This book is the best, funny adventure. It is Junie B. Jones Has a Peep in Her Pocket. It is about a girl named Junie B. Jones. Her class has a trip to the farm, but she doesn't want to go because she is afraid of ponies. She thinks they can kill you and stomp on your head. She is also afraid of roosters. I mean REALLY afraid of roosters! She thinks they can peck you head off! Find out what happens when she goes to the farm!
Also, read some more of Barbara Park's books.

Junie B. Jones, the notorious protagonist of an extensive series of books for ages 4- 8, grapples with fear in the fifteenth of the series. Consistent with the rest of the series with the wordplay misunderstandings and farfetched children's logic that delights an adult reader as much as an early reader, Junie B. Jones has a Peep in her Pocket contains a more-existent plot cycle than the other members of the series. Preparing to participate in an end-of-year Kindergarten field trip to a farm, Junie becomes fearful first of ponies-due to an unfortunate "When Ponies Attack" movie she watched with a babysitter-then of roosters since "Meanie Jim" tells her that roosters "can peck your head into a nub."
After futilely trying to talk her way out of the farm visit, Junie grudgingly tours the farm until reaching the henhouse. The mild climax revolves around the henhouse visit where she holds-and becomes enamored with-a tiny, yellow peep that will grow to be a rooster. The farmer's explanation of the peep's future adult life gives Junie some confusion and the book ends soon thereafter.
Although sparse in plot suspense, substance, and character depth, the book is sure to delight readers looking for a light dose of humor. Many of the protagonist's amusing language errors will be overlooked by the younger child; the Kindergarten lingo has the danger of becoming grating to older children. The older reader can, however, sympathize with the trials of the adult characters who strive to bring enlightenment to a confused Junie. If the reader desires mild humor and a giggle, Junie B. Jones has a Peep in her Pocket is sure to be a hit.

My 6 year old son didn't care for reading until I bought a few of the Junie B. Jones books. They are very funny and entertaining and keep the kids interested. We have every Junie B. book and are always on the look out for new ones. These books are interesting enough, have large enough print and are the perfect length for my son to read alone. They gave him the self-confidence he needed to realize that he could read the book without help and that it was actually fun. My son also asks to read Junie B. to his 4 year old sister. He also enjoys picking out the grammar errors and laughes at that silly kindergartner. My kids enjoy trying to mimic Junie B.'s cute sayings like "Speedy quick" etc. My husband and I also enjoy reading Junie B. Jones. Great family reading!

Junie B. Jones is faced with a dilemma when her teacher announces a pet day--but no cats or dogs allowed. Junie B. doesn't want to bring a picture of her pet dog, Tickle, thinking that that is boring, so she decides to ask her parents for another pet. So Junie B. sets out to find a pet of her own. From an earthworm she names Noodle to three ants she finds in the backyard, to the racoon she never catches, to a dead fish she names Sparkle, Junie seems to find no success. What will she bring to pet day? You'll have to read this funny book to find out!

This book is about Junie's Pet Day at school. Junie is a funny character who tries to find the perfect pet to bring to school. You will have to read this book to find out which pet she picked.

Congratulation Barbara Park, Junie B Jones Smells Something Fishy
is a great book for both young and old. I thoroughly enjoyed this witty book about a spunky kindergartener who is trying to find the perfect pet for pet day. The ending was so unpredictable, I still laugh when I think about it. This clever and easy to read book makes it wonderful for your new readers to grasp and want to read!

This book is a novel of engaging frightening crime adventures. In Private Investigator JASON BLACK,The Author a former State Police member has given us a man at the prime of middle age who works wholeheartedly for his world of small towns,long lakes, and large forests, where honest people care about and reach out to help one another. This book is a tribute to a very special place on earth and a testimony of enduring love for the connected communities that thrive there in The Adirondack Mountains of New York State. The reader will meet some of the people who live and work inside of the "Blue Line." The author, the son of a logger,will introduce you to Wilt, who carves Bears out of logs with chain saws. And, you'll meet Dale, a pilot, who flies a vintage Stinson seaplane, who sometimes takes hunters into remote areas. It is truly a special place on earth. Read it, you'll love it.

Although the author is a relative I submit this review from my own perspective. Anyone who is acquainted with the area of the Adirondack Park inside "The Blue Line" will enjoy this book. Jason Black covers the Towns, Villages and Hamlets well, as he served the area and knows the people and where the good food is. He knows the loggers and those fine ordinary people that inhabit this special place. The suspense builds as a local Old Forge waitress comes up missing. Hopefully mankind and the caretakers of these vast forest regions will keep it from being abused. If you like the mountains and you like ordinary people, you will enjoy this book. Personally, I think Jason Black should spend more time chopping wood and feed his dog less. I give the author thumbs up on this book. Fast reading and interesting and brings back memories to the people that were here a long time ago.

"Adirondack Detective" came out on the market during the early part of 2000. This book has been moving off the shelf rapidly and is about to go into a third printing. It is a book that caught the attention of the people who love the aura of adventure, especially in the Adirondacks of New York State, a six million acre park where adventure lurks behind every mountain and rock. Jason Black, the main fictional character, a private detective, finds in these mountains, wonderful Adirondackers, both residents and visitors, who call on him for assistance in matters of intrigue. Read it, you'll like it. The reading public have sent us hundreds of letters requesting that Jason and Patty will unite. Will they? Or won't they? The forthcoming "Adirondack Detective II" will tell the story.

I own every guide book written about the Colorado 14ers and Roach's is the best. The new second edition is worth buying for it's color photographs and topo maps. The routes are now well described in both text and illustrations.

Gerry Roach's works are set apart from other authors for two reasons. First, Roach gives you the personal perspective of one man. He has climbed all of the peaks in his books and gives consistent, first hand accounts. After climbing a few of the routes in one book, I know what to expect from others. Second, Roach has made a career out of climbing in Colorado. His love of the mountains is evident and he is considered my many to the be authority on mountain climbing in the Boulder area.

I own all of his books.

If you are into skiing Colorado fourteeners, you might want to check out the Dawson guides, but personally, this book by Gerry Roach is my favorite guide for climbing Colorado's 14,000 foot peaks. Gerry Roach's guidebook provides very good information about the relative difficulty of different hiking and climbing routes, good route maps, photographs of the peaks, and detailed route descriptions. His guidebook provides alternative routes for most of the peaks, and I like the way he lists his favorite routes as "classics." Gerry Roach's guidebook is also more economical than the Dawson guides.

This book ranks as the single indispensable guide to hiking and/or climbing Colorado's highest mountains. Not only does Mr. Roach supply the reader with thorough and accurate route information, but he includes occasional wry observations on both mountains and mountaineers. We can only hope that the publisher will soon see the wisdom in printing another edition of this classic. Even for the person who makes but a single ascent per year this book ranks as a "must have."

The only criticism I have of the book is that the mileages listed (in the edition I have) tend to run shorter than the actual mileages of the routes. My brother and I jokingly refer to "Roach miles" and then make the necessary 10-15% addition to the miles listed for each route when planning our trips. My suspicion regarding the origin of this "discrepancy" is that the mileages given in the book may be based solely on horizontal distance and might not take the vertical dimension into account.

With the gift of words that seem to come straight from the 1890s, Paula Cohen has fashioned a unique love story. When Mario Alfieri, a world-renowned Italian tenor comes to New York to continue his successes at the Metropolitan opera, he falls in love with 19-year old Clara Adler, the sickly and penniless ward of a recently deceased millionaire. There's a mystery about the details of Clara's past, and an evil lawyer, Thaddeus Chadwick, who has his own reasons to do Clara harm. Mario and Clara wed, but as the layers of secrecy gradually unfold, the reader cannot help but be drawn into this tale of love, revenge and murder.

The story rings true on every level, even the most minor characters sketched so deeply that they not only live and breath, they live and breath in the 19th century -- these are not just modern characters in period garb. However, some scenes that drive the plot stretch the boundaries of the delicate nature of literature of that time, and will titillate even the most modern reader. As the characters develop, so does the story and there are enough twists and turns of the plot to keep the reader alert and intrigued until the very last page.

In the book's acknowledgments, the author gives thanks to her writing group, which she describes as still going strong and still an inspiration. I am proud to be part of that group and have listened to Paula's voice reading parts of the manuscript aloud for several years. I shared her joy when St. Martin's Press bought it and continue to be delighted to hear of the recent publication of British and Italian editions. And, even though I'm familiar with the book, I just read it through from cover to cover and was totally impressed by her command of language, the humanity of the characters and the pacing of the story. It alls fit together in a tapestry of words and was a deeply satisfying reading experience. Highly recommended.

The best thing about Gramercy Park is that the author deftly avoids falling into the many traps that go along with a Victorian novel of a woman done wrong.The only phonies here are obvious. The plot does not revolve around mis-communication. Instead Cohen lays out the characters, both good and bad, in a straightforward manner using a present tense style of narration that keeps the story going and the pages turning. Throughout she adds period details that bring old New York to life. Those who compare this book to a combination of Edith Wharton, Charles Dickens, Henry James with a little Danielle Steele are not far off the mark. But if that is the foundation for Cohen's very readable first book, I can only hope that she'll continue to build upon it.

Gramercy Park is what I call a great read. It catches and holds your inerest; the characters are fascinating and the plot just whizzes you along. And you can't wait to find out what happens next. The descriptions of time and place and the writing make you feel as if your are back in time. You'll want to know what secret is Clara hiding and will Mario find out.A wonderful book; to curl up with and spend a day or two because you won't be able to put it down.

I bought this book based on the reviews I read and all I can say is, are they reading the same book as I am? This book has the basic information about the trails and other interesting information like who was the first to climb each of the formations. There are no actual illustrations of the trails in the book, only textual descriptions. It tells you how long you will live without water based on the temperature. Seems to me you should know that before you head out. It is a compact size which makes it easy to lug around all that useless information. It does have some interesting history about the Grand Canyon and contact information for hotels and rafting. Again, information that is not very useful once you are on the trail. It has a listing of water sources but any serious hiker will check with the back country office before hitting the trail, which for the records the book does recommend. It also came with a useless map which is suitable for coloring. If you are planning on hiking into the canyon, I would recommend the book by Adkison over this one.

In the last 19 years at least seven general interest Grand Canyon hiking guides have been published and this is great for those folks who want to hike not only the popular trails but other trails and routes as well. Included are excellent descriptions of all the popular trails but many less visited trails and routes are also included (ie, Apache, Tuckup, Whitmore). Of all the in-print guides his trail descriptions are the most up-to-date and his trail mileages are the most accurate. The "introductory" sections on natural history, Native American cultures, etc. are added bonuses. Other important features include lists of water sources and temple and butte climbing history. The book's small compact size lends itself to be carried easily in one's day or backpack. The only negative notes I would add are that some of his trail descriptions need updating and the bibliographies could also use updating. The index has been improved since the last edition. For those folks wanting to hike only the most popular trails consider "Hiking Grand Canyon National Park" by Adkisson or "Official Guide to Hiking Grand Canyon" by Thybony. Both of these are excellent guides. Annerino's book includes a fold-out trail map but one venturing off the heavily travelled trails should consider the National Geographic Trails Illustrated Grand Canyon Topo Map. (Note: I have lived at the Grand Canyon for over 13 years, have hiked below the rim over 6,000 miles and have hiked most of the routes in the book.)

In the last 19 years at least seven general interest Grand Canyon hiking guides have been published and so far this is the best for those folks who want to hike not only the popular trails but other trails and routes as well. Included are excellent descriptions of all the popular trails but many less visited trails and routes are also included (ie, Apache, Tuckup, Whitmore). Of all the in-print guides his trail descriptions are the most up-to-date and his trail mileages are the most accurate. The "introductory" sections on natural history, Native American cultures, etc. are added bonuses. Other important features include lists of water sources and temple and butte climbing history. The book's small compact size lends itself to be carried easily in one's day or backpack. The only negative notes I would add are that some of his trail descriptions need minor updating and the bibliographies could also use updating. The index has been improved since the last edition. For those folks wanting to hike only the most popular trails consider "Hiking Grand Canyon National Park" by Adkisson or "Official Guide to Hiking Grand Canyon" by Thybony. (I have been told a 2001 edition is planned for the Thybony book.) Both of these are excellent guides. Annerino's book includes a fold-out trail map but one venturing off the heavily travelled trails should consider the National Geographic Trails Illustrated Grand Canyon Topo Map. (Note: I have lived at the Grand Canyon for over 11 years, have hiked below the rim over 5,000 miles and have hiked most of the routes in the book.)

While this book may not be for everyone, it is very funny. It is written in a style similar to Dr. Suess with beautiful illustrations and a funny story. The kids that I read this with especially like the "hidden snowman" on every page. This is a great addition to your Christmas collection.

FINALLY A CHRISTMAS STORY THAT OLDER CHILDREN CAN ENJOY. I READ THIS BOOK TO MY CHILDREN AGES 8 & 11 LAST CHRISTMAS. BOTH OF THEM ALONG WITH MY HUSBAND AND MYSELF REALLY ENJOYED THE STORY ALONG WITH THE ILLUSTRATIONS. I HAVE READ ALL BUT THE LAST 3 BOOKS THAT DEAN KOONTZ HAS PUT OUT. AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED HE IS THE BEST AUTHOR THAT I HAVE READ IN YEARS. HOPEFULLY HE WILL WRITE ANOTHER BOOK THAT THE WHOLE FAMILY CAN ENJOY AGAIN.

This is an awesome Christmas book for late at night during the holiday season. I read this to my 5 year old sister and she loved it! Not only is it a great story but there is the added fun of trying to find the "hidden snowmen" on every page. Not many people know this but this is a sort of "continiunce" of Dean's earlier adult horror book "Mr. Murder". Santa's Twin features the family from that book. The storyline of Twin came from a story that was told to the kids in Mr. Murder. Overall, great Christmas book!

As always when I read non-fiction, I look for a glimpse into the lives of others, to discover facets of life I have not experienced. And, thank heaven, I have not had to go through what this gallant woman endured. And endure she has! She came back from the most hideous abuses a woman can suffer, and then had to deal with a long physical recovery and the public's insistance on politicizing her violation -- which would have seemed to me to be yet another violation, and added pressure I certainly didn't need when fighting to recover from my physical and mental faculties. Yet Trisha managed to focus on the positive, to take strength from love and support from family and friends (many she'll never meet) and was nourished by her spiritual side. If Trisha profits from my purchase of this book, I am glad. For I feel I profited from her story, her strength and her honesty. And I'm sure that there are countless women all across the country who do not feel that the brutalization of another woman is "yesterday's news," and will also feel inspired by this wonderful story. Trisha is living proof that the human spirit can rise above anything!

This is a fantastically written book - not an ounce of self pity! This book is about a strong woman reclaiming her life. I am inspired by her courage. The writing style is easy to read and not bogged down by too many details or medical lingo. I am riveted by her story (as I was when it happened in 1989 - I am from NYC!) and I am thankful that Trisha has lived to tell the tale!

I was too young to know what was going on around Trisha's brutal attack in 1989 but felt compelled to read her book 14 years later. I can't read it fast enough. I have never met her but I feel so proud of her - like she is a personal friend. Trisha writes many horrific details of what happend to her, how she has struggled to become the woman she is today and what is means to be a survivor. I find myself praying for her and thanking God for taking care of her. I am amazed by her strength, perseverance, and openess. It is a gift from God that she does not remember what happened to her. She knows what it is to be a survivor and we can all learn from her!!

A good basic guide book for campgrounds in the northwest. What this book lacks is a way to evaluate campgrounds before you get there. Ya, it gives you the facts but it is hard to distinguish the enviromental factors (road noise, etc.) until you pull in with your tent on a Friday night. It is best to supplement this book with guides such as:

"Camping! Washington : The Complete Guide to Public Campgrounds for Rvs and Tents"

which give a general feel for what public campgrounds are more desirable and why.

After reviewing many camping books for the northwest, this one is far and away the MOST complete, the MOST helpful, and the MOST fun! The organization has obviously been well thought out and tested, and the information is priceless. It's like having your own personal guide to ALL the campgrounds, primitive to RVparks. I found 30 campgrounds within an hour of my home, 20 of which I never knew existed! No review can do this book, or it's author, justice. It's undoubtedly best camping investment I've ever made, period. This also makes an EXCELLENT gift for anyone, beginner or expert, who does any camping at all in Oregon or Washington...bought one for my Mom just weeks after pre-ordering mine, who's had previous editions and sworn by them.

I had the pleasure of running into Tom on top of Mt St. Helens. He turned out to have a personality just like he writes! He was generous with his time and seemed happy to talk with me and find out how I like his work. I had been using an old edition of PNW Camping for a few years. He told me to get the new one because he and his staff did a ton of new research and a lot has changed and been improved. So I got one. Wow. My wife and I just finished a two week tour of Oregon: the coast, Cascades, and southestern high desert. The new book was right on, every time. It would be a total understatement to say it was useful. It was utterly indispensible. The text let us look at all the possibililties for each night, and make a really reasoned choice, then the directions got us right to the place we had chosen. I felt like the book was my co-pilot and trusted advisor. I also had the old version along, and found that things had indeed changed, and that the directions, style, and content of the new one to be quite a jump in quality and utility. Stienstra totally nailed it this time. I wont go anywhere in the PNW without this book. Bravo!

This book has also been published with the title "Mountain of Bones" so don't buy it twice like I did!

I like these books. They are not predictable, which is unusual and good. After reading so many crime novels and about forensics, it is refreshing not to be able to pick the killer, and be thinking for half the book "c'mon stupid main character, he/she's the killer!"

The only problem I have is the long bits of describing the scenery.

After reading Liberty Falling, I became Nevada Barr's Fan #1. I definitely wanted more Anna Pigeon. The reviews suggested that Ill Wind was not only a good suspense mystery, but also a good character novel. Thus I read my second Anna book. I was not disappointed.

The characterization of Anna is superb. With her soul-searching and sometimes late-night-drinking as well as her love of the natural world and a somewhat love of a temporary ranger, she makes for a very well-rounded heroine. Only problem is I just finished the book this morning, and I already miss her and her adventures.

The other characters in Ill Wind were excellent too -- the young ranger from Tennessee, who was a little "too sweet" but had a hidden bravery -- the lovable dwarf child Bella, who was a poignant mixture of vulnerability and toughness -- and even an FBI agent with a heart -- all seemed entiredly believable.

The story didn't disappoint either. I had my guesses early on as to what was causing the calamities, but it was a great ride following Anna and her fellow rangers as they solved the mystery.

Hmmm. Better start reading the reviews to see which book I'll get next!

Nevada Barr really hit her stride in Ill Wind, the third in her wonderful Anna Pigeon series.

In this tale, park ranger Anna is stationed at Colorado's Mesa Verde park, where the famous cliff dwellings draw tourists from all over the world. As in her other two books, Barr makes the reader experience the site. It is her great gift--reading about the kivas and mesas and the haunting spirits of the primitive Anasazi, who originally constructed the mesas, I felt I was there. I could feel the heat of the air, smell the surrounding vegetation, feel the sandstone. And, along with Anna, who is becoming more likeable with every book, I worried about seemingly nefarious activites in the park--of of which ends in the death of a fellow ranger. Anna knows the death is not accidental, but try as she might, she cannot put together the increasingly strange and seemingly unrelated clues.

Along comes "Fred the Fed," whom we met the last book. He and Anna team up to solve the mystery, and the interplay between them is a true delight.

I find this series a true delight as well; the concept of a park ranger as law-enforcement detective is so different, and so perfect, as are the descriptions of the incredible national parks. I am getting a real education, here! This is the perfect book to take to the beachl or the pool or the park--easy, fun, gently suspenseful, and perfect.