Growing up in Shelby County, Indiana, the setting for the classic book and home of the annual Bears of Blue River Festival, this book has always held a special place in my heart. It was one of the first books I was ever read in school and as I got older, I found myself in many of the exact places that were used in the book, such as the Blowout Hole which is where the Fire Bear supposedly fell off the cliff and exploded.

The actual story is even more interesting. In that part of Indiana, there are many natural gas pockets deep in the ground. A settler had been burning brush and caused one of these pockets to explode, creating a deep hole (Blowout Hole) where the Flat Rock River and Conns Creek flow together. Both streams flowed backwards for a week, and the windows on houses were shattered for miles around. In fact, a childhood friend of mine lived in one of the nearby houses and it still exhibited a crack from foundation to roof from the mighty explosion. The tiny farming community even made the front page of the New York Times.

Anyways, just wanted to give you some background. If you're ever in the area, go visit the fields and streams south of Waldron, Indiana and your sure to see some of the settings in Majors' book. You'll probably come across a lot of Native American arrowheads and other artifacts as well--if you look close enough.

And if you haven't read the book, do so at once!!!

Back in 1973, my teacher would read this book to my first-grade class during "reading time." I liked the story soooooo much I asked my mom to order the book. She finally got it from Lazarus of all places and it was sent to our home in Danville, IN in hardback. The story and imagery are great (and sometimes scarrrrrryyyyyy!) I have lost that copy, but am now ordering a copy for my sons (ages 10 and 6) so that I can read to them the wonderful story of Balser and the ferocious bears of Blue River. What a treat for them! john marysville, oh

In 2001 my father age 82 mentioned this book as the only one he remembered his father reading to him as a young boy. I'm his son at age 59 and decided to get a library copy for us to read again. Dad doesn't read much anymore but he devoured the book which brought good memories back. I liked it as well because it gave me a family "connection" over 3 generations, and the book is also easy to read and good reading to boot. Our ancestors settled in Indiana in the 1830's and they lived next to the Flatrock River(in the book)Had to buy a copy for family keepsake

I discovered the Little Fur Family at the home of my piano teacher, who easily could have stepped from the pages of one of Margaret Wise Brown's books. (Maybe whispering "hush.") The teeny, fur- covered edition is the one to have, in my view. When it was reissued (I think around 1985) and I spied it in a bookshop, I instantly was transported back to my childhood. I bought it and kept it in a safe place for nearly 12 years, until I first read it to my baby daughter. I keep it in her her room, in its box. After we read it, she cuddles it until she falls asleep. Every page is a delight, from the hollow tree the family lives in, to the teeny tiny fur animal who gets kissed on his little fur nose, to the wonderful supper and lullaby the fur child receives from his parents at the end of a day in the wild wood. I wish that this book (and Goodnight Moon) were issued to every child upon birth.

One of the greatest joys of my life was sitting at the dining room table watching my 7-year-old granddaughter reading The Little Fur Family to my 4-year-old grandson while the two older grandchildren joined in singing the little song. I shall never forget how much love they showed for each other as so beautifully depicted in Margaret Wise Brown's extraordinararily charming little book. There is no other children's book quite like it.

I am 40 years old now and can't remember when I couldn't read. I have been an avid book collector all my life. This is one of my favorites. I found this to have action and adventure, mixed with cuddly and cute. I have my original copy from the 60's as well as a new one ordered from Amazon.com. I think the illustrations are wonderful. I can close my eyes and be in the forest with the Little Fur Family any time. Wonderful for children of all ages.

I think this is an excellent way to present the Titanic story to children. The story is told from Polar's point of view which helps to hold the children's attention. I am an elementary education major and I just read this book in one of my classes at my university for a project. I read it with the Titanic Suite playing in the background. I do not think one classmate of mine blinked during my entire presentation. This book is also wonderful for children because it does not focus on the devastation of the Titanic voyage, but rather the joyous times between a bear, his master, and his family.

Having read virtually dozens of books on the RMS Titanic, I figured a children's book on the topic to be entertaining at best, but certainly not informative. Polar the Titanic Bear was written by Daisy Corning Stone Spedden as a Christmas gift to her son, Douglas. The book chronicles a period of approximately two years in the life of the family's 6 year old son from the point of view of his new teddy bear, Polar. The story begins with Polar's assembly in one of the finer toy stores in North America. Polar is placed on display in a store and purchased as a Christmas gift for Douglas. The reader is then sent on various journeys throughout the world with the Spedden family, culminating with their voyage on and subsequent rescue from the Titanic. What makes this book most appealing is the real life glance into the lifestyle of the affluent family prior to the Depression. Because it was written by a mother to her child with no intention to publish, there is no fluff or marketing appeal added. This book is, in effect, a true-life diary of Pre World War I America complete with pictures from the author's own collection. The book is a touching display of motherly affection for her child. It ends with an epilogue (added for publication) detailing the years following the book's creation. The ending is emotional and sadly tragic. Though written for children, Polar the Titanic Bear is a touching story for readers of all ages and interests.

To me, "Polar, The Titanic Bear" is a precious book because it has so many fascinating dimensions to it. On the one hand, it is a charmingly written children's story about a child's stuffed polar bear and the journeys it takes with it's master around the world, culminating ultimately aboard the Titanic. Second, it is a must have for Titanic scholars as it provides us with insight into the Spedden family that traveled in First Class and survived the disaster by getting into Boat #3. The father, Frederic Spedden, was one of the few First Class male passengers who was so fortunate as so many other men that night died.

But finally, there is the extra poignance that this story takes on because of what it ultimately represents, and that is the love of a mother for her son in writing this book and presenting it to him as a Christmas gift, as Daisy Spedden did for eight year old Douglas. The closing narration of Polar reflects the hopes and wishes all parents have for their children, "I hope he will be blessed with a long and happy life" and then you find out that Douglas, after surviving the Titanic, lost his life just a year later at age nine when he was struck by a car while at his parents summer home. Only the hardest of hard-hearted people could not be moved to tears by learning that. In the end, as we read ultimately of how the Speddens were able to move on from this tragedy in their lives, this helps make "Polar" filled with more insights for adults than the average children's book might have. No Titanic enthusiast can afford to be without this book.

Although I have struggled with alcohol, other addictions, and depression for years, I had always previously burned through it (largely - my thanks to JTK, DSH, Electro, who I have called at 2AM) alone. I quit smoking cold turkey, and have been free some 2 years, though it took me five years of starts and stops before I could do those 2 years. Alcohol was the next drug, and I found it to be bigger than me.

This book has its basis on the AA 12 step program. I read it in four nights because I couldn't fit into three. The book is not about alcohol. It is about life, and how we fit into it, and although Mr. Bear may make suggestions, he largely allows the reader to draw his (her) own conclusions.

A note of caution, though: If you read this book, and I mean really read it, not just run your eyes over the assembled letters, you will face some difficult issues and make some hard discoveries about who you are. Is it worth it? You bet it is. There is only one person you go to bed with every night, and wake up to every morning: you. Might as well be the best you possible.

i recently read this book at the urging of a friend of mine who is a recovering alcoholic. at the time, i was at a crossroads in my life with regards to my 10 year marriage and in my professional career. i felt like it was time for a change in my life and actually envied my friend in a.a. for having a forum to help him find his way.

i started this book with few expectations it would be of any relevance or assistance. after all, how could a story about a "drunk" help me? what i found was a story interesting enough that i have since given a copy of this book to my business partner as well as a few other friends.

the main characters are a yale lawyer and a grizzled old convict who develop a bond that helps them find how really alike they are. in the tale the author uses inspirational literature from a.a. as well as from the ages to develop this idea. some of the quotes he uses to make his points are reminders to me, a "nonalcoholic", that the human condition makes us more alike than different.

for saints or sinners,drunks or normal folk, this book is a must read for anyone who ever thought there may be a better way to live or who just want to read a good book.

This is the best book on recovery I have ever read at any time at any place. I have been in AA for 28 years and this tops all the self-help books known to man!

I picked up this book and I could NOT put it down. What a wonderful journey described here....how she interlocks traditional medicine with Navajo, how harmony and positive spirit is such a process in the healing world. You will not be disappointed with this read. I have shared this with all those close to me. Make it part of your list

The story of Dr. Lori Arviso Alvord's courage and determination to bridge the Navajo world with modern medicine is excellently written. For those of us who've had little exposure to the ways of the Navajo world, this book is part history and part culture. As America continues to find new ways to maintain and improve health care, it's refreshing to consider how living a balanced life has the potential to make a huge difference. Alvord's story, artfully told with the assistance of Elizabeth Cohen Van Pelt, a former New York Post reporter, is by turns heartwarming, soulful and inspirational. In the spirit of full disclosure, I should note that Elizabeth is now a co-worker of mine.

This book was outstanding. Once I began reading about Dr. Alvord's journey from Western Medicine to Navajo Medicine and back, I could not put it down. Those of us in the nursing field have often known about this connection to help patients heal faster and better. This excellent book describes a journey combining local medical technigues with western medicine. Highly recommended for all persons in the health care field, especially those of us in the Nurse Practitioner field.

Written for the average investor (those with IRA, 401K, and perhaps some free cash for individual stocks), this is by far the best book I've ever read on investing. It is not only very entertaining, but is full of practical information. This book was published in 1999 and accurately foretold the stock market crash. (Those who followed his advice saved a lot of money).

After reading this book, you'll realize that most of the "experts" that you see on tv or read about in the paper are just shills for Wall Street. Their interest is in getting you to buy and sell stocks so that THEY can make money.

From a practical point, the author argues convincingly against the "buy and hold" approach, demonstrating with simple graphs and language how devastating this can be to your wealth. For example, the Nasdaq was at 5000 in March of 2000. It's now at 1500. While it may recover to 5000 one day, do you want to wait another 10 or 15 years merely to get back to even?

Finally, and most importantly, his research shows the average investor how to triple the returns of the S&P 500 by following the "seasonal" tendency of the stock market to rise strongly in the November to late April period and then to fall in the May through October period. The data is very, very convincing.

In a word, if you want a clear, simple, and straightforward understanding of the stock market and how to use that information to dramatically increase your returns while lowering your risk, this is the book for you. Those who read the book and follow his advice can look forward to a very comfortable retirement. Those who don't, well, good luck to you.

I have read many books on investing and would have to say Sy has covered many topics that you don't see in most. Sy gives you a good look at how the securities industry works and a system for investing that is easy to implement. He addresses the fact that there is risk in the market, something most investors don't seem to respect. It is written very clearly making it an easy read. If you are looking too learn more about investing, do yourself a favor and read this book. Not only could it make you money, it could save you money as well.

After finding this book in a second hand book shop, I decided to buy and read it. I noticed it predicted the bear market to come and it was actually written in 1999, two years BEFORE the bear market actually started. It seemed to make such good sense and I decided I would try the seasonal strategy. Like many, I had gained and lost spectacularly over the past seven years. Im a really good stock picker, but I just had no guiding strategy. This book appeared to actually made some sense out of what I could do, with its seasonal strategy approach. The result: In 2002, a year when the average mutual fund lost -23%, I gained +17% on my portfolio. And I sold and BOOKED the 17% profit in May. Then, as Sy advises, I bought back in again, in November. My stocks are up +55% for the last six months----and---I am getting ready to SELL! What a far cry from before! True, I made some great picks this year. But I now have a strategy,learned from this book, that will allow me to KEEP my profits by knowing WHEN TO SELL!!

Sy, your book is a true revelation. You are a born teacher and a real spirit. And you are someone the word TRUST, such a rarity in the financial professions, can be bestowed upon without any reservation. Thanks for your gift and sharing it with us. In deepest appreciation.

And to any skeptics, buy this book. It IS amazing and simple and makes so much sense. IT will change your investment ability forever.

When I discovered this book, I was shopping for my neice. But, I liked it so much, I bought a copy for my 13 month old son as well. It tells the story of a bear and her young son, going through the nightly rituals of reading, tucking in, setling in with the stuffed animals and drinking warm milk. It has now become a part of our nightly ritual.
The illustrations are warm and rich. The text is rythmic and fun to read. And the back and forth conversation between Sam and his Mom reminds me of the days when my daughter was that age. I think this book simple enough for a baby, and engaging enough for a toddler. My young son always smiles and looks at me when we get to the page where Mrs. Bear reads Sam a book, and "they both knew all the words."
As an aside to single Moms,the book and it's sequel, 'Don't you feel well Sam?' do show a warm and wonderful relationship between a Mother and a son. A super gift book. All my new Mom friends will be recieving one! Don't miss out on this one.

It was a dark and stormy night. The wind blew, whoo, whooo. The rain hit against the roof and windows, splat, splat. But inside, Mama Bear is putting her cub to bed. "Ready now, Sam?" "Oh no," said Sam "I'm waiting." So mother begins all their nighttime rituals. First, they read a book together. She tucks Sam in, head to toe, with his red blanket and arranges his stuffed animal friends. Then they share a glass of milk. And still Sam tells her, "I'm waiting" What could Mrs Bear have forgotten. She thinks and goes back over her bedtime chores and then remembers. "Kiss goodnight, Sam." And she kisses him once, twice and then twice more..... Amy Hest has written a lovely bedtime story that's cozy and comforting and just perfect for pre-schoolers. Her simple, gentle, quiet text is beautifully illustrated by Anita Jeram's soft expressive earthtoned artwork. Kiss Good Night is a charming bedtime story that's sure to become a new favorite in your house and may help your little ones fall asleep with its easy familiar rituals.

What a charming book! This book arrived on my doorstep when I failed to return a book-of-the-month club refusal card. Am I ever glad I didn't turn this one down! My three-year-old son and I absolutely love this adorable story of nightly bedtime rituals. He relates to it so well, and loves to mimick the way the wind blows through the trees on the dark and stormy night on Plum Street....whooo, whooooo. I don't think we ever outgrow these heartwarming stories of the love shared between parents and their children. And I haven't even mentioned the beautiful illustrations! This book will really tug at your heart. First class, all the way.

It seems Mr. Rabbit is in a bit of a fix. After losing that race to Turtle, he's in a bit of a financial jam. So, he goes to Bear and makes a deal.

The Rabbit family will plant and harvest the crops on Bear's land. Rabbit will split the crops with Bear 50/50. All Bear has to do is decide which half - tops or bottoms - he wants.

Unfortunately, whether the crop is potatoes, lettuce, corn, or radishes, Bear keeps picking the "wrong half".

This is a hillarious story that kids of all ages will appreciate. For visual interest, the book is designed to flip from top to bottom (as opposed from left to right).

Janet Stevens' artwork alone is worth the cost of the book!

Enjoy!

This children's book is a retelling of an African-American folktale about a lazy bear and an industrious rabbit, a trickster, who grows different crops on the bear's land. Sometimes the bear wants the top of the crops while the hare takes the bottoms. Other times the bear demands the bottoms. Each time, the hare grows a crop which makes him the "winner" in the deal. The book was a 1996 Caldecott Honor book (i.e., a runner-up to the Medal winner) for best illustrations in a book for children.

Mr. Rabbit, sore from his loss in that race with Mr. Turtle, is a bit down on his luck. So, he strikes a bargain with Mr. Bear.

The rabbit family will plant and harvest crops on Mr. Bear's land and split the proceeds 50/50.

"Tops or bottoms," Mr. Rabbit asks.

Whether the crop is corn, potatoes, or lettuce - Mr. Bear just doesn't seem to "pick" the right half.

This is a great story - for everyone!!

Janet Stevens' illustrations tell a story all their own. Simply wonderful!

The book opens top to bottom (instead of left to right) to re-inforce the idea of "tops and bottoms".

I definitely reccomend this book - it's a true winner!!

We love Jesse Bear. My husband and I are touched by the way our now 15 months old baby loves this book...she likes to hear the story over and over (like is normal for all kids at this age) a lot more than she like to hear other stories, she knows many words and acts out (in her very own way) the things that Jesse Bear is doing. When Jesse Bear's pants dance she dances, she touches her toes and screams TOES! when Jesse Bear is playing with a rose in his toes...She waits excited for the part about Jesse Bear wearing his CHAIR! and for the carrots and PEAS!, she loves the blanket that's blue and plays peek-a-boo and gives "bear hugs" to us...She just totally loves it. The illustrations of the book are beautifully done...Although I did notice that the papa bear comes home at night just for bath and bed time I don't consider that to be incorrect at all...the story portraits a very loving papa bear who -in this case like for many real life families- is working out all day. The mama is home taking care of Jesse Bear...I think this story could represent any happy family's normal day, whether is the mom or the dad working out of the home or both, the story has a main caregiver with the child all day and a loving parent who comes later on. The rhyme is nice, sweet and musical. My daughter can spend a long time just browsing through its pages and mumbling with joy things about Jesse Bear's adventures. This book is MUST HAVE for babies and young children.

This book is just delightful. Jesse Bear, the toddler protagonist, spends his day "wearing" different items -- from a shirt to sand to his chair (my son's favorite). The story is told in rollicking rhyme with gorgeous illustrations. I'm a fan of board books for this age group -- they tend to be a little hard on the paper versions. A definite must-have!

As she approaches her 2nd birthday, our little girl is getting to the point now where simple board books are too boring, but lengthy stories are still too much for her to absorb. We stumbled across this Jesse Bear book somehow, and it's perfect for her. The illustrations are bright and pleasing. Plus, she can really relate to Jesse's typical day- getting dressed, playing, eating, Daddy coming home from work, bathing, and going to bed. Now I just need to find more books like this! One recommendation: If your child doesn't tear pages, I'd get the hardcover edition. First, I borrowed the hardcover from our library and then I ordered the board book from Amazon. The board book is much smaller than the hardcover, so now my daughter asks for me to read "BIG Jesse Bear book," and I have to explain that we only have the small one!

I think this book suitable for everyone not only for child but adult also can read it. My friend and I love this book and try to collect the whole of Pooh's series. But I think .. The house at the Pooh corner also lovely while The Tao of Pooh was very difficult to understand for child. However, I love it!!

Yesterday I planned on reading "The Great Gatsby," but instead I read A.A. Milne's "Winnie the Pooh."

What! you say.

Well, I bought it a while back, and I never sat down to read it. So yesterday I just grabbed it, and started reading---and despite the fact that it's meant for children, the insight it offers is unparalleled. Maybe some of you have read "The Tao of Pooh" (which I read in high school). That book explains how Winnie the Pooh behaves in a Taoist fashion. But instead of reading the "Tao" book, I think people could have done just as well, if not better, reading the original work.

I have great respect for an author who can write a work that appeals to both children and adults. Such is "The Phantom Tollbooth" or "The Wizard of Oz." Such is "Winnie The Pooh." The joy of reading Winnie is the absurd logic it follows. Or the way it satirizes adults, which it does quite well through the characters of Eeyore and Owl. For example, how can you NOT enjoy this passage from Chapter Four:

"The old grey donkey, Eeyore, stood by himself in a thirsty corner of the forest, his front feet well apart, his head on one side, and thought about things. Sometimes he thought sadly to himself, 'Why?' and sometimes he thought, 'Wherefore?' and sometimes he thought, 'Inasmuch as which?'---and sometimes he didn't quite know what he was thinking about."

Now the only decision that remains is do I read the other Pooh book I bought, "The House at Pooh Corner" or do I read F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby." Hmm.

How did I get to adulthood without reading Winnie-th-pooh? If the only Pooh you know is the Disney version,you are in for a feast. Pooh and his friends are so much more than the mindless,flat characters in cartoons. When we read this aloud to our three children,12,5,&3, they were enthralled. The oldest understood most of the underpinnings and the two preschoolers just loved the fun. Night after night the kids would line up by the sofa,begging for more Pooh. We were all sad when the book ended,but Pooh is always with us in our hearts.

Ya gotta get this book!