I am 12 years old and I gave this book to my youngest brother who is 4 for Christmas. He loved the story and especially the pictures. It is his favorite book. Both of us think it is and excellent book!

The wolves howl in the darkness, but for young Matthew, their song is nature's lullaby. The singing of the wolves are magical melodies luring him into a fantastic nighttime adventure. Guided by a silvery gray wolf, Matthew joins the pack in their secret play. They paint the night sky with diamond sparkles and a curtain of swirling colors. Wolf Songs is a beautifully presented story transforming fears into songs and wolves into warm and magical friends. Combining Raye Raya-Norman's deeply engaging story text with Richard Ziehler-Martin's rich, dreamlike illustrations, Wolf Songs will entrance children ages 5 and up as it gently encourages their renewed confidence in a friendly world.

This book is wonderful. I've been a wolf-lover for as long as I can remember and now my 5 year old son is becoming fascinated with wolves too. I would recommend "Wolf Songs" for anyone, young and old, to add to their book collection.

Katherine Martin's Women Of Spirit gathers stories of courage and spiritual insight from the women who lived unusual lives. Stories of spiritual guidance and how these women made a different in their worlds prove inspiration and absorbing, with the book providing sections based on the type of spirit exhibited by each.

This book is full of stories from average women who decided to take a stand for themselves or for someone else and suddenly found themselves making a difference in the world. Julie Su was one year out of law school when the slave like conditions of an El Monte sweat shop were uncovered. No one wanted to take the case of illegal Thai immigrants against big business so she did.
Kathy Buckley was born deaf, misdiagnosed and placed in an institution of the mentally retarded. She didn't start learning to speak until she was 8 yrs old - She now is a motivational speaker for others who are often "unseen and unrecognized." Most of the women in this book live average lives like me and I found their acts of courage very inspirational because I could relate to them. It makes you want to cheer for women who color outside of the lines, "good girls" who don't always behave as they are told. These women face fear and keep going. The chapters are short, inspiring to read, and there are contact numbers for each women in the back of the book. Very cool. It's a inexpensive gift that packs a wallop.

In a time of terrorism, violence and uncertainty, Women of Spirit showcases courageousness, spunk and fortitude - true American attributes. The stories are both uplifting and fascinating. A great gift for the person in your life who is seeking inspiration.

This is a wonderful book. I first came upon it when inventorying my late father's estate, which contained a very old, thoroughly-thumbed and dog-eared copy dating to the first edition. (Dad was a veteran of the Pacific war). I could not put the book down. "Zero!" is a thoroughly honest, non-jingoistic view of the aerial component of the Pacific war from the Japanese perspective, beginning with "The Sino-Japanese Incident" (Japan's war of aggression against China) through the defeat of Japan by the United States. While not everything in the book is necessarily correct, I believe that most or all readers will agree that the authors were scrupulously honest in their writing, and they convey the facts of the war as they saw it.

The title of the book, "Zero" reflects the authors' view that the design characteristics of the famed Zero fighter aircraft were central to Japan's waging of the Pacific war. As of 7 December 1941 the Zero could outfly, outdistance, and outfight any fighter that the United States had in service, and was rightly feared and respected by allied fighter pilots. So were the Japanese pilots themselves, who were largely battle-hardened veterans of tough aerial campaigns over China fought during the late 1930s. The Zero's range and other attributes were what made much of Japan's Pacific campaign possible, as the Zero had an unprecedented combat radius which the authors explain was central to Japan's strategy of establishing a tough perimeter for its aspiring empire.

The book is fascinating. It fully explains how the earlier American fighters were outclassed by the Zero, how the P-38 Lockheed Lightning was the first viable answer by America to the Zero (it had wildly different flight characteristics which required both sides to modify their tactics), and how finally, by late 1943 newer American designs i.e. the Hellcat, Mustang, and Corsair, finally relegated the Zero to obsolescence even as America gained the upper hand.

Other wonderful insights abound. Japan never gave its heros medals, not even to the great Japanese pilot/ace Saburo Sakai (a great chapter is devoted to him--see also the book "Samurai" and my review thereof)-- the authors' regret and perhaps resentment of this policy is plain. Japan was in awe of America's ability to hugely supply distant outposts shortly after launching an invasion--Japanese forces in the Pacific were always undersupplied and not only due to American action--the Japanese never really developed a modern logistical capability equal to the demands of global war. Similarly, the authors lament that Japan simply did not attach importance to such things as insect control and other dimensions of jungle hygiene for their outposts. This lowered the efficiency of the men markedly, as no doubt bureaucrats in Tokyo expected the men in distant jungles to overcome disease, hunger, and discomfort with warrior zeal. And yet, throughout all of this, the American reader will gain a respect for the determination, discipline and dedication of the Japanese foe of the time.

I have never read a better book about the Pacific war. This one is a keeper.

As a B-29 co-pilot, Saipan, 1945 (883rd BS, 500th BG, 73rd Wing), I was hugely impressed to read this sober, carefully chronicled report of how it was for the Japanese. The book is written by two intelligent, loyal Japanese aviation experts who tell it as it was. No boasting, no whining, no alibis. The authors detail the Sino-Japanese war of the late 30's, the attack on Pearl Harbour, Guadalcanal, Midway, and there are 2 chapters about our B-29's, starting with the chapter, "Defence of The Mainland, The Superfortress Appears". Some of us in the Marianas felt uncomfortable about the fire bombing in the Spring and Summer of '45. Now for the first time in my life, the Japanese explain to my complete satisfaction that the fire bombing was what ended the war, not the 2 atomic bombs. The book contains no bitterness, they just tell it as it was. This book should be a must for everyone who had anything to do with the air war in the Pacific in World War 2!

It's been a long time since I read the book, but I particularly recall Okumiya telling about losing an eye in aerial combat, and returning to fly and fight again, as a one-eyed fighter pilot. Also, the accounts of how he felt about seasoned pilots being "invited" to fly Kamikaze missions; and his description of the conditions late in the war when the Japanese pilots were out-planed, out-gunned, out-numbered, and virtually starving on remote islands. I think this book is well worth the read.

My grandfather was born in 1888 in the town of St. Martinville, LA and turned the century with the rest of Mr. Capuder's cast of characters. Even with that connection, in reading this book I still learned things about my ancestors that I didn't know. It is amazing how real these folks still are on the pages of Le Petit Paris, as if they'd just closed their storefront or doused their lantern for the night, not the century. I am the author of a book of Cajun poetry, Porch People, that tells the stories of these same people two generations later and it is with great respect and pleasure that I add Mr. Capuder's vast information to my own.

The book takes you back in time. The author makes you think the people are still here with us today. And he makes you feel like you're living in the past. The book is very informative, interesting, beautifully detailed with pictures, and sectioned. It's our own heritage and the way they lived. It has cross references which makes it even more interesting. But most of all it leaves you hunger for more.

This book is a small treasure of riches from the past for rural southwest Louisiana. The turn of two centuries finds us viewing our ancestors as if they still worked this land and shopped these store fronts. I learned things about my own great-grandfather that our family oral history had not documented. Mr. Capuder has done a wonderful job condensing such a vast history into such elemental beginnings.

My son, who is a huge basketball fan gave me a copy of this book for Christmas. I was reluctant to read it because I'm not a sports fan but I was delighted and surprised that it was much more then a sports book. The beginning was a little shocking ( I don't recomend it for kids under 16, eventhough my son is 15 but I love the relationship between Bobby and his mother. I also think the novel examines an important question, that is, what happens to kids when their heroes let them down.
This is a good book for mothers and sons to read and discuss.

Conti's book came highly recommended to me from respectable readers. I read myself it in one sitting, quite a journey. Martin Barnett will become a cult classic for those of us who made it through those crazy years in LA.

My name is Sonja Leemets, I'm a former student of Peter Conti and he is an extremely talented teacher and authur! The book is a little risky for a 13 year old (like me)... But I thought it was great. Keep on writing Peter! I bet your not even reading this, someone else is, and this review doesn't say much about the book, but oh well. Peter-do you miss the trio? (insiders joke, you don't get it cause your on the outside).
toodles!
-sonja

I have been reading this book to my 5 year old for 2 years. She still delights in the lyrical rhymes and bright happy illustrations. A wonderful book for any child.

I have the pleasure of working with Linda Martin. I saw this book in its creative process and I can say that Ms. Martin puts a great deal of time, effort and love into her work. I have given this book to many relatives and friends and they all say their children love it. I've found that it is both fun to read and fun to look at the pictures. It is such a pleasant experience reading to a child and sharing the experience of this book over and over again. This book has encouraged me to turn off the television and sit down with a child and read with them. I hope that it does the same for you.

We adopted two babies from the Ukraine in 1997 and this book is their favorite hands down! I think they enjoy the steady, solid rhymes as well as some cool illustrations.

I am really intrigued whenever I read a brand new mystery or suspense thriller, which is why I thought about writing mystery short stories. Hence, I purchased this reference book in hopes that it will inform me about everything I need to know behind law enforcement. It does give details on the legal system, the police force and criminals. The author discusses crimes and has a lists of weapons. It does provide minor information on police procedure and "cop talk." In addition, there are extensive lists on books to look at for more information. However, this book does have its flaws. It only contains brief paragraphs on some topics, so don't rely entirely on this book for information to write your novel or short story. It is a detailed book, but does not include as much info. as I had originally hoped.

I have to agree the book was very complete. It was a bit more than I could often use in my romance writing but trust me... if I needed even the smallest crime detail, it was in there.

This book is your guide to the police department. No more countless hours of interviewing the police to learn about procedures and organization.

There's a complete list of weapons terms, fundamentals of investigation, even police and crime slang. While it's interesting enough to read the whole way through, you can flip right to the source you need. There are even rules of evidence and organizational charts to help make your writing more "real."

"Yours 2 Keep" is a decent anthology of stories centering around "Y2K" bug-related disasters. As usual with anthologies, some stories were better than others, but all were good reading.

"Arts Magica" by Kay Hooper was one of the stand-out stories in this bunch. The hero and heroine were well-developed for a novella, and the premise was both interesting and different from the norm.

I don't normally enjoy overly sweet romantic stories, but I'll make an exception for "Gabriel's Angel." The characters and romance were very, well, sweet, and I was definitely rooting for them by the end.

"Stuck with You" is a decent story. The novella form forces the characters to undo long-time biases in a short amount of time -- a short enough time that the transition in their relationship felt abrupt. But, the characters were appealing, and I especially enjoyed the ending.

"Close Quarters" was probably the weakest of the bunch, although it's still a good read. The secondary characters were especially appealing with their mischief. But, again, the relationship transition felt awkward.

"Trouble at Midnight" is well-written, with an interesting premise. I liked the characters a lot, and enjoyed the story. But I felt a little cheated, too; this story could have used a little more development to be truly outstanding.

Despite all these criticisms, all the stories in this anthology were well-written and interesting. This is a very good read from some talented authors. (And, even better, since it's now 2001, we can look at the dire Y2K predictions and snicker. Hehe.)

The first two have a touch of paranormal to add to the new millennium atmosphere. The next three show us that pre-judgment could cost us true love unless fate and the Y2K bug step in.

Arts Magica - A quick easy read. A young wizard plays with an experiment created by the man she admires. When the Y2K bug hits she finds herself transported to his home in 1899.

Gabriel's Angel - The Y2K try's to put an end to Gabe Rawlins future in the new millennium. He meets a gorgeous angel who helps him find his way.

Stuck With You - When the Y2K bug hits Attorneys Lauren Alexander and Griffin Sloan find themselves stuck with each other. They learn that the Y2K and fate are working together to set the record straight.

Close Quarters - Veronica Rourke thinks she is committing a felony to protect her fathers privacy. When the Y2K hits she finds herself trapped with the man she is sabotaging.

Trouble at Midnight - Dora Wickers wants to make changes in her life...but she doesn't know if her Clark Kent / Banker boyfriend fits in. When the Y2K hits they find themselves stranded on a train forced to make a decision.

I liked the premise of true love being in the hands of fate AND the Y2K bug. Let me remind you this is an anthology, the stories are short and the relationships are quick, so don't be surprised if you come away wanting more. This passionate anthology is a fun easygoing read to start the new millennium with.

All of the stories in YOURS 2 KEEP were wonderful, which is not often the case in short story collections. Special standouts were "Arts Magica" by Kay Hooper, "Stuck with You" by Michelle Martin and "Trouble at Midnight"by Jill Shalvis.

Readers who loved Kay Hooper's THE WIZARD OF SEATTLE, will be estatic at the chance to see Richard and Serena Merlin again. In this story, you meet their apprentice, Felictiy Grant, who has yet to learn how to control her own powers. While experimenting with her powers, Felicity gets thrown back in time to 19th Century London and into the arms of one delicious scientist.

With "Stuck with You", Michelle Martin gifts readers with something that is often hard to find, a love story that is not only "sizzling" hot, but also heart sweet. When two adversaries are stuck in an elevator due to the Y2K bug, they are forced to find out that they have more in common than they knew. Their journey to this discovery is one of the sweetest that I have read in years. I've never read a book by Michelle Martin before, but I'm making it a Y2K resolution to change that and fast.

Jill Shalvis' "Trouble at Midnight", is another story of characters discovering new things about each other. Dora thought that her "soon to be" fiance Adam Morgan was just a dull, dependable Clark Kent kind of guy. She knows that other ladies would love to have a dependable man like him, but she longs for more adventure and mystery. It takes a Y2K disaster to show her that Adam is all the adventure she would ever need. He is one hot hero!

The other stories in the collection are just as good, but these three were my favorites!

In just a short 76 pages Hans-Jurgen Martin touches on all aspects of Zebra husbandry. The information goes somewhat beyond beginners' interest and includes an excellent introduction to genetics. The quality of photos in the book are excellent,I only wish these nice photos where dedicated to more photos of the various varieties of Zebras instead of nests and types of seed. I find it to be a valuable quick reference source and it sparks further interest in the care and breeding of Zebras. I would highly recommend it to anyone who keeps Zebra Finches. Kathy Dezern

I have purchased this book for my Business Fobex South Africa cc (Fish or Bird exports )and after reading and studing the whole book I had more then success with all the information I gained from all the wonderful topics. This book is a must for those who want to have a deeper knowledge of the Zebra Finch. e-mail fobex@iafrica.com " and remember that any Barron Books of the Pet Owners Manual is always a good buy "

This book has given me all the information I needed to help in raising my finches. I enjoy it and refer to it everyday.