I received my Little House box set MANY, MANY years ago for Christmas, and it sat on my shelf, a treasure waiting to be fully discovered, for the better part of 2 decades. As an English major, I've spent many hours with Shakespeare, Jane Austen, the Brontes, Edith Wharton, and scores of other wonderful writers. Then one day, my best friend told me that she was reading "Little House in the Big Woods" to her 1st grade class, and that, to a child, boys and girls alike were mezmerized during story time - she'd never seen them pay such good attention.

That was all it took. One Sunday morning, I walked up to the attic, and brought down my set. Since then, I've read straight through them, often into the wee hours of the morning. The writing is outstanding (it actually becomes more grown up right along with the characters), and of course the love story is beautiful, but this series has much more to offer its readers - young and old. For one, you get a much deeper sense of how generations before us struggled, toiled really, to make this country what it is today. And the sense of family is amazing, particularly as Laura becomes old enough to live away from home and realize just how wonderful her family is.

Every child should read them. Better yet, every family should read them aloud, together. I certainly plan to read them aloud to my kids.

When I was eight years old I found On the Banks of Plum Creek in my Easter basket. At the time I hated reading and promptly tossed it aside. A few weeks later I found it again and for some reason decided to give it a shot. I absolutely loved it. I ran out and read the whole series (in no particular order) and when I was done I went searching for others like it(LM Montgomery came close). The Little House books changed my life. They spurned in me love of literature which still lasts (I'm currently an English major!). I recommend buying these books for any little girl- even if they don't like reading. It just might change their minds, and if not, it's only money and the oppotunity provided is priceless.

One of the biggest fallacies about the Little House books is that they are "girls' books." It was that perception of the books, as well as the sappy, smaltzy "Little House on the Prairie" TV show, that kept me from reading these books until I was in my early teens. One day just out of sheer boredom, I read my sister's worn copy of "Little House in the Big Woods." What a great book! A story of a family's survival in the wilderness with tales of bears, panthers, wolves, hunting, and all sorts of neat information on how pioneer people lived. "Little House in the Big Woods" erased my conception of the Little House books as "girlie stuff" and I promptly read the rest of the series.

Yes, some elements will appeal more to girls especially Mrs. Wilder's very detailed descriptions of women's clothing. (I generally just read what color the dress was and then skip over the rest of the description.) However, her stories about Indians, wild animals, blizzards, grasshopper storms, bandits, bullies threatening to beat up teachers, unruly students, unhinged farmwives, bossy older sisters, and a whole host of other great stuff will make these books fascinating to anyone interested in pioneer life regardless of gender.

Despite my age I still consider these among my favorite books. They are truly heartwarming classics with the magnificent illustrations of Garth Williams. Laura, the main character, will appeal to almost anyone- honest, principled, courageous, industrious, but with very human elements- including envy of her older sister and holding grudges, especially against snooty Nellie Oleson and her teacher (and future sister-in-law) Eliza Jane Wilder. The books are also a tribute to her father, Charles Ingalls, who emerges as a truly great man and father. A hard-working man upon whom fortune did not always smile, but always was able to remain unbowed regardless of misfortune. He was also a strict disciplinarian, who did not believe in sparing the rod, but also a truly loving father, who would do anything for his girls. Charles Ingalls, as seen through the eyes of his daughter, is a man worthy of any reader's respect.

For those who see images of Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert when they hear the words, "Little House," please give the books a chance. They are really nothing like the TV series. Although Laura Ingalls Wilder infused her books with a great deal of sentimentality- they never descend into the maudlin syrup that was the hallmark of the TV series. One example of how different they truly are would be how they represented how Mary, Laura's older sister, lost her eyesight. In "On the Shores of Silver Lake" Laura describes how scarlet fever robbed her sister of her sight, but also proudly describes how that tragedy never brought Mary to tears. Mary always remained "patient and brave." In contrast, the TV show has Mary wailing, moaning, and carrying on until her family ships her off to a school for the blind. (In the books, Mary does eventually go to a college for the blind, but only after years of being an important and valuable member of the family despite her disability.) Once again, the Little House series is a perfect example of the books being vastly superior to any TV or film conversion.

This book has truly been a blessing to my life. After reading it four times, I have been compelled to stop complaining and appreciate life, for I am truly blessed. Patti is truly a gem. She is a living testimony. Through the tears and the pain, heartache and betrayal, like a phoenix, Patti rises above it all. She shows that there is gold at the end of the rainbow we call life. This book is no less than Remarkable, compelling, and exceptional. Patti tells all, and each revelation brings about a major learning experience that makes her the powerful, spiritual, and "down-to-earth" Diva that she is today. As you read, it leaves you not only NOT wanting to put it down, but selfishly wishing for a sequel. If there were a class on autobiographies of the stars, this would be a Required Reading. Patti's life has only just begun and through "Don't Block The Blessings: Revelations of a Lifetime," Patti shows us, without reservation, that we can truly overcome anything, as long as we don't block the blessings. Everything in life happens for a reason, and if you learn from each life's experience, you will transcend and begin to appreciate people, as well as yourself, ...just don't block the blessings

Don't Block the Blessings is an excellent book. When I began to read the first couple of words, I knew that this would be one book that I would not be able to put down. I often found myself reading the book while taking tests, taking a bath, while exercising, and sometimes while riding in the car. I think that the reason it caught my attention was because some of the issues that Mrs. LaBelle faced, I have gone through also. Although I am only sixteen years old, I have been in similar situations. Like Patti, I have often feared death, and I let that bother me for so long. I have lost an aunt, tragically, and me not being able to say to her what I needed to say still haunts me. After reading the book, I've learned to deal with my problems, as did Patti. I know Mrs. LaBelle will remain a true inspiration in my life because through her book, and through God, she has helped me to learn to never block the blessings. I believe that if America were to live by this motto, it would be a much better place. We need more people , like Mrs. Patti LaBelle, to speak out and help make this world a better haven. I commend her and may God continously bless her. I will remain her number one fan!!!

Patti is truly a gem to be cherished. She is truly a living testimony. Through the tears and the pain, heartache and betrayal, Patti rises above it all, to show that there is gold at the end of the rainbow of life. This book is no less than remarkable, compelling, and exceptional. As you read, it leaves you, not only not wanting to put it down, but selfishly wishing for a sequel. Patti's life has only just begun, and through "Don't Block The Blessings: Revelations of a Lifetime," Patti shows us, without reservation, that we can truly overcome anything, as long as we don't block the blessings. Everything in life happens for a reason, and if you learn from each life's experience, you will transcend and begin to appreciate people, as well as yourself, just don't block the blessing.

This book is my son's favorite. We read it at least three times every day!! The pictures are enticing and beautiful, and the meter makes it as fun to read as a song is to sing. He also likes to touch the ladybugs and see them disappear, one by one, with the turn of every page. I like that it teaches numbers and backward counting in a fun way that really pulls him in and excites him about reading.

My now 10 month old daughter absolutely loves this book! It is her favorite. We've had it for several months now and she never seems to tire of it. We bring it with us everywhere. She loves to touch the ladybugs and watch them disappear as we flip the pages. The book it beautifully illustrated and considering how often I have to read it, I never get bored with the narrative that accompanies the pictures. Since Laila loves it so much we also got Good Night Sweet Butterflies and that one is just as fabulous. A special thanks to Melanie Gerth for providing such wonderful reading materials for babies (and their parents too!) I am always looking for more by this author and can't wait for another installment. Numbers and Colors have been covered, what's next? Shapes? Keep them coming!!

When our daughter was 6 months, we ordered a bunch of board books to start her library -- Dr. Seuss, Richard Scarry, Curious George, Eric Carle, Sandra Boynton, and others. This one, however, is her favorite! From the first time we opened it, she went straight for the ladybugs.

Our daughter is 7 months now and loves grabbing the ladybugs every chance she gets. She tries her darndest to get the other board books in her mouth, but this one gets a little less wear and tear because she is content to feel the ladybugs and look at the bright drawings. It is a beautifully illustrated story with lines that are fun to read out loud, and I have no doubt our daughter will enjoy this book on other levels too as she gets older.

Seabiscuit's "gallop was so disorganized that he had a maddening tendency to whack himself in the front ankle with his own hind hoof." And so the spell-binding story about a horse that runs with a duck waddle, a jockey (Red Pollard) who is blind in one eye, a trainer (Tom Smith) who is practically mute, and an owner (Charles Howard) who brought cars to the West is born. This unlikely group of misfits joins together through chance -- and because all three men immediately see the untapped potential in a mistreated, high-spirited, and lazy horse named Seabiscuit. This trio devotes their love, skills, and energy into turning Seabiscuit into one of the most phenomenal horse racing legends.

Tom Smith, perhaps the original "horsewhisperer", spends hours learning and understanding his horse. When Seabiscuit is first put into his care for training, the horse is nervous, paces incessantly, weighs too little, and suffers from a sore body. Tom spends time caring for Seabiscuit, showering him with affection and carrots, even sleeping in Seabiscuit's stall at night. A daily routine is introduced plus animal companionship. Before long, Seabiscuit has his own entourage: a cow pony named Pumpkin, the little stray dog Pocatell, and Jojo the spider monkey. Under Tom's care, the high-spirited Seabiscuit learns to trust, becomes calm, and, most importantly, starts winning horse races.

The triumph of Seabiscuit is ultimately the story of what any person (or animal) may accomplish when their talents are recognized, supported, and expanded. Seabiscuit, given his inauspicious start in life, could just as easily have faded away into non-existence running third tier races. However, the love and care he receives from his owner, jockey, and trainer have you cheering until the end of the book for Seabiscuit to keep running (and winning) with his heart. Not only does Seabiscuit capture the hearts of the misfit trio, he will capture yours.

This fascinating work of non-fiction is one of the best books I've read in a long time. Unlike a lot of historical non-fiction, this intriguing story did not read like a textbook - it read like fiction and not once did I find myself skimming the details ... too interesting to skim through!

When I first heard about this story, I wasn't sure about it - after all, I really know (or should I say "knew") very little about horse racing. Despite my misgivings, I soon realized that a major purpose of this book was not only to teach the reader about this sport via Seabiscuit's career but also to memorialize the amazing individuals (Charles Howard, Tom Smith, Red Pollard, George Woolf, etc.) who defied all odds to make such a successful racing career possible.

I especially liked the chapters dealing with the difficulties of life as a jockey - the way the jockeys punished their bodies to the extreme for the honor of participating in a harrowingly dangerous sport was truly unbelievable...and I thought ballerinas were harsh on their bodies when it came to weight loss! Red was my favorite character and I can't help wondering if the author felt a particular kinship with the jockey as a result of her own struggles with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - after all, she did have to push her own body beyond her normal physical limits to complete her research and write this amazing book!

Ms. Hillenbrand successfully incorporated the story of Seabiscuit's racing career into the historical context of the era. Seabiscuit was a much needed diversion for Americans who were suffering the depths of the Great Depression. ...And perhaps, through Laura Hillenbrand, Team Seabiscuit is still providing us all with an inspirational diversion from today's distressing headlines!

Oh - and don't skip the interview with Laura Hillenbrand at the end of the book. It was very interesting to see how Ms. Hillenbrand's own background influenced her writing and how her research helped her to resurrect this intriguing epoch in American history.

I'm excited about the movie although I hope Universal Studios does this wonderful literary work justice!

The story of Seabiscuit captivated me so much that I have read the book 2 times already. Laura Hillenbrand does a tremendous job of bringing you right back into the moment, the intersection of 4 characters - owner, trainer, jockey, and of course, Seabiscuit. I found myself lost in the period of the late 1930's when horseracing was a hugely popular sport. I also found myself rooting like crazy for Seabiscuit as the great horseraces he was involved in are retold with amazing suspense. In particular the races in which George Woolf jockeyed Seabiscuit - the 1938 Santa Anita Handicap, and the race of the century, Seabiscuit's 1938 match race against heavily favored War Admiral - were completely spellbinding. Also extremely interesting is the story of trainer Tom Smith, whose quirky tricks and incredible intuition with Seabiscuit brought the horse into his own. Something about this unlikely story attracts me. It is as if the stars aligned and the sun shone on Seabiscuit for a period of 3 years in America's eyes. I was also left with the feeling that this had to be one of the greatest, if not the greatest thoroughbreds the world has ever known. A highly recommended book even to someone who has no particular attraction to horseracing.

'These Happy Golden Years' is an excellent book. One of the best in the Little House series. Laura is growing up and life for her is getting very interesting.

The book starts off rough for Laura. In order to make money for Mary's schooling, Laura is going away from home for the first time to teach school. She is staying with a family that has a very bitter wife who is not exactly friendly!

When Laura finally returns home she is happy to go back to school, but she is eager to earn more money. So, she helps the town dressmaker on Saturdays.

Mary is coming home for summer and Laura is so excited! The only problem is that she is staying with the dressmaker and her daughter out on their claim. Will Laura be able to go home and see Mary!?

As the book progresses Almonzo Wilder becomes even more a part of Laura's life. It is so sweet to read these two getting closer and more interested. Laura even helps Almonzo break some horses!

This book is interesting and sweet and the ending is wonderful! Pick it up today!

This book tells of 3 years of Laura's life between ages of 15, when she first goes out to teach school - to 18, when she gets married.

We witness Laura's growing up and realization that life is changing all around her. Mary is in college, and is independent enough to want to stay with a friend for the summer instead of coming home. It's obvious that Laura's relationship with her sisters and friends in school are changing - in 'Little Town on the Prairie' her school life for example, and her after school or weekend social activities with her friends are a large part of the book, but now we only hear of a few remote incidents, and we hardly hear anything about the going ons there, for instance we don't really get to know Florence, the new 'big girl'. This is partly due to the increasing role of Almanzo Wilder's part in Laura's life, but I think that is also partly due to the fact Laura isn't attending school full time anymore, but rather teaches school herself for a term or two a year.Except for Ida's small part in Laura's wedding, we don't hear of them any more for the rest of the series.

We also see Laura herself change: part of it is what I just mentioned about the change in what she describes in her social life. Another one would be her very detailed description of her clothes and fashions - even though we do hear about her dresses in previous books, she seems much more occupied with them this time, like any teenage girl... In betwen the lines, we do see that the Ingles family is doing better financially - they are improving their house, and can often afford luxuries such as a sewing machine and an organ for Mary.

I did find a few points I didn't like in this book, compared to the previous books in the series:

1) Instead of giving an account of a relatively short period (a year or 2, like in the previous books), we are now covering 3 years, and we usually get an 'in depth coverage' of a relatively short period, or a few remote incidents, then run through a long period which is skipped. Laura only described her first school with as much details as I was used to in her previous books, but the next 2 schools are hardly mentioned... It isn't as bad as her descriptions in 'The First Four Years', but it's still noticeable.

2) We get a lot more of Almanzo, while we get less of the pioneer life of that era... This is an autobiography of Laura's life, not a history book, I admit, but I think that the historical and cultural element of these books has been a major attraction for readers, especially the older ones.

This book, which was a 1944 Newbery Honor Book (that is, a runner-up to the Medal winner), continues the autobiography of Mrs. Wilders (1867-1957) through the years 1883 to 1885 when the author was 15 to 18 years old. It begins immediately after the events described in "Little Town on the Prairie"; she immediately begins her career as a school teacher in a very small schoolhouse about twelve miles to the south of De Smet, South Dakota (although South Dakota doesn't become a state until 1889). Through experimentation, practice, and management, she becomes a good school teacher and is able to keep up with her own studies. And, at the same time, earn enough money to help keep her sister Mary in a college for the blind in Iowa. Almanzo Wilder (1857-1949) continues to court her and drives her home each weekend in a horse-drawn sleigh. As time goes by their friendship turns to love and they are married and Laura goes off to Almanzo's homestead to have her own little house on the prairie. Throughout the book, the author continues to include details of frontier/homesteader life that brings that part of our history to life and shows how people worked hard to overcome difficulties, never giving up. In my opinion, this is the best written of all of the books in the series. It also shows the love that Laura and Almanzo truly had for each other.

I was taught how to cook by numerous relatives(from Georgia, Virginia and New Jersey) and I have had people to tell me that I could throw down with some cooking; but after trying some of Patti's recipes, people were telling me that I need to be a professional caterer! I own tons of recipe books, but this one lives up to Ms. Labelles' reputation as an excellent cook. I cooked for 18 people this christmas; not only did every one on her recipes I tried score a hit: (String beans a labelle, good and cheap pot roast, peach cobbler, over the rainbow macaroni and cheese); Patti enhanced my cooking, just by suggesting everyday ingredients rather than buying some outrageously exotic spices and seasonings. One word of caution, use only some of these recipes for special occasions, cause if you eat this on the regular, you will be on this website looking for a Tae-Bo tape afterwards (cause I'm looking for one now). Here's to REAL SOUL FOOD! THANKS PATTI! :)

I have been cooking for years, not out of obligation, but because I get this incredible feeling from creating meals- it is my art. This is why I feel so connected (not in a "Single White Female" way!)to Patti LaBelle. Cooking is her art, it's her expression of love and devotion to her family and friends. I totally understood her fierce protection over her famous potato salad recipe- once you give it to someone, it no longer belongs to you. So, I understand what a loving sacrafice she has made by giving us this collection of incredible recipes. I particularly recommend her "Over the Rainbow" mac and cheese, her "Don't Block the Blessings" dressing (stuffing, for you "Stove Top" lot), her "Make You Wanna Holler" Maryland crab cakes, and her Aunt Mary's Philadelphia Butter cake. The stories behind the recipes is worth having even if you never cooked a single thing. Even if you are hopeless in the kitchen, if you follow these recipes to the letter, you'll even impress your mother-in-law!!

I bought this book off of Amazon, never having seen it in the stores. What a pleasant surprise! I'd expected another book of soul-food, Southern cooking (which is what I was looking for). Ms. LaBelle's book has plenty of down-home-type recipies familiar to those of us in the South, such as her pot roast and her Southern fried chicken, but also has recipes that reflect a wider, more modern cooking trend, such as Caribbean fish steaks and shrimp fried rice. Her Macaroni and Cheese recipe is to die for!

Unlike so many other 'celebrity' cookbooks, the recipes here are well-written and easy to follow. I've cooked a couple of dozen recipes here, and all have worked as published.

This cookbook can be a terrific introduction to Southern cooking as well as an illustrated biography of its author. I've been a fan of LaBelle for many years and was delighted to read her autobiographical segments. This book is a great blend of cookbook and memoirs, and can be enjoyable even if only for reading!

I read an Anne of Green Gables many, many years ago and immediatly fell in love. At once, I went out and bought the entire series, loving each book more than the one before. This is a line of books I would highly recommend to anyone, of any age. It is truly my favorite set of books. No matter how many times I have read it...and my first copy had fallen apart years ago...I laugh and cry just as hard as I did the first time. Anne of Green Gables 2, or Anne's House of Dreams, is a wonderful story of a couple just starting out in marriage. Moving from their friendly town of Avonlea, they started out anew, in a little cottage by the seashore. Gilbert, Anne's husband, is a young doctor, beginning his practice. They make many new friends, each more interesting than the last. There is even a mystery to unravel in their midst! Romance galore, love, friendship and dreams unfold before our eyes. Even when we read of their tragedies, we hurt along with them, feeling their pain. That is how well this book is written. Read it, enjoy it and buy the whole set. You will never regret it!

Anne of Green Gables is one of the first books to make me fall in love...with it. I mean, it was cute, it was lesson teaching (hehe, that sounds strange), and Anne was just such a good character. She sort of reminded me of me: bad temper (I've gotten much cooler now, haha), big words, amazing imagination, smart (haha, well, I was and am PRETTY SMART, at least, I think, haha). Gilbert reminded me of this guy at school...haha, well, I won't get into details there, but the book was charming, and I've already read it over four times in only like three years, which is sort of alot. I loved this book, and I believe that many other people will learn to appreciate its cuteness and truth and stuff over the years, hehe. Enjoy!

When I first read this book many years back, I loved it, and was sad for it to end when I finished reading it. I loved every single part of it...I simply couldn't put it down. Anne is such a character...you can't help liking her more and more, and wishing that she was your own "bosom friend" just as I did. While reading, I was transported back to that time, and I could just see Avonlea and Green Gables, the school which Anne studied in, and I could see Diana and Miss Stacy and Gilbert just as if they were my own friends.

I loved this book, and read it many times over again after I first picked it up, and it still delighted me. Lucy Maud Montgomery is a stunning writer, and I believe that she must have been like Anne, for no one could create such a realistic character and write everything that poured out of Anne's mouth...her made up stories, the things that she she thought of, her wild yet delightful imagination...all in all, Anne of Green Gables is one of the finest books I've ever read, and were ever written. I strongly recommend it to anyone, old or young. Everyone can relate to Anne and she could make you smile like she did for me.

A darling book about a little one and some misbehaving due to excitement. Lilly want to share so badly that she is very disruptive to her class. Mr. Slinger, the teacher is patient at first but soon takes action to stop Lilly's behavior. The teacher Lilly once loved becomes a monster she really doesn't like any longer. She even writes him a nasty note. Lilly soon finds out that Mr. Slinger is still her hero. I won't spoil the ending! This is a great read for the first day of school. Students can connect to Lilly. They understand her need for attention and I am sure most students have misbehaved to get that attention. This will start a good discussion about what Lilly could of done instead of being disruptive, what good behavior looks like, and why teachers sometimes have to take things away from students. Also, after Lilly sneaks the teacher the note and Mr. Slinger gives Lilly the purse back, this is a good time to make predictions about what might happen. Furthermore, how would you students deal with the situation Lilly has gotten herself into with this nasty note she wrote. Lots of teaching possibilities with this book.

Kevin Henkes' "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse" has long been a big favorite in our family. Henkes not only does superbly human-like mice for the illustrations, but he has a firm grasp on what it is that makes kids tick: the impulsiveness, the buoyancy, the peevishness, and more. He makes Lilly, our heroine, not only, well, human (even though she's a wee white mouse), but utterly sympathetic despite her faults.

Lilly has a fierce admiration for her very cool teacher, Mr. Slinger. Then one fateful day, Lilly shows up with a totally fashionable purple plastic purse (accompanied by "glittery movie star sunglasses with real diamonds"). She, of course, is feeling that she's the height of mouse fashion and glamour, but Mr. Slinger puts a stop to that. He irritates her by taking away the glasses and purse when it's clear that they're impeding Lilly's attention in class. Lilly is furious and takes out her anger on Mr. Slinger in a sneaky way. He meets her anger with patience and understanding, and she is apologetic. All's right with the world by the end of the book.

Henkes has a marvelous and intuitive feel for the way little kids think and how they express themselves. That, combined with his completely charming drawings, means that "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse" is a grand way to spend twenty minutes reading to the nearest mouse-loving kid.

Lilly loves school and especially her teacher, but can't help breaking a rule one day. Alienation and guilt soon follow. Note that Lilly punishes herself!! Her parents help her reconcile and by the end of the book the world is restored to it's former glory. Great book for giving young kids a roadmap for overcoming conflict and reassuring them that their parents will help them when they make a mistake. This is the book I give most often as a gift. Every child should have this in their library.
Any of the nearly 18,000 graduates of the Education for Ministry program (University of the South at Sewanne, TN), will immediately recognize the Hebrew Scripture's cycle of "Creation, Sin, Judgment, Repentance, and Redemption" in this extremely well written and illustrated book, though you won't see those loaded words anywhere in the text. Perhaps every adult should have this book as well.

We've finally grown out of this book at our house - but it took a long time. My soon-to-be 9 year old will occasionally (in secret)read this book now, but from age 3 to 6, it was a bed time favorite!

The story is funny, as are the illustrations of the little mouse, making a mess and asking for more things - and it all started by just giving the little fellow a cookie.

The hardcover book alone is a great gift item, but it's better yet as a mini book with the cute little stuffed mouse. If you add a small package of chocolate chip cookies, this would make an exceptional gift. Or, if not cookies, a crayon set with some paper is ideal (you have to read the story to understand why!)

For kids who want to read and listen, the audio tape will be listened to again and again. This is also one of those books that adults enjoy reading to their children!

The whole If you series is a fun set to read. The little mouse is adorable and the story can be told to any age. It is a great bedtime book. The mouse and his energy and enthusiasm allows for the child to get into the story. I love this book

.....you will have hours of fun ahead of you.
My favorite time of the day is when I take my kids to bed and read for them. We read different kinds of books, but each child always gets some special favorites. If you give a Mouse a Cookie is among 5 year old Marta's all time favorites. We can read the book over and over again, and the story is just as cute as when we first discovered it.
The story starts with a little boy eating cookies outside his house, he sees a mouse and wants to share his cookies with it. The mouse eats the cookie, then asks for a glass of milk, of course the boy gives him some milk, and the story goes on and on. The little mouse asking for more and more, the boy having a wonderful time following his new companion. From a napkin, to scissors to trim his hair, a broom to sweep up, and so on. And the wonderful, funny last page when the mouse asks for a glass of milk, but of course, if you give him a glass of milk the chances are that he will want a cookie to go with it, and we are right back to the start of the book. The most perfect story for a child who always wants repetitions, over and over again.
The book is beautifully written by Laure Joffe Numeroff, and the cute drawings to illustrate the story are made by Felicia Bond.
Lucky parents and children with books like this to share.

Britt Arnhild Lindland

This book is THE best! I previously tried one of those shady "carbohydrates are bad and here's how to get rid of them" books, and not only was I miserable, it also made me physically ill after 1 month. Volumetrics, however, is such a wonderful "plan". It's realistic, it's easy, it doesn't have any weird ingredients or any true no-no's. I've lost 5lbs in about 2 1/2 weeks, and I feel great...I'm not starving, I'm not eating at only specific times, and I'm eating real food that my husband can enjoy with me (he who has no need to lose post-baby weight!). It truly is a life changing book as far as how you eat; it makes you much more aware of how and why fruits, vegetables, and fiber are good for you and how they help you in your weight loss venture. I highly recommend it to those of you who want to look and feel better.

I have a PhD in nutrition and want to let readers know that "The Volumetrics Weight-Control Plan" is a weight management book that they can trust. Unlike most other popular diet books, "Volumetrics" is based on scientifically proven principles. "Volumetrics" does not include lists of foods that must be avoided. People can follow this weight-management plan without giving up their favorite foods! In the book, the studies on which different concepts are based are explained in a conversational style. The book also provides many easy-to-understand examples and great-tasting recipes. Thus, readers will be able to truly understand the principles of the diet. I would recommend this book not only to people who want to lose weight, but also to people who just want to adopt a healthier way of eating. Enjoy!

I received this book as a gift and it has earned a place on my kitchen counter (instead of in the bookcase with other weight-loss books). "Volumetrics" has helped me to make gradual changes in how I feed my family without feeling deprived and without having to announce, "We're going on a diet." I especially like the snack suggestions. When I REALLY WANT ice cream, I can quickly turn to the snack list and find something sweet (like a smoothie) that I can put together FAST. The recipes are fresh and very easy to prepare. Not normally a soup eater, I now understand its value in a meal plan and eagerly look forward to trying some new soup recipes (when the heatwave ends!). I don't quite understand why one reader gave this book only one star and then went on to praise a DIFFERENT book by a Dr. Shapiro. Sounds like the negative review was written by a friend of Dr. Shapiro! I didn't pay any attention to it and I suggest that you don't either.