Form-4 Books

In my opinion, Bob and Ray's stuff from the 1950's is by far their best. Then they were young, fresh - and often improvisatory! Classic Bob and Ray Volume 1 includes four episodes of "Matt Neffer, Boy Spotwelder", which has to be the most surreal, dream-like, (and utterly pointless) series ever conceived. There are also episodes of "One Fella's Family", another of B & R's great pieces. The bits with "Arthur Sturdley"
(a take-off on radio personality Arthur Godfrey) are priceless!

B & R's capacity for voices and characterization is amazing.
This little-known comedy duo will bring you endless laughter, joy, and emotional health. Long live Bob and Ray!

Note: I know that "Family" was a parody of the popular soap opera "On Man's Family" and of the show "Vic and Sade". But what was "Matt Neffer" based on, if anything? I'd be interested to know.

In my opinion, Bob and Ray's stuff from the 1950's is by far their best. Then they were young, fresh - and often improvisatory! Classic Bob and Ray Volume 1 includes four episodes of "Matt Neffer, Boy Spotwelder", which has to be the most surreal, dream-like, (and utterly pointless) series ever conceived. There are also episodes of "One Fella's Family", another of B & R's great pieces. The bits with "Arthur Sturdley"
(a take-off on radio personality Arthur Godfrey) are priceless!

B & R's capacity for voices and characterization is amazing.
This little-known comedy duo will bring you endless laughter, joy, and emotional health. Long live Bob and Ray!

Note: I know that "Family" was a parody of the popular soap opera "On Man's Family" and of the show "Vic and Sade". But what was "Matt Neffer" based on, if anything? I'd be interested to know.

Bob and Ray: Tippy the Wonder Dog; Mary Backstayge, Noble Wife; Mr. Science; and Prodidgy Street are just a few of my personal favorites. These wonders of comedy fill my heart with wonder and delight as Mary opens a fast-food toast restaurant or Gustav Groundhog sells merchendise. Bob and Ray surely were ahead of their times with witty, sharp stories that make you wonder... do dogs REALLY make ginger-ale soup?

In my opinion, Bob and Ray's stuff from the 1950's is by far their best. Then they were young, fresh - and often improvisatory! CLASSIC BOB AND RAY VOLUME 1 includes four episodes of "Matt Neffer, Boy Spotwelder", which has to be the most surreal, dream-like, (and utterly pointless) series ever conceived. There are also episodes of "One Fella's Family", another of B & R's great pieces. The bits with "Arthur Sturdley"
(a take-off on radio personality Arthur Godfrey) are priceless! So are the episodes of "Insomniac Theatre" and the reports from Wally Ballou and Artie Schermerhorn. B & R's capacity for voices and comic characterization is amazing. This little-known comedic duo will bring you endless laughter, joy, and emotional health. Long live Bob and Ray! And don't forget to buy THE BEST OF BOB AND RAY and BOB AND RAY, THE LOST EPISODES as well!

Note: I know that "One Fella's Family" was a parody of the popular soap opera "On Man's Family" and of the show "Vic and Sade". But what was "Matt Neffer" based on, if anything? I'd be interested to know.

Bob and Ray: Tippy the Wonder Dog; Mary Backstayge, Noble Wife; Mr. Science; and Prodidgy Street are just a few of my personal favorites. These wonders of comedy fill my heart with wonder and delight as Mary opens a fast-food toast restaurant or Gustav Groundhog sells merchendise. Bob anr Ray surely were ahead of their times with witty, sharp stories that make you wonder... do dogs REALLY make ginger-ale soup?

This book has great, simple ideas for using construction paper, scissors and glue. Older children can follow the directions themselves, and younger children, 3-6, can follow your directions. The illustrations are good and inspiring. I would never think up all these projects by myself. I now keep a stack of construction paper, several pairs of scissors and glue sticks along with this book for the grandchildren.

I got a good number of well received children craft ideas from this book for 4th through 6th grade kids, which were the level 3 crafts. The level 1 & 2 crafts are too simple for this age range of kids, but should be fine for K through 3rd grade kids. I also got several other very good craft ideas from Ms. Henry's other book, "Kids Art Works."

All that is needed are these three items, and you can make the cutest crafts! Because of the easy supply list, we use this book so much more often than other books that you might not have the needed supplies on hand for. This one we keep right in the kitchen and the children can make things whenever they like! we just got it for Christmas and have already made lots of the projects! and there is room to be creative - just using the ideas as examples and taking it from there.

For the last several years my summer school has included art every day for students whose ages range from 6-13. This book has an excellent selection of art projects that are appropriate for all these ages. Everything is made using construction paper, scissors and glue, which are readily available in the school supply room, are inexpensive and easy to work with. The projects turn out bright and colorful. My class has just completed a lively mural of a pond habitat after making fun frogs, fish, turtles and other aquatic creatures and plants, using ideas from the book.

I love the instructions and lay-out of the book. The steps and resulting project are clearly shown in large drawings with minimal text, so it just takes a few minutes to read through each project.

Some of the projects feature geometrical designs and patterns, which allow substantial room for creativity, some fold and curve paper to make them three dimensional. There is a good variety of themes including animals, seasons, nature, a still life, a robot, and a couple of cultural items. Although I haven't done it yet, the Panamanian mola looks like it will turn out stunning.

If I want to stick to using paper, glue and scissors for my art classes, this book will give us plenty of fun and attractive projects to do for several weeks. Parents will also find it a great source for young artists at home.

This book provided hours of fun for my four-year-old. We were pleased that we always had simple household items and paper to complete the projects.This book can be used as ajumping off point to many other creative projects.

This ninth installment of the "Garfield" comics contains lots and lots more of Garfield, Odie, and Jon's adventures. Here, we get to see Garfield and Jon going on a vacation in the tropics (which lasts for three weeks), Garfield going on another worthless diet, another visit to the farm, some more flirtations with Arlene, Garfield's adventures as Amoeba Man, Garfield stuck in the heating vent, and a lovely little hammock just outside Jon's house. And it looks like we've seen the last of Lyman. Poor, poor Lyman. Oh, well. At least we get to see Garfield, Jon, Odie, Arlene, Nermal, Mom, Dad, and Doc Boy in "Garfield Loses his Feet."

What else is there to say about Garfield that I haven't already said before? Garfield is the inner cat in us. He says things that we all wish we want to say but can't. He also does things that we wish we could do but can't. Garfield is probably the one cat I wouldn't mind owning although it would probably be a costly living expense having to feed him non-stop of lasagna and pizza. I love going through all my Garfield books, especially the early books when there were no spider jokes and Lyman was still around. Like in all of the books, "Garfield Loses His Feet" is peppered with sarcasm, diets, dog kicking, and farm jokes. One of my favorite moments in the book is when Garfield imagines himself married to his girlfriend Arlene. I loved it when Garfield pretends to be Amoeba Man and walks around the house wearing hear blanket. I had to laugh out loud when Garfield attempts to lay down on a hammock but because he so fat, he ends up sinking to the ground in the hammock. The time Garfield literally eats so much that his stomach outgrows his feet was priceless. My all time favorite moment in the book has to be when Nermal comes to visit. I love seeing Garfield and Nermal match wits. There are so many hilarious moments in the book it is really hard to pick a favorite strip.

This is, by far, the best garfield book I've ever read. It includes the best vacation sequence, the Garfield vs Air and Plumbing systems sequence and the third "Oh no! My stomach has outgrown my legs!" sequence. Very good jokes, fern pulverizations and dietry yuks. Pure Garfield down to the last panel.

The mid 1980's was the highest point for the Garfield comic strip. The jokes were still fresh and funny and so was the artwork. One of the high points of this collection is when Garfield eats so much that he can no longer walk and spends most of the time laying on his belly. I recommend this book out of all of the books in the series.

Everybody out there keep buying Garfield books! They can be worth a lot of money someday and can become collector's items! I'm always going to keep all of mine so when I have kids they can read them!

The Garfield comic strip about a male loser who owns a fat cat and an ignorant, slobbery dog strikes a responsive chord in cat owners everywhere. It is not because they identify with a man who cannot do anything right or recognize their pet dog. It is because Garfield is the exaggerated epitome of a cat whose life revolves around eating, sleeping and getting into things. I have owned approximately ten cats in my life and I recognized a bit of Garfield in every one of them. I enjoyed this book, even though the actions of his owner reach beyond the absurd.

Unfortunatly, this was actually when Garfield books were starting to fall a bit flat on ideas and the 1990's books weren't as good compared to the mid to late 1980's books but this book is still very funny, but overall if you're a Garfield fan, this book is highly recommended.

"Garfield Says a Mouthful, No 21" wasn't the funniest Garfield book I've read, but it's still entertaining. I nice addition to a collection and a must for Garfield fans. I recommend.

Out of all the Garfield books I think I liked this one the most. But still I give all of them 5 big gold stars! -Kacey 5th grade

Everybody out there keep buying Garfield books! They can be worth a lot of money someday and can become collector's items! I'm always going to keep all of mine so when I have kids they can read them!

Jon:Oh great. A new mouse hole.Sound:plit Jon:what's that? Garfield:Standard lease agreement.That's a comic from ton's of fun.

This book was about a cat named Garfield, a dog named Odie and Jon, Garfield's owner.They are very funny but some jokes are not.I'd give it four stars. I liked it a lot. I recommend it.

It's the funniest Garfield yet!!!

This book is great! He even goes on a trip to a island called Guano-Guano!And makes Odie have peanut butter,peforming on the fence is in this book tons of fun! A garfiled book that you will enjoy!

Everybody out there keep buying Garfield books! They can be worth a lot of money someday and can become collector's items! I'm always going to keep all of mine so when I have kids they can read them!

This is my personal favorite book from my childhood. Every night between the ages of two and seven, I coerced my father into reading this to me. Every night. My poor dad, but it really is a fantastic book. I still read it whenever I need something to smile about.

The illustrations are just as amazing as the words.

Word of warning, don't read this in animated tones to very small children. I accidentally made two year old twin girls start crying inconsolably at "And as in oofish thought he stood, a Jabberwok with EYES OF FLAME!" I hope I didn't traumatize them.

Graeme Base has lent a thrilling vision to Lewis Carroll's poem, illustrating the complete poem with seven dioramas -- lush, layered cutouts that are an interesting departure from pop-ups and lift-the-flap books.

It is not the only possible imagery, but it is very entertaining, well engineered and, in my opinion, faithful to the spirit of the text's author.

This is my 2 year old's favorite book. We have read it so many time that he almost has the whole poem memorized!! The illustrations are wonderful for adults and children. I find new things in the pages almost every night. I highly reccomend it.

I LOVE this poem by Lewis Carroll. It is extremely well written and inspires the imagination to soar to new heights. I am a big fan of illustrator Graeme Base. His bright and colorful creatures makes this Lewis Carroll classic a MUST for anyone.

Interesting and informative book. The poetic text has a bit of a story line which makes it more fun than just a "how-to" book. The illustrations which demonstrate each step of the knitting process are clear and simple. There are simple but fun patterns. I also like that is suggests that knitting can be a way to help other people in your community, knitting hats for babies, etc. and ways to donate those things. I bought one for my niece to help reinforce teaching her to knit, and liked it so much I ordered another.
I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn to knit.

I am not a youth (far from it!) but until I read 'Knitting with Gigi' I had not mastered knitting. I love the rhymes, the easy style and the author's (Gigi's) subtle suggestions for involvement in helping others. In one evening, I was knitting away and loving it. The illustrations are a beautiful complement to a wonderful book for children and their parents to learn/share together. I'd definitely suggest this book as a great gift for the aspiring knitter!

I didn't know how to knit when I bought this kit, and I didn't learn how from it. I found myself, at age 28, completely lost while attempting to understand the basic techniques of slipknots, casting on, and the knit stitch with the diagrams in this book. I love the art and poetry, and I'm sure children will find it helpful for memorization, but for those first few tries they may need an adult on the spot. I know I did! (Thanks, Mom! ^_^)

That aside, the tools included are good quality. I love the bamboo needles and they are now my needle of choice! The yarn doesn't split or knot easily like cheaper yarns do. Overall, worth the money, but only if you have someone there to help the learner understand the diagrams.

This is very good basic book on knitting. I am not a child but it was helpful to me. I look forward to sharing it with the children in my life. Good pictures, good descriptions and directions!!!

Karen Thalacker's KNITTING WITH GIGI comes in both book and pattern box kit complete with yarns which lend well to beginners ages 8 and older who are just getting started - and for many an adult newcomers to knitting. The kit holds yarn, needles, and a softcover book with poems pictures and easy step-by-step directions, making it a perfect gift choice. The hardcover book includes 8 patterns and easy step-by-step instructions which works well for lending libraries.

I bought this book after meeting the author. The book cover doesn't look as pretty as other books but they are wonderful! The writing is marvelous! I learned a lot about the Lewis and Clark Expedition from this book. I was also impressed with the activities that go along with the book. Very nice. I wish I had bought the book on Columbus and the exploration of the New World, it is out of print, but I bet it's good!

This book is full of information and activities that are interesting to kids. Many pieces of information that I never came across in other books. For younger children (4-7), the best one might be Lewis & Clark: A Prairie Dog for the President.

Build a keelboat, learn how to use a compass, carve a canoe - all of these adventures await you in The Lewis & Clark Expedition! Terrific book which makes the Expedition come alive. The activities and illustrations are excellent and have proven to be winners with children of all ages.

What a lot is packed into this brief (112 pages) activity book for children! It's a vivid account of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, rich in adventure, yet also presenting the journey from many political and cultural angles. Activities and lively descriptions bring out not just the physical conditions of the trip, but leadership dilemmas, and moral issues faced along the way.

The book is filled with apt and frequently witty illustrations. Also, numerous intriguing asides about the trip mesh nicely with the main narrative.

Facts are presented; questions are posed. Children are asked to think - and after the mental activity - they'll come away from the book feeling they were there

The Lewis and Clark Expedition, by Carol Johmann, is a fantastic book filled with first-hand information about two of our U.S. history's famous explorers. Johmann includes excerpts from Lewis & Clark's own journals, as well as from some of their fellow soldiers. This lends a great deal of authenticity to Johmann's book, as well as gives the reader a feel of being right alongside these men as they progress on their journey west.
As a home-schooling mom, I especially find Johmann's kid-friendly style of writing refreshing as well as informative. The inclusion of various age-appropriate crafts throughout the book is a great way to stimulate further interest in the reader, and gives the child an even greater understanding of what these two men and their crew dealt with during their journey.
I highly recommend this book. For the home-schooler, this is an excellent social studies curriculum combining intellect with creativity. For public schools, it's a fantastic way to draw the students in and give them a more thorough understanding of the trials and accomplishments Lewis & Clark underwent. For parents who want to give their child(ren) (or themselves) a more informative and well-rounded experience of Lewis & Clark's exploration for westward expansion as well as to determine if a single water route existed across the continent to better accommodate for trade, this is the book for you!
Ms. Johmann, two thumbs up!

"silent generation", between the "greatest" & the "boomers".
They can relive raising kids, borrowing from your in-laws, sex 50's style, dealing with the 60's etc., all with the wit & wisdom of Erma Bombeck.
This is more like a memoir, probably the last in a series, that rings true sometimes, of course, with exaggeration to humorous effect.
Not much to complain about here. She is a good writer who started small had an understanding, supportive husband & achieved national celebrity.
If you are of a certain age, you will laugh.

I miss Erma. I really do. I miss her style of writing, her humor and her wit. She is probably the only writer from my childhood that I have read faithfully of. Her columns were the highlight of our day when it appeared in our newspapers. Reading this book is like going down memory lane. I remember some of her stuff, but not all of them. This one is a honest and true look at marriage.

Marriage isn't happily ever after. We spend our lives changing our partners, resisting the changes that life throws our way, staying married through thin and fat, through children, through illness and career changes ~~ through death, death of a father and friend. It's a wonderful little book full of wisdom and insights. I love her chapter titles: A House Morally Divided Cannot Stand Each Other or Living on Love.

She offers insights to her own life and marriage oftentimes, poking fun at herself and her family. She is never mean but instead she is inspiring. She makes you think even while laughing at some of the silly things we all do in our own lives. I have not been married as long as she has but already, I see some of the things she has pointed out such as trying to change your husband.

If you're looking for a wonderful book to read ~~ don't miss this one. It's beautifully written and so poignant in some places. Erma writes about life because she has lived it. Her stories are still true today as they were fourteen years ago.

5-11-06

The chronicle of Erma Bombeck's married life, this is a sweet, funny, and realistic view of timeless marriage.

Ms. Bombeck starts on the wedding day, when she and husband Bill were married by a priest who spoke Latin with a Polish accent. She moves on to their children, their multiple homes, a saddening chapter about her tragic miscarriage, the chronicles of her morality arguments with her kids, and finally, her career.

She spent years as a housewife. But Ms. Bombeck's now famous writing started in a local paper, and she warmly describes how emotionally supportive her husband was when her columns became well-known. Touring can't have helped their marriage much, but apparently they both didn't let it hurt it.

She satirizes her own under-par household skills, the weird little quirks that come in with age, nd the glories of growing old together. She doesn't say anything about that last one, but it glows throughout the book.

Bravo, Erma.

This book is full of wit and one liners from a woman who knows family. I myself only have a husband and no kids but her writing is still hilarious to me. It reminds me of things my own mother used to say in her own funny and sacastic way. When she talk about her husband and his "ways" of packing a suitcase or talking about the kids I laughed out loud while reading in bed and scared my husband. I sure do miss her and only wish she could have spent a little more time on earth to make us laugh. I bet God is having a ball with her in heaven.

I have always enjoyed Erma Bombeck when she had a column, but the children were small and I never had much time to read. Had I gotten a book like this one, I could of breezed through raising children and marriage with much less guilt. It is one of the funniest (because it's so true) books I've ever read. I am now a collector of Erma Bombecks books. Chapters titled,; "How Much Happiness Can We Finance?" The book for me was filled with memories from the 50's and 60's, and how it used to be. I found myself laughing outloud and shaking my head at the humor, yet truthfulness, that Erma shares with her readers. I'm getting two more of her books for Christmas, and am getting several others on auction. If you need a laugh, kick out some of those endorphins that need to come out and lighten you up, don't miss Erma Bombeck's, "Marriage Made in Heaven or too Tired for an Affair." It's fantastic!

If you know anything about the Peanuts Gang, you cannot help but lve them. In this collection Schulz, has outdone himself again. Anyone seeking a good laugh or a smile brought to a cloudy day should take a look at this.

Here it is, a book which contains all of the Peanuts cartoons created in the year 1991. Some jokes come out flat, but most get smiles, chuckles, or even out-loud laughter for their creativity, orignality..and a good punchline always helps.

Sure, computer-generated strips are the new thing, but you can't really mess with the strip that changed comics...

I could not put this book down. A whole year of this comic is so funny. i know that i can relate to everyone of the penuts gang.

This is a most charming collection of the antics of the round-headed kid we all love. With comics from a year's worth of newspapers, including the Sundays, you'll have enough to read to keep you entertained, over and over again. Not only are the Peanuts Gang funny, but inspiring, touching, sad, and as the title indicates, sometimes even profound. With Linus' wise advice, Lucy's sassy attitude, and Snoopy's admirable imagination, Charles Shulz' creations give us insight to the most enigmatical yet simplest part of our lives: our childhoods. Read the comics once and laugh, but read them again, look into the words more, and see the other emotions buried underneath. Charles Shulz was truly a genius, and the world will miss him.

I enjoyed this so much that I read it in one sitting. I never realized how much more enyoyable the Peanuts strips would be when you read them one after another, rather than one-a-day!