With so many books about pottery, one as amazing as this is a special treat. The simplicity and beauty of this potter's work are exceptional. I don't purchase very many books, even though I'm very involved in ceramics, but this is a "must have".

A most enjoyable read - set in t he mid 1960's , it is an historical novel of English immigrants who come to California to help build the transcontinental railroad. The author did her homework. Her knowledge of the building of the railroad is outstanding, and her characters move the story along a a good pace.

*** Important note: The projects and recipes in"Snacktivities" are selections from the previously published Gryphon House book, "Cooking Art" by MaryAnn Kohl and Jean Potter.

Look in your fridge. See all that boring ol' food? Turn it into art with these playful art experiences...and eat the results! These are easy cooking and food prep projects for kids of all ages. I personally love the Bunny Pear Salad and the Polka-Dot Party Melons. How about you? ~~~ MaryAnn Kohl

The authors have done a wonderful job of breaking down the various skills, from beginning to advanced, required to develop or improve your game. Each of the various skills is explained in detail (and illustrated!) and supported with drills of increasing difficulty. This book is an excellent resource, both for the player desiring to improve their skills and the coach looking for useful practice techniques. I highly recommend it!

I have just discovered Patricia Potter within the last year, and I'm enjoying finding her older books at Book Exchange stores. I was so excited to see Soldier and Rebel on the shelf this month, then I discovered this was reprint of two former published books. The Rebel was a delightful "feel good" story. In fact, it would make a marvelous Christmas TV movie. The characters in The Solder were so real. I could hardly put the book down. Thank you, Patricia Potter, for adding so much to my reading enjoyment this year.

Vol. 2 of The Lost Lansdale series is a children's story. It's a skimpy tale of innocence and growing up, of adults vs. kids and just a smooth story that only Joe Lansdale could pull off.

The neighborhood is looking sick...and 2 boys decide it is because of a new house that showed up recently and without any of the adult's noticing. The kids decide to stalk it at night to see if what they think is true.

What they find out is so out-of-this-world and unbelievable that when they are confronted with saving their neighborhood, all they can do is go by instinct. The scenes of this fight are so vivid and hilarious, and the ending is solid. A good, if somewhat pricey, story that may go over very well with kids more so than adults.

I find it incredible that this affluent and priviledged white male with a two hundred thousand dollar education could possibly know so much about hip-hop. Of course no one should take seriously his claim that this is in some way a 'risky' undertaking, especially from a well-paid academic. Still, Potter knows his stuff, is capable of taking in a great variety of the cultural discourse surrounding hip-hop and making sense of it (at least sometimes). I suppose this is just the kind of dull-as-driftwood analysis of a vibrant musical culture, but, as he points out, what else did you expect from an academic? I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to be conversant in everything hip-hop; just try not to sound like a rich white guy worshipping at the fount of Black creativitiy, won't you?

I don't know when I've been so excited about a book of hands-on art ideas for kids!! Favorite picture book illustrators are featured in this book for kids age 4-12...with art ideas to match the illustrators' styles and award-winning titles. Each page has a child-drawn portrait of the illustrator, synopses of the book, quote by the illustrator, easy to follow steps and materials, a great variations.

Some of the books and illustrators covered are:
- Storybook Art Includes -
Clare Beaton-How Big is a Pig?.....Stitching Time
Patrick Benson-Owl Babies.....Cross-Hatch & Stipple
Marvin Bileck-Rain Makes Applesauce.....Fancy Words
Jan Brett-Goldilocks & The 3 Bears.....Behind-the-Scene
David Diaz-Smoky Night.....Collage Story
Lois Ehlert-Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.....Letter Collé
Ed Emberley-Drummer Hoff.....Bold Marking
Ian Falconer-Olivia.....Piglet Painting
Wanda Gág-Millions of Cats.....Cat & Mouse
Mort Gerberg-More Spaghetti I Say.....Silly Spaghetti
Clement Hurd-Good Night Moon.....Shoebox Bedroom
Ezra Jack Keats-The Snowy Day.....Snow Collage
David Kirk-Miss Spider's Tea Party.....Clay Tea Set
Leo Lionni-Fish is Fish.....Rub & Cut Scene
Robert McCloskey-Blueberries for Sal.....Blue Fingerdots
Mira Reisberg-Baby Rattlesnake.....Snake Pattern
Faith Ringgold-Tar Beach.....Tankas
John Schoenherr-Owl Moon.....Winter Stencil
Maurice Sendak-Where the Wild Things Are.....Scratch-Color
Dr. Seuss-The Cat in the Hat.....Kid in a Hat
Charles Shaw-It Looked Like Spilt Milk.....Cream Clouds
Chris Van Allsburg-The Polar Express.....Lights & Snow
plus 78 more Great Illustrators of Favorite Picture Books!
You won't believe the resource chapter with illustrators' websites and lists and more lists and awards and birthdays of illustrators and so on.

I especially like all the kids' artworks on the cover and throughout the book. I am sure you will enjoy this one!!!! It's something special.

This is my favorite of the Beatrix Potter books, and I probably read all of them as a child. It's ideal for a slightly older child. A very sweet story of a tailor, his cat, and a group of mice who save his business when he is too ill to work.

This captivating tale of a good-hearted hedgehog introduces children to many precious animals. When tiny Anabelle is nominated Official Dog Chaser of Riverbank, several citizens give her their harsh advice. Eventually, Anabelle realizes the best way to rid their homes of the menacing labrador is to make your enemy into your friend.

I am so impressed with this tale! It just was republished in March. The author skillfully increases your child's vocabulary by introducing challenging words and then providing the definition through a clever animal.

Your child will learn a valuable lesson on how to deal with others of all personalities. It will encourage them to look beyond first impressions and get to know one another more thoughtfully.