Junior Books

With all the violence on TV these day,it is nice to get a book for our grandchildren that is sweet and fun to read. I have all John Denver's music and books,this is one of the cutiest.It is a must for grandma,hope you like it as much as I did. Carol

This is the softcover version of the book, but it is a nice addition to my elementary classroom library.

This is a gorgeous book, with John Denver's lyrics, and beautiful summery illustrations. My daughter has the paperback version and we love it so much that we have been buying the hardcover version as a new baby gift. The book features a brown-skinned little girl - hard to find - and a brown-skinned daddy - even harder to find - swinging, floating on a boat, and playing a guitar! This is a terrific publisher who deserves our support for their commitment to quality children's literature.

This John Denver song, turned into a book illustrated by Christopher Canyon is wonderful. Absolutely beautiful illustrations. One you can sing/read over and over. Very well done. Can't wait for "Grandma's Feather Bed". Dolphin Lullaby and Take Me Home Country Roads are both worth purchasing also. My kindergarten class loves it as well as my children at home.

Sunshine on My Shoulders book/CD is so very touching with the warm memories of the heart felt song by John Denver and Christopher Canyon's beautiful illustrations that accompany the music. I am an early childhood teacher and I use the book to demonstrate how thoughts become words, become verse, becomes song. . . . The Music Is You opening song on the CD explains this concept even further! The children, ages two to seven years, are mesmerized again and again through out the story/song. Other teachers and parents even stop to listen. This is a wonderful opportunity to teach about who John Denver was, what he believed to be so important for our lives, in addition to Christopher Canyon's ability to carry on the message in a way that can reach children of all ages!

I bought this book along with others for a semester project I was conducting on Montessori Education. Angeline Lillard's book was most helpful because she used child development, statistics, and logic with supported detail. If you are not fully sure of Montessori, this book is an excellent starter. I would strongly recommend!!!

This is a really great book for anyone interested in education, not limited just to Montessori. The book explains clearly several aspects of Montessori education and describes the research that supports or does not support the Montessori method. I didn't know much about Montessori before reading this book, so I found it very enlightening to begin to understand this complete system for education.

I would highly recommend this book. Although a text book type publication, it is extremely interesting, easy to read. Very well researched and packed with insight and explanation on the Montessori method. I have read several other books on Montessori and this is one of the best. Read it in conjunction with Maria Montessori's own book "The Secret of Childhood."

I was familiar with the basics of Montessori education before I read "Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius". I have been drawn to it ever since I first heard about it because it feels more natural and right than traditional public school. I read this book in an effort to understand the system better and to be able to defend my choice to well-meaning but critical friends and family. I was not disappointed.

Lillard first compares traditional education with the Montessori system, pointing out how each came to be and how they have evolved over time. She then looks at what she considers to be the eight principles of Montessori education. Each is explained in depth, compared in depth with traditional education, and then research is provided in support of each principle. In her research, Lillard discovered that none of Montessori's central points have been disproven, many have been proven, and several are in need of further research.

Pros: This book cites many, many scientific studies. It is well-written and easy to understand. There are many examples (and pictures) of specific materials used in Montessori education. It provides a solid explanation of many of the important principles of Montessori education.

Cons: The book is a little wordy and uses too many previews, summaries, and reviews for my taste. The last chapter contains a section called "Frequently Asked Questions and Concerns about Montessori" that I wish was longer and more in depth.

What I would really like to find is a debate between pro- and anti- Montessori educators. While I really enjoyed this book and learned a lot from it, I came away thinking that Lillard's assessment was too good to be true. If Montessori education is really as wonderful as she (and I) think it is, why is it not more popular?

As a former Montessori student, I've been amazed at how other children develop learning methods in classroom experiences across the U.S. With our educational system in flux, how about looking to Maria Montessori and her teaching philosophies that she developed a century ago.

I may hold a biased view for Montessori learning. However, Montessori believed that the 'factory method' of schooling was outdated. Believing that children have blank slates for learning, she created learning techniques and environments that develop concentration, independent thought, motivation, curiosity, and self-discipline for life's choices. After reading this book, I'm in full agreement with her teaching methods.

Lilliard explains the history and theories behind Montessori education in-depth and with strength. She explains the importance of our relationships and environments within the classroom and our homes, and she explores the knee-jerk arguments against Montessori education. If you're working or raising children, you'll be way ahead of the game with this thorough and insightful book.

I wanted to explore the foundations of how I learn in life, and Lillard answers my questions. I'm not only more knowledgable about how I learn, but also I'm more aware how intelligence is developed and the possibilites of how our youth can learn in today's world.

Add to your building blocks of knowledge, and explore Montessori methods...This is a supreme read.

Based on the same-titled movie released in 2001, Mel Odom's novelization of the Angelina Jolie flick is top-notch, enveloping every quality that made the archaeologist one of the most popular icons of the video game franchise.
Lara Croft observes the first third of a complete planet alignment - an event that happens once every five thousand years - through the high-tech telescope at her home, Croft Manor. Little did she know, only hours later, she would become an integral part in protecting the alignment's omnipotent power from ill-intended hands.

Through her deceased father's gift of a planetary clock, she travels from one exotic location to another to locate the pieces of the power's medium, a triangle emblazoned with the All-Seeing Eye, the Masonic symbol of omniscience. But an internal desire to see her father again brings her motives to locate the triangle halves into question. If she finds the pieces, will she use the power it contains for herself? Or will she snatch the godly control away from her foes and bury its abilities for another five thousand years?

Odom's literary portrayal is accurate and engrossing, detailing the emotional impact of each event and discovery, someting that may be lacked in the film version. Rather than drooling over Angelina Jolie, Raider fans can envision the described settings and locales in the book with relative ease, with every exotic touch in place. There are only very slight changes in the book, such as Croft enemy (or perhaps not) Alex West's naked romp from the shower to the bedroom in response to mysteriously lurking shadows (provided by Croft, of course); that differs from the movie's ending locale of the dining room and its strategically placed dining table.

But the story proceeds with the same heart-pounding action and romantic passion that's found in the box-office seller. Though short, it makes the reader feel as though they are in Croft's military-booted shoes, even as much as the video games do.

- T.C. Robson

Long ago a meteor fell onto Earth with a magical, metallic form within it. Witnessing its power, it was forged into the (thought of) holy form of a triangle and a temple was formed to protect it. A city grew around the temple, The People of the Light were there. During an invasion, the nine planets aligned and the power of the Triangle was shown. Realizing no mortal should possess such power, the High Priest ordered it cut into two smaller triangles. One stayed at the temple. The other was hidden at the end of the Earth. However, the Craftsman who cut the Triangle in half secretly made a highly advanced device. It could serve as a guide to find the hidden piece, and preserve the Triangle's powers for future generations. It was a magic clock.

Lady Lara Croft was much like her father had been. Beginning with a clock he had hidden for her to find someday and tales he had told her as a child, she must set out to save the world. The Illuminati, a secret group of powerful people, were out to find the two triangle pieces before the planets aligned (which happened only once every 5,000 years). At her side was Mr. Hillary, her butler, and Bryce, her technician. Two tombs must be entered and survived or the world would belong to Manfred Powell.

***** I made that brief as possible, but left out much to do it. Even though the movie, as of now, has not been released, I can already tell that the book gives much more insight to Lara and the adventure in which she finds herself. However, many scenes have the potential to be much more vivid and exciting on the big screens! I found it to be a wonderful book! I plan to be in the theater, with a huge group of friends, on its first night out! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

This book is great. It is just like the movie, only with a little more dialouge. There are even parts before Lara's dad died telling how he tried to stop the evil. The deleted scenes only able to watch on the DVD are in this book, and I thought that was great! The action level seems a little less than the movie. The book seems to just speed by the action and to the point. I didn't really like that factor. If you liked the movie, read the novel, it is GREAT!

Very good in fact. It adds alot to the movie. More fleshed out characters and such. It's only 6 bucks, so what do you have to ose? Another plus is the 8 pages of pictures featuring the amazingly beautiful Angelina Jolie.

This book was just.. WOW!! It was way better then the movie, b/c the movie can only put a certain amount of scenes, but the book you get it all! i loved all the stuff between lara and alex, if you are a lara/alex fan this book is definatly for you!!

A staple board book for a 2 yr old! Sweet illustrations, short and to the point wording. The absolute best for a two year old train enthusiast!! My daughter still loves this book (and the "Planes" book by the same author) at almost 4 yrs old. This was one of the books she had memorized at 2 yrs old.

Byron Barton's Trains has become an unlikely favorite for our 2-year old. I say unlikely because it's so different from what most of his favorites (which are heavy on Sandra Boynton, Jez Alborogh, and the Spot series) are like. The art is extremely simple, using lots of bold colors, and the story doesn't rhyme or feature any noticeable repetition. It's not really even a story at all, but rather a descriptive sentence on each page highlighting the kind of train or activity shown.

I don't know whether it's the bold colors or just the subject matter (my son is absolutely fascinated by all kinds of vehicles), but this little board book went straight into his bedtime "top 5" and shows no sign of leaving! I may not get it, but I'm confident enough after seeing my son's reaction to this book to recommend Trains to the parents of any toddler interested in trains.

My son loved this book from the time he was about 15 months old. The words and the illustrations are simple and catchy. I'm not sure if this one comes in paperback but I highly suggest getting all of the Barton books in the board book style. They are sure to be read over and over!!

This story was kind of boring, not as melodic as some of the other books (Cars is our favorite) but kind of cute. Graphics are somewhat boring too (compared to the others)

My kids love this very cute little book.. They want me to read it to them over and over again. A great book for your little one. Must have!!

My purchase of Bay Tables through Amazon was 'painless'! It is very easy to order through Amazon and the ship time is always very quick. I continue to order through Amzon because of the reliability.

If you are from the Mobile, Alabama area you probably have one of these on your kitchen shelf but just incase you are not you need this, your Momma needs it, your grand mama needs it, and most of all your sister-in-law that cant cook needs it!

It has all of the "Old South" recipes in it plus a treasure trove of new and fun recipes. Women in the south take great pride in their cooking and this is a perfect example of a fine cook!

Thank you Junior League ladies for putting out another great book for us to enjoy for generations to come!

I love the cover and beautiful pictures. The recipes are lovely!

This is a very pretty book. I especially like reading the sidebars that tell about local history and food history and the area, and League projects. Many of the recepies are easy to fix for someone that doesn't usually use fancy cookbooks. They seem to have put a lot of effort into making the book a really fun one to just look at and read. I enjoy that.You will enjoy having this book around the house.

Bay Tables showcases some three hundred kitchen tested culinary compositions donated by members of the Junior League of Mobile, Alabama. From Peach Julips; Blue Cheese Souffles; Grilled Corn with Shallot Thyme Butter; Roasted Vegetable Pizza; and Grilled Marinated Portobello Mushrooms and Fresh Vegetables; to Pork Tenderloins with Caramelized Pears and Brandy Cream Sauce; Oysters Johnny Reb; and Lemon Buttermilk Ice Cream, Bay Tables offers a wealth of highly recommended, consistently delicious, appetite satisfying fare that would please even the most discriminating gourmet -- and yet are completely "kitchen cook friendly" to prepare and serve.

This is one of our favorite cookbooks...it is wonderful! We have given it for gifts and those people also love it. Every recipe we have made is superb.

I gave this book to my friends as a college graduation present. I went with this as the present because a) the food it produces is great, b) the reviews for this cookbook were steller, and c) the food it produces is great! My friends have given rave reviews, which makes me feel good.

Also, my family uses this book frequently and loves it.

I am a lover of cookbooks, but this is the one that I use the most. Every recipe I have tried out of this book is fantastic. It is also beautiful and durable. The recipe instructions are very clear. And although you may not have every ingredient already in your cabinet, they can all be found at any good, well-stocked grocery store - no trips to "specialty" markets. I highly recommend this book.

I am very impressed with this cookbook. I've lived in Colorado for nearly a decade and had seen this cookbook in lots of homes and stores. It seemed like a 'tourist' attraction... boy, was I wrong. I love this cookbook for a number of reasons. One, my food is devoured by family and friends and they actually 'ask' for my recipes! (A secret dream of mine). Secondly, my kitchen seems to be readily stocked with the items these recipes require...how often does that happen? So, I love this cookbook. I've even sent my mother-in-law recipes.... another secret dream of mine. Enjoy.

I received this cookbook in 1997 as a bridal shower gift. I have yet to make anything that doesn't turn out well! This year I have bought if for 2 other friends who just married - and know that they will love it too! Just the Heavenly Potatoes are worth the price of the book. I also love the "pantry" section in the back of the book - comes in really handy for shopping lists - and always having the basic ingredients on hand. Highly recommend!!!

I absolutely LOVE this cookbook. I keep going back to try more recipes, because everything I have made so far has turned out perfectly! I purchased this on the advice of someone else, and now I can see why she recommended it.

I've had this cookbook for years and still use it regularly. The recipes are fool-proof and always draw compliments! I've purchased many copies for presents and everyone that has received the cookbook raves about it. The gourmet nature of the book makes the recipes interesting, yet they are relatively easy to make, since I am no domestic godess! You will not be disappointed with this book, in fact, it is my all time favorite cookbook. Enjoy!!!

I have purchased book for a cousin as I've had tremendous success with
many recipes in this book and value it.

This was the first cookbook my parents bought me when I moved out. It's the cookbook I turn to when entertaining. Favorites include the mustard chicken in phyllo and maroon bell cheese spread. Guests always ask for the recipes.

Likely you too have scanned or even invested in those recipe collections to fund a worthy effort, either not expecting to use the recipes or had to search through to find those that one even would want to attempt. Not the case with this collection of the Jr. League of Denver! And over half-a-million in print to date! You'll want one before it goes out of print!

This is large, rich colleciton that is well thought out, organized and bursts forth with uniqueness, creativity and breadth.

Some unique features are its individual sections on Colorado Wild, Mexican and HealthMark Modifications. For example, the game section using Colorado abundance of wildlife is buy a doctor who is in to this, who gives recommendations on preparing to remove gaminess and to improve flavor and maintain health.
How about Wild Pheasant Stroganoff! Indicative of the stuff you'll love finding here and trying.

Also a plus to this delight is notes which accompany most all of the recipes that tell about alternatives, serving suggestions, history where the dish came from, etc. Adds zest for us foodphiles!

One can easily see why so many other reviewers have raved about this -- it enticed me to try it. I think you will enjoy using this collection too!

This book is a must read for primary teachers. Collins is easy to read and gives lots of tips.
As a first grade teacher, I know we must not only teach our students how to read but also to LOVE to read. Teaching with the comprehension strategies such as Collins describes is the way to create the lifelong love of reading.

This was a great resource book- and I am not one to read teaching books!

Couple this with two great literature books for all beginning teachers.
Life's Little Lessons: An Inch-By-Inch Tale of Success
and The Big Squeal: A Wild, True, and Twisted Tail...each come with a wonderful 10-page guide with strategies and activities for teaching reading built around these lovely stories. Every fall I recommend them to parents to share and use with their kids at home.
Written by two teachers, they are great tool for the classroom as well.

This book has many great ideas! It is very simple and to the point. YOu can turn around and use these lessons tomorrow.

We just finished a Book Study @ school using this book! We all thought her suggestions were great (especially the one about not ONLY using running records & DRA levels to "label" readers) but using individual conferencing also.
Mini Lesson Ideas abound! Specifics are included throughout! A must-have in your personal/professional library for ANY Elementary School Reading Teacher!

My favorite cookbook. I like giving this cookbook as gifts to newly married cooks.

We're too spoiled by fresh ingredients to utilize this cookbook. Bad choice on my part.
Old California Junior League books, Pasadena, San Francisco, Oakland, remain superior to this collection.

I use this cookbook A LOT! It is the one I turn to if I don't have time to try a recipe before I serve it to company. I have had requests for the recipes for EVERYTHING I have served to company out of this book. I am buying several copies today as Christmas and housewarming gifts.

Super centennial celebration cookbook from those Junior Leaguers who put out such great cookbooks! There are several recipes in this cookbook "to die for", as the expression goes. Enjoy!

I received this book from my grandmother as a gift - never thought I would like it so much! It has become one of my staple cookbooks; the recipes are accurate, easy to follow (and modify, if necessary), and delicious. There are fun things to try (Brie crackers and Nebraska City Cake), good basics (a great chili recipe and REALLY easy pretzels), and lots of recipes in every possible category. I'm always finding more recipes to try and I've never been disappointed. If you're looking to go beyond Betty Crocker and BH&G, try this one.

Sean Bean is wonderful. This selection (2 cds) is great listening for the whole family.

I had never heard the real King Arthur tale. I enjoyed it tremendously! Sean Bean's narration of this tale is exquisite. His voice is perfect for books on tape. Such depth. You felt you were really there. I would recommend this to anyone!

This CD was bought for our then seven year old son and we listened to it on a long car trip. What a fantastic way to pass the time. Sean Bean is phenomenal as the narrator and characters of the story. We have listened to it so many times and still never get tired of this great story, excellently told.

Thrown into this great story is Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, another exciting story within the story of King Arthur.

This story on CD appeals to all ages from our seven year old to our sixteen year old and to adults. It is one of a few stories that you really can listen to again and again and still be enthralled. I would highly recommend keeping it in the car for the long trips.

Sean Bean does an awesome job on this production. His range of voices and dialects are amazing. Very eerie in the parts that are supposed to be.

The whole family is hooked on this. The classical music that accompanies it is compelling. You think you are there.