Curtis Books

If I hear that again, I now have something to pull out and place in the hands of my six year old. We have read it together, and she has read it alone. The pictures are fun and the point is well made. Great book!

...Savor that smile as it slips onto your face and let the merriment begin with this refreshing and insightful narrative about the feelings of a child. This book is both adorable and wise, and it teaches children to look at everything and every situation in a different way. Fun Is A Feeling tells us that fun is where we find it and shows us how to look for it; however, it also reminds us that sometimes we have to put that fun there.

Inside this book, children will discover things that will delight their imagination and wisdom that can only come from within. Fantasy and whimsy permeate, fill, and overflow these pages. That isn't simply a sprinkle of rain pitter-pattering on the upturned faces of children! Who would settle for rain when it can be turned into tiny little kisses - from raindrops that were looking just for them? And what about that bug that lands on their nose? Isn't it there just to give them a hug?

Stardust sparkles and swirls from page to page, sweeping us along with pure joy. Trees stretch their arms wide to let the smiles of children sail through their branches and tickle their leaves. The clear blue waters of a stream giggle their way through a forest glade, while colorful little fish leap as high as they can to peek out at the glorious scenery. What child could resist such beautiful illustrations, or fail to understand the most important message carried within this story...children are very special and their joy can light up the universe.

This is a wonderful book. Sweep up some of its stardust, put it in your pocket, and let its magical message change the way you look at your world - and when that happens, it will change your life...

Reviewed by Ruth Wilson

We just love this book!! The soft, melodic prose is very soothing, as well as the fun, airy illustration. The story provokes imagination and creativity, even in us as parents reading to our child. As with all books by Chara M. Curtis, I couldn't recommend this book more.

At 2 1/2 years old my daughter just hangs on every word and image. She loves this book as well as Curits' All I See is Part of Me. The message is outstanding, the writing divinely inspired, and the images evoking. When's the next one coming out?

...Fun isn't something or somewhere or who... it's a feeling a joy that lives inside of you!...

An absolutely wonderful book, full of joy and of course... FUN! Awesome illustrations and great for kids even below the suggested age group (suggested age group: 4-8). Our son is 2 1/2 and adores this as well as our 1 yr. old daughter!

This book teaches about feelings (sad, happy, angry) and how each and every one of them are healthy and ok, including the feeling, fun. Nice suggestions for older kids are included like having fun by imagining .. "vacuuming the hall with an elephants snout" and so forth.

Our kids enjoy this book every time we read it, which is almost every day incidentally. Not to mention, how much my husband and I enjoy reading it with them.

I have admired Grace Kelly all my life and this is by far the most beautiful book about her. The pictures are all stunning, and truly depict what a glamourous and classy woman she was. There is not a great deal of information - or pictures - of Grace, and this compilation is simply wonderful to look at. Definately recommended for any fan.

Jenny Curtis' "Grace Kelly: A Life in Pictures" is a must for Grace fans. Lovely reproductions of some of Kelly's most enchanting photos fill the book. It is a pleasant addition to any collection, and it is exactly what it is entitled, a life in pictures...nothing more and yet, nothing less.

Along with Ann-Margret, I firmly believe Grace Kelly is the most beautiful woman to ever grace the silver screen. As a kid, I had a huge crush on her, and was sad to learn she was dead (a scenario similar to The Who song "Pictures Of Lily", but that's a whole differnt story). YHowever, I was still transfixed at how beautiful she was, and I bought this book looking for great photos of her.
This book does not disappoint. The photos in this book paint a far more entetaining and accurate portrait of the life of this beautiful and talented woman who became a princess who devoted her life to charity. The photos in this book are breathtaking. It's sad to read this book, not only because you'll be reminded of her tragic death in 1982, but also because it you'll remember who elegant and classy Grace was, and then you'll remeber how trashy all the "beauties" of modern Hollywood are, and you'll be reminded of the steap decline the entertainment industry today. Even so, a defintite must have.

Lovely pictures and interesting text make this book well worth buying. It showcases Grace's life from early childhood to her untimely death.

There are far too few books available about Grace Kelly, but this is the cream of the crop. Not only is it bargain priced, it has over 120 high quality photos covering all aspects of her life, from her childhood to her tragic death. Despite her rather short film career, she'll always be remembered for her great performances in classics like "High Noon", "High Society", "Dial M for Murder", "Rear Window", "To Catch a Thief", and especially her oscar-winning role in "The Country Girl". Just when she was America's leading lady she threw her career away for a marriage to Prince Rainer of Monaco. Her charm, elegance, and incredible beauty captured the hearts of people all over the world. This book is a definite must-have for all her fans whose hearts are still captured!

It's February 3rd, and Groundhog is feeling genuinely unappreciated. People pay attention to him for only one day a year, and he has so much more to offer! He tells his story to the readers and to an on-the-page audience of three: a crow, a squirrel, and a young groundhog who's a reporter and a fan. Groundhog covers the topics of alternate names (whistle pig, woodchuck), his rodent classification, digging prowess, eating habits, and hibernation. The young groundhog takes notes and photos as Groundhog pontificates. Initially skeptical, the crow and squirrel are gradually won over, convinced that Groundhog's not so bad after all. By the last page -- even the front and rear end papers are part of the story -- we see that the young groundhog has written this very book in our hands, as a way to promote his idol. "Groundhog Gets a Say" isn't quite about Groundhog Day, but it's still a great supplement to the holiday genre, with many asides and tidbits to point out on every page.

It's February 3rd and Groundhog is fed up: yesterday he was hot news; today he is nothing. He's tired of one-day fame, and he's determined to promote Groundhog Appreciation Month! Denise Brunkus provides the funny drawings as Groundhog displays his many talents other than weather prediction.

In Pam Swallow's delightful picture book, charmingly illustrated by the amazingly talented Denise Brunkus, the lowly groundhog hog finally gets his say. With wit and humor, author and artist present a tale of this much maligned creature. Who would have known that ground hogs whistle, can move about seven hundred pounds of dirt in a day and have their own indoor plumbing? It's fascinating. Kids, parents, and teachers will love this book. After reading it, I agree with the groundhog - he/she deserves not just a day of recognition, but a month. A year!

I am an elementary school librarian. I used this book in a lesson on Groundhog Day. The story does an excellent job of weaving lots of facts into a cute story. The kids (and I) learned many facts about groundhogs. However, I found this story to be a little too complicated for kindergarten and first grade. The book includes so much non-fiction alongside the 120-year-old folktale about a marmot predicting the weather that little kids have trouble sorting out what's real and what's not. I was afraid that they'd come to school in shorts when Phil didn't see his shadow.
This is a fantastic story to use with 2nd grade and beyond, but I recommend something less complex (like Pat Miller's Substitute Groundhog) for younger kids.

This is a real winner - and a nice change from the typical Groundhog stories you find this time of year. Groundhog is smart, funny and gives a lot of neat information about groundhogs to curious young readers. I will be adding this book to my first grade read-aloud list for early February from now on. And did I mention that the illustrations are terrific too!

The chapter on The Dialogue Of Prayer And Action is what made me love this book. Especially how Douglas V. Steere writes that the piece shows the ecumenical nature of Quakerism, believing that God's truth is revealed where God chooses to be revealed. And how its near impossible to have a serious prayer life without actions. That one would have to ask, whats the purpose of prayer if not to ask that one be changed, for the better.

Am always intrigued when I encounter someone who doesn't know what a Quaker is, aside from the occasional mention of the old man on the oatmeal box. This books will whet ones interest in learning more of the Quakers and the Friends, and their rich literature and history here in the states and abroad.

In Spirit and Imagination, Brent Bill assembles a wide variety of contemporary Quaker writing, and does so superbly. Though his selections cover the gamut, from fiction to non-fiction, each convey God's active and gracious presence in our world. What a hopeful, helpful book.

This book is a perfect gift for anyone who loves good writing and memorable stories. The diversity of authors insures there is "something for everyone" here. The common thread, however, are essays and stories that celebrate the human spirit and call all of us to deeper reflection about our creative selves.

Generally speaking, anthologies promise more than they can deliver. They are like "greatest hits" albums, that often don't contain an artist's best songs. This book, however, captures the width and breadth of Quaker literature. Just as the Catholic tradition has wonderful liturgy (at its best) and Baptists contribute moving gospel hymns, the Quakers have a literary profile second to none. Editor Brent Bill captures the excellence of Quaker literature with a wide variety of authors. The pieces included are diverse, sometimes funny, often moving. And Bill provides introductions that are clear, precise and organized to highlight what the reader should notice in the works. Literature teachers should include this volume in their curriculums. Faith communities should pick this one up and read, discuss, and enjoy. The book is a delight.

Imagination & Spirit is a great read and a wonderful education. I thought that I knew something about Quakerism and the Society of Friends. After reading Imagination & Spirit I have discovered that what I knew was only the surface of the wonderful traditions, practice and customs of Quakers.

Do not get the impression that this is a textbook on Quaker traditions; it is far from that. The educational component is presented stealthily, through Bill's accomplished selection of writings and his wonderful introductions to each author and each story. The book includes selections from a wide historical and style range of Quaker authors including D. Elton Trueblood, Jessamyn West, James A. Michener, Scott Russell Sanders, and Philip Gulley. The selections are marvelous, but it is Bill's introductions and explanations that really make this book shine.

Before each selection Bill gives a brief biography of the author with emphasis on his or her relationship to Quaker tradition. He also sets up each piece with its relevance to some aspect of Quaker life, such as wrestling with the issue of music or the particularities of a Quaker wedding. I came away from each piece feeling like a masterful teacher had just hoodwinked me into learning something about Quakers. Congratulations to Brent Bill for masterfully weaving together a collection of literature from the prolific Quaker tradition.

This book has been sitting around on my shelf since I was a child. I thought it was a child's book when I was young, but couldn't read it. I just pulled it off the shelf again, and have discovered what will become one of my favorite books about hope, determination, the power of positive thinking, and art - its struggles, its blisses, its importance. It is a must read for any writer, or for that matter, any artist who struggles with stealing time to do their art without feeling somehow guilty, or fearful, or terribly isolated. It is about transcendance despite ridiculous odds. It is an amazing, amazing book. I'm so glad I got around to it.

This is a beautiful book on so many levels. The author's voice, the author's spirit, the author's technique of storytelling are awe inspiring. If you have been led to this page, take it as a sign and order this book, reading it is an experience and I can't wait to read it again. If you are looking for a gift to give someone else then this is it, but read it first yourself so that you can trully share it.

My husband gave this book to me and I am truly enjoying it! Katharine sees things from a rare perspective. Her life transformed her into someone that could see deep into even the most mundane subjects. I feel a new appreciation for even the sounds of crickets! She was certainly a person who's cup was always half full! This book is like welcome raindrops, enveloping you and staying with you long after the drops have evaporated!

This book is enchanting, wonderful, and beyond description, except to say it is a testament to the human spirit.

If you read this and loved it, also look at "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly," by Jean-Dominique Bauby. If you can't imagine living on your back for ten years, try imagining writing a book using only the ability to blink one eye, to dictate letter by letter. Tis book is another testament to the human spirit.

This book is amazing, I am 15 and I read it, my mother at 39 read it, my grandma read it and my younger sister at 13 read it. Everyone takes away some different, but something wonderful from this book. It is absolutely indescribable, you have to read it; right now, order it, read it, it will change your outlook on life.

Humourous and witty, this anthology is an important step in raising awareness about mental illness. A celebration of mad culture and a sign of hope. Read it.

One of the best book I have ever read on schizophrenia. Very moving and instructive. Moreover, Phil has a true sense of humor!

Madness is all about sex, drugs and rock and roll according to these maniacs. Excellent fun with a serious political undertone. These people are proud to be mad. Johnny Rotten and the Sex Pistols eat your heart out. There are tales of abuse and neglect on mental health wards. If this is the reality of our psychiatric wards then we should do something about it. Written with panache, glamour and a stamp that lands on your forehead and leaves an imprint.

Edited by Robert Dellar, Ted Curtis and Ben Watson and Esther Leslie. The Big Issue book of the month when released in 1999 and guardian book of the week. The Madpride anthology is a celebration of mad culture thet we have brought back into circulation.

This book is a masterpiece in explaining how the mental health movement really is. Politically important as the phrase Madpride is this book shows the Madpride movement in its entirety. There is hope for people with mental illness as long as they are proud of who they are and what they are. Not for the faint hearted. Celebrate madness and the sex, drugs and rock n roll that sometimes comes with it.

What a refreshing series targeted towards princesses between the ages of 6-9 and an answered prayer for an alternative to Junie B. Jones!!! (Don't get me wrong, I love Junie! But... Well, if you've read Junie, you know where I'm going with this.)

These books deal with topics such as: true beauty, peer pressure, friendships, patience, and everything else that a little girl might have to tackle! Not to mention... these books are HILARIOUS! Lori has truly mastered the ability to not only put herself into a child's mind, but writes in a casual form that every little girl will understand.

As if that isn't enough... At the end of every book Lori has added a "Chatter Matters" section! What an awesome way to open up the lines of communication with our little ladies and Lori even brought in a few Bible verses to spark more curiosity and further discussions! And... "BLAM! Great Activity Ideas" section that ties in with each story! This is great!

My younger daughter and I had the pleasure of reading All Dressed Up and FELL IN LOVE with Meghan! We both agree that once your little girl picks the first book up, she'll cry out to read the rest!!! But don't take my word for it. Here's what my daughter has to say: "This book was so funny & cute. I think A LOT of kids will really like it!"

Lori Z. Scott created Meghan Rose, the bounciest girl in the world, in a series that begins with this book. Reading it I giggled and learned a bit, along with Meghan Rose, about patience.
Meghan needs, needs, needs a pair of K-K-K-Kangaroozies, shoes that will help her bounce even higher than her usual light hearted stepping. Since the shoes are expensive, she attempts to make herself a pair, with hilarious results. After time in prayer, Meghan aims to earn the money to buy them herself, in a fun scheme involving a bag of potatoes, that she transforms into Spuddy Buddies.
The book has directions for fun activities in a section at the end.
Ages 4-10.

Even adults struggle with learning patience. How do you teach patience to a young child? From watching the television, Meghan Rose has been lured to want the latest shoe crazy. Throughout this well-written story, she tried different "schemes" to get these shoes yet doesn't succeed.

In the final pages, Meghan prays, "Hello God, I'm back. Listen, I understand making someone wait a long time for something important like a baby, although that still bothers me a little. But why should we wait to buy things our parents can get right away? Why wait for anything?"...As she considers the answer to her questions it comes, "I bet waiting helps you learn patience. And patience helps you control yourself."

Whether your child is starting to read or loves to hear you read aloud, I recommend MEGHAN ROSE HAS ANTS IN HER PANTS. Author Lori Z. Scott has written a fun book yet slips in a powerful message for the 6 to 9 year old target market.

The Meghan Rose series by Lori Z. Scott is the next "Junie B. Jones" books with a spiritual twist in children's early reader books. Lori Z. Scott has done a wonderful job bringing children into the world of Meghan Rose, who is a first grader learning life's lessons, one step at a time.

In the second book, Meghan Rose Has Ants in Her Pants, Meghan learns what it means to have patience. After seeing a commercial on TV advertising shoes that make you extra bouncy called K-K-K-K-Kangaroozies, Meghan decides she has to own a pair. When she asks her mom, Meghan gets the dreaded "Maybe". Later Meghan finds out her best friend, Kayla owns a pair. Now Meghan is really having a hard time getting Kangaroozies off her mind. Her pre-test in spelling is affected, she can't sit still, and nothing Meghan does seems to convince Mom to buy them. Meghan comes up with different plans to get a pair, or make a pair, of her own. In the end, Meghan learns, after a thoughtful talk with God, that sometimes waiting teaches us a life lesson.

Warning for those who don't like to read books with a spiritual take, praying and talking with God is mentioned. For those who are not religious, it's done in a very tactful manner, and only adds to the storyline about learning to wait. At the end of the book, you'll find a Q &A. This is a great tool to get children thinking about what they learned in this fun-loving book. Also, Meaghan Rose shares her craft ideas from the book. Kids will enjoy making them just like Meaghan Rose did.

Stories for Children Editor, VS Grenier

I enjoyed this book very much. It teaches lessons that apply to kids today about wanting things and being patient and practical. In addition to providing important messages, this book is also very fun to read. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. Absolutely awesome!

This book is riveting... I couldn't put it down. I actually read the whole thing from start to finish in one sitting. There isn't anyone who wouldn't benefit from reading it.

This is a fictional story which tells the tale of a mother and her growing relationship with a son she initially has problems connecting with. The novel tells the story of their years together as they survive loss and learn to trust the Lord while developing a friendship that is hard to find in today's world. I liked the way the story plays out their lives together and I especially like the final message of the story - I've never looked at ________ this way before (previous readers will know what I mean). Be prepared for a major twist at the end of the story.

Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down! I can usually figure out plot twists ahead of time, but I never saw this one coming!

The book reads as smoothly as a movie. My book club read this book and none of us figured out the ending ahead of time. We all loved it! Mark my words that this will be a movie one day.

I really enjoyed this book, you really get to know the characters.. you really get to think about "the bigger picture" I would recommend this book to anyone who likes those books that tug at your heart strings!!

Mr. Wishmadoo Takes You To Zarr Zoo! is a delightfully written and vibrantly colorful rhyming picture book by Duane Curtis about a magical visit to Zarr Zoo, a place filled entirely with original and fantastic creatures of the imagination. "And just to the left in the rocks you must look. I think it's a... Yes! It's a Silly-O-Sook." Mr. Wishmadoo Takes You To Zarr Zoo! is commended as a lighthearted and totally fun "read-aloud" book for young boys and girls.

This is a great, colorful book. The kids love to read it. In fact, my 12 year old son just ran down the street to read it to the neighborhood daycare. Thanks for a great book, Mr. Wishmadoo!

This is such an imaginative book and a great story to share with the children in your life. My new granddaughter loves books and especially enjoys the vivid, fun characters portrayed in this one. As she grows, she will learn to experience her "imagination" and the positive traits of each character. These are great rhyming words and very original characters. We can't wait for the next books to be published - the list of those included on the back cover just makes us more anxious for new Wishmadoo adventures in learning !

This is an exciting new book series for kids, I can not wait for Duane Curtis to release the rest of the books he has written. I enjoyed reading this book as much as the kids enjoyed having it read to them. It quickly jumped to the top of the bed time stories my kids want to hear.

Buy it for you kids and watch Mr. Wishmadoo carry you away to Zarr Zoo.

I have read this book to my two youngest kids who are 5 and 8 and they LOVE it. They laughed out-loud and want to read it over and over. The theme of "imagination" runs through-out this wonderfully colorful and playfull book.
We are eagerly awaiting the next book about christmas.
Goku

Edward Sheriff Curtis dedicated his life's work to documenting the customs and lifeways of the Native American peoples of North America. This extraordinary book includes some of the best photographic examples from Curtis' twenty volume masterpiece, "The North American Indian," one of the most significant representations of traditional indigenous culture ever produced.

Curtis was one of two official photographers for the 1899 Harriman expedition to Alaska.
On his return, he stopped in northern Montana, accompanied by George Bird Grinell, editor of Forest and Stream. There he witnesses the deeply sacred Sundance of the Piegan and Blackfoot tribes, a sight which transformed his life. Grinell said to him at that time, "Take a good look. We're not going to see this kind of thing much longer. It already belongs to the past". It became clear to him then, that he was to record, with pen and camera, the life of the North American Indian.

Beginning in 1900 and continuing over the next thirty years, Edward S. Curtis, sometimes called the "Shadow Catcher" by tribes' people, took over 40,000 photographs and recorded ethnographic information from over eighty American Indian tribal groups, ranging from the Eskimo or Inuit people in the North to the Hopi people of the Southwest. In the end, the work comprised twenty textual volumes and twenty portfolios with over 2,000 illustrations
They are organized by tribes and culture areas, encompassing the Great Plains, Great Basin, Plateau Region, Southwest, California, Pacific Northwest, and Alaska. Featured here are some of the photographer's most impressive pictures, including: seal-hunting Eskimos of Nunivak Island, portraits of three Piegan chiefs on horseback, portraits of Chief Red Cloud, Ogalala Sioux, Geronimo, Chief Joseph, Nez Perce, the magnificent Canon de Chelly, (Navaho), and one of my favorites, Kotsuis and Hohhuq - Nakoaktok - 2 masked performers in a winter dance.

These reproductions are a precious American legacy and an artistic masterpiece worthy of any collection.
JANA

This book is an indispensable reference for any artist who aspires to paint or draw Native Americans as part of their Western art if they want an authentic representation of those forgotten times.

[As an aside, I managed to find a hardback copy of this book, so they are out there if one looks hard enough for one.]

This book contains the best black/white images from the original complete collection. The portraits of Indian and the past moment of their daily life were captured with their character and dignity.

It is a marvelous image collection (Edward spent 30 years to make this 20-volume encyclopedia) of history. It represents the love of the dying population, and records the broken dream of native Indian.

absolutely stunning recollection of his complete photos. the reproductions are somewhat small, but easily viewable. such a complete set is so awe inspiring, anyone who has an interest or a love for native ameircan history/american history must have this book. absolute beauty.

This is an incredible collection of pictures. Piles on piles of pictures. But... The pictures are small. I was hoping for a collection of large pictures(i.e. 8x10) but the majority of them are approximately 4x5. It's a wonderful book, but don't expect full sized images. Irregardless it's a great buy for the price. You'll have a hard time finding a collection of pictures as big as this(even if the pictures are small) :)