I suggest you read DRAGON'S BLOOD and HEART'S BLOOD first because it would make more sense to you but anyways- I thought this book was terrific in parts it was slow going, but Jane Yolen fixed that up with exciting parts that wouldn't let me put down the book. Maybe it's just 'cause I'm a book freak.

This book is an exciting thriller; a great adventure. Wish there were more books in the series because this book sort of leaves you hanging expecting that there would be more. I really would like to give it 4 and a half stars. You should read the other two first otherwise it will be confusing. Dragon's Blood was really good, but Heart's Blood was the best.

This final volume of the Pit Dragons Trilogy is perhaps the most interesting, because it takes us away from the mainstream culture of Yolen's world, with it's Pit fights and its caste-system, and shows us another side of the planet Austar. Incidentally, this was the first Pit Dragon book I read - having found the British, Julia MacRae edition of it in an Australian second-hand bookstore.

Jakkin and Akki have undergone a dragon-related physical transformation which enables them to share their thoughts telepathically and to survive the supercold Dark After of the Austarian night. Their peaceful existence with Heart's Blood's dragon hatchlings (Sssargon, Sssasha, and the Triplets) in the mountains of Austar is disturbed when there is a sign that they are being hunted by humans.

They flee into the caves of the mountains, where they encounter an indigenous society of humans who are similarly bonded with the dragons. However, as they soon discover, these people's relationship with the dragons is much less benevolent than that which they themselves possess.

So, for the last time, we see Jane Yolen's uncanny ability of deeply touching us with the courage and love of her characters, both human and draconian, and provoking our thoughts with her ingeniously invented cultures. Although the ending of this book ties off all the loose ends of the series, there is plenty of scope for more storytelling in Yolen's fascinating world of loving, feeling, and emphatic dragons. Hopefully this will not be our last visit to Austar.

Jane Yolen has created a world and a story reminiscent of some old celtic myth. In fact you may wonder as you read whether or not there exists somewhere a legend much like this one sometime in our own world's past. The story centers around a central character named White Jenna who is raised by a community of women warriors similar to the Amazons. White Jenna is prophecied of and will reunite the (Sisters) with the world. She will bring change that some Sisters embrace and some resist to the bitter end. White Jenna is rescued as a baby in the forest and raised by a Light and Dark Sister. If you want to know what a light and dark sister are you'll have to read the book. Jane Yolen explains that concept much better than I can. The first part of the book is about the early life of White Jenna and her friends growing up in the community of sisters. The book really takes off after all this when Jenna and her friends have to go out on their missions. This is similar to young american indians going out into the wild and proving their manhood, having visions, and getting their spirit names. Alot of the happenings in this book parallel legends and myths from many sources. Once Jenna sets out on her mission things start to happen and the pace of the story really takes off and seldom slows until the end. Oh but don't worry about the ending. The ending is very satisfying and unlike many books, appropriate. This book has romance, fight scenes, adventure, war, fantasy, myth, quests, and all the elements one looks for in a really great fantasy. I was enchanted and spellbound as I sacrificed sleep to find out what happens next. Jane Yolen writes mostly children's books and you get a sense of that by the way this book reads but don't let that fool you into thinking it was written for children only. This book is definitely for kids of all ages. Enjoy!

The Books of Great Alta, a compliation volume consisting of 'Sister Light, Sister Dark' and 'White Jenna', has just kept me up until 5:30 in the morning. I last read these books when they first came out, but have been reminded of them since and was delighted to find that both are still readily available. They are examples of Jane Yolen's brilliance as a storyteller and her profound skill as a maker of myths to rival any writer you care to name.

Part of Yolen's genius lies in her skillful weaving of reality and fantasy, the melding of myth and pseudo-history (with some quiet digs at modern historians along the way - but that's just an added extra) to form a convincing whole. The book is full of strong, memorable characters, most especially her central heroine, Jenna. Jenna is human enough both to want to be the Anna, the chosen one, and at the same time to want to reject that destiny. Fantasy and reality, blended and woven, but not like a piece of cloth, flat and two-dimensional - Jane's work is more like a fine basket, with height, width and depth, filled with brilliant writing and replete with original ideas that for all their newness still resonate at a deep level. Her concept of the dark sisters has introduced a new archetype to modern myth, and it is so powerful and rings so true that from this time forth we will wonder how we did not know it before.

These books belong on your shelf if the old songs are in your heart (and she provides the songs as well!) and if you have ever seen your dark sister in the mirror, only waiting to be called into being. Jane Yolen is a master of her art, and this is one of her many master-works. May you enjoy it as much as I have.

I've read a lot of Yolen's books, the ones intended for kids and the ones intended for "older kids." If you're an older kid as I am, I would think it nearly impossible to not be haunted by _Sister Light, Sister Dark,_ _White Jenna,_ and _Briar Rose._ Now, I've got _The One-Armed Queen_ to look forward to! But such a fantasist, as Yolen is, I could wish, would write more beautiful, lyrical, funny, very sad books for adults too.

I am an enthusiastic fan of Eric Carle's work, and found this book to be unique, touching, and beautiful in its craft. However, when I read it through for the fist time with my two-year-old, I was surprised and a little uncomfortable when we turned a page and found a man and woman introduced to the story completely in the nude and basically anatomically correct! The pictures were tastefully drawn, inoffensive, and certainly appropriate in a creation story, but I wasn't expecting a variance from the usual tunic or fig leaf covering in that is usually present in such stories when the book is directed toward a young audience. Personally, I could have used a forewarning to prepare myself with positive and fitting responses to my child's natural curiosity. Whatever your comfort level is with nudity in art for children, it might be helpful to you to know it is there.

This one of Eric Carle's best works, and can be enjoyed by many ages and at many levels. First, there's the art, which is as bright and bold as his later works (Papa get me the Moon, and Slowly Slowly Slowly Said the Sloth). I think that the rainbow picture in this book would make an excellent print, as well as the flying Artist and star page.

Then there's the simple story of creatures asking for other creatures to be made with child-like associations (dog asks for a cat, cat asks for a bird, bird asks for a butterfly), and the neat cycle of starting and ending with a star.

Then there's the whole creation myth aspect. Not "The Creation Myth" which starts with darkness, but one that starts with the need to create the heavens; darkness comes much later in this story. The Artist ages as the world is being created. Could he be the embodiment of Time itself?

Or is the Artist Mr. Carle? I cannot read this without wondering if Mr. Carle is contemplating his life and work. If so, Mr. Carle, grab that star.

This book is like a spirtual description of how life began, written at a child's level but inspirational to adults, as well. It also includes a drawing exercise from Eric Carle, as well as a personal letter to his readers at the end of the book. And of course, it is beautifully illustrated.

"The Encounter" written by Jane Yolen, is a historically accurate fiction. As a departure from the other writing style she shows, this book is not light-hearted, but rather a serious work written with an intention to educate. Of course, to keep the reader focussed and interested in a story that s/he may have heard hundreds of times already, some high drama is added.

The book leaves one with a slight over-all feeling of sorrow, but accomplishes its purpose. Read it, even if you decide not to own it. For a bit of a pick-me-up, re-read Jane Yolen's "Wizard's Hall" (very entertaining, even after four years of looking).

First found this book when I was student teaching. Such a powerful book, both to teach history/social studies and to see that every story has two sides. I've been in 2 classrooms since and have decided I can't live without this book.

beautiful illustrations, lovely story, unique and unusual point-of-view.

Cute, but not as cute as "How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?" In fact, some of the illustrations seem to be repeats from the first book.

"What if a dinosaur/catches the flu?/Does he whimper and whine/in between each Atchoo?" So begins award winning author and illustrator, Jane Yolen and Mark Teague's playful and entertaining picture book about how to handle all the misery of the cold and flu season. Does that dinosaur throw dirty tissues on the floor, toss off his covers, and fling his medicine out the door? Does he dump his juice, hide from the doctor, scream and wail, and make a big stink? No of course not. He stays in bed, takes his medicine, cooperates at the doctor's office, and works at getting well soon. "He drinks lots of juice,/and he gets lots of rest./He's good at the doctor's/'cause doctors know best." Ms Yolen's silly, rhyming text is a bit forced, and not quite as wonderful as in their first collaboration, How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night. But Mr Teague's expressive, bold, bright and exuberant artwork is engaging, and filled with humor and wit. Young dinosaur lovers will revel in all the fun-filled, captivating illustrations. How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon? is a preschool crowd pleaser, that is sure to put a smile on every little runny-nosed face.

I have given Jane Yolen's first HOW DO DINOSAURS book as a gift to dozens of children and not one has been disappointed. I was thrilled to find the second one just as charming and fun as the first. It is the perfect read aloud for any child--sick or not. And parents will be happy to have such a wonderful book to add to the "One More Time" pile.

I am always amazed at how versitile Jane Yolen is. When my own little dinosaur finally drifts off to sleep, I can enjoy reading another chapter of her new novel GIRL IN A CAGE.

My only complaint is that my daughter may be too old when the next one comes out! Hurry Jane, hurry!

If you're just, just, JUST getting started, this book will help you a lot. It's a very broad survey with a lot of information that will give you an idea of the field. But don't buy this book if you have a specific question. Need to know how to write query letters? Get John Wood's book, How to Write Attention-Grabbing Query and Cover Letters. Want to know about submission format? Look for some of the Writer's Digest books. Agents? There are hundreds of books on agents. Publishers? Come on, if you need information about publishers, just look. So...buy this book if you are, as the title says, a Complete Idiot when it comes to Publishing Children's Books. Otherwise, leave it alone.

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The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books is the most comprehensive book on writing for children available. If you teach writing it is an invaluable resource. It breaks all the basics down to bite-sized chunks so any beginner can find the information he/she needs. If you have a question about writing, selling, or publishing for children-- this book is the place to start to find your answer. The index is great and the glossary is very useful. The sidebars and illustrations make the information easy to find. You'd have to complete the Institute for Children's Literature courses to find better information, and that is very costly in terms of time and money.

In the best traditions of the CIG books, "Publishing Children's Books" gives you all the basic info you need to know, distilled down into plain talk and understandable terms. The book has some info on how to write and illustratate your story, but it really comes into its own when discussing what you need to do in order to get the book published.

Indispensible for the novice children's author/illustrator, and invaluable in helping those of us just starting out with navigating the confusing and imposing world of children's book publishing.

When I started to read this book I thought that by the cover and how they describe it that it would be great because I love magic!! Yet I was bored to DEATH by this book. Only two parts that interested me in the least, where the "THING" is chasing after the children and when the women who runs the old home tries to take over the powerful "witches". The rest of the book was a big disappointment and hardly any real links or clues were found to connect the whole story. I mean it took them about two minutes to figure out what they had to do and then the book was over. I wouldn't waste 5 bucks on this flimsy little book that has a horrible ending that isn't even interesting because the girl just goes back to her own time and thats that . There was no real mystery at the end like a struggle or another attempt to get the stone, nothing like that. If you do like a book that solves things quickly and easily, that has some interesting chase and mind games, I recommend this book. But if you are the type that likes Lord of the Rings forget this book.

The second book of the "Tartan Magic" series trips back through time, space, and lots of evil witchery. Following up on the first book (which you should read to fully understand the plot of this one), this is an excellent second entry.

Three American kids -- twins Peter and Jennifer, and younger sibling Molly -- are still in Scotland, while Da and their parents are away. During a "dreech" day, Gran takes the girls to a nearby nursing home, where three old ladies -- a coven of sweet old witches -- play a card game and dote on Molly. One of them gives her a little stone with an engraving. It turns out to be a talisman -- one that soon calls a Pictish girl to the present day.

The little Pictish girl, Ninia, is not the only visitor. Just after her arrival, a mighty Pict warrior appears, and a sinister dark mist begins following them. Gran can hold it off for a short while. But why is Ninia in the present, how can she go home -- and what evil presence wants to destroy her?

This is a really charming little book, full of twists and turns and the occasional odd comment ("American has electricity. Scotland has power"). There's also a little educational value in this, which parents might like; Yolen is too talented to let this info on the Picts and their civilization be boring, and it is very vital to the plotline. The pace is snappy and full of Scottish words (there's a guide to them at the back of the book, if you want to know what "dreech" means), and descriptions that cause images to pop into the mind.

There's a little more comedy in this book than in the last: we have the smart-alecky talking dog, who trades barbs with anyone who will respond. Also, there is Peter's turn as an early teenage driver, which will elicit winces from any parents who read it. The menace is, possibly, even better than the wizard Michael Scot -- you probably won't even be able to guess who it is.

Delightful little story, really charming. A must-read for any lovers of magic or Scotland.

I thought this book was enchanting. The way she wrote it made you want to read more. The way she described the pictish child was very specific. This book was magical and exciting. It was not the kind of book with all describing and no adventure though. She managed to include both. I enjoyed the way she put the glossary in the back of the book. It helped me understand the books Scottish words, and it was fun to say them and nobody would know what I was saying!

I liked The Wizard's Map because it was mysterious at times. I wanted to finish this book to find out if Jennifer could get her family back.

"Wizard's Map" is the first of the delightful Tartan Magic books, a series about magic and mystery in a small village in Scotland. Currently numbering three, I hope these books don't stop anytime soon.

The Dyers arrive in Scotland -- the parents, thirteen-year-old twins Peter and Jennifer, and their little sister Molly. They're staying with Gran and Da, an elderly couple who were once surrogate parents to their mother; Gran and Da seem a little weird but very nice. The same can be said of the house: A card game finishes itself without Peter, and Molly finds a magical piece of paper in the "actic" and scribbles on it.

Upon seeing the paper, Gran is aghast, claiming that it's the map of the seemingly long-dead wizard Michael Scot. The others are, unsurprisingly, skeptical since the map is written in modern English and shows modern landmarks. But the next day, nearby wheat fields have been hit with crop circles -- crop circles that look exactly like Molly's scribbles. And on a sightseeing trip, a mysterious black-haired man simply vanishes into thin air -- with Molly. Scot is back, and he wants the map.

Don't be fooled by the short length of this book. It's packed with excellent characterization, fast writing, and a charming, chilling plot. Yolen demonstrates her excellent skills at writing yet again, and she's in top form here.

The characters, except for the parents (who aren't really around enough to make much of an impression): Gran and Da are great, especially Gran. Molly is a thoroughly believable tot, with all the irritation and cuteness that that implies; Peter and Jennifer are great counterparts to one another, similar but not alike. (That would be boring, and it isn't boring)

Yolen's writing is nicely descriptive, and the aura of anything-could-happen is heavy on this book. Such events as the dragon, unicorn and dog are introduced in an especially evocative way, as is the showdown with Scot. From the moment the kids meet Gran and Da, you get the distinct impression that this wee corner of Scotland is magical.

For fans of Susan Cooper's "Boggart" books, and mythology-laden tales like "Wild Hunt," this would be a great read. On to "Pictish Child"!

Jane Yolen has been called America's Hans Christian Andersen and while the comparison is apt, the breadth and depth of her talents are much larger than that darling Dane. Truly, with each new book, she further asserts her station as a true national literary treasure. In this, the first of a series called TARTAN MAGIC, her inventive imagination, precise and incisive understanding of humanity, and absolutely incredible ability to create endlessly fascinating characters and plots has never been more vital and positively organic. The story of three children visiting relatives in Scotland contemporaneously is enlivened by wee braw magicks afoot in hidden rooms in dust "actics." Fans of Yolen's other work, especially the Young Merlin trilogy will adore this as will her more mature admirers of her fairy story and folktale collections. This series, continuing on in THE PICTISH CHILD, will even brighten the spirits of those who have finished the fourth Potter and are moping for the fifth. Some aspiring graduate student in children's literature should consider well a comparative study of Rowlings and Yolen. Sounds like thesis and dissertation material to me.

Merlin
By:Jane Yolen

This book is the third book in the Merlin Trilogy, there are two other book. This novel covers Melin's childhood. In the time of the 500's it is set in a dark forest in a meadow. Hawk Hobby as a child received a bird as a guide named Dolly. While trapped in the meadow he seemed to had many dreams throughout the long nights, that is how he got his name Dreamer. Rather than having Sir Ector as a guardian in the original story, he had a foster father that took care of him through his childhood in the book. It seems as if nothing may or could tear apart the friendship of Dolly and Merlin.
In my opinion this book would be recommended for middle school and under. To me it wasn't that great of a book, but it was short and sweet. If you are looking for a book to learn about background information on Arthurian History this isn't a good book for that reason.

This book by Jane Yolen is the third book of the young Merlin Trilogy. This book tells the tale of Merlin's childhood. Merlin is a young boy determined to never grow up, but on his journey he finds a boy who will grow up to be the great King Arthur. The tale's setting is around 500 A.D. and it is normally in a forest, meadow, or a camp. Instead of the common story of Arthur growing up in a cave with Merlin or growing up in Sir Ector's home this story says that Arthur was the child of a wodewose or wild man and that he left home with the young Merlin.
I would recommend this book to young kids ages thirteen and under. This story would not be interesting to adults because it is extremely easy to read and is meant for children. Another reason I recommend this book to kids is that it is written in a way that kids can understand. I think this was an excellent book

A fitting conclusion to the "Merlin" trilogy, beautifully written but less like a nature poem than it's predecessor. Still laden with hints of the future, "Merlin" is a wonderful brief read.

Merlin escapes from angry dogs, pulled to safety by one of the wodewose, wild men and women who have their dwellings out in the forests. Despite the name, they are relatively civilized, but recognize the amazing talents that Merlin possesses. He sometimes dreams (in a weird sort of way) of the future, and in one astounding scene he uses his powers to heal. These events lead both to a shattering conclusion -- and a fateful meeting with a tiny boy named Cub.

Merlin is more mature in this book, having learned about greed and deception and wanting neither of them. There are hints at the end of his future mentoring of Arthur and additionally a twist in his traditional role.

The writing style is as evocative as ever, poetic and almost dreamy, bringing every described image to life. If I can someday write half as well as Ms. Yolen, I will be very happy.

This Book was ok. it was not as good as the first one, but it was ok. This book shifts more to the Politics of the PLanet more than the Dragons. I mean, dont get me wrong, there are dragons in it, but just not as many as in the first one, which somewhat dissapointed me. I was hoping to get a good dragon book, like the first one, but what i found was that it was more a political book with dragons in the backround. I would read it if you read the first book, but dont expect it to be near as good as the first book.

The second of the Pit Dragon series, Heart's Blood, is every bit as good as the first! Jakkin ventures into the dangerous and unstable world of politics and rebels to save Akki, whom no one has heard from for a long time. At the same time, he must take care of his dragon, Heart's Blood, and her hatchlings. This series is excellently written, with great details and charactariztion! I highly reccomend it to anybody!

This book is just as good as the original, Dragon's Blood. This book has a very interesting story, but it has quite a few plot twists and can become confusing at times. The basic plot is this: Jakkin who has recently won his title of master, is getting used to life with Heart's Blood, who is now pregnant with eggs. But a mysterious political figure named Golden appears to Jakkin and Sarkkhan telling them that Akki has dissapeared. Now Jakkin is torn between Heart's Blood and Akki, and trying to discover manhood. He travels to the Rokk, and leads Heart's Blood through a great many pit fights. It is a great story of love and courage, with a touching end. If you like dragons, you will love this book. Be sure to read Dragon's Blood before you read this book, so you understand what's going on. Also be sure to catch A Sending of Dragons after you have read Heart's Blood. This book was easy to read, but it is not exactly adult reading material. I would recommend this book for anyone ages 10-15 who likes dragons.