Organizations Books

This pocket guide contains virtually the same information as the text, but in a handier size for quick reference. I have the book at home and the pocket guide at school, and I use both of them all the time.

G. Buermann, Middle School Principal

I ordered my book and received excellent service. Got it in perfect time as well! Thank you Amazon ~ keep up the good work!

It was required for a class, but it turns out it very good.

The Pocket Guide is an excellent, affordable resource for all administrators as well as teachers. It is easy to use and offers guidelines to stay out legal difficulties. The price is right and content parallels his textbook "School Law and the Public Schools".

As others have said, this is an excellent book. I picked it as a quick reference/study guide for my Education Law class. Law has always been interesting for me, but I don't get much use out of books that say things like 'X decision rendered in (year) was a landmark, upholding X principle (insert legal jargon).' A couple of my roommates in college were were law students, and I understand that junk, because I helped them study sometimes, and we talked about interesting cases they were studying, etc.
BUT, when I sit down to read about it, that's not what I want to know. I want to know what the court fight was about, what the court decision was, what it means, and how it affects my school and the classroom. That's exactly what Essex does in this book.
Most chapters are around 10-15 pages long, cover approximately 5 essential concepts or factors, including all the major cases or a description of the key ideas, identify which law is relevant (usually state or federal, though district or school board policies often come into play), a summary of the key players, roles, principles, or components of the concept being discussed. If an actual court case is discussed, it ends with a summary of the argument, the courts' decisions, and the final result. And each 1-3 page section finishes with a brief 'Guide' which provides a list of important things to consider, when addressing the policy or issue covered (Essex is usually very conservative with his recommendations, but at least you have an idea what needs to be considered).
It also includes handy things like a good index, a separate list of all the court cases discussed, appendices that include relevant sections of the Constitution, selected federal statutes, and descriptions of major organizations and how they can impact a teacher.
And finally, Essex is a good writer who makes the topics interesting by minimizing the jargon and focusing on why things are important. Several times, I've found myself reading for a while, after I looked something up, just because he makes stuff interesting.

This book is really good for people studying contract theory and with some knowledge of game theory. Slightly advanced, but really good.

I had a project work. I was struggling with a P/A model in other books' examples. But this book is a gem. I got what I wanted in less than two days. I am an average student and the various models and extensions are very helpful in understanding the material.

I love the cover and the color combination also. I dont have it now. But will buy one. G-R-E-A-T Book.

Give it a try.

The book provides a systhesis of contract theory at the phd level. It begins with basic idea of adverse selection and then its extension and followed by basic moral hazard model and its extension. The selected topics are presented here in a consistent fashion of the main ideas. Applications are well presented along the models.

Nonverifiability, the mixed model of adverse selection and moral hazard and some dynamic aspects of the two are also incorporated in a great deal of details.

This is the text on incentive theory, not just introduction. Its comprehensive insights are useful and time-saving for readers. You need not to read a bulk of papers, after reading the book, you just complement it with some core papers of the topics. (such as multidimensional screening, random participation)

If there is some weakness, it would be that... the authors present some topics too short and some notation used are not well explained, particularly the extension of the core models and some selected topics.

Anyways, i found it helpful and complete for studying incentive theory but it requires deep understanding of optimization theory and some experience of economic-theorethic arguments.

This book is written by a major contributor of the field. It would be hard to write another book to compete with this one in the field. . .

This is a fabulous book, destined to become a classic reference summarizing some 30 years of research in a field that has now become mature and which has completely redefined and expanded the field of Modern Economics. Jean Jacques Laffont is a sure-bet future Nobel laureate for his contributions to the field (likely to be shared with that other Toulouse-based giant Jean Tirole). Martimort is a rising star in his own right.

This volume, the first in what is described as a two-volume survey, should be on the bookshelf of any serious economist or any graduate student trying to work her way through a serious first or second year microeconomic theory. It could also be used effectively to teach a first-year graduate or an advanced undergraduate course on asymmetric information and contracts.

What is so nice about the book pedagogically in my view is the way the authors have synthesized so many results by working with variants of simple models. It's the power of elegant simplicity. When looking at moral hazard for example, they start with the simplest two outcome, two action problem, with a risk-neutral principal and agent. Then they slowly and selectively complicate the same base model (e.g. adding a limited liability constraint, making the agent risk averse, allowing for more action levels and outcomes, adding more tasks, more agents, etc). Hence you get the essential insights without being overly burdened from the start with cumbersome notation. They have several nice graphical representations to accompany the very well written intuitive explanations. The end result is that you end up seeing with clarity how many results in the literature, that had previously seemed disparate, tie together very neatly and share a common mathematical structure.

The authors state in the introduction (which is a brilliant historical survey of ideas and the development of the field) that they plan a second volume on multi-agent contracts and mechanism design. It should also be fabulous and will hopefully help to popularize and democratize an area of economics that is packed with essential insights for understanding political economy and the behavior of groups, hiearchies and organizations, yet has mostly been left to mathematical economists.

There are other books out there like Macho-Stadler et al' "An Introduction to the Economics of Information: Incentives and Contracts" and Salanie's "The Economics of Contracts" which are targeted at a similar audience. These are quite good in their own right, but do not have the breadth and insight of this volume.

A very clear book on the topic of information theory; pretty much everything you need as a graduate student. Covers all topics in substantial detail but with models that capture only the effects that are relevant. A great buy.

I have to say this is the best book written in a while. I admire Jerry Speziale. The author in this book details the sacrifice officers make when going undercover. People seem to forget what the officers give up to make a difference and the risks they take. The sacrifice the families go through when there loved ones are taking a risk with their lives. I admire Jerry and the officers who took the time to make a difference. I definitely recommend this book. It is realistic and it isn't exaggerated.

This is a very compelling book. It is the true story of NYPD undercover officer on "loan" to the DEA. This cop turned author, literally wrote the book on wiretaps. He risked his life to make major drug busts. However, by pursuing the Columbia drug cartels so aggressively, he also risked the lives of many innocent (and some not so innocent)others. He does not hide this fact in his book and he should be applauded for his honesty.

If you, read a "true crime" book only now and again -- buy this book. If you read "true crime" regularly this will be one of your all-time favorites.

Watching THE WIRE changed me and made me more sympathetic in general. I read this book as a result of THE WIRE even though I am not that interested in true crime or drugs. I am still not that interested but I feel that I should know. It's very straightforward and nondepressing despite the overwhelming odds. It's one man's story simply told although the details are sensational. Sheriff Speziale of Passaic, New Jersey was groomed by a real drug dealer from Brazil who also groomed a Brazilian entertainer known as Xuxa - this detail is not mentioned in Without a Badge but this book is written in a very pedestrian manner despite the extraordinary events and people involved. He spent many hours, days, months away from his family life. He was at the forefront of modern surveillance tactics. He is a friend to Bernard Kerik. And he is still making a contribution to fighting crime. Sometimes the antidote to the hopelessness of the fight is as simple as doing your own part and cleaning up your work environment and infecting others with a work ethic.

i dont like reading that much and it usually takes me a couple weeks to read this size book but i read it 3 days because once i started reading it i couldnt put it down. It is simply the best book ever written. You constantly wish you could read faster so you could see what the next page held. It describes in depth the cali drug organization and how they brought it down. I recommend this book to anyone, i guarantee you will absolutely love it.

This by far is one of the best books I have read in a while. I read it cover to cover in one day and I am a fairly slow and detailed reader. I could not put it down. Without A Badge takes you deep into the life of a narcotics investigator with such a zeal for cleaning up the streets that it is personally motivating. I am now reading for the second time. I can't wait until I see this one in the movie theater.

This book is a must read for those who are looking for a motivational reminder of our mission as a church. Whitsett gets to the point, with practical wisdom and insight. If you're looking for novel marketing techniques this isn't the book, but it you're wanting to know where our priorities need to be as the body of Christ, then you've come to the right place.

"I have read The Urgent Revolution over very carefully and learned a great deal from it. Your suggestions of how to approach people with the gospel are very helpful. "Being in a smaller congregation, where other books are too departmentalized, this book has so many practical applications for us both as individuals and as a congregation. "I find your book true to the Word, and an encouragement to us to adhere to God's truth. Truly any congregation and individual could profit from the study and application of The Urgent Revolution." --Trudy Barnes South Burnaby Congregation Vancouver, B. C., Canada

Dwight Whitsett doesn't use a magnifying glass to pick out the apathy and inertia present in the church today, but he does lay it on the line to any thinking Christian who is not afraid of an honest look at our situation. In An Urgent Revolution, Dwight gives a wake-up call to everyone who is truly concerned about the unsaved state of most of the human race now living on our planet. His observations and remedies for change are presented in such a readable and humorous way that it should offend no one, with the possible exception of "God's frozen people who will always give a cold reception to suggestions of change".

His call for "Radical Christians" to bring about a "radical change that reaches down to the very roots" (dictionary definition) to rid the church of "superficial, cosmetic worship" is based on the comments of people like Moshe Rosen, Executive Director of "Jews for Jesus", who says "The problem in the American church is a great deal of inreach and not much outreach"......"people who have retreated into sanctuaries to be entertained." Dwight points out with undeniable clarity the poor state of health in which the church finds itself today--a "Worship Society" in stark contrast to the early community of Christians whose practice of service was so different from the "services" we participate in today.

You will find this book hard to put down if you are immersed in the conviction that Christians everywhere are anxious to be able to give Jesus an affirmative answer to "the most searching question he ever asked: 'When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?'"

This book clearly portrays the necessity of becoming the church that we should be, without getting sidetracked on non-essential matters. It powerfully sets forth a path for the church of God to take. I recommend this book immensely.

Whitsett is right on target. The message of this book is so strong and pertinent and truly urgent. Hopefully, some of us are listening.

Dr. Cappel's book provides a comprehensive glimpse into the higher education system at work in America today. She clearly explains what her criteria for a "utopian" environment are, and then goes on to describe how each of the chosen colleges reflects these. Her mode of investigation is fascinating, and it is apparent that she made the most of her experiences at all of the institutions she visited. This book proves that, even among the widespread mediocrity that has become evident in American colleges and universities today, there are a few schools out there that still insist on following a dream and a vision, and creating the perfect learning environment that provides students with the finest education possible.

This book has a chapter about Goddard College, where I am a graduate student. This college (Goddard)is definately "Utopian" and progressive. These colleges have made higher education both interesting and challenging for individualized education. This book is helpful in focusing on this unique type of education.

As a young student in the late 70's, I attended what was then called an "alternative education" school for two years of my elementary education. The knowledge I learned in this progressive school is a valuable part of who I am and what I have become. My fondest learning experiences came from these two crucial years. I am a strong advocate for progressive education and feel that new methods need to be examined and implemented in order to give students a proper education; reading Constance Cappel's Utopian Colleges gave me a glimpse into some educational institutions that are doing just that. I found it to be both interesting and intriguing in showing how some colleges are trying to change how we educate young adults in our country. An easy yet informative read, Utopian Colleges will introduce students and educators to some alternative teaching methods and educational philosophies; more publications such as this should be offered so students can be aware of the different choices they have for selecting a college for their higher education experience.

Dr. Cappel's book addresses both the history of utopian education and its present incarnation in Utopian Colleges. Speaking from personal experience, I know many of the stresses that provide for both compromise and solidarity within a utopian educational community do exist and have been greatly affected by their manifestations. The underlying work ethic the author shows to be true in the diverse selection of educational institutions featured in Utopian Colleges is a very important aspect of education that is generally ignored in mainstream education. Utopian Colleges shows that the utopian ideal in American post-secondary education was not a counter-culture product of the 1960's, but a long-held tenet which has sought to nurture the creative and intuitive genius to be found within each willing student. The extensive background information provided as a prelude to the present-day and historical outlines of several utopian colleges, along with the discussion of the nature of "utopia" itself are of great enough value alone to offset the cost of this book. This is a great text with which to begin a critique of the American educational system.

At this time when large universities such as Harvard accept money from bin Laden, the need for smaller "Utopian Colleges" becomes evident. Not only are the missions of these colleges more ethical, but their history of progressive education and its values give hope to American higher education. This book examines these colleges that create independant thinkers rather than the corporate robots of the major U.S. universities.

In "Watching Weather," Tom Murphree, Ph.D. and Mark K. Miller hit a home run! They've succeeded where many scientific writers have failed; Murphree and Miller were able to translate this complex subject, i.e., atmospheric dynamics, into plain English. As an operational meteorologist and educator, I highly recommend this book. A must buy!

Mary K. Miller and Tom Murphree explain the science of weather in easily understood terms and concepts. There's nothing "accidental" about these scientists. Everyone who ever had a picnic ruined by a sudden rain storm should read this book.

Tom Murphree and Mary Miller have explained the facts about weather in an easy-to-read text with everyday applications addressed. This meteorological book would be beneficial to middle school through adult ages. The book encourages you to watch the weather daily and try your hand at being your own local weather forecaster.

"Watching Weather" is a wonderful introduction to weather. The authors explain the basics and build on it to cover "el Niño" and other contemporary events. The book is well designed with clear graphics and interesting sidebars. The "Rules of Thumb" are particularly helpful in gauging the weather in your everyday life. The book ends on a strong note with a sobering, but not hysterical, discussion of the Greenhouse Effect. This comes after an engrossing look at past global warmings and ice ages. The hothouse world of the dinosaurs and the glacial planet of the cavemen give you some sort of reference for modern changes. "Watching Weather" is a quick and entertaining primer if you want to start learning more about weather.

Tom Murphree and Mary Miller lay out valuable weather concepts in easy to understand terms. In fact, I've read several weather books and this rates at the top for ease of understanding, flow and entertainment...yes it's entertaining!

The graphics are very nice as well. They give it a "personally drawn" look!

Anyone in meteorology, or just wondering about weather should have this book on their shelf!

Herndon brings us along through the mystification of his first year as a public school teacher. In the end, he is fired for, well, for teaching. This series of stories -- told matter of factly and leaving much up to the interpretation of the reader -- still rings true, as he captures the inherent paradoxes teachers and students face every day.

White Jim Herndon saw his "impossible" junior high ghetto Blacks as human beings. By the end of the year, they'd learned both to read and write better and much more - even to love a "Honky."

Junior High's a crazy place. James Herndon made me see that craziness clearly, since he tells it like it is. The conflict he dramatizes- between the kids' interests and possibilities for learning on the one hand and the administrators' desire for order-- is real today, too. Today's administrators call it "data-based decisionmaking" and "scientifically-measured results" but it still just means order-- a number next to every kid's name (now, they call it "progress towards standards" instead of IQ, and make a colorful bar graph out of it) that tells you who's better than who.
The world will be a better place if you do what Herndon did, but you'll get fired just as fast now as then.
This book makes clear that you don't need anyone to believe literally in racism in order to perpetuate a racist society.
All you need is to make conformity to white culture the sole entryway to all achievement, respect, income, and education, and then punish all those who fail to conform by putting them in the basement.
All you need is to establish the teacher's role as a manager of papers and people rather than as an educator.
All you need is to believe that we are test-takers first and human beings last.
All you need to is to put 1,500 youngsters in one brick building and expect all of them to toe the line.

Herndon wrote in a moment when America thought that its institutions could be healed, that its oppressions could be undone. Now, everyone thinks that the institutions would be fine, except that Somebody (terrorists, Republicans, homosexuals, rich people, poor people) has sat in a closed room somewhere and figured out how to sabotage them. HErndon reminds us that we have done it to ourselves.

The author writes of his first year teaching, which happens to be in a 98% black urban junior high school. I found this book captivating and could not put it down. It is a quick and easy read although its' contents will keep you thinking for a long time.

The author begins with his first day of school and takes us through the end of the school year at which time he is fired for being incompetent in the eyes of the administrators and other teachers. Chapters are written almost as short essays on a single topic, moving through the school year. Herndon introduces us to his 7th and 8th grade students with humor and sincerity. Many of these children, to my horror and amazement, can't even read their own names let alone anything else. Herndon discusses what school policies are and how other teachers "control" the class by restricting their movement and even in one case, not allowing the children to utter one word to the teacher during class. Absurdities in school policy and administration come through to me very clearly as I read these stories. The style of writing is one of storytelling rather than a book discussing why school reform is needed, but you will clearly come to your own realizations of what the problems are by simply reading these stories.

Half way through the school year, Herndon decides to do whatever it takes to get these children to learn. In some cases he comes up with innovative teaching methods and in other cases he allows the students to find their own way of doing things, and guess, what? Learning happens! Success! Well, the success is in the eyes of the students and in the eyes of this schoolteacher (not in the eyes of the administration). There is mutual respect between students and teacher but the other teachers and administrators think Herndon is an incompetent and that his students are out of control, so they fire him.

I figured out the year was 1959, but this could just as well take place today. Herndon's epilogue, written six years after this year of teaching, is brilliant. This is a short book and an easy read. As you read it your mind will be reeling with emotions and ideas about public/government schooling and who are they really serving?

James Herndon was a great American writer. He had freewheeling wit and intelligence, an urban beat, poignant, ironic humor, well-sketched and righteous anger and most importantly, a sense of seeking, a desire for the truth in his life. The reader becomes complicitous in the same search and thus "The Way It's Spozed to Be" is one of those rare and magnificent books in any subject area that transcends a reading experience and takes on the impact of real time.

Yes, the book is about a troubled inner city school, yes the author is a first-year teacher who bucks the system, yes he was naive and idealistic, and yes there were and are many books and movies that share these premises, but what sets this book apart is the author's simple humanity and honesty. He knows he will not solve everything. In the epilogue, when he is long elsewhere, he muses sadly that conditions at his first teaching job probably haven't changed.

Also, Mr. Herndon knows that even if he succeeds in getting the kids to sit still long enough to do their expected work, to act the way students are "spozed to act" and conducts classes the way they are "spozed to be conducted," what the students are learning is not a love of learning itself, but rather a perverted desire to be the "way you're spozed to be."

A telling incident: Mr. Herndon sees an art project done by a class of students, mostly if not all African American. Yet the people in the poster are Caucasion. Mr. Herndon asks the art teacher why that is and is told that most of the pictures the students see are people with Caucasions. Even their imagery is the "way it's spozed to be."

This is mild compared to the racism that exists within the student body, based on various shades of skin complexion and the students' features. Add in the merciless teasing doled out to anyone who couldn't read, in some classes, all but a few students, and you have a hotbed of dysfunctional and hyper-critical relationships where learning is nearly impossible.

The author doesn't pretend to understand or solve large-scale economic issues, although he comments objectively that many kids don't have enough money to eat proper lunches but most are willing to buy "tennis," the slang for sneakers. He also doesn't pretend to understand social or familial circumstances, in fact, families are rarely discussed and we see the students in the stark flourescent light seen by Mr. Herndon. He doesn't offer sweeping solutions.

Instead, he walks this dismal territory as a brilliantly perceptive and caring guide, bringing us close to the academically deprived conditions that we know exist, and more than puts a human face on it. He illuminates the psychology of children, concisely and with searing truth. This writer broke down many times, both in the first reading and in many successive ones. He feels the frustration of the children and shares their delights.

At one point the students start a tradition called "slambooks," notebooks in which they essentially write down the often insulting comments about other students and teachers that are anyay expressed verbally. Other teachers confiscate the slambooks, but Mr. Herndon seizes on it as the first sign of hope that the students might begin to understand why we should attempt to articulate concepts on paper.

Another aspect of this book that separates it from many in its genre is that, although Mr. Herndon agrees to accept the students' traditions, he doesn't pretend to take part in them himself in order to become accepted. He still sees the slambooks as insulting and shallow attempts at written expression, but attempts nonetheless.

The essential message of the book is that Mr. Herndon refused to allow status quo, which at the time was sadly this: teachers pass out worksheets, students did not complete them, students pass them in, teachers fail or pass students. Instead, he dared students to find something that no teacher had ever offered them: a reason to actually want to learn.

This was not the "way it's spozed to be," and Mr. Herndon is punished for that.

This book is never heavy, never dull. Some of the short chapters, only a page at times, could serve as small portraits of the "underclass" of America, and on a deeper level, the awful ache everyone has at times that things could be a whole lot better if we only knew what was needed and how to get it.

-Robert Murray Diefendorf, Author of "Release the Butterfly"

Received book in record time. It was in new condition as promised. Great Seller and would order from him again.

This is the third in a series of books the author has written. While some of the concepts in e-commmerce are outdated due to the dotcom crash, the architectures, data management and functional aspects are still useful for e-business and e-commerce. The author discusses many of the challenges in managing databases on the web and shows the need for this technology for web data management.

This is an excellent book on e-commerce and databases. However it is somewhat outdated as the book was presumably written during the dotcom boom. Nevertheless many of the ideas are still very useful. I would suggest that the author updates this book to reflect the recent developments.

The book covers a great deal and provdes a broad overview of web data management and e-commerce. It starts with a lot of background material on database systems, the web, data mining, etc. and then focuses on web data management technologies in Part II. Finally it describes how the technologies may be used for e-commerce. I like the writing style of the author, rather casual and takes a building block approach. He sort of tells a story about supporting technologies, web technologies and e-commerce. My one concern is that the book was written during the dotcom boom years. While the technologies are all still valid and useful, although they have advanced quite a lot today, the idea that the web and e-commerce will take over is long gone. At one time we may have thought that we will be doing all of our shopping even buying groceries on the web. But this has still not happened in large scale. Therefore, it may be time to take another look at the ideas and perhaps get another edition out reflecting what is real today. But then one never knows what the future will be. Maybe once the technologies mature and our approach to the web evolves, the dotcom ideas may take off again.

I found this book extremely useful. The author starts with some excellent background material on web data management and then goes into more details on architectures and models for web databases. Finally, she discusses their applications to e-commerce. At times I thought the book was too detailed (e.g., in data management) and at other times I felt that the book ought to have given more details (e.g. in e-commerce). Nevertheless the book emphasizes on web data management and all aspects of this topic. It was very easy to read and as a newcomer to the field I found it very thought provoking. I thought the author explained the security aspects extremely well, partly because she is an expert in database secruity. At times she dwelt more than it was necessary on security as the focus of the book was not on security. I would have liked to have seen more discussions on how specific organizations carry out e-commerce. Since the field is evolving so rapidly I would love to see a follow-on book giving details and examples on e-commerce and the applications of web data management to e-commerce. On the whole an excellent, easy to read book.

This book establishes the basic foundation for achieving success in any organization. And it delivers that message in a way that can be understood easily and applied readily by professionals at any point in their career. Only by creating a culture of accountability can organizations fully achieve their potential and sustain success. This book will become a staple in every company library and a requirement for leadership development courses everywhere.

Henry Evans delivers powerful concepts and practical tips to build accountability, and ultimately, boost team performance. He artfully translates the concept of accountability into simple, actionable steps, then brings them to life with real-world illustrations. Using Evan's language of accountability will create a competitive advantage for any team. A great ROI for a 2-hour read!

Accountability hits right at the core of what is missing in so many organizations. Rather than allowing people to hide from our deeper responsibilities, Accountability offers the process and tools to call us out into the open to take the actions we want and need to take. Kudos Mr. Evans!!!

Winning With Accountability: The Secret Language of High Performing OrganizationsThis book offers insightful guidance that helps to immediately focus on accountability in both personal and business life. When the accountability puzzle pieces are put into practice there can no longer be "victims" who refuse to accept responsibility. The implementation of these principles will be a big help in getting people to take personal responsibility.

This book is a must-have, for both personal and career success. What an asset!

'Winning with Accountability' helps me to develop and practice valuable techniques that have enriched my career and personal life. This easy-to-follow book gives specific examples that enable me to assess my personal habits and language when dealing with all aspects of accountability.

I am now more aware of what is needed to keep progress moving, whether it is dealing with clients, colleagues or personal relationships. With this new awareness, I immediately see ways to apply the practices and philosophies of this book.

Everyone can benefit from reading this book!

This book seemed a bit pricey for a paperback until I saw the sample pages on their web site. If you're interested, I recommend you check it out.(...)

It shows sample pages from this book and the activity sheets that they sell to go with it. Really great illustrations and fun borders. My kids dove right into it, and it made them feel extra smart because even the little one could read it quickly... which he did over and over again.

The activity sheets are a real bargin. There are tons of games, and things to keep kids busy in the summer. This isn't like those give-away booklets at restaurants. These activity pages are really well done (better than anything my 1st grader has brought home from school)! And there are somthing like 45 pages of things for kids to do. I copied the sheets so both of my sons can do the projects.

Both the book and activity pages are well worth the money. I'm really glad I got these for my kids.

Great pen and ink-style drawings that remind me of the books I loved when I was younger - Mulligan's Steam Shovel, Make Way for Ducklings, etc. Writing is for very young children - story is actually a song, but also great for reading out loud. The repetitive verses have been helpful for my five year old who is learning to read - he's been recognizing some of the words as we read.

Only complaint? This book would be great for little hands in a hardcover version, however, as my youngest son already gave the front cover a good rip.

This book is truly a treasure - a gem among the new tradition of children's books that look at all different types of families. I ordered this book based upon the reviews of other parents who bought it for their families, and I was even more thrilled with it then expected!

The book is for very young children, I'd say ages 6 and under, and gives kids a simple explanation and basic understanding of why we have work to do, but that we all have time for fun as well. Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous!!!

I found it SO easy to teach my 2.5 and 4 year old the days of the week with this book. There is a little song that goes with it, and the kids love it.

I am a single mother, and I love that this book shows all different kinds of family units, not just 2 parents and 2.5 kids. It shows mothers working, and playing with the kids, as well as fathers and grandparents. In this day and age, it is a delight to see a book address the modern, as well as traditional family. Work-A-Day Week also shows people of different races.

It is beautifully illustrated, and has really cool borders. My kids and I went through naming all the cool pictures related to the different jobs. Great for vocabulary building.

I also recommend the Work-A-Day Week activity sheets. There are about 50 pages of games, paper dolls, projects, mobiles. We just got started on it, but the kids want to do it every day. They even printed these pages in black and white on single sheets, so they are easy to copy and use over and over. They kids can color and cut the copies out, so ... oh, I guess I should write this review for that book.

Buy them both! You won't regret it, if you have kids under the age of 8.

I just wrote a longer review under the matching activity book for Work-A-Day Week, but just wanted to write and say how wonderful this book has been for my children and I. I was a stay-at-home mom for eight years, and returned to work this fall. My three childre, ages 3,5, and 8 were having a tough time with the change... but this book helped to explain to them that all parents, grandparents, and even kids have work that they must do... but that there's also time for fun.

My kids love this book - the 5 year old is already reading parts of it, due in part to the poetic and repetitive nature of the story. The illustrated borders on each page are stunning - my kids like to all look for things hidden in the borders together. My 3 year-old wants to read it every night before bed - and this book is so refreshing that I actually don't mind!

I highly recomment purchasing this book, and the matching activity pages. I purchased an activity set for each of my children!