The beautifully illustrated watercolor book gives an interesting slant to the well know tune of "The bears go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah". They roll, juggle, leap, etc. on to the school bus accompanied by relatively complex pull the tabs actions, lift the flaps, etc. There are many interesting details on every page, buses, balls, bunnies, flowers, turtles. Bears are not the only animal kids, there are also elephant kids, pig kids, lion kids, etc.

I bought the book for my 7 month old because the lift flaps/pull tabs were sophisticated. Five months later, it is her favorite. She not only rocks to the rhythm of the book but she is already telling me the bears hop, dance, marching, roll, etc. as she turns the pages. I am considering buying another one since it is starting to wear down from abuse of a 13 month old handling and reading it several times a day (and more if I permitted her), everyday,for five months.

When I learned of this dramatic account of the recent expeditions to track the planet's northernmost point of land, I knew that it was a must-read. Not only is it an exciting story about adventurers who succeeded in their goal, it brings a fitting tribute to John Denver to the outdoor community. John Jancik, Javana Richardson and Steve Gardiner have offered a book here that parallels Jon Krakauer's bestselling "Into Thin Air."

UNDER THE MIDNIGHT SUN will hold you from page one and as it tells of the ascent of John Denver Peak, it also will teach you about the extreme challenges of high altitude mountaineering and the interactive human factors of survival. A bonus is the inclusion of the fine photography by the late Galen Rowell, who joined the expedition.

Most of us know John Denver through his music, his environmental legacy and his humanitarian work. UNDER THE MIDNIGHT SUN fills in many gaps left by Denver's death in that it explains the beauty and the gift of nature itself in an isolated land free of the commercial drama found on Everest. This is not a trinket named for John Denver, it is the story of men and women who wanted Mr. Denver's legacy to live forever.

You will turn the pages of UNDER THE MIDNIGHT SUN again and again and hold on every word. I am pleased to recommend this book to everyone.

Dreux DeMack
Secretary, Windstar Colorado Connection

All the chapters provide a excellent review for different aspects of thee research on working memory. Major authors summarize the state of art in different subdomains.

I respond as a general reader and can attest that reading this work was very much like engaging in a talk with an erudite and witty and sympathic art loving friend. I say engaging as Mr Richardsom anticipates questions and provides explanations. He is also revealing, at least to my mind, about many of the important figures of the early 20th century, such as Gertrude Stein, but as well, the social and artistic revolutions that were occuring. Picasso himself, however, is determinedly apolitical.The illustrations are useful, plentiful and conveniently located adjacent to the text. Chapters may stand on their own - for example Chapter 28 "Summer at Gosol" has many interesting features that show the artist's creative energy and source of inspiration at the time, the relationship with Ferdinande contrasted with his admiration for a ninety year old patriarch of the tiny mountain village, there perilous journey by mule in and out of Gosol, the atmosphere and the creative joy that Picasso experiences, not to mention the breakthough in his work that occurs at this time. The paperback is sturdily bound and overall, as a read, I found the "story", if you will, a most engaging read.

There should be no doubt that the first two volumes of Richardson's Picasso can be ranked alongside Ellman on both Wilde and Joyce or with Michael Holroyd's bio of Lytton Strachey. If a biographer loves his subject then that is no bad thing. Richard Ellman wrote his bios quite clearly in the style of his subjects and by so doing brought us closer to them.Ellman was obviously completely mesmerised by Oscar Wilde thus the greater the tragedy.

Picasso was no such doomed figure. If a ever a man was blessed with talent, opportunity, lovers sycophants,wealth and long life to enjoy them then this little Iberian colossus had it all. Richardson dotes on his client in obvious awe and why not? The book is painstakingly researched and pulls up from being pedantic by the author's ability to describe the historical firmament in which Picasso's star shone. These bit players (Max Jacob, Apollinaire, Braque, etc.) are giants in their own right and yet it is only Matisse who comes out ultimately unscathed. Mr. Richardson has his own favourites and these are evidently Picasso's too.

It is made plain that despite the comet of Picasso's life and times and all the bright shining lights his work remained inviolate and the unquestionable raison d'etre of his existence . Picasso takes obvious liberties with his friendships and lovers. If this is how a hugely successful personality can behave then Picasso can obviously be a complete swine. Mr.Richardson paints a picture of a man who, for good or evil, is able to absorb the passed and present literate and plastic art talents and synthesise them into his own staggering vision.

It is the unmitigated audacity of Picasso to compare his work on a par with El Greco, Zurbaran, Velazquez, etc. He does though concede their greatness. Nevertheless he has not the slightest doubt that he belongs in that realm. Such nerve!

Picasso was no monk (as the elderly Braque has sometimes been described) and evidently had an ego to match his talents. As a biography Richardson's work has to be amazing to read and leave us hungry for more. It also has to leave a bitter residue as evidence of Picasso's sometimes shabby behaviour.

How would any of us behave if such greatness were thrust upon us? That is simply one of the unanswerable questions a great biography poses.

Now, where are vols. III and IV?

Richardson in his landmark biography of Picasso gingerly walks through the minefields that have been laid in the 100+ years that Picasso has been on the art scene. Picasso is near enough to being our contemporary that it would have been nearly impossible for Richardson to have treated him fairly in the minds of many. One of the foremost issues recently raised, is his attitude towards women and his treatment of his lovers and wives. As for what can be gleaned from this and Vol II, Picasso was probably about average in this respect for a man of his time. Richardson seems to have intelligently not taken the bait and endulged in defending the past against the present.

Since Richardson knew Picasso as an intimate friend, there is an air of familiarity that pervades the work. I really enjoyed the feeling of immediacy and of being there when it happened that Richardson has so skillfully woven into the book. In comparison, Simon Schama's monumental biography of Rembrandt (and Rubens) reads more like a peek at the past. Schama can be excused since the passing of nearly 400 years makes writing in the immediate mode difficult and maybe even a little pretentious.

Though definitely not hagiaography, Richardson does treat his subject almost like a doting father, but loving his child warts and all. As to the work being a defense of Picasso in his rivalry with Matisse, one could only read that into the work if one was a rabid Matisse fan. I'm sorry but, Matisse being the giant that he was, was no Picasso.

The book flows like a river. I was truly transported back into Picasso's life and social scene. I found the artistic analysis of his work to be on target and written without much academic showing off or mumbo-jumbo. If you are looking for a Post-Modernist deconstruction of Picasso, it (thankfully!) isn't here. The historical coverage of Picasso's social circle is excellent and made me want to have been able to attend some of the Picasso's tertulias at Lapin Agile. What an exciting time it must have been.

I flashed on Roger Shattuck's book The Banquet Years, which also transports the reader back to Paris in the years 1895 to WW I. Shattuck's book would be a good companion piece or primer for the Richardson series.

I saw Richardson give a lecture in 1998 at the College of Santa Fe. He does appear to be along in years and is definitely no Lapin Agile himself. From the gleanings of an after lecture discussion in the hallway with Richardson, it appears that Marylin McCauley, his collaborator on the project, is equally a writer and Picasso scholar and will be the torchbearer for the future editions. My own suspicions are that she may have been the major writer on Vol II. Since Vol II ends only in 1917, there appears to be at least 2 and possibly 3 more volumes to come. This is truly a monumental work and one that reads well. It could have easily turned out to be a "reference" biography reading like a bushel of note cards strung together.

I highly recommend it and the whole series. (I am confident enough that the ones to come will be as exciting.) Not only good brain medicine for a Modern Art enthusiast but fun reading too.

Genocide is about a greedy billionaire whose empire is crumbling around him, all because of the horrible side effects produced by his company's widely distributed steroids which are made off the Aliens' royal jelly. Because he has the money to do so, he funds a military expedition to the Alien homeworld so he can get the resources to make his steroid perfect. However, things are going to be a lot tougher for the expedition as the alien planet is in the middle of a civil war(i'll leave you to find out why). A good story with morals based on greed, courage, friendship and trust. These are subjects not commonly integrated into an Alien story, making this book slightly different from the rest. The art was unique, it wasn't realistic in anyway but it was drawn with a lot of effort and the artist's style is very visible. The reason why i took off a star is because the dialogue was cheesy. A lot of Grant's lines, combined with his facial expressions were rather hokey. Get the book and find out for yourself. Grant's character was rather flawed, almost like a stereotypical greedy-man-turns-to-courageous-hero thing. But the original plot, the twists and turns, the entire concept and the overall weirdness of the subject matter makes this a classic in the Aliens library. A lot of other Aliens comics were loosely based on this book, so consider getting it to understand them a bit more. Either way, Genocide is an absolute must for any alien graphic novel collector's library.

This book had all of the usual stuff you find in alien novels, plus alot more! For one thing, the characters are completely new, so the story sort of resembles a mystery. Also, the main plot isn't to exterminate the aliens or get an alien and bring it back to earth; I've seen that many times before in the movies and also in the books. This time it is completely different and interestingly strange. I won't spoil the surprise for you, but I will tell you that you wouldn't think of it in a million years, that's how weird it is. Another good point of this book is that it has many new weapons and tools that the characters use. However, like all weapons, they can be a danger to the user as well. I cannot think of any parts of the story that were below average. All in all, if I could give this book 6 stars, I would.

This historical novel gives some insight into who were these people and why did they write the scrolls. Some intelligent conjecture is used to fill in the story which follows the life journey of a man as he discovers who he is and what he should believe in. At a time of deep religious conviction the Essenes turn into a fatalistic religious group, not unlike some modernistic cults. The reader may draw their own parallels here. A very good read with excellent historical background.

The reader enters into the world of the Essene people shortly after the life of Jesus, during a time of great conflict. With war approaching, we follow the characters in their journey to the city of Sekaka and learn of scrolls being written and treasures being hidden. The author offers an entertaining and educational work by combining historical facts he personally helped discover with an interesting story. A good book for both scholars and those interested in learning more about the time depicted in the Bible.

This is a faithful reprinting of the greatest mystery book(s) ever written. It is well written, powerful, captivating, and puts the Hardy Boys to shame. Holmes solves mysteries in a believable (if difficult) fashion that never fails to grip someone from start to finish. The stories are so well written, in fact, that when Sherlock Holmes "died" fans responded by rioting in the streets of London. The Queen insisted that Conan Doyle bring back his famous character, and so here he is. While we might not be willing to riot in the streets if Holmes died today, we can still feel loyalty towards the famous character, and the legacy that Conan Doyle left behind in these books.

Dear peers, My opinion is that the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is one of the best book I have ever read.Sherlock Holmes is a good book because it challenges your knowledge. The plot are full of mystery and action.As I read the book, I could not put it down because I felt that I was Sherlock solving the case. Sherlock was one of the best in his time peroid. This information can be found at Conan Doyle's website. The author was known for his intelligence and ways of solving mysteries. For an example in the Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes Mr. Waston said "you are the best". He was admired all over Scotland. He always wanted a mystery to challenge his intelligence. before the person even knew what they would say he knew. He never told them, he would just wait and try to catch them in the act. Some people say Sherlock is nosey and rude. For an example he didn't listen to the man when he asked him what his daughter was doing in his office. Another example he went into someone basement because he was sure the criminals were making a tunnel to rob the city bank. Sometimes when he lies, the lies are to help other people from imbarassment.for example in the case of the star spangled banner. He said that the man got bit by his pet snake when he was playing with it. Sherlock figured the girl had been through enough and If he was to tell her it would make her depreesed and imbarass if someone should ask her about the incident. If you are in to mystery and adventure then The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes is the book for you. Your'e not be able to put the book down after you start to read it. You should not judge a book by it's cover: It may look oldfashion but the stories are great even in modern times.

Are you ready to accompany the greatest detective in history on some of his most memorable adventures? Then this book is for you! Each of these stories are wonderfully put together, each with a more exciting and unexpected outcome. I have read them time and again, and am always newly surprised at Holmes's genius and reasoning abilities.

Are you still hesitant on whether or not to read "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes?" Well, I personally am not much of a mystery fan. In fact, some of my favorite books are "Watership Down," "The Hobbit," "A Wrinkle in Time" series, and "The Lost Years of Merlin" books. I also know that mystery books are either awful, by. But Sherlock Holmes and his cases have set the highest of standards for mysteries, which very few others have even come close to surpassing.

Through this great collection, I have come to greatly admire both Holmes's and Doyle's brilliance over and over again. No matter what genre you enjoy reading, this is a book for you!

John Richardson has set aside his scholarly masterpiece (A Life of Picasso: Volumes I & II completed, Volumes III & IV eagerly awaited)to produce something bubbly and light; it is not soda-pop, though, but vintage champagne. Far different from the careful and meticulous research of his Picasso oeuvre, The Sorcerer's Apprentice is a welcome intermission and a clearing of the palate.

Richardson writes about himself and his friends, and especially about his love affair with Douglas Cooper ("The Sorcerer" of the title), art collector, critic and expert on cubism from whom Richardson learned a great deal, both good and bad.The book illuminates not only the relationship between the older, impossible, Cooper and his young apprentice, but also back lights aspects of Picasso, Braque, Lèger and Juan Gris as they are reflected in the tumultuous lives of that odd couple.

The author is an inveterate gossip, as good biographers should be. He likes to tell the little details that deflate or humanize others. He does not have the malice of Capote (although sometimes he comes close), and he is obviously too amiable and forgiving to twist the knife or seek idle revenge.

One cannot be sure about the motives that led to putting out this light froth between the serious stuff; I am glad it is out there, though, and glad I read it. Being taken into Mr. Richardson's confidence and getting to know him will make the enjoyment of his next Picasso volumes all the more intense.

Richardson's fine survey of Douglas Cooper, who assembled the world's most important private cubist collection, provides an excellent consideration of both the man and his involvement in the arts and Richardson's personal involvement with Cooper's works. Chapters offer new views of Picasso based on Richardson's friendship with the artist, plus many other unusual insights on artists and works of the times. Highly recommended.

john richardson gives us snippets of a fascinating period intertwining the lives of influential artists and personas. i only wish the book was longer and more descriptive of braque,guttoso and miro. if you collect or enjoy the cubists and their relatives,you will enjoy this book

How can anyone like this book??? its got to be the worst horror book I have ever read and I normaly like a good horror book now and then. I mean most Horror books or movies give me the creeps this one I could resd in the scaryest place in the world yaw and go to sleep. got to be the worst book ever writen by the way I am 13 just dont wana give out my account name on here later

The book was great and the drama was even better. I could just imagine myself there with Mrs. White beating on the door anxious for her son to return from the grave. But was it just their vivid imagination or did they really hear someone knocking on the door? It is up to the reader to figure that out. If you haven't read the book and think these reviews will help you do a report I advise you to read it. It's not half as bad as you may think. READ IT!!!!!

a monkey's paw are supposed to grant three wishes. sounds good. however, it grants them in the most evil way possible. subtle. outstanding plot. great descriptions. excellent setting

What could have been simply a voyeuristic look into an underreported world becomes something much greater in the hands of John Richardson. Unlike many reporters, Richardson has the philospohical chops to provide real meaning to what he witnesses, and to bring out truths that aren't obvious to the naked eye. Throughout the book, Richardson surprises by often focusing his energy on the fears and hidden motivations of "normal" people -- the parents, the siblings, the doctors, the gawkers.

If anyone should feel discomfited by the book, it's not the dwarves, it's the tall people -- myself included -- who have so much difficulty dealing with what the "little people" represent.

Mr. Richardson has a unique perspective; like being an alien dropped into an LPA convention. Frankly, it's the LP's (little people) who usually feel the way Mr. Richardson does, which is quite an interesting thought flipped over. It's not how much different dwarves are to the world, it's how they perceive themselves and when all is said, they are human after all with needs the same as everyone else.

Thank you's go to this book and Mr. Richardson for giving the "talls" something to chew about including a portrayal of one "obsessed but saintly" orthopaedic surgeon Steven Kopits who has since retired and how this doctor has sacrificed his career and his family to make LP's more functional. This book and Dr. Kopits have both succeeded in a very "big" way.

I took this book out of the library at my college, thinking that, at best, it'd be a "big person goes to visit the world of Little People" kind of thing. Objective. Curious.

It was anything but. I was fascinated by how the author begins by being repulsed by and fascinated with the people he meets, and then begins to think of them as real people, sharing in their triumphs and hurts - while still realizing that there is, and will always be, a barrier there that he cannot cross, and doesn't want to.

It is a brutally honest book in all its parts, and I consider it to be one of the best non-fiction books I've ever read.