Anne Books

For parents interested in or beginning the adoption process, this book answers questions you would never have known to ask while clarifying the mysteries of the adoption system. For parents like me who have finalized two adoptions, it informs me of a wealth of options that are (or should be) available to help me and my children and gives me the strength and courage to seek those options. Thank-you to Babb and Laws for providing what I believe will be used as a workbook of knowledge in implementing services for children. I sincerely hope every family and professional that works with "special needs" children will take the time to read this wonderful, informative book. These children are our future...and Babb & Laws give us the much needed information to help them on their journey! Again, many thanks and blessings to the authors, Eileen W.!!!

Love is not all a child needs to make an adoption work, and the authors show us this truth in their vast personal and professional experience in adopting special needs children. Prospective adoptive parents of special needs children, both domestic and international, will greatly benefit from the important information and insights into critical emotional, educational and criminal issues dealt with in this wonderful book. I heartily recommend it to everyone.
Gisela Gasper Fitzgerald, author of ADOPTION: An Open, Semi-Open or Closed Practice?

Adopting and Advocating for the Special Needs Child is well written, interesting and knows its audience (written in layman's terms). This book should be given to all parents of foster children who are considering adoption.

This book should be required reading for everyone considering "Special Needs" adoption. I recommend the book be read before you start the process. It's a wealth of current information. This book is written so well that you will enjoy reading it.

If you are going to read only one book on adopting children with special needs let this be the one. With their vast personal and professional experience in adopting special needs children, Babb and Law clearly explain the most important information and most critical emotional issues which pre-adoptive parents need to consider. My husband and I have adopted three special needs children. This book helped us understand how to advocate for ourselves as we moved through the process of adoption, how to advocate for the children both before and after the adoption and how to address some of the many complex emotional issues faced by a family which chooses to care for and love special needs children. My hearfelt thanks go out to Rita Law and Anne Babb for this wonderful gift of book.

I am very pleased with this book. It has a great selection of stuffed toys making it hard to choose the first pattern to start with. The size of the toys are just right. I also love the creative writing that accompanies the directions. All in all a great book!

I love Aranzi Aronzo books for their super easy instructions and light-hearted tones. So far, this one's my favorite. I actually laughed out loud while flipping through the pages. I have a boy and a girl and there are tons of things in this book that both of them love. The patterns are so easy and there's no need to measure anything. A few of them suggest enlarging them slightly, but they look great as is! I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to make cute and easy kids' toys.

I love the variety of designs in this book; there are ideas for both boys and girls such as stuffed cars, cute bunnies, bears, and snakes. The directions are very easy to follow, although all of the measurements are given in metric (finding a metric ruler was the hardest part of the whole process!). The narrative that goes with the instructions give the projects personality.

This is the first Aranzi Aronzo book that I picked up. I chose this over the other books because I liked the wider variety of dolls (snakes, cars, turtles, bears) that they featured. So far though I've only managed to make the bears, dogs and bunnies so it looks like I'll probably be picking up the original "cute dolls" as it seems to have more of the... er... cute dolls. Instructions are incredibly easy to follow. Another reviewer mentioned that the measurements are metric but I honestly haven't even noticed as I haven't had a need to measure anything because of the great pictures/explanations. I like the consistent reminders throughout the book to try new fabrics, to have fun and, of course, to make things cute.

"Fun Dolls" can be thought of as "Cute Dolls" volume 2. "Cute Dolls" provided patterns for making 18 full-sized (8-12 inch) Aranzi Aronzo character dolls (if you aren't familiar with the Aranzi Aronzo characters, check out the Aronzo website, www.aranziaronzo.com - they're sort of like the Sanrio/Hello Kitty characters, only with more personality) and "Fun Dolls" provides more of the same (18 more patterns). However, because most of the more popular and well-known Aronzo characters were dealt with in "Cute Dolls", this time around, the patterns are for some of the lesser characters (and, in some cases, ones that I had never even seen before). That's not to say that they're not cute, they are, but if you're looking for a pattern for making Brown Bunny or Bad Guy, you should buy "Cute Dolls" instead.

As was the case with the other Aronzo craft books, the patterns are easy to follow, the instructions are fully illustrated and there are colour photographs with hilarious captions throughout.

This is the third book in the Aranzi Aronzo "Let's Make Cute Stuff" series. People who enjoy this book should also consider purchasing the other books in this series: "The Cute Book", "Cute Dolls" and "Cute Stuff".

Review for Amazon.com of Anne Linden's Book: "Assumptions and Misunderstandings: Memoir of an Unwitting Spy"

This book is a true page turner, (with humor), for anyone interested in the aftermath of the breakup of the Soviet Republic. It focuses on Ukraine and the transition to its current status. The expectations, lack of common understandings and general misunderstandings provide an insight into government in transition.
The author, an accountant, volunteer to the Peace Corps in the `90's has written a frank and honest overview of her experiences during the state of confusion that existed in Ukraine at that time.
The book is also a profile of the author's inventiveness, courage, flexibility, persistence and ability to make friends under very difficult circumstances. The lessons are applicable to many projects, here and there.
I highly recommend reading this one!
Jill Thomas

This book is enthusiastically recommended for anyone who's looking for a very readable and engaging picture of what Peace Corps service in Eastern Europe is like, or for any returned PCVs who want to be entertained by an account of PC life they'll joyfully identify with. The book brings home beautifully the clash of cultures any visitor to a foreign country encounters, and it may also whet your appetite for Eastern European travel--while also providing some valuable caveats about the region, many good laughs, and even a few culinary tips you won't find anywhere else! Read it!

It is hard to be objective about Anne's book since I was in Ukraine at that time. I was sorry when I finished it - wished it was much longer. This book would be essential reading for anyone interested in the former Soviet Union and it's post-independence birthing pains. Well done.

If you ever enjoyed Mrs.Pollifax' adventures you definitely will enjoy Anne Linden's story. Even more, as all events described in her elegant witty style are real and featured with the author's personal perception. And you definetly will be charmed with eloquent Shabunin's illustrations.

I am half way through Anne Linden's book and am captivated by her somewhat dry sense of humor and literal accounts of life immediately after Ukraine's independence. Her stories and personal experiences are engaging and remain relevant to other foreigners working and living in Ukraine today. Much of what she describes is no longer immediately visible to newcomers, and yet the dynamics are all too familiar despite the passing of more than a decade. For those seeking a first-hand account of life after the fall of Soviet rule, prepare yourself for a personal journey through Anne's book.

I got this book for my son and daughter-in-law for their first baby. They use it for a reference for all things to do with their new son and my beautiful first grandchild.

I loved this book! I liked how the author doesn't focus this book to moms, but refers to "parents" in everything she writes (with the obvious exception of breastfeeding). Her advice is good, practical, and non-judgemental. She discusses issues such as cloth vs. disposable and breast vs. bottle without pushing a particular point of view. She covers important topics many new parents don't think of, like wills and insurance coverage. This is an excellent guide for new parents and non-traditional couples (singles and gays).

Me and my wife are having out first baby in March. I bought this book after reading previous reviews. This book was very helpfull in pointing out the basics on every aspect of having a baby. It really gives you information on every subject and provided me and my wife with a list of decisions we needed to make. I would highly recommend this book for first time parents who want a non biased approach on baby care.

I am a 69 year old grandmother who would have greatly appreciated this book when I was raising my children. After reading the book I gave a copy to my daughter who has two small children. Pointing out the importance of the safety aspect of baby products without leading parents to spent beyond their budget should be high on the priority list for new parents. This book is a common sense, easy to read book covering most aspects of raising a baby.

Ms. Blocker's book goes beyond basics in the friendliest format I've ever seen. This is the book I send all my friends who are expecting whether for the first or fifth time. Even after 5 of my own, I learned from it and found it simple to locate anything I wanted to look up. Her solid advice on pre-birth clothing and supply buying, on what to look for in pre-owned items (practical!) and on almost everything else is fresh and accurate. Only one wish: more about breastfeeding, especially for working women. Ms. Blocker's high degree of professionalism and practical experience shine through on every page -- it's like having a conversation with a knowledgeable, favorite friend who's the best mom you know. Her "Practical Parenting" sidebars add a special touch to this book not found in other 'raising baby' manuals. This isn't 'how to', it's 'why to' and 'have you considered' and 'maybe you might want to think about...' She doesn't give orders, only bright, sensible suggestions. Buy -- enjoy -- apply what she says. You can't go wrong!

I couldn't put this book down after reading the first chapter. The voice of the main character rings true. The twists and turns that weave this story kept me wanting more. Pass this title on to your favorite teen!

This short novel is a sensitively told story of a teenager's experiences with family, friends, and the vicissitudes of life. Hopeful in its basic premise, but touching, sad, suspenseful, and often humorous, the book creates a story line with which pre-teens and teens can identify. The point of view is consistent with the plot and characterization is true to life and believable.An excellent mix of the real and the mysterious, Beginnings is an ideal gift for the young adult reader.

This short novel is a sensitively told story of a teenager's experiences with family, friends and the vicissitudes of life. Hopeful, in its basic premise, but touching, sad, suspenseful and often humorous, this book creates a story line with which pre-teens and teens can identify. The point of view is consistent with the plot and characterization is true to life and believable.An excellent mix of the real and the mysterious, Beginnings is an ideal gift for the young adult reader.

This rollercoaster of a novel is packed into 110 sizziling pages. A story of love, hate, death, sorrow,and adventure, this book tells of a teenager who goes through the many hardships of life. The author, Anne T. Piscioneri, paints a picture in your mind with spectacular word choice and a suspensful story line. This book is a must read for everyone, young and old.

This rollercoaster of a novel is packed into 110 sizziling pages. A story of love, hate, death, sorrow,and adventure, this book tells of a teenager who goes through the many hardships of life. The author, Anne T. Piscioneri, paints a picture in your mind with spectacular word choice and a suspensful story line. This book is a must read for everyone, young and old.

Frank about Phyllis Johnson's Being Frank With Anne

When I finished both The Diary of Anne Frank and Being Frank With Anne, I was in tears. What a masterful job Phyllis Johnson did with Being Frank With Anne. It is poignant and captures the essence succinctly of the longer works of Anne Frank's entries from The Diary of Anne Frank with meaningful and beautiful poetic expression. Congratulations to the Phyllis Johnson on this exquisite book. First I read the original entry of Anne Frank and then immediately read the poem of Johnson's on that entry. And on and on that way throughout the entire reading endeavor. What a splendid way to appreciate both volumes. This made for a poweful and meaningful experience -- a double whammy so to speak. Being Frank with Anne is an extraordinary book and perfect companion to The Diary of Anne Frank. I heartily recommend Being Frank With Anne.

What a great book of poems Phyllis Johnson has conceived in Being Frank with Anne, and what a wonderful resource guide to use when reading Diary of a Young Girl. This small book of poems, chronicled as they are to match the dates in Anne's diary, gives us a chance again to think about the days that were spent in that hidden space by Anne Frank, and to see through Phyllis Johnson's eyes, the impact this young life had on her as a small girl reading about Anne many years later. This work speaks again through Johnson's voice, "It haunted me as a young girl and spoke to me for years," she tells us in the foreword to her book. Phyllis Johnson's work shows us once again that we cannot look away and we must always remember what happened in that Annex in Amsterdam, Holland starting in 1942 and ending with Anne Frank's death in Bergen-Belsen in 1945. Phyllis Johnson has done a courageous and outstanding job of asking us to focus again on a young girl named Anne Frank, and the memory she left behind for all of us. Being Frank with Anne is a book of poems that should be read by everyone..

Nancy Powell, author of How Far Is Ordinary, is Vice President of Eastern region of Poetry Society of Virginia

I was amazed at how Johnson condensed the Diary of Anne Frank into such a concise book of poetry. But I was even more amazed at how it touched a class of fifth graders while they were studying the holocaust. I am a newspaper columnist and a substitute teacher. With a fifth grade teacher's permission, I introduced Johnson's work to her class. They loved her work and this inspired the following column I wrote, titled "Funny thing, how stories are spun" for the Gwinnett Daily Post, a newspaper of suburban Atlanta.

This story spun itself on the Web. It started in 2002 when I "met" Phyl Johnson, of Chesapeake, Virginia, with whom I shared first place in an Internet humor contest. (Yes, I'm capable of being funny.)

After years of cutting up with Phyl in cyberspace, I discovered that she's capable of being serious. Her book, Being Frank with Anne and Other Poems, was just published by an e-book company in England. ( www.deunantbooks.com )

I ordered her book for two reasons. One, she's a friend, and two, I'd just subbed in Andrea Herman's Fifth Grade Class at Arcado Elementary School, where the kids were studying the Holocaust. I thought it might be cool for the class to read Phyl's poem and respond to her.

This story was supposed to have ended there, but due to a computer glitch with my order, I "met" the publisher, Les Broad. I mentioned my poetry project and he wrote, "I'm pleased to hear that the US education system doesn't overlook people such as Anne Frank. If you were to ask the average young person of similar age in the UK who she was all you would get is a blank look; our education standards are falling behind yours, I'm afraid."

Well, that kicked it up to a column. So, in April - National Poetry Month - and on April 25 - Holocaust Remembrance Day - to be exact, Miss Herman scheduled time for her students to read and reflect upon Phyl's poem.

"It made me cry," said Priscilla Mahavong. "I was feeling emotionally hurt for the people who had died," said Anish Amin. Bryan Dyer shared a little of himself when he said, "It makes me mad to think about what Hitler did because part of my family is Jewish, but the part that makes me happy is that people survived."

Sam Trent related by saying, "Every day stuff like clothes, food and a good bed we take for granted, they were begging for." Briana Reeves remarked, "If Anne Frank herself hadn't written, we wouldn't know as much about the actual experience."

Amber Bruce reflected that in reading books about Anne Frank, they were mere observers, but, "In poetry, our point of view switches over to hers."

"People don't take Holocaust Remembrance Day seriously enough. Some people think it's depressing, which is true. But we should be happy that we are allowed to study what happened," said Conor Flynn.

Miss Herman's students have gone on to spin this poem from cyberspace - inspired by a 60 year old paper diary - into a Power Point presentation. I can't speak for the whole USA, but I can frankly say that at least in Miss Herman's class, the past is well-woven into the present, reflecting the final line of Phyl's poem: "Anne, you are with us still."

In this beautiful slim volume, Phyllis Johnson responds as reader and writer to one of the most powerful and influential diaries of our time. Powerful poetry responds to powerful prose; the heart of the reader responds in writing to the heart of the writer. While reading this book I couldn't help but envision classrooms filled with readers using this text as a model for their own writing responses. What a wonderful book! What a wonderful classroom resource!

The key term in education today is "differentiation." It holds that educators must provide alternate avenues of learning outside of the textbook. When I challenge my students with a writing assignment it's inevitable that a few will ask to create a poem instead of the typical essay. Once I grant permission I instantly hear other students flip their pages over and abandon their nearly-finished first paragraphs. The point being: Students connect with poetry.

I am a middle school teacher in an urban district and during our final assessments, when students are given the option to write an essay from several topics learned throughout the year, the overwhelming majority choose to write about the Holocaust.

With that, I am glad that someone finally created a book combining two of the typical student's favorite areas of learning. Most students won't randomly pick up a copy of "The Diary of Anne Frank" because it's 300+ pages. However, when a student is inspired and curious, obstacles cease to exist.

That's what "Being Frank with Anne" offers. A stimulating collection of poems based on the interpretation of Anne's diary, this book provides bite-sized insights into what it was like living in the Secret Annex for two years. This eloquently written book serves as the perfect diving board into the most significant event of our past century.

Michael James D'Amato, author of "The Classroom"

God, I love these short stories. These are a must, must read for anyone interested in France during this time period, and someone interested in the nuances of human relationships. Colette was given as a gift to me some 20 years ago, and I have reread these stories so many times, the book is falling apart.

Her short stories are superb! Much much better than any of her novels. If you like short stories, try reading John O'hara (A completely different vein, but excellent also).

The Collected Stories of Colette by Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, ed., and with an introduction by, Robert Phelps. Highly recommended.

According to the introduction, this collection represents 100 stories taken from a dozen volumes published during Colette's lifetime. They are categorised as "Early Stories," Backstage at the Music Hall," "Varieties of Human Nature," and "Love." Some, like the Clouk/Chéri stories, appear to be fiction, while many, like "The Rainy Moon" and "Bella-Vista," seem to be taken straight from Colette's varied life and acquaintances.

Whether writing fiction or chronicling fact, whether writing in the third-person omniscient or in the first person, Colette herself is always a character-rarely as an influencer, that is, one whose actions or choices drive the plot. Colette's preferred role is as observer-and it is one for which she is well suited.

An inveterate sensualist and a former music-hall performer, Colette integrates her characters (real and fictional) with everything around them-their clothes (costumes), their abodes, dressing rooms, and haunts (sets), and their neighborhoods and towns (theatres). Much of Colette's writing, no matter how mundane the surface subject, is about art-the art of living and, notably, the art of loving. In "My Goddaughter," the subject tells her godmother how she injured herself with scissors and a curling iron and recounts her mother's reaction. "She said that I had ruined her daughter for her! She said, 'What have you done with my beautiful hair which I tended so patiently? . . . And that cheek, who gave you permission to spoil it! . . . I've taken years, I've spent my days and nights, trembling over this masterpiece. . . ."

Colette is attuned to everything, every sense, every nuance. "A faint fragrance did indeed bring to my nostrils the memory of various scents which are at their strongest in autumn." ("Gibriche") ". . . set in a bracelet, which slithered between her fingers like a cold and supple snake." ("The Bracelet") " . . . the supper of rare fruits, an[d]of ice water sparkling in the thin glasses, as intoxicating as champagne . . ." ("Florie") "Peroxided hair, light-colored eyes, white teeth, something about her of an appetizing but slightly vulgar young washerwoman." ("Gitanette")

Colette does not pretend to be an objective observer of human behaviour; she does not hesitate to express to the reader her weariness with certain individuals or situations, and her stories of her vain, pretentious, overbearing friend Valentine reveal her jaded and waning affection. She knows this woman so well that she sees her almost as Valentine sees herself-a drama queen acting out stories, roles, and games without depth of feeling for them. "What Must We Look Like?" becomes Valentine's driving philosophy, to which Colette responds with "a mild, a kindly pity." In "The Hard Worker," Colette says, "I can see she does not hate him, but I cannot see she loves him either." What Colette sees-and does not see-is to be respected.

Some stories, such as "The Sick Child," are vivid and imaginative and reveal Colette's amazing ability to think and dream like a gifted child. "The Advice," with its mundane beginning and premise and twisted, horrifying ending would enhance any collection of gothic or mystery tales. Other stories, like "Gibriche," several of the other music-hall stories, and "Bella-Vista," tackle topics that even today remain controversial. "Bella-Vista," in which Colette's moods seem to wane with every familiarity achieved with her hostesses, offers an ending that is heavily foreshadowed throughout but is surprising and gruesome nonetheless.

Most of the stories, whether fiction or nonfiction, seem to come from life in one way or another. The quantity of stories and the quality of the collection reveal the incredible scope of experience of Colette, the dry, often weary yet obsessive observer, interpreter, and chronicler of human nature. As Judith Thurman says in her introduction to Colette's work, The Pure and the Impure, "This great ode to emptiness was written by a woman who felt full." As well she should.

Diane L. Schirf, 27 May 2003.

If you're looking for a refreshing deviation from the mean of women writers, then Colette is it. Her stories offer a pleasurable clearing of the literary palate.

Ok. You've read the Claudine novels, and Cheri and the Return of Cheri. Now what? There are other novels (The Vagabond, Gigi, My Mother's House) but there are these short stories that are "must-reads."

Colette was one of France's most distinguished writers. Though not a writer of massive books like Victor Hugo or Proust, or of psychological novels like Zola or Flaubert, she caught that French essence of individuality and quirkiness and the golden age of La Belle Epoque before World War One changed France forever. Her books are pure joy as are these short stories. If you have NOT read Colette, you are in for a treat. (And don't neglect Claudine or Cheri. )

I was blessed to hear Steve speak shortly in Belgium...I had to read the full account of his story and you will also want too. I plan on passing this book around for many others to read and believe/be encouraged by his amazing story as well! God is using this man and will bless you through reading this book! Two thumbs up..you won't be disappointed!

This is a book that you won't be able to put down. To read of how God in His mercy transformed Stephen's life from a life of total devastation and hopelessness into one of purpose and meaning and usefulness certainly builds one's faith and creates a desire to know this God of his. It encourages and gives hope to anyone who struggles with feelings of inferiority and "what's the meaning to life - is it worth the living?" Well worth the time and money - you will get more than you paid for!

I was recently given this book as a gift because a friend of mine had heard Stephen speak at the bible school he is attending, and his testimony encouraged him so much that he bought a copy and had it sent to me, I loved it! It is truly inspiring and an amazing testimony of God's power! It left me just in awe that the God that saved Stephen is the same God that I love and serve! I encourage everyone to read this book and share it with everyone they know! God Bless!

Stephen Lungu has written a gripping biography of his violent young gang life from the slums of Rhodesia to the missionary pulpits all over the world - this is the remarkable story of Stephan Lungu.

A black boy orphaned by his mother to life on the streets at age 4, Stephen learned to do little more than survive. Taken in for awhile by a relative of his mother, Stephen left home and joined a gang by age 12. The gang, The Black Shadows, committed all sorts of violence, generally on the more wealthy white ruling class, robbing them at knife or club point of their money and possessions. People were stabbed to death, clubbed, and suffered all sorts of violence.

Stephen and his group were about to fire-bomb a missionary tent with thousands of worshipers, when Stephen was transformed by the born-again message of a recent woman, and then was convicted of his sinful state by the preacher. That night was the turning point of his life. He stopped his gang activities and began preaching the life-saving message of Jesus to anyone who would listen, especially on public buses, where he led many people to a knowledge of Christ.

Later taken in by a white missionary, the previous subject of his racial hatred, Stephen learned to read, write, and become a member of civilized society and the family of God. It took him over a decade of study, but soon he was ready to bring his message of transformation to greater Africa, and then later the world. Today, Mr. Lungu is a world-renown missionairy.

Stephen Lungu's story is one of the power of God to transform even the vilest sinner into a loving child of God. It's message is heart-warming and inspiring to all. Truly, no one is too far gone to respond to the message of God.

I was encouraged and inspired by Stephen's story, and how God can powerfully transform even the worst sinner.

Buy this book and share it with a friend.

Jim "Konedog" Koenig

Stephen Lungu came to Stanford University to speak recently, and his testimony was one of the most moving testimonies I have ever heard in my entire life. I bought the book so that I could ask my friends to read it. I think the key to the testimony is that... most of the time, when Christians witness to other Christians, it is difficult to accept their perspective: Christians often get responses like, "it's easy for you to believe, you havn't suffered adversity", or "you simply believe because you were taught to believe when you were little." Mr. Lengu's testimony is nothing like this; from being abondoned as a small child and being taught by his environment to hate Christians, people, and God, he was able to turn his life around and see Jesus. Incredible evidence that Jesus is life-changing, and real, and the Savior.

This dazzling display of some of the very best in international embroidery demonstrates convincingly that this form of needlework is capable of taking its place among the fine arts. Depicting the work of 38 artists from Britain, the European continent, North America, and Australia, the photographs in this book will open minds to the creative possibilities of embroidery and provide endless inspiration for all enthusiasts. The range of work covers abstract, realistic and geometric modes of expression. Accompanied by statements by each of the artists about their influences, personal approaches and techniques, the vivid illustrations reflect a broad and colourful diversity in their international flavour and in the individual motivations and personal strengths that lie behind these glorious creations. The works display a variety of techniques, from hand stitching to machine embroidery, quilting, appliqué, canvas work (needlepoint), assemblage, dye and paint techniques and printing, in the service of an equally wide range of decorative and expressive purposes. For example, in the abstract linear structures of Emilia Bohdziewicz or the illustrative hand-stitched pieces of Helen Daniel, in Tom Lundberg's use of symbolism and dream imagery as well as Tilleke Schwarz's affinity for simple, strong folk art, the embroidery works shown here represent, collectively, the most exciting and innovative ideas in the field today - seasoned by a willingness to incorporate in new ways some of the methods and media of other crafts and disciplines. This exquisite volume will delight and absorb all lovers of form and colour and those who revel in the possibilities of stitch and fabric manipulation, and will serve as a guide to some of the newest and freshest embroidery art from around the world. Anne Morrell is a Professor of Textiles and former Head of Embroidery at the Manchester Metropolitan University. In addition to her research interests in historic and ethnic textiles, particularly of the Indian sub-continent, she has taught for more than thirty years and has published extensively in the field of embroidery and craft textiles. Her own embroidery work has been exhibited in various museums and in touring shows on four continents.

The photographs in this book will open minds to the creative possibilities of embroidery & provide endless inspiration for all enthusiasts.

Recommended highly for anyone interested in textiles

Contributions from thirty-eight textile artists, each providing a piece of work and describing their inspiration and techniques.

A showcase of contemporary embroidery , with a wide representation of styles, some artists preferring to work within established embroidery traditions, others going beyond the standard definition of their craft.

This Halloween story explores sibling rivalry using the example of Halloween costumes. The younger sister, Angela, gets hand-me-downs and never really shines. Situations such as trick-or-treating in the rain will be very familiar to Oregon coast children, and will make them laugh. Angela finally gets her "moment in the sun" when her older sister comes down with chicken pox on Halloween (this won't be familiar to young readers of today, since immunizations, but will give an opportunity for an adult to explain). The conclusion is satisfying--Angela not only gets recognized but she learns to be compassionate towards her older sister. The simple, colorful illustrations are engaging and amusing. The classic typeface will be easy for a younger child to read. This will make a good read-aloud for primary grades, leading to a discussion of "what are you wearing for Halloween?"

Bernadette always has the best costume on Halloween, so how can her little sister Angela compete? Perhaps by wearing Bernadette's costume from last year? But once again Bernadette seems to preside in popularity with her fabulous new costume leaving Angela's in the dust: can she make changes which will make her the star? Any sibling who's faced Halloween will find the idea familiar in this fine story.

Here's a Halloween book you can read to your kids all year round. Children who love costumes (and who doesn't?) will enjoy The Costume Copycat full of dress-up fun and sibling rivalry. Put this charming book next to your costume box for a daily read with your little monsters.

Angela's big sister Bernadette always one-ups her on Halloween. One year, for example, Bernadette dresses as a bunny and Angela as a fairy. However, when the weather turns windy, Angela's fairy is all but covered up by her jacket, but Bernadette's bunny is unmistakeable. Mrs. Walker, the next door neighbor exclaims, "Oh, look at that cute little bunny," and takes two pictures of Bernadette. Angela only gets one picture.

So what's a little sister to do? Under a sort of "imitation is the best insurance against costume-wise sisters" theory, Angela goes the next year as a bunny. Smart! But the next year is muddy, and the white bunny suit soon resembles (according to Mrs. Walker) a rat. Bernadette's black witch's costume is only enhanced by mud. And so it goes, year after year, until Angela is 7. At that point, she gets tired of her copycat ways backfiring, and goes for an original design. Furthermore, Bernadette can best her because Bernadette has the measles, "So Angela went trick or treating with Gerard Schwartz."

Finally, Angela gets the attention that always went to her sister, even the gauche Mrs. Walker delights in her costume and gives her TWO cany apples. What's even more impressive, however, is that Angela's costume skills are matched by a new maturity: She gives the second apple to her measled sister!

Ms. McDonald explores several aspects of sibling rivalry, neither over-dramatizing nor shirking away from Angela's hurt feelings and anger. The year-over-year narrative feels surprisingly clear and natural, and the ancillary characters (Mrs. Walker, Mrs. Walker cat, the parents, young Gerard dressed as a TV) add to the depth. In playful, energetic watercolor and ink pictures, illustrator Anne Wilsdorf captures the collective energy and excitement of kids meeting on the street, as well as conveying Angela's emotions. It's an excellent mixture of outer and inner moments. Whether you have a sib rivalry problem or not, this is a fun, absorbing, humorous, and colorful book (I loved the pictures of the costumes). You'll want to read about Angela and Bernadette even when Halloween is not looming.

Maryann MacDonald's story of sibling rivalry, revolving around a Halloween costume, is quietly funny and uplifting. Every child who loves Halloween and wants to have the best costume will relate to this gem of a story. Parents, too, will find the text and illustrations endearing and enduring.