Johnson Books

my teacher read this magical book to us in year 6 and me and my friends have never forgotten it. it is written in a way that really captures the audience. I've been trying to find it as i now want a copy to always have with me and maybe someday read to my children. it is such a fantastic book anyone that is around this age should really concider this book!! it is truely magical!!

The title says it all. I loved this book as a child, and read it many times. My father used to quiz us on it at the supper table as even he enjoyed it, come to think of it he must have been in his mid thirties as I am now! I would buy this in hardback if it were available, all I can hope for though now is to find it in some second hand bookshop or charity shop. Can't anyone find a publisher to reprint it?

This book is fantastic, my mum used to read it to me as a kid. then she lent it to some one and they never returned it (bummer)
The whole story is brilliant, i just loved the moon calves. with the current interest in fantasy books is there not some way of persuading a publisher to reprint it?

I first read this charming book almost 9 years ago when I was given an early copy of it at age 10. I instantly fell in love with it & you can imagine how disappointed I was when I lost it 6 years ago. I have been searching for it ever since & now I can't even find another copy of it anywhere. I am a young aspiring director & I'm hoping to turn it into a screenplay one day (with the correct permission ofcourse). I don't understand why the title has been changed or why this fabulous story is nolonger being printed. BRING IT BACK!!!!! I say

Take care :O)

DOLPHIN!

I can remember my head teacher reading this book to me in his class 17 years ago and am now revisiting it as literature for some theatre workshops with year 6 children. The colourful characters, language and visual images must be passed down to the next generation. the parrot with lumbago, the pheonix and the screaming mandrakes were just a part of the books appeal. It definately ranks with its predecessors like C.S.Lewis, Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear and a must for any child(or adult!!) who has read Lemony Snickett, Artemis Fowl or the Harry Potter books. Of course thats only my opinion so id recommend that you read it yourself!!

Johnson offers a religious and political rationale for inclusion of gays and lesbians in the common life of society.

His key scriptural texts are Genesis 2:18, on the need for a "suitable partner" in human life, and Galatians 3:28, on how one's spiritual identity supercedes the psycho-physical experience of gender. He argues for religious consecration of same-sex unions.

In the political arena, he highlights democratic values where the majority doesn't impose its will on a vulnerable minority, and he regards marriage as a right that should be open to gays and lesbians.

Useful especially were his discussion of the spectrum of attitudes toward same-sex relations early in the book, as well as his coverage of deliberative democracy in the latter part.

While I have read other books making a case for Gay/Lesbian marriage, this was the first that really convinced me. Facing head on many if not all of the Scriptural passages used by opponents of homosexuality to condemn it, the author helps the reader see these passages in a new light amd argues from the whole thrust of the Bible that it should be acceptable and even blessed. He then goes on to point out the severe legal penalties same sex couples face when denied the right to marry and argues for allowing it.

This is the most scholarly and well researched book on the topic of same gender relationships that I have ever read.

Stacy Johnson is a good man and a deep thinker; the church is indebted to him for this book. He avoids polemic on either side of his discussion of the issues of homosexuality in the church.

Stacy's first career was as an attorney, and his closely reasoned examination of the biblical imperatives surrounding these issues speaks to his capacitiy for logical and disciplined research and reasoning.

This book is a gift to all of us who would rather focus on what unites us in the church (Christ's sacrifice for us, the Biblical mandate to feed the hungry, comfort the grieving, bind up wounds and work for justice) than what divides us.

I puzzle over all those who think that this is the one, central issue on which our salvation hinges. Perhaps Stacy's voice can be one that helps the church move beyond these issues to the central call of the Gospel: To Love God with all that we are, and our neighbors as ourselves.

In the grace of God may it be so.

From my vantage point, as a Ph.D. in Church History and on the farthest heterosexual side of Kinsey's spectrum, I regard Johnson's book as far and away the best book yet on the subject. As the sub-title says, he deals with homosexuality from the sides of religion, law, and politics--as a respected theologian on a top-notch theological seminary faculty and also with a degree in law.
He rightly gives most space to the opening section of religion, since here is, and always has been, where the most controversy has been. Respected biblical scholars have always said we must deal with puzzling passages in the context of the rest of the Bible--and yet, with that approach--have wound up on opposite conclusions. Where Johnson outshines all others is that he also studies the much-used biblical texts in the wider context of the cultural surroundings of the biblical authors--their Sitz im Leben. This is especially where he differs so critically from the widely-read work of Gagnon--and accordingly comes out on the opposite side.
The book's succeeding sections on law and politics are equally thoroughly handled, though at less length.
Granted, I had already moved, slowly through decades of study, to come out on Johnson's side of affirmation--although as a very hetero youth I hated the very thought of homosexuality, since I had been molested by a homosexual teacher. But as a church historian I have written a short treatise surveying twelve highly controversial issues through twenty centuries of church history in which the Christian church has changed its mind, showing that the trajectory indicates that homosexuality is the thirteenth big issue on which the Church is now in process of changing its mind. The wheels of church history change slowly--but they do change!
Johnson's book should add to and hasten this sorely-needed change.

As an estate and business planning attorney, I have occassion to speak to many clients with personal and business legal issues. After having answered such questions over and over again, I have become aware of how basic some of the questions are and I know that if the client were only willing to do a little research, they would be able to find the answers to many of the matters which are causing them concern. Usually, the reason that they choose not to do the research is because of the amount of time required to do it. "Wealth Is Possible" is the type of book which will answer the questions which my clients repeatedly ask and will provide a great deal more information for the person looking to start a new business or who might have questions about other business, financial or estate planning matters. Because of my great respect for the business and financial acumen of Rick Johnson, I am a contributor to his book and I can assure you that if you're looking for clear, concise and easy to understand answers to practical, business or legal questions, you will find many of those answers by reading "Wealth Is Possible".

The exclusive Wealth Is Possible is the most exciting book to come along in years. The hand picked teaching and training that highly-motivated the latest techniques on how to amass wealth. Wealth Is Possible will personally instruct you on the most effective use of proprietary training and technuques.

Wealth Is Possible is, hands down, THE most informational book on creating wealth, building businesses, and managing finances that I have ever come across. As a business owner who started with a small enterprise that grew to a million dollar per year company, I can attest to the proven principles found in this book. If I had access to the easy-to-follow, step-by-step directions found in Wealth Is Possible ten years ago, I'd be retired in grand style by now!
Micki Montgomery
Managing Consultant,
Way2 Consulting Services

Wealth is Possible is a book that all teachers need to read to help them understand they do not have to live from paycheck to paycheck you have options.

Wealth Is Possible is a must have. If you are tired of living pay check to paycheck, looking for a way out of poverty and/or corporate America, Wealth Is Possible is the perfect book. Wealth Is Possible is the key to financial freedom.

I have received The Wilderness War by Allan W. Eckert in good condition. While I have not had time to read it yet, I know that I shall enjoy it as much as the other books I have read by this author. He is careful and thorough in his research for each of his books, and his writing style is such that you hate to put the book down until it is finished. If you enjoy true history of the settlement of the great lakes region, Mohawk River region, and the Ohio River valley; of the struggles between the white men and native Indians for control of these lands, you will enjoy the series of books penned by Mr. Eckert.

For over 200 years the Iroquois were a force to be reckoned with. They constituted one leg of a three legged stool which balanced French and English interests on the North American Continent. This was a most profitable position for the Iroquois and they knew it: In this position they were the gate keepers between the English and French trading establishments and all other non Iroquois, native North Americans. With a home in upstate New York they waged war and demanded tribute as far North as Hudson's Bay, as far South as Georgia and the Carolinas and as far West as the Western Great Lakes and Minnesota. Because of this dominance in the economic and political interests in the eastern half of the US and Canada they provided a buffer zone between Indian and White, between French and English interests. Simply stated, they had to be dealt with.

Wilderness Empire is the story of the Iroquois during the apex of their influence and power, the French and Indian War. Struggling to maintain the status quo and their preeminent position, this Confederation of six tribes fails in its attempt to balance its competing interests, splitting along French and English lines of allegiance. Resulting in an Iroquois Civil War, the Confederation is ultimately destroyed.

This is a quite detailed, yet smooth flowing, description of the destruction of the Iroquois Confederation during the French and Indian War and it comes complete with an all star cast of characters: George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, King George, Montcalm, William Johnson, Pontiac, George Crogan, George Clinton, Wolfe, Charles Langlade and Bougainville, just to name a few. Fought all across the East Central US and Canada, this war stretch from Detroit and the Michigan Peninsula to Albany, Niagara, the Mohawk Valley, New York, Montreal and Lake Champlain, the sweep of the story line, the savagery of the battles, the intrigue and betrayals will leave you stunned.

Second in his Winning of America Series, this page turner may be Eckert's best.

This is one of the weaker books in Eckert's series, but it was still a good read. I'd recommend it for any Eckert fan, or any other American-History fan. You should definately read the other books in the series!!!

The best book I have ever read on the French and Indian War. It is utterly amazing how Eckert makes characters from the past come so alive. You really get the feeling that you not only learned about events that happened in the past, but that you get to know the people who experienced them.

Wow! What a book! For anyone interested in studying the French and Indian War period, this is a must read. Although it's not a "textbook" account it's still a lot of fun. I would read this book alongside Francis Parkman's "Montcalm and Wolfe" and Anderson's "Crucible of War". Probably Mr. Eckert's best work. It's really great for younger children or anyone who has forgotten about good old-fashioned American folklore. Fantastic!

This book sets out and reasserts the moral compass that all companies - and individuals - need to be successful, not only in business but as humans and partners. It's beautifully written, compelling and should be required reading for all executives and managers of companies. It may seem basic but the more sophisticated we are - or think ourselves to be - the more likely we are to neglect these lessons. A book to remind us of our essential fallibility - and our essential goodness, if only we care to care.

This is the best current work on honesty and leadership. It is well-written and enjoyable to read. Johnson is a consultant and speaker. Phillips was in human resources for 30 years with several known companies. Their ideas come from their work and consulting observations. Their six laws are good points we all could inculcate in our lives and leadership.

This book is outstanding. Bob has extensive experience in Intel, Tektronix and other technology companies as a senior HR executive and has captured the power of honest communication. There are so many things that get in the way of honest commination and working towards this end can be discouraging if your culture does not support it. However, using the principles that Bob outlines will provide a powerful bottom line impact and should not be ignored. Very powerful book. Now if only every one followed it.

This handy guide endeavors to reduce the complex challenge of ethical leadership - with which great minds have struggled for thousands of years - to six simple and absolute rules of honesty. The authors, Larry Johnson and Bob Phillips, clearly explain each rule of absolute honesty they have derived and provide many illustrative anecdotes and examples drawn from daily life. There is a fascinating, moving story of one co-author's unforgettable experience as a high school track star, and another account about a couple whose marriage ended in divorce after the wife insisted on acting dishonestly. Perhaps the authors believed that this volume would move even the greatest crooks to resolute and unswerving honesty. Alas, that is beyond their scope. However We find that ordinary businesspeople seeking general guidelines might find useful counsel here. Hey, at least it's a start.

I enjoyed reading this book because anyone can relate to it. There are always "real" stories in each chapter which is an excellent way to describe what the writers are trying to emphasis. "Absolute Honesty" is also a wonderful book for women. Many times women find themselves in situations where they want to be honest, but are extremely uncomfortable or fear they won't be listened to. "Absolute Honesty" has great ideas on how to approach people allowing them to be sincere without the fear.

Cool alphabet book. I didn't even realize that the illustrations were paintings and not photographs until I read some reviews! Encourages kids' imaginations, encourages them to notice their surroundings, gives an opening for a geography/history lesson or an opening for an art discussion -- all kinds of uses including the most important one of all - simple enjoyment.

Great book when teaching the alphabet, students can see that letters are not just in the classroom but also in real life.

Reading these exciting words: "The paintings for this book were created with pastels, watercolors, gouache and charcoal on hot pressed watercolor paper" I feel a deep urge to take a plunge into doing art. Luckily we can see "it" everywhere, not just New York City.

Stephen Johnson dedicates "ALPHABET CITY" to his parents "for their constant belief in me and my art." Besides instilling confidence & joy, they must also have helped their son develop a sense of color & texture, humor and even x-ray vision! Now he has his first Caldecott award.

This is a joy-filled book. Children spontaneously shout the letters but also share their own made-up stories as they see beneath the surface of the paints. "M" is a favorite of mine, and "W" and "Y" (and on & on!). Who could choose a better image than the "A" of sawhorses to lead to "Z"? Sometimes obvious, and other times subtle, the contrasts in color and season are lovely and great fun. Many eyes will open much wider after experiencing "Alphabet City."

Reviewer mcHAIKU is crazy about art AND this book.

How successful an alphabet book is relies entirely on how well it conveys the alphabet to children. Sometimes books of this nature are so wrapped up in their own cleverness (like the wearily look-at-me-aren't-I-a-visual-delight, "Graphic Alphabet" by David Pelletier) that they forget who alphabet books are supposed to be FOR. Now "Alphabet City" is clever too. No question of that. But what Stephen T. Johnson has done here is whip up a book that inner city kids will immediately recognize and cling to. How many alphabet collections are there out there that form letters out of pastoral or countryside setting? Plenty. Johnson turns the idea on its head with near photo-realistic paintings of recognizable city objects and places.

In his forward to the book, Johnson explains that the roots of this project are based in his own love of the, "particular energy one senses in the people, sounds, and structures, old and new, that constitute a city". While out for a stroll on day, he found he could find letters in the most basic city structures, like fire-escapes and sawhorses. "Alphabet City" is the result. Each letter, always a capital, is presented as part of the environment around it. So the aforementioned sawhorse is the very first picture, with kids being able to readily recognize the "A" hidden in its crossbeams. No letter is going to be immediately easy to find. Johnson doesn't outline them in darker paints or even necessarily point them out in any way. The "R" hidden in leaf covered cobblestones is evident if sneaky. He also cheats a little here and there to get just the right shape. To find the "C" in the cathedral's beautiful window, a late afternoon shadow covers part of the circle. By and large, however, Johnson executes an extraordinarily clever conjunction of images. I would have thought it near impossible to find a "Q" in the city, but the wheel well of a stationary train proved me wrong. Johnson also flits back and forth between different kinds of light and shadow. You'll find yourself quite taken with his mysterious and towering "T", or the snow-covered bench that provides an "O". It makes for perhaps the most interactive alphabetic picture book out there.

This book does work on the premise that the children reading it already recognize the alphabet as it stands. How hard would it have been for Johnson to have place a large black letter in the corner of each page, allowing kids the chance to learn as well as explore? If you're a four-year-old and can't remember if "Q" comes before or after "R", this book will be no help to you. That said, for those kids already familiar with the shapes in this collection, "Alphabet City" can become a game in their off hours. They can walk down the street pointing out the letters they see in their own neighborhoods. Some pictures admittedly feel like Johnson is cheating. He obviously could have located an "L" anywhere, but did he have to make it so difficult for the readers by constructing such a convoluted image? Try flipping randomly to some of the pages and see whether or not you can figure out what letter you're on. Betcha bottom dollar you don't guess "F" or "G".

I complain, but only because I love. Truth be told, "Alphabet City" blew me away. There are all kinds of seasons here and a true love for city living that rings true. Johnson has a keen eye for the beauty inherent in urban living. Rust and peeling paint and moldering iron and missing tilework all combine into truly beautiful portraits. The alphabet has never been done so eclectically. Alphabet books with a designer bent always leave me a touch cold, but "Alphabet City" is different. Like its sequel, "City By Numbers" it's original and lovingly rendered. Consider pairing it with "Achoo Bang Crash" by Ross MacDonald and "New York, New York: The Big Apple From A to Z" by Laura Krauss Melmed for a truly urban and urbane alphabetic threesome.

Stephen T. Johnson's Caldecott Honor Book (1996) Alphabet City is a wordless book depicting paintings of scenes from urban life cleverly depict each of the letters of the alphabet. Each letter (and painting) has its own page, such as an "E" in a side view of a traffic light, an "M" in the arches of the Brooklyn Bridge, an "R" in the cracks in the sidewalk, and a "T" in the negative space between two tall buildings. The paintings are photo-realistic in style and view scenes from a variety of unique vantage points, some showing an entire landscape while others focus on a small detail. The large size of the book and the high-quality glossy paper display the paintings to full effect. Children who have newly learned their letters will enjoy showing off by spotting the letters "hidden" in the everyday settings and will likely begin spotting more letters in their own surroundings. There is a secondary message in this book about the prominence of language in our daily lives and that we are surrounded by letters and language.

Great book for any cat lover

author of "Hobo Finds A Home"

Simply wonderful for both grown-ups and little loved ones. My only regret is my copy isn't a hardcover! Cat lovers, art lovers, rhyme lovers, and fans of Garrison Keillor's special humor will ALL adore this book. It's hard to find something to fault! Highly recommended for libraries, read-alouds, and even beginning readers who can follow along with the repeated verse, which is thoughtfully in all-caps to distinguish it from the rest of the story. Every page is illustrated with detailed paintings that pull you deeper into the story, and the bold yellow background for the reading text makes finding the story's words easy for little people. Whoever laid out this book deserves kudos for making it accessible to every age. I would love to see a reading level assigned to this book and have it incorporated into the Accelerated Reader program.

The children's bookstore where I bought this book is long gone, and my son's childhood is rapidly disappearing as well. But we continue to read this book year after year, and enjoy once again the story of Garrison Keillor's prodigal cat. The rhythms and rhymes of the story are delightful, and the artwork is amazing -- at once both ethereal and down to earth. Yes, you might have to read the story to a child haltingly the first time, stopping to explain the meaning of words like promenade, abyss, sardonic, and minions. But you'll sail through it the other hundred times, so it's worth the initial effort (even if you do have to own up to the fact that you know what muscatel is). We never get tired of the story and when we get to the end, we linger for a long time on the last page -- one with no words, just a sad line of overstuffed, decrepit and dissipated felines limping home. Two of them look just like our own cats!

The narrator's cat wants to go out, and he argues with it, telling her she better come back if he lets her out. When he finally lets her out, she takes off immediately to Europe and lives it up on chateaubriand and other fancy food, and develops a decidedly European purr. But her life of excess results in her eventual demise, and she ends up back home again after a year and half. The text is all told in rhyme, and the artwork is in an interesting cubist-influenced style. The book is quite sophisticated, and may go over the heads of most small people. It has about 1100 words.

This retelling of the prodical son story based on a runaway cat is one children's book that moms and dads will love, maybe even more than their kids. Garrison Keillor's poem is a joy to read and the artwork so is beautiful you won't even want to let your children get their hands on it. The story is rich in sarcasm and symbolism for adults and funny rhymes and sound effects for the kids.

What a wonderful book about a man who loved basketball and the Lakers. Chick Hearn was a very gifted announcer. The way he would describe the game would seem to put you court-side along with the other 17,505 at the fabulous Forum! I started listening to Chick during the 70's and into the 80's. Living in Arizona I had to try and find the L.A. station when possible. When one of the local stations started carrying the games in the 80's, I was estatic. The book does a nice job starting from his youth into his last days. Reading about the last few months of his life just broke your heart for the man----and I didn't know him!! That should tell you how the fans could relate to Chick. The Los Angeles area had two other announcers that were also great in my book---Dick Enberg doing Ram games and Vin Scully doing Dodgers games. The Los Angeles area was blessed with many great teams and announcers, but none will be able to replace Chick Hearn.

I grew up watching/listening/simulcasting to EVERY GAME for the Lakers from 1981 through about 2003 or so (still try to catch them on tv, but no longer live in the L.A. area). It seems that since he passed away, the Lakers were suddenly cursed. But this book brings back the Memoirs of one of my favorite idols. Chick was the best announcer, period. He was so good that even people who were simply not into the game, or even disgusted by sports in general, would get into it and watch because of his sharp apt to connect to the viewers/listeners with ease and comfort. I've seen this myself firsthand more than a plenty of times. His ability to bring the game to you in a simple and enjoyable fashion was priceless. My mom even loved the guy. So Laker fans, Angelinos, basketball and sports fans -- buy this book!

This book really brought Chick Hearn back to life for me...I LOVED IT! It contained so many facinating memories from Chick and those close to him. Also, the accompanying CD with excerpts of Chick's calls from many games cleverly strung together...his Chickisms....was an added treat. For anyone who followed Chick during his career I highly recommend this book!

Dianne O.
La Canada, CA

For 3,338 consecutive games Chick Hern was the voice of the L.A. Lakers. He became as famous as the best of their players. As the voice of the lakers, he essentially was the lakers to millions of fans. He brought the team, the coaches, and the rest of the organization to the millions of fans. He lived Lakers basketball, and it showed in the way he talked.

This book presents Chick in two ways: One is the writing about Chick, his life, his stories of the team, people, and life in general. Second is the CD included with the book that gives some of his greatest calles, along with narration by Al Michaels. Normally the voice of a sports broadcaster is a transient thing. You hear what he said, or maybe you miss it, and it's gone forever. Here are some of the best of his work, recorded forever.

As a lifelong Laker fan, I've felt like I've known Chick for most of my life. He was like the eccentric uncle that explained things to you when he visited, and in Chick's case, what he explained was basketball.

If you're not a Laker fan, this book probably won't be as meaningful to you, but it's filled with entertaining stories and poignant nuggets about broadcasting, basketball, and life in general. Some of the material I'd read about before, but a lot of it was new to me. It gets quite emotional at times; it's not strictly about basketball or play-by-play announcing, although he looms very large in both fields.

The book is mostly a compilation of other people recalling their memories of Chick, with some first-hand quotes from him as well. It doesn't really have a narrative, so it's a nice book to pick up and read from occasionally. I think the structure of it really suits the subject well. Chick was great at describing basketball and relating to people, so to a large extent the book is basketball people talking about him.

If you're a Laker fan, it's a great read. If you're into sportscasting or basketball, there's something for you too.

It's Friday night, you're tired after a long work week, and you're wandering the aisles at Blockbuster looking for a good family film. No need to go through the brain damage of reading millions of obscure DVD sleeves when you have Michael Booth's fine book, which recommends some little-noticed but still-great films appropriate for the schoolkids in your house. Screenit.com is OK if you have a specific idea for a rentable movie, but Booth's book is much better when you need recommendations (and for the fun writing, too).

This book is both helpful and enjoyable to read. The commentary addresses its audience with insight and intelligence. Best Family Films has been really helpful - particularly with concerns on the wide range of whether PG-13 movies are more of a PG or an R rating. This book has taken away parental angst.

Booth has a great feel for which movies work for which audience/age group. His recommendations have been 100% when selecting movies for our family.

Michael Booth is the thinking person's alternative to that other Michael (Medved) who professes an interest in family films. Booth's reviews are informative, helpful, witty, and a real pleasure to read. Highly recommended!

This guide's succinct reviews are really useful. Every review is on one page, with an entertaining tidbit, age-appropriateness and run-time on the facing page. I found several of my all-time favorites, but what's better is that I found a few gems that weren't on my list yet.

I don't normally write reviews, however in this case I felt compelled to do so. If you're looking into the topic of family films, let me save you some time. Get this book. As others have noted, Mr. Booth's reviews are entertaining, informative and spot on. His selections include films off the beaten path. Good stuff!

As always an excellent and concise guide to wines of the world.

For the last 14 years, I have used this guide as an indispensable reference for my wine selections. I can not think of any selection made, using this guide, where the wine did not meet my expectations or the expectations of those that tried my selections.

For those that are new to wines, trust this guide. For it will give you the choices and accuracy you can depend on.

parker is good, but johnson is more reliable. Wine is not a precise science, so parkers scores of 89, 93, etc are misleading. One learns this by subscribing to his online service and learning that the same wine sometimes changes from a 96 to an 87 from one year to the next.

johnson honestly gives general but reliable guidelines as to good years, ordinary years, and forgettable years.

it also fits in the shirt pocket.

The classic pocket guide, though getting a little bulkier. In an attempt to keep this edition from being even thicker, some material from previous editions has been cut; e.g., listings for particular foods and suggested wines to accompany them. But it is still handy, detailed, comprehensive, authoritative, and all most wine drinkers need, unless you're the type who sniffs corks.

Simply awesome. I know nothing about wine other than what I think tastes good. This book has helped guide me on what to buy and when to drink it in a very clear/easy to understand way.