Jan Brett has created another lovely story. The illustrations, as in all of her books, capture the interests and imaginations of children. The story, a spin-off of other stories about gingerbread characters, has its own original twists and a quite different and surprising ending. The gingerbread baby is just as peppy and proud as past gingerbread characters, as he runs away from Matti, Mother, Father, the cat, the dog, the goats, Martha and Madeline, the pig, the fox, the milk and cheese man, and finally all of the villagers. Children will love this new version of the antics of a gingerbread baby!

Note to teachers: This story would be great to use with Christmas Around the World, or a study of Switzerland. Be sure to let your children make gingerbread people and houses. They will love the measuring and counting activities and they will enjoy being creative as they decorate.

This story adds a new twist to the tale of the Gingerbread boy. The cookie is taken out of the oven too soon and escapes as a baby instead of a boy. The cookie leads the characters on a merry chase while Matti, the boy who created him, comes up with the perfect idea- a gingerbread home for the gingerbread baby. The illustrations and picture clues make this book a story children will love reading again and again. The colorful text is easily adapted for most reading levels. This book is sure to become a new classic

I work as a teachers' assistant with kindergartners. Jan Brett's books have long been favorites of mine. She may have outdone herself on this one! There's always the exquisite artwork, the detailed borders that foreshadow the story, and the kind and gentle retelling of tales that are classics. This is the story of the gingerbread boy, the same story we grew up with, with a delightful ending. The Gingerbread Baby does not get eaten this time. How this comes about just really captures the children's imagination-they cheer, clap, and smile from ear to ear. We read all the versions of The Gingerbread Boy that our school library has, and the kids vote on their favorite version. Every year, The Gingerbread Baby wins, by huge amounts. That's all you need to know, really, about this book. Five, six and seven year-olds just LOVE it. And the adult reading it will enjoy the story and marvel at the beautiful art work, which Jan Brett does herself. Highly recommended!

The subtitle of Jan Hunt's new book is "Parenting from the heart." With equal truth it could be subtitled "Parenting that respects children." How strange that such a gentle motto sounds radical... almost revolutionary. In the words of the Seneca elder Grandmother Twylah Nitsch, "In Native culture, children are regarded as teachers because they have not yet had any experience of having their truth and their trust chipped away by people who want to control them." Jan Hunt celebrates the power of trust and respect, freely extended to children from birth onwards. Her goal is nothing less than the ending of all forms of child abuse, and the creation of a world where children can grow into adulthood with their inborn capacities for love and learning still intact. Her book is friendly, practical, and filled with powerful ideas expressed in simple and direct style, well supported by evidence that these ideas really work. The Natural Child shows that "parenting from the heart" is not a burden but a joy and privilege.

Jan Hunt's 'The Natural Child' is a timely and important classic belonging to a trend towards more compassionate, respectful and scientifically-informed parenting. First and foremost, it is a well-researched and authoritative text. Further, it is refreshingly simple and easy to digest, making it an inviting read. What I particularly loved about this book is that Jan Hunt is not afraid to challenge myths and misconceptions, and to confront commonly held negative attitudes towards children. This book is passionately written in advocacy of children's rights and their developmental needs. It exudes an uncompromising respect for children's dignity. My favourite section is the one about 'The Hidden Messages We Give Our Children'. In a delightfully humorous tone, this section challenges us to take a good look at ourselves as parents; the mixed messages we unconsciously give our children, and the painful double-binds this places them in. There is much we can all learn from these pages. I give this book a big thumbs-up.

If the Quaker prophet John Woolman were alive today, and contemplating parenting issues, this is the book he would have written. Hunt's thesis is simple: a happy childhood lasts forever, and every child is no less a human being than we are, and must be treated as such. Adults behave as well as they are treated, and the same holds true for children. Adults generally do not improve their behavior when they are insulted, criticized, threatened, publicly humiliated, or beaten; or in the rare instances when they do so, the costs in fearfulness, anger, and resentment are extraordinarily high.

Fortunately, argues Hunt eloquently, the seed of how to be with children is implanted within us. If we listen hard enough, the direction of how to act toward a child comes naturally. Crying, for example, is a signal provided by nature meant to disturb parents so they can seek out the causes of the child's distress.

The Natural Child offers a consistent and compelling approach to raising a loving, trusting, and confident child, without resort to coercion or manipulation, simply by following the Parenting Golden Rule: "Treat your child as you would like to be treated if you were in the same position." This book is a must for every public and church library, and the perfect gift for the individual or couple expecting the arrival of their first "distinguished visitors".

If you are a doll collector this book is a must, it brings this little wooden marvel to life and soon you must find your own "Hitty". I loved the great detail of the book and the continued excitement of her journeys. She is my "travel doll" and even went to Mayo's clinic with me, the good doctors there signed her journal and thought she was wonderful. My eight grandchildren are also enlightened with Hitty:Her First Hundred Years. Happy reading

"hitty" is much more than a book; for a child, it is a very unique experience. It is written with skill and class, and Hitty's adventures blended with whimsical illustrations make this a classic of children's literature. One of the more distinguished (and deserving) Newbery Medal books. A compulsively readable, thoroughly delightful book.

My mother passed her copy onto me and now it has passed to my daughter. I buy copies for all my nieces. It's a real treasure. The text is marvelous and the illustrations are never to be forgotten. I understand there's a new version out, but I can't imagine it holding a candle to the original (I haven't heard good things). I have so many wonderful memories of that book: Hitty stuck in the horsehair couch, life with the little Quaker girl, weeks spent in a crow's nest. It brought my own traditional dolls (not Barbie!) alive for me. It also presents a vivid historical portrait of the lives of American girls. Don't let this one go out of print!

Jan opens her heart and life and shares wisdom found through her own experiences in the light of faith. This book does not offer pat answers or advice, but rather causes the reader to rethink their life in the light of God's love. I have a dear friend going through a "locust" time, and immediately knew that this would be a helpful resource. It's like sitting across the table from a wise and witty friend whose not afraid to help you through the tough times with hope, laughter, and a tear or two. This is a must-read for anyone who has faced the locusts and is ready to take a step to healing.

AFTER THE LOCUSTS is just right for those who feel they trying to survive tough times/ wasted years, and want to move on. Author Jan Coleman will take your hand and lead you into fresh hope. The writing is excellent, and you will be pulled into true experiences and personal discoveries---that can make all the difference. As I reader I experienced God's nearness and wisdom through these pages. Scriptures and gems of thought almost leaped off the pages. Now I want to read my Bible more. Women who are single, divorced, lonely, hurting will be especially blessed by this book. Yet it will speak to any woman at any time in her life. It makes a thoughtful gift.

As one who has had a life full of locusts (both during and after times), I have to say Jan's book is a wonderful resource.
She has an easy-to-read style that makes it fun to focus on these biblical principles that will get everyone through hard times.
I love Jan's way of speaking to the reader and not down. Her own life story is woven in with other stories and, more importantly, with Bible truths. I especially liked the epilogue. These two pages bring everything together as an easily explained reference.

Thank you, Jan, for your openness and the love of Christ you so generously shared with your readers. I will certainly tell others in our church and my ministry about After the Locusts.

The book starts off by giving the reader a 'behind the scene' flavor of various animals and characters. I wondered about such a beginning at first but quickly found it was the first piece of a picture puzzle, well designed to go to the center of the table, allowing the reader to build the complete picture around it.

Ms. Maher creates a small community, peopled with interesting and sometimes amazing characters. Like a master weaver, she creates a ream of fabric from the lives of her characters, defined and colored by the ways they each touch the lives of others and defined by allowing them their differences. The final product is a colorful American Patchwork Quilt made up from the lives found in a small town.

I quickly came to feel I knew many of these characters and was pleasantly surprised and drawn to those who were outside my realm of experience. It would be easy for me to write, in detail, about the characters that became my favorites, but since I highly recommend this book, I will refrain from doing so in order that you, if you read the book, to choose your own favorites without my influence.

But I simply must mention one character, Nadja, a very unusual young lady who's start in life was rocky at best, and a thing of tragedy to many. But thanks to an older woman with no connection to the town or the people there, she was given a chance in life, all-be-it an unusual and interesting one.

I found much to enjoy between the pages of Heaven, Indiana - and little to criticize. As a result I heartily recommend it to everyone who has ever lived in a small town or wondered about life in a small town. Even if you simply enjoy a book that is well written with good characters, I think you'll enjoy this one.

This was a fabulous book that was very difficult to put down and remained swimming inside my head long after I finished it. Jan Maher has a wonderfully simple yet complex and poetic writing style that brings her fictional town to an incredibly familiar and surreal life. She takes the reader inside her story without judgement or pretension, but rather with a demure sort of narrative that simply allows her story to present itself. There are so many layers to this book, subtly hinted at in the writing and explored just enough for questions to remain... It can be enjoyed on the level of a personal story (in which you deeply care for the characters) as well as a sociological inquiry of sorts. It is certainly worth multiple readings. It is so very refreshing to read a book like this one. I highly recommend it!

I seldom want to reread a novel once I have completed it. This is not the case with Heaven, Indiana. Heaven takes me back to the books I read as a teenager and young adult. The characters are vivid without Jan Maher's describing every pore. The interwoven setting and story are comforting and frightening in reminding me of much of American life before homogenization and simplification by Hollywood/TV.

I'm ordering copies for gifts. I would like to afford more than two at this time. Excelent writing and a book for more nights under the reading lamp.

I have read and reread this book and consider it my equitation bible. It is not only for huntseat riders but the basics apply to all riders. Mr. Morris is one of the finest equestrians I know of. I own a first edition of this book and whenever I have a question I go to the master. I have always ridden according to the principles set out in this book and though I ride stockseat now , the same principles still apply. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to ride or to veteran riders.

I set a goal, less than two months ago to return to riding (10 years ago, I was a walk-trot) and learn how to jump before next year. Not only am I jumping, I'm the trainer's favorite demonstrator for her more advanced students! My secret is this book. Another trainer told me to read it, and she couldn't have given me better advice (no really, she couldn't). If you're a hunter-seat rider and if you want to really know what you're supposed to be doing, instead of guessing and second guessing your trainers' wishes, read this book!

If you ride hunt seat and you only buy one book this is the book you should own. If you own more than one book this is the one you should read first AND last. George Morris breaks down every task into simple to understand steps with concise instructions and helpful pictures. As my trainer once told me, if you can follow George Morris's instructions, you'll be an excellent rider. I simply cannot say enough terrific things about this book!!

Class Act holds your attention from the start. The characters are well developed and you are immediately involved with their personalitites and eager to read of their next hair raising situation.You experience the fun, frustration, and excitement with Angie and Jake as their relationship develops while solving this page turing thriller. Family members were waiting their turn to read it. We can't wait for the next book!!!

Blankenship obviously knows what motivates her characters as she carries the reader through the conflicted world of the mentally ill. CLASS ACT is riviting. A real page turner that will not just keep your attention but push you forward to find the answer to the mystery.

I thoroughly enjoyed this suspenseful book! Jan Blankenship has created characters and a plot that grab your attention on the first page and don't let go until the last. Don't start this book late at night because you will be reading all night like I was. I couldn't stop reading! Great job Jan! I can't wait for your next thriller!

Steven Keeva (who is not a lawyer but has spent many years observing and writing about them) here provides an assortment of advice, tips, and real-life examples to help you become a better lawyer and a better person. While I found much of the book to be old news, every 10 pages or so Keeva says something eye-opening, memorable, and truly instructive. The chapters on listening and service were, for me, the real pay-off, and I know I will be going back to them frequently. By contrast, his portrayal of litigators, trials, and especially corporate practice struck me as simplistic and a bit stereotyped. In addition, those who are unreceptive to the touchy-feely approach to problem-solving should be warned that this book is nothing if not touchy-feely. That said -- and notwithstanding my other qualifications -- this book is an *important* contribution to the literature of professionalism and lawyers' "mental hygiene" (as Prof. Stone of Harvard has called it). Since this book is also a quick read, every lawyer and law student who even suspects it may be helpful should give it a try and then keep it close at hand.

Transforming Practices truly is a gift to lawyers, like me, who have been practicing for many years and want to continue practicing law in a satisfying and meaningful way. This book has been one of my best investments, and I keep it on my desk at work. Reading, or in my case rereading, Steven Keeva's inspirational words provides a much needed boost in spirit, and a new way of looking at the legal life, even on a difficult day! My colleagues who have read this book wholeheartedly agree!

For too long lawyers and their public have been talking - and only talking - about what is wrong with the legal profession. Steve Keeva opens a powerful conversation about how to change it, one lawyer at a time. Chapter after chapter offers real life stories, great suggestions, historical and personal perspective to help lawyers identify new ways of being lawyers AND human beings! Every lawyer will want to read this book. It offers hope for the weary, solutions for the burned-out and innovation for those feeling stuck. Buy it. It just could be the best thing you've ever done.

I like reading mysteries as an occasional break from the more serious fiction and non-fiction I usually prefer to read. FINAL COPY is much more satisfying than the typical mystery novel -- it's got great characters, a compelling plot, and an unpredictable ending. The main character, Addy McNeil, a newspaper reporter down on her luck and trying to get her career back on track, is not your typical crackerjack detective. But her journalistic instincts and dogged determination enable her to get to the bottom of the central murder mystery: Did Kit Korbanics (an old college boyfriend) push his business partner over a hotel balcony to his death, or was it suicide? The real mystery, though, is what Addy will do with the information she learns, since the truth, her ambition, and her feelings toward Kit are all at odds. The writing is crisp, and the story is fast-paced and engaging. I highly recommend this book for mystery fans and for people who just love a good story well told.

Final Copy is a mystery with realistic characters, a plot that rings true, a terrific flawed lead character Addie McNeil who stumbles through life doing her best like the rest of us. I love the Boston setting, and that Brogan doesn't tie everything up at the end with a feel-good ending. A surprising, satisfying book.

I'm not a typical mystery reader, but I was very pleased with this story! Well worth the read, it gives a good insight into journalism, business, and even a little romantic relationship.

My wife bought this book because she is just starting a small business and Minding Her Own Business had been strongly recommended by the small business development center counselor that she saw. I've been in business for 7 years but decided to take a look through the book too. I was surprised at some of the new information I learned. Althogh this book's title indicates it's for women, the author explains in the introduction that it's really for anyone, particularly those with what she calls "numberphobia". I really agree with her -- there was nothing in it that was unique to women but my wife appreciated that all the examples given were of women in business and there were no assumptions made about the reader having prior knowledge of finances, taxes, etc. I'd really recommend this book for anyone.

A friend recommended this book to me because I just started my own computer consulting business last year and I also was paid as an independent contractor. At first I wasn't going to get it because the title made it seem like it was directed to women. But I looked through my friend's copy and realized I wanted my own. The examples used in the book are all women's names but otherwise there's nothing that's just for women. It's really clearly written and has a lot of information about deductions and estimated tax payments -- the two areas I was the most unsure of. Also, the tax forms that need to be filed are shown and, although I'm using Turbo Tax to do my return, I was able to compare those forms to what came out of Turbo Tax so that I know (or at least am pretty sure!)that I've done everything right. I think this book will really save me hundreds of dollars in accounting and tax prep fees.

Jan Zobel's book should be read by every woman who is thinking of going into business for herself--as a business owner, distributor, and/or independent contractor. It is a valuable reference that women can use to understand the principles of keeping accurate financial records for their business.