This book really got me the knowledge that I needed about my family since I am a descendant of Sam and Jane Livington. It was a part of me that I never knew was missing. Each year in August, there is a family reunion of the Livingstons and Howse's, held at Fort Victoria, just south of present day Smokey Lake, Alberta. I went last year and got the chance to meet more of my unknown relatives. Since, I have really gotten into my family genealogy and have found out alot of my family past that dates back to the early 1700 when the family came from England to Canada.

I was very impressed with this book. Every Christian should try to read this book, if they get a chance

This book, which won the 1999 Minnesota Book Award in the "nature" category, is a literate and thoroughly readable description of the history and current state of tallgrass prairie in Minnesota and North Dakota. In addition to talking about the prairie as it was, and identifying the places where pieces remain, the book talks with and about preserationist farmers and landowners. I was fascinated and rewarded when I read the book.

I had never heard of Francis Grierson's "The Valley of Shadows" until I read Edmund Wilson's enthusiastic praise of it in "Patriotic Gore." Still, I was unprepared for the book's enormous effect. I have never read anything like "The Valley of Shadows." It has some of the most evocative writing I have ever encountered, and, in this edition, ranks as one of the best short novels of 19th century America. (Prof. Bray has wisely excised the latter chapters of Francis Grierson's "memoir," and what remains is a compelling and very memorable work.) Grierson's descriptions of pre-Civil-War-Sangamon County, Illinois, the omens of war and suffering preceding Lincoln's election in 1860, and the religious hysteria of the times are unforgettable. His prose style is, to put it mildly, lyrical, but it is not in the least mannered or fussy. I think this book, more than any other except "Huckleberry Finn," shows what the American Midwest was like in mid-19th century. Like "Huck Finn," "The Valley of Shadows" is told from a child's point of view, and the feeling of wonder and confusion that comes from this choice of narrator is central to the book's charm. Perhaps best of all, the novel's characters, all beautifully differentiated and running a huge range from the comic to the deeply spiritual, are as unforgettable as any characters I have encountered. New readers of "The Valley of Shadows" are in for a big treat.

The War On Weeds In The Prairie West: An Environmental History by history buff and weed control expert Clinton L. Evans covers four centuries of the history of pervasive and tenacious Canadian weeds, since their arrival as seeds from England in the sixteenth century. Agricultural battles against these weeds through the centuries are traced in this aptly researched, informative compendium filled with amazing cross-connections in the natural world and human cultivation. The War On Weeds In The Prairie West is a very strongly recommended addition to gadening and agricultural studies supplemental reading lists as well as academic horticultural and ecological history reference collections.

This book is great and gives info on the endangered species of the black-footed ferret !

Most children art taught at home and at school not to talk to strangers. In Who Is A Stranger And What Should I Do?, Linda Girard takes the idea further by explaining about "kind" strangers, the stranger who is not a child's friend, strangers in public places, "doorbell" strangers, and others. Girard's practical, well presented text is illustrated with the artwork of Helen Cogancherry to provide young readers ages 6 to 12 with visual reinforcement of sound and sensible narrative. Who Is A Stranger And What Should I Do? is enhanced for the reader with ten "what if" situations and topics for discussion with parents, teachers, and caregivers. Highly recommended for personal, school, and community library child safety collections.

As a Laura Ingalls Wilder fan and researcher, I found this book fascinating. Whether you agree or not with the author's findings, the book is definitely food for thought. The "Little House" books are wonderful reading but, do pose some discrepancies and Ms. Vavra does an excellent job of attempting to clear up one of them. This is a good read and a worthwhile additon to the library of any true Laura Ingalls Wilder fan.

I have used the earlier version of this book for a while and liked the fine photographs and concise, well chosen information on each page. The photos are interspersed with line drawings of critical floral features, a nice touch. I had only wished that the authors would produce a version with some of the common grasses and sedges. Voila, the 3rd edition includes a section on these ubiquitous but often overlooked plants that is up to the standard of the rest of the book. A note for novices: the book is organized by plant families, not flower color - this makes the book a bit harder to consult for occaisional use (there are simple keys to help you get to the right place) but getting to know the plant families will pay off in the long run. A very helpful book for the novice, advanced amateur, or botanist getting to know the area for the first time.

Starting school brings about many new emotions in children. Will You Come Back for Me? by Ann Tompert addresses a child's fear and anxiety about being separated from mom. The child in this story is dispondent after mother leaves and just watches for her return. The mother calms the child and tells her she is leaving her heart with the child and will surely return to her. She crafts a heart for the child to carry with her as a reminder. The child then makes new friends at school, knowing her mother will return. An excellent, feel-good, warm and fuzzy book. I would recommend reading it to any child who is beginning preschool or daycare, or any child who is having trouble separating from mom.