Collins Books

This is a good beginners dictionary. We use it for high school Spanish 1. There are still some words that are not in here so sometimes we have to use internet or library for back up for homework. Nevertheless what's needed for basic conversation and translations is here.

Harper Collins has a long history of providing students of world languages with dictionaries that, in addition to being reasonably comprehensive, have the cleanest, most transparent design on the market, and combine those features with affordable prices. The new (2001) Beginner's Harper Collins is no exception. Although it is a reference likely meant for first- and second-year students, and therefore is NOT as comprehensive as more advanced learner's dictionaries may be, it seems quite sufficient for that level.

The two-color design makes it easy to distinguish between keywords; each new meaning of the same word is underlined and begins on a new line. Explanations are clear, and provide not just basic meanings of words, but also usage patterns - a feature which is very helpful, and usually NOT found in similar, basic dictionaries. And so the English TO DEPEND is not only translated as Spanish DEPENDER, but also includes prepositional extention (DEPEND ON = DEPENDER DE), with an example (The price depends on the quality = El precio depende de la calidad); additional meanings and prepositional usage are explained through clear examples: You can depend on him = Puedes contar con él; DEPENDING ON in the sense of SEGÚN has not only an example (depending on the weather = según el tiempo que haga) but also a color-highlighted usage note (según has to be followed by a verb in the subjunctive).

The authors had enough common sense (unlike those of some competing dictionaries) to list only the most usual, frequent meanings, leaving out confusing details. And so, commendably, TO REALIZE is simply rendered as DARSE CUENTA, without listing the existing, but misleading verb REALIZAR (correct, although in the sense TO FULFILL and not TO BECOME AWARE OF); an appropriate usage structure is given as well: to realize that = darse quenta de que, plus there is a sentence: Nos dimos cuenta de que algo iba mal.

Usage notes scattered generously on the pages are a very helpful and unique feature; and so the entry for AN EAGLE not only gives ÁGUILA, but also highlights with a blue boxed background: "Although it's a feminine noun, remember that you use el and un with águila." Quite impressive in a BEGINNER'S dictionary!

There is a good and sufficient, although brief intro. on how to use a dictionary, followed by a few useful check exercises. The reference part includes irregular verb charts, as well as sections on telephone, e-mail, traditional correspondence, numbers, dates and telling time, and a list of common false cognates ("falsos amigos"). In the text of the dictionary all irregular verbs are clearly marked with an *, although finding the conjugation may have been made easier if they also had a pattern number listed in the entry, without requiring a second search in the the irregular verb section.

I can't resist mentioning the paper, although it may seem trivial to some readers: unlike so many pocket-size dictionaries, this one is printed on good, smooth, crisp white paper, NOT the yellowish and coarse newsprint which unfortunately is the common fare of most dictionaries in this price range .... Two-color print is another visual asset, although sadly it has not been used to its maximum advantage (e.g., irregular verb forms in the conjugation patterns could have been highlighted in color,increasing the visibility, without any additional printing cost).

Overall, for the first and second year students of Spanish (and equally for the Spanish-speaking students of English as a FL), this is the dictionary of choice, with little competition currently on the market among bilingual dictionaries (beginner's Spanish-only Diccionario Escolar VOX, ISBN 0844279803, ... would be a great companion to this title beginning at 2nd year level). One should note, however, that most serious students of language will outgrow the scope of this vocab by the end of their second year of (college) study.

By far this is the best and easiest dictionary for high school students to use. A self-instructional section at the beginning shows students how to use a billingual dictionary and look for the exact meaning of the word they wish to find. With other dictionaries, students have come up with very bizarre translations, but this dictionary will help them to catch the nuances that go with a language. I have several copies myself and have recommended it to all my students.

The two-color (black and blue) print, high-quality paper, and the not-too-much-on-one-page format of this dictionary are what set it apart from the abundance of other Spanish-English dictionaries available. Because it is a beginner's dictionary, it is not exhaustive (for example, the word "mestizo" is not included as an entry). At the same time, the editors have made an effort to include very practical definitions. Therefore, under "pin" in the English section, you will also find PIN (número de identificación personal), and along with "making out" an address or "making out" a check, you can learn how to express "making out" with somebody.

The dictionary includes a special middle section with verb conjugations, false cognates, and fun word games (in both English and Spanish).

Though perhaps primarily intended as a resource for English speakers learning Spanish, my Mexican students of the English language have found this dicionary to be a helpful tool.

I use this book for my survivors group and the group members love it. The best part is how the book promotes bonding among the group members. I have had nothing but good reports about this book from my clients. This book can also be used for other traumatic events in people's lives other than childhood sexual abuse. Thank you...

This book gives a clear, step-by-step method for therapists working with adult survivors of sexual abuse. The writing is basic and no-nonsense - an excellent guide for those working in the field.

As a group therapist who has faciliated time limited groups for over 12 years, I highly recommend and support the work of Bonnie Collins as outlined in this important book. Her program utilizes a structured 12 session group model that addresses all aspects of the group participants. Mind, body and spirit. Compassion, skill, tremendous sensitivity are woven into this treatment model. For example, Bonnie is aware of the normal anxiety of these women discussing such issues in public and in a group setting, that she has written material available for the group members upon walking into the first group session, as a way to bind some intial expected anxiety. The approach is not solely a cognitive one--the excercises outlines and suggested are often times experiential in nature. Well thought out and easilly read. I especially liked the handouts, assessment tools, and suggested letters offered at the end of the book. A must read for anyone working with this difficult issue in a group setting.

Bonnie Collins and Kathryn Marsh's book Healing for Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A 12-Session Group Treatment Program, published by Whole Person Associates out of Duluth, Minnesota is a wonderful model for professionals who choose to facilitate groups for survivors of incest. Although the book is written for adult survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse, I feel it can be adapted to adolescent survivors as well. The user friendly style in which the guide is written allows for easy adaptation. The authors have thought of everything from the comfort of chairs chosen to experiential exercises to develop safety. They truly attempted to put themselves in the shoes (chairs) of the survivors they serve! Collins and Marsh start with the item survivors need most - SAFETY - an item that is taken for granted by many non-survivors! Choices are given at every turn - something that survivors may also see as very foreign. The survivor is in control of whether they contribute or not. Survivors need to hear that they have permission, even if it seems redundant. Ms. Collins and Ms. Marsh recognize their very important role of re-parenting and providing for a corrective emotional experience. Inner Child Work and the use of song/lyrics entitled How Could Anyone exemplify this process clearly. The anger releasing idea of throwing ice cubes into a bathtub sounds like it could be a winner in terms of getting the different senses involved with this process. It's also an affordable way to "rid the rage." The use of meditation and relaxation done in a structured, predictable way allows for the subtle implementation of spirituality and understanding that can offer healing on a different level to those who partake. The "earthquake" guided imagery exercise helps significant others of survivors. This visualization exercise may allow the respective parties to better understand what a survivor goes through, how a flashback may be elicited, or what it might look like. After reading this book, I have decided to use this model as a guide for the teenage survivors I work with. Don't miss out on the well developed insight and knowledge that Bonnie Collins and Kathryn Marsh put together to use in this sensitive, delicate and rewarding process. Such practical tools of this nature may take years for a therapist to collect. Here it is , all in one single book!

Andrea M. Binner, M.S. Ed., C.S.W. Supervisor of the P.A.C.T. Program Hamburg, New York

"A well-written and engaging book that offers a new perspective on corporate social responsibility. Arena clearly presents her points and methodology, alternating between compelling case studies and tightly defined frameworks."
- Liz Maw, Executive Director, Net Impact

"Kudos to Christine Arena for daring to challenge sound-bite thinking! She asks important questions and requires the reader to take a fresh look at what it means for companies to be responsible."
- Sue Mecklenburg, vice president sustainable procurement practices, Starbucks Coffee Company

"Arena cuts through the hype and de-mystifies what can seem like a very complex field. This book is a must read for CEO's and future leaders of firms of all sizes."
- Linda Dunkel, President & CEO, Interaction Associates

"Arena strikes a healthy balance by looking at what's right and wrong with the CSR movement. She manages to inspire without ignoring the challenges ahead."
- Mats Lederhausen, managing director, McDonald's Ventures

"An important and much-needed book. Arena unlocked the secret at the heart of business - that companies that say "it's only business" may be abandoning the maximized profit they so monomaniacally seek."
- Gil Friend, CEO, Natural Logic

This is a great book for those who are just learning about CSR as well as those with more experience. The author does a great job of illustrating both successes and failures and asks the readers to really examine the subject of corporate responsibility. Readers learn to explore if companies are just putting on a good act or really making significant, positive strides in their business practices.

If you have gotten cynical about corporate social responsibility - this is the book for you! Very hopeful and accessible, even inspiring!

Christine Arena paints a whole different picture of socially responsible companies - they are making money BY being socially responsible, not IN SPITE OF it.

It's research, but not stuffy or academic. The case studies make for a great read - I highly recommend The High Purpose Company.

I am a professional in the Corporate social responsibility field who has been very disturbed by the tendency in the field to focus upon right and wrong, good and bad companies while seemingly missing a critical point- businesses are in the business of pleasing shareholders. Ms Arena's book opened up a rare vantage into the CSR filed by demonstrating the business case for CSR and in addition inspiring me by the stories of tremendous good that these very same financially successful firms were achieving.
I beleive that we are seeing a revolution in Capitalism of revival of the interconnections between the common good and the good of the company- Christine has built the foundation for seeing first hand how financial success and doing good are interdependent.
I am very excited by what I have read and individually inspired to pass the word on to colleagues about her book- it is highly readable- well written unlike many business books and full of juicy tid bits about companies i have both admired like Toyota and also those that I would never have thought were worth admiring.

This is a nice book that takes the reader on a biographical journey. It's a relatively easy read, but very gratifying. The Greenes have gone through several major disappointments, and survived. MUST READ!

This book really appealed to me and my family. We are all Southern Gospel Music fans and this tells a warm, descriptive story of a family who has faced difficult crisis, overwhelming victory and medical struggles with grace and faith.

Greenes' fans will especially enjoy this book. However, anyone would be inspired by reading this volume.

Order it today and I think you'll be glad you did.

Gosh! I really enjoyed this book. This Gospel Music family - Tim, Tony, TaRanda, and Kim - has faced challenging difficulties and enjoyed wonderful blessings through their successful and enduring career in Southern Gospel music. Kim "Greene" Hopper now tours with The Hoppers! But she and her brothers tell what it was like to tour as youngsters.

Here are a few things I especially enjoyed:

-- Tim and Amy Greene's love story
-- Kim Greene's marriage to Dean Hopper
-- Kim joins the Hoppers
-- Tim Greene's recent health problems and healing
-- Tony and TaRanda's hilarious dating life and eventual marriage
-- The Greene children and the future for the Greenes

Not only is this a wonderful look at America's foremost Southern Gospel Trio, it is also a heart-tugging story that will inspire and encourage all who read it. I highly recommend this hardbound book to anyone who enjoys Southern Gospel Music!

***
"The Greenes are some of the sweetest people in Gospel music. It is rare that you find a group that isn't afraid to sing songs with powerful lyrics. I thank God for them and am honored that they have chosen to use many of my songs on their recordings. Most of all I am thankful for their integrity. A good name is above the price of rubies and the Greenes have held strongly to that!"
-- Dottie Rambo
 

If you are a fan, this book is certainly for you.

As I read it, I laughed. I cried. I laughed some more! This is a great piece of literature that gives me a great understanding of The Greenes after the stage lights go out. It also portrays a normal family with challenges, just like mine. In spite of all the ups and downs, these folks remain steadfast in their faith. It is so refreshing!

I ALSO LOVE TaRANDA and TONY -- these guys have a great sense of humor!

Thank you Greenes for allowing this book to be released!

How Dogs Really Work is a really great book. I love the story, and it is very, very funny. The illustrations of the insides of dogs are very well done and the artist is great. I recommend this book with 5 stars.

According to Alan Snow, dogs are complex mechanical animals, composed of pipes, wheels, funnels, bolts, and other hardware store parts. Snow's brightly colored drawings (except for the black and white picture on pp. 10-11) show cutaways of the dog's inner workings, including a telescope (eyes), microphones (ears), and something resembling a washing machine/bank vault to represent the stomach. All of this is very funny and creative on first viewing. He uses computer analogies to explain higher functions like memory: "All dogs, even the boring ones, have some sort of brain..." "All the information that goes into the brain is compared with the information that is already there (called memories)." In the "stored information" section of the dog, the cutaway reveals a bulletin board with tacked-on pictures ("visual memory") and bottles containing a boot, a sausage, and a treat ("smell memory"). Several small internal dogs operate the various levers and gadgets that control the mechanical beast we know as a dog. (This begs the question of what operates the inner dogs, but Snow lets that one go).

Obviously, this imaginative book is strictly for fun, and Snow's illustrations, short answers (e.g., "what happens when the eyes pick up an image of another dog") and guides (e.g., General Maintenance") are humorous and sometimes even instructive. However, the book's mechanistic approach is sometimes off-putting as well. Snow sometimes refers to the dog as an "it," and this construct is reinforced throughout the book. In one two-page section, a vet opens up a sick dog as if the latter were simply a bad engine (screwdrivers and drill parts surround the upside-down canine). Neither the eyes of the vet nor of the dog are shown, and each lacks a basic humanity or "caninity," respectively. Snow opens up the laboratory-like feeling of the book by showing a dog playing, eating, chasing, and exploring around a house, but the basic social nature of the dog is ignored. Other sections of the book just don't feel right. The text for the diagram (that's what the pictures feel like) of the dog viewing an apparently frightened "other" dog reads, "Do I know this dog? Yes. His name is Fang, and he is my friend." The humor around dogs' independence is usually reserved for cats, and the food-centered nature of the dog is nothing new-even if the illustrations are creative.

As clever as the concept, and as well drawn the execution (this book won the New York Times Book Review title for "Best Illustrated Children's Book), the book lacks a certain warmth; you get the feeling that Snow doesn't own a dog. After the initial satisfaction at seeing the bright, creative schematics, the dense text and complex pictures become almost taxing. Occasionally, Snow takes a break from this formula, and his page about how dogs and owners come to resemble each other ("A pretty pampered dog will make its owner feel ugly and inferior. Result-the owner will rush off to the beauty salon.") succeeds well, and is the only illustration showing dogs and humans enjoying each other.

I think little kids will enjoy the pictures and older kids will enjoy the obvious nonsense of it all, but the book could have "strayed" a bit more from its basic premise. One could also view this book as a satire on kids' last-minute grade school reports, but Snow didn't take this route. Snow's book is big, colorful, and inventive, but the reliance on the mechanical humor takes away some of the personality and warmth it might have had.

I first read this book as a little kid- and I still like it now. The idea of dogs being machines is a great one, and little details in the drawing make it seem real (in a wacky way). A good book for younger kids, or any one with a love for dogs and a sense of humor.

This is by far the best picture book I have ever read in my life. Alan uses such a great sense of humor, and the pictures are wonderful. My mom and I always used to spend extra time after washing our dog so we could read this book. When I got it for Christmas, my Aunt and Grandma liked it too! How Dogs Really Work is a book for people of all ages, I even gave it to my cat-loving friend!

Aaron Elkins, author of __ICY CLUTCHES__, has a background as a physical anthropologist among his other professions. (Novelist and Business Administrator to name two) In this novel, as in most of his others, he uses his background in all three to concoct a murder mystery which involves some newly found bones which are the remnants of members of a scientific mission who were killed in an avalanche 30 years ago.

Elkins's protagonist, Gideon Oliver, is "Johnny-on-the-spot" when some of those bones resurface as the result of the shifting of the glacier in which they were embedded.

Also present is the leader of that ill-fated mission, now a famous T.V. personality, and one of Television's grand poseurs. His main purpose in returning to the scene is to prepare the way for the publication of his forthcoming novel about the expedition and the deaths resulting from the avalanche. This preparation includes getting releases from all interested parties, so the remaining members of that ill-fated expedition, and the closest relatives of the deceased are along for the ride.

After the resurfacing of the bones, Gideon is able to determine that they belong to only two of the three victims, and that one of the two had been killed, not by the avalanche, but by being hit in the skull by an ice axe.

From here on, the plot speeds up a bit when "Mr. T.V. personality" is found murdered and his manuscript is missing. (The plot is a little slow during explanatons of the use of the bones for analytical purposes re: sex, size, identification of individuals, etc.)

The questions I'll leave you with, and which I hope will entice you to read __ICY CLUTCHES__, are:

Are the bones that were found those of the two men in the expedition, or of one of the men and the one woman?

Why was the manuscript stolen?

Why the present day murder?

Are the new murder and the 30 year old one related?

Who was the murderer 30 years ago, and who is the modern day murder, and are they one and the same person?

These are the questions that can only be answered by reading this novel. Happy reading!

This is an excellent detective story from the glacial field of Alaska. Gideon Oliver is, for me, a new find and going to be an addition to my reading lists. Starting with Oliver's Sherlockian deductions based on a few skeletal remains to his final deductions and resolution of the case, there is excellent detective work. And my original prime suspect gets killed during the course of the story. Every mystery reader knows that feeling. I'll be backtracking to the earlier books in the series and bringing myself up to date real quick.

For those who have read the more recent additions to the Gideon Oliver series by Aaron Elkins, I highly recommend they go back to this title and read it. Or even reread it! It is the best of the series and a synthesis of all that works for Mr. Elkins. The story is set in Alaska, a glacial country of brooding cold skies and even colder ice. The plot is perfect, combining just the right amounts of human foibles and motive, geological factoids, and of course, forensic anthropology. And there is an air of menace which pervades the book like no other in the series.

As soon as I stumbled on my first book by Aaron Elkins, I raced through all of his others. I love the type of mysteries surrounding a character like his Gideon Oliver; an academic and forensic anthropologist rather than a cop. All of the G.O. mysteries are set in interesting places, and all have a good dose of physical anthropology. This particular one is set near a glacier (which holds the mystery) in Alaska. And in terms of suspense, setting, and how the science was used to "crack the case", I think "Icy Clutches" is the best of the series. MUCH better than the somewhat dragging "Old Bones", the one which won an Edgar Award. If you like the mystery genre and want some reading that is quick yet satisfying, I recommend all the Gideon Oliver books; but especially "Icy Clutches".

Ever since I saw the outstanding 1996 Neil Jordan film "Michael Collins", I have been fascinated in the story of Collins and the violent early years of the IRA. This excellent pictorial history gives a brief but concise summary of his life, along with dozens of extraordinary and rare photos. From his growing up in West Cork, Ireland, to his tragic death at the age of 31, this book explains his amazing life in a simple, straightforward way that will please both experienced Irish history buffs and "rookies" who're looking for a good place to start.

What I find most tragic about Collins is that after years of fighting the British to achieve Irish independence, he was ambushed and killed by his own countrymen during the Irish Civil War of 1922. There are photos of his fiancee Kitty Kiernan, his best friend Harry Boland, and various IRA associates, and of course photos of his enemies, both Irish and British. There's a particularly chilling photo an R.I.C. Constable alongside two Auxiliaries (known for their brutal methods), all with evil grins and guns drawn. This book is an absolute must for any Irish history buff!

Being a fan of Irish history and in particular the life of Michael Collins I was very impressed with the content of the book.This book show's the man as he really was to the Irish people.A hero who died in the persute of freedom for his people.

For anyone interested in getting to know more about Michael Collins and Ireland's finally successful struggle for freedom from Britain, this book is an excellent, easily read introduction. It depicts in words and photos a terrible and critically important period in Irish history and introduces the reader to one of the most fascinating and compelling figures in that history or any other. Highly recommended.

Everyone has heard the cliche "A picture's worth a thousand words" and Connolly proves it is true. History comes to life beautifully as the reader is enveloped in headlines, photos, drawings and letters of the time. As well as eye candy, The Illustrated Life of Michael Collins provides an accurate, easy-to-read biography and a palatable political analysis. Unlike some other historical profiles, Connolly stays away from melodrama and hero worship, telling the facts as they were and leaving the observer to make his own choices. A worthwhile purchase for anyone interested in Michael Collins and/or Irish history.

1. Overall
I was always interested in Rev. John Wesley, although I'm attending Reformed Church. In this 'commemoration of the Three Hudred Anniversay of the bith of john Wesely', Kenneth Collins explained or introduced not only the life of John Wesley, but also the transiton of theological positon of John Wesely. Especially, this 'journey' shows, without any screening, the weakness or follies of John Wesely in such a candid way, so I got so much 'comfort' for this. Even John Wesley DID make mistakes several times just like me, and his 'theological journey' went on all through his entire life.


2. Style
Although this book follows the chronological order, it usually shows five distinct points in 'essential' part of his life : 1) background 2) accident 3) journal written by Wesley at that time 4) the evaluation of the accident by relevant modern books and 5) relevant 'disclaimer' part of journal which was written in later days.
Furthermore, Collins from time to time provide compact summary for the essential or critical theological thesis, so it really help me a lot about understanding Wesley's theology and its TRANSITION. Now I understand, basically although, where is the difference between the Calvinistic view and Wesleyan-Arminian view, and its impact in the context of actual lives in 18th century, and perhaps in 21st century.
Lastly, this book refers the soucing books or sermons so detailed manner, so it helped me acquainted with the works of John Wesley, which enabled me to discern which book to read afterwards.
I felt I'm reading at least two or three books at a time (in this small volume!) : biography, theological book, and devotional book. I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend this book, to Methodist or even to any 'reformed - minded' person who want to understand Rev. John Wesley.

From John Wesley's ancestors, the English political and theological climate, the books Wesley read, and the people Wesley met, we learn how his theology developed. This book reveals the "fire and brimstone" Wesley in his youth turning into the pastorally sensitive older Wesley. The effects of the Anglican Church, German Pietists, Catholicism, and Puritanism all leave their clear mark on this pious and evangelical man.

The concept of the little church within the church is as worthy of consideration today as it was in the 18th century. Christian accountability is needed today. Wesley knew how to make Christian disciples. Today's efforts at forming classes, pale in comparison.

Wesley left us with a fairly detailed, insightful and personal account of his life. Wesley's plain account of Biblical text resulted in his "ordo salutis" which becomes difficult to deny. Collin's book reviews and analyzes Wesley's accounts within their historical perspective. We see Wesley with his warts and his insights.

This book is inspiring in it's historical account of Wesley's evolving theology. Read it and stand on the shoulder's of a giant in the faith.

John Wesley: A Theological Journey was delightful to read. It is reader friendly and yet very thorough. Both the life and thought of Wesley are explored with great depth and yet with remarkable ease, all of which is attractive for all kinds of readers. I appreciated the straightforward comments made in light of an honest regard for the successes and failures in the life of John Wesley. The development of the theme of holy love is artfully composed and well documented. I highly recommend this book to those wishing to grow in their understanding of the founder of Methodism or who are seeking an engaging invitation to a vibrant and enduring theology.

"John Wesley: A Theological Journey" is an excellent introduction into the theology of the founder of Methodism. What I most enjoyed about this book is how the author shows the changes in and development of Wesley's beliefs. This alone helps explain why different denominations claim Wesley as their theological inspiration while having strong disagreements from one another.

Collins helps us gain insight into the fact that John Wesley (who was 88 when he died) was always growing and developing his thought. There are times when some of the theological issues that Wesley struggled with may not seem as relevant today (the difference between dispositions and attitudes is just one example). However, what is intriguing is to see first hand through his letters and sermons how Wesley developed.

Collins is also careful to show where some modern interpretations of Wesley either ignore later changes in his thinking or take his views out of context. A good example of this is Wesley's insistence that the Christian life needs to be inward and not solitary. Collins claims some have misquoted Wesley and said that for Wesley the Christian life "was principally, if not exclusively, concerned with public religion and the social order."

Because this book is so well documented, it makes checking the original sources easy! Therefore, the reader can find out for herself/himself the accuracy of each quote. This actually inspired me to read a number of Wesley's sermons so I could determine for myself what Wesley was saying.

This is a must read for anyone wishing to understand who John Wesley was and how his theology developed over his lifetime!

My daughter loved this book so much when we checked it out at the library, that I decided to buy it for her birthday. Of course, I couldn't just find it at a store. Lucky for her, I found it online and with a cd! We love reading it together- she does the line "Jump frog Jump"

As a teacher and an aunt I highly recommend this book which is a favorite with the kids! It's easy for them to memorize the lines and follow the words (a great skill to develop while learning how to read). A fantastic addition to any child's library of books!

I was SO glad when this came back in print. This is a cumulative tale a la "House that Jack Built". You can get the children chanting "Jump Frog Jump!" in a few pages. Barton's bright folk-like illustrations fit right in.

The repetition and predictable outcomes were a joy for my 4 year old boy. After 3 readings he enthusiastically read the Jump, Frog, Jump! page by himself! We used green pillows as lily pads and acted out the escaping frog scenes.

Reviewed by Cayden (age 4) and Max (age 2) Aures and Mom for Reader Views (6/08)

"Lance in France" takes us on an adventure to witness the Tour de France bicycle race. We watch as Lance Armstrong overcomes many obstacles such as rainstorms, overzealous fans, and cows in the road, by pedaling faster and faster to win the race.

Max: "Bike!"
Cayden: "He is going to race! I think that he will win!"
Max: "Race fast!"

Cayden: "It is raining and he is getting all wet!

Cayden: "I think that bee stung him on the nose!"
Max: "Bee! Bee!"

Cayden: "Uh oh- he has a flat tire!"

Cayden: "How is he going to get around all of those things in the road?"
Max: "Dinosaur!"
Cayden: "Yes, a dinosaur, and a spaceship, a clown, and a lot of other things."

Cayden: "He won the race!"

Parent's comments:

My children were captivated by the bright, entertaining illustrations in the book! They both love riding bikes and racing so they really enjoyed the storyline as well. As Lance overcomes each obstacle the text always reads, "He just pedals ... faster." Both Cayden and Max always yelled out the word "faster" when we got to that sentence.

At the end of the book there is a letter from Lance and also some information about events that occurred throughout the history of the Tour. There is also a game to find recurring pictures in the book which Cayden really had a lot of fun with. "Lance in France," by Ashley MacEachern, is a wonderful book that teaches an excellent lesson to children, which is to never give up!

I really enjoyed this book. It sends a great message to young and old alike...never, never, give up! I can't wait to read it with my grandchildren. The illustrations are so colorful and so easy for young ones to enjoy and do the search for the recurring characters.

This book is super fun for kids and adults alike. It is full of hidden surprises in its illustrations that capture the craziness and excitement of the Tour de France, and it sends a great message that in life, you just have to keep pedaling!

The art work and illustrations in this book are terrific and will hold childrens' attention for countless readings. Much like a "Where is Waldo" there's always more funny and amusing detail to find in the pictures. Illustrator Barbera's use of color is stunning. We really like this book.