Rosebud is a new children's classic no matter what city you live in. The author showcases her incredible artistic talents not only through the words she writes, but in the illustrations she creates. We loved every page!

This book is truly a masterpiece of postmodern children's literature. And besides, the author is an amazing person.

What a delightful book! I can't wait to share it with my grandchildren. The imagination of the story and the original paintings on each page makes you wish for more. How else would you have a country horse like Rosebud find her way to her dream city of Charleston than behind a "great big truck of juicy orange carrots." Or what expression on Rosebud's face could you come up with more delightful as she contemplates the "slide down the amazing banister in The Nathaniel Russell House." Sally Smith does a wonderful job of letting your imagination soar as she and Rosebud take you roaming through Charleston. I am looking forward to enjoying this gem many times over.

I often wish I could find other books just like "Alife." We have a little boy who absolutely loves Alfie stories. There are several wonderful things about this book. First, the stories are delightful--gentle but realistic depictions of a boy who can figure things out and actually accomplish some little four-year old feats on his own. I love the interaction among the family members (although I guess the dad is a little removed for my taste...). The illustrations are so true. I agree with the earlier reviewer, I'm also comforted by the little daily messes in Alfie's house. We also love the format of this book. It's big and long (divided into several stories) and our little guy really feels like he's reading a "serious" book. He likes to consider which story to read and we've even had a chance to do some teaching about page numbers. I've bought this book for several kids in the 3-4 year old group and I've heard good things from all of them. This is one I can imagine saving for the grandkids.

My 2 and half year old asks to read this book and other Shirley Hughes' books repeatedly. They are endearing and engaging for both of us (and Dad & big brother too). These realistic and beautiful renderings of a toddler's everday dramas explore small but important truths about behavior... sharing (at a birthday party) , courage (overcoming fear of opening a door by oneself), thoughtfulness (helping a sister in need), and learning about and taking care of one's belongings. But I only came to recognize these subtle messages after several requested readings which is of course most important. In our house this book is highly requested as well as recommended.

These stories of Alfie and his little sister, Annie Rose, are truly endearing. Children and parents alike will find the illustrations to be utterly enchanting and the stories amusing and very real. This collection is a "must have" for fans of English illustrator/author, Shirley Hughes.

What a great book! I actually am a lover of Paris and photography, and of course who can resist a dog, let alone two? I really hope the authors make this into a series, maybe London, Florence, Venice? The book reads like a childrens book, but the target audience does seem to be aimed at adults. Whomever reads this book, it's enjoyable and one of my favorites!

This book was a gift from a friend who knows our love for dogs and Paris. My wife had just returned from the city of lights to our four "children" when the book arrived. What a delightful remembrance of the city seen trhough the keen photographic eye of Michael Maylszko. The text is complementary to a fault. A truely seamless product.

This should be enjoyed by anyone who understands the mind of a dog or who has been to Paris. It will be especially pleasing to those who appreicate both

The dogs on their own are adorable, the words on their own are wonderful, the sights of Paris are beautiful - but put them all together in this lovely book and you get the dreamy package that is "Betty & Rita Go to Paris". Excellent work! I look forward to Betty & Rita's next adventure.

Terrific. Black, sordid, entertaining and most weird. Lots of fun!

I read it an thought it brillianly funny, and highly original. Fidel Castro seemed less than enthusiastic in his review, realising that this book has the potential to undermine all that he has strived for over the past decades of social and political revolution. "I read this book and realise that it is a legitimate, well thought out critique of the workers' paradise I have strived to establish in Cuba. It's back to the drawing board for me. I wish Hughes had never left his. I am a shattered icon."

First off, I think I should probably preface this review with a few important facts.

1. Brian Hughes is a close personal friend of mine.
2. I haven't (yet) actually read the book.
3. When I was a young boy, I had an extra nipple.

The Greyminster Chronicles is undoubtably the most important written work ever published since the twin tablets Moses brought down from the mountain, which as you probably are already aware, contained probably the worst practical joke ever.

The Greyminster Chronicles has the unusual property of being able to hold things down. Should you say need to force an peice of important paper to stop walking about, or to provide anistesia to a cat, or to stop your television from flying about the room, or even to prevent your fireplace from going out on dates without you. This is the book for you.

The Greyminster Chronicles is also the perfect accompanyment for J.D. Sallinger's The Catcher in the Rye. In fact, I've heard that it has been listed as mandatory reading for the Insane Wackjobs With Crackpot Assination Plots Everywhere Union. You can find more information on the IWWCAPEU from the CIA...

Everything considered, you should feel in danger of experiencing the phemomina termed spontaneous combustion, if you do not buy this book immediately. Oh... and could you please stop by my wishlist and buy one for me as well, as a cartoonist, I'm slightly poorer than dirt.

Most people can name at least a couple famous artists and cite some examples of their best-known works. But have you ever wondered what's really behind all that painting, sculpting, and drawing? Kathleen Krull's book Lives of the Artists: Masterpieces, Messes (and What the Neighbors Thought) gives an in-depth view into the humor, tragedy, and mystery in twenty artists' lives, as well as the gossip inspired by their peculiar lifestyles. Carefully researched, this humorous biography travels throughout the centuries, offering basic facts along with interesting tidbits and anecdotes about artists from Leonardo Da Vinci to Georgia O'Keeffe and beyond. It also includes interesting backround information behind each one's artistic works as well as creative and eye-catching illustrations by Kathryn Hewitt. This entertaining book allows readers to get to know the world's greatest artists and their artworks through each one's unique and engaging story.
The book is well organized into chapters each focusing on the life of one individual artist. The author skillfully and humorously connects information about artists' personalities, preferences, and lifestyles with how they affected their most well known artworks. It recreates each one's position in history, telling how the artists were seen by the general population in their day, or even their reputation among curious or superstitious neighbors. Readers will be able to see for themselves that famous artists were real people who did mess up once in a while. The author explains a time when Leonardo Da Vinci decided to try out a new painting method, saying, "The technique resulted in disaster...(he hadn't read all the way through to the part that said "don't try this on walls")."
The author's voice helps compliment the content in several ways. Kathleen Krull's words strike a tone that is warm, chatty, and friendly, making you feel as if she were talking with you in the same room. Her gossip extends not only to the basic facts but also to many specific details abou the artists' lives. Showing the passion and tragedy in his life, she remarks about the artist Vincent van Gogh,"Van Gogh imposed a condition of near starvation on himself and would go for days without food so he could afford to buy art supplies." In addition, every sarcastic or humorous comment made on the part on the author helps readers to feel they are getting to know an actual person rather than a cold, vague historical figure.
The author also ensured that the book would appeal to an audience of both children and adults. The words and explanations are engaging and humorous and immediately capture your interest, yet the vocabularly is not too difficult for children. The full-page color illustrations are vivid, clever, and bring to life each artist for the young and old alike. Because the book gives more information about each artist than is generally known, it is sure to benefit and interest a wide range of audiences.
Readers of all ages will definitely become hooked on this fact-filled and entertaining biography. Lives of the Artists: Masterpieces, Messes (and What the Neighbors Thought) retells the one of a kind stories of each of the world's most famous artists, blending historical facts with humor and captivating details. Most importantly it allows readers to recognize each individual artist through an attractive mix of their achievements, lives, and unique personalities.

Reading a chapter from this book has become a bedtime ritual for my daughter and me. My daughter happens to be very interested in art and this book gives her an idea of what it's like to actually be an artist. Both the illustrations and text bring these artists to life more than any other childrens or adult book I have ever seen. This is one of the few books that we both enjoy reading over and over again. I wish the authors would do another volume of artists. Meanwhile I'm ordering another book by this author/illustrator combination.

This book would make an outstanding addition to the reading list of any art lover. If you love finding out the gossipy trivia about some well-known and should-be-well-known artists, that this is the book you MUST buy. Really gorgeous illustrations by a fantastically talented artist herself, Kathryn Hewitt

I have just read a book called walker of time and it was amazing.
I would recommend it for people aged from 10 to 50.

It is about a Hopi indian boy called Walker who travels back in time 600 years. While he is travelling back in time a young white boy manages to get zapped back as well. Walker knows he's been sent back for a reason, but what??

It is half an adventure and half a sad story.

My dad bought this book for me a few years ago and I didn't think i would like it but i tried it out anyway. it was the best book ever. i lent it out to so many people that i never got it back but everyone who read it loved it.

A few years ago my mom got me this book for my birthday, and I thought I'd try it out. It turned out to be the best book I have ever read, and I am not exagerating! I have read it every year since I got it, and I strongly suggest you read it, and realize what I'm talking about. The adventure and suspense is great, as well as the dialogue and strong characters you will want to meet. Take my word for it, once you pick it up, you'll never want to put it down!

When Taylor begins her search, you not only feel her need to find her real mother but meet some delightful people along the way. The landlady and her "friend", the young man next door, the childhood friend all add depth and appeal. Add to that a large dose of small town Christmas and you have a joyous holiday experience.

It's a story you can't put down once you begin reading it. Taylor, a woman searching to find her real parents goes to Dell Colorado. The author paints a realistic image of a friendly small town at the Christmas season where Taylor believes she will find clues to who her parents were and the secret of the bell. It's an interesting adventure with an intriguing ending.

This is a great story which is very well written. It is hard to put down the book. You want to know what is happening. The way the book is written you actually can see yourself in the places the character is in, see the people she is interacting with. I love books like that. It is a story you can really get into.

Review
By Michal
There was this girl who always got in trouble she has no friends she would get teased a lot by other people. Thy would talk about her and she would always get upset about it.

Ruth was the main Character in this story. She is a little girl and the magic thing is that she would have a Dream about the outside world if she were bigger then she is. She would have red hair and someone who loves her, but he moves away. she wakes up screaming and the next day it really happens to her.

I liked this story because she is a nice person to every body and her dreams come true.

This is, at it's forefront, a very human book. Ruth is a girl who does not fit in with the harmony and community of the Arc in which she is born. She, like her peers and all other residents, posseses psi-talents, but unlike them, her talents differ, causing disturbances in the smoothly running community. Ruth wants to fit in but finds her own personality rubs against the grain--she is the catalyst, the person who will require her entire community to change and to venture out into the world once more...

This is a beautifully written book, written as a sequel to DEVIL ON MY BACK but a work that can stand on its own as well. Monica Hughes creates a post nuclear world that we can visualize and speaks to us of the longings that underlie all human existence, that for freedom and acceptance. I read this book when I was 15 and identified with Ruth and her dreams and longings. I have read it frequently since. YA readers, particularly young women will likely enjoy this story and its themes.

It is often the case that a sequel can't be read without reading the book that precedes it. I had bought The Dream Catcher ...... at a book sale, not realising it followed Devil On My Back, (also a fantastic book) and loved it. It easily stands alone, and is even better after reading the first book about the Arcs. As soon as I finished it I rushed out to get Devil. . . and it enhanced Ruth's experiences even more greatly, clarifying her dreams, etc. Both books are incredible, bringing forth an amazing world, that, no matter how far-out, is totally believable, with charcaters I could happily relate to. Not only was the series enjoyable, I was touched by many parts, especially Tomi's change, and the freedom song.

So the freedom man danced out of the Arc

Over the hills so shady

Into the night and out of the dark

To be with his long-haired lady

(I apaologise if that's not correct, I'm going from memory.) I was especially touched by the fact that this world does not exist, yet Monica Hughes has created such a moving song of hope and pride, that I could picture the people sitting around a roaring fire, singing of their happiness and the dreams of a "world made free" as another verse says. This is a beautiful book.

Unlike anything I've been able to find and everything I've been looking for. I used it all last year (my first year) and am still using it regularly.

I am currently a student of Dr. Vlahos, and she has told us about this book. It is a great resource for new teachers.

I had to wait two weeks to get it as I had to special order it through the Graduate Group, but it was worth the wait. Informative, easy to read, easy to reference, and written in a humorous tone... I was learning and laughing at the same time. The authors have true talent!

A voracious reader, yet I can count on one hand the stories that have touched me as Homecoming Queen did. Fountain Street Heat was every bit as engrossing.

I highly recommend anything Linda Hughes writes!

"Homecoming Queen" is for all the women who wince and laugh when they see old photographs of themselves in go-go boots, and who still cry over old lovers. Hughes brings it all back - and then some. Be prepared for the sweet, uncomfortable memories of an era when love was free and death was something no one was prepared for.

I realized too late that I had mistakenly rated Homecoming Queen with four stars rather than five. Please correct my typo and change my rating to 5 stars. If ever a book deserves a top rating, Homecoming Queen is it! Thank You, CLR