Carousels Books

i can`t say anything about this wonderful. if you read this book you will now how good it is.

I thoroughly enjoyed Lion Hound by Jim Kjelgaard when I was a child going to school in Prairie Grove, Arkansas. I treasure my memories of this story and I wish I could locate a decent copy. I'm surprised Disney didn't make this one into a movie.

Jim Kjelgaard's books are filled with excitement and a healthy appreciation for a rugged way of life in the great outdoors, and while Lion Hound may not be his best effort, it has all of the trademarks that make this a book well worth reading. The clean prose brings us into the story with an immediacy that many more literary authors fail to achieve.

The main characters are the old, wise mountaineer Jake Kane, the young and good-hearted Johnny Torrington, and Buck, the titular Lion Hound who is raised to be of use to his human companions.

As in many Kjelgaard books, we get a vicarious thrill from watching Buck progress from puppyhood to his prime, against a backdrop of beautiful wilderness and sometimes-harsh conditions.

The three friends are plagued by a mountain lion, a formidable predator made all the more dangerous by a stint in captivity.

The plot is filled with action-packed conflicts, and interesting details about life in the outdoors. There are some life lessons in here that should be appreciated by any parent, but the book never preaches. It's simply a good, solid act of storytelling that is reminiscent of Louis Lamour for its simplicity and ability to captivate.

I recommend all of the Kjelgaard books, and that certainly includes this one. I would start with another selection (Snow Dog, Wild Trek, and Big Red are some of my favorites), but there are no losers in this series. Enjoy!

I read this wonderful book when I was a school boy. I still consider it my favorite book today--35 years later! I just received an out-of-print copy from my beloved girl friend as a gift. She couldn't have choosen a more appropriate surprise gift for me. Her gift touched me deeply. What a great family read aloud book.

I first read this book when I was in 5th Grade. I have always been interested in the Outdoors. This book guides us through an extraordinary adventure with a boy, his older friend, their dogs and a mean old Mountain Lion which they all hunt. It's filled with suspense, and will keep anyone glued to the book. Excellent Read! You'll most likely have to check it out at the library. It's tough to find!

Used this book for trips to northern california. Have several other similar sources, but her book had more useful information than all the others, sorted out so user friendly, with such easy to read maps. Writing this book has obviously been a joy for her! Will be helpful to add some maps with more detail, like Northern California Gazetter and Atlas, and California Coastal Access.

If Weekend Adventures In San Francisco & Northern California sounds familiar, it should be: this latest represents its 8th updated edition, including a wide range of attractions from staying in a coastal lighthouse the night to exploring small local parks, byways, and less major attractions. Even the well-traveled California native who has seemingly covered all routes will find plenty of new adventures here, all updated thoroughly. A recommended 'staple' for both visitors and especially local residents.

Carole Terwilliger Myers, author of the 8th Edition of Weekend Adventures in San Francisco & Northern California, points out in her introduction that there is nothing more disappointing than returning home from a vacation and finding out that you had missed an interesting attraction or you overpaid for your hotel accommodations.
I would have to concur, and as I am a stickler for preparing my travel itineraries well in advance-I just hate surprises and disappointments.

Although there may be several travel guides available pertaining to San Francisco and Northern California, each seeking its own market niche, the Weekend Adventures in San Francisco & Northern California is built around providing information that will aid the reader to quickly ascertain what is of special interest in the area he or she is planning to visit. Moreover, the guide contains useful advice concerning bargain rates, welcoming of families, aesthetically pleasing, historic significance, etc. In addition, the author provides phone numbers, toll-free numbers, fax numbers, and websites.

The 469 pages of the guide is bigger, thicker, and longer than most and it is divided into sixteen sections, a substantial index, and many well-chosen black-and-white photos.
The author commences with San Francisco, and as pointed out, all other destinations radiate from here. Chapters are devoted to Coast South, Coast North, 101 South, 101 North, 1-80 North, 1-880 South, 1-5 North, Highway 49-Gold Rush Country, The High Sierra, Santa Cruz Mountains, The Delta, Wine Country, Lake Tahoe, Winter Snow Fun, and finally Miscellaneous Adventures such as family camps, houseboats, river trips, pack trips, and camping.

Excellent suggestions are offered as to annual events, what to do, where to stay and eat.
For example, if you read the section pertaining to Monterey, you will notice that some of the events listed are the Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival, the Grand Prix auto races, the Jazz Festival, and Christmas in the Adobes.
As for the last one, we are informed, that each year a group of historic adobes are festively decked out with period decorations and illuminated only by candlelight.

Terwilliger Myers' writing is brisk and entertaining, and you can see she has done her homework, as evidenced by her well-researched and useful information.

All in all, the guide makes an excellent reference to visiting San Francisco and Northern California and is a must-have for anyone traveling in the region.

Norm Goldman Editor Bookpleasures

I love this guide, so much in fact that when i lost it a year ago I bought another copy. The advice is useful, though you'll need a more detailled map to accompany it, and it hits the bright spots of each little town without leaving out much. Great if you are new to the Bay Area and want to explore without feeling like a tourist.

My husband and I bought this book along with several others after living in the Bay area for a while. We were hoping to get ideas on things to do on weekends, and we have found that this book has been incredibly useful and has inspired us to go much farther and really take advantage of the interesting destinations in the area. We usually pick a direction that looks interesting, plan a few stops along the way and take off for a fun day trip or (occasionally) overnight trip, and she never leads us astray. While we are budget travelers and thus some of her suggestions are out of our price range, especially for hotels, we've enjoyed many of the restaurants, specialty shops, museums and factories in the area and learned a lot about what Northern California has to offer thanks to this book. I highlight places as we go there and write notes in the margins- and my book is getting pretty marked up! I absolutely love this book, and think it's perfect for adventurous couples of all ages. It was the best travel book purchase I think that I have ever made, if you measure it by frequency of use and enjoyment. One thing I think could be improved on is the complete lack of maps- just having this book is not enough- You MUST also bring along road maps, and printing out some google maps pinpointing specific destinations is extremely helpful. I can't tell you how long it took us to find the Ace Cider Pub in Sebastapol- we had to ask a local for directions. Otherwise though, fabulous book.

-happy grad student traveler

I collect carousel material and do glass painting and polymer clay.this book is such an inspiration.Its one of the best to just have and try out techniques before making that color choice on the real thing.B.W.

Based on the reviews here, I bought this for my niece's birthday. She loved it so much she has carried it around with her for weeks. And she will not share it with her sister, so I am buying another one for her sister for Christmas.

This is a must-have for carousel enthusiasts(sp?)!The drawings are large and easy to see,and kids will spend a while coloring the pictures!

Carousel collectors and children who love to color will appreciate the attention to detail and beautiful blackline illustrations of this book. Many styles are represented, presentation is accurate and merry-go-rounds are always a favorite. Sure to be a best-seller in museums, bookstores, and amusement sites. Not limited to ponies, the book contains other creatures as well -- I particularly liked the tiger! I also liked the create-a-pony page, where young artists may add their own details to the drawing. Price is within even a limited budget.

Everything everyone has said before me is a testimony to this book.Its such a value and its such a pleasure to finally find a carving book that lets us all no..hay we really can do this..ive been so intimidated and in awe of carousel carvers and this is a book that works to let us all no..We Can.B.W.

GREAT BOOK! Basiclly all I can say. Better than a How-To book. Its a barrage of many wonderful stories, history, and some awesome pictures of the best carvings I have seen. Keep up the good work Bruce, and BUY THIS BOOK!! EVERYONE!!!! :)

If you have no other book about carousels, this is the one to have. Not only does the book illuminate the history of carousels, dispelling some common myths along the way, but the step-by-step, well illustrated process of carving a carousel is clearly explained in easy to understand terms. As Bruce's identical twin brother I can attest to the heart, mind and artistry that goes into every one of Bruce's creations. Many years ago I received a call from Bruce and he pleaded for my help. I replied that I had no knowledge or skill. Bruce persisted and taught me how to carve carousels using the same steps and techniques described in this book - several of the carousels I have carved are pictured in this book. Perhaps one of your creations will be in his next book!

Although this magnificent book is being marketed as a strictly how-to book, as a lover of carousels I attest to the fact that this book includes more history and delightful anecdotes about carousels, horses, designs and designers than any other book ever. Bruce encourages you to set your imagination free. Also, there is a step by step structure showing Bruce's one of a kind process. Even if you don't carve or don't want to start, it is still enlightening to see how this present day master carver makes lovely masterpieces for carousels and living rooms.

This coloring book, as well as other stained-glass coloring books from Dover, is suitable for all ages, including adults. In fact, the books would be wasted on young children. All of them are especially beautiful when colored with the deepest shades of markers, and particularly when viewed from the back.

These are wonderful pics that look beautiful when finished. Our other stained glass books came with a white flap to put under the page you're working on. That's kind of a must and isn't a feature of this book. But you can find your own backing for it.

This coloring book is wonderful. I have a carousel themed room and I colored the different pics to the color scheme of my room. This is an excellent gift for any carousel horse fan or an older person who enjoys coloring books. Not ideal for young children.

It is being used as a reference for future art projects. It has great ideas/pictures to work with.

This book offers the beginner and experienced carver alike a clear and easy to understand way to make your own miniature carosel animal. Horse shown, other for inspiration. You'll like it.

The instructions and illustrations in this book makes carousel woodcarving for the beginner or pro a real pleasure. Everything needed in the way of instruction is included in this book. A great addition to any woodworker's library.

I have taken classes from the author, and the book is written just like his classes. The book goes step by step through the whole process of carving the carousel. I have observed some of Mr. Rienhardt's other works and I hope he continues to write other great books on carousel carving.

This book includes the plans for many horses and there aren't a lot of separate parts per each horse, which is good. He handles all you need to know in a basic, down to earth manner including wood grain, finishing, etc. He's carved over 1,000 horses so I guess he knows what he's talking about. I hope he puts out other books about different carving styles of carousel horses (especially Mullers) in the future.

I love this book's incredibly simple but expressive illustrations. The story is also quite simple, but packs a profound (and rather touching) lesson at the end.

Frank Asch is on my entering kindergartener's Summer Reading List and I (we: boy and girl; 3 and 5) have read a great many of them. Mr. Asch's books are inevitably wonderful, with simple, delightful illustrations and gentle stories.

This book is a little different however in that it shows puppies being born. Well, to be honest, the illustrations are not exactly graphic and my two children (boy and girl; 3 and 5) certainly didn't 'grasp' that the puppies were coming out of the mommy dog. A fact, which allows me (and you) the opportunity to point this out, or not.

Personally, I plan to point this out at a latter time.

But in any case, this is a wonderful book about a puppy who happens to be last in doing many things. He is last to be borne, the last to eat and open his eyes, and the last to learn to drink from a saucer. He is even the last one in the doghouse at night.

None of these things seem to matter though until it comes time to find a new home. The last puppy becomes distressed when he is constantly not chosen by visitors. And then one day, a little boy comes and gets him. He laughs and says, "You know what? You're my first puppy."

Five Stars. A great book with a good kid's story with plenty of opportunity to teach life lessons.

Note: there are cute stories at the www.frankasch.com website read by the author. My kids love it.

My wife, daughter and I all loved this book. The illustrations of the puppies being born are wonderful. My three year old got so emotionally involved in it that she could bearly stand to find out what happens to the "last puppy."

This has been my favorite book every since I was born! I'm 13years old now, and I still ask my mom and dad to read it to me everynight. This book is great for everyone. The Last Puppy says that you can be last at EVERYTHING, but still, be first at something. I recommend it to everyone!

I read this as a 10 year old and it immediately took hold in my subconscious like a strongly felt dream. I just remembered the title recently and was surprised and glad to see that I could buy it now and share it with my friends and family. As a 50 year old woman I'm amazed that a story of a young boy would make such a deep impression on me...but there it is.

I read this book when I was 12 years old. I am now 46. I have forgotten the details of this book however I have never forgotten how it captivated me. I have only read two books more than once, this is one of them (the other was Dicken's " A Christmas Carol")
I am now an avid reader and this novel is one of the reasons.
Enjoy!

This a great children's adventure and one of the few stories that describe life behind the iron curtain in early 1950s Hungary. This is a great escape story that will hold you captive from page one and hold you spellbound until the final page! I read this book yearly as a boy and read it again recently after spotting it in one of my bookshelves. I am still amazed at how it excites me. Great adventure book for both children and adults!

A great story by a man who made the most of every opportunity and challenge he faced. Inspirational.

An inspiration to those seeking the "American Dream". Funny and entertaining, it takes you through the life of a not so ordinary man. Hi life, almost hard to beleive is filled with some of the most fascinating stories I have ever read. I truly enjoyed it!

I thought the book was an enjoyable light read. I also found it inspiting to read the story of how an immigrant achieves success in this complicated world we live in. Some very funny stories.

Rafa de la Sierra III

"A Place In The Sky" is a beautifully illustrated and well crafted story about the magical place balloons go when they fly away from the little hands who hold them. The story follows Sarah in her dreams as she journeys to the far away place above the clouds where the balloons go. After sadly losing her purple balloon to the sky, Sarah's mom tells her of the place where balloons go far above the clouds. In her dreams Sarah is able to journey there with her purple balloon to see how beautiful and magical this balloon land really is. A land of color, balloons, candy, rides, and all of the things children enjoy. After waking, Sarah sees a green balloon attached to her bed. Her mother had gone out and bought the special balloon and some orange-vanilla cream. Sarah now knew her mother had once visited this magical balloon land where balloons smell like orange-vanilla ice cream. This journey is magical and beautiful. We all know children who have lost a balloon at least once or twice and now we have a wonderful story to tell.

Reviews from kids in Georgia. "I had to share this book with a few children in the neighborhood and here's what they had to say"

Elijah, age 8. Last week my mom bought balloons for my step-dads birthday. I was upset when I let them go on accident. Now that I read this book, I fell happy because the balloons are playing with other balloons.

Cheyenne, age 7. I really like the book. It was fun and colorful. My mom never told me this story, but now I can tell her where balloons go. She will think I'm really smart.

My mom is helping me write this because I really, really love the story. I'm 6 and I can read it all by myself. The pictures are so pretty and I want to visit the place where the little girl went with her balloon. It's my favorite book now. I sleep with it under my pillow, if I do that, maybe the balloon will visit me someday.

A Place In The Sky is by far one of the most beautifully written and illustrated children's picture book I ever read. I feel the loss of the balloon and the fantasyland little Sarah visits is symbolic for more significant losses, and a tender, sensitive way for parents to help their child cope, whether it is death or divorce or a lost pet.

I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone; it is a breath of fresh air and a "must have" for parents who want their children to experience an engaging story that cultivates kindliness, humanity and consideration for others.