Do you want to know what Jack and Annie do in The Magic Tree House In Christmas? This maybe their last adventure! This book is about two kids named Jack and Annie who go to a magic tree house to live an adventure in a book. And the pictures are really good but they only have a few pictures. I give it two thumbs up! If you want to see what adventure they have, read Christmas in Camelot by Mary Pope Osborne.

I liked this book a lot because it was interesting and it was an absoloute page turner!I recommend this book to people who like adventure books and a little bit of magic!

I LOVE to read but this book has open my reading up even more I am a A+ in reading I love this book!!!!I really do!!...Thanks

I bought this set on tape for my son's 6th birthday so we could listen to them in the car while travelling. The stories are well-done and made him use his imagination. We enjoyed trying guessing what dinosaurs were being described and he wondered if the kids could see the moon and stars while they were in the castle. Even my 3-year-old had a good time listening. They can't wait to go on another trip to hear more of the stories.

I AM A GRANDMOTHER OF A 7 YR OLD BOY. I WISHED THAT I COULD
DEVELOP A LOVE OF BOOKS IN HIM LIKE I HAVE. THE TREE HOUSE SERIES HAVE DONE JUST THAT. MY GRANDSON AND I TAKE TURNS READING EACH CHAPTER. I AM NOT SURE WHO ENJOYS THE STORIES MORE ME OR HIM. WE CAN'T WAIT FOR THE WEEKENDS SO WE CAN READ TOGETHER.

How would you like to ride on a pteranodon? Now you can! You could ride a pteranodon when you read magic tree house dinosaurs before dark. Annie's brother Jack did. Jack and Annie were also chased by a Tea-rex, and Annie tried to make friend with a duckbilled Dinosaur she was trying to talk to the Dinosaur. Jack kept taking notes. Jack and Annie now there is a magical witch or wizard because Jack found something that had an M on it.

You don't have to be a fan of comic books to enjoy this book. This book is the beginning and is one complete story. And it's HILARIOUS! Truly some of the wittiest writing to be found today, it's more than just sitcom one-liners or pratfalls or toilet humor or pop-culture references. It's got some of that but really, you need look no further than the title to get a chuckle.

Great artwork. Very easy to follow and understand what's going on and the last issue (last quarter of this book) is just amazing. I reccomend this book to everyone I know and no one has been disappointed. You can do far worse with a few bucks of cash than this.

I was surfing the net one night when I ran across battle pope. The story is incredibly rich. The artwork is superb. The best thing about this comic book is its so damn origional. This comic book goes to places I have never seen any other comic attempt to go. You can buy this comic book and do the right thing or go to hell.

I came across this comic through BlamBot Comic Fonts' link to funkotron.com. Being thoroughly steeped in Xianity in my youth (though Xian no longer), I was amused my the mere images of Battle Pope, so I decided to give it a try-- one of my best decisions! The comic is set after God has taken the righteous, and the wicked and devils are left on earth for 1000 years, He appoints a protector of the people-- Battle Pope! With his trusty sidekick, Jesus H. Christ, he fights the minions of evil to save the archangel Michael (a regular Patton-type field general). The comic is scathingly funny, and probably best appreciated by those who were indoctrinated in "the faith" at one point. I'd recommend it to any and all... and Xians with a sense of humor, if there are any. ;)

I loved Stage Fright on a Summer Night.It's about to kids,Annie andJack who go back in time to London.While they're in London they meet William Shakespear who askes them to cover for to faries(who are really two boys.)Jack and Annie agree to cover for two faries.But Jack gets stage fright and tries not to show it,but in the end he forgets his fear and was fabulous! William Shakespear thanked them and said good bye.

I gave my book five stars ***** because Jack and Annie go back to old England when William Shakespeare time. Morgan Lefay has this magic tree house they go back into time. When they were there this man came up and wanted them to be in a play. The man was William Shakespeare. I really recommend this book for you to read.

This book is about Jack having stage fright. I found this book useful because it taught me about the history of England in Shakespeare's time. I learned that Queen Elizabeth the First had black teeth. I recommend this book to first and second graders.

And, no, that's NOT a typo.

While every Writer's Digest Books "Market" title is a valuable source of information about who to contact and what to send, the reputation is slightly tainted with this year's edition of Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market. The very same guide that admonishes the hopeful author and illustrator to dot every "i" and cross every "t" is riddled with the kinds of typographical and grammatical errors that send one's dreams to the dreaded slush pile.

Examples:

"Paula Danzier collaborated with friend Ann M. Martin for 'P.S. Longer Letter Later' and it's (sic) sequel 'Snail Mail No More.'"

"Her book is a first-person account of three days in the life of Memphis Riley, a thirteen-year-old girl who has lived with her grandmother Naomi four (sic) five years. . ."

". . .and also deals with sibling rivalry from the point of view of an 'only dog' dealing with the edition (sic) of a new baby."

Throughout the book, the reader is constantly exhorted to put together a professional, error-free presentation but that advice can be a little disheartening when one's own Bible doesn't practice what it preaches.

If you want to find out where to submit your novel or story, there's no doubt that Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market is about the best place to look. Unfortunately, despite the 2000 edition's claim of containing 250+ book publishers, the number I found suitable for a fantasy novel was pathetically small. A publisher for children that doesn't have a fantasy list has always seemed to me like a butcher shop without sausages, a hot bread shop without French loaves, a sweet shop without toffees ...
However, this is a publishing fault rather than a criticism of the book. My only criticism of the book itself is that you have to shelve out somewhere in the region of US$22 every year. Using last year's edition could land you up addressing your package to the wrong editor.

What's to say about Children's Writer's and Illustrator's market? If you write or illustrate children's books you have to have this book. A library edition won't do because this book has to have yellow highlighting and colored tabs applied! and then too, it needs to be constantly updated as new information arrives about which editor is working where and which publisher is still in business. No, every writer and illustrator needs their very own copy!

To enjoy this book rather that use it as a kind of "Ripley's Believe It or Not" reference book for Catholics, read the foreword written by the widow of this recently deceased author. She humanizes this lovely little book in a very touching way. LoBello's personal life motto was "Work hard, Pray hard, Play hard." This book is his play. The author was himself a respected journalist and this is his collection of tidbits that just did not have a proper place in print for him before. And, they are funny and fascinating. Having dallied with cigarette smoking myself once, I just loved knowing that Pope John XXIII succumbed on a regular basis. Who knew there have been Pope abdications and even a layman and a woman Pope??? Read the Book! The last part has longer sections on a few topics that need time. Here is where LoBello's talent as a writer is truly evident. He takes a few provocative topics like Exorcism, Canonization, and the Vatican as Film Maker, and makes for great reading on them. The chapter on Pope Pius XII and his assistant, Sister Pasqualina, is riveting. Between her and Pope Joan, LoBello makes the men on the throne a shade paler. I read this book in one well-spent hour, and it is still a keeper. I will reach for it over and over and over.

Nino Lo Bello has provided a fun and fascinating look into the Vatican and Catholic Church. While I am not a Catholic, I found it easy to read and it explained many aspects of the Church. It dealt honestly with some of the Church's dark history. I also gained an even greater respect and admiration for Pope Paul II. It is a fun and informative read.

"Cardinal Bernardin Gantin, dean of the College of Cardinals, issued a public apology for having written the forward to [the Italian edition of Nino Lo Bello's] book on Vatican anecdotes, which he said lacked respect for the Vatican 'and especially for the person of the supreme pontiff.' " {NCR, 10/6/00, p. 10}

One wonders why this 1998 trivia collection has caused such a fervor, but an examination of its contents, indicates that the curia-crats are lacking in a sense of humor and chutzpah. Perhaps the extended appendix about "La Poppessa," Sister Pasqualina Lehnert, " the German born housekeeper, confidante, adviser, and closest aide [for 41 years] to . . .Pius XII," and chief source for Pius XII's cause for sainthood is one such impropriety.

Perhaps the short paragraph about Pius IX use of the death penalty as ruler of the Papal states creates a problem. Perhaps the one page devoted to Opus Dei, the source of Dominus Iesus, caused some embarrassment. Unfortunately, the late author's description of the steps to sainthood is hopelessly out of date in the face of John Paul II's assembly line. However, he does list those 40 non-existent saints whom Paul VI removed from veneration in 1969, such as Christopher, Valentine, Anastasia and Barbara. Lo Bello notes that "other saints are optional on the basis of local loyalties. For instance, Saint [Patricus] is fine in Ireland [and the United States], but according to a Vatican official, 'holds little interest for the Cambodians.' "

Yes indeed, this is a humanizing book which tweaks those who would sanctify pontiffs and popes. I have placed it on my shelf next to "Rome Has Spoken" and "Papal Lies," right above "The Bad Popes" and "Sex Lives of the Popes," and below Cardinal Ratzlinger's exegesis on the Catechism. I suspect the publisher may run out of copies shortly.

"The book, which could be read as portraying 'surprising and ridiculous' foibles of modern popes, 'truly is not good, nor true nor opportune,' [Cardinal] Gantin wrote in a letter published by the Italian magazine 30 Giomi."

"I ask the pardon of all those who may have been surprised, scandalized or not edified by my naive involvement in this affair," the Dean of the College of Cardinals wrote.

Definitely, a must buy and must read. AMDG

Move over, Paul Bunyan, there's a new tall-tale hero in town.

Well, not exactly a new hero.

In the New York City of the 1840s lived a legendary firefighter named Mose Humphreys. Standing eight feet tall, with "hands as big as Virginia hams," he fought fires all around the great city, striding towards danger with his flaming red hair under his stovepipe hat. Whether rescuing babies from flaming tenements or bankers from burning hotels, Mose was beloved by all New Yorkers for his bravery and selflessness.

Mary Pope Osborne's story, in true American folktale tradition, renders a loving portrait of a man who symbolizes all that we respect and admire in firefighters: courage, willing sacrifice, tireless service to others. These traits were never so dramatically demonstrated as they were on the morning of September 11, 2001, and the story is a fitting tribute to the 343 New York City firefighters lost on that tragic day.

Though dedicated to the memory of modern firefighters, the gritty tones of Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher's illustrations remind us that this is also a tale about firefighting in a city overcrowded with wood-framed buildings and illuminated by oil lamps, when water had to be physically pumped out of tank trucks with enough force to reach the upper floors of very modest buildings, and when firemen needed the strength to carry grown adults rung by rung down wooden ladders. The nineteenth century was a time when fire was a very real possibility, not an unfortunate occurrence that happens to others and played out on our TV screens.

Together, the text and illustrations bring Mose Humphreys to life brilliantly, and make him a potent symbol of the strength, valor, and sacrifice of all firefighters--in New York City and around the world...

I found this book at my 9 year old daughter's school bookfare. While she no longer reads picture books, I am enthralled by them and this one caught my eye. Like another reviewer, I had trouble choking back tears as I read the tale of Mose Humphrey's firefighting in the late 1800's of NYC. I bought the book and passed it on to a gentleman who is a volunteer firefighter, ems worker and full time police officer for his two young sons. A work of art, both with its sparse, yet moving prose, and beautiful paintings. Recommended highly for ages 4-7.

"New York's Bravest" combines text by Mary Pope Osborne with paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. The book begins with a historical note in which Osborne describes the background of her tale. In 1848, a heroic firefighter character first began appearing in stage productions. This character was based on a real-life New York City firefighter named Mose Humphreys. In 1915, historian Herbert Asbury included some Mose stories in two collections of stories about old New York. As Osborne observes, firefighter Mose is "America's first urban folk hero."

Osborne's story takes place in a past era where newsboys sold papers for a penny each. The story's hero is Mose, an eight foot tall firefighter with superhuman strength. Sample text: "'Come on boys!' said Mose. Mose was the most famous firefighter in New York City."

The story is well enhanced by colorful illustrations that are full of great details. There are some exciting firefighting scenes, as well as some nice pictures of Mose engaged in less dangerous pursuits (such as eating a hearty meal).

The book has the following dedication: "To the memory of the 343 New York City firefighters who gave their lives to save others on September 11, 2001." It's a beautiful tribute that I recommend to readers of all ages.

This is a very solid effort by the author. It gave me a bit of a chill during a few parts. This is an interesting story line. I did not think it would work as well as it did. After all the Vatican is not really known for this type of activity. Never less, the author pulled it off. I think the excellent work on the story line did it for me. There were no cheap, convenient moves here. You believe each twist and turn would "of course" be there. The cast of characters is a good one with some memorable lines and personality traits. A fun book that moves fast.

I read this book years ago, and loaned it out to only lose track of its whereabouts. I have been trying to find another copy ever since to no avail. I recall absoulutely being enthralled in the book. Wish I could find it!

What a plot! The Vatican, a little known Polish intelligence organization, a plot to kill Andropov, a defector and a nun... A story so complex and imaginative, it leaves you unsure of the fact that it is really fiction. It is, to me, beyond comprehension that such a book should go out of print. Being the only Quinnell work I have ever come across (since I rarely search out a particular book), I can offer no comparisons. Nonetheless, if you enjoy tales in the genre of espionage, you cannot pass by an oppurtunity to experience the wonder of Mirek Scibor's ironic journey. Set in the mid-1980's, we experience through this character worlds which we knew little about... the religious persecution in the homeland of the Pope, the evil underworld of the Catholic Church, the terrorist training camps of northern Africa, and the political elite of the Eastern Bloc. Even more, we see first hand the inner-struggle of a woman who has dedicated her body and mind to God; and how that commitment to holiness enables her to act counter to all of her instincts in an effort to realize His "apparent" will: The death of the Soviet Premier. Should you read "In the Name of the Father" once, you will surely read it again. It is both haunting and liberating, and I would prefer to believe that it is not entirely fabricated. Mr. Quinnell states most eloquently through his efforts that even the impossible can be accomplished, and that heroes are often found in the most unlikely places. And also, let us not forget, that everyone gets what they deserve.

A wonderful book filled with humor, wit and plot. Respectful of Christian truth but ruthless in dealing with hypocracy. Patrick is a contrariwise, genteel pope who drives his cardinals nuts.

Many don't know Peter De Rosa wrote earlier under the Pen Name, Neil Boyd. His earlier series, Bless Me Father, was turned into a successful PBS (English) series and that video series is available through Acorn distributors. The books can be found here from used book sellers.

This is the best book I've read for years. It's a biting satire of much of the (near-future) Roman Catholic Church, but the author is never blasphemous or derogatory of Christianity. De Rosa is deeply spiritual, especially when speaking of Ireland, tender, gentle, at times terrifying, and at times so funny that I ended up laughing aloud at the mechanic's. I especially recommend it for anyone interested in Irish spirituality or the current problems in Roman Catholicism---it's the best thing since "Shoes of the Fisherman" in this genre.

The book is excellent. The sub title should read "Father Ted goes to the Vatican"

The author feels that many substance abusers have an underlying emotional problem like depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder etc. They really need to be treated for this in order to get the substance abuse under control.

If you are having a substance abuse problem, read this book and be sure you get screened by a real professional for emotional problems. Keep an open mind and save yourself a lot of trouble and heartache. When the emotional issues get resolved, the substance abuse problem may practically take care of itself!

A great "primer" on depression. This is the first book I read on depression after reading Darkness Visible, and I still think it's one of the best, especially as the author's daughter, who suffered from depression, contributed to it.

This was the first work on depression authored with a real life perspective on the illness and its affects on "life" that I had read. Having been trained in the mental health field and being employed in a mental health related job, this was the first work to help me feel better about my own illness. It was so easy to be understanding and supportive of others with this illness, but when it came time for me to understand and to be caring for myself, it all but elluded me.

Also in this work I found the connections between depression, addiction, weight related issues, and hormonal problems. Every little piece of my spotty medical history came into focus under the hands of the author in this book. I have yet to read anything that has helped me on the road to understanding my depressive illness any more than this book. Having a lay person relate information through her own real experiences is a definate plus as well.