Lifestyle Books

We thing Spike In The City is a very good book for kids because all kids like adventures and this book is one big one. Ms. Bogan put a lot of detail in to this book and she put a lot of time into her pictures. Spike In The City is written so well that it makes you want to read on and on. So, check out your local library and read this and the rest of the series.

I love the pictures because they are so beautiful and I like the writings because they are easy for me to read. It is so much fun to
read.

Spike in The City is just plain fun to look at and fun to read. This story is perfect for its intended audience, children. The illustrations are as vibrant and fun as in all the Spike books. The little goofy dog gone to the big city is a perfect fit in the Spike series.

Spike is at it again! My kids love this book from Paulette Bogan. At the turn of every page, they are delighted with the colorful illustrations and laugh at the expressions from their favorite dog, Spike! We hope he keeps on going on new adventures to entertain us!

Spike In The City is a blast both for the adult and the little one listening (or reading) with you. We take it off the book shelf often and laugh and laugh about how life in the city must be or we reminisce about our own experiences in the big city. How many times have you been splashed by someone who doesn't even notice or step in disgusting gum left there by someone who didn't even care? Then, you discover that the city is actually a pretty neat place, a great place to meet new friends and do some of the same things you might just do at home.

My sons get a kick out of the hilarious illustrations and my little one learned to read with it. How much fun is to make a huge growling sound when you are 5 years old? Nothing beats that.

This is an good book that explores the relationships between mothers and daughters. New mothers should read it to understand how they can shape there daughters lives. This might make them think before the say negative comments to their children. It might give them ideas on activities to introduce to their children.

I loved the book.

When I picked up this book, I expected it to be about mothers and daughters who had really good relationships and were sharing information about such. Some of the tales were heart-wrenching and really make you appreciate who you have as a mother.

This mother's daughter is essays from daughter about their experience with their mother. The only thing is I wanted to read more from the mother's point of view.

BELLE Magazine January 2001

A remarkable woman of spirit and accomplishment, Nelvia M. Brady went from the Chicago projects to the highest levels of education in that city, being both the first African American and the first woman to serve as Chancellor of the City Colleges. Now she has pulled together a rich collection of anecdotes, advice, and just plain sass in a book called This Mother's Daughter. Her stories and recollections of the wisdom passed on from mothers to daughters in the African American tradition will strike chords with every woman who reads it. Sometimes the epitome of devotion, sometimes the scars of classic conflicts delineate these pages, and taken all together they comprise a wonderful evocation of the mother-daughter relationship. The striking cover is the work of Ophelia M. Chambliss, a fine artist whose work we would like to see more of. Brady self published this book and features it on her website www.thismothersdaughter.com adding entrepreneurship to all of her other achievements.

One of the strongest relationships that can shape and mold a young woman's life is the one between her and her mother. Nelvia M. Brady's "This Mother's Daughter" is a collection of real-life stories taken from the daughters of African American mothers. These stories reflect the good and the bad, the joyful and the painful, and the wisdom and messages that these daughters received from their mothers...and thus USED in order to try and make their own lives as women and mothers better. I was profoundly touched by these stories and found myself moved to smiles and tears as I read the words from these women, women taken from all walks of life, from the attorney to the administrative assistant, from the middle-class/upper-life to the poverty level, from the happy childhood to one of abuse and adoption. Each story will resonate a strong powerful message to mothers and daughters everywhere. The book ends with a section titled RECLAIM YOUR STORY that contains questions for readers to answer in order to reflect upon their own relationships with the women in their lives. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to every woman...It conjured up thoughts of my own loving, beautiful connection I have with my mother...and had with my grandmother, and made me truly appreciate the beauty of the ties that bind. Shonnell Bacon

I have read over 100 self-help books in the last 15 years, and this is one of the very best. Crystal Rose is an extremely gifted writer. Her touching story flows so beautifully and conveys the transforming power of love and forgiveness (and the power of our thoughts). It sounds like a cliche, but I really couldn't put this book down once I started. Most importantly, her wonderful message has remained with me as a reminder of how to live a more positive,fulfilling life. I will be buying Crystal's next book the moment it comes off the press! The Turning Point is simply magnificent.

While reading, 'The Turning Point' by Crystal Rose (http://CrystalRoseCreations.com), I felt like I was right there with her as she experienced her magical journey. The thought-provoking messages were simply put yet truly powerful and I can apply them to my daily life. I always enjoy receiving new tools and being reminded how to live my dreams. Everyone who reads this book will learn how to create more love and happiness in their life!

I love the Turning Point by Crystal Rose. It is the best book I have read in a long time.

HI CRYSTAL ROSE! You're book is awesome. I love you so much. Keep up the good work.

This book gave me several 'excercises' to use in evaluating my own life, priorities, and direction. I found myself changing where I put my energies so I can look back and know my life was my choice - And I choose happiness. All this and it was FUN to read!!

if you have high blood pressure get this book its a 10 ! knowledge is good for your health ! stay healthy ! go to saunna sweat you toxins!! and and excercise keep away from foods that have too much sodium like chinese food , can soups , processed foods ! eat natural and excercise and live to 100 !!!

This book offers a wide variety of treatment options (dietary/ behavioral modification, use of various supplements) in the treatment of hypertension, as well as a comprehensive review of the prescription medications available for this condition. I found the dietary suggestions quite helpful, and this is one of the few books I have read which offers sound advice on use of dietary supplements as well as their presumed mechanism of action.

I've used the Vaso-Guard therapy and it is working for me. The book is very comprehensive and I appreciate the holistic approach outlined.

I actually starting using the Dash diet and some of the supplements, not all. In a few days my blood pressure started to go down dramatically. It's amazing how much salt there is in everything. You really have to read labels and of course a lot more fruits and veggies!

All in all, very good reading. Nothing new here, just ties together all facets of controlling your high blood pressure: vitamins, supplements, exercise, diet and stress reduction. Presents a variety of programs and explains in detail how each can potentially lower and control hypertension. A good "how to" book to keep handy and refer to often. I have started the program and after only 3 weeks, my blood pressure has dropped. I plan to "wean" myself off the high blood pressure medication I am on now and go "totally natural".

This book is a Caldecott Honor book! You would think at first glance that this is a photographic journey, but it is not! These are actually PAINTINGS! WOW! Talk about an extraordinary book!
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The idea for Alphabet City came to the author, Stephen T. Johnson, as he was walking along a city street. First, he noticed an ornamental keystone that looked like the letter S. Then, suddenly he saw the letter A in a construction sawhorse and the letter Z in fire escapes. At that moment, it became clear to him that in urban compositions he could discover the elements that form the letters of the alphabet. He hopes that his paintings will inspire children and adults to look at their surroundings in a fresh and playful way! Well, it certainly has done just that for our family!
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This book is perfect for helping to teach the alphabet because the children get to search for the letters as they "stroll through the city" and they can even trace the letters once they find them!
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Stephen T. Johnson also has a companion book titled "City by Numbers."
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This book has inspired me and my boys to look for letters wherever we go. We are finding most of our letters and numbers in nature. Sometimes their "finds" are obvious, like a broken stick shaped like a T. Other times, the boys really stretch their imaginations and I cant see what they see! That's when I just have to smile and say, "OHhhhhhh...." .
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We recently drove into the city. My youngest son, REALLY thought we were in "Alphabet City." As we approached the city, he saw something that reminded him of "Alphabet City." He said, "Look mom! I think we're in Alphabet City!" He was practically jumping out of his seat (the seatbelt kept him down a bit!) and pointed out "There's the E! There's the P!" As we drove further into the city, he grew increasingly enthusiastic! He exclaimed adamently, "Mom! We ARE in Alphabet City!" I didnt have the heart to tell him that we were in "Atlanta." giggles...one day! :-) We took photos of all the letters and numbers we could find that day! What FUN!

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

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.

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.

Few books make ancient history come to life as brilliantly and as completely as this one. When they do, they are usually military books. The evryday life of ordinary people is hardly ever described. More than just a survey, it offers a great insight into the real conditions of life and the details we often don't even think about. Inspiring.

Most books with really good illustrations are usually a little weak in the next. Not The Ancient City. The excellent text in this book is completmented by beautiful illustrations of what is being told.

I wanted a basic overview text on Greek and Roman civilizations. Luckily I stumbled upon this book by Connolly and Dodge. The book is terrific. The layout is excellent. The writing is succinct and the text moves along smoothly. I now have a basic knowledge of Greek and Roman eras. I got a lot more out of this book by also reading Edith Hamilton's The Greek Way. However, I must confess, this book is far more interesting and keeps one glued. A joy to read. Very highly recommended.

The past is another country, and the farther back in time we try to go, the harder it is to get there. If it is difficult to understand daily life in Rome and Athens today, even if we are there in person, able to see the sights and walk the streets with a native guide, then imagine how much more difficult the task to go back several thousand years. The natives are long gone, and only the shattered remains of marble buildings and monuments remain to guide us.

"The Ancient City" shows us, with a wealth of pictures and artistic reproductions, what life may have been like when Rome and Athens were the centers of their respective empires. Illustrator Peter Connolly draws on the latest archaeological finds to recreate buildings that range from the well-known, such as the Parthenon and the Colosseum, to tenements, temples, public baths and latrines (of the one in Rome -- dedicated to topping any other city -- boasted of one that featured an open-air design and over 100 seats).

Connolly also recreates statues, reliefs, frienzes and pottery, sometimes adding the original color scheme, creating a startling effect to an eye used to seeing plain white marble. The text, co-written with Hazel Dodge, describes daily life, how the people dressed, wed, entertained, worshiped and died.

Short of building your own time machine, "The Ancient World" is a worthwhile passport to the past.

I teach Classical Studies from the junior school to the senior student and am always on the lookout for resource material which can make the subject more inherently interesting. This book has it all-a wealth .of information presented in a great format with brilliant illustrations. I have posters by the author hanging in my classroom but in this production he outdoes himself. I can now readily picture what the great Panathenaic procession might have looked like , what happened in bathing establishments and how the average citizen coped with the problems of everyday life.
If anyone ever thought the Classics were dull, I would encourage him or her to peruse this book. A new adventure awaits the reader.

We stumbled across this book at a church rummage sale this past week. What a delightful find! The illustrations are wonderful. The rhythm inherent in the story had me putting the words to a spontaneously inspired tune starting on page one. We have been singing this book before bedtime all week. My 4yr and nearly 2yr love it.

This is a wonderful book to read with passion. It is a favorite of mine to read to my primary students - sharing the excitement of a barn dance, while preserving the mysteriousness of a full-moon night. Important addition to a library - but only for those who want to stay up late with all of nature! A fabulous book. I adore it.

I love this book, and frequently give it as a gift. Its perfect for young boys. The verses have a great cadence, and the illustrations are beautiful.

One of the best kids books around and a favorite of my four little ones.

As one of our family's favorite books, Barn Dance! by Bill Martin has been worn out twice at our house. The story is set on a farm at night as a "skinny kid" discovers that there is more going on after dark than the old owl lets on. The farm animals show him that a certain kind of magic exists if you just believe. The book is fantastically written with a slightly irregular-sounding rhythm that is fun for adults to read to their children, and our kids beg to read along--making this one of the first books they would try to read alone. We have also read this aloud to our daughter's class to rave reviews. This is a great book to dive into over and over, you'll find the magic will have you tapping your toe along to the "music" too!

hello readers! i love katherine applegate!ive been tring to find a good book series for years!i use to read baby sitters club but now im older and i need books i can relate to!i pick zoe fools around out by pure chance and i read it and now im on book 11 and i cant stop!my mom says i should go to the libary to read them but i refuse because the money you spend on these books are worth it!i cant put them down!i wish i would of found this seires a long time a go! when i get older i wanna be a writer and i wanna be just like her(apple gate)but i wish i knew who michael was that name is always in the front in the decication page but other wise i love these boooks and i will read them in till the day i die or ms.applegate stops writting them!

I would really recommend this book to anyone looking for a goodbook to read. You might have to read the books before it in the seriesto get a better feel for the characters but you do get the whole story in one book.

Aaron is quite sneaky. He wanted that confrontation between himself and Lucas to take place. Lucas is so blinded by the anger that he doesn't see it. However, I am sure that Claire knows what it really going on for she plays games more than a little bit.

I am pulling for Benjamins surgery to be a success. I do not know what to say about Jake or Lara.

And, oh yeah, please be believe Aaron wants Claire every bit as much as Claire wants him. He likes Zoey cause she is naive and untouched.

This whole series is great!I finish each book in about 2 1/2 hours.I can't put them down!And Ben is by FAR my favorite character!If you haven't,I definately suggest reading these books.

For supposedly being a book about 19-year-old Benjamin Passmore (one of my favorite characters in the Making Out series), "Ben Takes a Chance" seldom revolves around him. Instead, it follows the various love problems brewing among the other Chatham Island teens. For starters, Zoey Passmore was found making out with Aaron Mendel in "Nina Shapes Up" (#10) while she was still dating Lucas Cabral (major déjà vu here; remember her cheating on Jake McRoyan at the beginning of this series in "Zoey Fools Around"?). Next is Aisha Gray and Christopher Shupe. He's recently proposed to Aisha and has been pressuring her to give him a yes or no answer before he ships out in January. (He's in the army.) Personally, I don't think they should marry, but we'll see.

And, although Benjamin had been debating for the past couple of books whether or not to proceed with the experimental laser surgery that may or may not restore his sight, the actual operation doesn't start until the end of this book. Major disappointment! From what I assumed from the synopsis on the back of this book, it should have occurred within the first dozen or so pages. Perhaps the result of his operation will be in the succeeding book, "Claire Can't Lose" (#12). I hope. (fingers crossed)

So, overall, this was a pretty good book (thus my 5/5 rating). However, I was a little bummed Benjamin was rarely the star of this book. I would think something as important as regaining one's sight would entail a few more pages or chapters than what was allotted. Still, "Ben Takes a Chance" is worth reading if you're into the Making Out series.

Theresa Willingham has done her homework. Compiling this extensive handbook of tips, information, and personal stories certainly took some serious time and effort. But before I get into the details of this guide and cookbook, I do want to point out that this is a gluten-free guide first and foremost.

I think the title of "Food Allergy" may be slightly misleading. It is true that the book is completely wheat-free (one of the top eight allergens), but gluten is the author's primary focus, which is typically a food intolerance and most problematic in autoimmune disorders such as Celiac Disease and Autism. This is not to say that she ignores all other common food allergies, dairy sits right along side gluten, firmly in the passenger seat, making this an excellent GFCF resource. Yet, other allergens are placed in the back seat, getting her attention and mention, but not focus. In fact, while peanut allergies are addressed, I didn't come across any tree nut references.

Theresa's gluten-free focus is understandable, since her son was born with wheat/gluten problem, most likely due to Celiac Disease.

I point this out, because while the recipes are all gluten-free and from what I could tell dairy/casein-free, you do need to read the guide of letters on each recipe to see if they also meet with your free-from needs. Some of the recipes do contain other allergens, and there are some errors in the allergen labeling of the recipes to add a bit more confusion.

There is one other reason I bring mention of the gluten-free nature - many who are concerned with multiple food allergies (or even simply a wheat allergy vs gluten intolerance) are not looking for gluten-free recipes. All of the baking recipes use specialty flours, xanthan gum and other ingredients that may render the recipes less useful (but not useless) for someone who is say dealing with a dairy, egg, and nut allergy combo.

With that commentary out of the way, I did find the reading entertaining. Theresa includes many personal stories, her own and those of other parents of children with allergies / intolerances. She also discusses coping with certain situations, and the basics, such as reading ingredient labels.

What I DO like about the recipes is that they are all relatively simple and appear to be very kid-friendly. Theresa has compiled several of her own recipes as well as recipes from other well-known authors, such as Carol Fenster. As mentioned though, this is a guidebook first, cookbook second ... it is an excellent starting point, with a nice little selection of recipes to inspire. Though you will likely want to seek out some additional cookbooks once you get going.

Overall, I do highly recommend the Food Allergy Field Guide for parents of gluten-free or gluten-free / dairy-free (GFCF) children, but would lean parents of children with multiple food allergies or life-threatening food allergies to the guide: How to Manage Your Child's Life Threatening Food Allergies.

I got this book along with another allergy book when my son was found to have several food allergies. It was helpful. I still look back to it for quick references and I have had it for almost 3 years.

I run a support group for parents of children with food allergies and continuously recommend this book. Resources, contacts, food family listings, nutritional requirements for age groups, recipes, substitutions, supportive stories....it's all in there. A very practical book. A must have!

Developed a sensitivity to dry, mealy food sensivity books? Thirsting for a full-bodied treatment with an effervescent twist? As a mom of three kids, all of whom have food sensitivities, I found Ms. Willingham's book filled us to a healthful brim. We're assimilating her informed, humane, pragmatic support!

I have just finished reading the "Food Allergy Field Guide," A lifestyle manual for families, by Theresa Willingham. I want to let everyone know that if they have a child that is not eating well, or that has growth symptoms that do not seem to be accurately diagnosed by their family pediatrican or doctor, that they should read this book. It will not only save many lives world-wide, but, more importantly, it will allow a great many of the worlds children grow to become healthy, productive young citizens of our country. Ms. Willingham has done an outstanding job of bringing Celiac Disease to our attention. I'd never heard of gluten sensitivity until I read this book, and I am so glad that I did. Congratulations to the author!!!

I first got this book at the library, I enjoyed it so much I decided to buy it. It's a very good reference book and one I'm sure I will refer back to again and again. I thought the writer was very clever and I love the concept.

I don't have an issue with "saving the earth in style," but I do take issue with Matheson's product recommendations. Some of the products she recommends as "greener" alternatives are not only pricey but have been found to be no better - sometimes even worse - for the environment (at least one "green" product she mentions has been deemed "not recommended" by the Environmental Working Group) than boring old store brands (eg, CVS Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, SPF 45+ got the green light from EWG). The prose style is no help, either. If you like your eco advice served with wit and style, better check out [...] and their publications.

This book is a great source which highlights SMALL changes we ALL can make that have a significant IMPACT on our home, our planet! There is so much we can do that is so easy and only a slight alterations to our current lifestyle. GO GREEN!

This book does a terrific job listing simple, practical eco-friendly practices that any household can adopt. Highly recommend!

This is a cute book with a great message. While many "green" books give you long list of dos and don't (mostly don'ts!), Green Chic goes further. Author Christie Matheson goes into great detail as to the why that making environmentally friendly choices makes a difference. She is not at all about appearances, but is definitely all about the change of mindset and attitude.

The best part of this book is that Matheson offers very doable tips to make small changes that almost anyone can handle that make a major impact in our world.
Go Green!