We love this adorable board book. My youngest one has memorized the words and "reads" it along with me. Great illustrations!

This colorful counting boardbook is such a pleasure to read to my kids! The whimsical illustrations really capture my 2-year-old, and my 4-year old loves to find the hidden mouse on every page (strange, he doesn't tire of this!) The book takes you away to a beautiful Nantucket day!

My six month old girl loves the colorful, whimsical characters. My three year old loves the little mouse hiding on every page and is having fun learning to count! I bought this book for all my friends with children. Adorable.

The Orphan Seal is a wonderful book that presents a true story full of scientific information in such a way that is neither condescending nor too intellectual. I found it to have the right mix of storytelling charm and facts. A child interested in science will love it.

The ORPHAN SEAL is a wonderful book for everyone. This true story is written with warmth and caring. Each of my grandchildren will receive a copy of ORPHAN SEAL because it is an educational and fun book to read.

The Orphan Seal is a heartwarming and true story of a tiny harbor seal pup separated from his mother by an April storm on the coast of Maine. Washed up on the rocky shore, coastal residents saw the pup and reported him to the Seal Rescue Program at the New England Aquarium in Boston. Two of the Rescue Program scientists verified the seal was orphaned and took the sick, malnourished pup to the Aquarium's hospital. Veterinarians treated him and by September the pup (named Howler by the Aquarium staff) was ready to return to the sea and was successfully released off the coast of Cape Cod. The Orphan Seal is wonderfully illustrated by Dawn Peterson in perfect accompaniment to Fran Hodgkins' charming, engaging story for young readers ages 4 to 10 of a young seal named Howler and the good people responsible for his rescue.

Lots of guides give you advice and stuff to do in Boston. Some even get specific, offering fun suggestions for night owls, or museum lovers or history buffs. Finally, an easy-to-read, VERY helpful guide for PARENTS! We had a couple guides, but this was the only one we used. Plus, you can DEFINITELY tell that the author lived in and loves the city. Thumbs up all the way around. Waiting on the dog lover's guide next . . .

It's a cliche that everything is different once you have kids. But in the case of traveling, it is definitely true. Now that I have two toddlers, most of the traveling I do is right in the city where I was born and raised. That's why I want to recommend MacKinnon's book - to everyone, but especially to fellow Bostonians. With lots of interesting finds and sensible advice, MacKinnon makes bringing kids (even the youngest ones) into the city seem fun and manageable, whether you are flying into Logan or just taking the T. Some nice day trips are also included.

well written, ever mindful of the realities of travelling with children (and on a budget) and full of truly fun, interesting things for BOTH parents and kids to do. I especially appreciate the "best playgrounds in the area", because sometimes a good run-amuck is just what the doctor ordered, for everybody...

The previous edition of this book, published in 1973, has been a favorite introduction to the Pilgrims for primary students in our school for many years. Written at about a third grade reading level, it works as a readable chapter book, as well as a quick read-aloud. The black, white and turquoise drawings in the older version were adequate, but the text always deserved more detailed and interesting illustrations. While I have not see this new edition, it appears that this situation has now been remedied.

My students have always taken an interest in the kid's perspective of life aboard the Mayflower and during the first year at Plymouth. They love to know that the Pilgrims took two dogs and a cat with them. They wonder about the "same old salted beef and fish" that had to be eaten. They plug their noses when they think about the Pilgrims wearing "the same clothes every day," even sleeping in them.

They marvel at the straw roofs of the new homes being set on fire by sparks that flew up the chimney. They are stunned to learn that good manners meant children had to stand during meals, and that they could only speak when spoken to by an adult. Then my students smack their lips at the many foods that were eaten at the first Thanksgiving: wild turkeys, geese, ducks, deer, lobsters, clams, oysters and fish, not to mention the many vegetables, and of course, popcorn.

I look forward to adding the new edition of this classic to our library collection.

The previous edition of this book, published in 1973, has been a favorite introduction to the Pilgrims for primary students in our school for many years. Written at about a third grade reading level, it works as a readable chapter book, as well as a quick read-aloud. The black, white and turquoise drawings in the older version were adequate, but the text always deserved more detailed and interesting illustrations. While I have not see this new edition, it appears that this situation has now been remedied.

My students have always taken an interest in the kid's perspective of life aboard the Mayflower and during the first year at Plymouth. They love to know that the Pilgrims took two dogs and a cat with them. They wonder about the "same old salted beef and fish" that had to be eaten. They plug their noses when they think about the Pilgrims wearing "the same clothes every day," even sleeping in them.

They marvel at the straw roofs of the new homes being set on fire by sparks that flew up the chimney. They are stunned to learn that good manners meant children had to stand during meals, and that they could only speak when spoken to by an adult. Then my students smack their lips at the many foods that were eaten at the first Thanksgiving: wild turkeys, geese, ducks, deer, lobsters, clams, oysters and fish, not to mention the many vegetables, and of course, popcorn.

I look forward to adding the new edition of this classic to our library collection.

Wonderful full color, life-like illustrations on every page. You won't waste your money on this PILGRIMS ! Very well done prespective of the pilgrim children's lives. How did they spend their time? Good introduction to Squanto. Happy Thanksgiving !

The pictures really bring to life the city of Gloucester with all its tradition and history. Reynolds really captures in photos the people, the work and the culture of this close knit, tight community. A great book for both neighbors and visitors to the Northshore Boston area.

A beautiful slice-of-life look at the real town. Incredible photography and insightful text that truly give you a sense of the place so many have become enchanted with through "The Perfect Storm."

If you liked the book or movie "The Perfect Storm", this book is the perfect complement to learning about the Gloucester region. Reynolds' photographs capture the spirit of the people and places of Gloucester. The accompanying text with the photos provides some insight into the lives of the people who make this small New England fishing village their home.

As a Quaker, I greatly enjoyed this book ... sort of Miss Marple the Quaker (member of the Religious Society of Friends), about an elderly woman who feels Led to help solve a murder involving her Meeting. My only quibbles are that the author tried a wee bit too hard to make Friends appear unusual ... e.g., writing such things as "The two Friends walked down the street," etc., which no one would ever say or think. (One of the tenets of our faith is that we do not pass judgment on others -- so we're known for fitting in and getting along, despite not drinking, swearing, dancing, etc. As such, we do not stand out that noticeably, and you would no more say "The two Friends walked down the street" than you would "There goes a Baptist!") Likewise, we have unprogrammed worship wherein we sit quietly, waiting for the spirit of God to touch us and often inspire us to share something with the group. Although outsiders call it silent worship, *WE* don't. Also, the main character complained so much about her arthritis that I thought it related to the case's solution ... In the real world, however short of the mark we may fall, we nonetheless strive to be thankful for all that we have, rather than whining about what we lack.

However, that's just quibbling -- and probably something with which only a Quaker would find fault. If you enjoy comparatively light mysteries (no profanity, sex, vulgarity, or fast-paced, high-level spy themes) with a Miss Marple type of elderly woman thrust into the role of sleuth) and would like a glimpse of the Quaker beliefs, you should greatly enjoy this book. I certainly did!

No blood and guts, no drooling perverts, no wisecracking cardboard characters -- just a really good mystery written with a careful eye and a sort of spare simplicity that's appealing and fun to read. Less discerning readers may find Elizabeth Elliot a bit pedestrian -- but, what do they know? I love the way Elizabeth applies her deep faith, as well as her mature and healthy skepticism, to solve the mystery. Put the kettle on the stove and lose yourself with this wonderful book.

I appreciated the information on the Quaker tradition, and that the heroine is not a super hero or private sleuth. She is an interesting person dealing with the modern world. I look forward to reading more about Elizabeth.

I am continually amazed at how children's books offer detail and insight into daily life that no stout history book can provide.

Writing the same review for the other two in this trilogy. Excellent all!

This is a wonderful, wonderful book. It will help you teach your children about hard work, perseverance, and family. My children want it read to them again and again.

Young Samuel Eaton (a historical character) is looking forward to his first chance to help his father bring in the crops. He finds the work incredibly hard, and the coarse grain raises bad blisters on his hands. But he perseveres, and at the end of the day when his father tells him "you did a man's work today, Samuel," we feel his pride.

Masterfully written, beautifully photographed, this is a gem in every way.

This book took us back to 1627. We learned all about Samuel Eaton's first day as a man. He told us all about the hard work he had to do in the fields. It was so interesting to read a story that used different words from long ago. The pictures were awesome! They showed us the clothing the pilgrims wore, what their house looked like, and the hard work everybody did. We thought it would be difficult to be a pilgrim boy! We think everyone should read this book because you can learn a lot about how the pilgrims lived. Read this wonderful book!

Though I don't know him, Jerome Doolittle strikes me as someone who'd be a hoot to have a beer with-were both of us still drinking-and a bear to have as an enemy. And someone I'm extremely eager to keep reading.

Through his Tom Bethany character, a private investigator with no clear clientele, but an intense focus on righting wrongs, Doolittle lets readers know immediately-NO, NOW!-what's wrong with bureaucrats, lots of businessmen, some cops, lawyers and many others whose very existence makes others suffer. And, oh, yeah. Lots of Republicans.

Now, to be fair, he also tackles dopey Democrats and their occasional, in Doolittle's view, misdeeds. Jimmy Carter comes in for a regular swipe for having refused to allow the United States to participate in the 1980 Olympics because of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. (Even as I write this, that move does seem to be rather dumb, and I like Jimmy Carter). But the Republicans really take a pounding, regularly and incisively, almost to the point of wincing, which I maybe, just might do if I could stop laughing and nodding in agreement. Not just any Republicans, mostly just the indicted ones.

While Doolittle is making clear his views, he works them very cleverly, though not stealthily, into the storyline of each of his books.

And, now, the storyline for Strangle Hold.

Tom Bethany is a low-key, somewhat paranoid but very human private investigator in Cambridge, Mass.

Bethany takes on a job investigating the death of Morty Limbach, who appears to have committed suicide. Limbach was the son of extremely rich parents, who think he was a total failure for having gone left in his politics. His main work in life was funding a group of troupe of actors, whose flaws as individuals is on display throughout the story.

Limbach may have been engaged in auto-erotica when he died, which helps feed the urge to cover up how he died. An insurance policy payoff worth a quarter of a million dollars rides on the determination of how he died.

Needless to say, Bethany figures out the case--it's murder--and who did it and why. Using a minimum of violence, though more is implied, he confronts and captures the bad guy.

The story moves along nicely, building in little subplots, painting character portraits and mixing in a nice blend of people, from the wife of a retired bishop, to a female med student with a string of boyfriends to a cop with a strong sense of duty to a girlfriend married to a late-blooming gay man. All are characters rather different from the usual folks found in crime stories. Bethany doesn't live in an aha-gotcha! world. He lives by his wits. It's Doolittle's writing and depiction of people that sell the story, because, after all, how interesting is one poor little rich guy whose parents didn't love him? We're sympathetic but heck, missing interns and dallying congressmen provide more exciting possibilities. His insight into people, their character flaws and their motivation, and his running social commentary, make the reading far too good to pass up.

If you're a Republican, you can still read this book, because after all, foibles are foibles, and you can shift them over in your brain to any number of Democrats if you'd prefer. I just happen to find them extra hilarious because his comments happen to target real people.

You have the wit, the wacky reasoning, the weird lifestyle. What more could you want? Oh. A mystery solved? That's done too. Well worth the read.

STRANGLEHOLD BY JEROME DOOLITTLE

The first novel to introduce Tom Bethany, a quirky, enigmantic PI, with a mysterious past, ex-Air America, Ex-CIA, ex-Harvard, and a Semi-Pro Wrestler, now acting as Left Wing Muscle. The character is very much like the Writer in background, and if you missed Doolittles books you are in for a suprise. They really predate the Lehane, Burke, Hiasson, Harlan Coben and Crais books, Very funny, ironic, Trageic but ultimately uplifting. Great Dialog, and very paranoid.

The story centres on Bethany being hired to check up on the mysterious death of a wealthy weirdo, who appears to have died in a bizzare sexual ritual, like the guy from INXS (Mike Hutchincene). The wills benefactor is the ACLU, wo are the sole benefactor form a weird Insurance policy, while lowlifes appear representing the familiy, and a house of wired misfit actors, and only Tom Bethany can uncover the truth behind the death.

Great Characters, I laughed out loud at ?The Hocker? one of the best. Do read as soon as possible. Like all his books catches you on Page one, and then the squeeze is on. Thankfully back in print.

I am continually amazed at how children's books offer detail and insight into daily life that no stout history book can provide.

Writing the same review for the other two in this trilogy. Excellent all!

Another great book by Kate Waters. This book shows the daily life of a Native American child during the time of the Pilgrims. This book goes great with Sarah Morton's Day and Samuel Eaton's Day. Also, check out On the Mayflower also by Kate Waters.

We are big fans of Kate Waters' books about the Pilgrims (Samuel Eaton's Day, Sarah Morton's Day and On the Mayflower). When we discovered "Tapenum's Day", we were thrilled ! I found the 'point of view' from a young Native American boy to be both fascinating and educational, as did my children. We enjoyed seeing this historically accuate slice of life, written from a balanced perspective. I think this wonderful book rounds out the collection, including the other four, that no study of the Pilgrims should be without.

There's no rabbi more famous in fiction that David Small! In this tres kosher series of the rabbi-as-detective, author Harry Kemelman has created one of the most interesting characters of this genre. In "Thursday the Rabbi Walked Out," Small becomes involved in another murder story--this time the victim is a notorious anti-Semite, and a number of his congregation are now suspects (they seem to be for good reason!). It is up to Small to match wits--and skill--with the actual murderer. (Billyjhobbs@tyler.net)

Certainly any of the "day" novels of Kemelman are a treat (the first was "Friday the Rabbi Slept Late") and on this particular "day" (Thursday) readers will not be disappointed. Kemelman's style is fast-paced and his detective revelations are logical, solid, and do not insult the reader. Clearly, he takes the time and patience to weave his tales--and they are worth the wait!

If you like the Rabbi Small stories you will enjoy this one as well. It is not so good as the "Classic" Friday the rabbi slept late" but it is brilliant as well. Rabbi Small finds himself in troulbe (as usual): in a middle of a murder case and his job is in danger too. naturally he solves the problems with his clear logic, so you can count on the next stories.

If you like Rabbis Small misteries do not miss this one. The story is as usual: Rabbi Small's job in danger (he is going to be fired), and he is involved to a murder case. All good if ends good.