I was very impressed with the numerous party themes and quantity of ideas for each theme. This is planning made easy and I recommend this book to all hosts and hostess -- whether this is your first party or you have been throwing parties for years, this book is perfect for different ideas, more ideas to enhance been-around themes with easy to follow directions, everything to make a party memorable! Great resource for any organization (church, Scouts, philanthropic, etc.) planning social and fundraising events. I have been a professional party planner (family and corporate) for years and love this book! I recommend it highly as one of the best on the market and I personally give these books as gifts.

Have recently purchased this book. Started skimming through it and couldn't put it down. There was a party for every occasion and it was all planned out for you. The tips were fantastic. I plan on buying more for gifts. This book will make a great Christmas gift and will definitely be on my shopping list in December. I hope they do another book. It was so easy to follow and I know I will have no disasters at another party.

This book will make you get off your couch and want to party. With the clever ideas, tips on every topic you would not even amagine, and most of all the expert advice for all sorts of celebrations. All the work is done for you all you have to do is pick and choose. Great job to you both for a wonderful book... Dawn Hogan, celebration expert, speaker, author of party planning guides.

This book was one of the best written books that I have bought and believe me I have bought a bunch to learn various programs, such as Adobe Illistrator, Corel Photo Paint, Corel Draw etc. Phyllis not only explains things well, she also gives photos showing what she is talking about!" She doesn't write these books as if you should know everything, like most authors do, she writes it with the idea that you bought the book because you don't know what to do... and explains things so a normal person that doesn't have any expertiese in how to use the program, can actually learn something. She gives practice special projects to do so that you can practice what she has taught you. I am the kind of person that having the pictures with the knowledge to go with it makes the learning experience so much greater and interesting, where most authors tells you to click on the _____
button and if you are new to the program you want to see what they are talking about without having to search for what the author is talking about... The only thing negative that I have to say is I wish she hadn't stopped with Corel Draw for Windows book I hope she goes on and writes other books for Adobe programs and also extends the knowledge to more advanced levels in the books she writes.... I would love to see her write a book on every detail that is in the Corel Program so that you can not only learn the basics, but go beyond the basics in the same book!!
Love Ya Phyllis and will be looking for more of your books thats for sure...

I have looked at several other author's books, but this one is the first I would call an easy read. She does not assume that you know computer lingo, she explains and shows with screenshots every term.Well done!

Finally, a well designed, illustrated, straight-to-the-point book for using CorelDraw9. The author does a fine job of explaining step-by-step procedures for accomplishing everything from utilizing clipart, working with nodes and layers (yes, Ms Davis includes definitions), and extruding text to printing and designing a web page. Also included are plenty of tips, shortcuts, and projects to get you started/keep you interested. Not only a friendly text for beginners but also a "must have" as a reference. I was gritting my way thru the "...Dummies" book (which is just a little bit too dumb!) when I found this one. What a relief! If you want to get in and get to work, this is the book for you.

Old Talk: New Conversations is a truly "user friendly" planning guide for seniors and their families coming to grips with regard to making decisions stemming from the facts of aging upon the issues of medical care, finances, legal issues, and lifestyle matters. Five professionals present insightful and practical information and commentary that include chapters on Planning for a Financially Comfortable Retirement; Estate and Tax Planning; Long-Term Care Insurance: The New Financial Necessity; Getting the Care You Need When You Live at Home; and Choosing Your New Home: Retirement/Senior Housing. Old Talk: New Conversations is an invaluable, very highly recommended guide which ought to be a part of every community library, senior citizen center, and geriatric social services agency reference collection.

This is one of the best books I've seen in a long time. It's a very practical book that's written so anyone can understand it. It's a great way to introduce the subject of planning for the future with a parent (or an adult child).

I met the authors. They are nice people...and they know what they are talking about. They went out of their way to answer my questions. This book answers every question you could possible have about planning for your future. It rocks.

Besides two long and boring passages that, in my opinion, do not add anything to the main story, this book is Stefan Zweig's masterpiece.
The emotions, repressions, frustrations, fears, joy, expressions, gestures, are well studied and described by the author, with the most intimate and subtle details.
The most poignant scene is when she caressed his hand. He did not love her, just pitied her, but what he felt when she caressed his hand was stronger than making love to any woman he had ever desired before. The description of her caress - and of his emotion during that caress - is irrefutably the strongest in literature. A moment of pure bliss...

"Beware of Pity" is a brilliant book by one of the world's great writers.

This fascinating "psychological" novel is reminiscent of "Rebecca" in the way the story unfolds slowly and then totally envelops the reader. I actually read it straight through the first time, had to miss the next day's work. I've loved it just as much with each reread.

Zweig writes beautifully. He demonstrates elegance, economy, subtlety. There is never a wasted word.

While you are at it, read his short story "The Royal Game."
These are two examples of fiction at its very best.

The scenario is settled at the beginning of the XXth century, right before the outburst of WW I with the murder of the prince of Austria, an event subtly knitted to the action taking place in the novel.

25 years old lieutenant Hofmiller, protagonist and narrator, is the prototype of the young man who has never cared much about anything but his own career and who has taken everything for granted during his whole life. Being good hearted, he hasn't yet experienced a strong attachment to a woman, nor he had even been deeply loved by any.

He describes himself as a not very thoughtful or introspective person, whose only worries were related to his horses and his position in the army.... until he meets Edith Von Kekesfalva. She is the lamed daughter of a Jewish rich man who became an aristocrat by purchasing the nobility title and changing his name.

Due to a gaffe Hofmiller commits [inviting the girl for a dance] a dense and excruciating relationship between both starts. The author delves deep into all the intricacies such a bond entails and the situations which arise when pity rules human behavior and is entangled with sincere love. Although the book may not seem very engaging at the beginning, the interest grows as the tension increases between the characters, leading to the dramatic circumstances that trigger the wonderful end.

*Idylls of the Queen* is so much more than a good murder mystery. It is a good murder mystery, but unlike an ordinary mystery, you can reread it, even knowing whodunit, without any of the fun being spoiled. The mystery is sort of a backdrop to the real show--which is yet another new take on the personalities of Arthurian legend, and a different look at chivalric ideals.

The narrator is the oft-maligned Sir Kay, the grouchy but well-meaning seneschal of Arthur's court. He's not a bad guy. He *is* a sarcastic curmudgeon, but that's because he's seen so many self-serving buffoons win glory and adulation while his own hard work goes unnoticed. He is also secretly in love with the Queen. Kay shares an uneasy friendship with a wonderfully written, morbid, fatalistic, and somehow sympathetic Sir Mordred. Together they set out to clear Guenevere's name of the murder charges, meeting fascinating characters right and left. Morgan and Iblis are especially engaging, and Karr puts some deep words into their mouths. Morgan's defense of her mixed Christian and pagan ways cuts right to the heart of things, and Iblis's observation that justice is different for women than for men, is shocking just because it is so true of the times.

If you're an Arthurian buff, read this book. It's a quick read, and a great way to spend a lazy afternoon or two.

"Idylls of the Queen" satisfies on many levels. One: it's a unique look at the world of Arthur's Camelot through the eyes of the much miligned Sir Kay. Two: It's a terrific murder mystery with red herrings and surprises. Three: It's a great fantasy, containing magic and otherworldly spells blended in a unique way.

If you're looking for something different, be it fantasy or mystery, I recommend "Idylls of the Queen" you won't be disappointed!

Phyllis Ann Karr has done all Arthurian fans a big favor by writing this book. "The Idylls of the Queen" is basically a murder mystery set in Camelot, with all the familiar knights and ladies as suspects when Sir Patrise is inexplicably murdered at a small dinner hosted by Queen Guenevere. Sir Mador accuses the Queen of the murder, and a race against time ensues to discover the truth. The usual knightly quest becomes a hunt for the killer--whoever that may be. Along the way Karr treats us to some very unique interpretations of the Arthurian cast, including Sir Gareth, Sir Bors, Sir Gawaine (more like the title character of "Sir Gawaine and the Green Knight") Morgan le Fay, and Sir Lancelot himself. Told in the first person by Sir Kay, King Arthur's foster brother and seneschal, usually noted by other writers solely for his comedic boorishness or ignored entirely, the novel clearly demonstrates that there is a lot more to Kay than he's usually given credit for--as was the case in the earliest Arthurain legends, where the sarcastic boor of later years is replaced by a loyal, courtly knight. Karr's version of Kay is still a fountainhead of caustic wit, but even so he's likeable and clearly indispensible to the well-being of Camelot.

A fast, suspenseful novel that should stand up to multiple readings, "The Idylls of the Queen" is an ingenious work that should please all fans of Arthurian literature.

"Sparky's Excellent Misadventures" is a wonderful little "journal" by Sparky, who takes us into his life at school and home as he copes with ADD. Sparky's misadventures acquaint us with those events which sometimes get him into trouble. After visiting the doctor, Sparky learns about ADD and discovers how the "little pills" help him to do better in school and control his behavior. This "journal" will help children and parents understand ADD from a child's point-of-view both before and after treatment. An easy-to-read, humorous approach to appreciating each child's unique qualities.

My son was recently diagnosed with ADHD and I wanted to get him some books so that he realized he wasn't one in the world with ADHD. He loved it. He has started writing a journal -- red pencil and all.

I bought this book along with several others when my 8 year old son was diagnosed with ADD. Along with the ADD came depression and anxiety, due, of course, to a high IQ and stresses in school. I wanted to buy some books for children about ADD to donate to his classroom, to better help my son's peers understand why he acted "goofy" sometimes. This book is absolutely fabulous. I read it first, and I had to laugh. My son read it next and he laughed and laughed. He was delighted to see his own personal thoughts and feelings, expressed by another kid (Sparky), written about in a journal format. He was joyous!! He thought Sparky was awesome! He couldn't wait to bring it to school! I can promise you that your ADD child will be so happy to read this book, as will you. I even gained alot of knowledge and insight into my son's FEELINGS and thoughts! YOU NEED THIS BOOK!! You absolutely will not regret it!!

Witch's Sister was a great book. It was about a girl named Lynn and she was trying to find out if her sister was a witch or not. I recommend this book to anyone that likes books about witches or mystery books.

I think it's kind of sad that this author has fallen prey to the trap of writing SERIES books like the Alice series. This is one of her older books, and although it has a few sequels, it is one-of-a-kind and does not have that "first of a series" production-line quality that has ruined children's literature. Highly original, truly scary, richly evocative...a wonderful justaposition of creepy magic and mundane suburbia. A modern classic of sorts.

I first read this book when I was in third grade. Now I am in high school and it remains one of my favorite books. I read it over and over again. These books are perfect for younger kids. The rest of the witch books by phyllis reynolds naylor are just as good and have more adventures with Mouse and Lynn fighting against Ms.Tuggle.

Carlotta's Kittens by Phyllis Reynolds Nichols

Read this book. It's a mystery about cats and kittens and tails. This book is about a girl cat who has kittens and her friends from the alley. When she got back with her kittens her friends taught the kittens to do cat stuff, until one of the kittens got kidnapped by a one-eye cat. And some of Carlotta's friends go rescue the kitten by tricking the one eye cat.

I liked this book because it was funny. This book kept making me laugh. When I was reading this book it reminded me of a cat that fell off a tree and landed in my dad's arms.

I think the author wrote this book so that kids should find baby animals a home so they could know some animals are in danger.

Carlotta's Kittens is an awesome book! It's exciting, adventurous, and hilarious! I rented it from the library and once I started reading the first and second chapters, I started loving it! I haven't read the first two books of the "Club Of Mysteries" series, but I still think it is one of the greatest books I've ever read! My favorite characters are Carlotta, Polo, Catnip, and Elvis. I loved all the characters, actually...but anyways, why don't YOU read it? I think you'll love it too!

This, is one of my favorite books. One day in Westport, Connecticut, my aunt Sally offered to buy me and my sister a book. I was having trouble choseing and then, she showed up and gave me a book to look at. After I had read the flap, I knew this was the book for me. I like cats, and adventure. My favorite cat is Elvis because he's a good singer, like me. Also he is black and I'm going to get a male black cat too. I also liked Carlotta and Sugar. I also like Catnip. There was one thing, everyonce in awhile, Scamper was a girl, and then, all of a sudden, a boy. I always thought she made a good discription of Steak Knife. If you like adventure, cats and kittens, get this book.

This book seems to be in print in the UK. I picked up a copy in English in Holland, near the town of Edam, where it is set. I remember it from my own childhood and it still charms. But I've given the one I bought as a gift and wanted to buy additional copies. So I add my voice to the chorus looking for a reprint.

I happened to see the picture book while on vacation in Holland. (Highly overpriced, but since it's out of print here it was worth it.) This is such a cute story and I look forward to sharing it with children. It can expose children to some characteristics of this beautiful country many of them haven't even heard of. Hendrika is the most adorable cow!

I found this book in our local library and it quickly became one of those we regularly took out. Now that our family has moved, I would like to buy it for my children, but so far I have had no luck finding it. My older daughter especially loves to read books dealing with different times and different places. This book certainly deserves to be available more than some so-called "classics".

Am I getting too old for Alice? Or have I just been exposed to higher quality YA fiction that makes this book a tad... one dimensional?

This is not a bad book. But for the first time, I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as the other ones in the series. Maybe I need to reread them to try and remember them better to get into the Alice groove.

Newly single, Alice throws herself into a multitude of extra curricular activities to get involved, make new friends and stop herself from missing Patrick. Complications arise when Pamela and Elizabeth are jealous Alice isn't spending as much time with them. To tell the truth, Alice and her friends sounded kind of shallow this time around. And the author's attempt at working in new information to help girls learn about their bodies felt very forced (oh, let's just casually talk about ovaries in the cafeteria).

I love all the characters dearly, and will probably continue reading this series because of that, but in my opinion, this book felt like it was missing something. It still makes me laugh, just not as much as I remember laughing at the earlier volumes. And we're still wondering who Lester will end up with (and Alice for that matter).

When you read Simply Alice, it leaves your thinking and wanting to read another book from the Alice series. Alice is a 14 year old, almost 15 year old, freshman that is experiencing all the adventures of high school, friends, and family. Simply Alice was an absolutely wonderful book. I think this is a great book to read because just when you think its getting boring something comes up that amazes you. This is a book that you can really relate to and also not relate to. I can relate to her problems with her friends family and with school. Though most people probably won't go through some of the things Alice goes through. It's sometimes though hard to believe that Alice isn't real, the way the author expresses her emotions are so clear you would think that Alice wrote it herself. You can almost see every detail laid out before you because of how well she describes things.
There are some things about the book that I didn't especially like. I thought the book always had a lot going on in it. It never just focused on one thing; it focused on many things all at the same time. In a way, that's sometimes how real life is, too.
I really like watching Alice grow up and opened herself to new things. This was a wonderful book with a great plot, and I am excited to read many more of these books!

Being a true, devoted Alice fan, I was both surprised and happy when this book showed up on my door step. I hadn't read an "Alice" book in what seemed like years, but Phyllis Reynolds Naylor swings right back into action like you never even left for a moment.

This semester, Alice is faced with many new situations. Being a "single" for the first time in a long time, Alice finds she doesn't have time for half the things she used to. With Patrick out of the way and Pam and Liz doing their own things, Alice is left feeling confused. With her newspaper job and her interest in stage crew, the audience is taken on wonderful journey that leds Alice to a whole new side of life.

Lester has found new love, Alice a new admirer, her Dad a new hobby and we have front row seats.

Overall, this book was just as good, if not better, than all the other Alice books and I am already counting the days until the next one is released. I recomended this to anyone (and it probablly helps if you have read the other books first!)