Lifestyle Books

Yellow bird and me is about a girl name Doris and she has a friend named Amir that moved away from 163 st.Doris wanted to se him but so she got a job at the Bee Hive. Her mother and father don't like the idea because it seems like they don't have any money. So one day she wrote a poem and her teacher caught her writing it and her teacher will even read it out or throw it in the trash. The teacher told Doris to give it to her and the teacher took it and Doris said it was birds so the teacher gave it to him. While they were in class Doris looked at birds pocket and saw that the paper wasn't in bird pocket any more. Then later she saw her paper being passed around the classroom and being read out loud. Later that day when school was dismissed Doris was walking down the hallway and bird saw her and ran to her and she pushed him away because what he done in class. When Saturday came she was walking down to hive bird stop and said T.T. took the note out of the back of his pocket. So she told him about the job and asked could he be the lookout. So the signal was 1= mother, 2=dad, 3=mrs.nicols, 4=all clear. So when she was done doing the little girls hair Bird ran to the window and put up 3 and there was Mrs. Nicole with her flowed hat walking in the hive.

Doris Quickly ran to the back to the sink and put a rag over her face so that Mrs. Nichols wouldn't see her. Then the girl working at the named carols came over to Doris and asked her why she was hiding. And she said she didn't want Mrs. Nicole to she her.By: Kevon Starke

Southwood Book Club discuss this book in March 2004. And I think this book is a very good and a easy to read.

Dwayne SOUTHWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL!!!

Yellow Bird and Me is a very good book. It is about a girl named Doris and her friend Bird. Doris has a friend that moved away. Doris writes letters to her friend every time she writes a peom. Doris and her friend are very good friends. I like the book because it is funny and I recommend this book to everybody. I've got to say, it's a big big laugh-out-loud. There is nothing that I don't like about this book. This is a very good book to read.

Sincerely,
Organic

Yellow Bird and Me is one of the best books I have ever read (I have read a lot of books). If I had to rate it 1 - 5, I would give it a 5. This is what it is about... Doris has a friend named Amir who moved away. She also has a friend named Yellow Bird, who has problems reading. This is a good book for little kids. ...

I liked the book Yellow Bird and Me. It was hard to put down, but it was boring at the beginning. It was about Doris, who is trying to earn money to see her friend Amir and Bird, who wants to be in the drama club, but he can't read, so Doris has to help him. ...

Everyone has a dream. Children will read about Farmer Picket's wife pursuing her passion of sewing. Children will learn about how patient Farmer Picket is despite his frustration with each new creation sewn by his wife. Children will see how success usually results from developing ideas and begin to understand one idea is just a step along the path to another.

Of course the story can be used for all families for the fun of the farm and silliness of animals in clothes. But as a self-employed parent, it struck me that mom entrepreneurs might especially enjoy this book because they can discuss a similarities between Farmer Picket's wife and themselves (whether they are an inventor, author, seamstress, direct seller, etc.)

I especially like that everything is positive! Farmer Picket never asks his wife to stop sewing (to give up her passion) but instead becomes part of the solution which results in her achieving even more success. And, the positive thinking goes both ways. Farmer Picket's wife could have easily asked him to return the computer and get a new sewing machine, but instead she is open-minded toward his ideas and what the future will bring. Pursue your dreams with patience and an open mind! ~ What a lesson for children!

My three year granddaughter. Loves the book. I keep it at my house it is the first book she picks up, and she has quite a stack. Grandma read me the funny book. She likes the last page and identifying the animals and people

When Mrs. Picket says, "I have an idea", you never know what's coming next! She made the cows raincoats with her new sewing machine and now they won't come into the barn to be milked. The chickens are too busy promenading around the barnyard in their new bonnets and sunglasses to lay eggs. And how is a rooster supposed to wake up early when he's so cozy in his new flannel pajamas and cap! These and other dilemmas Mrs. Picket creates for Farmer Picket when she begins creating animal fashions will leave children laughing out loud! Tom Dunsmuir wrote "You Can't Milk A Dancing Cow" for young readers ages 4 to 8. Enhanced with Brian Jones' energetic and memorable illustrations, this original and highly recommended picturebook story will be read over and over again by generations of new and appreciative young readers.

When Mrs. Picket says, "I have an idea", you never know what's coming next! She made the cows raincoats with her new sewing machine and now they won't come into the barn to be milked. The chickens are too busy promenading around the barnyard in their new bonnets and sunglasses to lay eggs. And how is a rooster supposed to wake up early when he's so cozy in his new flannel pajamas and cap! These and other dilemmas Mrs. Picket creates for Farmer Picket when she begins creating animal fashions will leave children laughing out loud! Tom Dunsmuir wrote "You Can't Milk A Dancing Cow" for young readers ages 4 to 8. Enhanced with Brian Jones' energetic and memorable illustrations, this original and highly recommended picturebook story will be read over and over again by generations of new and appreciative young readers.

My children love "silly," and so they will most likely enjoy You Can't Milk a Dancing Cow by Tom Dunsmuir and illustrated by Brian T. Jones. Dusmuir has authored three previous books and written for Sesame Street and The Electric Company.

Farmer Picket has a BIG problem! His wife has a new sewing machine and she's dressing Mr. Picket AND the barnyard animals. The problem is: the cows have new raincoats so they won't come in to be milked, the chickens are showing off their new bonnets and forget to lay eggs--and everyone oversleeps because the rooster didn't crow because he's sleeping snugly in his new flannel pajamas and cap.

Things have to change so when the sewing machine breaks, Farmer Picket is happy. Mrs. Picket merely turns her entrepreneurial talents elsewhere.

This is a fun and silly look at farm life and farm animals. The illustrations are whimsical, colorful and inviting.

Armchair Interviews says: Laugh with you children as you read about barnyard animals dressing up in You Can't Milk a Dancing Cow. I did.

when i picked no#12 in my local libray i was sooo happy that fate drove me to it, cos since then i have made sure ive read all 28 of them but the thing i still{begging KA to write no#29up to a 1000} want more. if you dont go out much please pick this up,you don't know what you're missing. i have read all her books from making out, ocean city, making waves to animorphs.i love her work keep it up. making out deserves a million stars not just five.if their is a book lover like me thank God.

I think Katherine Applegate really made this book to the teenage level and our dialog. I really thought that maybe she was a teenage writer because she displayed the feelings of her characters so well!

It's Thanksgiving vacation on Chatham Island, Maine, time for families to come together and be thankful for their everyday blessings--well, in theory. Except this holiday, the Passmore and Geiger families will be tested on how strong their bonds are when they welcome a new sibling, a possible new boyfriend, and a father's new girlfriend to the table. Yes, let the drama begin. ;)

On the Passmore's side, Zoey's father invites his 19-year-old love child (Lara McAvoy) to dinner--and doesn't tell his wife or two kids she's coming until that day. When Lara does arrive (this is Zoey's first time meeting her), her parents ask her to move in for the time being since she's nearly homeless. Zoey is definitely against her parents' decision. From what she assessed of her new half-sister, Lara is a complete loser, mentally dulled by drugs and alcohol and a strong magnet for scuzzy men like her last convict boyfriend. However, there is one person who is absolutely thrilled about Lara's move: Jake McRoyan, Zoey's ex-boyfriend and possibly Lara's new boyfriend. (Has anyone else noticed how "incestuous" relationships are on this island? I guess there are so many boyfriends/girlfriends you can go through before you start dating each other's siblings.)

Meanwhile, Claire and Nina Geiger get to meet their father's new girlfriend (Sarah Mendel)--and her gorgeous 17-year-old son, Aaron. Needless to say, both girls are utterly transfixed by him (along with just about every other girl on the island), but Claire is more so than Nina, since Nina already has a terrific boyfriend (Benjamin Passmore). After that dinner, Claire is bound and determined to get Aaron, even though he's obviously not very interested in her but, instead, attracted to Zoey, although she, too, has a boyfriend (Lucas Cabral), who's a total slug next to Aaron. My guess: the slug eventually gets the boot--and good riddance!

"Zoey Plays Games" is the ninth book in the Making Out series. If you like teen drama/romance, then I highly recommend this series. It's not too cheesy for readers who aren't particularly prone to read such books either; in fact, this series is quite witty and humorous. And if you like Zoey's character, then don't miss any of the other Zoey-oriented books: Zoey Fools Around (#1), What Zoey Saw (#6), Don't Tell Zoey (#13), Zoey Speaks Out (#18), Always Loving Zoey (#22), Now Zoey's Alone (#24), Zoey's Broken Heart (#26), and Zoey Comes Home (#28).

In book 8,I felt that Zoey forgave Lucas a bit too quickly. I understand her confusion at seeing her parents together after all that confusion errupted on book 6. However, she is naive to think that she could just forgive and not deal with the issues.

I am not just talking about Lucas and Claire making out. I am referring to feeling so pressured to have sex. In her mind she may have just figured that it was a guy thing and that is how boys are. She has truly found someone that is her equal. I give two thumbs up for Aaron and Zoey.

Quietly I give two thumbs up for Jake and Lara. I think they can best understand each other and no one else can. I like how Jake denied that beer, even thought he was craving it. That took real courage.

Claire deserves to be by herself. The thing about Claire is that she knows that she doesn't have to be manipulative and underhanded to get what she wants, she just chooses to. Which in itself is bad, because the only thing she will have to look forward to is alone in antartica.

Zoey and Lucas(not to mention her parents) kissed and made up. But Aaron Mendel, the son of Claire and Ninas' father's girlfriend, comes to Chatham Island. Zoey and Claire both fall for his nice guy act. He threatens Zoey and Lucas' relationship. Jake starts to fall for Lara, with mixed results. Christopher may make a life-changing decision. Nina thinks that Benjamin is cheating on her(with Aisha, of all people). Benjamin may also make a life-changing decision. This book rocks! That's all I can say, except READ IT. Next- Nina Shapes Up.

In my opinion of all the Making Out books Zoey Speaks Out is the very best. Within the book there are 3 main storylines, all wonderfully written and... well just plain awesome.
The book is great, although i dont want to reveal the story lines... I just reccomend you read the book.

I am glad that Benjamin got his sight back. I still have my reservations about him, after how he treated Nina. I like how he told Nina that she was beutiful. I think Jake and Kate are a good couple. Kate is what Jake needs at this point in his life. He needs a woman that is intelligent and balanced(unlike Lara).

I have absolutely nothing to say about Lara. She is crazy and needs to get a grip. She is good at blaming everybody for her mess of a life. She needs to try to point the finger at herself.

I thought this book was the best book out of the series. It was very good and i really liked ..I have been reading these books for a year now..and for christmas a recieved 5 books...of this series..I finsihed all of them in about 5 days..reading at least a book a day

this was one of the best, but why is it called Zoey Speaks Out? that was so.. MINOR! That was like, the least of their problems! they should've named it something different because with all the other things going on I don't think anyone cared too much that Zoey told Jake what really happened to Kate. Big deal. But other than the title, it was good. really good.

This book is definitely cool. It's awesome. Christopher proposes to Aisha again. Benjamin goes after Nina. Lara gets what she deserves. I recommend that anyone read this! I can't wait until I get the next book!

This is one of those books you just don't put down until the end, and you keep referring back to parts of the book for weeks. The information the authors have provided, in such a concise manner, seems to answer all of the questions you could have concerning fulltiming. This was a must read for my husband and I, as we are considering fulltiming ourselves. It gave us the type of down to earth information we wanted and needed to begin the decision making process. Our main areas of concern were healthcare, mail and hometown locations. These were addressed in such a straightforward manner, that there was no question in our minds that we could handle these things successfully. We were especially interested in the budget area, as we had no idea where to start coming up with figures to include in this. The budget section so clearly defined the necessary items to consider, that we had a draft budget set up in no time. As of this writing, we have taken a four month trip as part of our decision making process. It is looking more positive that we, too, will soon be among the ranks of fulltimers! Thanks, Ron and Barb, for offering a source book for our needs!

This easy-to-read book was so inspiring to my husband and I, that it gave us the necessary push and motivation to purchase and use our motorhome. We depend on this resource quite frequently. Most concerns and questions have been answered, and many that we have not even thought of. Because Ron and Barb have lived this alternate lifestyle for many years, they are able to provide actual facts with those of us that have not been on the road very long. They are so willing to share their alternate lifestyle experiences in this book noting their many miles of travel.. Questions answered include concerns regarding cost analysis, handling finances, banking, medical needs, communications with loved ones, campground information, social aspects, as well as good and bad times. After reading the book, one will feel like they've made life-long friends in Ron and Barb. This book has become such a valuable resource for us that we have two copies, one in our home and one in the motorhome. No RVer, fulltime or part-time should be without a copy or two.

When I picked up this book I couldn't put it down. I was thinking about traveling around the country living in an RV, but didn't know where to start. This book gave me all the answers I needed and more. It changed my life!! In an easy to read, extremely interesting format I learned about budgeting for this lifestyle, how to get my mail, what kind of RV would be best for me, how to tow a car, how to handle medical situations, how to register vehicles, get insurance and drivers licenses, how to handle finances, and even suggestions of places to visit and the best time to go. Although it's a valuable reference guide, it's more than that. It's a wonderful story of a couple who sold their home, packed up their belongings to live and travel in their RV. A couple living an adventure and paving the way for the rest of us. An inspiration to us all! For anyone wondering about what to do after retirement, or interested in traveling around the USA, this is a MUST READ book. It holds the answers. It definitely changed my life!! I sold my home and started my life on the road. I've never regreted a minute and the transition to this new lifestyle was much smoother because of what I learned in the Hofmeister's book.

Alternative Lifestyles is a travel book, a retirement planning guide, and a description of full-time RVing. In addition it is a book about the absolute joy of a simpler life.

Living and traveling full-time in an RV is the dream of many people contemplating retirement. The Hofmeister's tell you how to accomplish the dream. All of the practical details are explained such as mail service, family visits, campground memberships, and working while traveling.

While very complete on the mechanics of a traveling lifestyle, it is this couple's joy in living that makes this book special. They show the "house-locked" the adventure of travel, new friendships, and being happy in any circumstances, including a rainy day.

I recommend this book for RV lovers, RV dreamers, and those just contemplating the lifestyle.

Throughly enjoyed this book, was sorry when it ended. One I will keep for references, am anxiously waiting for their next book.

This is really a cute book and I know my niece will really enjoy it. I recommend buying and reading it to all children. It is truly fun.

My sister, a nearby neighbor of Jan Brett's, discovered this book and sent it to my then 5-year old son for his birthday. Bo's nearsighted adventures entertain; and his being lost and not knowing he's lost delights my son. Most children will envy Bo's adventure to the rodeo and understand his curioisity. Having developed quite the Texas "accent and attitude" while reading this book, it's at the top of our list of all-time favorites. Thank you Jan Brett!

This book is really cute! The 7 year old boy I purchased it for wants to read it over and over again! The illustrations are really colorful and well done. This is the type of book that is great fun for a boy or girl - ages 4 to 8, I should think. The author, Jan Brett, is very clever. I will look for more of this authors books in the future for children on my gift list.
Loriann Ringgold
Elko, NV

For children and for those who just love that critter I love so...you will enjoy this book very much. With a delightful story and wonderful illustrations, it is sure to please.

A slightly different tale from Jan Brett. Gone is the European feel of so many of her books. It is replaced by a healthy jargon-filled dose of American Western. Gone are the hedgehogs; welcome the armadillos.

Bo is one of four armadillo brothers. He tends to be curious and wander so his mother tries to keep a close watch on him. Like all armadillos, Bo's eyesight is not very good. So one day while he is following a lizard, he sees a red cowboy boot and thinks it is a red armadillo.

The boot in question is being worn by a young girl who is trying to scuff them up so she won't look like a tenderfoot at the rodeo. But Bo does not see the girl, or the other boot for that matter. Instead, he thinks he has found a playful new friend.

Chasing after the boot, Bo has many experiences while his mother and brothers search for him (as seen in the side panels). Bo's adventure takes him across the rodeo arena, to a bar-b-que, into an encounter with a jalapeno, to a barn dance, a hayloft, and ultimately to the truth about his new friend.

In the end we learn that while Bo has learned the truth of his day's adventures, he knows just what to do when he feels a little mischievous.

I usually give Jan Brett's books five stars but gave this one only four. I did that only because of the heavy use of Western jargon that needs to be explained to young ears in order for the story to make sense. But it is still a very fun book with beautiful illustrations.

This book helped me dramatically in dealing with all the pressures of getting married as well as handling the conflicts that can occur. It made me realize that it is was about me and my fiance and coping with a large number of family and friends merging together - for one day and a lifetime. Things were definitely not perfect my wedding day but I was able to take the advice from this book and apply it which to me, made my wedding day and all the planning leading up to it easier.

This book helped me during a time when I didn't have anywhere else to turn. It allowed me to understand that I'm not the only one going through a difficult engagement and how to deal with so many emotional issues during the planning of my wedding. It has given me the confidence to stand up for myself and resolve difficult family issues in such a stressful time of my life. I would highly recommend this book to any bride, as well as to other family members planning a wedding.

Bride's Guide to Emotional Survival was amazingly helpful for me as a second time bride. All of the possible issues that I could face were covered in this book, along with "solutions" on how to handle each situation. This book is great whether it is your first or second marriage, or even to help you deal with daily issues that arise when two families merge together.

The engagement period is full of magic, but is often loaded with incredible challenges. Planning her wedding, my daughter-in-law was helped enormously by BRIDES GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL SURVIVAL. The tension that sometimes overwhelmed her was eased by Dr. Bigel-Casher's wonderful, down-to-earth information and guidance.An asset to brides,their mothers and mothers-in-law everywhere, it also makes a terrific shower or engagement gift.

This book came to my aid when my daughter was being married. Although it is intended for the bride, I found it very helpful in dealing with my daughter and the issues that she was facing. I have suggested this book to all of the families that I know who are going through this exciting, frustrating time of life

Hank the cowdog is really funny! Infact, it's the funniest book in the world. I love Hank the Cowdog books. Drover dog, Hank's assistant is extremely funny. In book 29, chapter 1 he asked "Whose rear? Mine or yours?" Hank says he's always a pipsqueak, but Drover is kind of cute.

Hank the cowdog is really funny! Infact, it's the funniest book in the world. I love Hank the Cowdog books. Drover dog, Hank's assistant is extremely funny. In book 29, chapter 1 he asked "Whose rear? Mine or yours?" Hank says he's always a pipsqueak, but Drover is kind of cute.

Hank the Cow Dog the Case of the Vampire Vacuum Sweeper is the coolest book ever. Itýs about a dog that tries to save his ranch. Itýs really funny when Slim gets trapped in the bathroom then Ms. Viola comes. My best character is Slim heýs very funny. I would recommend you to read it cause I gave it 5 stars. *****

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"

This is one of the greatest books in the universe. I think one of the funniest parts was when Hank and Drover were stuck out on the porch and Drover got the hiccups. I also liked the part where Hank told Rip and Snort they had Creeping Termanal Entropy and Rip called it Creepum Termite Hoopum-Hikum. I didn't like the part where Hank made Muggs fight with Rip and Snort. I like Buster, Muggs, and the "other two" (my little sister and I call them Fleabag and Scrap). In short, this was another good Hank the Cowdog Book. I can't wait for the next one.

I love it. Now I have something to do during the long commerical. Some I can't do , but that's because I have osteo. , but I love it

Very clever, informative, fun to do, - and it works!

After a hard day's work it can be hard to think about going to the gym. This is an easy introduction to staying in shape without leaving your home. An easy read. Little or no equipment needs. Fun to read!

I am a home health Physical Therapist who deals with many "couch potatoes" This book gives great ideas for getting people with low motivation to begin moving. It also provides a way to progress the exercises. The explanations of body mechanics and anatomy have helped me with patients who may not understand more technical jargon.

I am not even a TV addict, but I figured if someone can get fit during commercials I could certainly spend the same time using the same techniques from this book! For those of us who can't bear to think of a 20 minute walk or the drive to the YMCA, this book gives easy to maintain, achievable exercises. Well written, easy to understand and follow, and fun to boot!! This one is a winner!Here's to more commercials and less flab!

I wish that I had had this book when my teenage daughter was a newborn. I am trying to undo the poor choices made along the way in her nutrition in order to maximize her health and physical well being. This book has been tremendously helpful.

You don't have to be an expert to understand the concepts in this book. It's written in such a way that the average person can understand the issues and put the tools to work. It tackles every feeding/eating issue that a person with Down Syndrome faces, from birth to adulthood. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who has a family member with Down Syndrome or who works with people with Down Syndrome.

Posted for, Brian Chicoine, MD of the Adult Down Syndrome Center

The Down Syndrome Nutrition Handbook is an outstanding resource for people with Down syndrome throughout their life span. It contains excellent information and practical suggestions for people with Down syndrome and their families. A wide variety of topics are addressed from general nutrition to nutritional intervention for diabetes mellitus, celiac disease and other health issues.

The book is well written, person-centered, and health-centered. It is beneficial when read cover-to-cover as well as when saved for use as a reference book. In addition to the writing style, the pictures make it a valuable education tool for people with a wide variety of reading abilities.

I highly recommend this book for people with Down syndrome, their families and anyone who wants to help them with their nutritional goals.

Very good book
Easy to read
Very informative for parents with and without medical knowledge
Have found it very useful as a guide to my daughters nutritional needs and abilities

Don't let the long (boring) name fool you, it is a GREAT book! As our daughter is getting older (she is 16,) she is taking control of her diet. I can't be with her all the time, so I have to teach her to eat healthy. This might sound simple, but it isn't. Well meaning relatives offer her foods she shouldn't eat, and others don't know that she has some 'nutritional issues,' like Celiac Disease. Our daughter has to know what she can and can't eat, as well as portion control. The DSNH not only has information for me as a parent, but it has worksheets and teaching activities for our daughter to help her learn healthy eating habits and good fitness activities. Did I say that it is a GREAT book? We copy off the worksheets and post them on the fridge, so our daughter can track what she eats during the day to make sure that she has 'hit' at the necessary food groups and water intake goals. She even has her fitness goals for the week.

The book covers nutritional information and needs from birth through adulthood. Section three is the one that we are working on right now: Teaching Healthy Choices to Encourage Healthy Lifestyles. It has everything from menu planning, to cooking and fitness. It's full of readable and understandable information for me and hands on learning for our daughter. That is a great combination if you ask me!

Our daughter will be the one in control of her own cooking, fitness activities and health in a few years. This book will help me help her to make a smoother transition to become a more independent and healthy adult with Down Syndrome.