The Sweetness of the title is a plucky little orphan who looks a lot like Tatum O'Neal in "Paper Moon," without the cigar.

She and seven other orphans have been adopted by the kind, but addlebrained, sheriff of Possum Trot. He had rescued them from Mrs. Sump, the evil (naturally) head of the orphanage, in Stanley's previous book, "Saving Sweetness."

In this funny sequel, the Sheriff takes to housekeeping like a fish takes to a pile of sawdust; that is, he is sorely lacking in the home arts. He serves tuna fish soup and pickle and banana pie and washes the windows with butter. The orphans, with Sweetness at the fore, decide to domesticate him. First, they need to learn to read so they can decipher a letter from the Sheriff's long-lost love, Lucy Locket, and then find a way to get them hitched.

The twangy Texas lingo is snappy without being laid on too thick, helping rather than hindering when the book is read aloud. The mixed media illustrations, combining scribbly colored pencil drawings with collages of wallpaper, cut paper and masking tape, perfectly match the warm absurdity of the text. A heart warming and hilarious story.

My daughter found this book at her school library. My daughter is in first grade and enjoys a healthy sense of humor. She and I found this story to be hysterical. Laugh out loud funny. You can't help but fall in love with entire cast of characters. We enjoyed it so much we had to buy "Saving Sweetness". Now our only disappointment is that we can't find anymore books in this series.

This sequel to Saving Sweetness is a chance to romp in Possom Trot one more time. Stanley's adoptive father may be inept but he's a hoot, and Sweetness(his ever resourceful adopted daughter) is the perfect heroine. If you teach K-6 your students will love the colorful language and silly idioms, especially when read aloud.

One certainly should not judge this book by it's cover. While the illustrations and even the title itself are quite darling, the story leaves a lot to be desired. It was almost as if the author was more concerned with making sure the text rhymed than with the actual contents of the story. I was left feeling disappointed.

I was wandering through a bookstore with my daughter, waiting for the mall to open, when I saw this book on the shelf. My two-year-old thought the little fairy was cute, so I grabbed it to keep her busy. We sat and I read the book to her. I made it to the third page and was utterly hooked. I bought it and then later popped the CD that came with the book in the Stereo. What a beautiful song. I cried when I heard it .... touching...

Penelope Jane is an inspiring heroine for the little ones. This 'eyelash high' fairy embodies the humanistic qualities we all hope to instill in our children; fearlessness, confidence, enthusiasm, curiosity, and loyalty. Her zest for life and sense of adventure are the catalysts for the story. It is not until she ventures into the 'human world' that she falters. However, empowered with an inner strength nurtured by her mother, she's not down for long. P.J. bounces back in a BIG way to take charge of the situation and as a result, saves the day.

The story reminds kids of their importance, to be their own person and to think for themselves. Though small in size, they're capable of monumental achievements.

This book is a complete package. The story unique and the narrative delightful with a wry comical undertone, and a lyrical sense to its rhyming scheme. The colorful illustrations visually support the story with their whimsical sensibility. The cd single included, 'How to be Strong', is an inviting ode that once again repeats the theme of a child's validity in the face of life's many challenges.

Penelope Jane will quickly become a favorite before bedtime, but more importantly, in adulthood, will be spoken of and remembered. The resonance of the story and the childhood memories will undoubtedly create a link between them and their children, and their grandchildren, and their great grand children...

The picture would lead you to believe the book is hand-stiched Japanese syle - those "threads" are printed. This is *not* a bibliophile-quality item. The paper is standard card stock. The colors of the graphics are lurid primary and secondary colors, and the resolution is pretty low. I can' t believe I paid so much for this little pamphlet. Caveat Emptor!

This is a book for who already has some experience in Kumihimo Brainding, but your new method of mixing design patterns is innovative and easy assimilation. Undoubtedly, this book is indispensable for the enthusiasts in the technical of Kumihimo braiding. I advise that you have too the software (Braid Runner) elaborated by Rosalie for your self make elaborates own design patterns. This a some best book for kumihimo brainding in my japaneses armors construction.

The Thirty-Seven Interlacements of Hira Kara Gumi by Rosalie Neilson Published by Orion's Plumage ISBN: 0966486307

This delicious little publication is what we call bibliophilistic. As such I think it is unique in the art of braiding. We have, by now, heaps of books; mainly Japanese with luxurious, gorgeous, and perhaps even garish colour-prints. But none of these can be called bibliophilistic -- whilst yours is so.

I admire the paper, the binding, the beautiful typesetting, the unusual fonts. Really everything is exceptional. And in addition (there is) the numbering and signature of the author!

Submitted by Noemi Speiser, author of the self-published book, The Manual of Braiding

Noemi Speiser Ziernerstrasse 25 CH-4424 Arboldswil, Switzerland

This book is well-illustrated by Peter Stevenson. That's what brought our attention to it. We have bought others in this series that were wonderful and loved. But this author, Allia Zobel-Nolan, suggests that we "wave good-bye to God" as we leave church on Sunday. If that is the impression you'd like your children to have of God, that He has no part in the beauty of creation and our daily life, then you will like this book.

perfect for a small child's hands, this handy bible's brightcolors combined with the child-like wording is wonderful. A great wayto introduce your child to Christianity.

This is the second book of the "Blood of the Goddess" series, following "Goa". "Goa" was a great introduction to the trilogy, in which a tradesman is seeking the powdered blood of an Indian goddess, which is said to have the power to bring the dead back to life. His plans become complicated, and he is put into danger when he crosses paths with Inquisition officials, who view such things as witchcraft, and punishable by death. In "Bijapur" the tradesman is forced by the Inquisitors to lead them to the source of this magical powder somewhere near Bijapur, India... Competing with them to arrive at this source are a group of "Mohammedans", and danger and betrayal lurk from every side during this cross-country journey where no one is sure who his enemies are. "Bijapur" is a fine middle section to the trilogy, though the least memorable of the three books, the last being "Bhagavati", in which those who survive reach their destination.

Though The first book (for me)is always the best, this is a enjoyable middle-of-series book

By far, the illustrations are the best part of this book. The wonderful depictions of Farmer Bill, his farm and animals give the book much more depth than the forced rhymes. And frankly, they also do a better job of getting across the concepts of odd and even.

My preschool boys greatly enjoy the twist at the end of the book, where there's a glimpse of the next item that will be found to be missing. The fact that the found mittens are drawn as having parts missing pleases them also. It provides a great topic for discussion.

The follow-up suggestions are rather disappointing and unimaginative. The book certainly isn't helped by their inclusion.

I'd rate this as an average children's book. The basic story is quite cute, but the illustrations make the book.

My son has really enjoyed this book. The story takes place on a farm during the winter time. Perfect story for this time of the year. Farmer Bill is trying to figure out what is happening to all of the mittens.

This book is written with short sentences and easy-to-read vocabulary for the youngest of readers. Sid and Sam make children smile when they are able to read on their own like the "big kids." This cute book will surprise readers with its unexpected ending.

This book has been designated for preschool children, but I have used it for emergent readers in my first grade classroom. The words are primarily phonetic, one-syllable words. This book is a wonderful resource for introducing the /s/ sound.

It is an entertaining book that keeps the interest of its reader.

Truman has an interesting and clever aunt who seems to enjoy sending him unpredictable and adventurous gifts for his birthday. Naturally he is suspicious whenever the packages from his aunt arrive. However, in this instance he is overjoyed, because his aunt has apparently fulfilled his fond wish to own an "ant" farm. After sending away for this farm, however, what arrives at his doorstep is a growing collection of "aunts", in various shapes and sizes and temperaments, all very aunt-like. What he does with this situation takes up most of the rest of the book. My four year old daughter had a bit of trouble understanding the subtle word play between "ant" and "aunt"--not being able to detect the difference in spelling and needing me to explain the difference as we went along--which took away much of the impact. An older child might enjoy it quite alot more.

I found myself thinking that the person who would really enjoy this book was my younger sister, all of forty-something, who is the quintessential aunt and would probably find the book hilarious. But I wouldn't buy it for a four year old.

I bought this book for my daughter and my nephews when theywere 5, 6, and 7 y.o. They loved it and understood the aunt/ant wordplay. We read and reread this book, and even I never tired of it. And at the end of the book I always asked them, what did Truman's aunt do that made her so special, and they replied she really listened and she had fun with him. Good things for adults to do with kids.

This is the last book of the trilogy "Blood of the Goddess", and the one with the most action and suspense. Thomas Chinnery, a trader, has made a bargain with the Inquisition who has arrested him, that he will be freed if he leads them to the source of the magical powdered blood, which can bring the dead back to life. Chinnery only pretends to know how to find it in order to save his life, but he also wishes to obtain the blood to revive the murdered Aditi, whom he loves. This expedition, as well as an expedition of Moghuls, are headed for Bhagavati, the city of the goddess Mahadevi.

During the journey, no one can be trusted, but arriving in Bhagavati, the expeditions face their greatest danger in a magnificent palace, which is infused with an atmosphere of cold beauty and dark magic. Mahadevi exercises her power to turn men into stone (like Medusa), but Thomas escapes within the walls of the palace. The struggle between Chinnery and Father Gonscao, who wishes to destroy this place, this goddess, continues here.

Although this is not my usual genre of reading material, I found the series, especially this last book, quite enjoyable, and in particular, the palace of the Mahadevi has left a memorable visual impression.

This is Case Number 001 for the High-Rise Private Eyes, brainy Bunny Brown and Jack Jones the snoopy raccoon. When they go to their favorite diner, The Grill Next Door, they find that Mac, the owner, is upset because his glass monkey is missing. It was next to the cash register at 8:00 a.m. and by 9:00 a.m. it was gone. Bunny and Jack figure it had to be somewhat who was eating breakfast at the time so they return the next day to check out the suspects.

"The Case of the Missing Monkey" is a Level 2 (Grades 1-3) reader and while I do not think that young readers will be able to figure out the solution from the clues provided, I do think they will understand how Bunny and Jack figure it out. At the very least, this book will introduce them to the idea of deductive reasoning. Consequently, this little book will prepare young readers for bigger and better mysteries.