Boyd Books

Prior to reading this book, I was not familiar with Sara Holbrook's work. My loss. Reading her poetry is such a joy! The poems in "The Dog Ate My Homework" are written from a child/teenager's point of view. They completely took me back to the thoughts and feelings I had growing up. A great addition to a personal collection or a classroom library.

Sara Holbrook, who is one of my favorite poets, presents a book full of school-related poems, many of them very humorous. I seriously reccomend this and other of Sara Holbrook's works for teachers, or students age 10-15.

I am an eighth grade English teacher, and I've worked in both Florida and Massachusetts. In both places, and in other places where I have had the fortune to work with children, Sara's poetry has captured their attention and wowed them with her understanding of their age. Her "silly rhymes" make them giggle and her "I am a teenager and my life is like this" poems make them jump for joy that someone knows what it is like to be in middle school (or elementary school, or high school). I have all of her books in my classroom, and have to replace them often because they are stolen: the highest compliment a student can make to a poet. I love Sara!

Great service from the seller. African version of the Christmas Story. An africian-american coworker initially was offended by what she thought was a "white" attempt to make the story sound "black". When she read the introduction and realized the history and research that went into this story she recognized it as part of her "roots" that she was excited to pass on to her own children.

I first purchased this book 14 years ago for my nephew, and I'm back to purchase it for my daughter. It is such a gorgeously written version of the birth of Christ. It's just so lovely and heartfelt. I can't say enough good things about it. It became part of my sister's Christmas tradition with her children, and now it will become part of mine. I'm so glad I found this book again!

I grew up hearing this book (written by my great-grandfather) every christmas morning. It has become a tradition, all of the kids sitting at the feet of our mother as she read the story, her voice flowing over the melody of the words. Often we wouldn't understand a phrase, but she would explain it how her mother had explained it and how the author himself had lovingly explained it to his daughter, my grandmother. Not everyone who has read this book will have the experience I have had in reading it, but all the same, it touches the heart of everyone who has heard it read.

An interesting book, even for adults. Set in Russian-occupied Hungary, the novel depicts the repression of the citizenry under Communist rule and the hope of a people yearning for freedom. It is told from the viewpoint of a young teenage boy with whom American kids can identify. The skillfully drawn charaters touch the reader emotionally. A definite must buy for parents wanting to help their children, born in a post Berlin-wall era, understand how Communism can tighten its grip over a society.

An excellent portrayal of a story so familiar to Hungarian refugees who left during and after the '56 revolution. It's truly a book for all ages. A book that draws you in, paints a picture and teaches lessons of life.

The Fall of The Red Star is an incredibly captivating book that is applicable today to convey to children of all ages what people go through and the changes seen during a war. This book was read to my daughter's fourth grade class. They were amazed at what this normal kid went through, watching his 'normal' daily activities change from school, homework, parties, and chores into the horror of fighting and killing to protect his family and fighting for his country. It is a story all adolescents should read and a horror I wish no one should ever experience. Read this book. Then read it with your kids.

This is a wonderful book for beginning readers to share with another child or a caring adult. It is one of the favorite books of our "Read to the Dog" students.

While this children's book wins its merit on the poetry and illustrations alone, it will also be a delight for admirers of the Bernese Mountain Dog. The author adeptly reflects the gentle, curious and playful aspects of the breed. I own a Bernese Mountain Dog and my preschool daughter enjoys hearing the book over and over!
-K.G., Wauwatosa, WI

From Childrens Literature - Children's Literature Cheery illustrations are the strength of this poem about animal life in a garden. A wide-eyed Bernese Mountain Dog asks questions to a series of characters who inhabit the field. A strawberry, a bunny, a corn stalk, a cow, a chicken, a worm, a carrot, a beetle, a lizard, a radish, a deer, and even the farmer himself sing back their view from among the earthen rows. Along the way, we learn that strawberries dream of being plucked at their peak, that corn has ears, and that lizards delight in beetle dinners. Wanderers from other parts of the farm are warned by the farmer's dog not to trample or scratch the growing seeds. Repetition and wonderful words create interest-sparking alliteration. The series of questions creates the perfect opportunity for a second voice or reader. Onomatopoeia makes the reading come alive. Young readers will enjoy participating in the read-aloud, while very little ones will listen intently. 2000, Wordsong Boyds Mills Press, Ages 3 to 7, $15.95. Reviewer: Leslie Julian-Children's Literature

Mr. Collison weaves an intricate tale of the social and political chaos within (1990's) Indonesia and its effects upon the nations inside and outside its borders. He writes of complex issues that grasp the reader's attention and yet he never loses his focus on the storyline nor does he ever lose his reader. Suspense runs high as you find yourself becoming emotionally attached to some of the characters, following them through to the end. The "feeling" of Indonesia comes alive through Mr. Collison's vivid descriptions of the customs and traditions of the various peoples of Indonesia. The Fifth Season is a fabulous read and comes highly recommended from this West Coast reader.

As an Indonesian, I'm really happy that there's a man from outside Indonesia whos cares about Indonesia. This book tells us about Indonesia inside and outside, and even though some informations are still far from the truth, i still think it's a good source for you all to know more about my country. As all Indonesians know,Indonesia has been told as a really bad country all around the world by the west. So i hope this book can change people's thoughts about my lovely "rich" country.

The Fifth Season is set in post-Suharto Indonesia and was released in late 1998. I have been reading recent headlines out of Indonesia and sometimes wondering if the Indonesian people are taking notes from this book - virtually everything that is taking place now makes up part of this plot, from a resurgence of headhunting in Borneo to a powerful fundamentalist Muslim leader to the flight of refugees to Australia. I am impressed with the story line, the author's obvious love of Indonesia and its people, and his thorough understanding of the country and its politics. This is his best book to date.

Finding Joy is a happy tale about the early life of a girl in China who is placed in an orphanage. The happiness comes when the girl is adopted by American parents and brought to the USA.

This is a good read for children to learn about the way other people live.

I too have lots of Chinese and adoption book for my daugther as well, but depending on your daughter you really should see if this book is right for you child by seeing if your local library has it or by ordering it at a book store that won't make you buy the book if you don't like it or think your child is ready for this book. You know your child best, is she emotionally ready and if they are so, to also know about not being born in your tummy, but of someone elses who chose not to keep her.

The 1st page shows a mother & father getting ready to leave their child beside a bridge. It talks about the parents being sad about leaving her and the only mention on this page of the " One- Child policy" rule is the last sentence which says No Room for Girls. There is more information on the very last page in the Author's Note which does speak more of the One Child Policy and Old Chinese belief on why boys are more important that girls.

In the book the baby is found with a note and a red blanket and both are returned on Metcha / Gotcha day. Most children are not found with a note and if they had a blanket I have never heard of a child being given the blanket back to keep.... it would be a wonderful item to have for your adopted child to have the blanket or clothes they where found in. I don't know why they aren't kept......

The book talks of the little girl named Shu-li being found and going to an orphanage with loving caretakers who had " room for girls". The story then goes on to a couple who has older children who are no longer at home but want a daughter to love. The mom excitely travels to China wondering....." yet a thread of fear wrapped around her chest and pulled tight. What would she find in this distant place? Could her family love a baby born to strangers?" Again, think of your child and how they would process this........and in the next page the last sentence reads " The mother smiled. The thread of fear unwrapped and fell away' when she finally sees her daughter. After metcha or gotcha day happens the next page is of mother and daughter flying home with the abandonment note and blanket. Everyone is happy at the airport and Shu-li has a new country, family and name Joy. The story ends with" In a chest in the attic, the red blanket lies neatly folded. When the time seems right, the mother will take it out and tell her daughter about flying far way to the land that had no room for girls, and finding joy"

The illustrations are done in watercolor by Yong Chen and are beautiful. I hope this review helps.

I purchased this book on recommendation from a fellow adoptive parent. We hav all of the other popular picture books on this topic. I have been introducing my daughter's story to her slowly, without much interest on her behalf until we saw the opening pages of this book. She was totally facinated by the story and while the details from then on are different, she is able to comprehend how they apply to her own start in this life. In turn, it has started to unlock some of her questions and early conversations about our familyh. This book brings it front and center and has opened up a lot of great dialog and interest in the other pieces in our library.

It is beautifully and sensitively written and the illustrations are gorgeous watercolor drawing.

It's been almost a year since the auto accident which confined Crystal in a wheelchair, but she still struggles with guilt and grief over her dead father. Now her grandmother's recent death has left her in the position of sorting her possessions - and facing a mystery involving her grandmother's eccentric friend's disappearance. Can a girl in a wheelchair do what the police can't? A spunky story of courage and adventure evolves.

Crystal Ramos, the thirteen-year-old heroine of Finding Zola, is adjusting to life in a wheelchair. Crystal has been paralyzed as the result of a car accident in which her father was killed. The author, Marianne Mitchell, skillfully weaves a mystery while subtly teaching readers that individuals with disabilities can lead interesting, independent lives. This book could be used to increase students' respect for the elderly and for individuals with disabilities.

I just finished reading Finding Zola, and felt compelled to let the author and future readers know what an enjoyable read it is. The story held my interest from the first page.

I was impressed with the clever/flawless ways Ms. Mitchell wove all the little details together. Her vivid descriptions and dialogue are extraordinary; they made me feel I was there with Crystal. The culprits were a total surprise to me, and the dramatic scenes that followed their revelation had me on the edge of my seat. I predict that this novel will win acclaim, and have a very long shelf life.

Signed,
A fan

I had the pleasure of taking a class with this talented writer/illustrator and just love this clever version of this Halloween classic. Her pictures are always so bright and colorful and geared to the child's eye. My grandchildren love this book no matter how many times I read it to them.

You remember the little song from grade school about the five little pumpkins! This absolutely charming book uses the lyrics of that Halloween song and combines them with full double page illustrations in bright water-colors. The fun and excitement of trick or treat night is captured so well in this book. Join the neighborhood witches, devils, ghosts and a cute black cat on a visit to the skeleton's haunted house! The five little jack-o-lanterns roll along for some good high-spirited fun with nothing scary that might trouble little ones. Make some great memories when you share this book with children. Happy Halloween!

I love this book. I read it to my preschoolers all month before Halloween and they never tire of it. The illustrations are just beautiful and very enjoyable for the children. The finger play rhyme in the book is very familiar to most of the children and they like to read along. They also enjoy voting for their favorite of the 5 little pumpkins. Very well done.

Great buy, would recommend this to anyone looking for a meaningful read, or anyone who enjoys the thoughts of a great lyricist.

From The Murks Of The Sultry Abyss, Brandon Boyd's sophomore book effort, follows exactly in the same vein as his freshmen effort. He's got a few poems. He's got a lot of stories and point of view essays. A lot of pictures. And a lot of drawings. If you've read White Fluffy Clouds you know what to expect.

I love White Fluffy Clouds which is the reason why I held out from buying this for so long. As much as I enjoy all things Incubus (especially Brandon), I didn't know if he'd be able to top White Fluffy Clouds. I'm still not sure if he did, but he did amp up the writing this time around, which is a pleasant treat. One thing that isn't as impressive (albeit mildly) is his art. I could stare at his drawings in WFC for hours wondering how exactly he did it. With FTMOTSA I haven't really found myself doing that. The pictures are excellent, but the drawings are more tame than before. However! Give and take.

All in all, From The Murks Of The Sultry Abyss is a worthy follow-up. Full of engaging reading material, curious photography, and some very good art, I'm sure it'll prove to be a book you can go back to time after time and still enjoy every glossy page.

The special edition (as pictured in the current display picture) is nice but don't feel the need to drive yourself crazy trying to find it. The box it comes in is pretty cool with a nice drawing on the cover, and the stickers are equally cool but unless you're a diehard collector there's no need. If you can find it easily though, definitely go for it.

"Car Crashes And Cow Corpses"...a must read for everyone.

This book is awesome but I don't understand why it is so expensive on amazon. It's half the price that's listed here if you buy it from Brandon's website:

www.brandonboydbooks.com

Not only does From Tip to Tail provide you with a WORKING knowledge of ski tuning, it offers up something that other ski tuning manuals don't‹simplicity and focus. I found that after having read this small, but potently illustrated book, the art of ski tuning suddenly was within my grasp. Now I'm keeping that money I used to dole out to ski techs and buying the author a ceegar

I read this book and I must say I was quite pleased with it. It offers a good guide to ski tunning, with step by step instructions. I particularly liked the checklist at the beginning of each chapter that made the whole book as a sequential script on how to fine tune our skis. It doesn't, however, go too much into the details of ski tunning, but that was not its purpose anyways. I would say that this book is a wonderfull complement to Seth Masia's book, where more detailed stuff can be found.

After reading this book and following its direction, I am able to tune my whole family's skis to a high precision. Three of my children race and their performances have clearly improved. Now they really notice when their skis are out of tune. Mr. Rader does an excellent job of describing every step involved in tuning/waxing skis - Great book!