In Australia, Emily Rodda is one of the most renowned children's authors. She has written many fantasy books for children/ young adults and this amaizing book is just one example.
Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal is a book in the Rowan series. It has the same feel and quality as all the other books. Rowan, a boy with special powers, is brought to decide who will be the Keeper of the Crystal. He journeys with them to learn their attitude, personality and abilities. But one of those that he journeys with desires the Crystal for evil. The unique story will possess you.
Once you have finishes this book, it is safe to say you will read it again but be pleased that Emily Rodda has written so many books. I can also guarantee this will not be the last of her books you will read. This book encourages you to read the rest of the famous Rowan books, or the very extensive and popular Deltora Quest series.
Maybe you havn't read any books like this before, but once you have read one, you will most likely read one after another. So add this to your reading list, and you will understand why young adult fantasy is so popular.

The "Rowan of Rin" series is one of the best book series out there for the who are not yet ready for the Prydain Chronicles or "The Hobbit." In the third story, "Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal," we get more of a glimpse of this beautiful and dangerous world and the diverse people who inhabit it.

Rowan is stunned when the fishlike Maris folk summon his mother Jiller to the Cavern of the Crystal, there to choose a new Keeper. For reasons too complex to summarize, the Maris clans require an outsider to choose their Keeper, who helps protect them from the savage Zebak warriors. Jiller is the latest in a long line of Choosers, and Rowan will be her successor.

But upon arriving at the Cavern, Jiller is mysteriously poisoned. But after Rowan is appointed the new Chooser, he refuses to choose any of the three candidates until they help him find the ingredients for the antidote. The three set off on their quest -- but Rowan begins to wonder which of the three poisoned Jiller, and what motives are behind it.

As in the previous two books, Emily Rodda creates a believable world without the usual fantasy trappings like elves and wizards. The mystery surrounding Jiller's poisoning and the question of who would be chosen to be Keeper -- and why -- remains a question until the penultimate chapter, and events near them hint at the fourth book. The writing is beautifully descriptive without being too much so, and the dialogue is growing more realistic with every new book.

Rowan shows some personal growth since the first book, where he was outstandingly timid; here he is more self-assertive and confident, even when surrounded by strangers, and even defies the Keeper in an effort to save his mother. Jiller and Jonn (now formally engaged) are fairly nebulous. The three candidates are sufficiently defined that they don't blend together, especially Doss, who has a secret; Seaborn, who inexplicably doesn't like being a candidate; and Asha, who adheres viciously to how she thinks the world should work.

"Keeper of the Crystal" is an excellent young kids' fantasy, something for them either to read themselves or be read to at bedtime. Excellent second sequel.

I thought this book was almost as good as the first Rowan story (on the mountain). I liked this story because it had things that happened when I least expected it. It had riddles, which i really like. It gave me a good reason to stay up late! It took me about a week to read. My brother and I both think Rowan is a great series.

Following up on the sweet "Rowan of Rin," a fantasy for younger readers, Emily Rodda produces a sequel that is actually better than the first book. With an intricate plot, unlikely hero and intriguing mystery, this will captivate kids not ready for "Hobbit" or "Harry Potter."

In the aftermath of "Rowan of Rin," the boy Rowan is a hero to his village. Now growing a crop of succulent Mountain berries, the villagers have settled back into their normal routine -- until the Travellers come. The nomadic tribe has a history of friction-filled cooperation with the people of Rin, and their mockery of Rowan's triumph shows that nothing has changed. Several of the villagers also suspect that the Travellers are plotting to steal the Mountain berries.

Then the Travellers vanish, and villagers begin lapsing, one by one, into comas. The old wise woman Sheba utters another prophecy, and rails insanely out of fear of something that is coming -- an old "enemy." Only Rowan and the half-Traveller Allun are able to escape, and they rejoin the Travellers, who claim to have no knowledge of what is happening to Rin. They are planning to go back to the Pit of Unrin, to find a legendary golden city that was mysteriously destroyed. But when Rowan agrees to come, he will find something lurking that is too terrifying to imagine.

This book can probably stand on its own; references are made to the previous book, but no plot elements lean too heavily. The dialogue is never pretentious, a little stilted in places, but overall good. The descriptions -- especially chilling ones -- are even better, in such scenes as the one with the carnivorous trees with flexible roots, and Sheba's ranting. The only problem is that the cause of the villagers' affliction is pretty obvious from the beginning. Rodda makes up for this, however, with several twists to that plot device.

Rowan has grown since the previous tale, as we see him standing up to Sheba when she rails at and insults him. He even stands up against Ogden, something that no one would have expected at the beginning of the previous book. Allun is also expanded as a character, further from the person we saw in "Rowan of Rin"; in this one, he refuses to believe that the Travellers could have cursed the inhabitants of Rin. Traveller leader Ogden is convincing, though it might have improved the latter half of the book if he had been on the adventure and not his adopted daughter Zeel.

A good sequel to a good book, and one that young fantasy fans will undoubtedly enjoy a great deal.

After his unlikey heroism in Rowan of Rin, Rowan is still very much the weak boy he once was. However he has more tests in front of him. When the nomadic tribe, the Travelers, come to their village many of the townspeople are not amused. Just after their arrival a second mysterious threat to his isolated village prompts the humble herd boy introduced in Rowan to gather up all his courage. When the sleeping sickness takes over his village an all that is left standing is Rown and half-traverler-Allun they must work together to find the hidden enemy. At first they suspect the Travelers, but the travelers seem just as puzzled as they are. While attempting to find the travelers he finds himself in the company of Zeel, a hated Zebak invader raised as a Traveler, attempting to enter the fabled Valley of Gold by passing through its only entrance, the ill-reputed Pit of Unrin. He must pass many challenges before he can save his people. Will his courage stand up to the evil forces again?

Emily Rodda does it again by making Rowan one of the most unlikely heros of our times!

I am Rowan Quinain, Jr. I am 8+ years old in third grade.

I read the latest Rowan book for my fiction report at school. Every month, we have to read a book, then do a written report or make a project of the book we read.

My mom suggested, that I read Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal because she reads the review and she told me that it was a very interesting book.

We had difficulty getting the book through bookstores. My mom was told that it will be available this summer yet.So, my dad went to amazon.com and he was able to order it from amazon.

I like the story because the main character has the same name as me and my dad. Also, the story is about a boy's courage, his love for his mom, and his adventures. Rowan is an intelligent boy, because being a chooser of the Keeper of the Crystal is a difficult task. I also learned team-work among the candidates.

The party of three is traveling to the Shifting Sands for the fourth gem, when they decide to enter the Rithmere Games. Great food and housing for practically free. They wonder why all of Deltora isn't entering. They find out the hard way. The Games are a fighting game, with nothing prohibited. Jasmine comes out Champion, while Lief and Barda are finalists. Now they have enough money to fund the rest of their trip, but when they are tricked, what will happen? By help of a stranger called Doom, they are able to continue to the Shifting Sands, where many new dangers await them.

Lief, Barda and Jasmine left the city of rats in flames, they have to go to the Shifting Sands. I liked it because the gradian is with them at all times. The Gery Guards fellow them in to The Shfiting Sands. Lief most be brave to risk his life for Del.

This series of books not only made my 4th grader who loves to read disappear into it's pages for days on end by also entranced my 5th grader who thinks comic books are real books. The most wonderful part of this series is it's complete lack of that boy/girl mushy stuff that quite frankly my kids don't need yet another dose of!

Keller, Emily. Sleeping Bunny. Illus. by Pamela Silin-Palmer. Jan. 2003. 40p. Random, $
PreS-Gr.

Sleeping Beauty becomes a sleeping bunny in this lavish re-imagining of the familiar fairy tale. Keller follows the traditional story, but rabbit touches abound -- right down to the spinning wheel pricking the princess' velety paws. Other animals populate the kingdom as well; the fairy godmothers are pigs -- except for the bad fairy, who is a rat. Silin-Palmer, a decorative artist who has designed everything from paper products to fantasy furniture, puts her skills to good use in luxurious illustrations touched by swirls and whirls of gold and executed in Renaissance-like style. The story highlights the romance; the prince, decked out in golden armor, fights through a tangle of golden roses to get to his sleeping lady love and wake her with a kiss. Not an essential purchase, but a lush and lovely one. -- Ilene Cooper

Another retold fairy tale from the illustrator of Bunny and the Beast (2001), this time in collaboration with her daughter, finds Sleeping Beauty with a mostly bunny cast -- that is, except for the fairies, who are pigs with wings, and a few other beasts who are courtiers. Keller tells the classic tale with wry and sly humor. At the beginning, the rabbit king and queen long for what is missing in their lives: "a baby bunny (which was highly unusual in their family!) At the very end, the bad fairy Mildew, the rat whose spinning wheel offers the paw prick, presents Bunny and her Prince with eight golden dishes so she won't make the same mistake as her parents in leaving a fairy out, and "everyone lived hoppily ever after." Silin Palmer designs fabric and ceramics among other things, and has clearly studied the work of Dutch flower painter Jan van Huysum: her dark backgrounds and gorgeous, naturalistic flowers bedeck every image. Roses and butterflies, sunflowers and foxglove glow from the pages. Princess Bunny and her family wear more-or-less medieval royal garb that has a shimmer of its own. Really fun, if rather silly. (picture book/fairy tale. 4-7)

Copyright by Kirkus Reviews, November 15, 2002

Well, I will admit up front that this was always a sure purchase as I absolutely adored 'Bunny and the Beast' by Coxe and Silin-Palmer. However, this book will entirely stand on its own merits and will be a must for any serious children's book lover and the illstrations will call out to bunny enthusiasts, amonst others.

The old tale is there but some wonderful twists were woven through by Keller will bring a smile to your face - the "cranky" fairy will tickle your fancy her name is Mildew. Silin-Palmer's drawings are always lush and beautiful - the colors and context truly invite you in for a stroll through this bunny kingdom.

An enjoyable read both out loud and with your own giggles surrounding you.

This is by far the best book general methods book I have found. I highly recommend it to anyone beginning genealogical research and to those who are veterans, as well. I have given several to friends with a fledgling interest in genealogical research. It is indispensible for the beginner & I highly recommend it to everyone. Organized in a logical, easy to follow manner; not too technical; practical -- just plain good.

Book came very quickly and in excellent condition. Would not hesitate to buy from this seller again. Thank you!

Croom's book offers excellent advice for beginners and genealogists with some experience. The workbook gives helpfuls lists such as "Where Do I find That?" and gives sources for birth, death and marriage information. It also explains the censuses and Soundex very well.

The appendices list archives, libraries and genealogical societies that are very helpful and up to date. There is also an excellent list of available state censuses.

Six gems weigh down the Belt of Deltora. Now the three must persue the final challenge, the Valley of the Lost. They know that the great Diamond awaits them. When they arrive, many people who are little more then shadows are there, many from the city they hoped hid the heir - Tora, sister city to Del. Inside, fighting monsters is not their challenge. Instead, several mind games do. Jasmine wishes to take the Diamond by force, but Lief knows better. As they figure out the last puzzle just as their time is gone, they are given permission to take the diamond. But the Guardian had switched the diamond for a different one. They realize that the woman who had followed them and pretended to leave had stolen it. They are told to go get it, so finally the Belt is complete. The Valley of the Lost disappears, and the people within are returned to normal. Now they must find the heir.

Valley of the Lost has been the best of the Deltora Quest books, because it more than the others encourages readers to solve plot puzzles before the characters do.
For instance, when Barda, Jasmine and Leif reach the guardian's abode of the seventh and final gem, they must undergo certain trials to gain the jewel. Further, each part of answer to the challenge question is another enigma all in itself. Some puzzles I figured out before the book gave them up, others stumped me. I believe even children in junior high would find this a delicious read.
Some very important series-broad plot lines are revealed in this book about Tora's link to Del; don't miss this one!
Plus: Doom's true identity is finally revealed!

This series of books not only made my 4th grader who loves to read disappear into it's pages for days on end by also entranced my 5th grader who thinks comic books are real books. The most wonderful part of this series is it's complete lack of that boy/girl mushy stuff that quite frankly my kids don't need yet another dose of!

It was so hard dealing with the tragic loss of our beloved rabbit, "Bunny". I was especially drawn to the book because the author wrote the book while also dealing with the loss of her pet rabbit. Stuparyk was able to convey in words, what everyone dealing with a pet loss endures. I found extreme comfort from each and every poem and could whole heartedly relate to all of her feelings. I recommend this to anyone dealing with the loss of their furry friend.

Through reading Emily's experiences I draw comfort in knowing that these thoughts are such a part of us all! The need for "reconnecting" in one of her passages, where one wants "just one more touch, one more day" is so true. Moreover, the constant reassurance that God is watching over our beloved pets is something I think of each day. Why shouldn't they be looked after as we hope for ourselves, for they are such an innocent life. I guess, death in all its darkness, appears to make us all more compassionate and honest with each other. At least I would hope. I know I am a better person to have shared my life with my Benjamin bunny, who reminded me throughout his days, of the REAL definition of humanity. And in his memory,I wish to thank-you, Emily, for doing the work that you do!

Warmest Regards, Carole Valley-Pryce

In this sensitive and honest work, the author shares her truest feelings about losing her beloved pet. Her feelings show us that having an animal loss (as opposed to human loss) in one's life does not diminish it's intensity or grief. The bond between animal and human is so great (in the shamanistic sense, the rabbit has become her power animal) that upon losing the pet, she has lost a part of herself. As with a human loss, another rabbit cannot replace the one who has died. She shows us how she passes from one stage of grief to another. In time, she realizes that Poochie,the rabbit never left her side and her memories enable her to go on with her life. This book is the most beautifully sensitive acount of one's experience with pet loss. As the poems are written straight from the heart, you will laugh and cry as you learn how Poochie made such a great impact on the author's life.

Recipes are traditional and easy. The book is structured in such a fashion so as to promote use in various social events.

Great for a novice like myself. Recipes are absolutely delicious! Lots of ideas such as Apricot Chicken, a spectacular meatloaf, baked apple pork chops, and all kinds of yummy desserts and snacks! Humorous and informal.

This is a great cookbook! The recipes are straight forward and simple, but taste wonderful. It would be a nice wedding shower gift because it discusses the basics of cooking.

I love sharing this book with my daughters because of the beautiful artwork, the portrayal of female strength and the message that inner resolve coupled with practice are the keys to achieving one's goals. We often quote Wu Mei's admonition to the bean curd seller: "No problem can be solved by a drunken monkey!" The reminder to remain calm, make up one's own mind, and engage with the world from a firm sense of self is valuable for people of both sexes and all ages.

I love both the artwork and the story content of this book. It is rare and wonderful to find a book in which two female martial artists are the main characters! This book is a true gift to martial artists enthusiasts everywhere. The story's lessons (soft overcomes hard, calm overcomes strong) come from authentic martial arts teachings at their finest. Brava!

This book is an awesome experience. Adults and children in our martial arts school enjoyed the story of Wu Mei. The illustrations are breath taking. The story is well told and easily read.

I have to admit that the main reason I purchased this book is because my own daughter is named Sara. She is just about ready to start taking the advice in the book and loves to read it. Not technical which is a good thing, just cute and to the point.

We checked out Sarah's Potty from our public library but quickly decided we needed to get one to keep. My two-year-old daughter (not yet potty trained) loves this humorous look at the animals using the potty. She knows it by heart and will laughingly shout, "Nooooo!" when asked, "Does a Zebra sit on the potty?". I have ordered the little boy version, "Max's Potty" for my nephew.

I like this book because it communicates all the important concepts related to potty training without taking itself too seriously. It is also a lift-the-flap book, and these books seem to hold toddlers' attentions a bit more than others. I also like the way that at one point it depicts Sarah playing with the potty which is differentiated from Sarah finally using the potty. It's nice for a book to make that distinction because often the first stage is for a child to play with a potty not fully understanding the concept. I also like the way that it teaches that we should wash our hands after using the potty (one of the few books to do so). Overall, a great way to introduce the idea of a potty--bright simple illustrations, just enough information, and a little humor thrown in too!