I love Edward Lear's story and James Marshall's illustrations are magical. I don't like the version with Jan Brett's illustrations. I've never liked Jan Brett's illustrations. I've spent hundreds of hours looking at children's books and I always pass over Jan Brett's books. Her illustrations just don't appeal to me. Her illustrations are distinctive and I can always recognize her work but I don't like them. There is just something missing--they don't have any life to them or something. I can't explain it. I have always loved James Marshall. His genius transcends understanding. His illustrations complement Ed Lear's beautiful tale perfectly.

A very good illustrated version of the classic poem- the pictures are beautiful with a distinctly exotic flavour, great for all ages!

This book is just so cool. Longing for a trip to the tropics? Read this version of the book to your little one and you can at least feel like you are there. The illustrations are really sweet. They have a lot of details so that kids kind find new things with each reading. My two-year old loves this book. It is a great twist on an old tale

I originally bought this book for some older friends of mine. I ended up reading it all the way through before giving it to them. The stories touched all of my emotions and reminded me of my wonderful grandparents as well(my grandparents raised my sisters and I thru much of our childhood). This is a great book for anyone and everyone-don't pass it up.

Readers who haven't received a recent dose of "Chicken Soup for the Soul," shame on you. In "Chicken Soup for the Golden Soul," Mark Victor Hansen, Jack Canfield, Barbara Chesser, Amy Seeger and Paul Meyer present us with one of the best of the series.

I say it is a must-read for anyone on either side of 60. It is a timeless, energized, enthusiastic, motivational book written with golden years in mind, but filled with stories all can enjoy. Will be a great holiday gift for lots of folks on your list.

When I am a old lady I shall wear purple........ Remember that poem. Author unknown to me. When reading this book, I cried, laughed, remembered and decided to live for the moment. Life is such a joy, and this book made me remember that.It is a must for all of us old goldies. A great gift for one to take for every occasion....birthday, shut-ins, loved ones and etc.

Very easy going, with captivating intrigue and a nicely decorated language, worth reading and enjoying. I am waiting for Mr. Merry's next artwork.

This is a book to take for a flight, or for a weekend stuck in a hotel away from home. It is easy to read, and the intrigue prevents you from leaving the reading, so you'd better have some food close enough, and some drink too!

Hacía tiempo que no me entretenía tanto con un libro de aventura e intriga. Además, puedo certificar que la acción descrita es escrupulosamente correcta, porque refleja muy precisamente un plan conocido por mí para apropiarse de un tesoro similar (aunque en otro país latinoamericano).

Creo que Michael Merry ha tenido acceso a fuentes de información que están fuera de los circuitos habituales. Y no he sido yo quién le ha facilitado los datos.

Por otro lado, el dominio del idioma que el Sr. Merry posee hace de la lectura de este libro un ejercicio muy conveniente para extranjeros como yo. Lo recomiendo a todos.

Not a whole lot is known about English King Harold, the loser of the momentous battle of Hastings in 1066. After all, he was only king for about nine months, and, well, he lost. Not only do the winners write the history, as we know, but they often obliterate the histories of those they vanquished. However, what little is known makes for fascinating conjecture, and this great novel by Hope Muntz gives us a very convincing depiction of what very well may have been.

It is easy to forget that history is made by men, not the other way around, and Ms. Muntz's novel rises above hundreds of others of its type because she understands that things happen in this world because of the characters of those involved. After meticulously painting the complex personalities of both Harold and William--and those who preceded them--their conflict becomes inevitable. What is fascinating is that the outcome of this conflict, this world-altering conflict, was in doubt almost to the bitter end.

What is known is that heirless Edward, Harold's predecessor, promised the throne to William the Norman. He himself was raised by the Normans, was their friend, and was enamored of them. We also know that prior to Edward's death, Harold himself promised to support William's ascension, although there is some debate as to whether this promise was coerced.

How did this come about? Harold would seem to have been the obvious successor. He was by the far the single most respected figure in fractious England, his was the largest earldom in the land, his sister was married to Edward, and, perhaps most importantly, he was English to his bones, unlike the Norman William.

The die was initially cast by a weak and vacillating Edward, who foolishly promised the crown to William more than a decade earlier. But when it became obvious to Harold and the English nobility that he would be the most logical choice, Harold went to Normandy to undo this. Harold, you see, was a proud, powerful, generous man, motivated entirely by his desire to see a united and peaceful England. His mistake was that he naively assumed William's desires for the English were similar, and although unstated, it appears his motive in visiting Normandy was simply to convince William that he was the right man for the job.

But William was far less altruistic, and in fact was unscrupulously motivated by wealth and power. After months of being feted, it became obvious to Harold that William was not going to let him go. When informed that civil strife had erupted in England, Harold determined to leave by using any means at his disposal. Thus the promise--nobly motivated to be sure--but a terrible promise nevertheless, and with his youngest brother Wulfnoth left behind as hostage to it.

There then follows the inevitable. Edward dies, Harold succeeds him to the throne, and William vows revenge. Harold marries Aldyth, sister of an English rival, in order to facilitate peace, but in doing so breaks the promise he made to the mother of his children, Edith, his "hand-fast" wife. Again, a poor, but nobly-made decision.

By this time the reader has been utterly swept up by the empathy he has been made to feel for the all-too-human Harold, and the tragic events we know must follow. Yes, tragedy is the word. The passages in the latter part of the novel are almost Shakespearian in their eloquence and power. On the eve of battle Harold is scorned and reviled by Aldyth, who was jealous over his inability to let Edith go; on the eve of battle his weeping, inconsolable mother berates him for losing her youngest son, the doomed Wulfnoth. Harold goes to his final confrontation tormented by these thoughts.

William, in an enemy land and with dwindling supplies, knows he must force the battle with the weakened Harold immediately, and does so by ravaging the countryside, knowing that the good Harold can not abide the suffering of his poor peasants. Again, we see actions motivated by character.

And then there is the battle itself, the horrific, day-long, bloody, hate-filled clash, the ebb and flow of which is recounted here in vivid, realistic detail. Both men fight valiantly, but in the end, a mortally wounded and practically blind Harold is informed that his brothers are dead, and that the Normans have broken through the right side of his line.

The first part of this novel can be a little daunting. There is a large cast of unfamiliar, inter-related characters, with names like Leofwin, Alfgar, Siward and Gytha. But once the narrative begins to focus on Harold and William, the going gets a little easier, and the book becomes a powerful, irresistible force. This is truly a magnificent piece of work, the memory of which still haunts me weeks after finishing it. It will likely do so for many weeks to come.

This story emcompasses the life of Harold who starts out as an earl and eventually becomes King of England. His genius and his shortcomings are intricately portrayed by Ms. Muntz. The novel has an old world flavor to that at times is enchanting, and at others tedious.

It also showcases Duke William of Normandy as a shrewd, calculating future ruler of England. He uses Harold's faults as well as his virtues against him whenever possible.

Although the writing is somewhat archaic, it is a genuine retelling of this famous man, who would be King and for a brief time was just that. This book is out-of-print, however, if you can locate it it is well worth reading!

I can only agree with the other reviewers when they eulogise over this book. All the characters, not just the two main ones, are 3-dimensional and you really feel that you are there with them. A beautifully written book that deserves to be on everyone's reading list.

Winner of a Picture Book Honor at the 1951 Spring Book Festival, I Can Fly by Ruth Krauss is a happy and upbeat easy reader story about a little girl who is simply full of energy and imagination. The impressive full-color illustrations by Mary Blair depict the little girl imitating her animal friends ranging from cats to rabbits. I Can Fly is a simply delightful work that has lasted through the test of time and is now available to a whole new generation of children ages 2-5.

I grew up on this book, and I loved it. It says that everything is possible for a child with imagination. "I can be anything--that's my way." (That's from memory.) Now that I've found it again,I'm getting copies for my niece and nephews--and one for myself!

Fans of the golden age Disney films and animation in general are very familiar with the brilliant career of color genius Mary Blair, one of the most important graphic and commercial artists of the century, and some of her best work is found right here between these covers. These beautiful illustrations are among the warmest and most engaging she ever did. "I Can Fly" is one of the very earliest (and best) Golden Books, and this miniature edition seems to be complete, unlike the more common modern reprints which are severely truncated. The color reproduction isn't a hundred percent accurate, either, but unless you want to spend considerable time at the swap meets or on eBay, this is your best bet. For more about Mary Blair (as well as Golden Books hall of famer Gustav Tenggren and many others) see John Canemaker's excellent book "Before The Animation Begins". Oh, yeah, and if you're a real little kid you'll find it much easier reading than this slightly pompous review.

Get this book and other Susan Powter products. Experience screams out of all of her books and tapes.

I read this book about a week ago, and have been implementing some of the information. I feel that her recipes are wonderful! As well she is precise, and to the point. I have never felt this good about myself as far as controlling what I put into my mouth. I would reccomend this, and all her books thus far to anyone who is serious about their well being. I am glad I came upon her books and read them with the full intent of seeing results. Her books show the truth about what foods are good for you, and what foods arent. All I have to say is Thank You, Susan. You are great!!!

This book is wonderful! Perfect for anyone who is just beginning to learn about healthier food and healthier living. Susan Powter gives the facts about what is really being put into the foods we are eating. She also guides you on making good food choices when you go to the grocery store. This book is packed with terrific information. I recommend it highly.

OMG, I can't believe it's been this long since IA aired! It's been a little less than a year since I bought the books and grrr! Hey, Christie, if you ever come back here to read reviews, it would be much appreciated if you had the assignment to write more! Any fan of the show *has* to have this book. I was no less than estatic when it arrived and I after I started reading it, well...Let's just say I wouldn't have even noticed if the house caught on fire. ;) Ooohhh, I wish there was more, be it the rest of the novelization, or sort of a continued prequel. You know, like the time gap between them leaving the Rez and heading for Glenport or basically anything that hasn't already been covered.

Finally, A prequel worthy of the original! I loved it! Thanx to all those out there who are trying to save IA! Just one question...is there a next book coming out? and when????

The Book was extremely exciting...at last I have the courage to say, I finished it. It was great, but what bummed me the most was that for those of you who read, well you know about Jaran. But I guess that's how the stories go....kinda like a Saving Private Ryan book...

My beagle looks EXACTLY like Poky. I have never seen an artist's version of a more adorable dog than Poky. His adventures are always sweet and brighten up my day. I loved these books when I was about three and my mom and dad read them to me. I still love them even though I am older. I wish they were more widely available. It is REALLY important to teach kids to love and respect animals. After school every day I volunteer at an animal rescue shelter with my older brother and his girlfriend. The things I have seen and heard break my heart and bring all three of us to tears. Hopefully if more kids grow up learning about how to treat animals and reading books like this that show animals as sweet, adorable, and VERY REAL the next group of older kids and adults will not be so cruel towards our best friends, the four legged ones.

The poky Little Puppy was my favorite as a child. I found that my nephews and neice loved it. It teaches why it is important to obey your parents.

When I was a child I absolutely LOVED this book. My grandma tells met hat she used to read it to me atleast 5 times a day...and she soon memorized the whole book and would have been able to recite it too me if only i didnt have to see the pictures. I remember loving this book as a child and I saved my copy to read to my children when I have them. I definately recommend this book for your child.

Thomas R. Golden's "Swallowed by a Snake" is by far one of the best books on grief that I have ever read. And because the book is primarily geared towards those with a masculine style of grieving (activity and future-oriented), as a man, I could immediately identify with what Golden had to say.

This book is very readable and could be helpful to anyone (man or woman) who has more of a masculine orientation to their grieving style. It is not biased towards any particular religios pursuasion but at the same time, could be thought of as very spiritual. I recommend it as an addition to any church, synagogue, or mosque library collection.

As a reader, it was quite obvious to me that Golden "knew his stuff" when it came to the topic of masculine grief. His many years of experience in grief counseling and his own grieving process helped shape this very powerful, highly communicative, and empathetic book.

I recommend "Swallowed by a Snake: The Gift of the Masculine Side of Healing" especially to readers who have been recently bereaved (either through death or some other loss). But I also recommend it to those who are revisiting a loss that might have occurred years ago.

This is one of those books you probably will have trouble putting down.

This book was excellent. This was my first book on grief, and I found it very well written and easy to understand. I feel that the author gives a good background on how the grief process works, and why men experience grief differently.

"Swallowed by a Snake" is an excellent guide for understanding and undertaking the masculine path of healing. Golden explains clearly and directly how grief operates and how men react to it in our society. He helps grievers establish a framework within which to transform guilt, anger, and helplessness into healing and compassion for themselves and others. It has been an extraordinary experience for me. With guidance from this book, I have begun to fashion a completely new life, putting the tragedies of my past in perspective and balance.

I was given this book at age 7 or 8: one of my first "big kid "books that wasn't a hand-me down from my sisters. No one had to make me read poetry,after that!I adore the illustrations; they just seem so perfect for each poem! There are dozens I can still recite from memory.
When my son was 4, I got the book out of storage and read him, "The Highwayman"- and he was hooked! We rode with Paul Revere and asked each other: "I'm nobody! Who are you?" When my daughter found an abandoned nest of baby birds and we knew they would die- we read "Four Little Foxes" and grieved together, and later laughed over "The Owl Critic." These poems and drawings are like old friends to us all.
After all these years, it's rather the Velveteen rabbit of the bookshelf: pages dog-eared and falling out from years of use. I am ordering a new copy for my daughter's 12th birthday (don't pay attention to the age range listed for the book) so she'll have a copy to pass on to her children. It's just a wonderful selection of all types of poems, sure to please the children AND the adults who read to them! Start tonight!

I was cleaning out some boxes of children's books, keeping what I consider classic while giving the rest to my grandchildren or to the libraries. I doubled-back between this current edition and the previous editions to make sure this was the same one...it is, and I highly recommend this. I took a class in children's literature back in the 70's and I fondly remember it as being one of the most enjoyable classes I had in college the first time around. This book lasted through my children's growing up and is now going through new useage with my grandchildren. I love the way this book is organized. If you have a child with specific interests such as limericks (and I know few children who don't get a kick out of limericks) you can go to that section without delay.

I grew up with Joan Walsh Anglund poignant drawings. They are not particularly 'great' art, but for children and in this book, they are vastly more suitable than the poorly drawn and maddening stuff put out in cartoons (especially of the Pokemon variety which will set off seizures in children). They say the age of this book is for four years to eight year olds. That isn't true. Every parent should try to take the time to read to all children in whatever form necessary...and it should start at age one. Reading aloud (or signing books) to your children not only makes essential bonds, but it also teaches children what you think is important, and also teaches them how to stop and pay attention. The massive complaints about restless children and the abuse of labeling (ADD/ADHD) has its beginnings in simple things such as turning the television/computers off and reading to your children.

... should be showing the pictures and pages of this book in a sampling, so that parents can make informed decisions about children's books. If you only get one child's book this year, get this one and sit down with your children and read.

Karen Sadler,
Science Education,
University of Pittsburgh

Incredible book of poetry for children and adults alike. Timeless selections. Many will remind you of your own childhood. This collection should be required reading in all schools. Also, the illustrations are most memorable and will capture young imaginations. I'm so glad to have rediscovered this book after over 3 decades!