I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any parent who has a child in special education. If you are looking for a book to understand and even draft IEPs, this is debatably the best, clearest book out there.

Reviewing and drafting IEPs can be very daunting. This book helps the reader (whether parent, school official, or legal professional) understand the IEP process. After reading this book, any parent will be able to better understand their child's IEP and even be able to write them.

This book should be required reading for every parent who has a child on an IEP. Assessment generates services and IEP goals, and goals inform the parent whether the services are remediating the child. Schools must follow the Law (IDEA) on how to write goals, yet, poorly written IEP goals is one of the biggest non-compliance areas. If a child's progress can not be objectively measured by correctly written goals, how are we to determine the effectiveness of the schools intervention? If you want to hold your school accountable for remediating your child, Bateman's book is a must. This book will help you be an active participant in developing your childs program for the individualized instruction they are entiltled to and help you assess if your child is recieving an appropriate education. Knowledge is power and this book will empower you!

An excellent reference for programme development an implementation

Having never done any cycle touring, speaking very little Spanish and being a middle aged women travelling alone, I thought a few tips and hints and route advice would make my trip a little easier. I found it all and more in "Bicycling Cuba" by Wally and Barbara Smith. Their advice on what to take, where to go, where to stay, and gems to see was unsurpassed.

I had spent three weeks in Cuba previously and had used two guide books. The Smiths' advice, while not replacing a guide book, was the best: succinct, accurate and introduced me to friendly and helpful people. Their three main cycle tours, west, central and eastern Cuba cover the most scenic areas as well as the historic gems of this wonderful country. The route descriptions were accurate, easy to follow and contained good advice about difficulty, water availability, traffic problems and special sites.

The Smiths obviously love Cuba and this comes out in their writing. They include inserts about various social issues, economics and politics -- each fascinating.

I thoroughly recommend "Bicycling Cuba" with no reservations. My only wish is that the Smiths would produce some more books for other countries.

Bicycling Cuba turned out to be invaluable during our three-week trip to the western part of Cuba. The authors really know what they are writing about. Some of the most interesting and rewarding routes suggested in the book were not on the best maps available. The authors way of describing the routes kilometer by kilometer was of great help because very often roads were unmarked. At the intersections we had no problems in choosing the right road. The book also contains a lot of useful information, for example, on accomodation.

We warmly recommend Bicycling Cuba for independent cyclists planning a trip to Cuba.

We loved this book, comparing this book to other bicycling books we've used, this is by far the best, along with Cuba being one of the best places to cycle tour. Unless you want to spend an enormous amount of money on a stifling guided tour, pack light, buy this book, go and enjoy Cuba. This book has everything you need and is a great read on Cuba in addition to the touring information.

Crazy for Cats is a wonderful, warm book filled with humor and dead-on descriptions of Morris's various felines...it will bring a smile of recognition to your face many times if you've ever owned a cat.

The perfect gift for any cat lover on your list...or even for anyone who's ever had a beloved pet.

Barbara Morris is a gifted writer with a knack for capturing mannerisms and situations with just the right words.

This book is chicken soup for anyone's soul!

Barbara Morris captures the joys, wonders and tears of owning a pet in this quick and delightful read. My husband and I recently put our cat, Carmella, to sleep. I came home from the vet and re-read the section in the book in which Morris and her husband face the same agonizing decision. I found the author's words both authentic and comforting.

If you're a cat owner, or have ever been "owned" by a cat, you'll enjoy reading this tale of one couple's journeys all over the world, and how the cats they lived with made their house, wherever it was, a home.

What Van Gogh is to art, Morris is to literature. The reader will feel as if he/she is reading a painting -- so colorful, so alive, so beautiful. Many writers claim to paint pictures in their readers' minds, but few are able to pull it off like Morris. She's a polished writer, and it shows with every word, sentence, paragraph, and chapter in this sweet, heartwarming novel.

It's supposed to be a simple tale of a husband and wife's life together and their family pets -- cats, of course. But it's much more sophisticated than that. The writing brings the tale to another level entirely. For example, in a middle chapter, when one of their pets almost dies by eating tinsel from the Christmas tree, you can't help but read quickly to find out everything will be ok. Every chapter brings the same sense of urgency. You must flip the page. And you do. I read this book in two days. It's was so easy to jump, and stay, in. Dare I say it? I will: It's a purrfect little book.

This is a very special book to me, because it fills me with joy to see so many other people with security objects. I, myself (a 20-year-old college student), still sleep with my baby blanket. He's faded to a yellowish-gray now, and I have to wash him by hand due to his delicate state, but I would *never* give him up (and, yes, he *is* male!). He's my most cherished possession. Reading this book fills me with such warmth. I think most of us can identify with the need for security. The people featured in this photostory collection range from toddlers to the great-grandparents, proving that age is nothing but a number when it comes to love and security.

I picked up this book at our English department's booksale on my college campus the other day. A quick glance showed to me that it would be a perfect gift for a couple friends of mine who are opening up a coffee shop. I bought the book and walked off to go about my business.

Later, when I had a break between classes, I sat down in the main square and started reading. I was not prepared for the effect it had on me. Funny at times, touching at others, the book had me smiling and tearing up at the same time.

I won't reveal which people and their objects were my favorite, because they need to be unwrapped and savored on their own. Suffice it to say that they are people of all ages, from all walks of life. I would definitely reccomend this book. I wish I could keep it, but it's obvious this book needs to go to the coffee shop so it can be enjoyed by everyone!

Creature Comforts reminded me of Dingaling (my stuffed horse,) cherished through childhood, used as a potholder in adulthood, and with me still. The book is a sweet read and provides poignant insight in to our human attachment to things. It made me wonder if people around the world behave in the same way. A sequel perhaps?

A wonderful book for the newcomer to dressage. Everything you always wondered about is covered in detail. A great way to get started.

I have been a Western rider for over 20 years. I recently decided to try English riding, and have purchased many books regarding the subject. This is the first book that has been clear and easy to understand for a beginner. Topics include proper attire, English saddle fit, dressage scoring, proper grooming, mental and physical preparation, and the basics the horse and rider need to know to compete. This book explained a lot of the terms (like half-halt) that were not familiar to me. It even addressed the similarities between Western and Dressage rider position. After reading this book, other books I have purchased on English riding and Dressage make a lot more sense! Highly recommended for the "new to English" folks out there.

This book really covers a lot of topics that new dressage riders and potential showers want to know about. It is aimed at the training level rider who is considering competition or has perhaps done a little showing. It has a very common sense approach and deals with topics such as how to memorize tests, how to come up with warmup routines, how to handle nerves, etc. The author seems to have thought of all the little questions that new riders would come up with, but more advanced riders would have forgotten that they didn't know (if that makes sense!) The book is not totally about showing though, and has good advice on schooling, and what the horse's frame should be at different levels. It also deals with more advanced topics such as confirmation of dressage horses (for those people considering purchasing a more advanced horse than the one they start with) and quadrille, musical freestyle programs etc. A worthwhile book with a wealth of information for the novice rider.

Oh to be Heather and have the power to control nature! The author did a great job here. Although frustrating, I was rather glad to see that the hero did not readily accept the heroine's gifts. It was a true test of their relationship.

Heather Carter is an elementary school teacher, and in the opening pages of this book, gang activity places the children on the playground in a perilous situation. Heather uses her abilities to call the wind, thus averting the situation until the police arrive. Enter Quinn Archer, student Brianna's dad, who has arrived to pick her up from school, and is an ex-ATF agent. Quinn and Heather strike up a friendship over Brianna, which quickly develops into much more than the casual friendship it started out as.

Both Quinn and Heather have troubled pasts. Due to the murder of Heather's husband, the suspicious death of her brother, and enemies Quinn made in his previous job, their enemies become common foe. Quinn develops a fierce protective streak towards Heather, and vows to protect her from the gang threatening her. Everyone Heather holds dear to her seems to meet with an untimely death, and although she knows deep down inside the deaths aren't her fault, she fears this will be the end result with Quinn also.

As the plot intensifies, Quinn sends Brianna away to keep her safe. Quinn and Heather work together to survive the double cross against them, along with a cast of incredible secondary characters. Will Quinn be able to accept the psychic ability Heather possesses, and build a life with her? As in "Tears of the Hawk", this book has it all - riveting plot, suspense, romance, and wonderful characters. Can't wait for Michael's story in the next book in this series!

A BREATH OF HEATHER is book two in the Sons Of Earth And Wind series. It focuses on couple Heather Carter and Quinn Archer. Heather is an elementary school teacher who loves children as much as she loves gardening. Actually, she has a deep obsession with gardening and getting her hands in the earth. Quinn is a man on edge, never trusting a woman, and someone who tries hard to deny his feelings for Heather. At the beginning of the novel, it starts out with danger and suspense and this continues throughout the story as well as the love and bond Quinn and Heather create. Heather also has a bond with Quinn's six year old daughter, Brianne.

Ms. Clark writes interesting secondary characters as well, drawing them in, and making you care for them. She makes you want to know their story besides Heather and Quinn's.

Quinn has been betrayed by secrets and Heather is full of them. Heather is being stalked and Quinn is very adept in the security department. For many reasons such as security and the feeling of a growing love, they both need each other no matter how much either denies it.

Quinn has his own danger and by the end of the story when it is at its climax, you have love, suspense, and danger that keeps you flipping the pages.

The love that Queen develops for Heather is staggering, especially since it is the last thing he wants. The trust and selflessness that IS Heather is shocking, incredible, and makes for a dramatic story. I cried throughout this book at different times because of the touching scenes between them just as I screamed in fury when the villains hurt Quinn or Heather.

Overall, Ms. Clark has struck gold and created a winner! I highly recommend this book as well as any others by her! ...

Julie Beard - My True Love Gave to Me Anne Clancy looks to be celebrating Christmas alone - not even her black cat Niner is around having been missing these last four days. Hearing what she thinks is his bell, she rushes out in a snowstorm calling for him and is hit by a car. When a most startling blue-eyed gorgeous hunk of man revives her, she assumes it is her neighbors friend who she was to meet that evening - darn but she could have warned her he was drop dead gorgeous! Only it wasn't the neighbor's friend - and it wasn't even Wisconsin, USA 1975 anymore either. She was catapulted back in time and mistaken for this gorgeous hunk of a medieval knight's intended bride. Now what's a modern girl to do? Divine short story with a lovely ending.

Jo Beverley - A Gift of Light Kitty Mayhew was alone working on a tapestry trying to figure out what was wrong with her mother's cat who was making the strangest sounds and putting her body through some very strange contortions. It was her maid Polly that let her know that the problem was that the cat was in heat and hadn't she heard the 'tom cats' making all kinds of racket at night. The very worst of the 'tom cats' was a big black one that she found out belonged to a neighbor. Armed with all the dignity she could muster Kitty went to the neighbor insisting they control their 'tom' cat from courting her female. What she discovered was a very impudent owner who didn't seem to see that this was as much of a problem as she did. In fact, this rascally 'Lord Chatterton' thought that this little spitfire needed to be taught the finer points of courting - human style. Through a ruse using the servants courtship as an excuse, he talked Kitty into the two of them acting as chaperones to find out if the servants budding courtship would last if it didn't have to be kept clandestine and would be brought into the open.

This was a cute, lovely story with some sweet and sassy dialog. Lord Chatterton was the initiator of trying to teach a lesson in courtship, but it was Kitty who finally taught Tom, Lord Chatterton, what it really meant to let in the 'light of the Christmas season' and truly love.

Barbara Bretton - Home for the Holidays This was a darling story told partly from Sebastian, a Maine Coon cat's perspective and partly from his human owners, Jill and David. It is Christmas Eve and David and Jill are divorcing. Jill and David had been together since college; loving each other thru the hard times then slowly falling apart as David's need to advance his career and make more and more money was more important than spending time with his family. It would take Sebastian, the cat they both loved, on a journey that they could follow - to make David remember that the most important thing he needed was Jill and that they were partners - and that they were once happiest when all they had was a little money but whole lot of love. Sweet story.

Lynn Kurland - The Gift of Christmas Past I really liked this offering from Lynn Kurland. Sir Sweetums, Abigail Garrett's cat, has been missing, and her life feels as though it has gone down the drain, no job, no cat, no unemployment insurance, and no boyfriend just a couple of days before Christmas - she felt like George Bailey and was ready to jump off a bridge into the river. Well, she didn't exactly jump but she did fall in and when she came up for air she found herself in a cesspool of a moat. Not only a moat, but she was no longer in Wisconsin, but England and it wasn't 1998 anymore but 1238! She dragged herself out of the moat, and made her way to the gate at the top of the drawbridge - only to find a surly man dressed up like a medieval knight holding a sword and he didn't quite know what to make of her either! This was a really darling story with Sir Sweetums, who had passed by his ninth life, and was now a guardian angel cat who had one last human he had to find a suitable mate for. Very nice and romantic as these two people from different times had to come to grips with each other and the truth of who they were! Very humorous as well!

As usual I bought this anthology for Lynn Kurland's story, but found the whole anthology to be excellent. And I liked all the cats involved as well. But it's on Lynn's story that I would like to focus my review. After losing her job, boyfriend and social security Abigail Moira Garrett is led back in time by the ghost of her dead cat Sir Maximilian Sweetums by way of Murphy's pond and a castle's moat. Abigail finds herself in thirteenth century England at Miles de Piaget's keep (Miles is the uncle of Kendrick Stardust of Yesterday's hero). After having cleaned up Abigail faces her situation. She and Miles fall in love and marry, and De Piaget family welcome Abigail warmly into their midst. Lynn proves she knows how to write the novella too. It was humorous and witty and the love of Abigail and Miles portrayed with her costumary tenderness. Abigail and Miles are a great pair: She a warm and independent heroine and he a gruff but outspoken knight (quite liberal for his time). And it's exclusively set at Miles' dilapidated keep Speningethorpe. Abigail and Miles are back in The More I see you and Miles has a supporting role in his brother Robin's story If I had you. But I still wish that this one had been a full length novel. Anyway Abigail and Miles are two of my favourite characters in Lynn's De Piaget series.

I bought this book for the Lynn Kurland story. It is wonderful. Miles and Abby are made for each other. I loved it for the time-travel aspect. Lynn knows how to capture the essence of the times she sends her hero's and heroin's back to.

If you want to carry on reading about Miles and Abby's life together read THE MORE I SEE YOU, it is set about 20yrs. after this story. You won't be dissapointed.

This book could use a lot more pictures. It is a great source of written information, but does not provide much help in the visual identification of calico fabrics. Eileen Jahnke Trestain's book is much more useful in providing pictures, but Trestain's book does not come close to providing the written documentation and depth of discussion that Barbara Brackman does in Clues in the Calico.

I use both books and they are great companion guides for solving the mysteries presented when you attempt to identify the age of old fabrics, especially in old crazy quilts. HOWEVER, in general, I find I refer to the Trestain book more often than the Brackman book.

This book is essential for anyone who wants to learn about antique quilts. Comprehensive information about textile technology, pattern dissemination, and chronology of stylistic influences on quiltmaking in the United States presented by the leading authority on quilt history.

I purchased this book several years ago in preparation to becoming a certified quilt appraiser, It proved to be invaluable. I have used it so much it is literally falling apart. I have highlighted it's pages until it looks like like they were colored to begin with. I consider it to be the best guide for fabric identification on the market. I own many quilt books on lots of subjects, but this is my favorite.

Thelma L. Stone

Very positive outlook on ADHD. As a parent struggling with the challenges of raising an ADHD teenager, I lose track of the positive aspects of my son's condition. This was a very upbeat reminder that part of the "explosion" of ADHD is because of the way our society has changed over the years, not how people have changed. It was easy enough reading that I could share it with my 14 year old ADHD son and his 10 year old non-ADHD sister. They were able to read it in one sitting.

Dr. Ingersoll explains ADHD to children as a learning difference and personality style difference, rather than a "disability" or "handicap". She then goes on to explain how the characteristics of ADHD people have been very important and valuable at different times in human history: they're the hunters, adventurers and restless creative people amongst us. I'm a child psychologist and have used this book with many children who have ADHD and similar problems (and their parents), and they are almost always enthusiastic about the idea that they may actually have misunderstood talents and strengths, rather than just Problems. The reading level fits 9-12 year olds, and younger kids can understand the concepts if someone reads it along with them. Thom Hartman uses the same concepts, for older readers, in his "Attention Deficit Disorder, a Different Perception", "ADD Success Stories" and others.

Fifteen years ago when my son was first diagnosed, there was little valid information on ADD/ADHD. The books and articles I read left me feeling that the poor child would never get through life without charts and stickers, and that I would probably end up divorced and an alcholic. I stopped reading the books and started enjoying my child.

Eight years ago, my daughter was also diagnosed with ADHD. As was my husband. Life has been far from dull. But, I've learned to laugh and roll with the punches. It's not always easy; I'm a very organized, low energy person. But I wouldn't trade my ADD Family for all the "normal" families in the world. ADD has taken us places and offered us experiences that most of the people have never known.

People with ADD are the catalists in our society the cause us to get things done. The driving force that keeps us from becoming stagnant. If we don't have those people that are impulsive, exuberant and thirsty for knowledge, we have no progress. This is the definition of Attention Deficit Disorder that is honest and true, and this is the definition that needs to be presented to the world.

In her book Distant Drums, Different Drummers, Barbara Ingersoll puts forth just such and explanation of people with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It is the first book I have read that takes a postive view and explains it to the uninitiated populace. It's more than time that such a book existed and it should be required reading for all school teachers and administrators. I have bought this book and donated it to my children's schools.

If your child was recently diagnosed, READ THIS BOOK FIRST! There are tough times ahead, but Distant Drums, Different Drummers will give you the certain knowledge that though your life will not be boring, you are raising someone with the ability to change the world around them.

Will they ever learn? These twins get into more trouble than playful kittens! It's a good mystery, with interesting twists. Bert and Nan get mixed up with murder and their attempts to solve it are hilarious and adventurous. A good story to spend quiet time with.

Nan Tatum is tired of the single life. Deciding to try a new way to meet men, she signs herself and her twin sister Bert up for MySoulMate.org, an internet dating service. Soon, she thinks Mr. Right has replied to Bert's posting. Posing as Bert, Nan soon finds out that Mr. Right is Mr. Wrong. The next time she sees him, he's Mr. Dead. But when the body disappears, she can't get anyone to believe her. Dragging Bert along, she tries to prove she's right. Meanwhile, Bert is more concerned about patching things up with her boyfriend, Hank, who believes Bert signed herself up for the dating service.

This book takes the mystery solving twins through yet another harrowing adventure. The twin authors have once again provided plenty of suspense and laughs, and I could hardly put the book down. The alternating narration continues to be an asset, helping with both character and plot development. This is the fifth book in the series, and it shows no sign of slowing down at all.

Fans of the series will enjoy this book immensely, and I'm already looking forward to Nan and Bert's sixth outing. If you've never read these books, do yourself a favor and get the first one (DOUBLE MURDER) today.

This series is a delight! For those who like mysteries that are lively, colorful, and witty - but low on the grimmer aspects of death, this is your cup of tea. This time the real-life, identical twin sisters have written a mystery involving an Internet dating service and their series' characters, identical twin sisters Bert and Nan. The twin's love lives, always an interesting feature of previous mysteries, are highlighted in this one. A trail of deaths follow the twins into the cyber world of dating. The dynamics between Bert, the traditional sister, and Nan, the nontraditional sister, are great fun. With this entry, the writers have continued their development of the intricacies of a twin relationship, as well as a sister relationship. The creative use of each twin's point of view in alternating chapters allows the reader to understand the motivation of each - but it also gives the reader an often amusing peek into how each twin views the other one! Louisville, Kentucky, is the interesting setting for these mysteries. More Bert and Nan!