Lifestyle Books

It's great to be able to teach values to your kids without them even knowing it! This book provides entertainment and lessons, along with great colorful illustrations. Another great book in a wonderful series!

What a great series for kids! It's so refreshing to see books that are both current and timeless...and that address so many important topics for kids (such as pet care and interacting with friends) as well as topics that are more advanced (such as being an entrepreneur). Johnnie and his friends are lovable characters that kids can easily relate to.

This book has it all (drama, humor, caring, understanding, responsibility). This book teaches valuable lessons to people. Anyone of all ages can relate to this book. After reading this book, you can't help but just smile and laugh. If you need a good pick me up, this book will put you in a good mood. I wish there were more genuinely nice people like Bronco Bob out there in the real world. If you like horses, check this book out!

Johnnie is a great role model for little kids, he teaches them morals without the reader even knowing. This book is great for kids young and even older. No family should be without this book, it teaches kids the value of friendship and how every dime counts. The characters are great to, with clever names like Dime Store Sam and Banker Bill, this series of books really is a great gift.

This book has it all (drama, humor, caring, understanding, responsibility). This book teaches valuable lessons to people. Anyone of all ages can relate to this book. After reading this book, you can't help but just smile and laugh. If you need a good pick me up, this book will put you in a good mood. I wish there were more genuinely nice people like Bronco Bob out there in the real world. If you like horses, check this book out!

We bought this book for our 2 year old niece, Zoe. This is a book that both children and adults can love. The pictures are breathtaking. The story is wonderful too ~ about family and friends and a beautiful winter evening.

A well written, heart warming story about the importance of friendships as we journey.Beautifully illustrated, I took my chances on this one by the cover and was not disappointed.I purchased 2, one for my 15 mo. old grandson and one for myself to share with my other grandchildren.Simply stated, a must read for the little ones during the holiday season.

I BOUGHT THIS BOOK FOR MY 5-YEAR-OLD GRANDDAUGHTER. I DID NOT HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO READ THIS WITH HER, BUT I WAS TOLD SHE LIKED IT VERY MUCH. THIS BOOK PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY TO TELL ANOTHER KIND OF CHRISTMAS STORY.

bought this for a baby 1st christmas present. story is sweet..adventures of a new bear and pictures are beautiful and big.

Christmas is about sharing, and that's the lesson this book is trying to teach. A young bear is woken from his hibernation by the sound of Christmas songs, and on his way to find the source of the music, he runs into animals who are in need of help. As he helps them, both he and they learn the real meaning of Christmas: Sharing and giving selflessly is the source of Christmas happiness.

The art is very nice. When the story describes the bear listening for the music, the artist was able to recreate the scene perfectly. The children in the house singing carols are portrayed in rapturous joy and the tenderness of the bear is lovingly painted.

Despite the author's portrayal of bears as playful, happy, and helpful animals, I think this book is very enjoyable and appropriate for kids 2 and up. I don't think it's a good idea to portray bears like that since they are actually strong, wild animals which should not be approached, but so many other kids books portray them as cuddly, so I can't be too hard on Kinerk here.

What I can be hard on is the choice of font. The skinny, broken, scraggly font is hard to read. It is difficult to read ahead while reading aloud since the font needs deciphering. It took a couple readings before I could effectively read this aloud to my son.

One other problem for some parents is the omission of Christ and/or any other religious significance for the holiday. The Christmas tree is given an unnecessary significance, and the book has a heavy dose of naturalism. This may be a turn off for those parents who wish to teach their kids "the reason for the season".

All in all, the book is entertaining, well drawn, and has enough plot to be read over and over again. Naturally, the book only has a shelf-life of a month or two before the Christmas season is over, but the book's physical binding and size make it a keeper. 4 stars for an excellent book, but a point off for the font.

When I first picked this book from the library I had two minutes left to pick a book. So, I look on a shelf this was the first book I caught on my eye. When we came back to school I didn't want to read it but once I past that first page I really wanted to read it, because it talks about the issues in my life. Such as, how I would get in trouble because I would pick pocket people.
They shot the guy for a reason. Maracas and Eddie know, as black and white on the streets are about to get a scholarship to a basketball school. They don't have any jobs so they can pay for the basketball camp for they can get accepted to the school, so they started robbing people's cars when they will go in the hardware store. Until one day a guy saw them robbing his car so he ran over there and Eddie pulled out his gun and shot the person. Maracas knew who the person was but just couldn't figure it out at the time. One day when Eddie's family comes over and they are taking the bus then Maracas knew who it was, it was... The next day when they went to school the cops come and arrest them for murder.
I think this book is awesome I recommend this book because it has action cover to cover. My favorite part was when they found out that they had killed the guy, but Eddie's family is on the bus, I like this part because it is intense because you want to know who the person was. I like this book so much I read it 3 times because it relates to the issues in my life. This book says that if you don't have a job than go do things like selling drugs or robbing people and when you do that you go to jail.
I think Paul Volponi is one of the best authors in the world, because he knows how to catch his reader's interest. Also, he doesn't wait to the middle of the book to give you the action part he gives it to you on the second page. I think Paul Volponi does that for he won't boar his readers. It is a really good book for teens.

I was really pulled in by this book and found it a page turner. It's got more than racial themes in it. It's also the story of friendship between boys, it's strengths and limits. Additionally, it's also the story of teenagers making poor choices and suffering the consequences of their actions.

You have two friends who are of different races, Eddie and Marcus, but they have pulled together and are tight friends through high school. Then, they both resent not having enough money for various things, and since the are both great basketball players and practices interfere with work, they decide to do some armed robbery to get some extra cash. They only do three hold ups, but things go wrong, and a gun is fired, and Marcus, the black friend gets arrested.

Eventually, Eddie is also arrested, and he was the one who shot the gun. The rest of the book circles around Marcus, and if he will turn is his friend or not since the police don't have enough evidence about the trigger man.

All of this is well written and fast paced. There is also a little romance between Rose, Eddie's sister, and Marcus.

What I feel keeps this book from being a great book, is the ending, which I will not reveal. I will only write that I think the ending keeps the character of Eddie from fully developing, and maybe that's more true to reality as he is only 17.

As a book of harsh, realistic fiction, I think this book has it nailed!

As a book of lasting, enduring literature, I think this book will be mostly forgotten in ten years and I fault the ending and the editor for letting that happen, because I feel this could have been at least better and a much more meaningful and enduring story.

That said, I do recommend this book and think it would give teen and adults a lot to discuss on a wide variety of themes such as friendship, race, honesty, and the US Judicial system.

This book stands with Children of the River as one of the best adolescent novels I have ever read. I thought about this book for weeks after reading it, and I am now working on getting it placed as required reading in our local school. The story is riveting and would capture the attention of virtually any reader, adolescent or adult.

"Marcs and Eddie are the stars of Long Island City High School's basketball team. Marcs is black and Eddie is white, but they got past all that "racial crap" and have been best friends for years." Quote from Black and White

Marcs and Eddie are going make it to the NBA. Everyone knows it. They have scouts coming to their games to see them play. Both know it will only be a matter of time before they get their big scholarships and then they can go to the pros.

The problem is both boys are from the inner city and have little money. They could work but that would interfere with their practices and games. So, they decide to make some quick cash. Everything is fine until one night when things go horribly wrong. Now one will have to pay for their mistake.

This is an excellent novel that I cannot keep on the shelf. My students love this book. Mr. Volponi does an excellent job of portraying the struggle these young men face. The ending shocked me and when I finished reading the book I couldn't believe what happened. Amazing read. Boys who are into basketball will especially like this novel. However, I think boys and girls who want a solid story with realistic characters will enjoy this book.

Paul Volponi has written two other young adult novels including Rooftop and Rucker Park Setup. His first novel was Rikers, which could appeal to teens due to its topic.

Here's another book, I wanted to read more...more...more! What great messages the author delivered in the story. Volponi speaks of "black and white" issues, but he also goes deep into the human soul and gives guidance on how to live a content, happy life. This book could be a self-help book on dealing with the "big and small" mistakes made in life, change, stress, and growing up!

As a high school teacher-librarian, I will certainly recommend _Black and White_ to my teen readers as a fabulous read.

There are numerous quotes I admire, but my favorite is: [school office speaking to Marcus mother] "I know he's made some mistakes. But that's what adolescents do. Marcus is the type of young man who's going to learn from what he did wrong. He's going to pick himself back up and succeed. And one day, other kids from this neighborhood are going to look up to him for that." p. 131

The book is open-ended at the end. But that's okay and will leave the reader content. There will be ups and downs after the final page and much food for thought in the reader's imagination.

I have followed the advice in the book. Within a few days of eating more calories and more of the complex, power carbs, my energy increased significantly. The fatigue is gone. My activity breaks are much easier and I'm not hungry all the time. This is a concept that a person really has to experience to believe. I will never diet again.

I loved this book! For the very first time I found a book that gives the real, honest truth about what it's like to be fat! And at the same time gives hope! I'm sick of all the books by the obsessive overexercisers. BodyLogic gives real advice and help to women like me! Thanks for writing this book!

This book does a nice job of blending the personal and the practical aspects of changing one's weight and one's life for the better. I found the words loving and compassionate, and the recommendations safe, easy and effective.

I've been waiting for years to find a weight loss plan with this kind of logic. It's about time that someone went against conventional thinking to get at the real cause of weight problems. This book is easy reading, the concepts are easy, fun and enjoyable to apply, and best of all, the plan really works. I have gained control over my weight and my life, and have enjoyed every minute of it. This book is a real gem.

Although I had only 25-pounds to lose--the middle-age spread--BodyLogic inspired me to take the appropriate steps. The Heatons' own inspirational stories, their recipes and explanations of why some bodies cannot metabolize properly if alcohol is consumed were the keys to my lifestyle change. BodyLogic works!

Great book for any cat lover

author of "Hobo Finds A Home"

It's a lot like the Sandra Boynton books (Pajama time, Barnyard Dance, Snuggle Puppy)....very silly, very catchy words. My son thinks it's the best.

This is hands-down one of our all time favorite books. As parents, we love it as much as our daughter. We have had had more mileage from it than most books, as it has served us well for over two years now, beginning around when our daughter was 18 months. Same story as the other reviewers - I found it in the library and immediately ordered it. It is in my top 5 for must own, right up there with the board book of Jam Berry, and I am highly selective about what I will actually buy and alot shelf space to owning. I wish I could find more books this cool.

This book is a keepsake in our household!!! Both my husband and I walk around the house chatting the versus, and we cant tell enough friends about it!!! Highly reccomend!!!

I happened across this book at the library when my son was a year old, and now at 15 months, I'm getting him his own copy. Although it says it's for 18 months and up, this is suitable for younger children~ I wish we'd found it sooner.

If you & your child like to play games with clapping or a beat to them, and you don't mind putting a catty-sounding whine in your voice to emphasise certain words (meow, chow, howl, yowl, and growl), this is very easily one of the most enjoyable books I've found to make interactive. This book had my little boy grabbing a rattle and making a beeline for my lap when he saw me pick it up. I'd lightly bounce him from side to side while I shook the rattle (except for the "Hey! Cool it cats!" part) and read through the short, rhyming pages.

As another reviewer mentioned, the length of the text is perfectly suited for babies; Although my son will discard some of his books about two-thirds of the way through, he will happily bounce through this one to the very end.

The brightly accented, loosely rendered beatnik cats and cityscapes/alleyscapes are wonderfully expressive. There's also a shadowy cat that appears on each layout that makes for a fun hide and seek element within the book, although once your child is familiar with the story, they'll have their finger on it the moment you turn the page.

This is a gorgeously illustrated book and my favorite of the Mark Ludy collection. The message is meaningfulful without being preachy. It is a great read for girls or boys of all ages, but is short enough for a three year old to sit through. My children really enjoy looking for the little mouse from page to page.

Such a great book, even for young kids. My 2 and 3-yr-old love this book and it helps me teach great principles like self sufficiency,forgiveness and giving. Adorable illustrations. Love it!

I absolutely loved the moral to this book. This book leaves you and your family wanting to be better neighbors and friends. I would recommend this book to all Christian families.

Once you read this book it one you will not soon forget. The illustrations are incredibly done. The story line tugs at your heart each time. My daughter's teachers have read this in school and I have read this for Sunday school. It comes with a very valuable lesson about generousity and forgivness. I can not say enough GREAT things about this book!

This is a simple but valuable story, presented with rich illustrations. The pictures really do make the book. Kids love it.

Just finished Ghost Medicine. Actually, read it until finished in bed last night. Blurry-eyed and all - I Loved It. The writing is beautiful to read. The story has a very visual flow to it and you get to know the characters in an intimate way. If I don't like a book I can't force myself to read it. This one came easy. I didn't want to stop. I think this is a story for both genders and most ages. I definitely recommend Ghost Medicine!

It is hard to believe that Ghost Medicine is Andrew Smith's first novel. His narrative style is that of a seasoned writer and appeals to readers of all ages. While teenage boys might identify more with Troy and his pals, this book is age and gender neutral, entertaining readers with Smith's descriptions of the rugged terrain of the setting and the pensive musings of the main character as he struggles to find his place in his family, with his friends, and in life in general. Part Stand by Me, part A River Runs Through It, Smith has taken the standard coming-of-age story and made it relative and gripping for all readers.

From the first page this book commands attention, hinting at enough adventure and drama to hook reluctant readers in such a lyrical way that the most literary of readers wouldn't be turned off either: the perfect blend of compelling characters, strong narrative voice and coming of age turmoil.

Andrew Smith's first novel indicates a great career to come, but in the meantime there is plenty to enjoy. His debut is beautifully but plainly written, and addresses difficult subjects with honesty, portraying adolescence in all of its mixed-up, complicated glory.

I've always been drawn to America's rugged cowboy culture. Having grown up in the lowlands by the North Sea, the American West seemed worlds away. It was. And it still is. But through Ghost Medicine, I feel I have lived it. Smith brings that experience to life in such a rich, sensory and even seductive way, that I felt I was riding a horse along with Troy, Gabe and Tommy.
I was happy Smith prepared us for what was to come (sort of), because it would have broken my heart otherwise.
A great read....

Just a great book no matter what your age is. Geared towards the teenage crowd but thoroughly enjoyed it as an adult. Looking forward to future titles by the author.

The Golden Road and its prequel, The Story Girl, are two of the best books I have ever read. I never seem to get tired of them, either...I have read them countless times! If you enjoy L. M. Montgomery's novels, such as the Anne of Green Gables series, these books are a must. The Golden Road tells the story of cousins, Beverley (who narrates the story), Felix, Cecily, Felicity, Dan, and Sara Stanley, also known as the Story Girl, plus their friends Peter, the hired boy, and Sara Ray. The adventures these eight have are sometimes exiting, sometimes sad...but mostly really funny! For instance, one time, they have the governors wife to tea...but they think she's their deaf Aunt Eliza and comment on the governors big nose and such things! And Felicity accidentally bakes tooth-powder rusks...oh, I can't tell you the whole book! Read it for yourself!

The Golden Road and its prequel, The Story Girl, are two of the best books I have ever read. I never seem to get tired of them, either...I have read them countless times! If you enjoy L. M. Montgomery's novels, such as the Anne of Green Gables series, these books are a must. The Golden Road tells the story of cousins, Beverley (who narrates the story), Felix, Cecily, Felicity, Dan, and Sara Stanley, also known as the Story Girl, plus their friends Peter, the hired boy, and Sara Ray. The adventures these eight have are sometimes exiting, sometimes sad...but mostly really funny! For instance, one time, they have the governors wife to tea...but they think she's their deaf Aunt Eliza and comment on the governors big nose and such things! And Felicity accidentally bakes tooth-powder rusks...oh, I can't tell you the whole book! Read it for yourself!

I enjoyed The Golden Road, but not as much as I enjoyed The Story Girl. I recommend you read the two novels together, one right after the other. If you enjoy reading books set in a long-ago era, the books have a charm to them. If you like action, these books will not appeal to you as much.

In my opinion, it is not possible to enjoy The Golden Road unless you have just recently read The Story Girl. Not all of the characters and actions in TGR will be understoon unless you have read TSG. The characters are a lot of fun and are well-written. The adventures this group of friends have together will stay in your memory forever.

I loved this book. I read the Story Girl years ago, but the 'Road to Avonlea' books ruined the concept for me, and I forgot that there was an original sequel. And then, my sister borrowed it from the library; I was bored, and so picked it up. I read the entire book that afternoon - forget about the fact that exams were six weeks off, that I should be vaccuuming - I couldn't put it down. I admit, I had cherished hopes of the Story Girl and Bev, but they were dashed. Felicity and Peter, I am sure, were happy for the rest of their lives....and I was crying so hard when I read about Cecily. I loved it.

The Golden Road and its prequel, The Story Girl, are two of the best books I have ever read. I never seem to get tired of them, either...I have read them countless times! If you enjoy L. M. Montgomery's novels, such as the Anne of Green Gables series, these books are a must. The Golden Road tells the story of cousins, Beverley (who narrates the story), Felix, Cecily, Felicity, Dan, and Sara Stanley, also known as the Story Girl, plus their friends Peter, the hired boy, and Sara Ray. The adventures these eight have are sometimes exiting, sometimes sad...but mostly really funny! For instance, one time, they have the governors wife to tea...but they think she's their deaf Aunt Eliza and comment on the governors big nose and such things! And Felicity accidentally bakes tooth-powder rusks...oh, I can't tell you the whole book! Read it for yourself!

This is a good book for my 4th grade son. It is hard to find books on his reading level that hold his interest. The narator of the story is Hank the cowdog (also self proclaimed head of ranch security). The chapters are only 3 or 4 pages and give my son a sense of accomplishment for being able to read a couple of chapters each night.
Hank also has a few pronuciation problems, allowing the young reader to identify correct pronunciation and grammer. The stories are interesting and funny and have really improved my son's interest in reading as well as his grades in reading and language skills.

I love all the Hank books, and this is a great one for the Christmas season. These books are hilarious and more important to the young reader, fun to read. I'd also check the rest of the series.

Author of "Hobo Finds A Home" editor "Of A Predatory Heart"

Hank is a simple story, probably good for 8-12 year olds, but it is quite well done. The author does not glorify Hank. He shows his strengh and weaknesses in a well balanced way so that we see Hank's arrogance, stupidity, good-heartedness, "dog-heartedness," his judgement and misjudgements of the world, all coming together in a nice, sweet story.

I particularly like the humor in the book. A couple of examples:

1. Hank is mindful of his hygiene. He takes baths regularly in the septic tank.

2. When Hank goes exploring and needs a place to spend the night, he says,

"I started looking for a place to hole up. In my travels and research I've discovered that one of the best places to hole up for the night is in a hole, so I started hunting for a hole."

It was a funny book.When Hank goes to his sister's house he gets into a fight with a cat.It was a funny book.

Hank The Cowdog it's a dogs life is a funny book. Drover
tells Hank it's the end of the world
but when Hank gets the calendar he finds
out that it's not the end of the world
it's really the end of the clearance sale
so he was tricked by a cat. I give
Hank the Cowdog five stars

Hank The Cowdog it's a dogs life is a funny book. Drover
tells Hank it's the end of the world
but when Hank gets the calendar he finds
out that it's not the end of the world
it's really the end of the clearance sale
so he was tricked by a cat. I give
Hank the Cowdog five stars

Hannah's Art of the Home doesn't break any new ground. Clutter is bad and organization is good. We all know that. But what I like about this book is her warm, funny and genuine writing style. She doesn't strive for (or even want) perfection - from herself or her readers. She doesn't make me feel bad for not having a home out of House and Garden. Hannah breaks down personality types and gives methods and advice to help each category develop the home that is truly a Home for them. What works for Creative Spirits won't necessarily work as well for Mother Hen types. Again, not rocket science, but presented well.

Hannah's anecdotes about her own life are amusing and inspiring. She operates a business, has six kids (which she homeschools) and manages her home. She doesn't come across as a guru but more like a friend you could ask for advice without feeling embarrassed.

For those of us with clutter issues, Hannah's book is worth checking out.

One of the best books I have purchased. Gives you direction and instruction right away. Hannah has a great sense of humor and is very insightful. You can start applying it to your crazy life the very same day. Excellent buy. Be sure to get one for you and one to loan out to friends because you will be telling everyone you know about it!

Ok, I confess. I am not a natural housekeeper. In fact, I do everything I can to avoid all things homemaking as long as I can.

I'm getting better, but I'm still struggling. My dream is to hire a housekeeper/cook - sort of like "Alice" from the Brady bunch - remember her?

Well, if you're like me, and can't afford an Alice, this is the book for you. It's very practical, and laugh-out-loud-funny (just ask my teenage son who was startled and embarrassed by a loud guffaw bursting from his mother in the waiting room at the dentist's last week!)

Darlene Hull
the Mom-Defrazzler

Written by the publisher of "HK Magazine", an online magazine geared toward families, Hannah's Art Of Home: Managing Your Home Around Your Personality is a straightforward guide to organizing and decorating a home that suits one's personality tastes. From learning how to de-clutter chaos, to top techniques for keeping things clean with less effort, to decoration formulas for success and more, Hannah's Art Of Home is filled cover to cover with tips, tricks, and techniques to make one's domain appropriate for one's spirit and family. Highly recommended.

This book looks at homemaking with new eyes. Rather than approaching it as a chore, Hannah Keeley uses her background in Psychology and her love of homemaking to inspire and organize the daily household routines to compliment your personality. She focuses on how your personality affects your home environment and takes homemaking to a realistic, fun, and energetic place. Take a moment to determine your homemaking personality and see how to find time to enjoy the rest of your life.