Boyd Books

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!

This would be a terrific book to use in a classroom unit on seasons before the use of calendars, telling the time of year with the signs from nature. Team it up with Thirteen Moons on Turtles Back (Joe Bruchac) and you have a winning combination for grades 1-5.

Imaginatively written by Carolyn Arden and beautifully illusrated by Jim Postier, Goose Moon is the highly recommended thoroughly entertaining, heartfelt picturebook story of a young girl and her adventures on Grandfather's farm over the seasons.

Goose Moon is a great illustration that warm and comforting literature can still be written for children today. The bond between Grandfather and granddaughter is realistic and the anticipation and wonder felt as one reads the story and takes in the illustrations.

The story and the depiction of it blend beautifully. A true keeper for any child's library.

What a beautiful book. So simple in its essence, but so engaging. I found myself leaning back and closing my eyes and escaping to the world were the " wind [was] at my back" and I could fly "with wings". A perfect book for little ones and for grown-ups who need to slow down!

...if you live it that way. Too many people grow up timid and afraid of new experiences, new foods, new ideas... Don't let your children grow up that way. You might want to talk to them as you read about being careful and the difference between being cautious and timid, reckless and adventurous. But the take home message should be that if they'll exercise some good common sense (and ask you before doing anything dangerous), that life can be an amazing series of experiences that will be richer than anything they can watch on TV.

"Have you ever slept outside on a hot summer night?/Everything looks different/in the moon's strange light./The trees seem to whisper/so you bravely whisper back./Outside at night./Have you ever done that?" Each beautifully poetic question is answered "I've never...", and then continues on with "but I've..." From riding in a storm tossed boat, to picking up a snake, and nursing a sick baby bird, to flying out across the river on a rope swing "...and I knew that the water/was deep and cold and black./And I still let go./Have you ever done that?" Julie Larios explores the small wonders, possibilities, and accomplishments of a preschooler's world in this lovely and evocative picture book. Her rhyming text is full of imagery and magic, and complemented by Anne Hunter's beautiful watercolor illustrations, in quiet, subdued tones that send imaginations soaring. With its soothing, lyrical cadence, Have You Ever Done That? is perfect for lulling little ones to sleep at bedtime. "When the river is deep/and the corn snakes pause,/when the wild waves call/and the wounded crow caws,/Just stretch your wings/in the moon's strange light./You can start by sleeping out on a hot summer night."

This is the most beautiful and comprehensive visual profile of Kauai'i I've found, and so true-to-life. The rare shot of Wai'ale'ale crater is the main reason I bought the book. It's considered a sacred place, so visitors and photographs are restricted, but the magnificence and sheer size of the crater are astonishing, and definitely awe-inspiring.
This book truly captures the diversity of landscape on Kauai'i, from dry canyons to dripping wet valleys, numerous waterfalls and palm-lined beaches to inland deciduous forests and trails, and of course, several shots of the dramatic cliffs along the Na Pali coast.

Whether you've been there or not, the HAWAII DREAMSCAPES REVEALED books will show you the islands in ways you couldn't possibly see on your own.

As someone who travels a lot in tropical circles, I appreciated not just the incredible shots in the latest book, KAUA'I, but also from where the photographs were taken. Whether flying over mountains or peaking down into caves, the photographers appeared to have picked the best possible position to snap the photo. There was often the feeling that the visitor couldn't even get to most of the book's vantage points.

A stunning collection of one of nature's most spectacular landscapes.

I've been using Andrew's other guide books to Kauai. I love this picture book plus points of interest. Can't wait to go back soon!!!

This resource is a lovely collection of prayers. Despite its "Orthodox Teen" label, Christians of all ages can benefit from the encouragement and help that it contains. Boyd has done a great work, unifying prayers, quotes, and scriptures for the strengthening of the reader's soul.

I was so happy to have found this book. I have teenagers at home, and teen-aged grandchildren, also. I read through the book before giving it to any of them (I bought 3 copies), and was so thoroughly impressed with how well the author understands teens and the problems they face as Christian young people in the world today. Really, as I was reading, it was like a private counseling session, because, besides the prayers, Ms. Boyd presents typical situations a teenager may find him or herself in: "I've committed a big sin and am afraid to tell anyone", "I keep committing the same sin over and over again" (strike a bell?), "I feel betrayed by a friend", and so many more! This little volume could save a life, or at least, bring a troubled teenager closer to God and his or her faith. Thank you so much, Ms. Boyd, for this precious little volume. I'm sure it will be put to good use by all, not just teenagers!

I really like the format of this Prayer Book. It begins with the prayers we are familiar with. The rest of the book is like a first aid kit for situations teens often face. There are many topics listed, each one with a Saint who will help us and scripture references that tell us what God says about it. These topics can be tough. Eating disorders, friends who are pressing you to take drugs, abuse. This is the kind of material our teens (Orthodox and non-Orthodox) need to read.

As a stepmom to children in public schools, I often hear their frustrations and concerns about how their peers resolve--or fail to resolve--the inevitable conflicts that occur in the school setting. A friend shared this book with me, and my stepkids gave it a "thumbs up" for practical, useful, and effective advice. Good job!

Every middle school teacher and high school too needs this book to help young teens learn options in a real exciting way that merges with every day situations that they might face. My students have come to look forward to our weekly SCENARIO DAY.The lessons are so realistic and helps them see options to various situations in a non-threatning manner. They're real thrilled to have figured out how to deal with certain situations. I know my classes are much more alive and interesting because of "OUR SCENARIO DAY"

I had an opportunity to read Help Me Decide and I was extremely impressed. When I think about all the peer pressure young people are under today and the many decisions they have to make that will affect their future, I could not think of a more helpful book on the market. Written by two educators whose experience, insight and practical observations make this an incisive, user friendly, original and relevant book for teenagers. It should be carried by every middle school in the country and by all schools of education. Too many schools are expelling students they don't know how to control and this book might prevent that by empowering young people to be a part of their education, decision making process in a way in which they can relate. It takes problems students face every day that might be disruptive to the classroom and while teaching the subject (English and reading) really addresses the whole issue of cognitive behavior change--no Ritalin or mood altering drugs, but using one's own brain to stop and think as to how one's behavior can be changed with positive, rather than negative choices. It helps the novice teacher with tools they can bring into the classroom and enhance their teaching style. This book crosses race, gender, and economic lines and is relevant to students in general because one disruptive child can effect the whole classes' ability to move ahead. Kudos to the authors and I hope those educators in a position to embrace something new and tested will share my excitement and order these books en masse. As soon as I figure how to place my order, I plan to order some and put in the hands of educators in my area. Hats off to the Boyd's for their creativity and beautifully done book. Thank you! Thank you! Thanks also to Amazon.Com for allowing us--the reader to share our thoughts. I work as a recruiter for Duke University and have dealt with young people for over 22 years advising, listening and counseling.

It is a praiseful book in a differnt cadence.
It is powerfful book in its illustrations.

Observing the closed book,one is captured by the clean and clear-cut designs in shades of black, white and gray on the cover. Upon opening it one sees a repetition of color in the illustrations that are depicted in black and white block prints.

The way in which the story poems are displayed invites one to read because the lines are usually short and a certain rhythm can be felt. The messages are very clear if you understand the dialect and if you have read the explanations be the author. This is very important. To neglect these interpretations will defeat much of the joy to be obtained from the reading. I enjoyed the special language immensly.

It is wise to follow the designated age/grade levels for the best use of the material. Here is an example: I gave copies of 'How God Fix Jonah" to two families that include grandnieces and nephews. One little five-year-old, who is an accomplished reader for her age, opened the book immediately and tried it out. In a little while she came over to me with the book in her hands. I asked her what she thought about it. She answered, "It sounds a little strange." I tried to explain that this is the way some foreign people talk before they know how to speak English very well. I suggested that she have her parents read it to her. On the other hand, an eleven-year-old has kept it on her nightstand ever since she received it eight months ago.

There is a great advantage in having this group of stories compiled and kudos are in order for the author's daughter and the publisher for their collaboration in bringing this work to fruition.

If you love words, their meanings, their sounds, and unexpected usage this book calls out to you. It is filled with Bible stories that are written according to the way that a young African lad would sound telling the stories in a mixture of his own language combined with the new language he is just learning, English. Read silently, you will discover immediately that it is pleading to be read aloud. Read it to children or adults, or a mixture thereof. When I discovered this unique book I had great success reading it to a large group of men, women, and children. They were entranced, mesmerized as they listened attentively. The applause at the end of my sharing was tremendous! Discover, too, individual stories in this book which were originally published as picture books. You will find so many uses for all of these books if only you will read one aloud -- just once!

Good work by two pros who have done the job and supported the dispatching personnel with equipment and training. Public safety communications all started with whistles, red and blue lights on PS buildings and batons tapping on the roadways to alert the police and fire of a problem. It progressed to radios, telephones and of course, sophisticated computers and digital processing. Regardless of the incident,the key person is still the dispatcher who takes the emergency call and gets the crews rolling - kind of a pivotal point in the whole response. Along the way, s/he has to stay alert and keep the field officers updated and notify other appropriate agencies. This is a good guide for training and a checklist to cover all the bases when the earth is shaking or the fires are raging. Being a retired cop, I liked it and would recommend it for straighforward training and updating for both communications and field personnel.

I just wanted to take a moment and say thank you and to give props to
the fine folks involved in putting the Incident Dispatcher Guide Book
together for all of us. For those of you who are not aware some very
knowledgable folks have put this guide together for the Professional Tactiacl and Incident Dispatcher. This book is dedicated to all professional Public Safety Dispatchers, in particular, to those who have dedicated themselves to developing the Incident Dispatcher Program and who have devoted the effort it takes to become the "best of the best". Quickly this book covers, What Tactical Dispatching is and its history and the use. Selling the idea, training and criteria and duties and responsibilities. Equipment uses and maintenance, work enviroment, dealing with the media, and includes needed forms. I would highly suggest that anyone involved with IDT or Tactical Dispatching get a copy of this book. It only 15 bucks, and can be found on First Contact 911's website or here on [...]. Get it today, and don't be left in the dark.

Steve Rutherford, Supervisor/IDT Team Leader
Cabell County 911
Huntington, WV

Finally, a book many of us in Emergency Communications has been waiting for! Baker & Larton have done an excellent job of putting all the information together in an easy to read, easy to use resource for Incident Dispatchers.

This book is a MUST HAVE for every fire chief, SWAT commander, comm center manager or dispatcher who wants to serve in a specialized unit. If you are thinking about creating or expanding your current operations, you MUST have this book!

Thanks Dave & Jerry, well done!

In the story Jemmas' Journey-an extended family is shown all together at the dinner table,listening to grandma's stories.This image illustrates the realistic truth in many families of color...An extended family(with more than one generation living together)is a family with lots of living history. Jemma is very interested in grandmas' sad story of a racist violent reaction to a couple of men of color who try to vote.Her memory of one the men hanging from a tree was,and is,a horrific piece of history for all americans.Jemma tries to pay homage to grandma and her memories by planting a tree in honor of the man who died.
She buys a bus ticket and when her parents can't find her,they send a policeman to find her-the officer listens to Jemmas' story and ends up helping her plant the tree.
The story introduces us to many people along Jemma's Journey who have interesting analogies about the tree and life.
Children of color grow up with stories of racist acts and memories.Jemma reminds us that new generations CAN respect and remember the people in our history even if it isn't easy to do so. This is an important book that will help children to see that they CAN MAKE their own history and make a difference.

In the story Jemmas' Journey-an extended family is shown all together at the dinner table,listening to grandma's stories.This image illustrates the realistic truth in many families of color...An extended family(with more than one generation living together)is a family with lots of living history. Jemma is very interested in grandmas' sad story of a racist violent reaction to a couple of men of color who try to vote.Her memory of one the men hanging from a tree was,and is,a horrific piece of history for all americans.Jemma tries to pay homage to grandma and her memories by planting a tree in honor of the man who died.
She buys a bus ticket and when her parents can't find her,they send a policeman to find her-the officer listens to Jemmas' story and ends up helping her plant the tree.
The story introduces us to many people along Jemma's Journey who have interesting analogies about the tree and life.
Children of color grow up with stories of racist acts and memories.Jemma reminds us that new generations CAN respect and remember the people in our history even if it isn't easy to do so. This is an important book that will help children to see that they CAN MAKE their own history and make a difference.

In the story Jemmas' Journey-an extended family is shown all together at the dinner table,listening to grandma's stories.This image illustrates the realistic truth in many families of color...An extended family(with more than one generation living together)is a family with lots of living history. Jemma is very interested in grandmas' sad story of a racist violent reaction to a couple of men of color who try to vote.Her memory of one the men hanging from a tree was,and is,a horrific piece of history for all americans.Jemma tries to pay homage to grandma and her memories by planting a tree in honor of the man who died.
She buys a bus ticket and when her parents can't find her,they send a policeman to find her-the officer listens to Jemmas' story and ends up helping her plant the tree.
The story introduces us to many people along Jemma's Journey who have interesting analogies about the tree and life.
Children of color grow up with stories of racist acts and memories.Jemma reminds us that new generations CAN respect and remember the people in our history even if it isn't easy to do so. This is an important book that will help children to see that they CAN MAKE their own history and make a difference.

In doing research for our Sunday School mission project on Haiti, I borrowed this book from the local library. I was so impressed with the story line and illustrations that I purchased a copy for the Church library. It brings awareness to the fact that education is a priceless gift and not a guarantee in many countries.

Set in rural Haiti, JOSIAS, HOLD THE BOOK provides a snapshot of life for children in a very different culture. Josias doesn't attend school, instead, it is his job to maintain the family garden. The garden is vital to the survival of his impoverished family because it provides them with food and some of the excess crops provide additional income. His parents work very hard, and have entrusted him with the care of the crops. Josias takes his responsibility seriously, and rises early in the morning to work. Each day he sees many of the children in the community walking to school. His friends often ask him when he will "hold the book," which refers to when he will begin attending school. Each day he waves them off, knowing his responsibilities at home take precedence over school.

One day Josias notices that the garden isn't thriving. After several attempts at remedying the problem, he decides to ask the friends if they can find the answer to the problem in a schoolbook. It is then he realizes the value of an education. After talking with his parents they all agree that sacrificing to send him to school now, may benefit the family more in the long run.

JOSIAS, HOLD THE BOOK is a warm and enlightening story. The muted tones in the illustrations mirror the warmth of the story and add considerable detail. I enjoyed the fact that Josias discovered the importance of education on his own, and then shared the realization with his family and convinced them he was right. He was truly an example of a child leading the family. I also appreciated the fact the author presented rural Haitian culture in a thoughtful way. The parents were not depicted as inadequate because they didn't send their son to school; even the youngest readers can recognize that the parents were doing the best they could under the circumstances. In addition, Josias and his family found a way to compromise; his going to school meant some sacrifice, but once he finished his school day he would still maintain some of his responsibilities in the garden. At the same time, he intended to use the things he learned in school to help his family, reinforcing his commitment to family. Josias is a wonderful example because he demonstrates persistence and the value of hard work. JOSIAS, HOLD THE BOOK is a thoughtfully written and beautifully illustrated book that teaches children about a life vastly different from their own and helps them appreciate education; something many children in the U.S. take for granted.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

This is the story of Josias, a Haitian boy whose family depends on him to tend the garden, which is vital to their survival, instead of attending the local school. When the garden doesn't thrive, Josias and his family realize learning is vital to success with the garden and with life. Author's Note describes a schoolchild's day in Haiti.