My Daughter is 5 and we've been reading this book for 2&1/2 years - Christmastime or not! Now I'm trying to find replacement stickers so that her brother, who's 2&1/2, can enjoy the book as well.

The Scratch and Sniffs wore out very quickly! (too quickly, perhaps) But this is a book that my 2 1/2 year old is still very much enjoying, despite the passing of the season.

I had this book twenty-five or thirty years ago as a child myself. It is still one of my favorite childhood memories, to be able to conjure the smells of Christmas, even in the middle of summer. The smells were very accurate, and taught me to appreciate the more intangible aspects of the holiday season, not just the commericalism that is so prevalent today.

I have been a fan of Mable Mercer since i saw her perform at the Downstairs at the Upstairs in NYC in 1961. I jumped at the cance to buy this book, wanting to know more about her. I managed to plow thru it since I was really interested in knowing about here life - but it sure was a chore to do so. This is perhaps the worst written book I have ever read. Redundant, terrible uncalled for puns - you name it. If you are a fan, do read it - her life story is there. But be prepared for a tortureous journey.
I would have given minus stars, but that didn't seem to be an option.

The composer Cole Porter preferred her rendition of his "It Was Just One of Those Things" to any other singer's. A skinny blue-eyed young crooner named Frank Sinatra used to jot down notes on a cocktail napkin when he came to hear her perform at Tony's, a club on Manhattan's 52nd Street. Sinatra would later say, "Everything I know about phrasing I learned from Mabel Mercer." Billie Holiday, Lena Horne, Bobby Short, even Edith Piaf and the Duke and Dutchess of Windsor discovered in Mabel Mercer an artist of incomparable style and eloquence. From the 1930s until her death in 1984, Mercer was a singer's singer-a consummate interpreter of the popular song. She launched dozens of songs by Porter, Gershwin, Kern, Berlin, Arlen, and others that have since become classics in the repertoire. Mercer was, however, relatively unknown by the general public because she shunned fame. For much of her career, she performed almost exclusively in small nightclubs in Paris and New York. Not just any nightclubs, it should be noted, but the legendary cabaret clubs Bricktop's and Le Boeuf sur le Toit in Paris, Tony's,the Café Carlisle, and the St. Regis Room in Manhattan. Margaret Cheney's marvelous biography, the first full-length study of Mercer's life and times, will introduce many music lovers to one of the twentieth century's greatest unsung vocal stylists and fill in the missing pieces for the aficionados. The life itself was eventful from its conception. Born 100 years ago, in Staffordshire, England, Mercer was the daughter of an Anglo-Welsh teenaged mother and an African-American father. The child--of light complexion, blue-eyed, freckled, with frizzy black hair--was essentially orphaned when Emily Wadham ran off with her future husband (emphatically not Mabel's father Ben Mercer) to the music halls of Australia. Though raised by a kindly grandmother in a cottage in North Wales, Mabel suffered as a child, and for her entire life, from feelings of abandonment. The beloved grandmother died when Mabel was nine. Far too early in her life, she was entrusted to a convent school in Manchester run by Italian nuns; there the little girls branded the vulnerable Mabel a golliwog and tortured her because of her unusual looks and her orphaned status. At the tender age of 14, Mercer graduated from convent school and entered the music hall world that was her family inheritance. She took to it like a fish to water. In the years after World War I, African-Americans began coming in appreciable numbers to England and the Continent to perform. Eventually Mercer found herself living and working among black artists who were welcomed by Paris-the Paris of the Jazz Age. Midnight at Mabel's is especially fine on this formative period in the young singer's life. It was at Bricktop's, the great cabaret at 66 Rue Pigalle, that Mercer arrived at her elegant signature style. And it was at Bricktop's that the world of popular music composers and performing artists took note. In the 1920s and 1930s, and mostly in the wee hours, Mercer played with the best of them: Cole Porter, Django Reinhardt, Stephane Grappelli. Even in the years of her early success a modest, very private and dignified person, Mercer was beloved of people in all walks of life. Among her many friends were British royalty, singular artists, like Marlene Dietrich and Noel Coward, whom she met at Bricktop's, and adventurous tourists who had the wit to drop in at the Montmartre boite. In 1938, with the Nazi invasion of Europe looming, Mercer reluctantly, and with great difficulty, made her way to the United States. Several lean and lonely years passed before she reclaimed her rightful place as the toast of the cabaret world. But by the late 1940s, Cheney tells us of the New York music scene, "It became customary to say, 'Let's go to Mabel's!' Any club she sang in was automatically 'Mabel's.'" New York became the home she rarely left, except for weekends at her country retreat in the Berkshires. In the 1950s, Mercer occasionally appeared before enthusiastic audiences in clubs in Chicago and San Francisco. She annoyed club owners by refusing to book return engagements. However, Mercer's audience grew appreciably with the several albums she recorded for Atlantic, including two concerts with Bobby Short at Town Hall. But in the mid-1960s, rock music came to dominate the music scene on stage and in the recording studios. Club life in general, and Mercer's splendid career and the careers of her friends in particular, declined precipitously. However, near the end of her life, when she was prepared for poverty and obscurity, there came a final almost Dickensian turn of events. Mercer was discovered and celebrated by a new generation of fans, many of whom were gay New Yorkers. In her seventies and eighties, she was showered with honorary degrees and honorary appointments, television appearances and an award-winning documentary, concerts at Carnegie Hall and the Kool Jazz Festival, a triumphal return to London, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and so on. This was the kind of comeback, or vindication, a star performer might reasonably yearn for. Not Mercer, it would seem. For the first time in her life, and to her despair, she encountered autograph seekers. Cheney tells us that "biographers had often sought [Mercer's] permission to write her story but she wanted no part of them or it. After she was gone, she said, they could say whatever the liked, but while she lived she would have peace and privacy." In her knowledgeable, insightful and sensitive telling of her subject's life story, Cheney has succeeded in enlightening the grateful reader while managing to preserve a measure of Mercer's privacy. Mercer died of a heart attack in the early spring of 1984. Among the honorary pallbearers at her funeral mass were her good friends Bobby Short, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Johnny Mathis. One need hardly add that Mercer's legacy lives on in the great repertoire of American popular song.

Mable Mercer was the best...her voice, her style, her passion. All the great cabaret singers learned so much from her, about phrasing and interpretation. Few people know much about her life, so this biography is very welcome. She was of mixed race, and mixed cultures...she became a star very early, and then had a long career. Her fans were madly devoted. I was lucky enough to see her perform in her later years...powerful. A great, inspirational story; a terrific read.

I found this to be just about the worst book I've ever read. Much of the book (and effort) is spent on a plot line with no resolution, while a second plot line is brought up that is totally disconnected from the first. The only thing that kept me going on with this slow paced book was the hope that some really intersting twist or subtle connection between the characters and plot lines would appear. In the end it was so totally unsatisfying and dissapointing that I couldn't bear to put it back on our guest-room's bookshelf where it had been left by a previous guest; I threw it out.

Rather than follow up on the really wonderful Fast Forward, with books that actually enlighten us as to what really happened to Ariel Gold and her dead twin sister Jane, Judy Mercer uses their story as a mere backdrop for new really dull and non pertinent adventures. The reader gets no closer to Ariel's missing years in this convoluted story about her blinded yoga teacher, a deadly assault & a mysterious letter from an old acquaintance that knew both girls. I just finished the book last night and keep asking myself what was that book about and why did she even have Ariel as the heroine. As another reviewer wrote, the villains were totally obvious--and boy was she right. There was no mystery, no suspense, and no romance with her former boss and worst of all, no resolution to the mystery of her missing life. Message to Judy Mercer: You can resolve the Ariel story for us and still have a series. Tie up the loose ends and then go on and write humdrum stories about Ariel Gold girl reporter.

For a thriller, this book moved very slowly. I got very tired of hearing about the protagonist's trips back and forth from LA to the Bay, and all the mundane details of her life. Also, the ending was extremely predictable. I guessed the 'killer' from the moment she met him/her. Anyway, it's somewhat entertaining, and definitely kind of creepy, but not the best plot or writing.

As an Egyptologist I add to my library regularly and I am always looking for a good hieroglyph workbook to improve my translation skills. This one is based upon extracts from Wallis Budge's work and was actually assembled in 1927. Since that time the approach in transliterating and translating hieroglyphs has evolved considerably and I would not recommend this publication for anyone especially a beginner since they will be sent off on the wrong track from the very beginning. Budge's work was seminal to be sure but is now very dated. An alternate excellent publication would be "How to read Egyptian Hieroglyphics" by Mark Colier augmented with other publications to enlarge the sign resources. Collier's book will set you to translating immediately in the style now taught.

I gathered from the book's description that this might finally be the one to offer easy lessons for learning hieroglyphics quickly-- such a thing is impossible, but I don't stop looking. It is a good book for easy reference for the major signs and their meanings, though it is far from complete. The lessons, in my opinion, are not good, and other sources must often be used to translate the exercises at the end of each lesson. The basic pronunciation key in front is not only inacurate so far as naming the objects depicted in the hieroglyphs, but Mercer seems to expect the reader to learn Hebrew and Arabic in order to properly pronounce them. (I also disagree with his writing of hieroglyphs in shorthand, but that's beside the point.) On the up side, there are some nice brain-busting exercises at the end of the book where the reader must decipher actual Egyptian texts, though I don't see how one could using only this book's instruction. It's value is not lost, though, as it does make a handy and convenient guide (184 pgs) for the more experienced student.

There is no other source I know of that has so many glyphs PLUS THEIR MEANING. I have used this and the other volume that goes with it for myriads of translation problems.

This is the only book I have ever actually thrown out! The book lists all the reasons that the Little Critter is having such a terrible day - only the reasons aren't really terrible (such as having to eat oatmeal instead of sugary cereal) or they are the consequence of some action by the critter (he leaves his toys out and they are damaged). The "happy ending" is that everything is OK because the Dad buys the critter a new toy. This book sends a variety of terrible messages to children.

My 4 and 6 year old kids love the little Critter books, especially the 4 year old. They love the the funny pictures and how Mom and Dad usually add amusing commentary to the text. Just a Bad Day is entertaining and can help young children learn how to deal with negative feelings and situations.

... I am glad I went ahead and bought it. This book hardly teaches terrible lessons. If you can think back to when you were a child, the incidents in this book are all valid reasons for having a bad day (although my kids love oatmeal and I don't think a little book like this is going to change their minds!).

On the contrary, this book has some positive things to say. I know my kids indentify with the little Critter in this story (as they do in all the little Critter books) - what kid hasn't been upset by things out of their control - with a rainy day or a broken toy, or the annoying actions of a sibling? ...

In identifying with Little Critter, children learn that they're not alone and that their feelings of boredom, frustration and anger are valid. And that negative feelings can quickly turn around and become positive And being able to laugh at the pictures shows kids how to find humour even in difficult situations, which is something that can be important to them while growing up and learning's life's lessons. We sit down as a family and read this book together - we even act out the situations, talk about how the Critter is feeling and discuss what positive things HE might do to improve his day (especially if you still don't like the idea of a new toy, a material object, being the reason for his day getting better) or how he can plan ahead to ensure that the next rainy day is good one.

...

I just love these "little Critter" books. They're cute and easy for toddlers to relate to. Coming from a small person, having oatmeal for breakfast might just be a reason for a bad day. Again, this is a toddler book and I don't think kids will expect to be given a toy every time they have a bad day.

This book had been recomended to us. However, after purchasing it, we discovered we made a mistake. The book has 18 story panels. Of these, half appear to be mocking the limited ability of the child performing the tasks. For instance, while "fixing" a window, he breaks it; he pulls up the flowers instead of the weeds; he knocks over furniture while dusting; and showers his unappreciative mother while watering the lawn. We had been hoping for a book that presented the simple goodness and pleasure of performing everyday tasks well. This book fails to do so.

This book is great for children who are learning to read. It is visially entertaining and somewhat educational for kids.

I enjoyed this book, unlike others I thought the illustrations funny and true to life. All toddlers think they are helping and yet they someimes tend not too. I thought is was very funny seeing Little Critter accidentally squirting his mother with the hose, I could totally relate. So please keep in mind this is a TODDLER BOOK not designed to be "politically correct", rather fun and cute! But again this is just my opinion.

Having followed the story of their arrest on the news, I eagerly snatched up this book. Once I got into its pages, I could see that many will be offended by this story. Why? Because they will not understand it. You can understand what drove these women only if you have experienced similar faith and have lived a similar ministry.

I can understand where Dayna and Heather are coming from. We get their religious background, how they came to know and love God. We see how they felt drawn to Afghanistan to help the downtrodden. I was touched by their ministry to the poor. So much of it was practical, such as giving clothing and food. But the two also realized how these people, living under so hard a regime, needed hope. So the two walked a fine line, giving hope without actively converting.

Maybe some will see Dayna's and Heather's weaknesses, as when they were imprisoned and discouraged. But I saw their strengths, how they never stopped loving, how they continued to minister--giving food, clothing, etc., to fellow prisoners. I saw how they continued to give hope, teaching songs, telling stories,... Even cold, ill, or hungry, they still put others before themselves. And I was touched at the goodness of the Afghani people, their hospitality.

Dayna and Heather displayed no bitterness or resentment in their story. We see this story as part of their personal spiritual growth. I feel those who know them are lucky.

In August of 2001, we were introduced to American missionaries Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer. Each had accepted their calling into missions and was serving the people of Afghanistan. While many lives were changed as a result of their work, the Taliban arrested them for sharing their faith. For over three months the world watched and prayed for their release and eventually in November 2001, these prayers were answered.

While many of us believe that we have heard the whole story, there is more. Told candidly in first person, Heather & Dayna take the reader into their world. We are introduced to the people they impacted, their experiences in Afghanistan, and those who also were involved in their journey during their time in prison. You will truly be moved as you read of the experience that made both women stronger and passionate like never before.

Prisoners of Hope is a powerful, moving, and compelling story, one that is true testimony of God's faithfulness and mercy even through the most difficult of times. Dayna and Heather are incredible women and as a young Christian woman I salute them for heeding the call and sharing the gospel to the Afghan people. I pray that God will continue to bless them both greatly.

Reviewed by Kanika (Nika) Wade
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Dayna and Heather are two incredible women and I was so moved by following their story in the news last year that I eagerly bought and read this book in just a few days (it usually takes me weeks!). I was impressed with the way their different (sometimes really different) personalities came across in the way they told their stories. The book alternates between one of them telling their story and then the other one picks up. But even though they are different, it is beautiful how they share an amazing devotion to their Christian faith. They are quite forthright about being Christians, which I find refreshing since it often seems like some people just want you to keep it to yourself. This was fun to read and I hope they get to go back to Afghanistan some day like they say they do.

While the children and I love the "Just Me" series, this one was particularly disappointing. The kids just don't appreciate the heavy sarcasm and disrespect, and were quite horrified that the babysitter ended up sleeping on the couch while the kids were up. The book is about disrespect, disobedience, a lack of adult control and is written in such a manner as to encourage children to copy it. I threw this book in the garbage.

"Just Me and My Babysitter" by Mercer Mayer was a pretty good book, but not one of the best by Mercer Mayer. It is a kid telling a story about what him, his sister and his babysitter do when his parents go out. The kid in the story thinks he is helping the babysitter out, by helping to do the dishes, making dinner, giving his sister a bath and things like that. The illustrations show that he is just making the babysitter angry because he keeps making messes and causing trouble. Kids would most likely find the book funny because the illustrations don't match when the words are saying. Some children might try to imitate what the pictures are showing, and cause trouble for their own parents or babysitter.

Another winner from Mr. Mayer! My son loves the Little Critter series and was quite pleased with the story. He had his first babysitter (other than the Grandparents) yesterday, so the timeliness wasn't lost on him. Neither was the sarcasm. The tone of the book is lighthearted. Critter helps the babysitter out with the meal and his little sister, with comical results. After the little sister is put to bed, the babysitter really shows her ineptitude and the fun really starts.
I read some other reviews about how the story taught "disrespect" and "disobedience". I didn't see it teaching these traits as much as simply representing the facts of how children are.
Lighten up the book is for kids.

This book offers very little help in leading successful change. The book's content really exists in one chapter that describes Mercer's three ingredients to successful change. These ingredients are very basic and intuitive concepts that are covered in a very cursory way. And all throughout the description of his three ingredients, Mercer is plugging his other books and seminars. It gets extremely annoying and detracts from the validity of what Mercer has to say.

The one positive for this book is that there are several interesting case studies for change. However, they are riddled once again with Mercer's plugs. Here's just one example from the middle of a case study:

"Employees pick up cues about the leader's optimism, attitudes, expressions, and way of handling situations. In fact, this is addressed in two of my books and audio books: (1) Spontaneous Optimism; Proven Strategies for Health, Prosperity & Happiness and also (2) How Winners Do It: High Impact People Skills for Your Career Success. My books and related business tools and speeches even delve into research and practical tips on how optimists tend to achieve much more career success than pessimists."

Aside from being self-serving, if these tools and practical tips do exist, why are they not included in the book?

I would strongly recommend not purchasing this book. There are much better books on change that you can spend your time and money on.

Dr. Mercer books is greatly inspirational for
leaders. Offers practical information on what
geat leaders of successful companies did to make
it big. This book is even great for individuals
who want to learn the secrets of fabulous leaders
in American -- to better themselves. Real stories
from real people are inspirational and motivational
to read and reread time and time again. Bravo Dr.Mercer
for a read well done!!

This book went to the presses to soon. Every example is full of errors. Every example is lacking and fails to show what it is intended to show. To add to my frustrations, online resources are not updated either. There are far too few illustrations. Far too few cross references. I would recommend "The XML Companion" by Neil Bradley, Addison Wesley. Just flick through the books side by side for 10 seconds and you get what I mean.

I am currently using this book in a class on XML. It has been used sparingly, thank God, by our instructor. The main book we rely on for good advise and examples of XML is written by Elizabeth Castro. If you don't want to waste your money on a book which is not very clear, concise, or written in a well defined and orderly manner, don't purchase this book. I have worked in the field of computer programming and written in 9 different computer languages, as well as, learning others. Take it from me, there are better books on this subject.

The book does a good job with explaining topics such as using XML as a database and using DOM to interface with XML. It is also a good book if you work in the Microsoft web technologies (ASP, VBScript), since many of the examples use ASP and VBScript to interface with the XML document.

However, I had to give it only three stars because it is not really a book for people new to programming, as this book advertises. A reader does need some kind of programming basics to understand some of the topics. Also, I think that the book glosses over the basics of XML. Even though the more intermediate topics like using XML as a database are explained well, a reader that is brand-new to XML could easily get lost because not enough emphasis was placed on the basics.

If you do work in the Microsoft technologies, and you want to learn and work with XML, then buy this book AFTER reviewing the free XML tutorial on [website]