As always, Mr. Graves has written a lovely educational children's book that is both entertaining and informative. "What Is A California Sea Otter?" is a great introduction to sea life, with excellent drawings and clear, easily understood text. The perfect book for parents, educators, and those who can't decide on the "right" gift for a child. High recommended!

Ruth and Kaz cover all the bits to do with women's anatomy and physiology that conventional books do (that bookshelves in stores are groaning under the weight of), and look at both conventional and natural therapies for dealing with problems when things go wrong.

It is no 'new age bible', not is it a dry medical tome. It is comprehensive and helps women make decisions about what forms of treatment may be best for them, be it self care, herbal remedies, or conventional medicine.

Eighty years before the ill-fated Soviet submarine Kursk sank, killed its entire crew, and inspired a major movie, another sub full of American sailors faced certain death on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. But the resourceful crew of the U.S. Navy's S-Five didn't suffer the same fate as the Kursk's crew. And their story is recounted in vivid detail in "Under Pressure."

"No matter how dire and hopeless things may seem," Hill says, "life is worth fighting for."

His book is a remarkable story of true heroism in a time of heroes.

This incredible story, which I'd never heard about before, took place in 1920 in a fairly primitive submarine (by today's standards). However, I believe it remains the only instance where the entire crew of a sunken sub was rescued. Lt. Commander Savvy Cook is as cool and calm and as great a leader of men in dire straits... Since they all survived, wrote letters, articles, and left a good first person record through official Navy records, Hill is able to place the reader on board the S-5 alongside with Savvy Cooke and his men. It is as gripping as any story of survival and rescue--think of how we all reacted to the recent rescue of the 9 trapped coal miners in PA. As exciting as any submarine or naval story ever written,... I can't recommend this book enough--this book is a gem. There's even an unbelievable photo of the stern of the S-5 sticking out of the water.

Doctor Hill has done a great job relating the tale of a group of true American heros.
He brings the right amount of submarine history and the history of many of the members of this fantastic story.
Without this book the story would have been lost.

There's something fascinating about aerial views of cities we're familiar with, the new perspectives on familiar buildings and monuments and street intersections. Here, you can see not only the precincts of Parliament and Westminster Abbey but even the huge mass of soccer fields at Hackney Green. Seen from the air, the architectural unity of places like Mayfair and Kensington Palace are evident. My only complaint about this book, actually, is that it isn't more up to date!

Robert Cameron and Alistair Cooke teamed up to produce a wonderful visual account of London in the late 20th century, a stunning piece that will serve as a guide for generations of what London was like during this period. I know archaeologists who would sell their souls for such a record of previous historical periods. But, the historic value of such a record is probably not the reason to have it.

Cameron had produced similar books over San Francisco, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Washington D.C., and Yosemite (perhaps more by now). Alistair Cooke (yes, the Masterpiece Theatre host) convinced him to

'...collaborate on a more challenging project: a new view of a capital city that has neither picturesque mountains nor the dependable climate of Cameron's previous subjects, but one that offers as much variety and as many visible relics of centuries of history as any city on earth.'

The first plates show maps from the Middle Ages, and the same aerial view today, side by side: one can see some of the same streets and patterns, a bridge in the same location, but also (naturally) great differences. The pattern of Chelsea remains as a framework from the days of the Duke of Beaufort in some ways (including Cheyne Walk), and very different in others. A French drawing of St. James' Park looks very familiar, with the difference being the absence of Admiralty Arch which helped transform the Mall into one of the great processional routes.

Included is a drawing from the Victorian era that shows the then-new Palace of Westminster; four Frechmen proved the ability to use ballooning to scale new heights (alas, only one survived the ascent to 28,000 feet); in 1886 Wyllie and Brewer went up west of Westminster Abbey to make a drawing, including the smog in which London 'luxuriated' -- as a sign of the energy and prosperity of the world's first port and the capital of Empire.

Juxtaposing an aerial view of St. Paul's surrounded by bomb damage with the current view, the resilience of London can be seen. London has suffered destruction various times, and always bounced back.

After the historical tour, the book takes a tour of London by the river Thames, then branches out into the Central City, the South and West, the North and West, and then follows the river out of the city into Windsor and countryside environments.

One fun section include a collection of aerial views of festivals and 'fun' spots: the Oval, Wembley, Lords cricket ground, the Henley Regatta, Ascot, and, of course, Wimbeldon.

Each series of photographs is accompanied by Cooke's particularly witty and sometimes elegantly-scathing commentary (one can tell when he thinks that progress was not for the better), such as his commentary on the Wimbledon photographs:

'There was a time when the All-England Lawn Tennis Club's Wimbledon courts were surrounded by open meadows and a small enclosure for the nobs who owned automobiles. Today the area of car parks is greater than that of 'the action', and during the fortnight of the championship the cars desecrate the golf course in the adjoining Wimbledon Park.'

A fun and interesting book, one that is deserving of closer inspection. If you've ever been to London, this book will bring back memories and give a perspective that one rarely gets of the city. If you've never been to London, this will inspire you to plan your trip!

Anyone who's ever spent time in London (or any historic and picturesque region) will see the city in a different way with this book of aerial views. Other reviewers have commented on the need for an update (particularly since the Millenium building boom), but essentially, the sweep of London history remains as it was: the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Whitehall, Hyde Park, Hampstead, the Thames, etc. And there's the undeniable thrill of saying "I was there," since virtually every area is covered. This book also adds a dimension to travel that we don't often consider: how buildings and streets really are situated in the places we visit, and our relation to them. After traveling on foot over most of central London, I never realized how much I covered until I bought this book.

my child is now proud of wearing diapers. the first line in the book is --Do you wear diapers?-- my kid laughs and says yes and pats his diaper. He doesn't relate to her dislike of diaper rash or having to sit in it when mommy doesn't have time to change it. Also this book talks about diaper pins and tape which is outdated even for cloth diaper users. So this book has had the opposite effect by no error of the writers; I didn't expect that reaction when i bought it! Really is probably a decent book for every other child in the world

MY DAUGHTER LOVES THIS BOOK. IT IS AMONG OUR FAVORITES. THE MUPPET BABY MISS PIGGY TELLS ABOUT HOW SHE USED TO WEAR DIAPERS AND DECIDED TO BE LIKE THE BIG KIDS, SO NOW SHE USES THE POTTY. WE OWN AN EXTENSIVE COLLECTION OF POTTY BOOKS, AND THIS, WHILE BEING ONE OF THE LEAST COSTLY IS ONE OF THE BEST.

This is a cute book featuring the Muppets Miss Piggy. I think maybe a girl would relate to it more. My son is very aware that it is a little girl potty training in this story. It has a very cute rhyme about not wearing diapers that I have adapted for my son.

This bright pink book just screams for attention. Australian author Kaz Cooke is well known for her cartoons, films, and writing. Her humorous book provides delightful wisdom about a variety of female topics: nutrition, dieting, the fashion industry, and self-image to name a few. As Cooke says, 'We want to find out how to stop seeing our bodies as the enemy. And hey, let's face it, we wouldn't mind a laugh while we're at it.' Cooke manages to provide serious, thoughtful information in a casual, appealing manner. Because the text is divided by bold titles and subtitles, it is easy to pick it up and flip through to a subject of interest. The text is broken up by cartoons, quotes, and quizzes. One of the best parts of the book is the 'Contacts' and 'Further Reading' lists at the end of each topic. The book is sassy and fun, great for kids from 14-103. Some of the humor may go over the heads of younger readers. This version has been 'Americanized,' changing metric measures to American measures.

This is a great book for anyone who is feeling like a 'space-porker from hell'. Kaz Cooke tells the truth about dieting, modelling, body image and much more. The section on cosmetic surgery and why it is not a good thing was really useful to me. The information is presented in a frank, easily readable way, with funny cartoons and tips on how to deal with the 'body police' and the 'style police'. This book taught me to feel good about who I am and that my personality is more important than my looks. I especially liked 'Social Blunder Woman' and the 'Sensible Underpants' cartoons.I really enjoyed reading (and re-reading) this great book and anyone who has ever felt like they are worthless, fat or ugly will too. An excellent read for women (and men!) of all ages.

Kaz Cooke is a friend to women everywhere. One of those friends who can tell you the truth and still make you feel better. The book covers issues like body image, advertising, make-up and beauty myths. It will give you a boost, as well as a laugh, and a lot of really useful, sensible information. It could just change the way you look at dieting, health, fashion etc. Lots of perspective and a breath of fresh air. There are plenty of cartoons, drawings and real life letters, tips on what to say to "the body police" and ideas on how to boost your body image, amongst other things. This book is a good counterpoint to the madness that young women go through every day. It's a sensible, mature healthy way to live and think.

The description on the back of the book says it best: Libertarian revolution. If you're interested in this book at all, you should read it. It was brilliant, moving, thrilling.

What's it about? Well, there's a computer technician living on Luna, a prison colony where the lack of gravity causes irreversible osteoporosis that makes it impossible to move back to Earth after a few months. Earth is dealing with overpopulation and lack of food and shelter. Nations are still divided. And then the people of luna decide that they have had enough and want their freedom. They fight for it. This is their story, including the AI computer that helps them figure out a way to win against the mother world. But I won't tell you what that is or how it ends, because that's the best part.

As a standard caveat though, Heinlein uses a couple of obsolete concepts freely. Relish it, if you will, but be prepared. Sometimes that's what good sci-fi is all about.

My only real q!ualm with this book, and one that almost cost it a star is that it is narrated in the first person, and the narrator has a thick Loonie accent.

Heinlein is the godfather of science fiction and this book, which won him the last of his 4 Hugos is probably the greatest of all of his works.

Heinlein was a master at speculative science fiction, he is able to create a set of events, while purely fictional, is kept so close to realistic lines that they not only seem plausible but real. This novel could almost be a self help guide to carrying out a revolution. What greater cause than the freedom of not one country but an entire planet in chains?

To me, what makes this novel his greatest is the relative clarity of the narrative and the smooth transitions between the various stages of the plot. While Stranger in a Strange land could be said to be more imaginative, its narrative structure is such that it could almost be 2 storylines told at once.

Call me a romantic, but nothing I have read in science fiction has stirred my blood more. That is why Heinlein can be forgiven in giving the book an ending that many feel is romantic rather than realistic. How many revolutions do result in better government anyway? This is one of the most underrated novels in science fiction and is a bennchmark for which future generations of writers can set their standards. It is a classic that will never age and who knows, it could still come true! Viva La Revolution!

This was only the second Heinlein novel I'd ever read, and to me, it was the most moving. I have read Starship Troopers, The Cat that Walks Through Walls, and Stranger in a Strange Land thus far.

This novel is part science-fiction adventure, part social commentary, and part political philosophizing. However, that seems to be the formula for most of Heinlein's novels (or at least the ones I've read)

The story is of a computer repairman, who is the first person to realize that the large central computer which the Lunar Authority uses to control most everything has become a sentient being. Through this realization, as well as meeting with a couple of agitators who are dissatisfied with the way things are run on the Moon, Manny (the repairman) becomes one of the founding fathers of the revolution that allows Luna to gain its independence.

Throughout the book, Heinlein explores different notions of politics, marriage customs, culture, and human nature, all of which is thought-provoking at least. The end of the book, and its inevitable climax, left me emotionally drained. Never has any book been able to do that to me the way this book has. While Starship Troopers remains my favorite Heinlein novel, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is a very, very close second.

I would highly recommend this novel to anyone interested in science-fiction, political science, or just plain looking for a great read.

We keep this book in the bathroom for our almost 2 year old to occupy his time while toilet training. I especially appreciate that this book demonstrates baby Kermit using the big toilet with a removable potty seat rather than a toddler's potty chair, which seems to be the approach in other "potty" books.

My 2 year old daughter has memorized this entire book. She now loves to flush the toilet and say, "by-bye, poopey-doopey-doo!"

Needless to say, we are at a time in our lives when we have a number of potty training books around the house, and we find this one straightforward and appealing. It features a little Muppet boy who has been learning to use a potty seat. The youngster talks about how happy he is to be a big boy and wear pants and go potty by himself. He interrupts play, takes down his pants, sits on the potty and "goes", wipes, flushes, pulls up his pants and washes his hands before going back to play, where his friend and toys are waiting to pick up where they left off.

The book features a potty seat that sits on the big toilet rather than a free-standing potty chair, and no phrases for defecation or urination are used. A good choice for families in this interesting phase of development.

Who doesn't love Sam Cooke? Well, a lot of people, but they are a misguided bunch. This book provides finely researched insight into the talented mind of Mr. Cooke. Why hasn't his story been made into a major motion picture? And I don't mean one of those crummy VH1 movies, either. Sam's life was a story of scandal, faith, outstanding talent, women, shady record deals and murder. Author Daniel Wolff writes with flair and honesty throughout the entire book. I loved his descriptions of Sam's songs and their different stages of creation. For fans of Sam, as well as devotees of pop and gospel music, "You Send Me" is well worth reading.

I didn't know Sam Cooke beyond a few of his old hits (I was born in 1971) but picked up this book on the advice of a friend. 'You Send Me' is a fascinating study of the man and his music.

There is stuff in there for everyone... his religious roots... early fame at the helm of the most famous gospel group of his day... the illegitimate children... his tragic marriages... his relationships with Aretha, Lou Rawls and Muhammed Ali... his refusal to play to segregated audiences, blazing the way for integration across the South... spirited, behind-the-scenes stories of his recordings and live performances... his everlasting love of soul and gospel music and how he founded his own label to showcase otherwise overlooked talents. And, of course, his controversial death in a cheap motel and subsequent investigations.

'You Send Me' is a wonderful picture, as well, of the South at the turn of the 20th century, Depression-era Chicago and a teenage America finding a common love of rock and roll.

In the end, the reader is left with a satisfying read as well as a sense of tragedy over a life so filled with potential cut so short by misadventure (he was not yet 34 when he died). I almost cringe to draw this comparison, but like Princess Diana, another charismatic celebrity, Sam Cooke is beloved because despite the glamour, he was altogether too human.

This book stands up to repeated readings. Then, listen to his music. You will smile, because Daniel Wolff will have taken you there.

When I first read this book,I was so entranced that I stayed up all night reading.Sam Cooke had long been my musical idol and many stories about him are a) sketchy or ;b)center around the bizarre circumstances surrounding his death.Granted this book doesn't answer many questions about his cause of death,but it does open up alot of things about his life.It showed a human side to the man behind the voice(fathering many illegitimate children,his shrewed business instincts,the death of his son Vincent,and the heavy drinking before his own death),as well as a detailed account about the genisis of his greatest songs(guitarist Cliff White thought You Send Me was repetitive during the sessions for the song,Wonderful World was a demo which was rushed released by his former record label to cash-in on his RCA success,and A Change Is Gonna Come was inspired by Dylan's Blowin' In The Wind).You Send Me, like the now deleted Man and His Music CD are essential to any Cooke fan,especially when many of todays music stars could never hold a candle to this talent.

This is a wonderful book for any dedicated amateur pianist. It contains great, detailed advice for planning practice sessions--more practical detail than I've seen in any other piano book. Moreover, the writing is delightful. Mr. Cooke was a journalist for the New Yorker in the 30's and 40's and obviously really knew his craft. While most of the book is devoted to improving piano skills, he does drop a hew hilarious anecdotes. One priceless one involves his use of a silent keyboard and how he manages to drive James Thurber crazy with all the mysterious tapping.

I've incorporated many of his suggestions for improving practice into my own daily routine. His suggestions are practical, spot-on, well documented and easy to understand. Some bits of the book are somewhat dated. I take personal exception to his recommendation of Hanon. But, all in all. if you're a dedicated amateur pianist, this book should be on your shelf.

This book is written in the 1930s but none of the concepts presented is dated at all (ok, maybe except recommending Hanon). It is inpirational and a fully enjoyable read. It contains advice on how to practice and memorise. The author also shared his own repertoire (75 pieces in total, iirc), and it has given me some new ideas on what to play next.

I am completely thrilled that they reprinted this book. I have an original 1941 edition that I have been reading and rereading ever since I got it. It's not just for the beginner, the novice, or the person who used to play the piano. Anyone who counts themselves as a hobby pianist, or has some problems with enjoying their practicing as much as playing "finished" pieces will garner a lot from this book. And anyone who enjoys piano at all will probably enjoy reading Cooke as he extolls on his beloved hobby. For those who are working seriously at their piano he offers concrete practicing tidbits on everything from how to divide your practice time, to memorizing. His lists of suggested music at different levels are a great place to start if you don't know where to look for your next piece of music. A wonderful, wonderful book.