Brooks Books

Beautifully written....Taliesin Jones sparkles with that sort of childhood innocence that we all wish we still had...Author Rhidian Brook paints a spectacular technicolour picture of 11-year-old Taliesin Jones growing up in Cwmglum, Wales. Taliesin's increasingly dysfunctional family (his mother's run off with the hairdresser, his father keeps hoping she'll come back, and his brother is completely taciturn) spurs his thirst to find out whether there really is a Christian God. Through his piano teacher and mentor, Billy Evans, who happens to be a healer (that is, one who heals by praying), Taliesin comes to grasps with who he is, who his God is, and growing up in his place in Welsh society.
The language in which this delightful novel is written captivates and provides a vivid mental picture. One finds themselves thinking what Taliesin is thinking, seeing what he is seeing, and searching for his answer along with him everys step of the way.
Fantastic.

This is a wonderfully uplifting story of a young Welsh boy trying to find his way in a confusing world...which became confusing when his mother ran off with her hairdresser for reasons Taliesin doesn't understand, but which Brook makes clear to the reader. Though the story is told from the boy's point of view, the reader is in the position to see that he is working out his own salvation in the stumbling way of the seeker who knows where he is going and why, he just doesn't know how.
What is endearing is his great "plan" which comes to naught as does most of our plans. Tal is just so normal.
I've passed around my copy and encouraged the public library to buy one for their shelves. The paragraph about the Skin Clock is worth the price of the book!
I would love to read Brook's other book, Jesus and the Adman. His skill with words, character development and setting are exemplary although plot resolution was a bit weak...still a heartwarming read.

This is a moving, wonderfully written portrait of a Welsh boy with 'still-growing eyes' emerging out of childhood into a world of new uncertainty and possibility. Destined to become a Welsh classic. Buy it and spread the word.

This book is an inspiration to the reader. Combining the words of Myra Brooks Welch's famous poem, and the detailed and vibrant illustrations of Greg Newbold, The Touch of the Master's Hand provides a wonderful image of the worthiness of every individual in the eyes of God, even when other people may not recognize their worth or value. This is a book which is good for all ages.

Asa lifelong violinist/collector, this poem by Myra Brooks Welsh has been my favorite for many years. How nice to see it published in mini-book form complete with colorful illustrations of each depicted scene! Many thanks to all involved in it's publication and distribution.

This is the most beautiful book with high moral teachings of perfection and deep symbolism. I have bought 10 copies for my grandchildren and sons. It is truly a classic! Beautifully bound. Beautiful pictures. NOt only good for children but also adults. A must in every home.

My 7 year old daughter and I just read George O'Connor's book - OUTSTANDING! I'm teaching a cryptomythology summer camp for gifted kids and O'Connor's book will be a delight for the Bigfoot fans.

I love the details in his work - the plethora of bookshelves with cryptozoology and mythology book titles, the unicorn skeleton, the baby with Spiderman in his/her mouth - all of it. Uncle Bigfoot is endearing and enchanting as he sends postcards asking after his nieces and nephews. I love the page where the baby is sleeping on his tummy. Oh! And the ending! Very nice indeed ;). Every page and every moment was interesting, engaging and educational. I'll be looking up a few names on the bookshelves I saw...

We read the book twice in a row and thrilled at the humor, tenderness and just plain fun. Thanks to George O'Connor for creating such a unique, genuine treat that is pure joy!

Uncle Bigfoot has been a huge hit in my household. The premise is fairly obvious from the title. A young boy is reintroduced to his Uncle Bernie, who he hasn't seen since he was an infant. There aren't any pictures of Uncle Bernie in the house, and when he arrives, the young boy is surprised to find that his uncle is a rather large, hairy man with enormous hands and feet. Could Uncle Bernie be the elusive Bigfoot? The young boy rules this out, though, when he sees how fun and loving his uncle is.

Certainly the theme that it's okay to be different is evergreen, but the two boys in my house could have cared less about that. The first thing my 3-year-old did was step on the cover of the book to see if his foot was as big as the foot on the cover. We also had to see if his hand was as big as the picture of Uncle Bernie's hand in the middle of the book. My 5-year-old thought the picture of the young boy as a Bigfoot was the best part. He now thinks he wants to go as Bigfoot for Halloween. So while I certainly don't condone my children stepping on books, I love how this book immediately captured their attention with it's funny illustrations and straight forward story. Not to mention, the green toenails on the cover supplied the gross factor required of all picture books by my two little monsters.

For additional reading suggestions, visit my site.

Great story of a kid who is searching for the truth, asking questions, and using scientific method and reasoning to come to his own conclusion. Yay for kids thinking and problem solving in picture books! One great moment is when Bernie surmises that IF such a hairy gargantuan is his UNCLE, then IS HE going to become so hairy too?? Yikes! The comic style illustrations are cinematic in their angles and zooms, and hilarious in their details. It is a wonderful depiction of a Bernie's mind, intent on solving the mystery of whether Uncle Bigfoot is indeed Bigfoot, with a backdrop of well-intentioned but roundabout parent talk. Uncle Bigfoot is wonderfully fun reading, reminding grown-ups that kids are more logical than we realize and reach some very amusing and thoughtful conclusions.

The book came in new condition at less than half the retail price. Good people!

Some years ago, I developed an interest in voice and diction. I had noticed how well-spoken many actors were, and then later I noticed that successful people in general tended to be well spoken. The opposite also held true, I noticed even college educated individuals with poor speaking habits.

I took voice and diction lessons from a local teacher, and then moved on to the classic book in the field, Edith Skinner's, "Speak with Distinction". "Speak With Distinction" is a monolithic work, and many of the great actors of American theatre and movies regard it as the bible of speech training.

Edith Skinner refers to "Voice and the Actor", as a suggested book for further study. In many ways, I think "Voice and the Actor" functions as the perfect companion piece to "Speak With Distinction". This is because whereas "Speak With Distinction" focuses on proper pronunciation and enuciation, "Voice and the Actor" focuses on the processes of vocal production, i.e., breathing, diaphram, and the elusive process of "setting the voice free".

Also, "Voice and the Actor" goes into great detail about the need and proper use of a device called a "bone prop", which is used to prop the mouth open during voice training exercises. This isolates certain muscles, and is an old school voice training technique which is quite helpful.

Highly recommended for actors and serious students of voice and diction.

Ciss Berry is actin

This is the best book I have ever seen to show children what NOT to do with their books! The illustrations are engaging and my kindergartner loves it. This is the favorite at our house!

Marion the hedgehog loves to read and she relishes her borrowed books - until she accidentally spills on one at the breakfast table. Her clean-up efforts only result in further disaster in this wonderfully engaging picturebook story which is especially recommended for children preschool and kindergarten through second grade.

I. First the Fairy Tale

Once upon a time there was a young hedgehog who began her career as an exotic pet for a fourth-grade boy. When she and the boy failed to bond, she was given to the boy's teacher. After a couple of years the boy's teacher moved on but the little hedgehog remained behind as a fourth-grade classroom pet. At some point she went home to live with a teacher's aide and eventually she moved to a seventh grade science classroom. Over the years, she acquired several names including Velcro and Zipper but no one really took the time to get to know her or to learn how to care for her properly. Finally, after developing internal parasites and severe foot problems (her toenails had grown around her toes and back up into her feet), the hedgehog found a forever home with school librarian, Brook Berg.

Suddenly the lonely hedgehog was transformed from a down-and-out neglected pet to Marion, pampered hedgie princess! She quickly acquired a plastic ferret ball and a custom-made, hedgehog-approved, exercise wheel. Not only that, she moved to a luxurious palace consisting of four spacious four-foot long translucent covered plastic boxes connected with 3" PVC piping! She had a room for her wheel, a room with a patio stone (to manicure her toenails), a dining room and a bathroom! Each room had a pipe, a box or a hat to provide plenty of places for privacy or napping!

Marion's palace was installed on top of a library shelf where she could watch the students as they selected their books. Every afternoon the ferret ball was placed in one of her rooms. Her slaves would tap on the ball to signal Marion and she would eagerly jump into it to tour of the library or the school hallways! Marion's weekends were spent at Brook Berg's home. Her box house, wheel and ball always traveled with her and she also had week-end access to a five-foot swimming pool and many toys.

After nearly four years as a pampered library celebrity, Marion died of old age.

2. Then the Books

Brook Berg has written three picture books about using the library. All three feature Marion in a starring role as a little girl hedgehog who aspires to be a librarian when she grows up.

In the first story, What Happened to Marion's Book?, Marion spills jam on her library book while reading at the breakfast table. Her frantic efforts to clean the book are very entertaining and effectively teach students how to--and how not to--take care of their library books. What Happened to Marion's Book? is a particular favorite with the younger students at the two schools where I work. They really sympathize with Marion as she tries to salvage her ruined library book.

The next book, What Marion Taught Willis, bravely tackles a notoriously dry library subject--the Dewey Decimal System. During "Career Day" at school Willis teases Marion when she says she wants to be a librarian when she grows up. Marion dares Willis to meet her at the Media Center so she can show him the interesting books he can find there. Willis can't turn away from a dare so Marion is able to convince him that the Dewey System will make it easy for him to find books on interesting topics. The story really engages students who enjoy discovering where books on their favorite topics can be found.

The third book, When Marion Copied, offers a clear, child-friendly explanation of plagiarism and how to avoid it. Marion is pleased when the teacher begins reading her report in class. But when he goes on to read the reports of a second student and a third, Marion realizes that the reports are identical because the students have copied the same Internet page on the topic! Her teacher explains what plagiarism is, describes its consequences and presents techniques to avoid it.

The books feature large, colorful illustrations by Nathan Alberg and a photograph of Marion the hedgehog. They were published by Upstart Books of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, a publisher which specializes in creative ideas for library and classroom learning. A small plush version of Marion is also available.

This book was easy to read and kept you feeling all of the emotions the main character was going through. I couldn't wait to find out what happened next and literally couldn't put it down! Whether you have been through similar situations or not, you will love this book! I have had at least a dozen friends read it too, and they felt the same way!
I can't wait for another book from this author.

This book was very easy and enjoyable to read - a real page turner. It has an inspirational and hopeful theme. The book shows how courage and perseverance in the face of adversity can pay off in the end. Anyone who has ever experienced an abusive relationship would surely benefit from reading this book. I highly recommend it.

This book was awesome...I dont read that much because i dont have alot of time but this book really kept me going.I would read a chapter then found myself on the next chapter and of course couldnt put it down until i found out how that chapter ended.The reading was very easy and i read the book in a week.I would recommend this book to anyone !

Maureen Corbeil,Waterbury Ctr.Vt.

A super neat book teaching children to not copy other people's work. Great work.

Written by Brook Berg with illustrations by Nathan Alberg for young students in grades 1 through 4, When Marion Copied: Learning About Plagiarism is the thoughtful and entertaining picturebook story of Marion's copying a paper from the internet, and the lesson which Mr. Owen has to teach the class about plagiarism. Following Marion's class through an elaborate but easy-to-follow explanation of the proper way to cite writings and summarize correctly, When Marion Copied offers young readers an unique introduction to what may happen if they copy school work (or any other work) from any sources, most especially including the internet. A critically important addition to all elementary school library collections, When Marion Copied is very highly recommended for all teachers and parents of children as highly informative, thoughtful, and non-threatening, helpful and effective guide through the problems associated with plagiarism.

As a school librarian, I found this book to be an excellent resource for explaining plagiarism and also the importance of citing sources during research. Although the illustrations appear to make this book appropriate for the primary grades, the book is really intended for upper elementary.
I used this book in preparation for a Big 6 research lesson.

After reading the book, I have to say I am exhausted by all the laughing. The fictional charactors in this book are wonderful. I have to say, Ms. Brooks sure know how to lay one heck of a novel on all of us readers. That's for sure. Could'nt seem to put the book down.

I was disturbed however reading a comment on Amazon from a Miss "Disappointed". Who happen to have read the book and had some aweful, and negetive comments to say about the novel.
As a reader who read the book, I can say - MISS THING IS WRONG!!! There is nothing wrong with this book, and the only "flaw" I saw in anything was "her" review being posted in the first place.
I have serveral friends who purchased the book, and happen to fall in love with it tremendously. The grammar, and storylines were wonderful in my opinion, and my friends opinions as well. Maybe "Disappointed" might want to read the book again so she can see how true Authors actually write, and express they're creativity.

It was mentioned though good friends of mine (who went to her book signing), she had no other more than 500+ people asking her to sign a copy of the book. Now put that in your "disappointed" pipe honey, and smoke it. I would love to see you smoke that off, sweetie, and when you do, let me know. It obviously proves not everyone feel the same as you do about this book. Must be easy to read if others can read it, and not you. Some of these people I mentioned are also college educated, Honey. PH.D's Teachers, ect. I didn't hear no grammar comments come out of they're mouths and they would be the very ones to mention(I would think) of any bad grammar or taste in a novel.

Every person I heard read the book(including the reviews here on amazon) had nothing but great things to say about the book(except you), and I am another in the bunch to say, it is astonishly great.

I would highly recommend to you "Disappointed by Atlanta" to read the book again. Sometimes it takes more than once(for some people) to get the jist and understanding of what the novel is really about. Cant be a good book critic by looking at grammar issues. Have to look more beyond that in a good novel.

I found the book to be spiritual, funny, exciting, uplifting, and insprational. Readers would get a kick out of some of these stories. Stories that will just blow you away about these two young men who experience life in the most unbelievable ways imaginable. You would not only laugh, but you will appreciate the novel in such ways you haven't in any other novel you might have read.

I give this book 5*****stars. Thank you Ms. Camey for sharing your creative talent as a true author. One who can write positive and funny material, that is enjoyable for everyone to read in all ages. Glad for once to read a book that is rated G.

Cant wait til your next book come out. Which is hopefully soon, Girl.

Best Wishes to you and your endeavors for a future novel!

The debut novel of Camey Brooks, Whistling in the Wind is the story of two friends' struggle to cope with the devastating setback of an unexpected layoff. Yet even as they work to make ends meet and rebuild their lives, they gradually rediscover the importance of finding hope through God and being grateful for what they have. Sudden plot twists and an inspirational bond with a young girl with the unique gift of connecting with people's hearts distinguish this sweeping story, about the challenge of navigating the crises that afflict ordinary life.

This book, 'Whistling In The Wind,' is definitely one of the most exciting, easy-to-read, spiritually-motivating & emotionally-uplifting books I've read in a long time! This new Author, Camey Brooks, is successful at interweaving the frequent frustrations & disappointments of everyday life with a constant reminder of the ever-present (often ignored) Higher Power who is continuously at work behind-the-scenes in each person's everyday life despite the ongoing chaos & confusion created by a negative force in the world.

It is surely a must-read for anyone who is, or has, experienced feelings of depression & frustration due to job loss or career change, loss of a loved one, uncertainty and / or simply those who have never realized that God often places "ordinary people in our lives for extraordinary reasons!"

Already, I can't wait until the next novel in her series as this one is definitely one that should be on the "10 Best Books To Read" list!!!

THANK YOU, Camey Brooks for passionately reminding us that there is a loving God who is in control ... and that there are indeed special people whom he places in our lives for a much bigger purpose than our little minds can fathom!

This is a book with many stories- the Wright brother's efforts to fly and consequent fame, life at the turn of the century and what was expected from women. Not many women today could relate to this book about Katherine Wright's dedication to her family. Even though she was an educated woman, she gave up her life to take care of her family and almost missed out on a chance for love late in life. Although aimed at older children I think adults would enjoy reading the book and browsing the photos.

Loved this book. Katharine Wright inspired me to want to name my daughter (if I have one)Katharine. But I wish people would spell Katharine Wright's name RIGHT in reviews. AR, not ER in the Katharine.

Katherine was a woman of her times, although she graduated from college, which was rare at that time, and the first in her family to go to college. The book reflected those times. The relationships in the book were sensitively portrayed, and quite accurate. Katherine was an inteligent, warm woman, and was support for her brothers, and was sometimes called the third Wright Brother. She was charming and outgong, which helped the reticent Orville after Wilbur died. Through her eyes, you could find a relationship with her brothers. I recommend the book because it puts a face on the era, the place (Dayton, Ohio and Kittyhawk, NC) and the efforts and success of the brothers Wright.

Special Education professors Steve Graham, Ed.D. and Karen Harris, Ed.D. combine their talents in Writing Better: Effective Strategies For Teaching Students With Learning Difficulties, a methodical and practical guide for educators. Chapters address genre specific writing strategies, paragraph-writing, goal-setting, brainstorming and other strategies, ways of fostering self-monitoring and self-regulating writing skills, and more. An invaluable, practical resource that explains its ideas in depth with boxed tips and numerous examples, supported heavily with research and classroom experience.

If I could have only one book on teaching writing, Writing Better: Effective Strategies For Teaching Students With Learning Difficulties would be that book. Steve Graham and Karen Harris not only can research, but they also can write with clarity, flair, and humor.

Any teacher or homeschooler who wants students to be more independent can profit from their strategies for enabling students to learn to monitor their own performance.

The research and strategies Graham and Harris discuss were primarily tested at the middle school level. However, I have used them successfully at the college level with students who were not learning disabled. The authors' recommendations are practical, down-to-earth, and clear enough that any anyone can use and adapt them to a wide range of student populations. They need not be limited to special education.

Linda Aragoni
www.you-can-teach-writing.com

This is also an excellent resource as I am writing a thesis on self-regulated strategy instruction in the area of written language