I purchased this book "sight unseen" from ... some months ago. I was interested in adding some spiritual content to the nightly reading sessions that I have with my two sons (ages 7 and 10.) I had originally intended to merely "tack on" the daily page-long devotional to the end of our sessions. I found, however, that my boys are so eager for this type of instruction, and the little stories are so compelling, insightful, and contemporary, that our 1/2-hour long sessions have been converted completely to the one page, its corresponding scripture verse, and the "How about you..." discussion questions provided. The kids actually remind me if I forget, and beg me to read them the night's selection when I try to defer if I claim I'm too tired!

Highly recommend !! This is the only book that I have not had to ask and encourage my 10 year old son to read. He loves this book. As a parent, I love this book.

I have three sons, and will read this book with each of them as they become ready! I was fortunate to find this book last June, just in time to start a summer devotional program for my oldest son (now 8 and in second grade). This book definitely enriched our summer! The stories are warm. The teachings are based on scripture. The main characters in each of the 365 stories are young boys that all young boys can relate to. They present solutions to issues which most young boys will likely encounter or ponder (kindness, honesty, obedience, faith, loyalty, etc.). At the end of each story is a 'How About You' section which poses questions for discussion between the parent and child. If you keep this open and non-confrontational, then this section can really encourage the child open up and to learn from you by talking, asking questions, and sometimes even make confessions to you. Because these are age-appropriate teachings presented in stories which young boys can identify with, I believe they will have a tremendous chance of impacting our young boys and keeping them on the right path when we as parents cannot be near them.

This is a great resource for parents who want help or additional resources for instilling solid Christian-based morals and decision making in their young boys. Sharing these stories with my son has been such a delight! By the way, he himself absolutely loves this book!!! We have nine more months if we read one story a day, but we will be finished much sooner because he has asked if we can start reading backwards after we finish our daily story (we average about 3 stories a day). P.S. I love to read him the day's story while waiting for his bus in the morning! What a great way to send him off to school! Best of luck. I hope you enjoy this book with your son as much as we do!

As a counsellor who has studied behavioural psychology, I can attest to the fact it is important for an individual to hold onto their own identity and not live in the shadow of someone's expectations. There is also truth in the fact one must love themselves before they can give or receive love to the fullest. However, it is also equally fulfilling to have someone to share your life with. That is not to say everyone needs a partner to be fulfilled, and in cases where the relationship is not a happy one, life may be more fulfilling without that partnership. The importance is not in finding a partner, but in finding the right partner, a soul-mate who has no desire to control, own or manipulate your life....but to share it.

Those who do have partners and happy, fulfilling relationships will agree that sharing your life with someone is one of life's greatest pleasures and richest treasures. That has been the way of mankind, since the day's of Adam and Eve, and the universal way of telling us we do not have to walk through this life alone unless we choose to do so. This book traces the path of ancient culture and wisdom - the joys and rewards of partners and sharing. We truly do reap what we sow, and the more love we give and share with others, the more we are destined to receive.

In addition to this book, I also recommend reading "Surrendering to Marriage" by Iris Krasnow (which is really not about surrendering but sharing) and "The Mastery of Love" by Miguel Ruiz - both are excellent books on love, sharing and fulfilling one's dreams.

Dr. Pearsall was a guest on Montel Williams (4/20/2001). What he had to say about marriage made a lot of sense. We definately do suffer from a me, me, me type society. When married, a couple needs to view themselves as we/us instead of I/me. This is a definate must get book for us (I'm one half of a married couple).

What a joy it was to find and read this book. I'm tired of reading books that are all about me, me, me. I have found that people who are so concerned about their needs, wants and desires are some of the most unhappy people I know. As this book points out, it is those who unselfishly give and share with others are usually full of love and contentment. I found a great book earlier this year that helped me to be more loving, The Romantic's Guide by Michael Webb. I'd highly recommend both books if you really want to improve the love in your life.

Another childhood favourite, along with Brock's No Flying in the House. This is for slightly older children, perhaps 9-12. The children discover that their shadows live lives independant of them. I recall it being rather sad, but it was one of the top 5 books I read in primary school.

I adored this book so much as a child that I was literally the only one who checked it out of our school library. I would return it and check it out again simultaniously. I read and reread it so many times. I am so glad to finally know that other people have enjoyed it also. A very highly recommended novel for any child from ages 9 - 12!

If you find yourself in a used bookstore or thrift store and are lucky enough to run across an old copy of Betty Brock's "The Shades" run... don't walk ...to the nearest cashier and buy it immediately.

This is an old favorite of mine from many years ago that I have read and reread countless times.It is a wonderful story of a lonely young boy (Hollis) left to stay with a friend of the family while his parents vacation in Europe. The friend (Emily) lives in a large, old mansion which light rarely seems to penetrate.

While exploring the overgrown gardens one afternoon Hollis comes across a fountain shaped like a dolphin. He decides to take a drink and accidentally falls in. Upon emerging he finds he is looking into the face of a boy around his own age...a boy who wasn't there moments before.

Soon Hollis becomes acquainted with all the "Shades"...the shadows left behind by all those who had come into the garden over the years. He also becomes involved in their problems. This is a truly magical book for any child or for the child in you. I can't reccommend it highly enough.

-Stacy Gibbs

The text and especially the illustrations in this book were just what I needed to explain to my kindergarten students what it would be like to visit the Statue of Liberty. The illustrator shows an aerial view of the statue on Liberty Island, the ferry needed to reach the island, and New York City in the far background. He continues with pictures showing the construction of the statue to the impressive fire works celebration on the Fourth of July. The author explains the building of the statue as well as the purpose. If you had only one book to explain the Statue of Liberty to school age children, I would recommend using "The Story of the Statue of Liberty" by Betsy Maestro and illustrated by Giulio Maestro.

I also use this book in my classroom and third graders love it. They are fascinated with the size and grandeur of the Statue of Liberty. This book tells the history of the Statue in simple text and large, vivid illustrations. (Did you know that he made it to look like his mother?) I recommend this book for 7-9 year olds. It will expand their horizons and leave them hoping that someday they will see the Statue in person.

My 2 year old is facinated with the Statue of Liberty. So before we visited her in person, I wanted to find a simple worded book with lots of captivating pictures and found this one. It really does an excellent job of telling the story of how America obtained Lady Liberty. We would highly recommend this book to any American Patriot!!

This is a wonderful story about how a child can be so loved and welcomed into a family. I have two adopted children ages 3 & 4 and they went to this book repeatedly. We got it from lib. and now lookig for a copy for our own. It is a great book

Excellent children's book, perfect for children at the very age when their adoption begins to become something they are aware of--and should be aware of. Nice combination of fantasy and reality. Agree with earlier review about the importance and beauty of inclusion of the birth mother. Birth mothers need more of this honest, thoughtful recognition of the struggles they experience. Ignorance with respect to this issue among much of the general public is astonishing, sad, and ultimately, in too many cases, tragic. The two tales within the story also provide two excellent and different models to encourage and inform adoptive parents who may struggle with communicating clearly and lovingly the basic issues of adoption to their children. Not all of us are blessed with equal creative and verbal skills. Models can help. In short, this is a must for all families with adopted children. Alfred A Knopf needs to do another printing and keep this available. The potential market for this book may not be overwhelming, but certainly steady and sure. Thank you to Betty Jean Lifton for a wonderful book.

Finally and adoption story that does not leave out the final person essential to adoption--the birth mother! This book is more true to to adopted children's actual ponderings and questions than any other I've seen. A must have for the book shelf of any adopted children!

I am a Japanese Chinese American. (Yes, we speak all three languages at home.) I like this book because
(1) it introduces people to Japanese traditions, customs, and the simple Japanese language (by English-Japanese glosses.)
(2) the drawings are excellent. They catch young readers' attention.

My mother, who is 100% Japanese, finds that some of the traditions and customs described in this book are in greater details. She says she doesn't even know some of the information listed. She still finds the book interesting, although she wouldn't recommand it to beginner readers (whom she recommands to get "1st Thousand Words Japanese" and "Let's Learn Japanese Picture Dictionary")

I am not related to the author and I love this book. I am an expat living in Tokyo and have bought several copies as gifts for my children's friends back home in the States. It gives a nice comparision of typical American living and Japanese living through the eyes of childhood friends. It is a great way to show that although there are cultural difference, we are all friends. The illustrations are wonderful giving both the Japanese and English words for the items in the pictures. Simplistic, but cute.

My name is Jennifer Reynolds, and I am the author's niece. Actually, the redheaded Katie character is based on me as a child! }:) This book is an EXCELLENT children's guide to Japanese culture...I know because I was there myself! This is a definite must-have for any young child who is either visiting or learning about Japan. The book is gorgeously illustrated w/ watercolour by my aunt, and is humourously written. This book is constantly sold out in Japan, so you'd better buy it here rite now! };)

Face it; kids like stuff. And Christmas is a time for stuff, stuff, stuff. But in this gentle story a boy with too much realizes it doesn't make him happy and he finds his joy in giving it away. The illustrations are bright but not overly detailed. A good book to read without explanations beforehand and when you are done, see what your child says.

I received this book as a gift for my children. Not only do they enjoy the story, but they understand and embrace the values within it. This story validates the benefits of sharing with and caring about one another. Not only does the receiver benefit, but the giver too.

In our family after the last of the decorations is put on the tree (our three children rotate this task every year), the next in line reads this story aloud so that we can all be reminded of the true joy of giving, and of how fortunate we already are. Then this chosen child places the shiny keepsake ornament on the tree. This book belongs on everyone's wish list!

...The book is well-written, and organized in such a way that you don't have to read it from beginning to end: you can pick it up, look for a topic you're interested in (or having problems with at the time) and read it. I still have my copy of this book, and still reference it in my new relationship. It helps!

I have been in a 'permanent' relationship for 12 years and was/am concerned with the recent shift in my relationship. This book helped me to realize that I am not crazy or alone in some of my thoughts and feelings. It also offered me some constructive tools and techniques in my quest to figure out how to continue this long term relationship rather than bail out!

Dr. Berzon shares of her experiences both as a professional relationship counselor and as a lesbian, using fact-based scenarios to explore the common struggles, challenges, and temptations gays and lesbians must overcome when forging committed relationships. Topics include such basic relationship themes as communication skills and conflict resolution, and issues unique to gay & lesbian relationships-from "The Gay National Anthem: 'Why Don't We Just Break Up?'" to legal issues surrounding wills, mortgages, and adoption. As you read, be prepared to see yourself and your relationship in Berzon's stories. You'll finish this book with a renewed desire-and practical, effective know-how-to commit yourself to making your love last.

The audio version of this book is a good adventure, admittedly, but the original book is a wonderful picture book. It took 39 artists (IIRC) to make all the art in the book, and by consigning it to cassette tape it just loses half the point. While I would still recommend it based on plot, I was disappointed by it.

well done and written by a legend of the publishing worl

I loved this book! The C.T.'s (dolphins with three fingered fins and a crest on their heads) are really cool with communicating with the humans. The book is very interesting and it tells about a lot of different places in the ocean and parts that are dangerous and parts that are not dangerous. Also, it tells about a lot of animals in the ocean. When Betty Balentine talks about the ocean, she makes it sound like it's a magical world. Also, she makes it sound like you're ging into outer space! On a scale of 1-10, this book is an eleven!!!

Annie Ruth is in love. Graduation is around the corner for this young lady and college is in sight. Her mother and father preach to her to keep herself focused and get her education. But what do parents know? After all, Raymond is the boy of her dreams and their love will last until the ages.

Enter into the rural community of Tobacco County, Georgia where the living is hard and the opportunities are non-existent for Blacks living there in the 1960's. You are invited into the lives of the people in this community as they attempt to seek out their loves and fulfill their dreams. Annie tells and shares with us her story and those who surround her in their attempts as young people trying to live their lives.

You will be touched by the innocence and betrayal of young love. Anger will greet you as you endure the injustices inflicted upon Annie and her kinfolk. Sadness will engulf you as you see folk not living up to their potential. Shine Annie will touch your heart in a profound way.

The novel starts out with Annie, the teenager, and journeys through seven years of her life. You witness her as a mother, wife and moonshine runner who fails to fulfill the dreams of her parents. Yet through it all her family provides a foundation of support for her and the other characters who go through hard times. This is the first novel of the author who has told a good story. It contains a few misspellings and its pagination which distract you from the story. Overall this is a good novel about naive love and delayed dreams.

This is a great book! I think it's a must read for all young ladies from mid-teen years and older. I could not put this one down for it held my attention up until the very end. Payne has done a wonderful job sharing what life is like for many African American women and their relationships with both negative and positive black men. Her description of family and how they support one another is unique and refreshing. I highly recommend this book! Men, you will enjoy this book, too, and find that from life struggles and strife, one grows and becomes a much stronger person.

Annie Ruth. Lucinda. Billie Lee. Curtis. Lenny. Raymond. Mr. Sid. Miss Bostic. Gabrielle. Edwina. Reverend Phillips. I know these people.

Rail City. Tobacco County. Fort Valley State. Morehouse. Albany State. Savannah State. I know these places.

The Civil Rights Movement. Voter registration. Martin Luther King's arrest in Albany. GA. Hanging out at the local juke joint. Hauling moonshine. I know these events.

As a black southerner and child of the sixties, I can relate to so much of Payne's prose in her excellent first novel. The story told here is one that vividly tells the hardships and triumphs of a young woman growing up in the racially charged and changing South of that time. Her sacrifices, as well, as those made by all around here, make for an enthralling read.

The author has done a magnificent job in bringing to life characters and situations so real that the reader feels as if he is reading a biography with dialogue.

"Shine Annie" does just that: illuminates and elevates a pride that can only be felt by the people that experienced the era.

For the uninitiated, it is a welcome "lesson."