Richardson Books

This truly is a wonderful book. The words are easily memorized, and the illustrations are large and colorful. Our one year old son is constantly picking it out of the bookshelf, and looking at the pictures. All we have to do to get his attention these days is say a line from the book. He then goes and finds the book for us to read to him. We now have two copies of the book just so that it is always nearby to keep him entertained.

We're glad that our son is going to know all of the animals by name next time we're on a farm.

Great book!
Here we are a year later and we are still reading this book every night. Warren reads it now. 8/03

As grandparents who buy a lot of books for our grandchildren, we thought it might be helpful to point out how CAN A ROOSTER DRIVE A TRACTOR? meets the criteria we apply when we select their books. Young readers love rhyme and repetition, and this book employs both magnificently. Very quickly the child falls into the rhythm of the book and anticipates what will be on the next page. What new animal will appear? Will he drive the tractor? Also the child anticipates a positive answer somewhere to the basic question, and he receives that at the end of the book. Children also love correspondences, and the connection between the looks on the faces of the tractor as he asks his questions and the faces of the various animals will not be lost on them, although they may not be able to explain this connection. And children love humor. The mild absurdity of the questions and the answers of the animals will have them giggling. The comical looks on the faces of the animals are also bound to please. Finally, smaller kids love big, colorful, bold illustrations, and they will find them on every page of this superb book. As grandparents, we highly recommend CAN A ROOSTER DRIVE A TRACTOR? to anyone looking for a quality children's book for kids from two to six (or sixty).

This is a wonderful book for all young children. Our learning to read 6 year old enjoys being able to read this book. The wonderful illustrations and the repetition help him have success each time he picks up the book. The introduction of words like remote and absurd in "How Remote," said the goat and "How absurd," said the bird challenge and stretch his vocabulary. Our 18 month old, who is just learning to sit still for books, loves having this book read again and again. You will be delighted with Can a Rooster Drive a Tractor!

My grandchildren's reaction to this book was, "Nana, read it again!" So we read it again and again and again. [She]was so impressed the tractor could do a wheelie. Now my granddaughter wants to learn to read using the repetitive phrases in this book. She is in kindergarten. The illustrations are excellent.

What a wonderful book Shelley and Bonnie have created! I really liked the fact that Bonnie used some words that little kids might not know (like "remote") but could learn. And Shelley's illustrations are perfect for young (and not-so-young) eyes: really personal (the animals and tractor have personalities), variation in details (like the eyes and the little patches of hair, the beard on the farmer), and good colors (and use of color words). I tried this out on a 3 year old in our Sunday School and her face lit up with anticipation of the next question: To each she responded, "Nooooo" with a great big smiile. Until we got to the farmer, of course!

Dayle Haddon does a real service to women of all ages in this book. With her heartfelt courage she shares how-to secrets of living the best years of your life over and over again. In ancient societies there was a place for the Wise Woman, also known as the archetype of The Crone, but as matricide evolved the older female was degraded to the level of untouchable. Haddon, a famous fashion model, actress, and performer is a testament to the lie that each birthday after age 25 is a decay. Rather, time is irrelevant, and living our best possible lives is an essential birthright. Filled with tips, tactics, and teachniques galore for all parts of self, this is one beauty book a woman needs to read. With all the attention and focus on barely legal teen actresses ... it's about time for Ageless Living!

After meeting Dayle Haddon while she was in Dallas I dove right into this book. It covers 5 main principles. While all five may not be what you need at this time, they will become relevant at some point in your life and journey. It is an excellent book for picking up a piece of information for your day or night. I feel this is a book which you will find helpful, and it is one you will want to tell others to buy. Your mom, sister, friend, co-worker, etc. will get something from this book. Enjoy and begin to rethink your way of staying connected to your self and to others. Do it for a Book Club! We did and it provoked wonderful conversations!

I met Dayle on her book tour in Dallas and quickly picked up her book after seeing such a vivacious and truly beautiful person, eager to read her advice. I was impressed with her ability to convey a great deal of knowledge and resources in the book, provide excellent advice, but most importantly her tone is that of "You are beautiful, you are important, and you are worth taking care of". So often we may feel guilty, shallow, or selfish when putting our own needs, spirituality, and self-care at the top of the "to do" list, but she encourages readers to do just that, describing how when you are at your best, then you are able to give your best to others. An easy read - great by the bedside for a quick dose of positive energy before you settle in for your beauty sleep or enter the day with a fresh, beautiful perspective.

I received this book as a gift. At first, I felt a tiny bit hurt thinking the giver was presenting me with a subtle hint that my appearance could be improved. This could not be farther from the truth. My friend was sharing a most inspiring, yet at the same time most practical, gift: A gift from one woman to her readers full of down-to-earth, everyday wisdom. Dayle Haddon tells of the struggles in her own life. Because of this, I was able to relate to a ?fashion model?. Dayle plowed through adversity and come out on top, which had nothing to do with her blessing of a great face and body. It was her beautiful spirit that led her on, and can help everyone improve their body, mind and spirit. Thanks Dayle.
Connecticut Woman

After Dayle Haddon so kindly dropped by our book club after a Book Signing she had in Dallas, our group decided to read 'The 5 Principles' that month. When I purchased it, I thought it wouldn't apply to me (I'm 29) & might be something I'd pass along to my mom, but I was wrong! It not only hands out great information about health & beauty, but focuses on even more important issues in life - such as spirituality, wisdom & staying connected (my favority principle). And how very impressed I am with Dayle Haddon because she practices what she preaches! She mentioned joining our Book Club via phone the next month (to stay connected!), and she did! Everyone, no matter their age, will learn very valuable things from this book... I highly recommend it! :)

"In Grandma's Attic" is a beautiful book that our whole family enjoyed, from my 5-year-old homeschooled kindergartener all the way up to my 77-year-old parents.

Author Arleta Richardson, herself in her 80s now, recalls stories that her grandmother shared about her childhood. The grandmother grew up on a farm in Michigan around the turn of the last century, so the stories offer a nice glimpse into the past--almost doubling as a history lesson.

Arleta introduces each story with what was happening when her grandma told it to her, whether grandma was sitting down to sew, telling about something Arleta had pulled out of the attic, or entertaining Arleta as the little girl from diphtheria. Readers can learn about day-to-day life from two different periods of history at once.

What I most appreciate is the quaint honesty of the stories. Grandma even tells stories about the mischief she got into as a child! Arleta manages to show that childhood is still childhood, no matter the time period.

We used this book as a read-aloud during school times and at bedtime. I'd say a child with about a third-grade reading level could read it alone. Each of its 23 chapters is short, with about 5 or so pages each. Each chapter tells a different story.

The book has five nice, black-and-white illustrations. It even feels good in the hand, with a nice linen cardstock cover and standard novel size.

If you enjoy the Little House on the Prairie series, you'll enjoy this book. Some of the stories end with a Christian message, such as how prayer brought grandpa a new pair of shoes. All emphasize values, though not at all in a preachy way.

Like grandma from the book, I also grew up on a farm in Michigan, but I think anyone would love these stories.

We read this as part of the Sonlight Core C (kindergarten) homeschool curriculum. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

"In Grandma's Attic" is one of the best character-building books I have come across. These humorous short stories convey history, family life, and lessons learned in such a delightful way. Reminds me of the "Little House" books, but with a greater spiritual emphasis. So glad we were introduced to this series through "Five in a Row" by Jane Claire Lambert, who recommends it be read in conjunction with "The Rag Coat" by Lauren Mills.

What I liked the most about this book was that this girls grandmother told a lot of stories in this one book. It was REALLY good and I liked all the stories. I learned never to put your tounge on metal when it is winter and never touch guns and lots of other great lessons. I would like all of my friends to read this book. I am sure they would love it just like I loved it.
by: Jordan age 7

We read and reread these books to our sons when they were small. Then they read - and reread - them for themselves. Our family laughed a lot over the adventures and misadventures of Mabel and Sara Jane, two delightfully irrepressible little girls who, with the best of intentions, managed to get into all sorts of trouble. Our boys grew up watching Mabel and Sara Jane grow up. These true stories offer a rare and endearing view of childhood as it ought to be and of godliness cultivated through wisdom and love.

The entire Grandma's Attic Series, and this first book in particular, is one of the most beloved book series of my childhood. I haven't read them in years, but I still can recall most of the stories from each book.

When I was very young, my mother read them to me before I went to sleep. As I got older (6 or 7), I began reading them on my own. The stories were short enough that storytime before bed didn't drag on into the night, and they were also funny and well written. Morals were present in each story (the importance of truthfulness and the value of hardwork being two recurring themes, as I recall), but they weren't preachy or heavy-handed.

I haven't read the books in over a decade, but they left such a lasting impression on me that I have kept a set of the books in my library to read to children who visit. They've been a big hit so far with all the children I've read the stories to.

I've read this book twice. It is the most informative book on the subject, giving insight to anyone with A.D.D., especially if addictions are creating havoc in your life. A "must read" if you have A.D.D. and want to change the direction in which your life is heading. Bravo to Wendy for putting her information into a comprehensive book!

Wendy has written a clear explanation of what ADD is and how it impacts a person's life. She explains how many people with ADD also have problems with a variety of addictions, and what they can do about it. Wendy has personal insight into both problem areas, as well as extensive professional training, so her writing on these topics has both depth and breadth. The book is written for the lay person, is not over-whelming, and is clear and concise. Anyone who thinks they have both ADD and addictions would greatly benefit from reading this book.

If you suspect that you -or someone you'd like to help- suffers from ADD or an addiction problem, this straight-forward guide will unravel the mystery and then show you practical ways to greatly improve life. The author -a highly respected practitioner in California - writes in a no-nonsense style that makes you feel that you are learning from the best. She clearly knows the subject so well that she can distill material into reader-friendly nuggets of useful bullet points, checklists, tools, and quick assessments. Read this book and you'll be better able to help yourself or someone else.

The Link Between ADD and Addiction is a one of a kind book and should be at the top of the list for all people with Attention Deficit Disorder whether or not they believe they have addictions. Its important information helps the ADD adult or parent of ADD children understand how attention deficit disorder may be affecting their lives. It is well written, in a friendly, easy to read style.

Thanks Wendy Richardson for writing it!

This is very well written book that connects AD/HD and ADDiction. Not only does it explain both of them it offerrs suggestions on how to deal with AD/HD and ADDiction. The chapter "Feeling your Feelings" is very helpful.

I purchased several copies of this book to give to the women in our family, and friends. I feel it is a must read.

This is an excellent book and necessary for each one of us to read to better understand who we are and why we make the choices we have made and continue to make. If we want something different for our lives, this book introduces us to ways to examine the lives and choices of our mothers, grandmothers, etc., in an effort to make different choices......

I have never read a book that revealed more about black male female relationships. I've read this book three times, and I've given as a gift to other sisters in the struggle just as many times. I recommend this book highly to anyone on a search to understand themselves intergenerationally.

This book is an absolute MUST for any black woman (or man for that matter) who wants to deal with intergenerational scarcity beliefs which prevent us from truly experiencing love in our lives. Richardson and Wade do an excellent job of explaining how the slavery experience impacted every facet of black life and remnants of that impact are played out in our relationships with our family, friends, and mates. For instance, many of us can look back in our family tree to locate where different behavioral patterns (i.e. alcoholism, sexual abuse, obesity, etc.) developed and now play out in our own lives. The authors have you do a series of exercises, such as a genogram which lists the scarcity beliefs and self-destructive behaviors members of our families have developed and passed on to us, to help you begin to understand those internalized beliefs and behaviors which prevent us from experiencing real love. The book doesn't just focus on love relationships with mates but explores love relationships with ourselves, our family, and our mates. Personally, I found the chapter on anger to be the most provocative and enlightening. So much so that I have begun using the information I learned about my anger issues in my individual counseling sessions. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to deal with the pain of slavery and its reprecussions on our present day lives.

I cound not put this book down! I was amazed of the imact black slavery has on us today.The entire truth was never taught to me in school. I'm glad this book tells it how it is(or how it use to be)!This book taught me how to heal deep emotional scars that have been pasted down from one generation to the next. I had no idea what a profound impact past emotional abuse has had on my personal life and love relationships today. Don't live in the dark, buy this book and be enlightened to the abudance that was ment for you...

I read through this book in about an afternoon. The author does a fabulous job of telling you what parts you need to read and which you don't, depending on what type of AD/HD you have and what possible addictions you may also have. In addition she presents the information very clearly and includes a lot of information not discussed in detail elsewhere.

I see the devastating effects of AD/HD and addiction every day in my private psychotherapy practice. The GREAT NEWS is: THERE IS HOPE! Wendy Richardson presents crucial information about the connections between AD/HD and addictive behaviors (not just drugs and alcohol) in an easy read that is both enlightening and encouraging. This book presents the perfect balance between scientific facts and gentle words of encouragement. Ms. Richardson is very clear in making certain that the reader is not left with just information about the connection between AD/HD and addictive behaviors. She also provides the reader with valuable, "ready to use today," suggestions of what can be done right now to start the healing process. "When Too Much Is Not Enough" is the book to read - for individuals struggling with addiction, their family members, and everyone in the helping professions.
Jonathan Scott Halverstadt, MS, LMFT

Wendy Richardson once again writes an imformative and helpful book about AD/HD and addiction. This book delves deep into addictive behaviors that many adults with AD/HD face. This book isn't just about well known addictions like drugs and gambling. It discusses every day things like shopping, food, and the internet. Wendy also provides helpful ways to deal with AD/HD and addictive behaviors.

This book answers all the of questions I had about my close friend. It is a great source of knowledge and gives inspiration to getting the help you need.

Wendy Richardson needs to find a larger audience for her work - the information is invaluable. This is one of my favorite books of all time. I have bought extra copies to give away to people in the field that need to understand the link between biology and addiction. 6 stars... BRAVO!!!!

This book should be read by every mother who has a daughter. Who knew we could have such an impact on our daughter's self image. What an awesome responsibility!

I have never rushed to my computer upon finishing a book to write a review, and I hardly think a book that's been profiled in PEOPLE magazine needs my help, but I feel compelled to RAVE about this inspiring and hugely helpful book. There are so many of us who understand that bulimia, anorexia and morbid obesity, while frightening problems, are but the tip of the iceberg of the eating disorder that seems to have ensnared all modern females. The notion that a life-long battle against the body is a given MUST be combatted, and authors Richardson and Rehr have pulled out some brilliant tools to help us win--or, rather, stop--this war. With language that reminds us of a smart friend at our kitchen table, they shine a flashlight in the corners, tackling issues that other books on this topic ignore. What to do with the heavy girl whose mother is thin? How does adoption affect body image? How can we emphasize to our daughters what's important, without denying the pull of pop culture? I came away from this book with not only incredible insight, but at least a dozen practical ideas I can use right now with my daughters ages 7 and 10, who are both already struggling with this issue. I thank my lucky stars that these two women met at their daughters' schools, and got around to talking about more than playdates and homework. Any mother with a daughter needs this book!

I read about this book in People magazine and thought it sounded good. Wow! I want to buy this book for everyone I know who has a daughter. Starting from babies and moving through each stage of a girl's life, this book gives sound, quick advice in a very easy to read format to help girls love their bodies. There is also a great section for Dads too. If you have a daugher. Get this book. It is a must read.

Few parents with teen-aged daughters escape the frustrations of dealing, at least on occasion, with a daughter who feels she should look like the image on a fashion magazine. At this trying point in a girl's life, a great many insecurities can arise ranging from peer pressure to lack of confidence and self-esteem about appearance. Through the media, i.e. television, movies and fashion magazines, teens are often programmed to think only thin is acceptable and unless we have a the face and body of a fashion model, we will never be accepted and never be noticed.

This book is an excellent source for working with your daughter to help her understand that true beauty lies within, not on the surface. Each of us has our own unique beauty and style and rather than try to cultivate what others have achieved, we should be individualistic and cultivate what we have been given. This is a book where Mom's and Dad's can both play an active role in dealing with the often frustrating day-to-day problems of a teen-aged daughter, and by doing so, helping her feel more confident, happy and healthy, both emotionally and physically.

This Author is Fantastic and an inspration to us all as mothers and as women!
Way to go Elaine you've hit it out of the park on this book! I recomend it to all mothers!

Your Friend Desiree A Make-A-Wish Volunteer whom you have inspired even more! ;-}

Forget everything you know about sex in western culture. The book walks you through the process of rediscovering sex following tantric practices. Very enlightening. My wife is also reading this book. Truly something to share with your love.

While browsing for books on alternative personal and environmental energetics, this book jumped off the bookstore shelf at me. I wasn't looking for a tantric sex introduction but after scanning it I knew there was something I was meant to learn from it. This book is valuable on 2 levels. On an personal and emotional level it simply describes the benefits of mindful conjoining and the tools to remain in the present moment, all of which has the ability to extend the conjoining experience by hours. As an energetic consultant practitioner I appreciated the physiological principles and descriptions throughout the book which were verified to be all true after following the guidelines. My approach has been changed forever. Anyone I discuss it with appears to be naturally drawn to the concept as well. It also discusses sexual dysfunction which makes alot of sense.

I just finished this book and by the time I was reading the last chapter I kept feeling tears well up. I realized it was because I was resonating so much with what the author was saying. This is so much more than a book on Tantra. She delves deep into what makes the male and female bodies want each other. I was deeply moved at how she describes what it takes to truly connect with your lover and not just perform an animal act. This definitely covers the "fulfillment" aspect the relationship like no other I have found yet. Enjoy!

I liked this book so much I bought 3 extra copies for my friends so that they wouldn't have to try to read through all my highlighter marks. This book offers an excellent blend of subjective and objective suggestions and techniques. Most importantly, this book gave me a new understanding of sexuality.

This book was origionally published as 'The Love Keys: The Art of Ecstatic Sex'.

This is such a valuable book to read if you are experiencing parental alienation syndrome--your "ex" poisoning your children against you.
The author outlines the progressive steps her son's dad took to turn her son against her. One thing to pay attention to is that she gave up custody in the hopes that her son's dad would cool down and not continue with the hostility.
But as she found out, that action just made things a lot worse--the hostility continued unabated.
She also points out how the alienating parent is very likely to have mental illness issues. This makes sense: what mentally or emotionally healthy parent would force their child to choose between parents? What mentally or emotionally healthy parent would continue fighting when they have "won" full control of the child? What mentally or emotionally healthy parent would so abuse their child (because poisoning a child against the other parent is truly child abuse) that the child becomes so hopeless that the child suicides.
If you are experiencing this, read this book, don't take the high road with your child(ren)'s parent, hang in there and fight--your child's future is at stake.

This book is a great read. Though the story is sad, the lesson is strong. With more and more information out in public on Alienation, perhaps society can understand this sad epidemic.

This book is a must read for all those who deal with children, too many to begin listing. I stood by helplessly while my ex-husband lied and manipulated my two daughters into thinking that I had abandoned them. He would call me and taunt me with the lies that he was telling them. He too, lumped them into a category of one. I do not think that I can ever forgive the way he misused the trust that a trusting child put in him. All for pride and revenge. Too many divorces are ending up this way. I have come to see that there are generally two kinds of people in a marriage that doesn't work; the alienater and the alienated. This book shows how the justice system overlooks the helpless, innocent child. My heart cracked a little more each time Pamela was given a small victory only to have it so cruelly snatched back. PAS is so alive and so well and growing like a disease all around us. I have struggled every day for the last ten years to rebuild a relationship with my youngest daughter and while I have not given up hope that one day I will have my oldest daughter back in my life, that hope does dwindle each day. My husband and I have dealt with this pain two fold. While he is now rebuilding the relationships with his sons, his ex-wife has reaked havoc in their lives for many years. All four of our children as well as the two of us suffer from PAS. It took a lot of courage for Pamela Richardson to write this book and I applaude her. As parents, we need to make sure that all of our struggles are not in vain.

This book is a must read for anyone going through a divorce. It Chronicles one mother's efforts to stop her ex husband from alienating her son from her and his ultimate death through suicide. She does everything she thinks is the right thing to do, but ultimately it did not work, and gives her painful hindsight advice to all parents who are going through something like this. Parental Alienation Syndrome is real, this book proves it, maybe someday the courts will notice it.

Pamela's case is definitely an example of the worst case scenario of what can happen when a parent manipulates the mind of a child and the judicial system enables this manipulation to continue unrestricted. Written from what had to be dozens of journals and tape recordings, it was so well written that I felt I was re-living her life. I believe it should be required reading for any parent considering divorce because it highlights the monumental impact words have on a developing mind. It should also be required reading for family law attorneys and therapists. My heart goes out to Pamela and her family.

This is the Mother Goose of my children's generation. It was always a favorite. The illustrations are humorous and not too frightening (as in "A Real Mother Goose." This book is beloved by all three of my children, and was often their bedtime story pick well into elementary school. I would recommend this book to any parent looking for a comprehensive Mother Goose.

This book is in excellent condition and is exactly as I remember it as a child. It has brought fond memories back and I am sure my god children will enjoy it as much as myself and my brothers did growing up.

As a small child, I read Gyo Fujikawa's Mother Goose with my mom almost every night. As much as I loved the rhymes, I loved Ms. Fujikawa's drawings even more. Her little line drawings created a little world for each rhyme, and her full color illustrations--stretching across both pages--were gorgeous and mesmerizing. How wonderful that it is back in print so that my 2-yr old son can enjoy this book, too. (My own 40-yr old copy is lost somewhere in my mom's garage.) He loves it and clamors for "Goose! Goose!"

They don't make them like this anymore. A beautifully illustrated book. I had "Oh, What a Busy Day" as a child and we looked at the pictures over and over again- never got tired of it. Hoping my child will think the same of this one.

This is more than a kids's book to me: it is a treasured family heirloom.

The Volland Edition of Mother Goose Nursery rhymes is a well-worn book that sits on our lowest shelf for our kids to access freely. This has resulted in a bit of fraying on the edges of the pages and a binding that has started falling apart. But I have no regrets that my kids have returned to this book often and with anticipation when I announce that it is story time.

In this Mother Goose collection, you will find all the favorite rhymes in their original form; beautiful, sentimental, at times seemingly savage to our 21st century sensibilities - they were all written without regard to political correctness. For instance, the little old woman who lived in a shoe actually whipped all her children soundly before sending them to bed (not "kissed"), and Jack and Jill really do "break their crowns" instead of their hats or just bumping their heads. A few other selections mention the deaths of children and animals. Parents will have to prepare to explain some serious things to children after reading some of these rhymes.

The language back then was apparently more sophisticated than modern versions: consider "The Cat and the Fiddle" in which the little dog laughed to see such craft, which rhymes rather better than the later versions' (dumbed down) sport or play. In my opinion, that only adds to their color and charm. Hey, you can use it as an educational opportunity to teach new word usages to your kids.

But the real reason to choose this rhyme book is that the Volland Edition of Mother Goose is illustrated with an eye to beauty that you simply won't find in modern nursery rhyme books. That is what really sets the Volland Edition apart from all the modern collections; magical, perfect watercolors for each rhyme. No picture book since the Volland Edition has matched the quality here and I do believe that children enjoy good artwork and benefit from it greatly. In my case, this very book was inspirational in setting a high standard for my aspirations to become an artist someday.

As a great way to teach children poems and rhymes that will stay with them their whole lives, or as a valued heritage from another century, the Volland Mother Goose is one book every family should experience IMHO.
-Andrea, aka Merribelle