Almost thirty quilt projects presented by seven quilters pairing some unusual designs with the interests of quilters who gain their inspiration from a variety of traditions, from Amish to Danish, in Patchwork And Quilting Book # 3. Color photos of quilts and sections accompany clear instructions, from materials needed to cutting out and assembling the blocks. A gorgeous, diverse project guide.

It might be that I read "Smith" after "The Adventures of Tom Bombadil" and "Farmer Giles of Ham" and therefore this book suffered in the comparison. Many reviewers praise this book as one of Tolkien's great works, but I'll have to risk to disagree. The main idea of the story is a good one, a sweet, simple little fairy tale, but the writing lacks the tightness and the joy of language evident in the Bombadil poems and doesn't display any of the charming wit found in the pages of "Farmer Giles." I found the Smith's wanderings in the land of Faery to be without true purpose and cohesion. The revealing of the true nature of Alf the Master Cook was not sufficient diversion to raise this story above others. I would read this book to a child for a bedtime story without a problem, but I would probably not read it again myself for entertainment. I like everything that Tolkien writes, but this one falls short of high honors because it has sugary prose, but little substance. I suggest you borrow it from the library.

For a girl named Eowyn, it may sound sacreligious to claim that anything rates above The Lord Of The Rings in my mind, but Smith does. There is a purity, a simplicity in form, and a brilliantly honest charm in this tale that matches and surpasses any other of Tolkien's writings. Something of a classic, traditional, and yet also thoroughly original fairy, pardon faery tale shines through any of it's varied covers, making it the star of any shelf.

This short, lovely, late tale by Tolkien is not only a fine fairy tale, but a poetic meditation on the craft and Art of the fantasy writer - the Myth Maker. Enjoyable simply as a story for readers of any age, it offers quiet and rich rewards to those who wish to read more deeply. If possible, look for the earlier edition with the original Pauline Baynes illustrations. A reminder that true fantasy ultimately deals with the Mysteries ...