Steel Magic is a fantasy novel for older children, based loosely on the legends of King Arthur and Roland. It involves a magic gate to Avalon and quests to find three lost tokens of power.

The Lowery children -- Greg, Eric, and Sara -- are staying at Tern Manor with their Uncle Mac while their father and mother are in Japan. Sara wins a picnic basket at the Firemen's Strawberry Festival and the children decide to put it to use. The next day they pack a picnic lunch and search for a lost lake. After winding and crawling through the underbrush, they find the lake and, on as island in the middle of it, they also discover a miniature castle.

Although the doorway has been blocked with masonry, they are able to gain entrance by chipping away the mortar. Once within the castle, they are surrounded by a gray mist and, eventually, they find themselves somewhere else. After a brief exploration, they determine that they could not be on the island and are far from any place familiar. Opening the picnic backet, they start to eat while discussing the strange events, whereupon an unexpected guest shows up for lunch.

The young man introduces himself as Huon of the Horn, the Warden of the West. He also tells them of the Warden of the East, Arthur. He informs them that they are in Avalon and tells them of the three lost objects: Excalibur, his Horn, and the ring of Merlin Ambrosius. Since they have been admitted through the Gate of the Fox, he explains, they must be in Avalon for a purpose. When questioned about his knife, he states that it is dwarf silver because the natives of Avalon cannot handle iron without harm.

Huon takes them to Caer Siddi, where they meet Merlin. There they discover that evil has moved deep within Avalon and that the situation is very bad. Moreover, they are told that events in Avalon are mirrored in their own world. Merlin asks them to use their power of iron to retrieve the lost tokens and, when they agree, conducts them to a magic mirror, where they each take a stainless steel implement from the picnic basket and pass through to separate locales.

This novel is a story of courage and perseverence, with each child facing and overcoming their special fears. It has brave people and magical animals, both good and evil, including a very wise fox.

Recommended for all Norton fans and any child who loves animals, magic, and brave heros and heroines.

Eric, Greg and Sara's dramatic entrance into the Avalon is somehow more romantic and believable than C.S. Lewis's wardrobe, yet it is of the same genre of literature. Huon of the Horn and his winged horses draw Eric, Greg and Sara in further, and the reader with them! Steel Magic would be classified as an "intermediate" novel, which is between easy reader and young adult. The three children rely on books that Eric and Greg have read for some of their insight into the strange world of Avalon, which incites in Sara the desire to read the tales of King Arthur and Merlin. Avalon has a cherished place in literature; your 3rd through 6th grader will find Steel Magic an enchanting introduction to this world!

I first read this book in 1974 as a young child. It is about three young children who come to this Arthurian world and meet Merlin. They are sent on (yep you guessed it!) separate quests to battle monsters, etc... This is a book I highly reccomend because it excites the mind as to the many ways of solving problems, no matter what age you are! If you can find this book you will agree that it is a must-read! I just wish I had kept the copy I had as a child!

I began this book with the premise that there was little more I could learn about diet and lifestyle regarding cancer. As a former cancer patient, I've read anything and everything I could get my hands on. However, I was surprised to find -- only a few pages into the book -- that there were concepts that I had either confused or distorted over the years. Concise and orderly, this book offers current theories and statistical information on many aspects of cancer prevention in a clear and understandable fashion. But the best part is (because having useful information is one thing, putting it to work is another) the recipe section which offers a wide assortment of really delicious dishes, from simple to exotic. it has actually convinced me -- a serious skeptic -- that it's possible to serve food which is not only flavorful and interesting, but healthful as well.

Having read 4o% of all the recipes I was amazed at how tasty all of them were. The recipes are so favorful that you will find it hard to believe that these recipes are also healthy. I went to a bookstore and studied one recipe (for a complete dinner) made the meal and was beyond pleased with the finished product. The instructions are simple and the explanation of why certain food in certain combos are beneficial made me change my why of eating. This book is a must for anyone who just wants to enjoy a good dinner.

I received this book during the book tour distribution. As a physician I am basically skeptical about books claiming to reduce cancer rates. I was pleasantly surprised by the scientific accuracy of the text. I've since made at least 7 of the recipes, all of which are wonderful! I have found it difficult to locate cookbooks that include easy, fast recipes with low fat and reasonable flavor. Too often the recipes are easy but the ingredients are hard to find; or, the recipe is easy and the taste is bland. This great book meets all of my needs. I really didn't want to like this book, but I love it! And I learned a lot about nutrition to boot!

A good read. No "soft spots" and lots of action. Set in the future and the present, as it hopscotches back and forth from our millenium to the distant future. A sexy love interest serves as a backdrop to the wars of the future. The writer never loses sight of the story: How does a 21st century man find his way in a world beyond his wildest imagination? And his counterpart from the future finds his own journey back in time fraught with unsuspected pitfalls.

I liked the idea of seeing the future through the eyes of an ordinary guy from the present. It was also humorous and poignant to view the "present," with its many flaws and odd cultural phenonemons, through the eyes of a man from the distant future. This book had a little bit of everything. Romance, adventure, action and a pleasing surprise ending. I hope Skylar will take us on more time-traveling adventures in the future. I definitely recommend this book.

TWO GUYS TRYING TO MAKE IT IN EACH OTHERS CENTURY. IT MOVES WITH A RAPID PACE LEADING YOU FROM ONE ADVENTURE TO ANOTHER. DEFTLY SKIPS BETWEEN TWO DIFFERENT MILLENNIUMS, KEEPING PACE WITH PRINCE SKYLAR FROM THE FUTURE AND MARK FROM THE PRESENT. I CAN JUST SEE THIS MADE INTO A MOVIE WITH MY FAVORITE ACTOR, HARRISON FORD PLAYING DUAL ROLES. THE ARROGANT PRINCE WHO TRIES TO LIVE AS AN AVERAGE GUY AND FALLS IN LOVE WITH A FRIEND OF MARK'S. THEN AS MARK WHO ASSUMES THE PRINCE'S ROLE IN THE FAR FUTURE, FAKING AND BUMBLING HIS WAY MUCH AS HIS 'INDIANA JONES' ROLE IN PREVIOUS FILMS. THE CONCEPT LEAVES THIS STORY WIDE OPEN FOR MANY MORE ADVENTURES OF THE PRINCE TO SWAP PLACES WITH ANY NUMBER OF WILLING KINDRED SPIRITS. HOPE THERE'S A SEQUEL SOON. WOULD LOVE TO READ MORE OF THIS TYPE OF HERO.

Getting a seven month old to sit still for storytime is no easy task...unless you are reading him this book. It is my son's favorite and I read it to him just about every night. He likes the repetitive "but, what does the rabbit say" text on every few pages. He also is very engaged by the illustrations. I highly recommend this book.

I am writing this review, as given by Richard Carlson, best-selling author of "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...And It's All Small Stuff": "What Does the Rabbit Say?" is a delightful story with colorful illustrations that will enchant young children and engage them is storytime fun. A perfect gift!" And, according to the School Library Journal, "What Does the Rabbit Say?" ....."is a book that children will beg to have read again and again."

This book is refreshing for parents who know cats who meow, cows who moo, and chickens who cluck. The animals in this book are different. And What Does the Rabbit Say? The mystery is solved on the very last page. Author Jacque Hall and Illustrator Reg Cartwright know what delights children and adults alike. This reviewer hopes that there are many more stories to come from the magic pen and playful brush of this well-matched pair.

I loved "What's the Matter with Albert?" I bought it as a gift for my 7 year old granddaughter Lauren, who loves to read. Before giving any book to her, I always make sure to read it first, so we can have phone discussions about it. (I am a long-distance grandma and she lives 3000 miles away.) This book was an excellent choice because of the lessons it will teach her.

I loved the way Billy found the courage to face his fears and conquer the challenge of interviewing a genius like Albert Einstein. I liked that it shows that it's okay to daydream, to think about life in a different way than the people around us think, and that if you face your fears, you can accomplish many things in life. There will always be people who feel that because someone thinks "outside of the box" or appears absent-minded, something is wrong with us.

I loved the childlike style of Billy's four questions and that the answers were actually in Einstein's own words. And I thought it was a good lesson to show that Billy was able to do further research and write another story on his own once Albert Einstein 'opened the door' to Billy's quest for knowledge.

This story will teach my granddaughter that our imagination is what makes us unique, that once you take the first step and just do your very best, you can accomplish great things, in spite of your fears.

On a personal level, I think I related to this story because as a child, I always felt "different" and didn't look at things in the same way as other kids did. I was a daydreamer, couldn't concentrate in school and often got into trouble because my mind wandered.

I wish I had been able to read this book when I was young - I'm sure it would have made me feel that it was okay to look at things differently, to ask questions, to always be curious. (I'm a cookbook author today, so I guess I succeeded in spite of myself!)

Thanks to the author for a wonderful book! I also loved the illustrations and the way they were integrated into the story. They remind me of Norman Rockwell's artistic style. Well done!

Norene Gilletz

What a great book! The title and the Norman Rockwell like illustration of Eistein immediately caught my attention. What's The Matter With Albert? Who would have thought that this famous scientist, this amazing genious of the 20th century would have anything the matter with him. I loved the way the author tells us about all the struggles and difficulties the young Albert Einstein had as a student. I always figured the guy sailed through school, and that he likely graduated by age 12 and was then courted by major universities around the world. But no, Albert was asked to leave his school!
I thought this book shared some fascinating facts about Einstein's life in a cute and unintimidating way - a fictional character's (a cub reporter with the Princeton Elementary School News) interview with Albert Einstein. At the end of the interview the young reporter asks Albert four more questions. My favorite, and I hope the author doesn't mind me sharing this one, is "What makes you think up all those great ideas?" I loved Einstein's answer - "I use my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world". There are several great quotes from Einstein in the book.
I bought this book for two of my 8 year old nephews. I hope they will have as much fun reading it as I did and will be encouraged to let their imaginations fly and take them to all sorts of interesting thoughts and places.

In her wonderful new book, WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH ALBERT? A STORY OF ALBERT EINSTEIN, author Frieda Wishinsky brings the Nobel Prize-winning scientist to life for young readers.

Billy, a shy young reporter for the school newspaper goes to interview Einstein to find out what he was like as a child. To his surprise, the great genius had lots of problems when he was a boy. Any child who has ever felt shy, inadequate or less than a star will relate to the young Einstein, who was late to talk, not a star in school, and subject to bursts of bad temper.

Wishinsky's style invites the reader to explore Einstein's world in a variety of interesting ways. These include the text of his final report on Einstein "When he Grew Up," a timeline of the important dates in his life and an excerpt from Billy's notebook, with answers in Einstein's actual words. For example, to the question "Why don't you wear socks?'", Einstein asnwers "When I was young I found out that the big toe always ends up making a hole in the sock. So I stopped wearing socks."

Children will find the man and the story irresistable. Told in clear, engaging prose and dialogue, WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH ALBERT EINSTEIN? will delight all young readers. Jaques Lamontagne's illustrations of Einstein at different periods of his life will round out the familiar image of the frizzy-haired genius.

Frieda Wishinsky has added to the long list of books about Albert Einstein one that truly makes him accessible, and that will be treasured by children of all ages.

I am in full agreement with Mr Fletcher's assessment of this book. Ellul has done what so many have missed or distorted. Ellul's reading of the Book of Revelation is the most spiritually lucid intrepratation I ever read. It may just be the only one that does it justice. It rescues Revelation from the silliness that is rampant in most books on the subject. The primary import and purpose of the last book of the New Testament, according to Ellul, is AWE not fear, doxology not simplistic prognostications. This panoramic interpretation will cause you to see creation and his Kingdom in a new light.

I believe this is a revolutionary book in the field of Christian theology. Jacques Ellul grabbed my attention with a keen insight into the Book of Revelation that is missing from so many oft read commentaries on the Apocalypse. Although I can't agree in total with his conclusions, there is no doubt in my mind that the best method for reading and understanding Revelation is set forth by Ellul. He brings the seemingly difficult task of justifying Revelation's structure, symbolism and meaning into laymen's terms while retaining and amplifying its crucially urgent message: Jesus Christ is coming indeed!

I first read this book, as a French student, when I was in high school. Afterwards, I became very interested in Prevert's work, and so I read more of his books, such as Paroles, etc. I became aware that Blood and Feathers is one of the most excellent collections of Prevert's best poems. The translations, as well, are very accurate. This book is a joy to read for the French student, and the poetry lover as well.

I first read this book when I was in high school, and became very interested in Prevert's work. After reading other works by Prevert, it became known to me that this book truly is one of the best collections of his poetry overall. The translations as well are very accurate. It is a joy to read, for the French student as well as the poetry lover.

How many bibliographies are a pleasure to read? How many would you put on your "desert isle" reading list? Astonishingly, long-time crime writer Albert Borowitz has perpetrated a volume that fits both of these rare categories splendidly. An instant true-crime classic and a literate treat, "Blood and Ink" will inform and charm its readers for decades to come.
The bulk of Borowitz's volume is given over to 500+ annotated bibliographic entries, wherein he crisply describes and critiques true-crime classics from around the world (excepting only Africa). As is the case with his own true-crime studies ("The Thurtell-Hunt Murder Case," "The Woman Who Murdered Black Satin" et al.), Borowitz's scholarship is impeccable, his style beguiling and his critical judgment unfailing. Compounding these delights are the author's introductory survey of world crime literature (a graduate course itself for the criminously inclined, plus lesser but worthy contributions by no less than Jacques Barzun and Jonathon Goodman.

How many reference book can be read for pleasure? How many bibliographies would you include in your "desert island" list of indispensable titles? Astonishingly, Cleveland true-crime scholar/enthusiast Albert Borowitz has produced a magisteral volume that splendidly qualifies in both categories.
True crime aficionados take note: this is a book you cannot live without. In almost five hundred pages of crisply perceptive text Borowitz provides a lovingly annotated list of the world's true-crime literature. And, while the bulk of his text is taken up with English language items, the multilingual Borowitz also surveys works from around the world, excepting only Africa.
Erudite, witty and flecked with a dry humor,Borowitz's 654 choice entries will henceforce comprise every crime connoisseur's library or bibliographic lust list. Not the least of the delights herein is Borowitz's 40-page introductory survey of true-crime literature, which is as good a pocket-history of the genre as you will find. It is an additional measure of Borowitz's standing in his field that "Blood and Ink" also boasts prefatory contributions by both Jacques Barzun and Jonathan Goodman. As Sam Spade himself might say, "A toast to Albert Borowitz--and success to crime!"

It was merely impossible for me to put the book down. This is a book that you're going to want to reread several times because it's so good. Enter Neb and Den's world of eternal journies.
I have read all of the Redwall series written by Brian Jacques and all of them put together couldn't beat this book if the Redwall series popularity depended on it!!!!

It was merely imposible for me to put the book down. This is a book that you're going to want to reread several times because it's so good. Enter Neb and Den's world of eternal journies.
I have read all of the Redwall series written by Brian Jacques and all of them put together couldn't beat this book if the Redwall series popularity depended on it!!!

This book is just perfect. It's very well written. Conrad shows an understanding of the predicament of women of his time. Conrad advances the plot though the voice of the characters, who tell a story, which involves another character telling a story, etc. At one point the tale is six levels deep; but such is the skill of Conrad that you do not notice and are never lost. One of Conrad's two or three best. A book I was sad to end because I was enjoying it so much.

I cannot believe that there are no customer reviews already for this spectacular novel - full of intruiging situations and wonderful characters - certainly the best Conrad female character I have read. Conrad is a wonderful writer in style and the manner in which he tells a yarn - how then has this novel become so 'lost'? It has wonderful lines ('Don't be in a hurry to thank me,' says he. 'The voyage isn't finished yet.' p22 Oxford World Classics), great insights (women respond to the smallest things, which immediately had me nodding in agreement from my own experience), spectacular descriptions ('Yes, I gave up the walk [along a cliff top with the intention of killing herself],' she said slowly before raising her downcast eyes. When she did so it was with an extraordinary effect. It was like catching sight of a piece of clear blue sky, of a stretch of open water. And for a moment I understood the desire of that man to whom the sea ans sky of his solitary life had appeared suddenly incomplete without that glance which seemed to belong to both of them. p231). The characters are admirable in behaviour sometimes, victims sometimes, regrettable in behaviour sometimes, or just plain confused - just like real people. But one thing I really like is the way the narrator of the story is an observer, barely a participant of the events being described.

This may not be the perfect novel, but I urge you not to miss it. The chapter 'On the Pavement' by itself is worth the read!