I love this book. I got it as a Christmas gift and I use it all the time. The photographs are gorgeous and each recipe is illustrated. I like that the recipes are relatively simple and require few ingredients. I also enjoy the descriptions and definitions of terms and regions in Italy.

I have a lot of Italian-Cooking-Books but this is by far the BEST ! The recipe are easy to follow, no fency ingredients (the most I have in my Pantry) and the fotos make you cook them all at once ! When I still lived in Germany I traveled a lot to Italy, this are all very authentic Recipes. A good Glas of Wine with this Dishes and you feel like in Italy ! ENJOY !!!

This book is simply gorgeous. It's recipes are simple but elegant. I recently purchased it and have made several recipes including the panzella (incredible), and only takes 25 min. to do and the prosuitto wrapped asparagus with mozzerella, (amazing) don't forget to sprinkle with paprikah. Most recipes use fresh ingredients, a mainstay of italian cooking, and they are easy yet impressive. This book is a must for all who enjoy cooking and for those who do not, it has wonderful descriptions of the regional origination of each recipe and beautiful accompanying pictures. You can travel to italy without even leaving your kitchen.

"I see the rhythm. I see the rhythm of our beginnings. I feel the pulse of a people and a land in harmony. I hear the legends told by the drum, the beats of our beliefs, the music of our ancient history..." From its roots in Africa and slave songs, to the birth of the blues, ragtime, swing, jazz, and gospel, to rhythm and blues, rock and roll, hip hop, funk, and rap, Toyomi Igus and Michele Wood trace the history of African American music. Ms Igus' lyrical free verse, rich in imagery and magic, is powerful and evocative as it swirls creatively around the page, and is complemented by Ms Wood's stunning illustrations, full of emotion and drama that captures both the feel of the music and the times. Each two page spread also includes a brief description of the musical style, and a marvelous timeline that sets that musical period in its larger, historical context. Perfect for youngsters 10 and older, I See The Rhythm is an inspiring feast for the eyes and ears that celebrates African American music and brings it to life on the page, and is a terrific introduction that shouldn't be missed.

This is an excellent resource for the classroom. It depicts the history of African American music from Africa to rap/hip hop with vibrant art work matching the electric words! Wow!

This book is a great book to include in a public library, home library, or school library. This book can be incorporated in many areas of learning. The author does an excellent job discussing the historical and physical features of African American music. Reading the book is like going on a musical journey. Some of the music types discussed are; jazz, ragtime, blues, gospel, and bebop. Each music type is well described, and Michele has included in each musical description a timeline, important figures associated with the music, and sample lyrics. Michele Wood also includes an activity in the book. She has put a little girl in each scene, and the reader has to locate her. It is not always easy. The little girl represents Michele when she was growing up. I highly recommend this book to young and old. Michele Wood has done an excellent job writing an interesting and informative book.

This book contains very basic recipes with ingredients that can be found in any food store around the country. Directions were very clear and since the book is coated, it's very easy to clean. I would recommend this book.

This is a great treat book! All of the recipes are very easy to make and my cat loves them. I have 3 cats but two of them are very picky. I hav'nt tried all of them yet, but I'm sure there are a few they will like. A must for any cat lover who likes cooking!!

my kitty 'PUFF' and i, probably like most other pet owners, have a special loving relationship. When i first made some of these treats from the books recipes, 'PUFF' couldn't seem to get enough of them!!! She loved 'em!! but even more important to me was that i was putting some of myself into each and every treat she ate and enjoyed. somehow i feel she knows there's some of me in every one. maybe that's why she loves them more than any i ever bought for her. i know any pet owner will get so much more satisfaction from making and feeding these home made treats to their cats than simply going out and buying the commercial kind.

This is a book for those who are without hope. Written as though the author is telling her story to the reader, one-on-one, it captures the despair and joy experienced by one human being.
While September 11th was an unthinkable national tragedy, many have experienced the collapse of their "own tower" before they even had a chance to begin their life's journey.
Ms. Davenport's story begins with trauma and ends with healing and wholeness. It is the story of one woman's life; of things out of her control, and the choices she made because of those things. It is a story of resurrection; a story of how hope and renewal can spring out of ashes and destruction.
Ms. Davenport is to be commended for her honesty. She gently guides the reader through the process of her own ripening on the vine.

What a wonderful book. Michele's story is one of sadness but how she delt with it by finding God's blessings was awesome. Once I started reading the book I didn't want to put it down. I reccomend this book to all. Weather you are searching for answers in your life or not, this is a very uplifting book and very spiritual. Enjoy.

I loved this book! Michele's story is one that will melt a heart of stone; and one that will start people on the road of healing. You will laugh; and you will cry! You will see God's hand in every aspect of Michele's life as you read her story. We have an awesome God! Thank you Michele for telling your story! Your story broke my heart; but you showed me how to let God sew it back together.

The amount of text in this book makes it look like an early reader, but the basic questions it poses can make an adult stop and think. It covers the essential questions that plague humans since we became aware of our own existence within the world. Why are we here? It does not really answer that question, but it poses it in such a way that you just feel good.

It is hard to believe that one simple book could hold more philosophy than John Locke, Plato, or Einstein, but it is true. If you allow yourself to go where Stormy Night wanders, your mind and heart will be opened up to the world. This book explores life, the universe, and everything, and asks those questions that kids wonder, and adults conveniently forget about. This book doesn't discriminate, it doesn't label, it doesn't seek to teach. It simply seeks for equinamity and understanding. It is ironically fitting that the author uses a storm metaphor to show the true thinking power behind open-mindedness. For many people it takes nothing less than an unsettling(storm) to allow them to reach the greatest expanses of their understanding. By using simple phrases and complicated pictures, Stormy night transcends the universe, allowing any person to explore their true inquisitive nature. Read this book to your kids when they are old enough, and allow them to explore new ideas, never stifle their imagination. Buy this book, and let yourself go to that place that frightens some, and envigorates others. Let this book show you to never discount any idea. Let this book give you a tear in the eye, a smile in the mouth, a twinkle of the eye, a beat of the heart, and an expansion of the mind.

I simply adore this book. The economy-of-line drawings are sweet and simply precious. The hardbound book is a classy-presented volume suitable for a coffeetable or as the "feature" on your bookshelf. The back spine is black cloth and the front and back covers are smooth clay paper. The pages are thick, sturdy cotton and just shy of being considered card stock... very nice.

During a stormy night, a young girl, probably 9-12 years old, has trouble sleeping and her dog keeps her company as she ponders life's deepest questions. Her dog attentively follows her as she raids the refrigerator, brushes her teeth and sits on her bed. As she eats, you see many little bone-shaped dog treats on the floor... it is just too cute!

During the night, her parents are obviously asleep and her dog is the only bounding board she has for questions such as, "Will I know when it's my time to die?" and "Will it hurt?" and makes suppositions about her future and station in life.

The book wanders closely into the realm of new age, but it doesn't really teach any "new" concepts... the thoughts the little girl is pondering are thoughts all kids have, but rarely share with anyone... thoughts and fears that stay with us if a belief system is not introduced in the home. This is a great book to read with your children... it opens up topics of discussion in a very non-threatening environment and opens the stage for teaching children your beliefs concerning what happens when we die, etc.

The book might be a little to intimidating to very young readers to absorb by themselves, but as a night-time read with a parent, even a five year old can participate in conversation about such topics... but really young readers may have trouble with the detailed drawings. Visually, the drawings are for more sophisticated eyes. As an adult, I just love this little book.

If you love English Bulldogs and believe that they are superiorly intellegent along with being emotionally in touch with their owners, then this book is a must read for you. I laughed at the funny capers of Faccia Bello that reminded me of my own bulldog. It also made myself and my bulldog's "daddy" cry at the emotionally compelling story of love and the reality of the loss of a dear companion and friend.

I cannot look into my dog's face the same way anymore-I can't watch her sleep the same way-my entire perspective on dogs has been altered. I cried from Chapter 3 to the last page.

This book in in the genre of Carlos Castaneda meets Lassie. Which is a catagory of books not yet written. Wonderful.

This is practical advice that is easy to follow and so necessary for helping your middle school child. This book gave me the confidence to get my 13 year old to get out his notebooks, show me what he had to do, and told him that if his grades were not acceptable, I would be checking his notebook more frequently. I realize I only have a short window of time until I will leave it totally up to him and this book gives great suggestions for getting your student on their way to a successful educational experience.

Everyday you read about the host of problems with our educational system. Finally, someone has written a book for parents that gives them specific and helpful advice for helping their children reach their potential. I'm already a big fan after A is for Admission which is still THE guide for selective college admissions. As such, I was especially happy to see this more general book that attacks such issues as what kind of involvement parents should have in their children's homework, how much help they should give their children, how to deal with a variety of problems that crop at up both private and public schools and how to handle teacher conflicts in a diplomatic matter.

Even more helpful is the reading list and the grade by grade math guide that will help you see if your child's school is on target and providing a strong curriculum. The reading list is useful even for high school students since she includes lots of advanced choices. The writing style is lucid and sharp. I'm grateful to the author for sharing her years of educational experience with readers who have a vested interest in our children's education. If more parents read her book, we'd have many fewer problems in our schools.

Ms. Hernandez's book, The Middle School Years, is a great parental blueprint for the middle school years and beyond. We have found ourselves referring back to the text often as new developmental issues with our middle school student arise (e.g., school choice, standardized testing, study skills, etc). Ms Hernandez's observations are insightful and clearly based on substantial experience in the field. It is uncanny how she anticipates the concern, questions and anxiety that parents of middle school students have, and then, proposes wise counsel on the relevant issues.

Parents often say that the second child going through the school system is the one who benefits the most, because the parents learned a great deal from the first child's school experience. Ms. Hernandez's book, The Middle School Years, is like having a first child through the school system already.

The book is very inspiring and well written. The most important thing, being the recipies, are a must have! I bought it for my mom for her birthday (and my mom has every cook book in the world). I am constantly finding the perfect course or side dish to add for just the right touch. If you like being creative and trying your own hand at modifying recipies you'll be pleasantly surprised. Try adding Lemon to the Artichoke, Chicken and Chive soup - it's SO good.

I picked up this cookbook as I left California. It has become my favorite with each recipe a winner with cook and guest. I especially enjoy the emphasis on fresh ingredients and the ethnic food selections that we were accustomed to in the restaurants in the San Francisco North Bay area. Highly recommend.

I have been a fan of Michele Anna Jordan's writing for a long, long time. Her recipes resonate with me as we have similar tastes and cooking styles, but I love this book for much more than the recipes. All throughout the book are little sidebars filled with delicious little tidbits of information about California, both past and present. One may read about the first canned chile produced in Ventura or mid-1800's recipes from Senora Benecia Vallejo, the wife of General Mariano Vallejo. Ms. Jordan has produced a book that is filled with good things to eat, but is also filled with a wealth of information that makes ourcooking and dining experiences even richer.

I rarely take the time to write a review, but this book deserved my taking a little time out of my day.

I have MANY scrapbooking books, but I have to say that this is one of my favorites, as it incorporates many of the best tips and techniques I've seen in other books all in one place.

The layouts, although not as profuse as in other books, are inspiring and different. I would definitely recommend this book.

This book had some very nice ideas. They range in complexity. I love this book!

I've read a great number of books about scrapbooking, but this book is absolutely the best one I've seen.

The first part of the book is dedicated to basic scrapbooking technique and tips, and the rest deals with techniques and themes. Beautiful layouts are consistent throughout the whole book, and you'll be inspired by every page. The book features many unique techniques such as kaleidoscoping (I've never seen that anywhere else), as well as many others that are more common, but still done to perfection here (embossing, pin-holing, layering, and many more).

Overall, this book is very good in terms of inspiration, instruction, and ideas. An ideal gift for an aspiring scrapbooker, or a veteran who could use a few new tricks.

I started working on my daughter's quinceanera 1 year ago and found this book invaluable. It's very comprehensive and covers everything for all latin cultures. I incorporated a little of everything to create a customized quince for my daughter, with an emphasis on the religious aspect. This book gave me ideas and explored topics I didn't know existed. Thank you Michelle for writing this book.

The greatest book around to help plan for your daughters Quinceanera. It has help me see many traditions I did not know existed. Must have if you are planning a party.

This book was abousoulty the best information that I have found on quinceanera's out there. It takes you step by step giving great examples of menu's and ceremonies.

I am starting my own event planning business and this book has given me knowledge that I did not know previously.

I would recommend this book to anyone that is planning a quinceanera, it will save you a lot of stress and anxiety.