsic rewards of doing work that serves others. ALthough there are some moments of excitement (those trucks!), it's mostly a quiet work, good for classroom reading and units on weather, as well as toddlers and young grade schoolers home snuggle time.

This book was pretty good. Most of the stories were wellwriten. A couple of them were of poor quatily. I agree with the firstwriter, my fav. was Hearts and Hoofbeats too. I would recomend this book to anyone who likes horses.

This book was great! I loved all the stories but Hearts and Hoofbeats was my favorite. I think Shelia Kelly Welch should write book another with a secquel for each story in A Horse for All Seasons. I would love to find out how Roseys foal, Penny, Magic, and all the horses and riders turned out.

This was a fabulous book! I love short stories, with horses, in particular. My favorite story was "Hearts and Hoofbeats." Collin is such a sweetheart. I hope that Sheila Kelly Welch will publish another book with stories like these. Maybe, she could do a sequel to "Hearts and Hoofbeats"............. :-)

Wow this book was great I recomed it to anyone. I hate to be like all the other readers but hearts and hoofbeats was definatly the best!!! Yet al the others were great to!!! i can't remember the name but the one about the 2 brothers was really good, too!!!! get this book i read them all in one day!!!!

What a wonderful book! Hurry Less Worry Less at Christmastime will help anyone get their Holiday season off to a great start. Learn how to make time for all the family and friends. A must read!

If you get a feeling of anxiety rather than joy during the Christmas season due to too many obligations, too many presents to buy, too many family trips to juggle, and too little time in which to do all this and more, then this is the book for you. Judy gives you concise and practical advice to get your holidays under control.

I have read this book twice and keep it by my bedside to read a little each evening. Following her suggestions will help me create a holiday season which will be less hectic and more enjoyable for each member of my family! Judy Christie is a humorous, spiritual,"thought-provoking" writer. This is a fun book...give it as a pre-holiday gift to help each of your friends and family enjoy their holidays immensely!

Hurry Less Worry Less at Christmastime is an easy-to-read choice for finding balance and joy during the busy holidays. I found quick tips that can be applied on their own, or in combination with other suggestions in the book. The short stories were inspirational and the strategies are practical -- and make sense for busy people. I'm looking forward to seeing how I transform this upcoming holiday season, thanks to this great book!

This was a great book that is not so much about sports, but of a country's passion for their culture and the sports that are part of their culture. Made me want to take in a hurling match or a Gaelic football tilt. You will enjoy the read.

good book. the author takes in the romantic side of the GAA but also sees the faults and future hurdles that the GAA will face in coming years. worth a read.

Reviewed by Richard Blake for Reader Views (2/08)

To get background information and interviews for his "Ireland's Professional Amateurs," award-winning journalist, Andy Mendlowitz toured Ireland for eight months to observe and record the story of a sport season at it its purest.

This is a behind-the-scenes story of The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), of Gaelic Football, a combination of the elements of soccer and rugby, and the game Hurling. Hurling is an Irish sport played with a stick similar to ice hockey. Andy described the game this way: Gaelic football was physical and with the players not wearing pads, trouble followed. Hard shoulder-to-shoulder contact led to violent collisions. Heads banged and bodies got slammed to the ground.

These games often attract crowds as large as 80,000. The athletes train as professionals but maintain full-time jobs outside of the sports arena to pay support their families. According to Andy, GAA both created and reflected community. GAA fans had two loyalties-- to the club team and to the inter-county squad. Mendlowitz provides several enlightening references within the various chapters of the financial underwriting of the GAA organization and their investments.

From the early playoffs in February through April to the finals in September and October, Andy followed the teams from Clare, Mayo, Leitrim, Kerry, and Galway Counties to Derry in Northern Ireland and the cities of Cork and Dublin.

I personally enjoyed Andy's word pictures and colorful detailed descriptions of the Irish countryside as he traveled from the rural parishes to the large cities of Belfast, Dublin, and Cork. I was fascinated as he gave me a new appreciation of Ireland's culture, folklore, superstitions, history, and economics. He also gave me a new understanding of the difficulties being faced in Northern Ireland.

To provide the background information Mendlowitz wanted for his story he stayed with players and their families. He became involved in their personal lives and identified with the loyalty they feel for their teammates, their fans, and their country.

Mendlowitz writes in a fast-moving, journalistic style that reveals his own passion for sports, his fascination with the sports, the games themselves, with the individual team members, their coaches, and their fans. His love for travel, new adventures in learning and a love for life all come through in "Ireland's Professional Amateurs." This is sports writing at its finest.

What John Grisham does for American football in Italy in They Play for Pizza, Andy Mendlowitz does for Ireland's national sports, except that Andy's Ireland's Professional Amateurs is non-fiction.

This book is an account of the author's eight months in Ireland following the Gaelic football and hurling seasons. He traveled to a dozen cities, lived in players' family's homes, shared successes and losses, and soaked up the nationalistic feelings the games brought to the teammates, their county and the many enjoying enduring fans.

Irelans's Professional Amateurs is more than a sports book - it is also a travel log of Ireland's rich culture, and a history book of the great country.

Andy tells a story of the pride and joy of the fans in watching the distinctively special Irish sports and how it transcends the sports playing field to the pride in their local county and their Gaelic background.

The players are all amateurs practicing hard and heavy after work so they could win the Sunday game for their county. And then they are back at work on Monday at their jobs as teachers, accountants, lawyers, civil servants and factory workers. No time to recover from their injuries which seem more plentiful than they should be for an amateur sport, to back to their planning and practices for the next weekend's game.

The book is written in a fast paced journalistic style that grabs your attention from the first page to the last. It draws out individual stories of many players and the pride and sacrifices they make to play the game.