Burns Books

This is a great book to help the average person keep fish healthy. I wish I had this book years ago, as so many fish would not have had to give their lives. It gives practical information about how to set up and break in a new tank, what fish can cohabit an aquarium and a lot of great info about water chemistry and what fish like which types of water. It also discusses treatments for sick fish. Great book for the price! Less than $10 + shipping from the author at everythingfishy.com.

This is a great book for the beginning aquarist as well as the knowledgeable. All of the advice has been gained the hard way, by doing it. Alice Burkhart writes in an easy to read, practical manner that covers all of the information a beginner NEEDS to know. I recently started a new 44 gallon tank following the directions given, and have not lost a single fish! This book will pay for itself from the get-go. If you prevent the death of even one Discus for instance, you have paid for the book! I cannot recommend this book too much, I just wish it had been available 20 years ago when I quit the aquarium hobby out of frustration over dead fish.

This book will answer all the questions for anyone who is new to fish keeping.Its easy to read and explains things like water chemistry in a way that is clearly understandable to everyone.It tells you what you need and how to set up an aquarium and in doing so will make keeping fish an interesting and enjoyable experience. I cannot reccommend it too highly,its a must for every budding aquarist.I doubt I would have needed to buy the many other books I have read if I had found this one first.

Laughs, chills and thrills for Children of all ages. Tia - Gam The Trickster delights with a sense of humor and mischief! Whales Canoe will take you on a trip that must be explored by young and old. This CD is a must have for entertainment.... cruising down the road, sitting around the campfire or just playing pretend!

It is no wonder that the author has children fighting over copies of this !!! When I hold it I say "MINE MINE MINE" too. The work is not only excellently WRITTEN - it manages to achieve that ever present goal of the writer - to entertain and teach simultaneously. The parables are so unforgettable - they stay with you and haunt you and make you a better person. I find myself going over and over the stories in my mind when I am quiet or even when I am not - they just keep running through my brain - and each time I learn something more. There is gentle and strong wisdom here - with a touch of magick. However it becomes very addictive - mine is being used and loved till it is worn out. This is more than a collection of stories - it is one of those creations that also becomes a beloved friend.

The stories are wonderful for all ages. Entertaining and engaging. Listen to learn how the kookaburra got it's laugh. Ever wondered how kangaroos found their way to Australia? Dal Burns will draw you into the characters and stories where you will find the surprising answers!

I still remember this book some 40 years after writing a book report on it when I was in 4th Form at Wichita Collegiate School in about 1966. I remember very little except the title, and that the family had moved to England so that the father could study an ancient English author. (Chaucer?) The children encounter some sort of magical creature, and at this point my memory fails. As long as I can find it for an inexpensive price, I will most certainly buy a copy.

Wow-I read this book a zillion years ago and it left a HUGE impression-the other reviewer was right-I remembered the title 37 yrs later as well...how amazing is that!? ..and trust me, Ive read a OT of books since. The only other book I can rememeber making that big of an impression on me at the time was "The House With A Clock In It's Walls" by Belairs...another classic.
I did a search for this title tonight for the heck of it-and there it is...now I have to buy it!
I made a book report on this one in the fourth grade back in Indiana, and I even remember the report-the only one of many I have recollection of-funny that!
Highly recommended!

Most significantly, I'd like to note that I read this book 40 years ago...and could still remember it's name! As I recall, it's about a very small elven character that could fit in the palm of your hand.

A very novel concept to a small child who lives in a world of things much larger than they are. It made me pay attention to 'small things' rather than the 'large ones'! A whole new perspective!

I became a detail oriented person which remain a personal habit today and I credit that to a silly child's book I read so long ago. It might prove beneficial to a child that ignores detail because the idea that this character sleeps in a window sill also makes you notice the dust you overlooked there when last you cleaned your room and I promise you, as a child full of imagination, you start looking in window sills to make sure nothing is sleeping there...or perhaps to imagine that they do!

Just good fun reading! Most memorable!

I checked this book out from the library and loved it so much that I'm going to purchase a copy to own. Other reviewers have covered the fiction/fact aspect of the book, so I'll limit my comments to the beauty of the story and the illustrations. Adult readers familiar with Joseph Campbell will recognize elements of the hero-tale framework in the narrative. The story itself is compelling and captivating to children and adults alike. My 5 1/2 year old son eagerly chose it as his bed-time story every night until we finished it. (It's a long read-aloud for one sitting -- too long for a 5 year old at bedtime.) My 7 year old daughter and I were equally enthralled.

The illustrations are incredibly rich and detailed, with African-influenced stylization. They are fully up to the task of supporting the beautiful narrative. The paintings, along with some illustrative detail inserted into the text areas of the story give the book a regal, special feel, almost as if it should be handled reverently.

This book would be a wonderful addition to anyone's book collection and would make a beautiful gift. I also recommend the book "Sundiata: Lion King of Mali" by David Wisniewski as a prequel. Sundiata is portrayed as Mansa Musa's grandfather in the Burns book -- a detail which may or may not be factual. Regardless, it's another well told and nicely illustrated Mali legend.

If you are looking for a strictly historical book, go elsewhere. The main story is entirely fictional. However, it is beautifully told and gorgeously illustrated, and it is well researched historical fiction. No, we know nothing of the childhood of the famous Mansa Musa--however, the portrayal of the cultures and ways of life of the people is vivid and accurate, and this legend-like tale will surely gain a deserving place in the canon of children's literature.

For educational use, this is of fairly limited *factual* use because of the dearth of written accounts about Mansa Musa and his reign and, as a result, the fictional nature of the main narrative. However, the epilogue is factual (if not completely impervious to debate), and the entire book would be great as a fictional supplement to the study of the Middle Ages, especially as it takes the point of view of a non-Western culture and focuses upon an important historical figure who is often glossed over (because of lack of information and his lack of impact upon the West) in typical courses of study.

This book would be excellent for people of any background who enjoy history, good story-telling, and breathtaking illustrations.

For other great, beautifully illustrated, African-oriented picture books, try these:

Why do Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears? - an animal myth

The Marriage of the Rain-Goddess - based on a South African myth, it contains many elements common to African folklore and fairytales (such as the substitute bride)

African Princess - nonfiction about 6 royal women of Africa, from ancient Egypt to the 20th (and 21st) century. Painted illustrations are limited to one portrait per woman, but the book is fascinating and unusual, and photographs are skillfully chosen to complement the text.

African Princes - Complement to African Princesses.

There is a great deal of historical evidence in support of the mighty empire of Mali and the trek of the great king Mansa Musa across the Sahara Desert to Mecca. Some European historical accounts have him listed as the king of all of Africa. There is solid historical evidence that he lived in the early 1300's and further evidence that a mighty fleet of ships departed from the kingdom and made landfall in the Western Hemisphere during his reign. This would mean that their arrival predated the voyage of Christopher Columbus by almost two centuries.
This story is an account of the life of Mansa Musa before he became king, and while the background is historically accurate, most of the account of his life before he became king is fictional. Some of it is based on cultural myths that are still part of the Mali culture, but it is clear that there were once mighty empires in Africa. I found this book very interesting because it tells of an aspect of African history that we in the west rarely if ever hear about. The empires of Egypt and Nubia are part of the historical education of every western child, but the mighty nations that once existed in other parts of Africa are largely ignored. Most of the Africans captured and sold into slavery were from the northwest section of Africa and it is a western cultural myth that they were savages. From the historical events on which this book is based, a strong and civilized nation existed in that area several centuries before the slave trade began.
The authors do a good job in writing about the early life of Mansa Musa. It is an appropriate blend of a story for children with just enough adult features to make it appeal to all ages. Once I completed the book, my interest was so aroused that I did an online search for books on Mansa Musa and the empire of Mali.

This is simply the sort of book you pick up and can't put down until you've finished the last page. I've loved all of Ms. Bradford's work and can't wait to get my hands on her next!

Laura Bradford has done a masterful job at keeping you guessing in this classy whodunit. Newspaper reporter, Elise Jenkins takes the lead role in sniffing out the killer of a woman who witnessed a crime in her early childhood. The author keeps building the relationship between Mitch Burns and Elise Jenkins, but keeps the pacing perfect to keep the reader engaged.

Another winner from Laura Bradford.

For true fans of the mystery genre, I'd like to encourage you to read the third Jenkins & Burns Mysteries by Laura Bradford. As usual, Ms. Bradford sucks her readers into the story through her careful descriptions and her insightful characterizations.

On this trip into the lives of reporter Elise Jenkins and detective Mitch Burns, the reader is thrust into the day-to-day events any of us could encounter, until murder intrudes. And wouldn't you know it, the body turns out to be Elise's teacher. Once again, Ms. Bradford takes the reader on a ride through numerous suspects--twisting and turning until you're not sure who you can trust. Was the killer a man bent on revenge? A shy girl looking for validation? The remnants of a crime thirty-five years old? You can't be sure until all the pieces of the puzzle are laid out. (Lord knows, I'll never tell.)

If you're looking for a straight, honest-to-goodness mystery (in the same vein as a modern-day Christie or a toned-down Paretsky) this book is definitely the way to go. A wonderful book to curl up with, but unless you plan on staying up to read it all, not too close to bedtime.

I loved this timeless book. I really helped me understand my need for my father. I will use the teachings for my children and hopefully they will turn out better then I did.

I just wanted to say that this book was awesome. It enlightened me to the potential of a family and the power of a father's love. I loved the book and recommend it especially to parents who are dealing with difficulties in regards to there children.

I've just finished this book and consider it to be a MUST READ. It brings encouragement, hope and valuable insight to fathers raising young children and teenagers as well as healing to those who may not have had a perfect childhood and still long for the love of a father. I truly recommend it and will pass my copy on to friends.

As I read through it, I kept thinking that this would have been a great gift to give to my mother on my own wedding day so many years ago. Written straight from the heart with a transparency that is unmistakeable, this book is a window into the indescribable love that a mother has for her children and how it manifests itself through the lives of those children. While the words may not be our very own, I think mothers and daughters alike can identify with the unique bond they share, regardless of their current stage in life.

As a mom to two young kids, I found this book to be full of inspiration for the road ahead. It's warm and encouraging, and there is some real wisdom here. I highly recommend it to other mothers or moms-to-be.

THE MIRACLE IN A MOTHER'S HUG BY HELEN BURNS is the perfect Mother's Day or anytime gift for any mother you know! Written from the very personal point of view of a world-renowned female preacher and teacher, it is very touching. Helen tells of rearing her three girls and the importance of giving love and hugs. Her writing will touch your heart and spark yhour memories of experiences as a mother or with your own mother. She makes us aware of how important a mother's presence is instead of presents. When a child's need for love and appropriate loving touch is met, the child grows up loving and self confident and carries the legacy into the next generation. If you as a mother ever feel unappreciated pick up this little treasure of a book and see how very important your role is, not only when your child is young but also all through his or her life. This book is a selection of the new Mothehood Club "Making a Difference One Kiss at a Time" an innovation of Howard Publishing Co.

This is a beautifully written gem with many facets: biblical and theological insight, pastoral sensitivity, wonderful humor, and stories with warmth and depth. Professionally, I intend to recommend Modeling Mary to all my pastoral colleagues, Protestant and Catholic alike, as a great Advent resource. Personally, I was reminded that God's grace both precedes and exceeds my perfectionistic tendencies, that spiritual growth involves many twists and turns that surprise, frustrate and liberate my more "linear" expectations. Containing some very helpful discussion questions, Modeling Mary may be read as a devotional guide or used for a group study. Shining throughout this book is a remarkable and wondrous sense of God's grace that permeates, informs and transforms all things human. I cannot wait to read Rev. Burns' next book!

I recently ordered this book as a tool for our faith community in Bible Study. It is an excellent guide for reaching a higher level of discipleship. John Burns is a very skillful writer and we can not wait to have more of his fine works. The questions at the end are not only helpful but very thought provoking. His interpretation of the biblical text is great ! Rev Jean Robinson- Casey

This book is so captivating I couldn't put it down. I loved John Burns' personal stories and simply took delight in his creative and colorful use of language throughout the book. Until now, I had never given the life of Mary any thought. The lessons Burns present are quite profound. I love sitting in solitude doing nothing but thinking. I will be reflecting on Mary's journey for quite a while.

I am certain the book is getting this type of feed back already. However, my comments may seem surprising once it is understood I do not take the virgin birth story nor the resurrection of Jesus literally. I consider them both to be legendary stories attached to Jesus decades after his death. I question everything, e.g., do we really know the true identify of any of the authors of the gospels or of the beloved disciple?

Nevertheless, I found the lessons this book offers to be quite relevant. In my mind I simply substituted God for Jesus and understood the Mary/Jesus stories as symbolic. From there everything fell in place. I believe Jesus was a profound spiritual and master teacher who also experienced life's ups and downs. Perhaps the same can be said of John Burns!

This book is fantastic. We bought this book in Denver, while visiting friends and thought our (child) would like to read a story written in and around the places were going to visit and see. He really didn't want to get it, but we bought it anyway. He absolutely fell in love with it. Good story, good plot. Just an overall great book to keep a child's nose in a buried in book. I'm just a mother, but I would highly recommend it. I love to watch my child read!

This new series by Emily Burns is perhaps the most delightful book that my children have ever read. The mysterious plot and the wholesome values presented throughout the book keep my children reading (even after their bedtime)! The illustrations in the book are wonderful as well! John Breeding did a really great job capturing the scenes on paper. I would definately recommend this book to anybody looking for a great book for their child.

Deftly written by Emily Burns, Mystery On Rampart Hill launches the new "Rocky Mountain Mysteries" series for young readers ages 8 to 12. Tyler, Steve, and Stephanie Thompson search the old house on Rampart Hill (which is slated to be converted to a community library) to discover why a series of strange happenings is occurring there. Is someone trying to stop the creation of a library? The Thompson kids are determined to solve the mystery so that the whole town can benefit from the proposed new library. Enhanced with occasional black-and-white illustrations by John Breeding, Mystery On Rampart Hill is the kind of wholesome novel that will instill a love of reading in children and leave them anxiously awaiting the next adventure of the Thompson siblings!

Since I bought this book some months ago, I've read it over and over. It's so easy to understand, and its breadth is so comprehensive; it's a godsend for someone like me who used to be a complete duffer when it came to anything to do with stocks, shares and trading. I'd been following the techniques and advice Robbie gives (on paper at first of course!) for several months before I took part in an online spreadbetting competition last month, and won 300 pounds for second place.
I certainly couldn't have done it without taking in the valuable information on every page of this book. The trading strategies are easy to understand, and Robbie's style makes the book a fascinating read. Included is a chapter on investing 'horror stories', submitted by real traders whose mistakes provide an additional education, and confirmation, of the all too real pitfalls that Robbie warns us of whenever we consider buying (or selling) shares. What more can one say? A must-have for anyone serious about trading.

If you`re a new comer to the world of trading shares or even an old hand, you`ll find this book a little different to any you may have read before!
Written in a humourous & down to earth style, free from the usual financial mumbo-jumbo jargon found in most stuffy financial books,this book actually makes you understand, how you can really make money from shares & avoid the pitfalls that almost all new investors make.
In a detailed step by step approach, you learn how to pick a share ( from the hundreds available), research it, follow the chart & find a point on where to buy & sell it at a profit(hopefully).
I only wish that this book was available a few years ago, so that i could have avoided some expensive mistakes!
Whilst a lot of finance books are written by gurus & non trading mentors, this author actually trades for a living.
The book also mentions his website where his current trading exploits are listed.
A most enjoyable & informative read! Money well spent!

Ok, you've been watching the stockmarket over a few years, brought and sold some shares occasionally,made a bit of money and sometimes lost a bit of money, or worse, a lot. You watch Bloomberg and some 'expert' tips a share, you go online and buy it and a few weeks later it comes out with a profit warning and dives! You need this book! Do what Robbie says, make some coffee, get some toast and sit down and read. The first thing that will strike you are the warnings. There are some horror stories of people who lost a great deal of money in here. Fun if you haven't brought anything yet-will turn your blood to ice if you have. But that's the whole point. It's going to make you sit up and scrutinise your shares and it's going to stop you buying all those lousy ones that are out there. There's no jargon, no long lists of mystic mathematical formulae for working out if a share is 'cheap' or not. This book is for normal, Earthbound people. I really enjoyed this book. It was highly informative and very entertaining and to be honest since reading it my wallet (or virtual wallet) has gotten very rosy cheeked and developed a proper pot belly. If you're new to trading or even if you would consider yourself experienced I would advise you buy this book because trust me it'll be the best money you've ever spent.