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Book reviews for "Wilson,_Sarah" sorted by average review score:

June Is a Tune That Jumps on a Stair
Published in School & Library Binding by Simon & Schuster (Juv) (1992)
Author: Sarah Wilson
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Beautifully Written
This book was incredible, for lack of a better word. I loved it so much I shared it with all 14 of my nieces and nephews, my mother in law, and my fiance. The entire book is a play on words, keeping the reader's attention on every page with bright, catchy illustrations. I recommend this book to anyone with children, no matter what their age is. This is by far my favorite story book since Peter Cottontail.


Love and Kisses
Published in School & Library Binding by Candlewick Press (1999)
Authors: Sarah Wilson and Melissa Sweet
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Lots of Fun!
My 18 month old just loves this book. As we read along about each animal sharing a kiss we make the noise each animal would make and blow a kiss. We are doing just what the book teachs - Blow A Kiss and Let It Go -- You Never Know How Love Will Grow!


Richmond's Monument Avenue
Published in Hardcover by AAA (30 April, 2001)
Authors: Sarah Shields Driggs, Richard Guy Wilson, Robert P. Winthrop, and Historic Monument Avenue and Fan District Foundation
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A glorious book
An incredible documentation of the only street in America to have its own National Landmark status. The authors did their research on this fascinating piece of Americana, and the street comes alive in beautiful photographs and fascinating description.

A MUST for anyone's coffee table!!


Rrose Is a Rrose Is a Rrose: Gender Performance in Photography
Published in Hardcover by Harry N Abrams (1997)
Authors: Jennifer Blessing, Judith Halberstam, Lyle Ashton Harris, Nancy Spector, Carole-Anne Tyler, and Sarah Wilson
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Rare and recommended gender-conscious photography
Rrose Is a Rrose Is a Rrose is a valuable contribution to any gender study or discourse. Complete with gender-conscious commentaries and gender-awareness raising photography, Rrose establishes itself as one of the forerunners in photography regarding this seldom considered, but often accessed, aspect of human life, sex, and sexuality.

Rrose... highlights most of the key issues within gender discourse as depicted through photography: gender hierarchy, origination of gender, androgyny and indifferentiation, and gender tension (both masculine and feminine manifestations).

Especially provocative are the works of Matthew Barney. However, all the works included provide a strong case for the necessity of higher states of gender-consciousness.

This book cannot, and should not, be easily dismissed.


Good Owners, Great Cats
Published in Hardcover by Warner Books (1995)
Authors: Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson
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Kitten Owner from Seattle
This was a good book, however, I was looking for more solutions to behavioral problems (especially play-biting) than this book gave you. It mostly talked about why your cat might do a certain action, and not a lot of solutions as to how to change your cat's bad behavior. It kept suggesting that you get two cats which might not be an option for some people.

a must have for your home library
This is a fabulous book! I had a good cat to start, but I wanted to understand her better. Brian and Sarah's book helped me understand what my cat was trying to tell me with her body language. Consequesntly, my cat has become more outgoing when people come over. In addition, this book was the main reason I was able to keep the peace when I brought a new dog home.

I read some other animal training books, and this book manages to cover the core of what you really need to know about cats better than the rest. I liked it so much, I also purchased Good Ownners, Great Dogs - which is also the best in its field.

Written By A Cat Lover, For Cat Lovers
I first saw Brian Kilcommons on the late lamented "Pet News" program on Fox News Channel. He is an obvious lover of animals in general but also has a vast knowledge of pet behavior and understanding of how to raise pets for maximum enjoyment, not only for us, their owners, but for the pets themselves.

Mr. Kilcommons very obviously is owned by several cats! He is an astute observer of their behaviors but does admit to being puzzled by them from time to time. His affection for felines is the overwhelming theme of this book.

You will find everything you need to know about your cat in this book. From choosing a kitten to litter box training to the psychology of cat behavior, it is all here, explained in simple to understand language, and with humor sprinkled throughout. Mr. Kilcommons also includes a section on making your cats' natural behaviors and quirks into "tricks" they can perform!

You will find the answers to many of your questions as to why your cat makes that certain expression, why they wake you at 3am, and why out of 10 people in a room, they will go to the one who likes cats the least. You will also find first aid information, vaccination recommendations, and a wealth of cat health facts.

I am owned by 2 cats and find myself referring to this book again and again. Whenever I need a question answered, I find the answer in this book. It is like having a personal advisor! I recommend this book highly if you are even thinking about getting a cat.


Metrodog: A Guide to Raising Your Dog in the City
Published in Hardcover by Warner Books (2001)
Authors: Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson
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The ultimate guide on training/living with your dog!
This is, by far, the best book I've ever read on dog training and behavior. I bought this book in anticipation of a dog that I am about to acquire. Absolutely everything is covered in this book. It makes everything seem so simple and easy. I can't think of anything that is not covered. I truly look forward to applying these techniques to the raising of my dog. I recommend this book to absolutely anyone that has or is thinking of getting a dog. Superb!!!

The Best book Brian and Sara have ever written
Title says all. This as information on training, and they have updated their meathods (from Good Owners, Great Dogs) and they are more open and flexable about tactics to train any breed.

MetroDog is GREAT for any Dog !!!!!!
I had been anticipating this book for some time - it's authors Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson have a number of wonderful pet resource books to choose from.
I read MetroDog cover to cover very quickly and then went back and savoured it more slowly. This is a wonderful book for dog owners - all dog owners - but especially suited to urban dwellers.
The book design is well thought out - the photographs are great and the shaded and boxed areas are very helpful - full of good hints and advice.
EVERYTHING is covered - from choosing a pup for city living to training to behaviour issues. They have thought of just about everything that a dog owner needs to know.
I think this book is a valuable resource and I find myself referring to it often to look up little bits of information as I need them. As a veterinarian and a puppy trainer, I highly recommend this book. I can't wait for the next installment.


Tails from the Bark Side
Published in Paperback by Warner Books (2001)
Authors: Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson
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Ups & Downs of dog training is a smash!
Brian Kilcommons is one of my favorite trainers. He's amazing to watch and very practical in his training. What makes this book stand out is the collection of stories from his years of training dogs, and it's difficult to tell which is more entertaining; the dogs or their owners. Filled with touching stories and hilarious anecdotes, I was delighted with this book and sorry it wasn't longer. Anyone who has ever attempted to train a canine can understand, enjoy and even learn from this light read.

One of the best dog story books ever!
Want to hear what is wrong with this book? Easy...it's not long enough. That is about it. I guess it would have been nice to have some photos of some of the dogs mentioned, but oh well. Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson, two well known dog trainers relate some of their experiences, both with client dogs and their own. The first story, involving a Jack Russell terrier that found a rather unique way to play with his tennis ball, had me laughing out loud. Brian's Rotweiler, Beau, conducting his own version of "chemical warfare" while waiting to go on at a talk show, the lady who was demonstrating to her dog how to go on the papers, Sarah dealing with a blizzard at their kennel, (Brian and Sarah are husband and wife as well as co-authors)while Brian is out of town. The terrier that was chasing a rabbit in an eighth floor apartment, the Maltese that finally bit off a little more than it could chew, every story is terrfic. Not all have happy endings, sadly, but every dog owner understands this. These two have several "must reads" for dog owners out, (with a new one coming soon)and also operate "GreatPets.com" which is rapidly becoming the most popular pet site on the web, if it is not already. There are two types of people who will like this book: Those who love dogs, and those who don't. If you fit in either of those categories, check it out I seriously doubt you will be disappointed.

Finally! A funny, heartfelt book of dog stories for everyone
I just finished reading Tales from the Bark Side, and I am still smiling. This book is wonderful. I laughed, I cried, and I laughed some more. Finally a book for true dog lovers. One that touches your soul and makes you smile from the inside out. I really could not put this book down. I found myself anticipating the next story, and the pages flew by. My only regret is that it is not 3 times as long as it is.

I recommend this book with all of me. If you love your dog, or anyone else's. You will treasure Tales From the Bark Side. The authors really let you inside their lives with every turn of the page. Bravo!

This should be a mandatory part of every dog lovers library. I just bought the audio version so I can listen to it in my car on the way to work. It really helps the traffic woes.

To sum up, if you are looking for a good "dog book" to snuggle up with for some night-time reading, or as a gift for the dog lover in your life, I strongly s! uggest you pick up this little gem. I'm so happy I did!!


Paws to Consider: Choosing the Right Dog for You and Your Family
Published in Hardcover by Warner Books (1999)
Authors: Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson
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A Personal View Entertainingly Presented
We have owned several dogs in the past and when our last one passed away we decided to do some research this time. We bought 5 books on dogs looking for advice on choosing a dog. This book was far and away the most entertaining to read and in some ways the most useful. The last chapter entitled "Not for Everyone" is hilarious. The book isn't comprehensive nor does it take everyone's opinions into account. Rather it unabashadly gives the opinions of experienced dog trainers who aren't afraid to speak their minds about various breeds of dogs. It has the feel of a friendly chat. I recommend this book highly although you might want to purchase other books to supplement it.

Great for the novice dog-owner
This book is very easy to use, attractive, and accessible. The authors do a nice job of summing up each breed's positive and negative traits, and are frank about warning off folks who would be a bad match. I was delighted by the categories they assigned breeds to, such as "9-5 dogs", and "High-input, High Output" dogs.

That said, I prefer Daniel Tortora's "The Right Dog for You" for people with a bit more dog experience and patience. It contains detailed information about breed temperment, broken down into 16 traits. For people who really want to do their research and find just the right breed, on other resource can compare.

Comprehensive and Much Needed
This collaborative effort by Kilcommons and Wilson is a must-have for any would-be dog owner just starting to look. They give the "straight poop" on breeds of dogdom without sugar coating anything, adding anecdotal stories to boot! Sure, those who know a little more about dogs can get more breed specific books, but novices NEED to know that Border Collies are NOT dogs to be left alone for 10 hours per day (though not many dogs should be!), and that a 100 pound Great Dane may be easier to keep than a 15 pound Jack Russell Terrier in an apartment!!

Their experience, wit, and great insight into different dog breed's personalities make this an incredibly enjoyable read!!


The Diversity of Life (Questions of Science)
Published in Hardcover by Belknap Pr (1992)
Authors: Edward Osborne Wilson, Amy B. Wright, and Sarah Landry
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The Importance of Biodiversity
The author of "The Diversity of Life," Edward O. Wilson, is passionate and excited about his topic and writes poetically and effectively about the natural world. The first section of the book finds him in the rain forest of the Brazilian Amazon, pondering one of his favorite puzzles: why some species dominate and spread while others become rare. A huge storm arises, violent and destructive. But the life in the rainforest has adapted to these events of nature. If some species are destroyed, others rush in to fill the void because of the diversity of nature. Edward O. Wilson's intent in writing this book is to convince people that biodiversity and environmental concerns are of benefit to mankind, not only for reasons of preservation but for economic reasons. He shows how life can endlessly recreate itself, if allowed to do so.

As illustration of his thesis, the author discusses the island of Krakatau, near Sumatra, that was completely destroyed by a volcano in 1883. Tidal waves resulted, killing 40,000 people in Java and Sumatra. The rock and debris blew high in the air, and a residue of dust diffused around the world, producing bright red sunsets. A remnant of Krakatau remained at what had been the southern end of the island, totally barren. But, starting with a single spider, forms of life returned and took hold until, today, you would never guess the violent past of the island. Wilson uses this as a vivid illustration of how nature at its most violent doesn't destroy life.

The author emphasizes the importance of the tropical rain forest. It occupies only 6% of land surface but probably harbors more than half of the species on earth. Its abundant solar energy, evenness of climate and largeness of area account for this, and also enough evolutionary time. The smaller the species, the more abundant it is. The human species came on the scene late and, when they did, everything changed.

The author describes how the coming of man to different locales destroys many species. For instance, in the Hawaiian Islands, the Polynesians ate man of the birds until only a handful of species remain. In western North America, the earliest Americans, the Paleo Indians, caused the diversity of mammoths to collapse because they needed food and hunted the different species to extinction.

Some experts think climactic change accounts for a decline of a species, while others favor overkill by humans. The author sides with the latter group. Overkill, habitat destruction, and the introduction of exotic species that don't belong in an environment are all acts of man. Conservationists now know that entire habitats must be preserved to save particular species. The author lists and describes 18 ecosytems that deserve the immediate attention of conservationists. Global warming is also a threat to species, but human activity has increased extinction by many thousands of times than that which would occur without humans.

Biodiversity is a valuable resource (new sources of food, new cures for cancer may perhaps be found among diverse species). The new approach to environmentalism is to tr to draw more income from wildlands without killing them. What we try to save now in ecosystems isn't just individual species. The author lists plants and fungi that yield pharmaceutical products and also ones that are sources of new foods to show the importance of maintaining biodiversity. He goes on to make a list of animals that are not currently eaten that make good protein sources. Both conservation and economic growth can be served by preserving natural ecosystems.

The author concludes the book with suggestions for saving our biological resources. First, he suggests that surveys be taken of the world's flora and fauna. Next, create biological wealth by finding out what uses can be made of the species inventoried. Promote sustainable development. In very poor countries, help the people find ways to survive economically without plundering their environment. This will require education and social change. Finally, save what remains. Save as much biodiversity as possible and make the reserves as large as possible. Edward O. Wilson realizes that mankind is much more likely to follow its economic interests than it is to selflessly protect the environment. Therefore, he very cleverly appeals to this self-interest by making biodiversity appear to be of economic benefit.

The Diversity of Life
The Diversity of Life written by Edward O. Wilson is a very descriptively historical writing about biodiversity and the intergration of man and the changes that have evolved over time. The author is an entomologist and a Harvard professor making a lucid point with scientific explanation about the deterioration of the physicial enviornment and its effect upon man in the long term.

Wilson eloquently describes how species diversification was accomplished and how the loss of this diversification of biodiversity, would be an enormous loss to mankind. Wilson's major theme throughout the book is to save the the planet from man's development, loss of biodiversity and its effects, and the repair and reversal of the deliterious affects of the physical enviornment.

I found the book to have truth in the end result, but to accomplish this end, things would radically change in the short run. The book does open ones eyes to what is going on around us daily, things that if only looking with a keen eye would you notice. Wilson's engaging and nontechonical prose work through the subject matter and offers a fresh perspective. This book will give the reader broad views of evolution, but with enough specifics to illustrate the point.

The book has excellent illustrations, further developing the argument, making this a classical text as we read the last section, where the enviornmental ethic makes Wilson's point.

Do NOT be alarmed by the science in this book, as it is straight forward and easily understood, so the reader should make it through with no problem. Whether examining insects or a patch of grass, Wilson has mastered the science and brings it to the reader in understandable form.

You'll want to be a biologist!

Wilson writes a great overview of biodiversity--how it is created, why it is crucial to human survival, and what we must do to preserve it. Enjoy accessible and well-documented writing that takes you from California to Madagascar, from the present to the beginnings of life as known from the fossil record. Along the way you'll learn many of the crucial ecological and evolutionary concepts (such as natural selection, community ecology, biogeography, and more) necessary for understanding what biodiversity is and how it is maintained. And finally, in the last part of the book, learn about philosophies and practices that will enable each of us to preserve the amazing diversity of life that surrounds us. You'll want to be a biologist by the time you finish the book!


Childproofing Your Dog: A Complete Guide to Preparing Your Dog for the Children in Your Life
Published in Paperback by Warner Books (1994)
Authors: Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson
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If your dog is going to be around children this is your book
This is a very good, concise reference that will help your dog or puppy get used to those interactions with short, fast-moving, screaming little people without making him a nervous wreck. Although primarily a book for owners who are prepping their young dog/puppy for future child/dog interactions, if you have an older dog that is not used to children these tips prove very sound advice as well. Also, like any good authors, if you have serious dog/child aggression and dominance they recommend that you get personal professional help. What I really like about this book though is the chapter on "DOGPROOFING YOUR CHILD". So many times it's always the DOGS fault for behaving inappropriately with children. It's nice to know that for once an author is stressing the importance of teaching your child how to behave around dogs. In the end, they also state that perhaps you would be better off without certain breeds of dog if you're going to have children. It's not fair to the dog. Sometimes you have to make that your primary concern. All in all an excellent book. One I would recommend school libraries buy so that children read and learn from it as well.

A Dog Trainer's Point of View
This book has helped hundreds of my clients understand the psychology behind the child-dog relationship and it has helped them avoid many of the common mistakes people make when dogs and kids mix. Brian and Sarah don't get into a lot of specifics on how to correct established problems, which is actually a good thing. It would take volumes of books to address exactly how each individual breed, temperament and problem should be handled. That perspective is best left to a reputable, thorough and non-violent trainer. Brian and Sarah give you good specific information on how to keep common problems from developing and some great general rules that apply to every breed of dog. None of their instruction is damaging to the child-dog relationship, which is saying a lot compared to many other authors of dog training books. Overall, this book is light, entertaining, non-clinical, and informative. I recommend it to any dog owner that has regular contact with children.

Brings much-needed common sense to kids & dogs subject.
Kilcommons does new families a great favor with this book. "Child-proofing Your Dog" is a common sense approach to introducing your new child to your dog, preventing problems, and ensuring a long, close relationship. He dispels myths and gives new parents an idea of what to expect both from their dog and from themselves. He identifies often-missed (or exused) signs of dominance in dogs, explaining the natural progression from dominance to aggression if left unchecked. In cases where there is a specific problem involving advanced aggression toward a child he advises going to a professional, as would any responsible dog trainer in print. Kilcommons and Wilson have years of experience and wisdom in dog behavior and training; they've written a trustworthy, important 'preventative manual.'


Related Subjects: Author Index Reviews Page 1 2 3

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