When I was I think 7, I read Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins for the first time. I checked it out from my school library. I must of checked that book out from there at least a thousand times. Hershel gave his town hope and at the time they needed it most. He took the only things that the villagers had left to give him (an egg, a dreidal, and a pickle jar) and he climbed the mountain where the goblins were yet nobody had faith in him to come back. Read Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins and learn how Hershel out smarts the goblins. It's a great book for all ages and I hope that you enjoy the book as much as I do.

Every year I read this story to as many children as I can. AS a music teacher I have my captive audience:) I have sometimes 9 classes a day(3 too many, but that's another review of another kind)and I use the reading of the story as an acting exercise for me and total delight for the children.It usually falls into two sections of reading. I use different voices for each of the exquisite creatures and the children delight in the imagery and ultimately the universal lesson. In fact, after reading, the group and I recognize that when Hershel was faced with a problem..."He didn't get a gun, he didn't get a knife...(we point to our heads)...he used his ooold brain". Indeed this intelligent, brilliantly written and beautifully illustrated book is a gem.

I also use the opportunity at the time of Halloween to explore and explain about Hanukkah so that by the time that holiday rolls around they know all about it.

We check this out every year, and now that it's in paperback, we're buying it! The text and vocabulary are suitable for preschool/kindergarten, yet interesting to parents as well. The wonderful drawings cover the pages. The goblins are horrible, yet not frightening. The main character, Hershel, defeats the goblins with brains, not brawn. Just great

This is a collection of beautiful short poems for children about a variety of insects. The children are supposed to read the poems together as if it were a dialog or play and the interplay of words is supposed to fit with the type of insect the poem describes. The book, illustrated by Eric Beddows, won the 1989 Newbery Medal for best contribution to American children's literature.

In fifth grade language arts class, we read these poems out loud at a Borders book store, with a partner. I loved all of the poems. The people who attended the reading clapped and clapped. I truly recommend this one!

I think everyone should read these great poems! I am in middle school and I took a drama speech class. For one of the speeches me and my friend did a poem in here about bees. Everyone loved it and was laughing. If you need to find a two person poem or any cute poem at all you should get this book.

We (my 6-year-old, 3-year-old, 5-month old, and I)encountered this book in our doctor's waiting room. The front cover was so beautifully illustrated we had to pick it up and have a quick look. We went straight home to buy the book. It is gorgeous. Both of my older children loved the book and the baby enjoyed the illustrations. I would have bought it for myself without encouragement from my children, boats that float through the air, whales that sail through the mroning sky, and a story/poem that is beautiful, too. All around fabulous book.

Strong, mysterious story line, with exceptionally beautiful illustrations. The ryming verse has a rythm that matches the illustrations well. My son is 2 years old and he LOVES it! I'm specifically on-line to see if the author has written similar childrens books.

This book is incredible! I bought it for several reasons, but mostly because it is so beautiful. It's written so well, and the illustrations make the words seem almost tangible. I'm a teacher, and I can tell you that it's a definite favorite of my students. My nephew adores it. This is definitely a classic that will endure the ages!

"Ferdydurke" by Witold Gombrowicz has finally been properly translated into English. Not that this is an event worth mentioning in general, but the point to be made is that the world of translation offers room for all kinds of mischief and sloppiness. Who would have thought that it were perfectly acceptable for publishers to allow translation from a second, and not native tongue? Imagine, for purposes of illustration, that a work of a classic British author translated into German not directly, but from Suahili, for this was the language the book was first translated into. Would you be satisfied with a product of this type? This was the fate of Gombrowicz, his native tongue was done away with, and the Anglo-Saxon world of bibliophiles had had no other choice but to read a lemon. Perhaps this is the revenge of the Heavens on the author himself, for never was there any other Polish author who had his native country in such a low regard as he did. In his "Trans-Atlantyk", Gombrowicz dared to ridicule everything a Pole holds dear, together with the whole idea of a nation as such. Were he to live today, he would embrace the idea of convergence and the global village of consumptionism, as opposed to Europe of Nations. That was one of the main reasons for Gombrowicz's emigration to Argentina, where he spent almost all of his literary career.

"Ferdydurke" is an early novel by this author, and it's never as crass as the aforementioned "Trans-Atlantyk". In fact, it constitutes part of a literary canon in Poland to this very day, and there is no educated Pole who hasn't read or at least heard of "Ferdydurke". Scenes from this book, gestures, and neologisms entered the mass vocabulary, and once you learn some of these expressions, you cannot unlearn them, for then there is no better way to express yourself, but to use the phrases coined by Gombrowicz. Whatever issues Poles have with this author, one thing is certain: we are grateful to him for augmenting our language. Gombrowicz created an archetype of a confused man, whose karma is to move back in time, back to school, with the mentality of an adult. I will even risk a claim that this fact alone lies at the very heart of science fiction - for how might that be possible, and what would happen if such occurence took place? How would that affect the object in queestion? Perhaps my perception of this problem is a bit skewed due to my occupational hazard of a scientist, but for me, "Ferdydurke" is a laboratory novel, where with a literary set of tools we analyze both the situation, and the object, in the vein of the medieval alchemist. This novel, hardly known in the English-speaking world, will be an exhilarating reading experience for you, provided that you will trust me and pick it up. The amusing analysis of the immature world the protagonist found himself in, mixed with elements from all literary forms, from plain mystery, via comedy, to sophisticated analysis of society, makes Ferdydurke an experimental novel of potential interest for all bibliophiles and lovers of the nonstandard.

Ferdydurke is out of print! It has been a battle to get this book openly published in Poland, but look at how English-speaking consumers conduct their own censorship scheme. Yet there is a touch of Anglo-Saxon to the novel's madness: the upper class school boys, the title borrowed from the netherlands of H.G.Wells' corpus and much, much more. The novel questions whether there is such a thing as maturity, sending its main character back to school as an adult, where he is among boys who treat him as another boy (as does everyone else!). It also asks one of the great questions of our time: our characters are made by others; is it possible to escape this or are we merely prisoners of other people's influences? Something for us living under states who idolize individual choice to think about. But Gombrowicz's book is also full of comedy: slapstick, sharp irony, plot twists and philosophical fables. Jokes are used as an ideal way to pose serious questions. Furthermore, in its giant bums and staring contests it shows how much more you can talk about reality, including prudent insights into totalitarian life, through wild fantasy. The experiments of the novel - the unique fantasy, the invasion of the author and the symmetrical interjections - put it at the heart of European modernism. It is a landmark, albeit buttock-shaped.

You may well ask the above question, but you will never discover the answer, for there is no character, or thing, in this darkly comic masterpiece named Ferdydurke. It just appears to be some play on words, or a nonsense title to intrigue the potential reader. This book, written in Polish between the two world wars, is extremely capably translated, with a good use of slang and diminuitive terms which must have caused endless hours of trouble and frustration for the translator. It appears to be an indictment of the state of society as it existed in Poland in the 1930's, and may appear a bit dated since must of what is excoriated by the author no longer exists. There is particular emphasis upon the type of relationship which existed between the nobility (of a sort) and the peanant and serving classes. There is a lot about the threat of modernity in the country, and a great emphasis upon infantilism and immaturity. The work takes some getting used to by the reader, but read in the context of its time it is very well done, and should be read to be appreciated for what it has to say about the human condition.

Wow! What a great book! I highly recommend this book to every alternative health care and professional health care practitioner. Health Care practitioners are usually so busy caring for the health of others that they seldom have time to seek help themselves. The information in this book will assist these people in keeping their health and energy up so that they can better help others.

"Your Hands Can Heal You" is a excellent introduction to Pranic Healing and several of Grand Master Choa Kok Sui's courses; Basic Pranic Healing, Advanced Pranic Healing, Pranic Psychotherapy, Soul Realization and Arhatic Yoga Prep. Grand Master Choa Kok Sui is the founder of Pranic Healing and all his courses are interconnected and designed to enhance every area of our lives.

I have been a student of Pranic Healing for the past seven years. Prior to Pranic Healing my life was very chaotic. I was always emotionally overwhelmed and emotionally driven. During a most difficult period in my life I got on my knees and asked God to "show me something different". The following day I was guided to a class on Pranic Healing. Immediately after a one weekend course of Basic Pranic Healing my life stabilized.

Thanks to practicality of the teachings of this ancient wisdom I am better able to handle all of life's challenges today. I experience greater clarity of mind, inner peace, more energy to accomplish tasks at hand, more focus, better health and a fulfilled life. Today I can sweep away any physical and emotional discomfort before it fully manifests into a greater problem. I can walk away from chaotic situations without getting drawn into them. And I can better assist those I love by being detached and objective.

What a great blessing to have all this information available in one easy to read book!

One of the most fabulous reads ever! Turning pages you realize what you have always known but couldn't quite put your finger on - what makes people sick, how to prevent it and how to fix it! I highly recommend this book for those who have illnesses that doctors couldn't quite diagnose or cure. And best yet, using the techniques taught in this book will allow you to show your friends and family love in a way they have probably never known before - through the gift of healing that is within us all.

This book will really empower you. It is presented in a very simple yet systematic manner revealing ancient secrets of the healing arts. Pranic Healing is easy to incorporate into your daily life and it works! My entire family has benefited from the teachings presented in this book.

Richard Garfield is the creator of Magic The Gathering card game. This book gives the reader an in-depth look into the game and shows the beautiful illustration that each card contains. This is a must have for all players and collectors of the card game.

If you are currently collecting or playing Magic cards, I suggest buying this book if you dont have it NOW! It is filled w/ information, fully illustrated cards, interesting facts, playing tips, etc. Also, buy the Magic Encyclopedia Volume 1.

Great book of pictures of Mirage, Visions, 5th Edition, Weatherlight & Portal. Helps alot with viewing the cards for collecting.

I think this book is really funny. The Auther puts the book in
fun to read storie, and the people in the cases are funny too.
You buy the book, you read it, then you thank your lucky stars that you read it!

Don't know about the Publishers Weekly "inane" comment; this book is anything but inane. Really smart &
doesn't talk down to children. This book appreciates children as the whimsical smart things they are. The
illustrations fit very well, and the book is funny and really wonderful to read. Haven't read anything like this
before for kids. I've already let a couple of children borrow it, and I guess it's a testament to the book, but the
kids don't want to give it back. I've decided to make it the holiday gift I'm going to give to every child on my list.

I thought this book was unique among the many young adult novels I've read. It's funny and very fresh. It has fun with language and with the flow of ideas, and it's great for young adults and those even younger. It's an exciting new voice. I hope there are more of these books to come.

DANCE IN THE DARK offers reflections that explores the concept of love and culture in the African American community from past to present day. Along with poetry, Croomes incorporates history and mythology as he addresses the complexity of the issues at hand and how it has impacted us as a people. Croomes offers several interesting pieces throughout the book including "Letters to Eve," "The Edge of Love," and "Diary of an Ex-Queen".

When I first picked up W. Eric Croomes' DANCE IN THE DARK, I was looking forward to seeing a different but unique perspective from the poetic standpoint. While DANCE does offer a beautiful variety of poetry, the heavy commentary that is presented throughout takes away from the book's overall essence.

While Croomes offers poetry that is both passionate and intriguing, my main criticism is that the various essays take away from the book overall. There were times where I felt that I wasn't reading a poetry book due to the content at hand. While I found DANCE IN THE DARK to be interesting, from a poetic standpoint it didn't captivate me as other poets have. Despite this, I do commend Mr. Croomes on a worthy effort.

Reviewed by Kanika (Nika) Wade
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Powerful. Dance in the Dark is a romantic masterpiece. Each page illuminate heart felt words that move in a rhythm that captivate the spirit. The author of Dance in the Dark pours himself into this beautiful work. Only one that has truly taken a look inside of himself can write like this. It's not difficult at all to hear his voice throughout the book. Mr. Croomes has learned to "Dance in the Dark" and challenges us to dance as he leads us on a journey of spiritual truths of love that dares us to find purpose.

Through poetry, essays, spiritual references, music and mythology, W. Eric Croomes has created a cornucopia of wisdom on the topic of L-O-V-E! This is not just another book of love poems. "Dance In The Dark" wield an alluring power that is sure to entice readers to embark upon life's journey in search of love.

Darlene Ramzy
The Literary Café

I wish this book were required reading in high school. If this book were written today, you'd assume the author (a broadcast journalist) was referring to its not being so wild a dream to become a celebrity. The title comes from "On a Note of Triumph," the CBS broadcast marking V-E Day: "Post proves that brotherhood is not so wild a dream as those who would benefit from its postponement would have us believe." This book follows Eric Sevareid's childhood, to his activism in college and the belief that "war is outdated" or barbarism to his unflinching belief in why fascism had to be defeated. This is every bit a philosophy book as it is a memoir and so eloquently explains how the changes brought about by the defeat of fascism could bring together mankind, reaching from Paris, France, to Sevareid's hometown of Velva. Shows Sevareid's mindset and how important World War Two was in terms of defining a generation. When you read this book, you understand why Tom Brokaw called his book "The Greatest Generation." Stop whatever you're doing and read this book! You'll understand Sevareid, his generation, what America is supposed to be about, why we fought the war and why brotherhood is not so wild a dream! Buy this book!

The quote in the first review should be "Post proof ... " and not "Post proves." Makes sense that way.

Those who choose to read Sevareid's Not So Wild A Dream will quickly find themselves in an encounter with a great mind and a writer who had command of the English language. Sevareid vividly describes his upbringing on the Northern Plains that naturally conditioned him to be an isolationist of the post World War I variety.
Sevareid remained true to his early isolationist convictions when he became involved in the peace movement of the 1930s at the University of Minnesota. He eagerly took the Oxford Oath, promising there was no just reason that could motivate him to take up arms for his country. As a student leader he played a key role in a successful challenge of the ROTC requirement for all male students.
Sevareid's early journalism career took him to Paris and he witnessed first hand the Spanish Civil War and the rise of Fascism in Germany. His description of a 1938 visit to Germany at the height of Hitler's power is a masterful account of the totalitarian nature of Nazi rule. Readers will also be impressed with his insightful description of the fall of France to the Nazis in 1940.
At this point in his life Sevareid did something that few people ever do. He admited that his earlier isolationist and pacifist views were in error and embraced the notion that war was required to defeat Facism and its frontal assault on the most basic ideals of western civilization.
Sevareid's book was published in 1946--a time when most Americans were content to enjoy the fruits of victory after the enormous sacrifice that was made to win the war. But Sevareid was one of the first to write about the nagging issue of how peace would be maintained. His insights concerning the wartime conditions in China and the problems that would likely emerge after the war were clearly visionary.
Sevareid's skill as a writer makes this book an excellent tool for teaching about this era. As a professor I often use parts of his book in class to help students understand the attraction of isolationism in the period between the World Wars, or to enable them to understand the essence of Fascist political ideals.

Hume is rightfully an important philosopher. Philosophy had been mainly a metaphysical/rationalistic field until Hume (in addition to Locke and Berkeley) came along. His basic philosophy is this: induction is the only principle by which we can have knowledge, but induction is fundamentally flawed. Thus, there is no belief of which we can be totally certain of. Hume even questions whether we can be as sure as Descartes was when he asserted "Cogito Ergo Sum". To Hume, one could consistently maintain that the "self" was just a bunch of thoughts in succession. Hume believed that there were no strict identities in nature, but only resemblences which the mind tends to treat as identities. He also treated ideas as imperfect images of our experiences.

The problem I have with Hume is on resemblence and his treatment of ideas. I agree with him that there are resemblences in nature which humans tend to treat as the same--but then what is this resemblence based on? The nominalists have to account for why resemblence is there in the first place. Perceived identity must have its basis in reality somehow. And his treatment of ideas is just plain wrong--our ideas are not just images, although they can include images.

I obviously can't give a complete criticism of Hume's philosophy in a review, so if anyone wants to discuss this with me just email me. But I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in philosophy--any complete philosophical theory must challenge or incorporate Hume if it is to succeed.

This is a superb edition of one of the basic works in Western philosophy. Designed to be used by both casual and serious students of philosophy, this edition contains the text of Hume's Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding (EHU) and a series of other sections that provide background and further directions for studying Hume. Included are an excellent precis of the EHU, a first rate annotated bibliography concerning works by and about Hume, considerable background material on Hume, and excellent notes to the text of the EHU.

The EHU is a concise and charmingly written presentation of Hume's views of the nature and particularly the limitations of human knowledge. The EHU presents Humes basic concepts of human thought, human pattern recognition, and then proceeds to Hume's revolutionary analysis of the problem of induction. Hume exposes our limitations in establishing certain cause and effect relations. Hume's analysis of this problem and its corollaries leads to ultimate skepticism about our ability to know the external world with certainty and undermines much of the basis for religion. Hume presents his ideas in an attractive style that owes much to famous 18th century essayists like Addison.

A fundamental work and very readable work.

This is a good edition of the first but fundamental book published by Hume in 3 volumes (1 and 2 in 1739; 3 in 1740) dedicated to the methodical study of knowledge, passions and moral, through experience and practical observation. It is with Hume that empiricism (following Locke and Berkeley) reaches its complete expression as a "modern" classical system, against previous dogmatic visions of philosophy. According to Kant, Hume awoke him from the dogmatic dream......
With Hume, english illustration comes to a definitive expression. Through his opus, empiricism is systematized and acquires a new dimension that expands its influence on all fields of philosophy. Previous conceptions about the theory of knowledge, ethics, politics, esthetics, and the philosophy of religion, all are transformed or renovated by Hume. In spite of his critics, Hume's system dwelled with different topics of modern interest: positivism, psychology, nominalism, critical skepticism, determinism, agnosticism, moral philosophy, political economy, etc.
No serious philosopher after Hume, has been able to avoid a careful look at his system. So if you are a student or scholar of the subject matter, I highly recommend this edition of Hume's seminal work.