People Books

Carbonel took me away when I was a child,I loved every well written detail,and could imagine every event as it took place-the only problem was,when I got older (alot older!!)I had forgotten the title and despaired of ever finding the book again-Imagine my joy when I found a used copy in a thrift store-it looked familiar,could it be....? Hooray!It was!Carbonel!I bought it immediately and read it asap and will never ever let it out of my hands again!This is a fabulous book for children of all ages,and if my opinion counts for anything,I would advise to get a copy of your own right now!Truly a wonderful,wonderful book.

...It was my FAVOURITE when I was a kid - ...Why is this fantastic book out of print??

When I first read this book, I was 10-years-old. I grew up and never forgot the joy that I received from its pages. I kept looking for it when I got older and now have my own copies of all the Carbonel books. I am now in possession of an amazing child's book that deserves to be shared throughout centuries to come. Wonderful book - deserving to be named a favorite classic.

This book captured my imagination as a child and was a pleasure to read again after 17 years. I feared I might ruin a childhood memory by tracking it down and reading it again but it was well worth the effort. I hope it's magic will still reach young readers even though it is now out of print.

My mom gave me this book when I was 8 years old. Hesitantly, I started reading it, and was immediately hooked. It is the first chapter book I remember reading, and I owe my love of literature to Barbara Sleigh and Carbonel. Before the advent of the Internet, I spent many years trying to track down copies of all the Carbonel books, with limited success. Then one day, I discovered that they had had been reissued in the United Kingdom. I was in law school at the time, and my wife told me we couldn't afford them. Imagine my surprise, that Christmas, when I found them under the tree! My wife had called a bookstore in London, and had them shipped to the US just in time for the holidays. I'm now 39 years old, and still reread those books about once a year. I have read them to both my children, and they have read them by themselves. I think we can all look back on our lives, and find one or two events that shape aspects of our future. For me, a British book about a little girl, a witch and a magical, royal cat set me on a road where books became some of my most cherished possessions, and reading my most enjoyable pasttime. Read the books; feel the magic.

This book has beautiful pictures and good writing. I got one for my 5th grader, and another as a gift for a friend. Unfortunately, both copies were somewhat damaged (one copy had a crease in the front, and the other copy has a slit in the middle). I think the production/ manufacture of this book is not perfect. What a shame as it is truly a beautiful book to be treasured.

Stunningly beautiful photos ... well-organized chapters ... plenty of information on many aspects of Chinese culture. I gave this book to my 11-year-old nephew for Christmas, so he will begin to appreciate that China is very much more than a supplier for Wal-Mart!

I had been going to China on business for nearly 15 years now and this bewilderingly vast nation has always fascinated me, but I had never really taken the time to really dig into the nation's history and culture - until now. I'm starting out with this handsome book and 'China Road' by Rob Gifford and I'm already getting a good feel for what the country is like in ways that I was never able to during my various visits on business trips. I reckon I had spent over 30 weeks in China on business over the years, but all those trips were for what they were: business - visiting factories, meeting with factory owners and managers, going to nice restaurants, and doing a little sightseeing on the few days I'd have off. I never felt like I ever got to know the people of China. I was always in a hurry to get in, in a hurry to get the work done and then hurry to get out. Now with this book, I can contemplate about what daily life is really like for the people from all walks of life and also get some grasp of the mind-boggling size of China.

The book is neatly divided by subjects covering China's stunningly varied geography, just as diverse groups of people and ethnicity, its fascinatingly rich culture and its long and amazingly tumultuous history. It's a great starting point to understand and absorb the next world superpower that is becoming more and more important in our daily lives in the West and all around the world. It's hard to comprehend or make sense of a nation that has a population much larger than the US and all of Europe combined. I travel around China and I'm just dumbfounded by the sheer size of the land and, of course, the mind-boggling population. It's like, "How do you govern or manage a nation of this size?" But somehow, despite all the myriad problems that are hard to fathom, China goes on and now it's growing at a breakneck pace - on pace to become the world's largest economy in 20 years or so and be twice as large as that of the US by the middle of the century. On the surface of things, it seems this century is for China to make theirs.

This book gives you a good general overview with excellent photos throughout and superb layout with good informative content that gives the reader an insight into the mind of the Chinese people. As an Asian-American of Korean descent, China is not as foreign to me as it'd be to most Westerners, but it still holds what Westerners and even other non-Chinese Asians may consider to be many mysteries and odd or strange cultural practices and traditions. And the diversity of the Chinese people and its geography may be something many people in the West haven't thought about. China can be viewed as a continent in itself - like Europe with many different languages and cultural heritage. But it is united and the nation has gone through many wars to tear itself apart and to re-unite again over the course of its long history. China is indeed much more complex and misunderstood than most Westerners would care to admit. This book goes a long way in helping you understand that complexity of this most fascinating nation and growing world power. If you need only one book about China, this is the one to get.

I visited China earlier this year on business, so I was intrigued when I came across this book. When I opened it, I was not disappointed. This book celebrates China and its variety of culture, art, landscapes and rich history with beautiful photography and educational text.

The beginning section of the book draws you in with page after page of beautiful photographs of different landscapes in China, sprinkled with verses from Chinese poetry (translated to English, of course). It makes the reader aware of the varied landscapes (snow to desert, mountains to plans, forest to fields) that make up the vast country of China. Truly a treasury of photos!

The next section explains Chinese history, complete with a timeline. The information is provided in titled short paragraphs and articles so it is easy for the reader to get a glimpse of the history and read quick pieces for more detail. Small articles include items such as "The Grand Canal" and "The Boxer Uprising". All are sprinkled with old photographs and pictures of paintings and artifacts.

The most delightful section of the book is "A Day in the Life" which is a collection of stories about daily life of particular people in different areas of China. There's the life of a student in Shaanxi, a Chinese herbalist, a Buddist Monk, a Cricket Seller, and a farmer, just to name a few. The photos and text provide a window into the lives of the people of China to let the reader see life from their eyes.

There is also a section on Chinese Culture, which includes articles on philosphy and religion, painting, literature and Chinese opera.

The last segment of the book is entitled "Architecture" and contains pieces on various types of building styles, both old and new. From modern buildings such as the 88-story Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai to an old Buddist Monastery in Hebei, this chapter contains a wealth of information and beautiful photography. The Jin Mao Tower is truly stunning inside (I wish I had gone to see it while I was there!). The Couple's Garden is typical of the gardens in Suzhou that I visited while there. One of the most beautiful places shown in called the "Temple of Heaven" with colorful painted decor and detailed stonework.

I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone wanting to learn about China and its culture. It is not only informative, but makes a beautiful "coffee table book"!

An absolutely beautiful book. The binding is gorgeous and the photography outstanding. Very interesting to read. Obviously a country and people with 1000s of years of history can only be perceived in a glimpse in just one book, but what a beautiful glimpse this book gives the reader! And more than just beautiful photos it contains very interesting history. A great overview of such a vast and interesting country.

OUTSTANDING!!!!!! Poisant's strong belief in and commitment to superior customer service is evident in every page....... BRILLIANT!!!!!! His personal insights, attitudes, and behaviors exude true and honest caring for all human beings......
TRULY UNIQUE!!!!!! Fresh, practical methods for fostering a caring work environment. Incorporating his overall philosophy into my personal management style has made me a better, more effective manager.

Finally, clear, direct words on positively transforming people and environments. Poisant's style is warm and simple; the power of his words, however, cut to the chase--either you're doing it or your not. It's that simple. This is a book that can be easily read in one sitting--and change your way of behaving forever!

A book that inspires to do things the right way from the beginning in this new world of ours. Personally I consider it a guidance to my new emerging company. Thank you for reminding us all what a business is there for, to serve our clients the best way possible.

Today's world has changed. If you want something that can help set your business apart in today's environment, this is THE Book for you. It has radically altered the way I view my employees and my customers. This guy is good.

Drawing on his real world experience, Poisant explains to managers in clear and simple language a way to gain a competitive advantage in any industry where company employees interact with the customer. His book taught me that, by management treating the people that serve as the interface to their service organization as their top priority; performance, productivity, and customer satisfaction goals will fall right into line. This serious, yet heart warming read, could serve as a quick reminder to all levels of management about the value and treatment of the front line. I place this book in arms reach beside Blanchard and Bowles' "Gung Ho".

We are encountering change in every walk of life. Why not in the church stewardship program? Unique insight and a step-by-step process to generate a passion for giving. It is progressive look at effective fundraising in a church setting.

I have been deeply involved with church fundraising for about 10 years and have read all sorts of books on this topic during that time. There is nothing I have read that fills the niche Durall's book does. It is simultaneously practical and philosophical, and it permanently changed my personal relationship to money and to the spiritual practice of generosity. For anyone interested in fundraising for religious purposes, I believe it is so important to read that I now buy multiple copies and give them away to people. This is truly an inspiring, one-of-a-kind book.

A year ago I told our minister that if I didn't have to chair the canvass that time around, I'd work on the committee and then chair it next year. Well, "next year" just rolled around and I have to say, I was feeling like a wild animal trapped in a cage. Then the minister put this book into my hands, and reluctance turned to enthusiasm. The book reframes generosity as a spiritual value and places the "annual member canvass" into a long-term context of stewardship. I have been a Unitarian Universalist for 30 years now and have worked on many canvasses, but this book replaces the tedious and materialistic concepts of fundraising with vision, values, and enthusiastic service. Lemme at 'em!

I ordered a copy of Michael Durell's book for a quick peruse to see if there were ideas I could inject into our congregation's upcoming canvass. After a first read, I ordered four more copies the next day, and handed them around to the Canvass Committee members. Michael lays out a renewed vision of generosity with which to appraoch the perennial problem of raising the church budget fromthe faithful. His observation that this process is no less about growing souls than any other area part of church life, and that the object is to cultivate a generous spirit, sat well with my congregation this year. We used his book in our planning and our process. The result? The book was a part of a positive canvass, pledges are up and people are feeling good about their generous participation in the life of the congregation.

Mike Durall's slim but succulent guide to increasing and stimulating congregational giving is a welcome tonic when fundraising bibles seem to focus more on technique and need than motivation and virtue. Durall encourages us to aim to create congregations of generous people not as a ruse to open wallets but because - as he illustrates and explains well - only generous people in spirit and ethos will ever fill the plate. And it is more than his homespun wisdom as supported by his distilation of current reasearch and thinking from leaders in the field. Durall's emphasis on giving as the sharing of gifts with which we have been blessed is inspirational as well as practical. Give a copy to your minister as well as to every fundraiser you know!

I absolutely loved this book. It is a child's view of the Japanese internment camps.

I was assigned the topic of Japanese Americans and the internment camps for my final paper. First of all, I think this book accounts for my great grade. The book is full of information and photographs. Ms. Oppenheim also makes the story of what happened so clear. I am ashamed that my country did such a thing to their own citizens. It's scary really. It's also weird that not that many people my age even know about it. This should be taught more.

In many ways, "Dear Miss Breed" may be the best way to share the JA WW II experience with middle and high school students as the letters leave a personal touch to the story; yet there are plenty of accurate historical references about WW II events that affected the JA community. Even if you have read every book about life in Camps for JAs, Miss Breed's story just may move up the list and become your favorite book on this topic...everyone should read "Dear Miss Breed."

_Dear Miss Breed: True Stories of the Japanese American Incarceration During World War II and a Librarian Who Made a Difference_ by Joanne Oppenheim is the remarkable story of one woman who "fought injustice through the power of words and small, but constant, acts of kindness."

In 1942 Clara Breed was the first children's librarian at the San Diego Public Library. She loved children, and she loved books. Most of all, she loved connecting the two.

On April 1, 1942, Americans of Japanese ancestry, considered a threat to the security of the United States, were given one week to prepare for evacuation to an unknown site. They could take with them only what they could carry. They had to store, sell, or abandon the rest of their possessions.

As Miss Breed said good-bye to her young patrons at the railroad station, she gave them stamped postcards addressed to herself so that they could write her when they reached their new home. Thus began correspondences that would see families through their short-term "home" (horse stalls at the Santa Anita racetrack) and their home for several years (the relocation camp in Poston, Arizona). Over the years Miss Breed sent the children books, Christmas and birthday gifts, treats, and requested items. Even more important, she showed the children and their families that she cared for them. She wrote articles about their treatment for _Library Journal_ and _Horn Book Magazine_, awakening teachers and other librarians to their plight.

_Dear Miss Breed_ contains excerpts from the 200+ letters that Miss Breed received from the children between 1942 and 1945. Sadly, only one of the letters she had written could be found. However, the content of her letters can often be inferred from the children's letters.

Oppenheim introduces the children with photographs and brief biographies. Then she begins an account that is basically chronological. Through primary sources such as drawings, cartoons, official notices, articles, and letters to the editor, she reveals the attitudes of that time. Through their letters the children present first-hand accounts of their experiences in the detention camps. The families inspire us with the optimism they demonstrate in the face of oppression. Excerpts from Oppenheim's interviews with the correspondents decades later and excerpts from testimony during CWRIC (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians) hearings held in cities across the United States in 1981 provide the perspective that is possible only after time has elapsed.

_Dear Miss Breed_ is masterfully told. The story is especially important as we find ourselves in the midst of another war when questions of detention and freedom are again an issue.

Recommended for sixth grade and older, including adults.

Can we stand firm for JUSTICE in wartime? HOW CAN WE NOT??

Clara Breed had a passion for children. She could not be silent when witnessing unjust actions taken by our government following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941). In the Foreword for this 2006 book, Elizabeth Kikuchi Yamada wrote "I am appalled I did not realize that I was a prisoner of my own government." (Read her moving poem on page 265).

The first children's librarian in San Diego, Miss Breed had become well-acquainted and friends with many children of first generation immigrants from Japan. As a child I learned from a sermon the Japanese numbers *ichi* - *ni* - *san* - *shi* - *go* ~~ On page 17 the author explains that "sei" is translated "generation" and is the key to the words *issei* - *nisei* - *sansei* - *yonsei*. ALL persons of Japanese ancestry in America are called "Nikkei" - - *kei* meaning thread or lineage.

When families were forced to leave for internment camps (the U.S. govt. says "internment" is not the correct title), the librarian's compassion was not 'switched off'. The children must have hung on desperately to their parents' stoic optimism to get them through the shock of being so ill-treated by the nation in which they were born, and other cruel ironies. Joanne Oppenheim's research and story-telling turned up pictures and letters of those young people & gathered them into a book well worth its "heft"!

It is easy to believe that Joanne Oppenheim was *destined* to tell this story. While 'tracking down' members of her own graduating class in upstate New York, she used her detecting skills to locate Ellen Yukawa who had been a classmate in 1945-1946 after release from internment. This is a poignant story in itself. Involvement in the extensive research in finding Miss Breed's other young friends seemed inevitable for Oppenheim.

It is disheartening to read that persons who later gained significant prominence (i.e., Chief Justice Earl Warren & cartoonist-author "Dr. Seuss") allowed their prejudices to surface publicly. (See the cartoon on page 40). Racism dictated laws which fed the greed of many who bought up confiscated land. Politicians who foisted their prejudices on the public deliberately fed the wildfires of Fear. This happened despite the efforts of *First Lady* Eleanor Roosevelt, and many respected clergy & Quakers.

Reviewer mcHAIKU deeply respects Clara Breed for being a positive influence in the lives of children who suffered greatly from the traumas of that war. Readers must ensure that Joanne Oppenheim's work stays visible in libraries and classrooms to remind teachers & students that all of us must be careful to respect the victims of any conflict.

*Believing that JUSTICE must be our standard, we shall act with compassion.*

Mark does an excellent job of weaving what might be considered the "pop-psychology" enneagram with deep introspection and Jungian psychoanalysis into a nifty, metaphorical ocean diving story. He successfully overcomes the temptation to seek easy answers from the enneagram overlay. Instead he provides, as he states, a shortcut mapping of the deeper elements of the conscious self and the "Triangle of Duplicity." This mapping provides useful tools and labels to understand the more complex, underlying principles.

The best phrase from the book, or at least the one that spoke to me the strongest came from Nikki, during an epiphany, that we are bound between the self that we were and the self that we are becoming - the existential now. It's a concept that I've understood intellectually for many years - understood the concept and the meaning of the words, but this book brought home to me the essential meaning of those words. I understand, or at least I am beginning to understand, the meaning of those words. I grok the "existential now."

Mark all-to-briefly explores creativity. And even though his thoughts on the subject seem to be strongly influenced by Rollo May, Mark's powerful restatement of the essence of creativity -why it's needed and why it's feared - affected me deeply.

I'm naturally drawn to this introspection of the self. But heretofore, I've approached the subject from the biological side of the biological-psychological interface. I've enjoyed the books by Steven Pinker (How the Mind Works and The Blank Slate). The essential connection from these two approaches is the same. There is no "I" in control. There is no ghost in the machine.

This book has made me hungry for more.

An amazing read. Couldn't put it down and solidified the missing pieces of human awareness in life. Told in a story format, the "lessons" it teaches will start you on the journey to self enlightenment. A must have if you "sharpen the saw" in your life. You won't be disappointed.

Diving In is not another "self-help" book. It is a "self-learning and understanding" workbook set within a descriptive and entertaining context. Who hasn't heard that little inner voice and wondered where it was coming from. Diving In helped me learn to listen, acknowledge and act on the deeper levels of consciousness. Very eye-opening!

I found Mark Bodnarczuk's book "Diving In: Discovering Who You Are In The Second Half Of Life" to be a fascinating read. I have always been interested in the "Enneagram" as a tool for working with differing personalities, but have had trouble distinquishing between the nine personality types. By putting names and histories to each of the nine personality types Mark's cast of characters made the distinction seem obvious. Although I cannot adequately explain it in terms of the various thoughts and principals Mark presents, I can tell you that I have been seeing the world, and myself, differently since reading this book. I highly recommend this book!

Asian Diver Magazine/Singapore review - "It's the second half of your life - what if you were able to make deeply profound, life altering and lasting changes and do these while diving! Mark Bodnarczuk's Diving In is the story of nine divers attending a workshop on a live-aboard in Indonesia. The workshop includes daily sessions to plumb the depths of personality, followed by dives that allow the participants to explore the spectacular reefs, while reflecting on their own reactions. The author's use of diving metaphors with post-Jungian psychology teaches fundamental principles of mental growth in a reflective story form."

I've always had the impression that Western/American Buddhism was overwhelmingly white, upper-middle-class and academic - an impression and perhaps a prejudice (or a hang-up); in spite of having read and been influenced by the philosophy and practice through much of my adult life, I've always held any personal endorsement or affiliation at arm's length because of this - I'm not white, upper-middle-class, or an academic, and the (perceived) insularity of that particular world doesn't often seem to be very inviting.

This is why this was such a valuable read for me - Willis belongs to a very, very small demographic - African-American Buddhists, and in DREAMING ME she traces a path from a Baptist upbringing in the segregated (and oft-violent) South to her present life as an academic and Buddhist scholar. Willis' recountings of her childhood were - to me - the most successful part of the book, with the grimness of Jim Crow-era Alabama rendered in cinematic detail. Willis also - with great success - draws parallels between the faith she grew up with and the philosophies she grew to accept as an adult. Beautifully written, she makes it almost seem effortless.

Not a very well-known book, unfortunately - and I fear this may slide into obscurity. I would encourage checking it out.

-David Alston

This book was read in one marathon session that flew by all too quickly. It spoke to the very core of my being. Having this story told in such a personal way deftly teaches the reader at every level. It's well written and one could easily be fooled that they are simply being entertained with a good read. There were many moments where I felt stunned with deep recognition of a life experience that mirrors a good portion of my own. I connected with this book deeply at the heart level. Most touching were the moments with her teacher, Lama Yeshe. His extraordinary heart helped her heal deep societal and personal pains which have traveled across generations influencing and shaping our culture in difficult ways. Thank goodness Dr. Willis chose to develop the good heart, rather than fight the good fight. One does not need to be in a culturally specific group or religion to recognize and feel Dr. Willis' experience. She reached into the depths of spirit and wrote in a way that touches universally. This lady has a heart that totally outsizes her brilliant, immeasurable intellect and her story will benefit countless numbers. I'm one unabashedly grateful reader.

Since I have met Jan Willis a few times through my own work at Naropa University, I emailed her after I finished reading Dreaming Me. Here's part of what I wrote to her: "I just wanted to let you know how engrossing I found your book. It was like talking to you, hanging out with you, to read it. I had put it at the bottom of my pile of "books I want to read" but somehow it jumped right up to the top, and I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Please take that as a resounding compliment! Thanks so much for writing it, and for revealing so much of your big heart.

There is something intriguing about a story which chronicles a former Baptist's alteration towards adhering to the teachings of the Buddha Shakyamuni. Jan Willis is an African-American Tibetan scholar and translator, a professor of religion at Wesleyan University and teacher of Buddhism for more than 25 years. She starts the book recording her life prior to finding the Buddha's teachings, a life spent as a devout Southern Baptist in a segregation ridden south. The KKK was active in her area of Alabama, and at a very early age they had burned a cross in her parent's front lawn. Later she would go on to march in Martin Luther King's civil rights movement, adhering to the values she so strongly believed in. In 1965, with 7 other African-Americans, she enrolled in Cornell University where during her junior year she sailed off on a trip to India which greatly impacted her life. For a brief period she returned to the states to continue her studies at Cornell, but eventually she felt drawn back unto the East again. She left this time for Nepal and underwent intense study with the Tibetan master Lama Yeshe. She studied with him for more than 15 years, where she faced a problem most predominant in all our practices: sense of self, ego.

This book is a fascinating look at a very small minority in the world of Buddhism, the role African-Americans have played in it's growth and the teaching of the Dharma. In the west, in my lineage of Zen, African-American's are probably the least represented group of all. While we have male and female teachers, and practitioners of several racial and cultural backgrounds, for some reason or another there is a very small pocket of African-Americans present. This is not due to any sort of discrimination but rather, to be frank, oftentimes the African-American individual can at times have a problem with breaking down ego. Something which has it's roots in the horrendous treatment this group underwent at the hands of a predominantly white America. This work is a fascinating look at practicing the Buddha Dharma in modern times with a voice of honesty, clarity, and incisive wisdom on each and every page. Enjoy this treasure.

Books like "Dreaming Me" are gifts or treasures that we rarely have the good fortune to discover. Ms Willis' journey is at times painful yet ultimately joyful. She shares this pain and joy in a compelling writing style that is filled with anecdotes and drama. No matter what your life experiences may be you are quickly drawn into the universal themes that every human being shares. As a white male living in the Northeast during the sixties I was on the other side of the world from a person like Ms Willis. Yet she made her experiences part of me. And like two parts of a greater experience I felt whole after reading this book. I highly recommend it. Thank you Ms Willis for putting your experiences into such a beautifully written book.

Lucky you are, you people of Maine, because you can enjoy in person the stories told by Doug Stover. But now, the publication of this book, Eminent Mainers, allows all of us to savor Doug's stories at our leisure. And what a delight they are. Who can forget Hiram Maxim and his machine gun or the man who knew he would be reincarnated as a sheep or the man who wore a handkerchief over his face? Please don't spend all your money buying copies of this book to give to your friends - we need to take up a collection so Doug could return where he grew up and compile another book, Fabulous Floridians.

This is the ideal reference tool for those doing research on Maine people and accomplishments, as well as a great source for browsing. Alphabetical arrangement is highlighted with topical indexes in the front; of particular note is the listing by birthplace. Subjects' schooling, business and professional credentials, connection to Maine and family-related tidbits bring these folks to life. In many instances even their burial places are given-handy for those who want to pay their respects! "Eminent Mainers" has over 500 pages of intriguing facts about thousands of people. What a delight!

This book is a great resource for teachers, especially those who teach history, government, literature, and biography. Teachers live by the stories they tell, stories that link to people, places, and events. Eminent Mainers
is about Americans: native born, immigrants, and descendents. It it illuminating, hysterically funny, and most of all, useful! Buy it for every teacher you know and they will love you forever!

What an incredible amount of work has gone into this unique book. It's about much more than Maine. Through succinct details of hundreds of lives it provides a snapshot of the creative energy that has made the USA what it is today.

This is really about a web of people, times, events and places that extends far beyond Maine. The power of Mr Stover's big set of little, though dense and concise, stories of people who just happen to be Mainers is really national and beyond in scope. I live in Atlanta, Georgia yet found several references to people with considerable and lasting impact on Atlanta's development and growth. It would be interesting to build an online community that follows all the threads that Stover begins to unravel for us.

Our son's 20 year old copy is still in his "things to save box". His father was a professional Firefighter during his baby hood so, naturally, we had lot's of "Firefighter/Firehouse" things for our son. This book he loved the most. So, we kept it for him. Now, his daughter has her own copy to enjoy! I was especially pleased to see that this was still available!!! Thank GOD for Golden Books! They're timeless!

This is a great book! My son (16 months) has been interested in books for just a short time, & it started with this one! The pictures are very colorful & rich, it's a quick read, and it has a couple of puppies in it--a plus for my little guy who only says a few words but can say puppy. I've purchased it for a friend's 2 year old son, & he reads it at least twice a day.

This is my son's FAVORITE book by far! Great illustrations...short sentences...he laughs every time we mention the title! Great first book for your little one!

My son's favorite book. Every page has so much detail, he is enthralled and loves to read/look over and over again. A nice change of pace from today's children's books which are much more simple in their design. P.S.--Note that the fire chief looks like Tom Dewey (as in "Dewey defeats Truman")!

What a darling book this is! It's really realistic, shows the firemen actually fighting a fire. It's nice to see that because quite frankly, you don't really see that is most fireman books. I keep saying fireman instead of firefighter, because this book was written before there were women on the force and thus, show all men in the story. It's great though, seeing the old firetrucks and the dalmation. The book was written in 1950 and just has the most beautiful illustrations of the firemen and all that red! It shows the fire chief's truck, the hose car (truck) and the hook-and-ladder truck with the firemen hanging on for dear life alongside. The driver steers in the back as well which makes for tons of conversation with my little one. It actually shows the firemen hooking the hoses up to the fire hydrant, eliminating the confusion that all the water comes from the truck. I've had to explain that sometimes when there isn't a hookup, they bring a tanker truck with water. The firemen are actually using their axes to put out the fire in the antique store and are rescuing items as well with the net. However, our favorite part of the book is the very last page which says, "Hurray for the brave firemen!" I think that says it all.

A wonderful book from a man that knows, that has been there, and is still there watching the people of Bikini cope and recover from the terrible atomic/nuclear bomb blasts. He has the facts of history, the insight into how it affected the island people, all combined with personal stories and the local culture and legends. I've lived in Micronesia for about twelve years and learned so much new about the Republic of the Marshall Islands. If one has an interest about how our country deals with other peoples, this book will give an idea about how sometimes we play the international game. Very nice work, with facts and figures. I liked it. Buy it!

The book is fine but you sent it to my cousin in Los Angeles and I haven't received it from him yet! I had previously sent him a book ordered through Amazon. I am sure you will think this is my fault, but I do not agree. I said to send it to the same address as the card holder who is me. I give Amazon an F for this one. Jack Derby

It is generally accepted that the dropping of two Atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki brought WW2 to and end. Had the Japanese not surrendered, however, there was no third bomb to be dropped. Whilst the explosions happened just as they were supposed to happen, this new dreadful science was very new and, in a post war-torn world had to be tested and refined. No western power, however, was prepared to have such weaponry tested anywhere near their own country - not even within range of distant fall-out.

For this reason, one of the world's remotest islands in the southern Pacific was eventually chosen. In the summer of 1946 the United States detonated two 21 kiloton bombs code-named Able and Baker. These were the fourth and fifth such bombs ever exploded. Another bomb was also set to be detonated but this was cancelled after the fallout from Baker created far more radiological contamination than had been expected.

In order to conduct such tests, the United States had, in the first instance, to forcibly remove the indigenous population of the Bikini Islands. How powerful is one nation that it is able (apparently quite legally) to remove another nation from it's land so that it can practise with it's big bombs.

This book is the story of those Bikini Islanders and their life-long struggle to regain their homeland. Yes, many have now come home, but it will be a long time before they can even hope to resume a traditional existence. It is more likely that that will never happen.

The Bikini islanders were removed from their homes "for the good of mankind," personally, I think this book should be read for the same reason.

NM

I found my teenaged daughter reading this book one day, so when she was finished I picked it up...

This is a story so worth reading. The author's life at first seemed hopelessly entangled with his subject's to a point that I thought the book would eventually read like a one-sided diatribe. I was very, very pleased with how he presented the Bikinian's story, however, and would highly recommend this small but important piece of Pacific history to anyone who wants to know how an indigenous people can be so horribly abused by a super power.

Astounding material.

This book was an eye opener. It makes you wonder why this event that happened so many years ago in the middle of the Pacific has been buried for so long. This is not a cut and dry history, this book is a very readable journey through a culture that is unique. The author lets us know who he is, so it enables the reader to understand the person who is doing the interviews. That was a nice and unexpected touch. I found the book to be thought provoking and would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in studying the history of the Pacific.