It was a pleasure to read Give Us This Mars, the second book in a series that deals with the great heights of achievement human beings are capable of reaching. The books illustrate well how each giant step for mankind is generally the accumulated results of the many efforts of a small group of amazing and inspiring individuals. In Book One, the three heroes of the story ended up with no choice but to attempt the first human settlement on Mars, and after many years of hard and frustrating work, they succeed in developing an efficient, prosperous and fully functioning Mars settlement.

This Martian settlement, thought impossible by people on Earth, is now, of course, the subject of considerable envy, especially on the part of the great powers. The satisfying theme of how the decent little people, with limited resources in a very difficult environment, attempt to outsmart the powerful and unethical big guys, is played out to its fullest in Give Us This Mars. The characters in the story are well developed and the plot unfolds smoothly, but with many unexpected twists and turns. Also, the necessary science in the story is clearly explained, and the author's understanding of the laws of nature enhances the flow of the plot. All in all, Give Us This Mars is a very enjoyable and stimulating read.

For those of you who have read the first book this one is very different. The first book was about surviving the elements of Mars and how to setup a living facility on Mars. The sequel is an action packed thriller that reminded me of the old Wild West. The bad guys arrive into a small town and try to take over. There are [weapons] and everything. Lots of twists and turns that kept me in suspence throughout the entire read.

I am a member of a book club of twelve, and we try to read as diverse a selection of books as possible. That includes SF books, which few of us would read without a prod.

"Give Us This Mars" is as good a page turner as I have ever read. Reading it was like being on a long and wonderful visit to Mars. I began on a Saturday morning and could not put it down. I continued until night, when I was forced to stop, with poor Astrid clinging to life by a thread. Next day brought more excitement, with Don giving me a big surprise. What happens is brilliant.

This unexpectedly thrilling read took me into a world of political intrigue, armed conflict, power politics at the highest level, and the physics of trebuchets (medieval artillery, which I understood even though I am not a scientist), with a light sprinkling of Zen philosophy.. All this combines to give a futuristic reenactment of events that took place in the years following the discovery of the Americas by Columbus. The way the trebuchet comes into the plot is not what you might think.

I got a sense of the alien landscape of Mars, and the experience of the dangers of Mars made for exciting reading. At times I even experienced an emotional involvement with the characters and events in the story. The author is usually thorough in his narration of events, but on occasion he shows sophistication, in leaving out the details of events that are best left to the reader's imagination, such as a long journey Captain Derk and his military go on to carry out a surprise attack. There is not much technology/science detail in the story, and if you do not have a science background, I would recommend reading Book Two before Book One. You had better be ready for the directions north, south, east, and west, which are common in the story. I needed the maps and diagram at the end to help me keep track.

There is a discussion early in the book between Derk and Denise about land ownership on Mars. They have very opposing ways of looking at how land/territory is acquired and retained, and it explains many conflicts on Earth. I thought it was the most thought provoking part of the story. The book is definitely not far-fetched science fiction, and this non science-fiction reader closed it with a satisfied feeling, and many things to ponder. Did I see hints in the book of an interesting installment to follow?

A sweet bedtime story with charming illustrations. The story has a lot of repetition and good opportunities to add fun sound effects making it lots of fun to read (over and over again!).

My two year old loves to listen to the story (even though it is more words than his typical picture books). I suspect this book is appealing to 2+ through 6 year olds.

A wonderful book! I love the illustrations and the onomonopias. However you spell that word. The dragons are darling. I'd kiss their scaly cheeks any night.

A terrific book for even the most beginning readers. Three charming don't-want-to-go-to-bed dragons enlist the sleep-inducing services of a good knight. Charming illustrations, wonderful choice of words for the early reader. Lots of genuine cuteness--and clever instead of cloying.

"I Have Heard of a Land" was inspired by the stories Joyce Carol Thomas heard about her great-grandparents harrowing journey to the Oklahoma Territory in the late 1800s. Thomas tells the story in lyrical terms which are matched by the glowing paintings of Floyd Cooper. What I love about this book is that if you took away the pictures of African-Americans building a homestead on their own land in Oklahoma, you would not know the people or place involved. Thomas has created a hymn to the American pioneer spirit that truly transcends race. No wonder "I Have Heard of a Land" received the Coretta Scott King Award. An Author's Note at the end of the book provides more personal notes on the settling of African-Americans in Oklahoma which teachers and students will find interesting as well.

BECAUSE OF ITS BEAUTIFUL POETRY, I THINK I HAVE HEARD OF A LAND IS EXCELLENT READING FOR YOUNG AND OLDER PEOPLE

Everyone should read this story.I HAVE HEARD OF A LAND is very informing and inspirational. I personally love the poetry along with the images.

Each chapter is a complete story in itself, taking the reader on a new adventure with the elf Nasturtium. The author has a rich imagination presenting stories that are clever, amusing and told with a gentle hand. The illustrations are marvelous. My children (8 & 11 years) and I have read the stories over and over again. This book will certainly set the record straight on the Valentine Castle, the Tooth Fairy, the Weed Fairy and where snowflakes come from.

The book was very creatively and cleverly written. The author shows a true love and understanding of children. Each story takes the children (and adults) on exciting adventures, often to faraway lands.

This book will delight adults as well as children. There are many "life lessons" to be learned and the beautiful illustrations bring the book alive with each new story. The author allows us to escape into a land of make believe, while instilling us with compassion for others.

The Title of this story is Blackberry's in the Dark. The authors name is Mavis Jukes, and the pictures were done by Tomas B. Allen. There's a little boy named Austin. He goes to his grandparent's house every summer. He's not so happy this time, his grandfather past away not so long ago and so this time it's just his grandmother and him. He goes to pick some blakberries by the riuer. His grandmother comes up later with some fishing gear. His grandfather was going to teach him to fly fish that year, but now the grandmother is going to try to teach him even though she doesn't know how, she was thinking maybe her and her grandson could try to figure it out together. Here's a phrase to help you see how they talk in this book. "I didn't Know" began Austin. His grandmother drew him near to her. "Nobody knew, Austin." She closed her eyes and shook her head. "Nobody knew that would be the last summer we'd all have together." She pressed Austin's cheek against her sweater and they stood there for a few minutes, roking back and forth. After a while she asked..." I would recommend this book to some people. I liked it because in a way it was touching but in a way it was fun. I woudn't recommend this book to someone that just really doesn't like calm books, they mostly like action books. I haven't read any other books like this one yet. It's good!

Mavis Jukes' Blackberries In The Dark tells of a family tradition of blackberry picking summers challenged by a grandfather's death. Grandma is alone and Austin feels his summer has lost its special magic - it's up to them both to make new traditions in this warm story of death and change, with black and white drawings by Thomas Allen.

Probably the best young children's book on the subject of a death in the family.

Very beautifully written, tears will almost definitely flow from the adult reading it. One might then ask, why bother with this book if it's about death, a heavy subject my kid hasn't been exposed to? Well, actually, it is a very uplifting story about life itself. No psychobabble or religious references, just a simple story of family, bonds, and tradition. Jukes' writing is beautifully crafted, making this simple story very meaningful. Death itself is dealt with matter-of-factly, and there is nothing scary in the book.

Though tinged with sadness, it is truly wonderful, and there are even a couple of good laughs. (Like life itself, no?)

Highly recommended.

I purchased this book for my neices but found myself using it for my own personal Bible study on David. The stories flow like a story book rather than "scripture". The simplicity of the translation bring to life the characters and places. Although, I know how the stories end, I still find myself wanting to know more. It has been written on a third-grade level but can be used by all ages. This translation has inspired me to study more for which I am greatly thankful.

I first got this bible for my son when he was in first grade. He is now in 7th grade and has moved up to a NIV and my daughter who is in first grade started using his old one. The cover is torn completely off it and I picked it up to bring in the house after church on day and mentioned it was looking pretty bad and my daughter said "Please don't throw it away, it is the only bible I can read by myself and understand too." Needless to say, I kept it and ordered her a new one for Christmas.

This Bible works. It's not a dumbed-down or inaccurate paraphrase but a full translation. Missionaries are using this version as the basis for Bible study materials because it's accurate and simple. Try it with confidence.

THe Arthurian legends continue to fascinate us as a culture and this helps introduce young readers to its many forms. Though the look of the book is a bit jumbled, its layout allows the reader to pick and choose and explore. THere is a central nicely illustrated, re-telling of the story that runs through the book, supplemented by sidebars about movies, plays or lesser known myths and characters. SHould appeal to the younger generation who does research via hyperlinks. I can see both boys and girls being interested in delving into this book. Probably most appropriate to ages 8 and above as the themes of of seduction and infidelity are not ignored.

If there is one story in history that conjures up romance, valiant knights and visions of a golden age of valor, this story is the one.

The author, Rosalind Kerven has written and edited several highly acclaimed collections of myths and legends from all over the world. She trained as an anthropologist and her writing reflects an understanding of various cultures. With an expert storyteller's skill, she retells the original Celtic and medieval legends to show the rise to power of a boy who was decreed by fate to be the King of Britain.

Tudor Humphries was trained in London as a theater costume and set designer. When he graduated, he decided to concentrate on children's book illustration. His illustrations evoke all the magic and romance of King Arthur's story.

Photographs and paintings help to reveal Arthur's real identity and the religion and chivalry of his court. On the contents page we find all the main characters pictured in a sort of photo gallery. Then, the story of the sword in the stone, miraculous powers, the gift of Excalibur, the Knights of the Round Table, the Knights of King Arthur, evil enchantments, the Holy Grail, the end of the Fellowship, the last battle and the once and future king are revealed.

Even with all this detail, the figure of King Arthur is shrouded in mystery. It is impossible to prove he ever existed. Some historians believe he was a great warrior who lived in the late 5th century. The key events in the story are shown on two pages complete with a map of Britain in the 5th century.

Painters, poets, composers and moviemakers have been inspired and intrigued by this legend. Most recently, I enjoyed watching the 1995 movie First Knight. My other favorite is the movie Camelot from the year I was born in 1967.

Was Merlin really a Druid? Did Celtic noblewomen participate in politics and would Guinevere have been expected to play an important role in governing the kingdom? Did you know that the lady of Shalott died of grief because she loved Lancelot, but he refused her love? These are just a few of the details you will find in this book.

This book makes it possible for children to enjoy reading about the details behind the Arthurian legend while also being able to read a full story. The use of photography with narrative illustration will captivate children just as the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table have fascinated generations of eager listeners.

My daughter and I have been reading (and re-reading!) the DK Classics (of which "King Arthur" is part of) for several years, since she was 5. These books are very colorful, with lots of illustrations and photos of genuine artifacts, maps, and people from the era in which the story is set. Side panel text gives background information about the author, pictures and story. These "additions" (which do not detract from, but only enhance the story) help the young reader (and the adult too!) put the story into context. It is like getting both a classic and a pictorial history book rolled into one! The text is easy to read. My daughter is now 9, and reading the books on her own. Not only has she developed an appreciation for classic literature, but for history as well. These are great books for parents to read with their children. I highly recommend them!

Since my little boy has been 2 he wants this book to read just before bed. The rhyme is sweet and simple, though you should know that the book is very short and the rhymes aren't great..."how many hairs...millions, billions, trillions..." ahhh, a bit ridiculous, but all that matters is my little boy is happy.

MY DAUGHTER LOVES THIS BOOK. THE WORDS ARE SIMPLE, THE PICTURES ARE BEAUTIFUL, AND THE CONCEPT IS ONE ANY CHILD CAN UNDERSTAND. HANNAH HAS ALWAYS BEEN A READER, BUT THIS WAS ONE OF HER FIRST, AND SHE STILL LOVES IT.

This simple, short book has wonderful, sweet illustrations! It is my 20 month old's favorite... she actually brings it to me AND will sit in my lap withOUT the book and show me all the body parts used in the book. The above review is excellent! I love to give this as a gift. I highly highly recommend it. :)

I bought this as a Christmas gift for my three-year-old daughter, who like millions of other children around the world, is a huge fan of Thomas the Tank Engine. Like a previous reviewer I highly recommend using a flashlight or lantern to make the glow-in-the-dark ink work properly, plus your child will love shining the light on the pages for themselves and discovering which of the illustrations "light up." This is made to be a fun book, with the effects far outweighing the story itself. So if you're expecting one of the charming Thomas stories in the tradition of the originals this is not it. However it will be a book requested over and over again, so it's worth getting.

This is a fun book for any Thomas fan. It is best to read at night or where it is dark. At the end of the page, turn out the lights and watch Thomas glow. The story line is simple and the added bonus of turning out the lights makes it a fun read for kids.

Thomas is delivering toys to the children at a hospital, when rocks break his headlights! But not to worry, he gets help along the way from a helpful farmer with a lantern, a store owner with christmas lights, fireflies, and 2 motorcycle cops. I was not very impressed with the glow-in-the-dark part of the book at first, but then my husband tried it with our battery-powered coleman lantern and then the graphics were great!

My children love to have this book read to them at bedtime!! They love the story of the to competing brothers and the silly ending. The pictures are beautiful and very colorful. A wonderful childrens book!

Tomas Aarrestad's new book is a great bedtime story for our children. Boys and girls will love to hear this story. The illistrations follow along well with the story for little eyes to watch and wonder. Enjoy!

I read this book to my child's first grade class. The children were very enthusiastic. They very much enjoyed the illustrations and the resolution of the conflict generated by the greed of the two competing kings.