I stumbled accross this book in the library of a high-school (when I was in about grade 10 -- not so long ago). A few years after I graduated, I realized I was smitten by the charmingly antiquated poems and I knew that I had to get a copy. I found some copies for sale on the internet, ranging up to $500.00 US for a copy! I even called rare book shops, and the nose-in-the-air shopkeeps had the nerve to scoff. I eventually got my friend to get his sister to bribe the librarian to get it for me. Who's laughing now? It is a first printing, and it was bought by the high-school in 1963 for $3.00! I read it at least once a month. I can't believe how little popularity this book has gained, considering the prescience of the writing. Oh well. I love it, and I share it with others who appreciate it: "Divide command and court disaster / Pollux says, and so says Castor" If you ever see a copy, snatch it up. It's valuable as a collector's item, but priceless as a memento.

I grew up with this book, coloring in the margins before I could read. Still I delighted in the rhymes and later read them over and over. I now have a different copy of this wonderful collection of poems, but I treasure it as much as the original. If you can get ahold of a copy for yourself, you'll never let it go!

My sister bought this book at a used book sale in Phoenix in the 70s, joined a cult, and left this book to me. She's never getting it back either! For those of you who love science fiction, science, poetry, languages and charming drawings, this is the book for you! I've shared it with my math and science fiction instructors at Arizona State, and they loved it. Where else would you get to read about the Little Black Hen in Greek and Swahili? The book expands one's imagination and obliterates any preconceptions that scientists are obtuse--in addition to knowing their specific sciences,these folks write poetry, draw, and are multilingual!

Drawing from inspirational experiences from her own childhood, Dr. Edelman talks to (not at) her own children, urging them, in whatever occupation they may choose, to serve the community at large. This is also a book for adults (parents, educators, and religious and community leaders) to read, to live a life of principles and a desire to somehow make the world a better place - in short, to serve as the strong, positive role model that so many of our children have had to do without.

The book is also an indictment on how American society and political leadership do a great job at paying lip service to the needs of children but fails miserably in their actions. Complaining, however, is not enough; if children are to grow up to be conscientious and caring citizens, adults must set a good example.

It's a small book with a big heart and a great message. I strongly recommend it to anyone who cares about children and social justice in general.

The book is short -- less than 100 pages. Yet, I spent many more hours reading this book than most. Why? Edelman has the ability to really draw you into her heart and her mind. I found myself rereading pages, lessons, and chapters because I enjoyed them so much the first time. I've read this book cover to cover three or four times.

It's a wonderful, emotional, insightful, inspirational 97 pages. Buy two copies, and give one to your parents or children.

This book is truly one of the most oustanding books on success, Life fufillment and child care. The author gives some really powerful principles on success and achievement, such as never stop learning and improving your mind, Setting goals and working quietly and systematicly to achieve them and never giving up no matter what happens or struggles that you face.This book really inspired and motivated me to succeed and I believe anyone who puts it's principles to work will succeed to.

I first read Shadow Castle when I was in the 4th grade, in 1948. It was my favorite book. In one of our many moves my copy was lost and I was devastated. My next encounter with it was when my daughters were in the first and third grade. We were at the Marin county library and there it was. They too fell in love with all the wonderful characters. They begged me to copy the beautiful drawings onto their bedroom walls. So we wound up with fairies and castles on the walls for the next five years until we moved. Since the book was from the library we were not able to keep it but we made a photocopy and read it until it was so worn you couldn't make it out. I then spent 30 years looking for another copy and was so delighted to find it on your website. Now my granddaughters each own a copy and it is becoming a favorite with yet another generation. The drawings now adorn several other little girls' bedrooms and are favorites with everyone who sees them. The story is so beautiful and the characters so believable. It is by far the all time best fairy tale and I hope it goes on for many generations to come. I want to read it to my great grandaughters some day.

Like so many other reviewers of this book, I too read it when I was 10 and have never forgotten its magic. To my deep regret, I somehow lost my well-read Scholastic Book Club edition. But Shadow Castle left such an indelible impression on me that I continued to look for it anywhere and everywhere I thought I might find it, even going so far as to research Scholastic Books at the library, all in vain. Then when I'd lost all hope of ever finding it again, a miracle happened - my sister Patty discovered it at a garage sale and bought it for me for a quarter! (I think that's what I paid more than 30 years ago but I swear I'd have paid a hundred dollars just to have it in my personal collection again to savor anew.) It was one of the nicest presents I ever received (thanks, Tricia!) And now I can keep my treasured copy safe while purchasing reprints for friends (young and old) who I know will love this Brigadoonesque story of fairies and and eternal love as much as I do. Thanks, Amazon.com!

This magical book has lived large in my mind for the past 30+ years: I've been able to quote the last page since I first read it. It's characters were so vivid to me I consider them true childhood friends. When my sister admitted to owning the only copy in our family and to being unwilling to part with it since it is one of her all-time favorites as well, we set out on a mission to find a copy for me. We used every resource we could think of, including used bookstores, antiquarian dealers, estate sales, libraries of all sizes and shapes: all to no avail.

About 3 years ago, in desperation, she photocopied hers for me at a local copy shop (violating all sorts of copyright laws, I'm sure!) so I could share the story with my children. The final chapter to this saga was written about ten minutes ago when my husband said "honey, I just found the coolest site..." and we put in its title "just for grins and chuckles" -- I began crying when it popped up as a 1997 republication, and laughing when I began reading all the other reviews: I am not alone, and I never was! We have all shared a timeless book, and many of us have endured frustration and crazy looks from those who have not been lucky enough to read it for themselves, when we have tried to obtain an elusive copy for ourselves.

I am overjoyed and humbled by this morning's events! Proof exists that anything is possiible if you live long enough. I go now to order one for myself, and one for my sister!

Following the preceding book THE FORESTWIFE, CHILD OF MAY takes place in the future where the previous princess who ran away from an arranged marriage becomes the forestwife, literally. In this stand alone sequel, it's another beautiful and inspiring tale of a young female searching for her place in life.

Lovers of the acclaimed authors Robin Mckinley, Patricia Wrede, Donna Jo Napoli, Tamora Pierce, and even Sherwood Smith with fall in love with this new and astounding mediaeval writer's talent for the tongue of long ago.

This was a wonderful book that was in some ways even better than its towering prodeceser, if that were possible! The story is about Magda, the fifteen year old daughter of Little John and the late Emma, who was a close friend of Marian the forestwife, who has raised her so far. Magda however, is totally bored with chores and caring for sick people, and she longs to join her father and Robin Hood and his band of outlaws. She gets her wish, and she goes with her father and the outlaws to save some girl, but faces more challenges than she was prepared for when she finds herself facing in battle the man who ruthlessly murdered her mother. Part of why I liked this book was that it showed in true depth a father's love for his daughter, and that more of the action, in fact all of it, took place with the main character right in the thick of it, instead of just having it happen to other people "offscreen". This was a truly wonderfull book with beautiful writing and style and I would reccamend it to anyone who enjoys strong female heroes.

I didn't expect to find another Maid Marian/Robin Hood toned book, and came this book came of as a shock after reading the very beautiful prequel (if you'd call it that) THE FORESTWIFE. Once again, this is another well written and well thought of novel, with the usual load of twists and subplots that keep you interested. Ella Enchanted readers may find this book just as loveable.

This is my all-time favorite cookbook. It isn't just veggies; there are plenty of main courses and appetizers, too. It isn't just gardening; I don't have a vegetable garden, but reading the gardening parts of the book makes me wish I did. You can see Ms. Morash's background in French cuisine, but she wears it lightly. She is so down to earth that her knowledge never becomes overbearing, and she includes plenty of basics about how to prepare fresh food and how to cook it simply. The book doesn't have recipes with essential but arcane ingredients that you couldn't possibly find outside Manhattan or LA, and it doesn't have recipes with junky ingredients or weird combinations. Best of all, everything is explained well and thoroughly tested, so you can cook it right the first time, even if (like me) you're not a terrific cook. It's an outstanding book for just about anybody.

I just read all the other reviews of this book and want to add my two cents' worth. This book is truly wonderful. Anyone who loves to cook should own it as should anyone who wants to eat more vegetables. You can buy whatever produce looks great at your market and know you will find a simply delicious way to prepare it in this book. I have NEVER had a failure from this book and have eaten so many pureed parsnips and turnips since I got it that I'm afraid I'm going to turn into one of these vegetables. Order this book for yourself, one for your mother, and one for your best friend. Everyone will enjoy the results.

This book has been in my cookbook library for fifteen years. In all that time I have never been disapointed in any recipe. It's the first place I look when I need information on cooking methods (both conventional and microwave) or for quick and simple ways to prepare a vegetable. We have lots of favorites and are still finding new ones to try. The tomato recipes are excellent and can help use up the bounty from the garden. The Marinara Sauce is especially good and there is always some in my freezer.Because we know we can rely on good results and a tasty dish, we have tried some recipes which we would have avoided if in another book; in every case, we've enjoyed the delicious results. Who would have thought that shredded raw butternut squash could be the start of a great salad or a "creamy" broccoli soup had no cream in it? You can't go wrong with this one!

This was a wonderful story set in the north Georgia hills. If you liked such stories as Cold Sassy Tree, Gone With the Wind or Fried Green Tomatoes you will really enjoy It Happened on Kendall Mountain. This is one of those stories that becomes a part of you as the pages fly by. Sheer entertainment!!

IT IS A BEAUTIFUL STORY OF A RURAL LIFE IN THE DEEP SOUTH A FEW YEARS PAS

I REALLY ENJOYED READING IT HAPPENED ON KENDALL MOUNTAIN,IT WAS SO INTERESTING THAT I COULDN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT. I WAS IMPRESSED WITH THE AUTHOR.

This book is easy to read and interesting. The editors notes in front of and behind almost every letter really make the book that little bit more. I found all of the letters interesting and many of them quite moving. Many of the letters illuminated subjects about which i was familiar but did not know that little part of the story. I recommend this book for any and every one. You do not have to be American (although much of the information is perhaps from an American perspective) to feel the things that are brought forth by the reading of these letters.

This book is a must read for anyone interested in the inner qualities of our nation's most well-known and respected figures and the lesser-known, who were the people who shaped our country. From the early settlers and our founding fathers to people of the present, this book offers a touching and rewarding look into the lives of people during war, hardships, family life, and many other aspects of life. Letter writing truly reveals the inner part of ourselves. A wonderful book!

What a fantastic book. The letters I've read have brought voices to America's past. It's like reading a hundred stories in one book. For me, it's been an emotional read. The voices of people-slaves,soldiers, presidents and mothers that helped shaped our nation are still ringing in my ears. I'm recommending this to all my friends. A great trip though history.

My experience with water colors is not broad. In fact, I just picked up painting with water colors. I found this book to cover most everything I needed to know. The book discusses paints, paint quality, demystifies the selection of paper, and spends a good deal of time on technique. The book also has tons of exercises to help you better your skill. The projects are interesting too. I liked that they used a variety of authors to discuss things, as different people have new perspectives and experiences to share.

A collection of how-to-do-it articles by many famous watercolorists. What makes this book special is the wide spectrum of approaches, from the traditional to the experimental. It's got everything from selecting material and preparing paper, theory and practice of color (selecting, mixing, schemes), basic painting techniques, collaging and less traditional techniques, artisitic principles (value, composition),perspective, and painting of textures, landscapes, figues, flowers, and special effects. Great for beginners and more experienced painters. It's simply the best, most comprehensive, watercolor book.

If my experience is typical, then most beginners watercolor havent the slightest idea what an amazing range of visual expression is possible with watercolor...even with a novice's palette of nine colors.

This wonderfully illustrated anthology of techniques provides both inspiration and instruction. Starting from the beginning, with tips on choosing paper, brushes, paint, and which colors to use to set up a novice, intermediate and advanced working palette, the book then moves on to cover hundreds of well-illustrated micro-lessons in watercolor techniques. These lessons are organized in sections:

Color
Basic Painting Techniques
Textures & Special Effects
Collaging & Other Unusual Techniques
Artistic Principles
Perspective
Landscape Painting
Figure Painting
Flowers

Each section has 15 - 30 lessons, each of which is illustrated with color photographs and good text instruction, and often with a series of photographs to show how the artist progresses to achieve the desired effect.

This book shows there is a wide array of special techniques and effects that can be achieved in watercolor that you could never dream of in acrylic or even oil.

I happen to love fantasy books , though I only truely enjoy the ones that allow the characters to seep into you and you become them. For me this was one of those books that take you away and into the story Marian was a wonderful character that you never hear anything personal about but this told it from her . With this book, I have learned to see Marian more as Robin Hood's mate, not annoying female pest. Love the romance, intensity, and action.

Twists and turns, hate into romance, hardness into humor, a novella with all the key characterisitics to draw a hungry reader in. Especially with Maid Marian as a lead character, you wish there'd be a sequel. But no, this book stands on it's own pretty well, pretty darn well.

I REALLY liked this book. In this story, Maid Marian is not some helpless damsel in distress, waiting for her knight in shining armor to rescue her. Instead she is a down-to-earth young girl who takes her life into her own hands, becomes a self-sufficient young woman, and learns to love.

Peter Pan is a good adventure/fantasy that kids and adults can enjoy alike. With much exaggeration, it is something kids can enjoy and read into. It's a page-turning book that once you started you can't stop.

Wow! What a great story this is! I picked it up on a whim years ago having enjoyed the Disney cartoon, and when I finally got around to reading it, I couldn't put the darn thing down. This is really exciting stuff! Peter is ten times as irrascible as he is in the toon. One line has always stuck in my head - its where Peter is faced with certain death (I forget exactly what). He thinks to himself that its quite possible he could die, and thinks `That would be the greatest adventure of all!' That line sums of the feel of this book. Imagine being a kid who can never grow up who has the power to fly through a world woven of dreams and fairytales....I learned later that this was probably the sincere wish of the author, James Barrie, who was afflicted with a disease which made it impossible for him to grow. Though an adult in mind, he was the stature and semblance of a child. The warmth of this story has a deep heartfelt resonance in the heart of any boy who has grown up having adventures in his mind. It can't really be described -it has to be read and appreciated. If you love fantasies in the vein of The Never Ending Story and The Wizard of Oz, you will love this book.

Driving with young children in the car quickly convinced me that it was unsafe to not give them something to listen to. After ten years I have collected a large (30+) bag of books-on-tape. I have also loaned them to others and asked for opinions. Peter Pan (read by Wendy Craig) is not only my favorite, but also the favorite of my wife and most of my friends. It is excellent for all ages (4 to 80) and even most hardened teenagers. Humour, presentation, ... a prefect 10.