This is a beautiful and unique book; the photography and printing are outstanding, and the images of the beetles are simultaneously gorgeous and bizarre.

This book contains a most colorful collection of creatures.I had never realized that the family of beetles encompassed such variety in colors, shapes, and forms. As an artist, I would recommend this book to anyone who delights in images celebrating the bizarre and the beautiful in nature.

Living Jewels shows just that: the tremendous variety of jewels that make up the population of beetles. Upon closer examination of the photographs, the "jewels" have a tremendous amount of detail, showing tiny hairs, fuzz and various protuberances. How can that much detail show up in a photograph?
The text at the beginning of the book contains many fascinating, and at times hysterical, facts about beetles. I got a good laugh about the treatment of beetles in medieval times!

"Woven through a stimulating journey, filled with the surprises of travel in such an exotic land, are the wonderful pearls of Pablo Neruda, the Vajra-and-Bell Initiation, words from one of my favorites Chief Seattle, teachings of the Great Perfection and many more. Jane Bay's journey and narrative is the thread that holds the "Jewels" of this necklace as one piece. But most important of all, I gained from her book a new appreciation for the heroic struggle of the precious Tibetan people."

"Precious Jewels of Tibet" speaks to us from the heart as Jane Bay shares with the reader her innermost thoughts and feelings on her life as she embarks on an incredible journey of transformation. We are lucky to have Jane share her story with us. As we feel her joy and sorrow, we get in touch with our own painful and joyous journeys of self discovery.

Jane Bay has written a poignant memoire about her mystical journey to Tibet. How insightful it is for us to observe the allegory of her spiritual unfoldment, from her wounded life to wounded Tibet. Indeed, modernism has resolved a number of vicissitudes at the superficial realm of existence, but it has simultaneously magnified a piercing existential dismemberment, while escaping the most fundamental plight of the human being: the aspiration to surpass oneself, like The Buddha. Jane Bay has experienced an intimate experience of felicity. I recommend "Precious Jewels of Tibet" to anyone probing the same everlasting question : Who am I ? Graciously echoed by Jane Bay' s gifted prose, this book is a window to the quintessential matters of the soul, a longing that is invested right now, for each of us, with a very vital meaning.

Roxannes palace is haunted by a ghost. but is the ghost real? Roxanne goes to find the ghost. ( and plays a few tricks on it)! It is a great book. Worth reading!

Roxanne invites her sisters over for a dinner party and theres an uninvited guest... a ghost! It scares everybody out of the palace except Roxanne. So she goes to find that ghost! Roxanne is my favorite princess, if you like princesses you will like it!

I really liked this book!My favourite princess is The Emerald Princess.My favorite part was when Roxanne had found out about the ghost.

I agree completely with the two previous reviews, and have only one point to add. For students of Tibetan Buddhism who are actually doing the Guru Yoga practice of the Longchen Nyingthig Ngondro, this is a priceless handbook to suppliment and remind them of their own teacher's instructions. It makes an excellent companion to "Words of My Perfect Teacher", Patrul Rimpoche's guide to the entire Ngondro practice.

Whether a newcomer to meditation, or more specifically to guru yoga in the Tibetan Nyingma tradition - or a somewhat more experienced practitioner, this book is extraordinary. If you are new to this kind of mediation, I would say it is one of the best guides into it (as a follow-up to your master's introduction and empowerment, of course). If you have practised guru yoga for a while, you have in your hands a treasury of inspiration. You will be able to dig into it again and again, and still go deeper. If a book can transmit the wisdom-mind of a buddhist master, this is it! H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche is right there with you.

This is one of the best books I've ever read about how to carry the basic practices of Tibetan Buddhism into daily life. It tells how to consider the nearness of the "guru", or teacher, during sleep, while eating, walking, and all the time, bringing compassion and devotion into every moment. This book is truly about having a "love affair" with your spiritual practice. It's written by one of the most revered tibetan teachers in a language that's emotional, accessible and not overly scholarly. At the same time it addresses specific issues of great importance to the Longchen Nyingtik Ngondro, one of the "preliminary practices" of Tibetan Buddhism. Read, reread and enjoy!

There are several books of photographs of Central Park on the store shelves. This one stands out. The photos in 212 Views are stunning. You feel as if you are standing right there, you imagine you will feel the fresh air on your face as you turn the page! The text is like a well-informed friend who accompanies you, the reader, through Central Park, sharing select details about the history and design of the Park and adding layers of depth to your immediate sensory appreciation of the Park. Whether you are a frequent user of Central Park, an occasional visitor, or an arm chair stroller, experiencing the park only through the pages of the book, I highly recommend 212 Views. It's a great gift for the holidays, too. (I bought copies for my exercise partner who loves fast-walking in the Park and for my mother!)

New York residents and visitors will treasure these vivid photos and charming essays infused by a love of the city and its showcase park. "Views" will entertain and educate readers, and encourage their explorations. Enjoy!

This is a beautiful book, filled with the talented Mr. Reeve's paintings of famous race horses posed against the background of famous race tracks. I thoroughly enjoyed his narration of how and why he chose to paint each horse at each track. If you enjoyed Royal Blood, you will enjoy this book also. It is well worth purchasing - for your own collection or as a special gift.

A fascinating journey in the Racing world through the eyes of a very talented Artist. Highly reccomended for Horse enthusiast as well as Horse painters.

Ricky Kidd is a responsible sort. He keeps busy by doing odd jobs for old Mrs. McEwan and hanging out with his friends Mike and Ralphy. His younger brother, Joel, follows him everywhere, but has a knack for being unseen.

One day, Mrs. McEwan has a special job for Ricky. She wants him to meet her long lost nephew at the train station, but before he leaves, she shows him her valuable antique jewelry collection. In the center of the collection is the jewel of Madagascar - a huge, beautiful, red stone; unlike any Ricky has ever seen.

Mrs. McEwan encourages Ricky to take a closer look. He immediately grabs the stone with both hands instead of using the tongs on the table.

At the look on Mrs. McEwan's face, he places the stone back on the cloth. Mrs. McEwan proceeds to tell him about the curse placed on the stone many years ago.

Whoever touches the stone, their friends will become enemies and their enemies will become friends. Ricky doesn't believe in curses, but he feels funny after touching the stone.

A few minutes later, Joel comes in carrying a baby crow. Not only does Joel have a knack for being unseen, he also has an uncanny ability with animals. Mrs. McEwan's five cats are at Joel's feet, eyeing the bird hungrily.

When Joel hands the bird to Ricky, the cats pounce. Ricky's hands are scratched and he is knocked off balance. The baby crow frantically tries to get airborne. In the struggle, Ricky bumps into the china cabinet, causing a bronze statue to hit the table and smash many of the antique jewels into small bits.

Ricky is devastated at the loss he has caused. Though Mrs. McEwan tells him not to worry, he feels he must pay for the damage, but he has no idea how. On the way to the train station to pick up the long lost nephew, Edward, he sees his pals, Mike and Ralphy. He tells them of his dilemma, and though they'd like to help, they don't have that much money either.

Once Ricky sees Edward, the supposedly long lost nephew, he knows something isn't right. He suspects this person is posing as Mrs. McEwan's nephew and is up to something.

Ricky makes it his mission to find out what Edward is up to. He's convinced that Edward is trying to steal from Mrs. McEwan so he sets out to prove it.

In the meantime, Ricky's friends are acting strangely. Mike and Ralphy seem to be doing things without him and keeping secrets from him. Ricky thinks back to the curse placed on whoever touches the jewel of Madagascar.

Is the curse coming true? Who is Edward and is he trying to steal from Mrs. McEwan? What do worms have to do with any of it?

"The Disappearing Jewel of Madagascar" blends childhood mischief with suspense. This book is a treat for both girls and boys. They learn the value of trust and friendship. The godly lessons subtly woven into the story teach kids about prayer and worry.

Ricky Kidd doesn't believe in curses. But soon after he touches the Jewel of Madagascar, the prize in neighbor Mrs. McEwan's jewelry collection, his friends seem to abandon him. Worse, he's crushed part of the collection, and now must figure out a way to repay the debt. Trying to work off his debt brings him in contact with Mrs. McEwan's nephew. Ricky's sure he's not all he claims to be, but no one seems to believe him or even care. Is Ricky right? If so, can Ricky prove it before it's too late? And what are his friends up to?

This is a reedit and reprint of a book from the original series. Rachel, Ricky's new baby sister, has been added. Several scenes that were humorous character scenes have also been cut. I didn't miss them until I looked back at my first copy, but it's still a shame they've been cut out. One of these cut scenes is referenced later in the book, so hopefully they'll do better editing jobs in the future.

The story itself is still intact and great fun. Rereading it, I was once again drawn into the mystery, even though I remembered the ending. The characters are great fun, and there were still lots of humorous parts.

Anyone looking for a great mystery with well-developed characters and great humor should definitely check this series out. It's a series that everyone will enjoy reading.

Emily, an athletic young girl who rules the Greenwood, and spends her days climbing trees and riding horses through her lush green forest ,follows Arden ,a unicorn, into the Mysterious Forest. There Emily and Arden pass Jibbets and Giants to get to the Land of the Unicorns to ask The Great Unicorn to give Arden her unicorn powers back . On the way Arden and Emily learn about true friendship, and for both the girl and the unicorn , that's what truly matters.

This is an interesting book because Arden and Emily go on an adventure to Crumble Mountain. You will like this book if you like princesses, unicorns, kings and queens.

For those people who adore jewellery and Master Jewellers, this book is a must. With easy to read historical text, this book highlights the overwhelming reponsibility it is to be the Crown Jeweller to the british Royal Family, both serving the Queen and maintaining the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. Garrard, arguably the most exclusive Jewellers in the world is not like other jewllers such as Cartier or Chaumet. as there is only one Garrad store in the world and they do not often allow those whose bloodlines do not run in the bluest of hues enter their premises, so this book allows the reader to experience the world that is Garrard, by showing detailed pictures of the Garrard show palace and some of the finest and most valuable jewels ever created. This book allows the reader to escape into a differant way of life and allows that reader a glimpse into that world strictly reserved for royalty and nobility alike. A fantastic read with exceptional picture quality. Check out the fabulous Cullinan Diamond known as the "Star of Africa" which at 530.00 carats is the largest and most valuable stone in the world.

For those who adore jewellery and Master Jewellers, this book is a must. Detailing the rise and sustaining importance of the British Crown Jewellers, Garrards of London, arguably the most exclusive jewellers in the world, this book offers the reader an insightful view into the overwhelming responsibility of serving the British Royal Family and maintaining the priceless Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. Gararrd's rarely open their doors to non-blue-bloods and this book allows the reader to see inside their magnificent show palace and to see some of the most remarkable jewellery ever created. With flowing easy to read, historical script and magnificent quality of pictures it is a book that evokes and encapsulates another world in which the reader will want to experience again and again.

This is a great introduction to hummingbirds. The text is delightful for all ages, and the photographs are stunning. These creatures are amazing, and I was surprised by so many things about them. I was also surprised that I didn't lose interest reading about them. From a birdwatching relative, I understand that the book has a lot of useful information for the novice as well as the veteran, and I've also been told that some of the species pictured are very rare to see in a book. I had no idea that hummingbirds come in so many different varieties with head crests and odd tails, not to mention their fascinating feeding, nesting and migrating habits. We all know they can fly like no other bird, but they sleep in an almost dead state? Truly amazing! My kids and I have really enjoyed having this book, and I have to say that my birdwatching relative prefers it to most other comparable hummingbird books on the market.

This is a wonderful coffee-table book! I've read it twice and still find myself picking it up at odd moments, paging through it, lost in the beautiful pictures. I can't qualify as an expert on birds, or even a more-than-casual bird watcher, but even so, I used to spend hours of my vacations in New Mexico on my relative's deck, mesmerized by "hummers." This book has reawakened my fascination with them! The spritely writing compresses a vast amount of potentially soporific information into a lively account of hummingbirds' peculiar aerodynamics and physiology, of habitat and appetite, of "livin, lovin and fightin." (Did you know hummingbird intimacies last from 2-5 seconds? That should make all of us feel better. But since they live only 3-5 years, and have to eat every ten minutes, it doesn't.) It also includes a section on the care and set-up of your own hummingbird feeder, and the hummingbird in myth and folklore. Oddly enough, this book didn't come to me through a love of hummingbirds but of poetry -- I'd read the author in a back issue of a poetry journal, looked her up in a bookstore, and found this. No wonder the prose is so enjoyable! But it is the photos that keep me coming back -- in life you tend to get a glimpse of hummers in your peripheral vision. This book brings them to a full stop, in glowing color.