"Coppelia" is a fantasy story retold by ballerina Margot Fonteyn, with paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. The story concerns Dr. Coppelius, a European dollmaker who is also an alchemist. Coppelius creates a remarkably lifelike doll who becomes involved in an unusual love triangle.

The paintings by Johnson and Fancher are an ideal complement to this story of love and magic. The photographic reproductions of the paintings are excellent; you can actually see the texture of the paint on the canvas. The art wonderfully captures a quaint European village; the artists include such details as half-timbering and ornamental stonework on the dollmaker's house.

According to a supplemental note, ballerina/author Fonteyn actually danced in the ballet version of this story; that fact gives the book an added touch if interest.

Margot Fonteyn's rendition of the French ballet Coppélia is wonderful. It is the story of a young man named Franz who is enamoured by a beautiful girl who sits by the window in the house of the mysterious dollmaker, Dr. Coppélius. This of course makes his betrothed, the fiery Swanilda very displeased. However, things are not as they appear to be. The story has an excellent flow to it and the illustrations have an impressionist feel to them---one can actually see the brush strokes---and are very lovely. This book makes a great bedtime story and I highly recommend it to children who like ballet or those who have yet to discover its charm.

Rich in word and imaginary true to many African American families, this book feels like a peek in the window of homes I know. My husband calls our sons "man." "Sister" is what we call the oldest of my sisters. I love watching my boys play in Daddy's shoes. Everything a good children's book on families should be--real sounding words and true pictures that make a connection to someone's life.

I find this book for all age groups. It makes you feel that you are there watching this child.

clear concise book. lots of good information carefully divided. Well delivered and pertinent case studies.

This is the text for my MBA class and it is an excellent book to read and keep on the bookshelf. The case studies were all interesting and informative, and if you are not in Sales, this is the book for you to read to understand what Customer Service is all about. If you are in Sales, this will enlighten you to a new way of thinking, or if you are already there, the book will be a constant reminder of just how important it is to give our customers value if we expect to stay in business.

Family Literacy is an excellent resource for both educators and parents. Not only is it filled with ideas to help a child become a better reader and writer, but the activities are fun! I have used these activities with hard to reach students and shared them with many families. They are always a hit. I would encouage you to buy any books by Marcia Ardis---and if at all possible attend one of her seminars. She will inspire you more than you could imagine!

Family Literacy is an intriguing book developed for parents and educators concerned about the development of emergent readers and writers. This resource is perfect for educators-parents involved in promoting the literacy movement within their children and within themselves! READ IT!

Seattle is well known for it's contributions to the performing arts in many genres. Arguably, the biggest contributors is the Pacific Northwest Ballet which is among the best in the world. One gets a sense of the difficulty and trail of establishing this fine organization.

The book not only the story of the Pacific Northwest Ballet from it's meager beginnings to the internationally reknown company that it is today, but also a sketch of biography on Kent and Francia Stowell who influenced this wonderful organization to what it is today. Ardent fans of the PNB will relive the many name changes and stages of growth through the pages of this excellent book. There is brief coverage of some of the names of those who affected the PNB early on such as Glynn Ross (Former general director of the Seattle Opera), Janet Reed (instructor and former dancer New York City Ballet) to name a couple. Though the book isn't heavy in detail, there is just enough to tell the PNB story in an enjoyable manner.

One aspect of the PNB which is covered (though lightly), is how the organization reaches out to the community. Perhaps the most visible way is educationally by the establishment of Pacific Northwest Ballet School. In addition to the impressive growth, the book details some of the challenges such as funding and lack of boys enrolled in the school reflecting the homophobic attitude of some people concerning ballet here in the states. Another way the organization is involved community wide is reflected by the number of adults enrolled in the school and the regional classes offered by the school.

Within you will find fabulous photography of both the careers of Kent and Francia Stowell as well as the defining and key moments of the company over the years; truly memory lane for followers and fans of the PNB and their wonderful school. Included in the pictures are the well known staples of the PNB; Swan Lake and The Nutcraker. It is a wonderful, charming and interesting book on one of the truly great attractions in the culture rich city of Seattle. If you enjoy ballet and dance or a fan or the Seattle area, this will be a great addition to your library.

this book is *well* worth the money, i received it as a christmas gift this year and i've been reading it over and over. if you are interested in learning about PNB or just looking at some fabulous shots of their company i highly recommend purchasing this book. it is a gorgeous hardcover with an in-depth history of the company past to present.

What an excellent resource for any teacher. The activities are interesting and thought-provoking. My students were so excited about creating their very own books!

An excellent presentation of the holistic learning experience book arts can be for the child. Creating a book calls upon skills that will stand the child in good stead throughout life: planning, collaborating, discussing, consensus building. Also, technological, writing, visual, and design skills are challenged and strengthened.

Collaboratively written by Mike Ashby (Professor, Engineering Department, Cambridge University) and design materials expert Kara Johnson, Materials And Design: The Art And Science Of Material Selection In Product Design is a thoroughly "user friendly" instructional guide to the scientific and systematic crafting of products from a variety of materials. Individual chapters address multidimensional issues, shaping joints and surfaces, rules of thumb for selecting certain materials over others, and much more in express, college-level detail. Enhanced throughout with full color photography and numerous illustrations, Materials And Design is strongly recommended as an extensive, superbly organized and presented, instructional resource and professional level reference.

I teach product design at Ohio State to students from several engineering disciplines, and this latest book from Prof. Mike Ashby is exactly what I've been looking for. It gives an overview of product design from the perspective of the industrial designer, something engineering students need to appreciate. More importantly, it also provides a wealth of useful data on a wide range of materials and fabrication processes. In addition, each chapter has a thorough annotated reference list - valuable to anyone just entering the field. All this, and it's a beautiful example of book design, in the bargain. Regrettably, it suffers a bit from a lack of proofreading, as many books seem to these days.

This wonderful book not only teaches you about quilts, it also teaches you about the state of Mississippi history. I learned facts I had not known. Such as, Mississippi was one of the five wealthiest states in the Union before the Civil War. And of course this was from the cotton plantations, which supplied the cotton to make quilts. A must read for anyone interested in antiquity of our state.

Collectors of state quilt books will not want to miss this important addition to their library.

If you want to now the exact positioning of hands and feet this is a great book. The 'dance step' layout of the foot positions for the pommse is very original and helpful. Into Moo Duk Kwan buy this one. Note this book covers to Pawlgae 3.

Excellent content. Clear sharp photos of one of Americas greatest pioneering TaeKwonDo grand masters in action. Very organized. Excellent value. A must have for every martial artist.

This book will make you remember why you wanted to begin painting. It's beautifully written, with words that uplifting and inspiring. It has instruction that would be considered the nuts and bolts of a good painting, though you won't get real step by step how-to's. He paints beautifully and in the truest sense, you feel that you are witnessing a true artist and teacher and that this can't help but inspire you to greater and more rewarding work. This is NOT for beginners by any means. I was slightly disappointed that there were not real hands on exercises on anything, rather more like discussions of what is right or wrong in a painting or method. All in all, an incredible book by a very talented and gifted man. It will make you feel like you are being transported to the threshold of the old masters's world.

After having received the book I feel that I got more than I
paid for.
This book is a wonderful addition to anyone's "art collection".
If you collect art, are an aspiring painter or an accomplished
artist...this book belongs in your library!!
Thanks Robert!!