As I read "Little Tom" to my three-year-old I was struck by how important the message in this book is to today's society. We all need second chances--chances to forgive and be forgiven. Mr. Smith and Ms. Day-Bivens have done it again. Through vivid word pictures and the brilliant illustrations by Donna Brooks they have created wonderful images that catch the eyes and the heart. What a wonderful story to share with our children. What better way to teach them, and remind ourselves, that even when we make mistakes we can try again the next time. I so appreciate the values that Mr. Smith and Ms. Day-Bivens put into their books. They are quite simply the best children's book authors on the market. Can't wait for the next one!

"~What a special treasure! When I first laid eyes on this book, I was amazed. They've done it again - they've succeeded in producing another beautiful, can't-put-it-down children's book. I didn't think they could outdo the last ones: Over is Not Up, Nightime at the Zoo, and The Rabbit and the Promise Sign, but boy have they ever. sweetness of the illustrations as I began to read. The suspense I as an adult felt as I read each page kind of surprised me, as it was a "children's book". I was a little disapointed as I came to the end of the book and very quickly rounded up my children for a story time. They enjoyed it as much as I, if not more so. It was so special to see the fascination and excitement in their eyes as I would turn each page. I know I will have one on our coffee table very soon and there it will stay"~ for many years to come, along with the other Smith - Day-Bivens books we already have.

Although I grew up in Texas, not Wisconsin, and Protestant, not Catholic, I delighted in the author's vivid descriptions of growing up in a large Catholic family in Wisconsin in the 1940's. Van Straten's stories depict the human situtation and thus draw the reader into a childhood to which everyone can relate. I found myself laughing out loud as the author described Sunday mass from a child's eye view: "It's a mortal sin to miss Mass on Sunday and I never do unless I get sick. Pretending sick is a dumb thing to do because God knows and he'll put a mortal sin on your soul if you do. And if you die with a mortal sin on your soul, you burn in hell forever and ever and ever and ever, which is infinity. Or maybe it's eternity. I can't remember."
And later I chuckled as she recounted her days in battle-ax Mrs. Palmer's third grade: "I hate Mrs. Palmer every time she says, 'Your sister was my best student when she was a third grader. She never spilled ink, she never watched the clock, she never cheated in arithmetic by counting on her fingers behind her back.' What a battle-ax."
But I also felt the seriousness of other experiences, such as the war. "A shiver goes through me every time I hear an airplane in the sky," the author's childlike voice says. And after the war was over, "Thank God it's over. War is boring and sacrificing is hard."
Telling her stories from a child's point of view makes the author's stories all the more believable and readable. Van Straten takes the reader from 1937-1950 and comments on events happening in the small town of Black Creek as well as how she relates to national events, such as President Truman winning the election after he had "lost."
It is a book I want to pick up again and again to delight in one chapter or another. And I look forward to the sequel to read Van Straten's stories about her teenage years, told from a teenager's point of view.

The language is so real and engaging as told through the voice of a young child. The author's stories of growing up in rural Wisconsin in the l940's, got into my heart and stayed there long after I finished the book. It is the childhood so many of us remember; from the scarlet fever quarantines to the blackouts of WWll, all told with freshness and simplicity.

I read donna feratto book, when iam working for campaign for violence against women. that book is not just pictures. It shows to us the unbalance structure of relationship between man and woman, and woman and state. She's really doing this book in the sense of what people in anthropology called "depth" It shows something that people and community wants to hide. Because it's domestic, instead the costs that have to pay by domestic violence

I first came across Ferrato's pictures in *Ms.* magazine. The pictures struck me with their realism and honesty. How, I wondered, did this woman get involved in this issue? As a survivor of domestic violence myself, I felt that she had helped to give a voice to all women, whether currently in abusive relationships, or already free and in the process of healing. It ended up that, through friends of friends (you know how that goes... small world)... I met Donna. I didn't even realize she was the author of this book until one day, while sitting in Donna's apartment, she showed me a few of her photos. I immediately recognized them. "Donna.. I had no idea... I have those exact pictures on my bulletin board!" I told her about how I felt when I first saw the photos in *Ms.* magazine. Then I had the opportunity to hear the story of how Donna explored the world of domestic violence, actually living with and photographing couples, as well as living in shelters and jails along with women who were surviving abuse. Donna's life was so changed that she began the Domestic Abuse Awareness Project (DAAP) in New York, devoting her career to educating people about this issue. I keep the book on my coffee table, rather than in my bookshelves, so that it might start conversations in my home with friends. You never know when someone might need the information that the book gives. I highly, highly reccommend this book. It can truly change lives. It's one loud shout to the world that domestic violence can not remain hidden behind closed doors. Best of luck to you!-A Survivor in Arizona

This is a great multicultural book for kids of all races. It tells the universal story of hope and dreams in three wishes. And it also tells the importance of family and loving relationships. A story of morale, self-esteem, and insightfulness. It is a must-read for every kid. every classroom teacher, and school (pre-school through sixth grade) throughout the entire year!

A most inspiring tale that makes the reader want to identify with this darling African American family. It is every bit as endearing as the The Silver Locket and as uplifting as Kipling's Just So stories. I would love to see this book in the hands of every pre-schooler and elementary student for its self-esteem raising potential. Wow!

I was deeply involved in the creation of this edition, and I can say from experience that the authors have crafted a masterpiece. So much work, diligence, research, and love went into this revision. It is a great resource for family members of someone with Alzheimer's and related disorders, physician's and other practitioners, and even people who have been recently diagnosed. It can be used to educate someone who knows little about dementia or offer a new perspective to the experienced clinician. I highly recommend this book!

This is a book caregivers can hand to relatives and friends to read in order to enrich their understanding of how the disease affects both the victim and their caregiver. It is not only informative in a very practical and easy to read manner but it is sensitive and to the point about the stages of Alzheimer's Disease and the human needs of the people who face this illness. The personal stories highlighted are described in ways that aren't merely words on paper written by someone safely detached from the impact this illness has on living people. This book stands out in my mind for that reason. It also speaks to the loss of relationships as the illness progresses. I refer to over and over and its one of the first I read after I realized my husband Tom and I were facing Alzheimer's Disease.

Looking for a great read? "Love's Refining Fire" is it. Anne McDonald has woven a story with realistic characters who become very real as the book progresses. The plot is full of action, adventure, danger, and romance. Reading Anne's book was like watching a good movie.

I had the privilege of meeting Anne at a book signing in Tucson, Arizona and was fortunate to obtain a copy of her book. When is her next work coming out? Very soon I hope!

When Jennifer Warner discovers who murdered her police officer husband, she literally has to run for her life. She travels from Los Angeles to her brother's home in Maine where she hopes that she and her daughter will be able to build a new life, but danger still lurks for Jennifer. Anne McDonald brings to life a cast of characters that are truly believable and full of vitality. Her illustrative scenes will convince you that you are actually viewing what Jennifer sees, through her eyes. The suspense will keep you riveted to your chair and as the clock ticks on, for Jennifer as well as the reader, you will not want to put "Love's Refining Fire" down until the very last page. Truly, this is my newest favorite author and I wait, with anticipation, for her next book. Thank you Anne, for a wonderful character that will always have a place in my heart.

For the last five years I had all but ruled grilling out of my family's life, just because I wanted to cook in a healthier way. This book has changed all that- we all love it!

I tried the recipe for the grilled red pepper pasta- absolutely wonderful...by far one of the best cookbooks I have ever purchased! The book outlines methods for choosing lowfat meats when shopping, and adds a different outlook towards preparing fresh fruits and vegetables.

Stanley Green never looked forward to Chanukah. He felt it was more trouble than it was worth. All his relatives came to his house with their sloppy hugs and kisses, his little cousins fought and yelled, got into his things, and made a big mess. There was too much cooking, and his arm ached from grating potatoes and chopping onions for the latkes. And there was too much cleaning before the celebration, and even more afterwards. Worst of all, on Chanukah, a supposedly happy holiday, his Grandpa Abe was always quiet and very sad. This year something new was added to the usual routine. Stanley was sent up to the attic to find an old wrapped package in the large trunk. He'd never seen it before and with his curiosity getting the better of him, carefully opened the brown paper to find a tarnished menorah. As he began to wipe off the dust, he wondered why anyone would want this old thing. Just as he finished examining it more closely, and polishing the shammash until it glowed, the floor began to shake, a big puff of smoke erupted, and a very old man appeared in front of him..... Jane Breskin Zalben has written a lovely and memorable Chanukah story, with a simple and gentle message, that won't be lost on young readers. Her engaging and entertaining text, complete with yiddish words and expressions, is complemented by Donna Diamond's old photograph-like artwork, and together they've authored a tender and poignant story of love, family, and the true meaning of happiness. There's even a glossary included at the end of the story, to help with the yiddish and enhance learning. Perfect as a reading book for youngsters 8 and older, The Magic Menorah makes an even better read-aloud story the entire family can share and enjoy together.

Donna Diamond illustrates The Magic Menorah, a wonderfully told and modern Chanukah story, which will appeal to ages 7-10. Stanley hates Chanukah: he has to deal with noisy relatives, clean the house, and finds little to celebrate. When he finds an antique menorah and a genie, he is taken on a time trip which demonstrates the value of Chanukah in his life.

Delightful book full of ideas for salads as the main course. Sections on chicken and turkey, pork, beef, lamb, seafood and vegetarian.

What's special about this offering is on each wonderful salad, she gives options for the dressing, as well as time saving tips and serving suggestions.

These are quick, inexpensive and not difficult to make as the general rule. Truly have enjoyed the Caribbean Flank Steak Salad as well as the Grilled Lemon Marinated Tuna Salad.

There is not the exotic, hard-to-find ingredients, time intensive salad recipes with all the gorgeous 4-color photos, (for this see "Salad Days" by Marcel Desaulineiers), but this is well done, use it alot cookbook with great, filling, luscious main course salads.

The salad recipes found in this book are easy to make and delicious to eat. Because they pretty much low in fat and a great way to get those "greens" in my family's diet, this book was a must for me . There are so many variations in making not only salads, but the homemade dressings for the salads. A must buy for those who love salads and want some ideas to make salads even better.