The illustrations in this book are fantastic. My kids love the book because the artwork brings the stories alive. They are beautiful creations.

There hasn't been a wonderfully illustrated book of Greek Myths for over thirty years, until this lovely Random House book came out. Science fiction author (and anthropologist) Joan D. Vinge breathes vibrant life into the ancient stories so that they touched me as though they were brand new. Their universality is clear and powerful, thousands of years later, in the hands of this masterful author. And the illustrations by artist Oren Sherman are vivid and marvelously colorful. I'm eager to re-read them with children, so that I can share the wonder of these timeless tales.

Ideal introduction to Greek mythology, with gorgeous, deeply colored illustrations. This would make a great Christmas gift for bright children.

A touching tour of both history and an area in Central Pennsylvania that hasn't changed considerably (thankfully) since the 18th century. The people and stories that Gordon brings to life through her travels along Route 45 are touching and allows one to reflect on the more imporant things in life and our often mis-guided priorities. The book is an easy read and interspersed with a wealth of historical references to tie the story together as well as the valleys and towns that Route 45 connects.

Using this book helped us to not only understand the history of the area when we did a three day weekend on PA Rt 45 but also helped us to find places off the beaten path.

Joan Morse Gordon's The Road Taken: A Journey In Time Down Pennsylvania Route 45 is the story of one woman's journey that began with an Interstate drive, and which led to her fascinating survey of regional Pennsylvania, its history, and the people who call the land home. Picturesque black-and-white photographs, soulful observations and colorful local personalities make The Road Taken a genuine treat for the armchair traveler and/or the Pennsylvania history buff.

This is such a surprising and wonderful book. It's about Mindy's search for solid ground while her mother is dying. I cried and I laughed, but more than that, I marveled. No sentimentality, but plenty of real feeling, real heart, and real insight. I was stunned when I read about Mindy, combing her mother's hair in the hospital while worrying about jiggling her mother's brain tumor. I was delighted by the report by Mindy's friend's younger brother about "The Three Told Sloth." There are dozens of perfect moments like these woven through SAYING IT OUT LOUD. I'm richer and wiser for having read this book, and you will be too.

Mindy's mother has been diagnosed with a brain tumor,andsuddenly Mindy finds her world changed. Alienated from her fatherand separated from her mother, Mindy's supposed to be thinking ofcollege applications - but can't accept her mother's illness and demise. A realistic, different story of death affecting family interactions.

I read Go And Come Back and was excited to discover Abelove's second novel. It is surprising what a departure this book takes from her first in terms of setting and subject; but like her first book, Saying It Out Loud is a wonderful read. It shifts back and forth between current and past memories, despair and hope, pain and humour. I found myself smiling through my tears at many points in this book. Although the plot, a mother dying of cancer, is decidedly dark, the story manages to be sweet and funny and tender and sad without being maudlin. Saying It Out Loud definitely has a lasting impact.

As my husband and I were pondering our move from City to Country Life, this book was given to us as a gift, and we found it to be an absolute joy! The short chapters make it amazingly easy to pick up for short reading spurts. Each chapter tells it's own story of Joan's sometimes hilarious, sometimes frightening, but always entertaining adventures from biochemist to shepherdess. Her willingness to poke fun at her obvious naivety regarding sheep is refreshing. Everyone we've loaned our book to has found it very entertaining. You'll be amazed at what you learn about sheep! (We now have our own flock of 25 ... be careful!)

I am here to buy this book for my mom. Though she is the furthest thing from a shepardess, this is a great book for anyone who enjoys honest accounts of personal growth. The stories within this book speak of life on a lot of levels - the intellectual life of a mother, the daily physical challenges of the farm, the relationships people have with animals, and the personal goals of an individual. These greater themes are communicated through beautiful, funny, visceral, and heart-wrenching stories. At the very least, you will have a new perspective on sheep! All in all, it is a moving, entertaining, and intellectually stimulating book. A pretty quick read too - I imagine the short chapters with self contained stories would make it an ideal book for the traveler.

Shepherdess is a delightful book that kept me laughing throughout, it reminds me of the James Herriots "All Things Bright and Beautiful." In this true story Joan tells of the transition from research biochemistry to shepherdess with all the changes of image, the loss of romance and the discovery of self. Tis is a great book to read aloud and share the laughter. While there is information that would be helpful for someone looking to make this transition, it' really a good read for everyone.

Sometimes I Feel Awful focuses on a child's rough day, with a first-person presentation exploring how a positive day turns negative. The focus is on emotions and how they develop, and how communications become scrambled. Sometimes I Feel Awful will prove the perfect title for an introduction to kids on emotions and feelings. Highly recommended.

This is one of my very favorite resources for teaching young children the difference between feelings and actions. I am a school social worker in an early childhood center and teach "social skills" classes to our kindergarten students. After we spend time identifying feelings in ourselves and others, and how children might express them, I read this book to the class. The author does such a wonderful job of portraying this little girl's impulsive responses to her day's disappointments and fears. The children in our classes are captivated by her struggle and have no trouble "reading the feelings" on her face. They really relate to this story and illustrations. After reviewing each problematic situation, they brainstorm more appropriate ways the little girl could let the other characters know how she is feeling. One dilemma for our five year olds is that the main character does not have a name and they often want to refer to her by name. This is one of the books that the children talk about for many weeks after it's initial presentation, and revisit it during our "problem solving" unit. Parents also like to borrow it from our "Life Issues Library" of children's books, so I need to buy another copy to be sure it is available for "social skills" classes this year. Some adults may be put off by the title, thinking it sounds too depressing for a children's book, but we have found that it is one of the most popular, powerful, and relevent books to help teach children about feelings, behavior and consequences, without being "preachy".

This book is wonderful -- I can't recommend it highly enough. My daughter is a preschooler who is developing all sorts of complex feelings and emotions. Reading this book with her has helped her identify what she is feeling and learn to articulate what she wants and needs. What makes this book about kids' feelings stand out from other similar books is that it runs through a variety of situations where the little girl in the book could have used her words, but didn't, and what the effect was on the situation. It goes just a bit deeper than some similar books, but it is presented in a very positive and child-friendly fashion. My husband and I enjoyed reading this book over and over (and over and over... :-) almost as much as my daughter did.

and so is love. And I love Joan Bauer's books. I didn't think she could replicate the quiet passion of HOPE WAS HERE with a male protagonist, but she did. And then some. As a divorce "survivor" myself who experienced the battle for the second time at about Tree's age, I could identify all too closely with his tale. Bauer reminds readers, young and old, to never give up on love's battlefield even when the address changes and to stand tall...even if that means you look a little strange. Thanks again, Mrs. Bauer, for a special gift.

Tree is six-foot-three, and he's in seventh grade. His parents are divorced. He has to live in a different home every week. His Grandpa, a Vietnam Vet who lives with his dad, doesn't have half of his right leg.

It may seem an odd story line, but this one of the better books that I have read. Since it was a gift, I tried to cherish the book with its hardcover price. Forget that. 'Standing Tall' is a tale of triumph, & provides inspiration for those whose parents are divorced, or for those who have been in war. It is not totally a gripping plot, yet it is a gripping book. The story flows excellently even though most of the paragraphs are not much more than a full sentence. I strongly urge you to get this book now. No. Really.

Tree earned his nickname because he is tall and solid, like a Tree - he's 12 years old, 6'3" and still growing. However, life in Tree's world isn't so solid these days. His parents have divorced and his beloved grandfather - a Vietnam vet - just had his leg amputated. Tree compares his life to a war, but finds a way to work through his problems with advice from his grandpa and help from his new friend, a quirky girl named Sophie.

Joan Bauer is a perennial favorite of mine and is always guaranteed to make me think. This novel, which talks both about everyday life and war, is quite timely considering the turmoil our country is in. The one passage that struck me the most is this one:

"I think important things are worth fighting for, but there's nothing glorious about battle, nothing cool about holding a gun. It's scary and lonely and too many people die young. Never be a person who wants war - hate it with everything you've got. But if you've got to fight to protect people, try to do your job the best you know how. Protecting people is the only reason to ever fight."

Those words were spoken by Tree's grandfather, and it summed up my feelings about war perfectly - sometimes necessary, but *never* good. Food for thought. All in all, Stand Tall is a wonderful book that tackles real life problems and offers real life solutions. For young readers that are confused about what to feel these days, Stand Tall would be a perfect book for them to read - perhaps they will find some of the answers they were looking for.

Smutny covers the basic concepts and issues facing the families of gifted kids. Better yet, she provides concrete, detailed strategies for parents as they negotiate the best possible education for their gifted children. Lots of real-life stories, lots of nuts-and-bolts advice, right down to the questions to ask and the things to _avoid_ saying.

I have read many books on the subject of parenting gifted children and trying to meet their academic needs -- this is one of the better ones, and certainly one of the most practical. It will help parents navigate the school system and advocate for their child's educational needs. Reading this book was like talking to a friend who has "been there." It is full of good reference/resource advice and is easy to read.

"An outstanding resource . Well organized, practical, warm and supportive, this helpful guide is an excellent roadmap for parents that will be welcomed by all who read it." 'Sally Reis, Ph.D., author of Work Left Undone: Choices and Compromises of Talented Women

"Joan Smutney guides parents to intelligent, thoughtful advocacy that combines concerns for their children's needs with respect for the professionals entrusted to educate them." 'Dr. Sylvia Rimm, author of See Jane Win

"BEST PARENTING BOOK"'National Association of Parenting Publications

This is a wonderful book to get you thinking about a different way to think about life and learning. The short stories make the book easy to read. It's filled with LOTS of humor. The book points out so many ways that we are given signs of direction that we may not notice. Great website by the Joan M Wolfe, too.
I'm looking forward to the next book and reading about dreams other people have had from which they were able to learn.

I was one of those who used to think dreams were overrated. Maybe because I didn't have that many I could remember. This is an important, cutting-edge work about the impact and significance of dreams. Ms. Wolfe presents a compelling study of the nature of dreams and how they can influence and even predict our present lives and reveal our past as well. This is a terrific, clear-headed, well-written and truly inspirational guide to your dreams. Even if you don't remember your dreams as a rule, be prepared to begin to remember them now. As you read this book, your dream life will surely appear and you will access more information than you possibly imagined. I enjoyed this book immensely but most of all I started remembering my dreams and am able to put into use the information I received from them. For example, one dream I do remember recently is that I died in a plane crash - a large jet that crashed into the ocean. I was sitting in the middle seat and I just didn't have the strength to get out of my seat belt. I was injured but I felt no pain. My part of the plane quickly sank into the ocean. I could feel myself surrender and let go and then die. But after I died, I felt light, wonderful and totally free. I woke up feeling very alive and very relieved it was just a dream. I flew shortly after having this dream and, needless to say, I did not occupy a middle seat. I found that I'm not alone in this kind of dream and this kind of feeling after "dying" in a dream. Every dream is an opportunity for growth and gives us valuable insight that is often unavailable to us when we are awake. The author combines dream work with the highest spiritual principles - the very nature of our souls, our life purpose, and our humanity. She tells a story from her life: She had become estranged from a longtime close personal friend (Dawn) and just couldn't seem to "make it right." "The tension that had existed between Dawn and I had been too sensitive to work out within the limitations of human emotion and earthly speech. But in the dream environment, it had been much easier to see and accept each other as we really are...divine beings." When she met her friend later - on the earthly plane - all tension was gone between them and only closeness remained. The author says, "Dreams are one of the easiest access doors we have to entering and traveling the spiritual planes." How true. Sometimes it's just plain IMPORTANT to heed your dreams and what they are trying to tell you - and to discover their healing power as well. You can even "complete" an incomplete relationship in a dream with a departed one and have very real experiences and conversations with the deceased one that you were unable or unwilling to have while they were alive. Ms. Wolfe demonstrates that all of your dreams - your night dreams and your daydreams are "sometimes nudging us, sometimes kicking us - toward our highest and greatest good." By the way, THE STUFF DREAMS ARE MADE OF finds that the dreamer alone is the best interpreter of the dream - not good news for Freud. Oh, well. This is a powerful and life-affirming book. Five stars!

Joan's book, The Stuff Dreams are Made of, really opened my eyes, mind and soul to another way of thinking. This book gives the reader the mental and emotional nourishment to not only better handle everyday life but to change their lives to better serve themselves in everyway. Joan shares some incredible concepts and points of view. Her dreams are fascinating and pull the reader right into the story. Some of the stories will make you laugh and some will make you cry. They all make you go Hmmmmmmm. I can't wait for her next release. She even gives me the chance to be in her next book.

I'm not a professional fundraiser, but I plan to become involved in nonprofits, and this book was great! I know of some nonprofits that get all of their money from corporate donations and then complain about not having enough money. This isn't the way to do it, according to Ms. Flanagan. In order to be a successful fundraiser, you need to ask, ask, ask, and you need to provide many different ways for different people to give. Flanagan goes into many aspects of the game, including how to send follow up letters, when to ask, how often to ask, and different ways of making it easy to get big gifts. I especially liked the way she talks about the psychology of rich people and poor people, and how both tend to give in different ways. She tells us never to make decisions for givers--just ask, present them with the different options, and let them decide. Great advice.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to get involved with charity. The marginal profit from the first day will probably cover the cost of this book many times over.

There are now more than 1 million nonprofit organizations in the United States. The fundraising industry provides one in every ten jobs and is one of the
fastest-growing segments of the economy. In Successful Fundraising, nationally recognized expert Joan Flanagan gives readers the information they need to capture a
fair share of available fundraising dollars. Community volunteers and professional fundraisers alike will find helpful tips and advice on time-proven fundraising
techniques and the most profitable new ways to successfully raise money.

Are you looking to raise $1,000-or $1,000,000-for a particular cause, group, or charity? Successful Fundraising by Joan Flanagan will arm you with the information you
need to capture your organization's fair share of available fundraising dollars.

Whether you are a community volunteer or a professional fundraiser, expert Joan Flanagan offers helpful tips and advice cm gaining access to funds, building
relationships with donors, raising more money in a shorter period of time, and developing a more productive fundraising organization.

Packed with real-litc examples from the author's extensive fundraising experience, this essential handbook is complete with planning guidelines, sample worksheets and
timetables, and all-new information on using the Internet, F-mail, websites, and on-line auctions as fundraising tools. It also includes expanded sections that cover
working with celebrities to raise funds and winning corporate dollars. All the tools you need to plan, create, and execute a successful fundraising effort are included in
this comprehensive guide.

Successful Fundraising is a great resource for non-profit agencies! It is very easy to read, straightforward, and actually a fun read too! Joan gives great examples and stories to illustrate her points.

I recently had the opportunity to attend one of Joan's courses - and she is just as wonderful and helpful in person. She presents the daunting tasks of fundraising in simple language, common sense and humor.

This book should be the "bible" of every non-profit fundraiser!

I read this book as I sat beside my 13 year old daughter's hospital bed-- she had just been diagnosed with diabetes. It presented important information in a much more user-friendly way than the formal diabetic education we were receiving. It showed the challenges we would face, and helped me understand more the impact on the entire family.

I highly encourage all of those involved with diabetic children to read this book. I will be loaning my copy to my daughter's counselor so that she will be better equipped to help my daughter cope with her diabetes.

This book is so well written. Being a mother of a 12 year old girl who has diabetes, I could not put the book down. I laughed, cried and felt like I was there with the characters in the book. It gives the reader a good insight as to how it feels to have a loved one with diabetes, and how you are not as alone as you may feel in this situation. It also has an educational value, without feeling like you are reading another "facts only" manual on diabetes.

What a rewarding book for anyone who knows a child or adult with diabetes. I laughed and I cried with the characters. Teachers, parents, relatives, friends, and others will gain useful information while they enjoy a delightful story.