Frank Books

My son just turned one yr old last week and this book has been his favorite for the last three months. "Goodnight Moon," is alright, and "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" is a close second, but this one he loves. At first he would cuddle with me while I read it to him, but now that he is a little older he is determined to turn the pages himself. I have the paperback version and need to buy another copy as I've had to repair numerous pages while he learns how to turn paper pages. Poor book. I'd put it up until he's older, but he will look all over the living room for this one and then sit down in the middle of the floor and slowly "read" the book 2-3 times before he is ready for the next activity.

My two year old loves Barnyard Lullaby but can not resist closing her eyes to sleep as I read the last two lines on every-other page: "Go to sleep, my sweetheart, Tomorrow is a brand-new day". When we are not reading this story at bedtime, she loves to name the animals and make each one's sound.

My 2 1/2 year old loves this book and song. The music is printed at the end - and it puts her right to sleep nearly every time. She sings the song whenever she is putting her animals to bed, and it is a lovely story! The illustrations are great for this age - I wholly recommend it!

This is one of a few books that get the "again, again" rating from my 3 year old. He loves the song and story and of course the animals. If is running too long its easy to skip a couple of animals and get to the end w/o compromising the story.

I am studying to pass a teacher certification test for High School Math. Barron's Mathematics 129 page book is the perfect desk reference. It is a mini-encyclopedia of remarkable scope. Descriptions are short, informative, and interesting. Brief examples, diagrams and simple English explanations are precise and clear. Hundreds of fast math facts through pre-calculus. Don't throw out your math books that go into more depth but for quick lookups this book can't be beat.

This "dictionary" is really more than a book of word meanings. Explanations are detailed and well-written. The index and table of contents make it very easy to find exactly what you are looking for. I use this book in my math classes all the time. The information is grouped around similar topics. Well worth the purchase price.

We order these for our school teaching staff. The price is so reasonable that it costs under $500 to do this. That is less than the cost of a football uniform!!

My 12 year old (who hates math) picked up this book and said "awesome!" My 17 year old, who is taking pre-calculus, was fascinated - exclaiming, "I never knew that about circles!"

This study dictionary defines and explains mathematical terms and functions in a comprehensive, dictionary-style format. The information is geared for students from pre-algebra through college.

This is simply a reference that every student should have. The definitions and illustrated examples are grouped by concept. When you look up a term, you will find it on a page with all the other terms related to the same mathematical function. For example, the word "denominator" will be found under "fractions". In fact, just reading the definitions on any given page is a good introduction to the subject.

A comprehensive 'wordfinder' index at the begining of the book directs you to the right page. This book would be a bargain at twice the price. (It probably will make more sense to your kids than the explanations in their textbooks).

I ordered 5 of copies of the this book. We used it in a mother-daughter book club this summer. We visited a bee keeper, tasted many types of raw honey and honey comb. We learned many new things about the health benefits of honey.
Some discussions that this book sparked:
Are bees our friends too?
Living things that are transformed in nature
What animals transform food they eat into foods for people
What is the difference between being magically transformed and being transformed through growth?

The illustrations are beautiful. The Disc that comes with shows the artistic process. My children and myself found that very interesting.

I agree with the above reviews completely! As an aspiring children's book writer and illustrator I can not praise JP Lynch's masterful ability to weave his illustrated visions with verse. I was so deeply taken by the detail of the illustrations of the book, that I was even more spellbound when I watched him share his process in the DVD. His journey into the illustrations is a wonderful accompaniment to the story, and not only that but the music that (he?) chose for the background make the adventure into his 'medievil world' all the more breath taking. I felt like I was there in the world of the story all the more as I watched the DVD & artwork unfold. I highly reccomend both the book and the DVD for aspiring artists and story lovers! As for children, or the child within any adult, it is a precious story of being true to who you already are!

Stockton outdid himself with this amazing story of the Bee Man - my all-time favorite picture book character.

Exquisitely illustrated by P.J. Lynch, the story comes to life to tell of the Bee Man, aptly named for the swarms of bees he keeps as company. A sorcerer comes to reveal a life-changing secret to him, so he sets out on a journey to confirm its truth, and therefore his own origin.

The living watercolor illustrations are positively luminous and as visually enchanting as any I've had the pleasure of witnessing. Impressive work by Lynch once again...he's truly one of the best in the business. The big bonus is the accompanying DVD highlighting Lynch's work in progress on this project. If you want to be awed, check it out.

Frank R. Stockton first wrote "The Bee-Man of Orn", a strange blend of folktale and original fairy story back in 1964, with illustrations by Maurice Sendak. Although good, Sendak's illustrations were bright and kooky, high-lighting the comic aspects of the story, rather than the deeper more thoughtful elements. On the whole, I prefer this new edition, with new illustrations by P. J. Lynch that create a more realistic and folktale-like setting.

The Bee-Man lives in a small hut in the countryside that has been so covered over by the honeycomb of his friends the bees that it resembles more of a hive. He's happy there, but is instantly alarmed by the arrival of a young Sorcerer, who informs him that his strange way of living has come about due to the fact that he's been *transformed*. Transformed from what? The Sorcerer doesn't know, but now the Bee-Man is determined to find out. Gathering a small hive of bees that he wears on his back, he begins his journey to find out what he once was, eventually coming to the mountains that hold the caves of dragons...

Meeting up with a Languid Youth who wants to be more energetic, the two enter the caves and find something there that will solve *both* their problems. The story ends on not one but two notes of the laughable actions of Fate and inevitabilty, leaving the story with a satisfying ending and a topic open for more discussion. How many children's books do you know that do *that*?

The story is charming and P. J. Lynch's illustrations are fantastic. His watercolours brilliantly convey the glorious green world of Orn and the expressive lined faces of the people within it. The pages of the book are large and glossy - giving his work their best chance to shine, and do so to their full effect in the scenes of open country and lofty caverns. If anyone has seen his illustrations in "Catkin", they'll know how good he is at underground scenes, and here they're even better: misty depths, fiery walls and rocky textures all seen real enough to touch.

Although the Languid Youth looks a bit too droopy to me, the Bee-Man is perfect in both his incarnations, and on the whole, Lynch's work better matches the text. Together, the story and the illustrations have an almost Tolkien flavour to them: the story could easily belong to "Tales from the Perilous Realm" or one of Middle-Earth's folktales, and I always recommend people to P. J. Lynch if they like the art of Alan Lee and John Howe. A big, beautiful book that has pictures that match the text perfectly - what more could you want?

There are some nice alternate chords here which work well with my own. As I use different chord progressions not all apply, but this is a good buy which I would highly recommend.

Peter Foreman
"Jazz Renaissance"
Taupo, New Zealand

If you can play chord symbols on the piano, these are the chords that you will enjoy listening to yourself play. They are the restructured chords that the top arrangers use when they write for Tony Bennett and Diana Krall.
Let your ear be the judge.......

Referred from anohter piano player, this book offers an excellent selection of well known standards and pop tunes with one of the best arrangements for jazz piano to come by in a long time. No bass cleffs are included: this book is for piano players who use chords and improvise bass lines normally. But the chord progressions are a wonderful surprise and help illustrate what you can do with harmonics and a good bass line.

If you're an entertainer/guitarist/keyboardist who wants to add real depth to your playing and repetoire, here's a powerful shortcut. Not only is it a great fake book with elegant chords, but it's also a mini course in chord substitution basics. This is pure gold. Frank Mantooth is a rare guy who can play and teach with equal expertise.

This is one of the best books I ever read, my wife and I both were very impressed with the story. It was fascinating to read about what really goes on in a metropolitan police department and after reading a few chapters we couldn't put the book down. We are both looking forward to reading another book by the same author.

As a retired Miami Dade Officer I couldn't put this book down. I never have bothered with fiction but because I knew Marshall when he was with Miami Dade I bought "Beyond The Call." It was great. There was suspense, excitement and enough reality to keep me going. I finished it off in two days and I believe I worked with all the officers of this great fictious Novel.Are you on the job? If you are, read, "Beyond The Call."

I found the book very easy to read. The type of book I kept at, always wanting to know what will come next. I am not an avid reader & am easily discouraged while reading a book that is slow. This book seems to be rooted in truth & the experience of the author. I found it hard to put down & have recommended it to my friends. A very exciting story.

The book is written by a retired Miami-Dade area detective turned author. His story is very entertaining and at the same time educational for someone interested in the law enforcement career. Analysis of the inside workings of the police force is very strong and knowledgable thanks to his own experiences. The book is excellent reading for all interested in crime stories.

this book has given me clarity in my purpose in building a business. Not only does this book give me biblical principles, but it does so in a way that is simple to follow. If you follow what this book says, good things will happen

it takes you an a journey to finding your business identity. I appreciate this book for that. It gives it to you straight up. The author has done a fabulous job at keeping close to the title of this book. I felt the book was a bit long for my taste, but it still is a phenomenal book that will provide Christians with a biblical base to their business ventures. I was blessed by this book.

I have to say that this book did a lot for me. It helped me really see how having a business is not as scary as I thought. If you have a plan and follow the principles in this book, it'll help you.

This book has taught me valuable business principles. As I look at this book I am amazed that the principles presented can be used for every aspect of life. This book is a great read and a hands on resource that has helped me tremendously

THIS BOOK ABOUT FRANK MAHOVLICH IS WELL WORTH READING. THE BIG M WAS ONE OF THE BEST AND CLASSIEST PLAYERS OF ALL TIME. HIS GRACE AND POWER ON THE ICE WERE A THINK TO BEHOLD. HIS SON TED, DOES A GREAT JOB TELLING HIS STORY AND HITS ON ALL 8 CYLINDERS. I ESPECIALLY ENJOYED THE PARTS CONCERNING PUNCH IMLACH AND HIS DICTATOR WAYS AND THE VARIOUS OTHER COACHES AND PLAYERS THAT THE BIG M PLAYED FOR AND AGAINST. A GREAT READ FOR ALL HOCKEY FANS.

This book has been very enjoyable. Ted Mahovlich has done an excellent job in telling us the interesting story about his father. He showed us the Punch Imlach lacked class and Frank Mahovlich had a lot of class and finally enjoyed his career when he joined the best organization in sports at the time the Montreal Canadiens. I would recommend this to any hockey fan or sports fan in general

Frank Mahovlich was one of THE great players in the history of hockey. This books gives a thoughtful and intelligent insight into the mind of the quiet giant who won four Stanley Cups with the Leafs and two more with the Canadiens.

Told alongside the biographical narrative of The Big M is the author's experience of going on the road with his father, in the touring team of NHL past masters. Not only does this expose the reader to some beautiful anecdotes about other former stars of the game, but also captures the bond between father and son in a most moving way.

Ted Mahovlich is a very accomplished writer, telling his father's story with compassion, respect and honesty in a fine style that makes the book hard to put down. A must for any fan of hockey and/or good writing.

This book is great, not your normal biography. Ted Mahovlich captures a seldom read about side of his father Frank, along with the exploits of his spectacular career. The author spent considerable time traveling and playing with the old-timer greats while interviewing them as wells as capturing moments the common fan is not privey to. If you are a hockey fan -- this books for you. (Yes I know I live in Texas, but I moved here)

This book keeps you on edge from start to finish. It's a masterful story that even manages to hook readers into empathizing with the murderer. Joel's character is a great mystery we spend the whole book trying to figure out - and through a series of interesting twists we are led to an excellent ending, where we may get a chance to finally discover what's REALLY going on.

It's a short read, too. You'll get through it in a handful of sessions. Of course, once you get to the climax, you'll want to read it through again - plan accordingly!

One note: Hollon takes a bit of a risk here. Since most of the book is a conversation between two people, the author uses two slightly different fonts to differentiate between who is talking. While it frees the text from a constant stream of "N said" phrases, this can be distracting at first. Readers should quickly adapt to it, though.

This short title (almost a novella really) is a series of prison interview sessions conducted between Joel Stabler, 29, and world-weary Dr. Ellis Andrews. Joel is accused of having killed his younger brother Danny. Joel's defense lawyer has called in psychologist Dr. Andrews to evaluate and report on Joel's dubious mental state. The Q & A sessions between Joel and Dr. Andrews are far-ranging, low-keyed, and multi-layered. Joel comes across articulate, well-read (he quotes lines from Walker Percy's THE LAST GENTLEMAN), and intelligent. Dr. Andrews feels increasing sympathy for Joel's plight, though the reader may suspend any pity. We meet Joel's mother and a younger sister Lisa is mentioned. One fascination with this edgy, somewhat bleak crime novel is its probe of mental illness, crime, and indvidual culpability. I read this one in a couple of hours, squeezed into the middle of a Sunday's hectic schedule. Recommended.

Quietly, Frank Turner Hollon has been building a body of quality work in the suspense genre, stretching and modifying the form of the novel not merely for experimental purposes but as a vehicle to further enhance the telling of the story. Hollon continues this practice in BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE, arguably his darkest and most disturbing tale to date.

Almost the entirety of BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE consists of a dialogue between Joel Stabler and Dr. Ellis Andrews. The context of their relationship is unfortunate and horrific. Stabler is incarcerated following the murder of his brother Danny in what appears to be a mercy killing occasioned by Danny's severe mental illness. Seeking a friendly, professional opinion, Stabler's attorneys retain Andrews for the purpose of performing a psychological evaluation to determine if Stabler is competent to stand trial.

Stabler presents as a near-genius, one who is observant, canny and well-read; he's also, if he is to be believed, the product of a household where he and his family were subjected to unthinkable physical and mental abuse. The transcript of the clinical interview between Stabler and Andrews reveals not only the depth and breadth of Stabler's intellect --- his IQ is off the charts and he quotes Walker Percy and Ralph Waldo Emerson at will --- but also a disturbed (and disturbing) view of the world.

Meanwhile, Andrews finds himself slowly losing control of the interview. Though the reader's perspective of Andrews is acquired almost entirely through this transcript and Stabler's own wry mental observations of him, the picture that is presented is of a man who has issues of his own. Andrews's point of view is not revealed until the novel's conclusion --- and even then, when Andrews learns the (possible) truth about his subject, more questions are raised than are ultimately answered.

What is fascinating about BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE is that, in order to fully appreciate what has occurred between the covers of this disturbing tale, the reader should immediately re-read the entire novel in light of the revelations set forth in the conclusion. This is not an onerous task by any means, given the length of the book (178 pages). The brevity, however, belies the complexity and richness of the narrative, the depth of the enigma and the mystery it presents.

BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE raises questions about divinity, morality, sanity and reality. There are no easy answers, but they will keep you awake long after you finish this memorable, disturbing work. If you're looking for a selection for your book club, make it this one. Highly recommended.

--- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub

Hollon writes his novel on parallel tracks, seducing the reader with a tale that is heartbreaking, a young man raised in abuse who kills his younger brother to save him from the cycling ravages of mental illness. Joel Stabler is clear about his motives, uncharacteristically honest with the appointed forensic psychologist, Dr. Ellis Andrews. Through the course of the interview process, Joel explores the family that has formed him, a crazy abusive father, the brother, Danny, deteriorating rapidly, the youngest sister, Lisa, an innocent vessel of the family's hope. As Joel unravels the violence of his tragic childhood, he appeals to Dr. Ellis for some recognition of his long struggle, the sense of purpose he feels before the act of fratricide.

Joel has a clear-eyed manner of addressing the hypocrisy of the human condition, never flinching from direct conflict or hiding behind facile answers: "You have to find the courage to explore the darkness in your heart." Speaking succinctly, Joel peels away the layers of his persona, from frightened child terrorized by an out-of-control parent to a man who accepts the responsibility for putting an end to his brother's suffering.
For his part, Ellis listens carefully, remaining objective in the face of a dialog that questions the most basic belief systems, the existence or non-existence of God, man's personal responsibility in the greater scheme of things and nature vs. nurture. Joel becomes an ever more sympathetic character, a product of an environment that has shaped his future, Ellis his only link to understanding.

Cutting into the heart of the novel, the author delivers a staggering revelation, altering perceptions in a brilliantly crafted psychological thriller. The lines between truth and fiction are so smoothly blended, it is impossible to distinguish one from another. An incisive mind tunneling deeply into the dynamics of his skillfully constructed characters, this author proves once more to be a writer of substance, a thrilling manipulator of the human psyche. Luan Gaines/ 2007.

This book is a great read for people of all ages. Whether your interested in learning more about "The Rock" or need some background information on it, this is the one book for you.

From the colorful pictures scattered throughout the pages to the easy to read layout, you will find yourself immersed in the horrific atmosphere that is Alacatraz.

Few books manage to capture so many elements that make a book sucessful like Breakout! Escape From Alcatraz does. I guarantee you will feel as if you've actually walked through Alacatraz and know exactly why they call it, "The Rock".

I was previewing this book for my 2nd grade classroom and became completely enthralled in it! It's a great adventure/mystery story sure to capture the attention of any child who likes action and suspense! It creates great imagery of Alcatraz and leaves the reader with an eerie feeling of not knowing whether these men made it or drowned in the bay. It's definitely one of my students' favorites in the classroom.

This book outlines in vivid historical detail the legendary escape of three men from the most inescapable prison in U.S. history. The book also explains a brief history of the island of Alcatraz in addition to a brief account of its final days. One of the major themes of this book is that not everyone will be shut up. Out of every prison, or every situation, there is a way out, and there is an escape if one is only willing to take the risks.

Along with colorful illustrations which tell a story by themselves and photographs which provide historically accurate detail, the book also tells an exciting though quite short, true story about the legendary island of Alcatraz. The text is not overrun with needless detail nor is it too general. What I liked best is that by the end of the book, the reader feels as if he or she has just been given a tour of the island prison.

I think Escape From Alcatraz Island was a great book because it had alot of adventure,and I could picture in mind what was going on.also I think it must have been really hard getting chased by a gang through san fransisco near the dwarfs pier,I could probably imagine what it was like locked up in a cell at night in Alcatraz, having to find away to get back home during the morning.

The Bridge Book is a solid and highly readable introduction to playing bridge. The strengths of the book include its low price, clear lessons, and many quizzes that allow you to test your comprehension of the material. This is one of the most accessible bridge books I've ever seen. The flaws, however, include a rather clumsy organization of chapters, a small number of less than clear explanations, and a somewhat out-of-date approach. The book was written almost two decades ago and still recommends opening 1 NT with 16-18 points, as opposed to the more modern (but not universally accepted) 15-17 points. These are minor flaws though, and if you tend to play with people who learned the game a number of years ago, The Bridge Book would be a good place to start learning.

I recommend this to all beginning bridge players and will recommend to all my students. Frank presents the material in a logical fashion along with a thought process that will get you going in the right direction. Bridge is more than memorizing the basics. Learn how to "think"bridge from Frank's easy to follow explanations. IngridH at OKbridge

This book clearly explains the basics of contract bridge defense, and it does so in entertaining fashion. The book has two great strengths: (1) its presentation of the various lines of defense and their signposts, and (2) the numerous quizzes that help the reader to solidify understanding of the material. Novice to intermediate players should find it useful. Beginners should read Volume 1 first.

I lost my copy, and I would love to read it again!

The most fantastic book possible for beginners and learners who want to be GOOD PLAYERS, fast!

I was lucky to get a nice, clean copy early on, and refer to it often. Highly recommended, even as a nice thoughtful gift for other new players and friends.