Miniature Books

this really charming book is the absolute truth of a mothers search for 5 minutes. The killing with kindness of her little elephant family is the truth of real life. Done with magic and laughter a book to read to any little one who does not understand the need for the five minutes. lovely pictures and a humorous and wonderful story line. This book does one truly amazing thing, it makes a child laugh.

The Queen's Gambit, 1 d4 d5 2 c4, has become very popular among chess players in recent years [circa 1988]. The Queen's Gambit is no longer a dull, cautious opening that produces boring games. It has evolved into a tactical, aggressive game with a myriad of traps and pitfalls to avoid.

This book deals with the short games arising from the Queen's Gambit. This is a collection of five hundred interesting and instructive games decided in 25 moves or less with this opening. At every level of chess new ideas are found or mistakes are made that lead to swift punishment of this usually solid opening.

These short games illustrate how a player can take advantage of an opponent's poor opening strategy or mishandling complicated tactical positions. These games further demonstrate what sharp opening lines to play and what mistakes to avoid. Examples are taken from woodpusher to Grandmaster games, from over-the-board play to correspondence devotees.

500 Queen's Gambit Miniatures, Collection II, is the second collection of Queen's Gambit miniatures for Chess Enterprises, Incorporated. This volume contains an additional 500 short games arising from this opening. To assist the reader seeking a particular variation of this opening, the games have been arranged according to the Encyclopedia of Chess Opening (ECO) classification system.
--- from book's Introcuction

Activities For All Year Round by Angela Wilkes is an engaging, full-color guide for children of all ages, featuring fun and educational things to do that can be undertaken in various locations or seasons. From pondwatching for wildlife; to observing constellations in the night sky; to spotting and recognizing differnt types of trees; to baking potatoes; to collecting treasures on the beach, and more, Activities For All Year Round is an absorbing, highly recommended idea sourcebook that especially promotes learning more about and appreciating the bounty of nature.

If you have been looking for a tiny address book to carry with you in your purse or pocket, this is an excellent choice. The adorable size does not mean you will have no place to write. In fact, there are only two entries per page, allowing for name, address, phone and e-mail. The picture on the front can be changed and you can insert a picture of your favorite person, pet or nature scene. The durable cover and little pen makes this a practical and useful address book that may also be given as a gift. A ribbon bookmark is included so you can keep the location of your most frequently dialed phone numbers highly accessible. Of course you could put them in speed dial, but what fun would that be? Another use for this book is to fill it with addresses so when you are on vacation, you can easily send out postcards.

~The Rebecca Review

"Alliance and Empire" is the seventh expansion set for the Star Wars Miniatures game, which started with the Rebel Storm Starter set back in September, 2004 (see more about the minis game itself in my addendum below). This set was released to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Star Wars. As such, these figures have a special square bases with "Star Wars" written on the front. HOWEVER, THIS SET IS STILL FULLY COMPATIBLE WITH THE OTHER STAR WARS MINIS SETS. There are 60 different figures in this set. Each booster comes with seven durable, pre-painted minis (including one rare OR one very rare figure).

The first thing I look for in any expansion set are how many characters I recognize from the movies (vs. those that appeared only in the books). I am particularly interested in figures from the original trilogy, and I am happy to say that there are at least 40 figures from the original trilogy in this set. Most are interesting and/or more powerful variations of earlier figures (for example, Boba Fett, Lando Calrissian, Jabba, Wampa, R2-D2 with C-3PO, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Imperial Governor Tarkin, three different versions of Han Solo, and three different versions of Luke Skywalker). But, some of the figures have never been released before (for example, Wicket the Ewok, Ewok Hang Glider, and Jawa on Ronto). Notably, there are even a few great new common and uncommon figures from the original trilogy in this set (for example, Death Star Trooper, Death Star Gunner, Rebel Commando Strike Leader, Talz Spy, and a variation of the Ewok with a bow -- rather than just melee attack).

The rest of the figures are either from the prequel, the books, or generic/minor characters (however, some of these characters are also very good -- especially for use in the Star Wars RPG).

In sum, this expansion set is excellent for those interested in the original trilogy, and fair for those interested in the prequel.

ADDENDUM: (Please note that I include this addendum at the end of all my Star Wars minis reviews, so if you've read it before, there is no need to read it again.) If you want to play the Star Wars minis game as it was designed to be played, it is best to have at least one starter (each starter comes with game instructions, a map, a D20, terrain tiles that are very helpful and add great variety to the game, and more). I like the Rebel Storm Starter the best because it's from the classic era/trilogy, but the Clone Strike and Revenge of the Sith starters from the newer movies will also work. If you don't want to invest in a starter, you can also get one of the three "Ultimate Missions" books, as each comes with a double sided map and a few smaller terrain tiles (again, I like the Rebel Strom Ultimate Missions book the best because it is also from the classic era/trilogy). Or, you can buy the "Attack on Endor" scenario pack, which comes with TWO double sided maps (in addition to a scaled AT-ST that is fully usable in play). The main point here is that you'll need some type of map/grid. If you don't want to buy a Star Wars one, generic ones are also available at most gaming stores (you can use your imagination to set the scene, or draw terrain with an erasable marker right on the grid). Of course, the minis are also useful for the roleplaying game (RPG) - in which case you may not need a starter or map, but will likely need the "Core Rulebook" instead. Finally, they are just fun to collect for those who like all things Star Wars!

My favorite alphabet book. My 20 month old insists on reading it every day - I haven't told her its a 'coffee table book for adults' yet (see book description). A true master of the linocut print.

very simple and easy to understand. one of my son's favorite books. I would recommend it to anybody.

Its as simple as they come but it works! My four month old baby boy is mesmerized by it!

I read this book, and was very moved, and saddened and laughed at alot of the things that Amber was saying. I feel this book should not only be viewed by children, but also adults. Anyone who has a pet would relate. But this is a story that tells you that you can do anything you put your mind to do. And LOVE can in alot of ways conquer anything. Amber was so loved that she didn't want her Family to be without her. She had her way of telling her family things that no other would understand. Read the book, it is worth it. It is encouragement to all.

Great background history on miniature art and the Manney collection. Only wish I'd been able to see the works in person!