Vacations Books

This is a delightful kids' book. The drawings are filled with life and wonder, especially the one-eared cat. A treasure.

Having a Wonderful Time by Pohrt reads as a post-card home, sent by a little girl who (imagines) that she travels with her cat. The story is so imagistic that you cannot help but see Eva reading through a world atlas on a rainy day and letting her imagination run free. With her cat, she travels through deserts and sands of time, through beautiful cities full of whimsical surprises. The paintings - delicate and detailed - are rather like small pictures one would send with a letter or postcard while travelling abroad.

Wry, witty, and very worth acquiring for the simply beautiful and detailed artwork, this is a book that any child should have, and let us all hope that we too can remember what is like to be young and to dream - and let it never end.

Eva and Sam one dark winter day book passage on a zeppelin to a place far away and warm and after many days arrive at a beautiful city, with the sea on one side and in the distance a wide open desert. The travelers rent the last hotel room only to discover it is occupied by insects playing raucous dominoes. Sam and Eva's adventures begin in earnest when a camel offers to guide them across the desert. In the desert, they meet lions and bees and follow directions to the Crocodile Cafe, where it becomes clear they are to be the next day's luncheon special. In the end, lions, bees, and crocodiles behind them, Eva and Sam write post cards to their friends with the title message: Having a Wonderful Time. Tom Pohrt's early work invites comparisons with N. C. Wyeth. The new book is as vivid and original as THE NIGHT KITCHEN OR THE 100 AKER WOOD. Jim Latimer, author of GOING THE MOOSE WAY HOME.

If you love the children's books of yesteryear, you'll adore this book. Pohrt takes you back to a time when children's books painted the world as a beautiful and mysterious place for a child to explore. This is one your children will want to look through over and over.

"Hickok's Gold" is a fine second installment in the Kaye family vacation series. Like the first book, "Bowleg's Bounty," there are really two stories unfolding for the reader. Young readers will enjoy making connections between the story being told by Mr. Kaye each night around the campfire and the events that transpire during the family's vacation. Any family that has gone on camping vacations will enjoy this book. Mr. Kropp's accounts of the highs and lows of family camping ring true. The book should work as a read aloud at bedtime book, as well as a book for young readers to read on their own.

When Benjamin and Martin arrived in the Black Hills with their parents, Mr. Kaye was ready with campfire stories of Cowboys, Indians, and the Gold Fields that sparked danger and a host of legendary characters. A fascinating and engaging story of adventure that blurs the distinction between fantasy and reality, there are ancient riddles to be solved and a quest for wild Bill Hickok's lost gold mine to be made. Author Joseph Kropp is a superb storyteller and "Hickock's Gold" is a deftly crafted novel that will hold the reader's full attention from first page to last. Also very highly recommended is Kropp's previous novel, "Bowleg's Bounty".

I recently read Joseph Kropp's Hickok's Gold and was enthralled by the story. I can recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good yarn about the old west, or the new west. It's really two books in one, one story about intrigue in the old west, and the other about vacationing brothers who share an adventure unravelling an old west mystery. Dr. Kropp does a superb balancing act with the two tales, keeping the reader guessing and always wanting more. I never wanted to put the book down.
I read Dr. Kropp's Bowleg's Bounty, primarily a pirate story (very exciting), and he has elevated his game with his second effort. His writing has matured, and Hickok's Gold will be a satisfying read not only for those interested in stories of the old west, but for those who appreciate good storytelling in any genre. Buy it, enjoy it, and spread the word: There's a new writer in town, and he's a good 'un.

"Before long, they climbed into the van for the short trip to Deadwood. The boys couldn't believe their eyes when they arrived. There was a real Wild West town, just like their father had been describing in his campfire stories." ~ pg. 124

Joseph Kropp is an excellent storyteller, and as he weaves two stories together, a family on vacation experiences the excitement of the Wild West. Throughout the vacation in the Black Hills, the story of Wild Bill Hickock and his gold mine introduces children to real characters who live in a world of intrigue. The creative introduction in a dream leads to real-life adventure as Benjamin and Martin learn to ride horses, sleep out under the stars and meet bear cubs.

"Dawn and the faint beginnings of the new day found Destiny and Buck at the western edge of the Badlands - a mystical, wind-swept, collection of hills and valleys, ringed with the intense, soft colors of the earth. A morning mist hung like a feather bed over the barren landscape, welcoming Destiny home." ~ pg. 139

Destiny is a girl who is separated from her family during a battle and is a member of the Sioux nation. She is part of the story in the past told by the father and we also learn about Chief Sitting Bull and General Custer. Joseph Kropp excels at describing the landscape and creates an adventure infused with reality and imagination.

~The Rebecca Review

Admittedly, there are sections of Idaho which are not covered, and I wish Rivers and Plummer would come out with volumes covering the rest of the state. With its mile-by-mile notes of most of Idaho, this is the most comprehensive guide I've found to this state. It's great for finding out-of-the way places to camp and enjoy. I always look here first when planning a trip in our great state.

Great guide to central Idaho - useful even for people that live here. My husband and I live in Idaho (and have for YEARS). We have used this book on two different vacations. Especially if you like to explore back roads and alternate routes, this is a great book to have around. We even found new places to explore in areas I have been exploring for 20 years. Have fun.

This is quite simply the most informative, comprehensive, descriptive, and fascinating educational tour guide for the motorist I have ever seen. The subtitle is correct...nearly every mile is documnented in detail discussing the geology, history, and uniqueness of some of the most beautiful scenic by-ways in the nation. It'll have you pulling over to the side of the road at every mile marker. Also included; side trips, dirt roads, more comprehensive sections on popular destinations and a very clear outline of routes and highways one should take to get the most of you journey. Seeing the mountains and rivers of central Idaho with this book in hand was truly a thrill. I came away from this trip not only enriched by the spectacular beauty of the region but more informed about the processes and people that helped shape and form this dramatic region of our country.

This book title is misleading. What it doesn't say in the title is Volume I:Central Idaho. The book itself is great and really goes into detail, beautiful pictures, nice maps of the highways, but it only covers Central Idaho. So.....if you are looking for a book that covers all of Idaho this is not a good choice.
Debbie Hardy

I recommened this book very highly to anyone that has a need for horror

The book is great for any fear loving person. It has action, love, and fear. I'm 12 and got into it and couldn't put it down. I almost got so tearified I couldn't put it down till everything was safe and sound.

...." A clever, hip and frightening adventure faced by the twins and their friends that will leave you on the edge of your seat at the end of each chapter..."

I read this book in 3 hours.... NOt putting it down once! Itis a really great story and easy to catch onto.. even if you didntread the first book! (Believe me i know!) The book was really cool. It really gives you a look on reality about how Marin finds the girls even when they are on an island with no cars and riding horse back! This book is so intense and real you will be looking over your shoulder for a while! I really recomend this book!

Live & Work Abroad is a must have for any person who is currently living abroad, thinking of living abroad or in the process of moving abroad. Simply a MUST HAVE. Our family uses it as a complete reference guide with up-to-date, practical information. As a Modern Nomad I appreciate a complete book that covers so much. It's a first-timers MUST HAVE and an experienced expat's best friend. Buy one for yourself and keep on extra on hand for friends. If you lend your copy out, put your name in big letters, or you might not get it back.

This book was the best book I've ever read. Having based the whole research on questionnaires filled in by foreigners living in other countries, and by being nomads themselves, the authors have very successfully helped others who don't work in their own countries. I believe working and living in a country where you don't live must've extremely difficult, and having to put up with the stress of not being used to the currency or not knowing the language etc. must be equally frustrating. If I ever do live and work abroad I will have this book at my side to guide me.

Live & Work Abroad : A Guide for Modern Nomads is THE single MUST HAVE book for anyone who plans to live or work abroad. Callan and Francis have put together a compendium of ESSENTIAL information and they tell it like it is. Their own extensive experiences in living and working abroad are very evident, even in terms of what they include. Things like how to ship your belongings to your new address; what problems you might encounter in doing so; and what to do about those challenges. This is the kind of tone that informs the whole book -- a down to earth, problem solving, "let's get on with it and deal with the daily things so that we can enjoy the rest of what living aborad has to offer." The book is _filled_ with invaluable contact information and questions that people may think no one has written about-- from dealing with medical problems like severe food allergies to tips for gay/lesbian travellers. These folks really have the goods! The only drawback is that the pages are really jam-packed with smallish font: but, that keeps the book itself back-pack size. Definitely a MUST HAVE... for travellers, and also their possibly skitterish parents!

This book, aptly listed as a guide for modern nomads, is a must-read for anyone going on or living through an expatriate assignment. During my years in International Human Resources I think I read every book written about the expat experience, looking for the one that I could recommend to our staff. I'm pleased to say that this book satisfies my craving, and after twenty-five years, I can stop my quest.

The book covers everything from definitions of words associated with expat assignments to detailed information on how to address various aspects of expat life. The book is presented in easy to read language. At the end of each major segment it lists additional resources on the topic, typically both print and Internet, so may continue to research a topic of particular interest.

The book can is a boon to all expats, from those moving under the auspices of a company that provides assistance in shipping household goods to those who are making all the arrangements on their own. There are some brilliant checklists that guide you through various decision-makings processed such as what to move and how to select a pre-school. Although I read this book over a three-day period, it's best used as a tool that you refer to as you face expat situations. If you only pack one book in your carry-on luggage, this should be it!

A KID'S REVIEW
What would you do on your summer class trip to Europe? Would you meet a cute guy? Well in Mates, Dates, And Great Escapes by Cathy Hopkins you can find out what lucy and her friends will do. My favorite character is Nesta. Lucy exotic and beautiful friend.
This was one of the Great books in the series. I personaly thought it was the best. I love to read realistic fiction like this. It is romantic, funny, and had great ideas for things to do in a fashion crisues. As you can probably see this book is recommended to teen age girls that love fashion and cute guys.
Cathy Hopkins, the writer of this book lives in England with her 2 cats and her husband. She gets all of her ideas from teen age girls that live in her neighborhood. She even got an idea from me. How cool is that?
If you like this book by Cathy Hokins than you would really like the book Bra's and Broomsticks by Sarah Mlynowski.
Be sure to check out the rest of the her series.

A KID'S REVIEW
What would you do on your summer class trip to Europe? Would you meet a cute guy? Well in Mates, Dates, And Great Escapes by Cathy Hopkins you can find out what lucy and her friends will do. My favorite character is Nesta. Lucy exotic and beautiful friend.
This was one of the Great books in the series. I personaly thought it was the best. I love to read realistic fiction like this. It is romantic, funny, and had great ideas for things to do in a fashion crisues. As you can probably see this book is recommended to teen age girls that love fashion and cute guys.
Cathy Hopkins, the writer of this book lives in England with her 2 cats and her husband. She gets all of her ideas from teen age girls that live in her neighborhood. She even got an idea from me. How cool is that?
If you like this book by Cathy Hokins than you would really like the book Bra's and Broomsticks by Sarah Mlynowski.
Be sure to check out the rest of the her series.

I love all of these books!!!!!! Anyway, its about a school trip to Italy and Lucy meets this hot American dude and so they like hang out and crap.

It is Lucy's turn again and she has decided to lose her virginity to Tony. Her friends try to talk her out of it. Then she learns of a classmate who has gotten pregnant while being careful. Lucy decides to wait but Tony puts on the pressure and the result is a break-up. To make matters worse, the rest of the mates are of to Florence on a school trip but Lucy's family's finances won't let her go.

Well, things happen and Lucy manages to go on the school trip after all. There, while trying to avoid thinking about Tony, she winds up meeting and falling for a rich American boy. Romance blossoms and Lucy manages to overcome some insecurities. But all good things must come to an end and the vacation is over and its time for a new book.

This was one of the better entries in this series. I have always liked Lucy. This book manages to deal with some strong issues in a good way and still maintain a lightness one associates with these books. Well done.

When I opened the package from the mail and pulled out "Mysterious World: Ireland," my jaw literally dropped open! Wait, I could not have ordered a book such as this in paperback form. Then I remembered I had because it is a travel guide. What is the publisher thinking in making a lush coffee table book into a travel guide? You would have to see it to believe its incredible content and beauty. But I blather on.

Even the website (www.mysteriousworld.com) is dedicated to a lush presentation of things mysterious and beautiful about a country. I have never seen anything like this book or website. Publisher Doug Elwell explains in the book's introductory section that MW does not plan to add a print version of their website articles, as print sources end up in old files, old books, and in out-of-sight places. As a librarian, I can attest to the veracity of his statement. Then why do I hold a big, thick, heavy paperback travel guide in my hand? Take a logical guess: travel. Not everyone wants to carry a laptop on vacation. On trips before, I have known friends to leave their guides at the last stop before heading home. Nope, not so for this book. This guide is a souvenir, a memory book of places visited. "Mysterious Places: Ireland" then becomes a new kind a coffee table book. At home leave it out, dog-eared, worn and torn, and guess how many visitors will pick it up? I dare say virtually every one!

Travel writer Ian Middleton begins his tome with the history of the first people of Ireland, Scythians, who descended from Noah's son Japheth through his son Magog. But it was through the oldest son of Magog that the first Gaedelic Celts descended. It is these Gaels who followed the balance of life: between the light and the dark, the natural and the divine--to become the Irish.

The first 300 pages of this 776 page book are dedicated to the Mystery and History of Ireland: invasions, deities and demigods, sea serpents, monsters, beasts, druids, poets, fairies, fairy tales, folk tales, mythical tales, then the History: the coming of the Christians, ancient cultures, and Ireland today. For full enjoyment of the book and your trip, you might consider reading this half before you go.

The travel section kind of unfolds from the history. There is, however, a clear demarcation between the two. Pick up the book and look at the bottom. The mostly white section is the Mystery; the second half with the dark area is the travel section.

Middleton provides the necessary travel information (clothing, monetary exchanges, etc), but much much more. Remember that archway over the two pages? Alongside each each from top to bottom of the page in a dark green rectangle is listed pertinent local information: where to eat, where to stay, costs, pubs, ferry crossings, and more. Then the pages provide information about out-of-the-way places, mysterious sites, and touristy areas. Also, on each two-page spread is at least one photo, map, and/or illustration. The book really is quite astonishing.

"Mysterious World: Ireland" is unlike other travel guides: it is a mini encyclopedia of a country with a focus on its mysterious past. Publisher Elwell says this is the first of a series he and writer Middleton and staff will put together. There is no dearth of people interested in the mysteries of a place, its world and culture.

For more information and updates to the travel guide, please visit http://ireland.mysteriousworld.com and www.mysteriousworld.com.

This gives the reader an excellent overview as to why Ireland is often described as mystical!

If you've ever wanted to know almost everything about the oddities of Ireland - its people, its places, its myths, its legends, look no further. "Mysterious World: Ireland" is nearly 800 full color pages filled with photos and information on almost every myth and legend about the small nation. Killer dwarfs and devious leprechauns fill an epic journey to uncover anything and everything enigmatic about the small island. Enthusiastically recommended for armchair travelers and anyone who's planning on going to Ireland and wants to see something a bit weird, "Mysterious World: Ireland" is for you, and should more than earn its spot on any travel shelf in community libraries.

we used this book all over ireland - looking for sacred sites --
you do need a car - as public transportation does not go all placres - and taxis are expensive

the book worked wonderful

Recently, while shopping in Chattanooga, I ran across a new book tilted Pardon Me Is That The Chattanooga Choo Choo? After opening the book expecting a typical Children's tale, I was delighted to find out I was wrong. While Harry the Hopping Mouse is lost in Chattanooga the reader finds himself lost in the City's Fascinating history. Chattanooga is one of the most interesting places I have visited, and this book highlights nearly twenty of it's many attractions for tourist's and the city's locals. In addition to a fabulous history lesson, Ellen Eady entertains the reader with the most precious story of a hopping mouse in search for his family. This book will make a wonderful gift for any child. Harry's story is a great book for a family or a teacher. I can only hope the Author will go on to write more books about Harry and his explorations.

I teach second grade and my students just loved reading about Harry and his adventures. They were sad when he got in the wrong taxi but laughed and laughed as he made his way around Chattanooga. They loved the ending! My own daughter loves the book and thinks it's really funny! She likes the repetitious nature of Harry's search for the Chattanooga Choo Choo and is anxious to visit Rock City. I would recommend this book whether you've been to Chattanooga or not, though it probably will make you want to visit it!

Recently, while shopping in Chattanooga, I ran across a newbook tilted Pardon Me Is That The Chattanooga Choo Choo? After opening the book expecting a typical Children's tale, I was delighted to find out I was wrong. While Harry the Hopping Mouse is lost in Chattanooga the reader finds himself lost in the City's Fascinating history. Chattanooga is one of the most interesting places I have visited, and this book highlights nearly twenty of it's many attractions for tourist's and the city's locals. In addition to a fabulous history lesson, Ellen Eady entertains the reader with the most precious story of a hopping mouse.... This book will make a wonderful gift for any child. Harry's story is a great book for a family or a teacher. I can only hope the Author will go on to write more books about Harry and his explorations. END

I think that this is the VERY best book for kids I have ever read although,(she is my Aunt so I would get in trouble for saying that I didn't like the book) but I still LOVE IT! I was reading all of the rough drafts all through the process of her book and even at the beginning I knew so many people would love it.She describes all of the sites very well and I know this because I have been to visit her up in Chattanooga 3 times and have been to all but 2 sites. I can see why Harry loved playing in the fountains because those are a lot of fun! mY OVERALL OPINION OF THIS BOOK IS THAT IT IS A 5 star, 2 thumbs up book and that this is an ideal book for kids to read if they are going to Chattanooga and I can not wait to go see my Favorite Aunt again up in Chattanooga, Tennessee. (By the way, did I mention that I, Meghan Taylor, is Ellen Eady, my favorite aunt's, favorite niece!)

The author did a great job helping my wife and I plan our first trip with our young children to WDW. The book made it easy to look things up in each park and evalute what might be appropriate for us to do. We took special notice of the hints he provided and tried to hit some of the many extra's that were listed. Included is an easy rating scale based on ages on each attraction.

Overall, our trip would not have been the same without this book!

I love all books about WDW, and this book is no exception. WDW in No Time does exactly what it claims - to give you the essential knowledge and understanding you need to know before you go to WDW. A simple, easy to follow format gives you the basics about rooms, the parks, attractions and beyond. It does not pretend to be anything it is not. If you're looking for in-depth descriptions of every little detail, this is not for you. However, my wife, who has accompanied me on dozens of trips since we met, picked it up and immediately said, "This is the book for me!" Plus, it has great callouts of tips and tricks, and some money-saving ideas as well. It is a fun, fast read, and one i highly recommend to first-time visitors, those who may be visiting for the first time with children, as well as those people who are looking to enhance their vacation, without having to go through a book that has so much information that it becomes overwhelming. Well done!

I loved this book! It had great information to help me plan our family trip to Disney World. I loved the Notes and Tips throughout the book. I also liked the To Do lists that were in each section. I have read other Disney vacation books and this one was fun to read, and made it easy to plan our trip. I especially liked the index cards provided. I was able to plan ahead and use them when we got to the park. I just marked which rides we wanted to go to and had a game plan when we got to the gate! It saved us from going to a ride that I knew my kids were to short to go on and them being disappointed when we had to walk away.
I would recommend this book to anyone planning a trip to Disney World.

Plan Your Walt Disney World Vacation In No Time by Doug Ingersoll is a book I wish we had had before we spent a week at Disney World and came away wishing we had done this or skipped that to make the most of our wonderful vacation. This book is well laid-out to walk you through three stages: Part 1 gives advice on how to plan getting there and where to stay. Giving basic vacation planning strategies such as how to budget realistically, where to search on the Internet, which exits to take from highways, how to rent a car, etc., this is NOT an advertisement for specific properties or businesses but names each with the price range and outlines amenities, transportation, etc. The same is listed for restaurants in the area. This section alone will save you lots of money and exhaustion and frustration once you arrive at your dream destination. In the second section you will find each area of Disny World mapped,and a basic description of each ride or performance. There are some MUST SEE notes and for each place there is a rating of 1 - 5 for each age group from pre-schoolers to seniors. At the back of the book are trip cards so you can make notes of which attractions to do and which to skip, placing these cards in your wallet for on-site use. There is a section to help you plan what to do after dark and the final section is devoted to other attractions in the area outside Disney World. Using this book before you go will assure you make the very most of your money, time, and energy on this trip of a family dream.

This book is very readable and a great jumping off place for a small group Bible study in discussions about the role of prayer in our lives. The folksy illustrations are inviting and thoughtful. We are enjoying these studies very much. One chapter per session is a good pace.

The book is very insightful. The way the prayer is broken down and dissected is enlightning. I recommend this book. It is a fast informative read.

As the other reviewer, I learned The Lord's Prayer when I was old enough to talk but I never understood it. Praying the Lord's Prayer for Spiritual Breakthrough truly opened my eyes. I always wondered why we prayed at night..."Give us this day our daily bread" when we were about to sleep. This book will truly give you a true understanding of asking God to guide your steps throughout the day as you by communicating with God through The Lord's Prayer.

As a child I learned the Lord's Prayer but I didn't know the power or understand the power that is behind praying the Lord's Prayer. This book open my eyes, heart and mind regarding the Lord's Prayer. After reading this book and hearing the Lord's Prayer prayed or sung I have a overwhelming experience with the Lord. READ THIS BOOK!