Shepard Books

Priceless! It's beautiful!
I plan to keep the pictures when this year is through!

Kites for Kids presents all the kite related technical terms with easy to understand explanations. There are clearly labeled diagrams both for showing the parts of a kite and explaining the directions. The fifth chapter explains the secret of flight, how to launch and retrieve a kite, how to deal with common problems, and how to fly kites safely. All these things were helpful when working on a kite project with a group of boys. Kites for Kids lists the materials you will need and has ideas for where to find them--a great time saver. There are directions for 13 kites from the classic diamond kite to space cruisers to sky monsters. Each kite begins with a brief introduction about the history or flying abilities. Amazing moments in kite history are scattered throughout the book. If you're new to kite building, or trying to build kites with kids, this book is a great guide.

I watched the video that belong to my friend. I thought it was very informative and correct. I truly would like to have a copy for my family and my friends that saw it on TV were very impressed. So for anyone who want to know how Jehovah's Witnesses are an assest to our community need only to see this video and maybe talk to them at the door the next time they come knocking.

Lady White and her friend Blue (who are both snakes), decide to leave their residence at Mt. Emei and experience the human world. A young man, Xu Xian, offers the two women the use of his umbrella when it begins to rain, and plans to pick it up from them the following day. After spending the day drinking tea with the two women, Xu Xian and Lady White agree to marry. Unfortunately, the two do not live happily ever after--because of the meddling of a monk who considers Lady White a demon and tries to convince Xu Xian of that fact. After a series of confrontations between the monk and Lady White, the story follows operatic tradition as the monk finally succeeds in ripping the two lovers apart. He captures Lady White and imprisons her under a pagoda by West Lake, where she will remain until either the lake dries up or the pagoda falls. However, the story does conclude on a hopeful note. As the centuries pass, Lady White's friend Blue trains until she and her army are able to destroy the pagoda and free Lady White from her prison, giving her freedom and perhaps one day another chance at love.

The author has included some pages of extra information that is helpful to those of us who are not familiar with aspects of Chinese opera that appear in this story. The beginning also has a pronunciation guide on names non-Chinese speakers may have problems with. There is also a brief description about the style of Chinese calligraphy the artist chose to incorporate into the illustrations. The illustrations are quite impressive, especially the two page spread showing the battle between the armies of the monastery and Lady White. The illustrator makes it seem as though they are images from a production of the opera, which enhances the story.

This is a great, well-written book, telling a story that most readers will not be familiar with. All the readers though will appreciate the action of the story and the lovely pictures that accompany the text. There is love and excitement, and while there is not a `happily ever after' ending between Lady White and Xu Xian, there are hints that love might come again for Lady White. However, one thing to be aware of is that this book will probably work better as a read aloud book than one kids read themselves, because of the long plot and unfamiliar words.

This story will probably especially appeal to girls, in both the exotic costumes and the characters who are passionate and adventurous. While Lady White does marry and have a child, unlike the "traditional" female role, she is not someone who will passively stand by and watch things happen without doing something. Her friend Blue has a similar personality, even struggling over the centuries to become strong enough to free Lady White.

I have been able to get this book through Amazon's Used Book Sellers. I read it to my children years ago. I hope somehow this book can be reprinted and marketed to the Baby Boomers and their parents. It's a beautiful love story, at heart. When my husband and I downsized to a smaller home, the book helped so much in letting me give away furniture that we could no longer use. I don't think I could have parted with precious pieces had I not read this book years ago -- I feel the furniture I donated will eventually find a home with just the right people. A ministry in my church is using this book's theme to help people who have to leave their home for assisted living, moving closer to family, etc. I hope whoever owns the rights to this book will find a way to remarket it-- it's so much more than a children's book. Thanks to the writer and to Amazon for having it available used.

"Lake of the Big Snake: An African Rain Forest Adventure" combines a story by Isaac Olaleye with illustrations by Claudia Shepard. The easy-to-read text opens, "In an African rain forest called Inisa, lived two boys, Ade and Tayo. Best friends they were." The friends have an adventure which, as the title hints, involves a startling encounter with a huge water snake.

This book features some really beautiful illustrations: the colorful African clothing, bright green foliage of the rain forest, purple berries, etc. Ultimately, it presents commendable messages about loyalty, courage, and the danger of irresponsibility.

I feel a bit silly cause I LOVE this guys plays,so i'm only gonna say Great Things about this play but if you have seen This So Called Disaster you will know a lot more about this play and the first production to be mounted for it-[directed by Shepard]...If you like his plays then this will knock your Bobby Socks Off...What can I say But READ the Damn Thing And make up your own Mind.
Once again,Mr shepard has done an awesome job writing what could be the last play about his dad,but like I say, Read It and make up your own mind.

El libro llegó a Madrid en perfecto estado, antes incluso de lo esperado. Confiable, 100% recomendado.

I have read this book 3 times, and I still find new, heartlifting insights with each reading. I genuinely like the protagonist. I could happily spend hours discussing any topic he might choose to introduce. His crises become my crises; when his world turns upside down mine does also. I actually have nothing in common with this pastor, but I feel that his life is important to mine. When the protagonist has to make decisions about accepting or rejecting the path his life has taken, the reader feels that his/her feelings are vitally important to these decisions. I fervently hope that Mr. Shepard will write many more books, sooner rather than later!

Teocinte is where you go when no one else will have you. Populated by thieves, misfits and other ne'er-do-wells, the town has come to be a ramshackle coterie of hovels and humanity. It's center is Liar's House, an inn for all who may care to visit.
Shepard gives us the story of Hota, who has fled his past to become Teocinte's wealthiest citizen, and the bronze-skinned Magali, who he unexpectedly encounters while following after a beast he has spotted. In the background is our third main player, the dragon Griaule. Destiny entwines each, and cannot be escaped.
Lucius Shepard writes as if he were relating his tale around a campfire. The language is evocative and true, drawing you into the story. The novella is perfect for Shepard, as he says only what is neccesary.
"He suspected she was dissembling and knew she did not like being pressed; but he had the itch to press her. She rarely spoke of her life prior to their meeting and, though he was not convinced that she was who she claimed to be, he wanted to believe her....He wanted her to be a fabulous creature, for him to be part of her fabulous design..."