Buy this book. Buy it new, buy it used, buy it for your friends, buy it for your enemies. Petersen has written a thoughtful and thorough examination of recent grizzly bear management policies (or lack thereof) in the San Juans of Colorado. The book is a pleasure to read.

As someone who occasionally sees grizzers on his property, I can't conceive of living in an environment that doesn't have a population of apex predators to keep things interesting. Petersen masterfully chronicles how government funded assassins with the support of short-sighted local ranching communities and clumsy land managers, managed to kill virtually every grizzly in Colorado. He also accurately details how Western ranchers have come to view public lands with more than a sense of ownership but rather with a sense of absolute entitlement. This has led them to run their stock on federal land at ridiculously cheap rates, ignore even the most commonsense principles of husbandry, and push bears and wolves into the zoos and picture books while trying to keep everyone else out. Also to blame are the Baby Huey-like semi-rich, who hack 20 acre ranchettes out of the diminishing habitat and in the process are strangling the thing they profess to love most.

Petersen manages to stay somewhat balanced, using an essay by the outspoken and bearlike Doug Peacock to say what is probably really on his mind regarding sheep ranchers and development dingbats. In the course of researching the book, Peterson also forges unlikely friendships with former (but not reformed) professional and amateur bearslayers , including Ed Wiseman, who killed the last known Colorado grizz in hand to hand combat in 1979.

There is the general belief in the book that the great bear still lives in the San Juans but has become more nocturnal and reclusive as it adapts to its shrinking habitat. There are certainly drainages wild enough to support a grizz but I personally don't believe there are any left. My heart tells me that any state with a wildlife management policy as pathetic and dumbheaded as Colorado's can't have allowed for even a single surviving great bear. Also, I am reminded of a story in Scott Weidensaul's recent (and excellent) book on vanishing species entitled "The Ghost With Trembling Wings." Weidensaul tells the story of an animal who escapes from a European zoo and whose likeness is posted on the news. Consequently, hundreds of eyewitness calls come flooding in from all over the country, each caller claiming to have personally seen the critter. It turns out that the koala had actually been run over by a train several hundred yards from the zoo immediately after escaping. Weidensaul's point is that people WANT to believe something so badly, they convince themselves of its existence. And I'm afraid that is what we are doing with the Colorado grizzly.

My copy of this book is dog-eared and worn-out after all my readings of it and loaning it to others! David Peterson is one interesting writer. I had visited the San Juan Mountains prior to reading this book and explored the area where the Wiseman grizzly was killed. At the time I thought the Wiseman griz was the last in Colorado. This book inspired me to return and do a little searching of my own. Found some bear sign but was really amazed by how spectacular the high San Juans are in July. I think this book needs another postscript wherein "the search for survivors" is updated!

This book is one of the best books I've ever read. David Petersen does a fantastic job of educating the reader while involving them in some exciting adventures. While searching for grizzlies in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, David fills you in on grizzly natural history, the history of the San Juans, and the need for preserving wilderness in North America. This is a must have book for all who are interested in grizzly bears, the Rockies, wilderness, and the outdoors in general.

This is a wonderful book. I have given it as a baby shower gift many times and the parents always love it. The quality is excellent and it is so different than most of the other books out there.

This book seems to have been created- with love, warmth and talent. This book has a sweet approach without being saccharine.An adorable book that is appropriate for any little child- and fun for parents to read,too!I'd love to see more books by these authors.

I have never seen any children's book as beautiful as this. It is a keepsake that I have given as gifts on several occasions.

We enjoy reading this book every time. The farm animals are wonderfully written and illustrated, and the rhyming verses keep my son's attention throughout the whole story. This is a definate must in children's books. We are anxiously awaiting more from Wizard J. Gizzard.

A children's book about forgiving! A hard subject which is wonderfully handled. The illustrations are warm and cute and the story has a fun rhyme. A good book to give for Birthday Presents!

My kids enjoyed this a lot, too bad it's not in a hardcover

Hilary Knight's Twelve Days Of Christmas tells of a bear who struggles with an overabundance of holiday gifts from her sweetheart. Whimsical animals parade in each scene as poor Bedelia struggles with a house increasingly filled with odd gifts. The illustrations are especially whimsical.

It's Christmastime, and Benjamin Bear looks out his window, and down the path to his beloved, Bedelia Bear's little cottage, and you can almost see the gift ideas popping into his furry head. So, on the first day of Christmas, he arrives with a partridge in a pear tree, and the fun begins..... Hilary Knight, author of Where's Wallace and The Owl And The Pussy-Cat, and illustrator of Kay Thompson's Eloise books, takes this old familiar holiday song, and turns it into a joyous and engaging picture book. His marvelous artwork, full of bold, bright color, and expressive detail, grows busier, and more intricate with each page turn, until it almost spills off the paper. Young and old alike will be mesmerized as they pore over the pictures, finding something new and fun each time they open the book. With a delightful and creative surprise at the end to get everyone in the holiday spirit, Hilary Knight's The Twelve Days Of Christmas is a wonderful read-aloud book the whole family can share together, and is sure to become a "must have" classic to help usher in the Christmas season, year after year.

I've loved Hilary Knight's work since I was a child feasting on his *Hilary Knight's ABC.* In his *Twelve Days of Christmas," Knight provides an original and meaningful interpretation of the traditional carol. I especially love the way Bedelia returns the "true love" of her beloved gift-bringer by making a fair for him to enjoy--love is reciprocal in this book! The second thing I love about this book is the subplot, in which the raccoon struggles to open the mysterious can, only to find a true love of his own. Finally, the concept of each day as a "pick-up," in which Benjamin brings a partridge and a pear tree (and ensuing gifts) on *each* day, adds a new dimension to the story. Well-planned, beautifully executed, and the finest children's picture book version of "The 12 Days of Christmas" that I've seen.

That is the last line of this adorable book, and it does a wonderful job of convincing you that this is the case! My daughter "graduated" from board books w/the hardcover edition of this book at the age of 16 months, and I am sure that she will continue to love it for years to come. The illustrations are very clever--simple enough for a toddler to follow the story and complex enough to discover something new w/each reading. The story is very warm and comforting and is a great book for naptime, bedtime or any time your child needs cuddling!

I love reading this story to my 4 year old son (my little bear) because it sometimes reminds me of him. He enjoys me reading it to him because he knows it is one of my favourites.

i thoroughly enjoyed hearing this story read at our public library story-hour. it is a great book about a boy and his bear. (reminding me of some of the members of my own family!) a must for everyone's children's libraries!

My son, 2 1/2, loves Little Bear from the cartoons on Noggin and was thrilled that we found these books to read to him. He often selects this book (or one of the other Minarik books) from his bookcase at bedtime for my wife or I to read to him. The stories are brief but entertaining and the illustrations are rich and engaging. The books are a bit flimsy and I would prefer that they be available in a more durable format but that is a minor issue compared to the wonderful content of these books.

This story about Little Bear is a charming introduction to the world of reading for beginners, especially for those who are already familiar with this gentle cub and his friends. Little Bear is a sweet child to his mother and father, and a good friend to Duck, Hen and Cat. Minarik's simple narrative will be easy enough for young readers, and Sendak's illustrations will hold their attention.

In this story, Little Bear draws a picture for his grandmother, and asks Hen to take it to her. When Grandmother sends a kiss back to Little Bear, Hen carries it until she sees some friends, then she passes it along to Frog, who carries it until he sees a pond and passes it on to Cat .... This is a fun story with a few simple lines and large illustrations on each page. Kids will enjoy the funny ending (and so will you).

My daughter is 5 years old . She watches Little Bear on T.V. and wants to learn how to read this book because of the show . I will buy more of these books soon as long as she is interested in them . I will also buy them for my niece and nephew as well . I really like the easy to read words that don't discourage kids from wanting to learn to read .The paperback books are easy to take with us . Thank you ,

Our 3-year-old granddaughter just spent almost two weeks with us. Reading to her has been both a daily (several times a day!) ritual since she was a baby...as well as a source of delight for both her and us. Her favorite story is still the "Goblin Story," which appears in this book. You can easily read it to your young one so that he or she is excited, giggling, and having a wonderful experience with you!

My kids have been captivated by this book from the time they were barely old enough to look at the pictures. My oldest is almost five, and she still asks me to read this book, even though she has it memorized! It is a charming tale of Little Bear's visit to his grandparents' house. The love in this bear family is so heartwarming, and the sense of fun so nicely realized that adults will love it too. Maurice Sendak's illustrations, which have a 19th Century feel, are the perfect complement to this story. My only complaint is I can't find this book in hardback, and our paperback version is worn out! Two other books in this series - Little Bear and Little Bear's Friend are also great for kids from age 2 to around 7.

Little lost robins, ghastly goblins, and a grandmother's home-cooked meal delight Little Bear during a visit to his grandparents' house. Minarik's easy reader book features short chapters with simple sentences and a large typeface; the beautiful illustrations expand upon the storyline while providing a moderate level of text support. Never-ending rows of knick-knacks, perpetual laps to sit upon, and ceaseless supplies of home-baked goods enchant Little Bear as he soaks up the love around him like a sponge. Sendak's simple, yet descriptive ink drawings further engage readers in this refreshing tale; they are indeed worthy of the Caldecott Honor Book award which decorates the cover. This book is ideal for both upper and lower elementary school readers. Its four chapters are episodic, making them perfect stopping points for the lower elementary school reader. Moreover, when read in its entirety, Little Bear's Visit provides the older child with a large sense of accomplishment. Grandfather's campfire-ghost tale may potentially frighten even older readers; however, a clear use of foreshadowing and an explicit, upbeat resolution sufficiently reassure young readers while maintaining older children's excitement. Relevant to children across cultures, Little Bear's Visit uses hugs and loving words in order to effectiely model tender adult-child realtionships. This charming chapter narrative for beginning readers will give Little Bear a special place in the hearts of young children everywhere.

My children love this author and the art. We change the polar bears name to Loopy because Lars is too harsh for a soft looking polar bear cub.

This beautifully illustrated book has wonderful characters and a fun plot. My 4 year old loves the Little Polar Bear. It isn't heavy handed, but sets a great example for how to get along with others and be a good friend.

This beautifully illustrated book has wonderful characters and an interesting plot. My son wants it read over and over. He loves the Little Polar Bear. It isn't heavy handed, but sets a great example for how to get along with others and be a good friend.

This book is by far and away the best book I've ever had the pleasure to read! In fact Bravo is just as good and believe that Charlie will be even better. This book should be top seller on any book list!!! I'm very prould to have had the honor to meet the legendary Brown Bear!

I met Brown Bear at a book signing at Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane, WA. A super guy who can swap sea stories with the best of them. I pictured him as I read "Alpha" and his second book, "Bravo." Some parts are difficult to swallow but he weaves a pretty nice tale (I saw an interesting thing or two during twenty-six years on nuclear submarines) and is light years ahead of Clancy when it comes to honest-to-God military information. It's hard to believe a real life hero like Dick Williams exists until you spend some talking to Captain Schaffert. I hope he doesn't keep us waiting long for "Charlie."

Loyalty, Betrayal and other Contact Sports(Alpha) by Erzse Publications. Author Brown Bear - Captain Richard SchaffertUSN Rt.DFC(**)

I have just finished reading the above book and want to give it a five star recommendation. The book is a fast moving tale of adventure in the Orient with a sizzling aviation overtone. It is written by a distinguished and highly decorated USN fighter pilot who clearly knows his aircraft stuff and his way around the Orient.

Great yarn which I thoroughly recommend - and a Must Buy.

Sincerely Reg Pycroft 50 First Street London SW3 England 0171 584 7799

Since I like scary stories, I really, really liked this one. The best part was when they heard a ghost playing the piano. The ghost's name is Lonesome Luke.

My name is Grant. I am in third grade. Last week I read DOLPHINS AT DAYBREAK because it looked like a really exciting book. DOLPHINS is my favorite Magic Treehouse book so far. I have already read VIKING SHIPS AT SUNRISE and CIVIL WAR ON SUNDAY. I would give all of the Magic Treehouse books I have read 5 stars, but I like DOLPHINS best because I love dolphins and the submarine adventure was really exciting!!!

Here's a bit of what happened: Annie was curious about the mini-submarine and talked Jack into exploring it. Inside the sub Annie pushed the wrong button and it started to go down to the bottom of the sea. They saw an Octopus, which started to grab the submarine...they also saw a hammerhead shark...

That's all I will tell you or it will spoil the story for you.

Night of the Ninjas is easy to read with short chapters and pictures. This book can hold the interest of children from 8 on up. The characters are fun and children can relate to them. The characters are a brother and sister, so this book will be of interest to either boys or girls. I have found that the Magic Tree House Books make children want to learn more about history.