This story provides a gentle fictional account of a child named Miriam forced to hide in the Dutch countryside during the Holocaust.

The book opens on May 10, 1940, when Holland was invaded by Germany, noting that for the next five years, Jewish citizens of Holland were sent to concentration camps where many died hideous deaths. But that is this story's only mention of what became of the vast majority of Europe's Jews during World War II.

The next page introduces Miriam and her parents, who explained to her that she must hide on a farm until the danger passed. Miriam packed one suitcase including her favorite books. In the countryside filled with tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, Miriam met the boy named Nello with whose family she would live for the next five years. Miriam's parents explained that she would be safe with them because they were not Jewish.

Once during her years with the family, Miriam was forced to hide in a cupboard, which had been pre-determined for those times when German soldiers might come. Outside the door, Nello's parents answered the harsh and mean soldiers in soft, gentle voices.

When the story ends, it's not clear whether Miriam would ever see her parents again. But that's the point of this tale, meant to introduce children to the Holocaust, without frightening them out of their wits.

The key idea here is that some Europeans were good and some Jewish children were safe. Alyssa A. Lappen

This story is told rather ambiguously... the facts of the girl going to the country to stay with a family, and where she hides when the soldiers come, is simply told. Why she has to go to the country and why she has to hide, are more complex issues. This story does not attempt to explain all the details and reasons why. Because of this, it is appropriate in the opening of dialogue about WWII and the Holocaust with children of all ages.

I could read this story to my 4 year old, or I could have my 9 year old read it. It's not the complete story - but not all children can fully understand or are ready for the complete story.

I felt that the information was handled with dignity, and it wasn't told in a maudlin manner at all. As a teacher and mother, I can recommend this book to any child who is ready to learn a little about this tragic time in our history, even the most sensitive students.

28- page picture book. A little Jewish girl is taken to thecountry and cared for by a gentile family. The father fashions ahiding place for her behind a lily-painted cupboard . She must hid here when the soldiers come to search for her. A fictional account of the brave Dutch people who risked their lives to save the Jews in Holland. A moving story with beautiful illustrations. Excellent for young children.

Like the other parable books by Liz Curtis Higgs, this is a wonderful story for children that has a lesson to it. Maggie learns the lesson of forgiveness and the true story of Easter. It is a book that will surely bring a tear to the eye of a mother reading it to her child. I recommend it highly.

This book tells a story of a girl (who represents humanity) who is given a gift of a lily bulb (who represents Jesus) by a "secret" friend, who turns out to be her father (representing God the Father). The girl is disappointed in the gift, and eventually tosses it outside, never thinking of it again. But she wakes up one morning to find that it has bloomed despite her neglect. She also learns her father is the one who secretly gave her the gift, and she apologizes for ignoring his gift. "Will you forgive me" she askes. He replies, "Oh, my child, That's what Easter is all about." Bible verses in small print at the bottom of the pages tie the story to the Bible (when the girl receives the gift she is disappointed, as it appears to be just dirt -- the corresponding verse is "There was nothing in his appearance to make us desire him; when the girl tosses the bulb out, the verse is Isaiah 53:3: He was hated and rejected by people...People would not even look at him.") The Bible verses are in a child-friendly translation, which is wonderful. This is very creative, simple, yet incredibly meaningful, as are all of Liz Curtis Higgs' books. The artwork is colorful, simple, and comforting.

I would highly recommend this book . It was a joy to read it to my 4 year old. The bible verses are wonderful. My Husband and I were both impressed with it's creativity in explaining what Christ did for us at Easter. The little girl in the story represents us, lost and unsaved, her father is our Holy Father, the forgotton bulb she throws away is Christ, which comes back to life. Refering to the store of the Lily, my little girl said, "Mommy thats' just like Jesus"! It made me feel so good that she understands. Get it for you little one and God Bless.

I have read both Private Lily and Sweet & Sour Lily to my girls, ages 7 and 5. They both love Lily because she sounds like them, she's between their ages, and she speaks and thinks just like them. The books are easy to read and short enough to finish in a few nights. Good!

Have you ever wanted your own room? Well, if
you had or not, read Private Lily By Sally Warner.
It is a book that will make you laugh and make you
think hard.
I would recommend this book to someone who
wants their own room. It will help you get some
privacy.
This book shows that you can get your own
room. If you work for it.

Private Lily By Sally Warner

Have you ever wanted your own room? Well, if
you had or not, read Private Lily By Sally Warner.
It is a book that will make you laugh and make you
think hard.
I would recommend this book to someone who
wants their own room. It will help you get some
privacy.
This book shows that you can get your own
room. If you work for it.

The Tenth Muse by Lily G. Stephen is as captivating as any book I have read.
The character development stands out as far as presentation and unique format pulling the reader into the unstated yet multi-level relivence of all human beings.
I was most impressed with the Authors ability to weave into the story line in a simple way the "not so simple" philosophies of the worlds great religions and contemporary spirituality as they contribute to our everyday lives.
The story line allows the reader to rise to whatever level of sophistication is understood or desired, much like "Moby Dick".
I was amazed at my reaction , hours and days after reading , how I kept applying my daily existance to the characters and story line of The Tenth Muse.
Really a delight to read and I am sure will be appreciated by all ages except the very young .
Since a large part of the story line is given to the characters artistic abilities I found myself frustrated at not being able to see (other than made up in my head) the actual works of art described , which is actually one of the strong points of the authors abilities.
The book screams for a following screenplay.

A most enjoyable and thought provoking read!!!!!

The Tenth Muse, the first volume in The Third Verse Trilogy, is unlike any book I have ever read. Lily G. Stephen has written a poetic, artistic novel that almost defies classification, combining mythology, romance, art, a touch of fantasy, and an impressive range of spiritual teachings. While this book clearly aims to expand the reader's mind and promote his/her evolution toward a higher consciousness, one in which pain and negativity lose their debilitating effects on the human psyche, it does not have to convince you of its wisdom in order to enthrall you. I don't happen to subscribe to a great deal of the New Age type thinking that lies behind the story, nor has this book drastically changed my approach to life and wisdom, yet I still enjoyed The Tenth Muse a great deal. Lily G. Stephen has to some degree enabled me to see things in an altogether new way and from a unique viewpoint. That in itself is a valuable reward for Stephen's effort. Those who may discover a spiritual concept here that invites their own study and eventually leads them on a more comforting path through life may find much more than thought-provoking pleasure in these pages.

The novel is constructed around the lives of two extraordinary young ladies living largely parallel lives: Opal Courtright on Earth and Sapphire Deland on Zamora. We follow these two young lives, witnessing their exposure to and growing participation in new ways of thinking: aikido, meditation, and a number of other largely Oriental spiritual paths to enlightenment. These are subjects I know almost nothing about, but Stephen carefully explains some of the underlying concepts and beliefs behind them, striving for a unity of vision akin to the unity of mind and soul such teachings help inculcate. As the story progresses, we meet with growing similarities between the two youths. Sapphire, for example, becomes a serious student of spiritual enlightenment, while Opal's increasingly brilliant and insightful paintings (many of them based on dream memories of events in Sapphire's life) lead her almost unconsciously down the same roads of thought. Occasionally, their worlds faintly touch, transferring a memento from one plane to the other. As time goes on, and each young lady has to deal with change, loss, and growth, we find their two worlds rapidly converging. Chapters which had been cycling back and forth from one character to the other suddenly rush together in a cascading climax of suspense and raw emotion, leaving me almost breathless in the process. The book does not end at this point, however; there are greater parallels and lessons the author wishes to impart upon the reader. The later chapters of the book bring a lot of loose ends together and make a final pitch for individuals to begin working toward their own enlightenment. Only here does one sense a real intent on the part of the author to win recruits to her way of thinking, yet she does not allow her own wishes to get in the way of the story or go so far as to push readers away. This final section takes a little something away from the overall effect of the story in my opinion, yet I can see how necessary and important a function it serves for the author.

The Tenth Muse both needs and deserves a reader's full attention. The process of switching back and forth between similar yet different characters on two parallel worlds can cause moments of confusion, especially in terms of the important characters associated with each reality. The sources and means of wisdom and emotional growth that Stephen brings to bear offer the biggest hurdle, however, to those of us unfamiliar with these sometimes ancient concepts. This book takes you far deeper into such concepts as Zen than the prosaic "one hand clapping" paradigm. There are many levels upon which one can connect with the story of Opal and Sapphire, and multiple readings may be required for those wishing to learn all of the complexities of this really quite extraordinary novel.

The first volume of Lily G. Stephen's "Third Verse Trilogy", The Tenth Muse is a compelling and emotional novel of the diverse childhoods of two girls, each of whom are living in a slightly different parallel world. Elements of myth and legend fuse with reality in this unique, intriguing, complex, well crafted, highly recommended tale.

How might one categorize BEAUTY, HEALTH AND HAPPINESS: A WAY OF LIFE, by Lily Morgan? Is it an account of a young entrepreneur's entry into business, the pitfalls, frustrations, difficulties, and triumphs? Is it a commentary revealing how far a drop-out can go? A manual in the history and uses of herbs? An exploration of characteristics and benefits of essential oils? A description of alternative health therapies, including only those the author has personally experienced? Is it autobiography? Philosophy? A recipe book of make-at-home, all-natural skin care products developed by Lily for her commercial, purely botanical(tm) skin care company? Splashed with humor, Lily's BEAUTY, HEALTH AND HAPPINESS is All of the above, and more. I highly recommend it both as a delightful read and a source book for alternative beauty and health therapies, ancient and new, to keep near at hand.

Lily Morgan's Beauty, Health and Happiness is a real keeper!

The storyline in this book was actually very engrossing. The biggest disappointment I had was with the dialogue. Some of the conversations were simply unrealistic. Even people who are Christians do not quote Scripture every time they open their mouths. I think the story was very good, and teaches all who read it not to worry and to consider the lilies.

The story stayed interesting and fast moving, with a balance of action and relationships. The solid, God fearing, family role model is a positive example of how to face adversity even in today's world. It reminds you of what really matters and the value of God and family.

This is a beautiful pattern with complete instructions, however, I found the curved applique stems to be incredibly difficult and have never gotten past the first square.

This is a very informative book with templates and wonderful instructions to make this quilt.

I read my workmate's copy and liked it.

Lily Loo's "How I Trained My Mom to Think Like a Dog" is a good introduction to pet ownership. It covers all of the things puppies will do by nature, especially active dogs left to their own devices. Any one who cares for a canine should read this book.

The writing is simple and easily comprehended by a child, yet the content is important for parents too.

I picked this up on the recommendation of a friend of a friend, and had no real expectations from it, but it turned out to be such a nice book! There really is no highfalutin sentiment or heavy philosophy expressed in the book -- it's a simple account of the life a dog expressed in its own words -- from its beginning to the end -- doggie heaven -- and the relationship it shared with its owner, or 'mom.'

The book is thin -- 24 pages -- but I keep reading it again and again, and my kids (and my neighbours') love to hear me read it to them. It gets warmer and dearer to the heart each time we read it. Because it is so small, it is upto us to color the story with our own thoughts and experiences, and it changes each time we read it. It's a great gift to a child, and adults who are pet owners.

My daughter (6 years old)has always loved dogs and this book (as I hope the rest in the series will continue) has helped keep her interest in books and reading. We took turns reading each paragraph and she had the confidence to read her very first chapter book without the "I can read" title. Although she has always loved reading, this book gave her the interest and confidence to try on her own with out the aid of pictures. A little drama (will Lilly find her way home?) and alot of fun escapades keep this a great book for begining readers who love dogs.

My daughter got this book for her 6th birthday. She would not put it down. And then she had to read it several times. She is asking for the other books too. This book is actually for ages 6-8.

I have to read 40 books for my Children's Lit class and my daughter had this book in her room, so I thought what the heck. I haven't asked her yet what she thought of it, but I'm sure my son has read it. Being that he is the avid reader like his mom but my daughter you would have to pull teeth. lol! But this book was interesting because it gave information such as how the Statue of Liberty was brought to America and how Lily made her crowns was given at the end. I am going to school to become a Elementary Teacher and this project would be a great idea to teach to my students.

This story is about a girl who is living in the year the statue of liberty is first broght to america. In her class the students are asked to bring money to help build the pedestal for the statue. When she tells her pearents about it, her mother does not think that it is a good Idea. the rest of the story is about how Lilly tries to riase money to bring in to her clase.

The story was quite charming, but the pictures were just to cutesywootsy for me. But the rest of the book was quite satisfactory. Something that I liked about it was that it was a book that it showed a very healthy respect of what immigrant life was like.I would recomend especialy to kids at about the third grade level if tey wanted a book that could show them how life was like in the past, but feel the emotions that Are still felt by peopel today

This is a great book for Dr. E.D. Hirsch's Core Knowledge curriculum (look up his books on Amazon!). Second graders study the Statue of Liberty, and with this book the class can make the actual crown that Lily sold! The pattern is in the back of the book. The second graders at my child's school all made crowns and the teacher took a class picture of the project. Lots of fun for them.