Full Books

One tip for cutting pieces from these books - Laminate the whole page first and then cut out the pieces. The lamiate will not pull off after cutting as long as the plastic is hot enough. You can also laminate the chart pages right into inside of file folders and use re-stick glue for the pieces. It keeps the pieces together so they don't get lost.

The concept of this book is great, and the pictures are very vibrant and inviting. My only problem with the book is that you have to cut out each and every piece, and they don't make them easy shapes to cut out! (Not a lot of straight lines; lots of squigly lines.) Plus, you have to cut them out once, then cut them out again once you laminate them. I know this sounds petty, but to a teacher who is already short on time, it's an important factor.

This is the PERFECT center activity!!!
I have been teaching for many years and this is by far the BEST product I have found for easy to use and make phonics word sort centers. I've always had to make my own- what a pain! My students love to use these in small groups because after I introduce the words with the whole group, they are able to complete the center on their own and then play the game that is included. Some tips- I laminate the charts to the inside of file folders. Then I use Post-it (or Avery?) restick glue on the back of the laminated pieces. That way, none of the pieces ever get lost and they stay right inside the folder. I also laminate the student pages if I'm using these with only a few students at a time. They can use white board markers and just clean the pages for the next group. ALSO these are perfect centers to set up for when parents are helping in the classroom!

This book is so awesome, I bought the other 2 in the series. After laminating onto file folders and cutting out the pieces, I use Post It glue so they stick to the charts. This is an easy way to have meaningful, independent centers for ALL students. For advanced students, I copy the blank charts for each group. Then students sort the words and write them with dry erase markers onto the correct place (on the laminated pages). I've also found these a very good way to get parent helpers involved.

I have been teaching for many years and this is by far the BEST product I have found for easy to use and make phonics word sort centers. I've always had to make my own- what a pain! My students love to use these in small groups because after I introduce the words with the whole group, they are able to complete the center on their own and then play the game that is included. Some tips- I laminate the charts to the inside of file folders. Then I use Post-it (or Avery?) restick glue on the back of the laminated pieces. That way, none of the pieces ever get lost and they stay right inside the folder. I also laminate the student pages if I'm using these with only a few students at a time. They can use white board markers and just clean the pages for the next group. ALSO these are perfect centers to set up for when parents are helping in the classroom!

This is excellent for looking up any grammar intermediate level. I also use it for teaching my esl students. Azar is the best grammar author.

I've understood the correct use of English with this book, You can use it to learn or teach. It has a lot of exercises.

Good book for learning english language grammar. Bought as a gift for a friend learning english. Three books in the series.

As a teacher of many grade levels and English fluency levels, I found this book very useful. It has perhaps the best explanation I've read on "perfect" tenses. My ESL student couldn't understand why he should use a simple past tense versus a present perfect tense, and this book helped him.

The book features many useful charts on major and minor grammar topics. I find the charts very effective and easy to learn and teach. There are also plenty of exercises in this book, too.

I've used the book with 5th graders, 12th graders, and ESL adults. I highly recommend it. It's very well organized and quick, quick, quick to use in the classroom.

I have used this text in the ESL/EFL classroom for many years and although I have seen others this is the best. I especially recommend it for English for academic purposes programs.

Fans of paper dolls will adore 31 pages of gorgeous art work -- a beautiful tribute to the fashions of the era.

Children and adults will be thrilled to use Gibson Girls Paper Dolls in Full Color as a collector's item, an element in a crafts project, or just to enjoy for hours of play as intended!

What a lovely book for your collection.

My favorite costumes (not pictured on cover) are the lilac croquet costume and purple and gold velvet tea gown. Good quality!

I just get lost in the fanisty of the era when I look at this paperdoll book..I buy them to use on altered art projects,decoupage but ive not cut on this one yet......its fine quality paper,great coloring..I love the way the ladies and gentlemen look so eligant...maybe someday ill use it for a project..but not today:) B.W.

This book will delight paper doll enthusiasts. The dolls have complete wardrobes, ranging from bathing suits, sportswear, daywear to evening wear. There is even a wedding dress accessorized with a handsome groom! "Gibson Girls Paper Dolls in Full Color" is a lovely tribute to the Gibson Girl phenomenon.

This paper doll set, like the others, has a great deal of charm and a lot of character. In this case, the characters are also namable and have beautiful clothing items and the ever-helpful hints on the inside of the cover and back. I think this will appeal to many girls, especially those who like dressing up...these are a great deal of fun.

This book is about a little boy who finds a box full of old toy dinosaurs in the attic. He carefully fixes and cleans them, puts them in a bucket, and then carries them with him wherever he goes. He knows all of their names, and he is the only one who knows that they have their own personalities. When he leaves them on a train one day, his nan tries to replace them with a video, but that won't do. He and his mother eventually find them in the lost property office at the train station, and he gets them back when he names them all.

My son just got this book as a present for his 4th birthday. He absolutely loves it and asks me to read it every day. He relates to Harry better than any other character he's read about so far, because he carries around a bucketful of cars with him wherever he goes. After we read the part where Harry's dinosaurs tell him he is definitely their Harry, he told me, "Mommy, my cars tell me the same thing." Harry is a character any little one who loves a toy can relate to.

I bought this for my 2 year old and he loves the book! We enjoy sitting down and reading all about Harry and his dinosaurs. We even have our own bucket of plastic dinosaurs that my son now carries around - just like Harry.

We checked this book at from the library awhile ago and read it about one million times before we had to return it! My 3 1/2 year old son loves Harry! We have read all the books and we just discovered the new TV series based on the books.

They o a great job of introducing dinosaurs to small kids in a friendly, non-threatening way, I hope they keep coming!

i love this book.... the author has done a super job of introducing dinosaurs and indirectly teaches children the role of libraries and the importance of books..... furthermore it can help children foster the feeling of appreciation of what they have....

My son (just turned 2) refused to leave school without this book. We've had it now for a week and I've read it to him now approx 1.8 billion times, and I now have to return the book, so I'm getting his own copy. I don't know if this is a boy thing or just a kid thing, but he is absolutly fascinated by dinosaurs now and can even point out where tyrannosaurus is or stegmalopohopanopalisaurus (he actually knows the names better than I do). The book itself is not any kind of dino expert book, its just a very simple sweet storry about a boy and his toy dinos, but somehow it really struck a chord with my son.

That is the new book by Alice Gunther!! Not only is she a great friend, but she is truly a great writer! Her gift at story telling and putting these very necessary words to paper will be a treasure to the home school community at large for a long time to come! This is a book to give anyone you know who might be interested in home education, and then get one for all the grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles that want to know why you might choose this wonderful lifestyle of home schooling your children. You will not be disappointed to hear about all her delightful adventures of a home educator on Long Island. It was a privilege and a pleasure to read such a heart warming and intellectual book on a topic so near and dear to me and my family. Congratulations Alice my friend!

Catholic Media Review [....]

Ask a mother who home educates her children, ask which question she encounters most frequently and she will undoubtedly respond, "What about socialization?" In the decade since I began teaching my three daughters at home, this question has remained, even as other questions like, "Is that legal?" and "are you qualified to teach?" have vanished due to the increasing prominence of home instruction.
Now, thanks to the experience and literary gifts of home educator and author, Alice Gunther we have not only an eloquent answer to this question, but an inspiring guide on how to help our children find friendship and acceptance outside the domestic church. "A Haystack Full of Needles" is the book we have been waiting for, the book we may give as a gift to questioning family members, but one we will also keep close as we seek opportunities to help our children develop socially.

Alice, like so many of our family members had concerns about a home educating mother's ability to meet her children's need for social interaction. She takes us back to the days when she thought home educators were doing the impossible, to her early attempts at finding companions for herself and her young daughters, to the successful support group she is a the center of on Long Island. She inspires the mother who feels alone in her decision to home educate with her fond anecdotes and down to earth suggestions on how to find other Catholic home educating families, how to build community, how to run a successful social event, and how to support one another in good times and bad.
" Home-educating mothers share a unique cultural experience. We understand one another, and a large part of "socialization" should be geared toward nurturing friendship for mothers who choose this narrow, but incredibly rewarding, path"
Haystack is far more engaging than a dry how-to manual, however. Alice, whose childhood involved many trips to family in the Emerald Isle has inherited the legendary Irish facility with language gives her prose a poetic lilt which leads to such picturesque images as,
"The truth is homeschooling groups are not founded--they trickle together gradually, like a barrel filling up with rain. Still, there are ways we can help the process along, fastening the hoops around the staves of the barrel, lest we lose a precious drop."
The secret to the success of Alice's home schooling groups is her heartfelt compassion for the struggles of the home educating mother and her natural generosity in reaching out to meet their needs. "Socialization for homeschoolers is every bit as much about friendship for mothers as it is for the children. Many best friends have been made around the kitchen table"
Haystack includes an impressive array of Alice's social involvements, nature study groups, Shakespearean plays, creative crafts woven into celebrations of the liturgical year, but the greatest strength of this book lies in the fact that no one in the community is overlooked, not even the special needs child who is shy to become involved in a group activity. Alice has tips for getting these children involved and making them feel loved, "One trick I have is to pull out something especially fun, like a game or interesting little novelty. Not only does this entertain the child who happens to be alone--it also attracts others to be his companions." She describes the pains she has taken to teach her children the art of making the newcomer to the group feel welcome in her home, and that explains why at some of her Little Flower meetings, her lawn is filled with hundreds of happy participants.
Many people wonder if home educating is possible through high school. Alice admits that though many high school age boys attend school; home education social groups nurture the teenage soul as well.
"When I think about home schooled teenagers, the image that presents itself in my mind is that of a rose freshly blooming. Those little children who once played in our house or crafted at our table are fine young men and women now, and they are a joy to behold. How many mothers of teenagers are able to say that they love all their children's friends? Yet this is what I can say wholeheartedly, and I believe that these vivid roses are even more beautiful when arranged together in a bouquet."

That is why I recommend Haystack for all mothers seeking a sense of community in a fast-paced world in which children fail to savor the sweetness of childhood in their headlong rush to emulate questionable role models. Alice Gunther in her distinctly poetic manner, reminds us of the riches of a childhood fully lived in the loving embrace of the Body of Christ. The advice she offers in Haystack, is valuable even if your children are in school you are seeking ways to find like-minded friends for your family. She explains her balanced view of home educating here,
" As I mention this, let me be clear in saying that I do not think families who are not called to home educate are any less faithful or blessed by God. Yet, I do think, for whatever reason, God calls some of us to serve him in this specific way--not a more exalted way--but a different and necessary one."
I agree with my friend Alice that communities like the Immaculate Heart of Mary group which we enjoy on Long Island may just be the seedbed of the New Springtime of Evangelization which our dear Pope John Paul II predicted. One innocent child spending a pleasant afternoon among friends in the garden, one family sharing the joy of the Faith with another, young families are rediscovering Christian community and renewing the Body of Christ.

Brimming with love and generosity, this book offers practical ideas and enthusiastic encouragement to all homeschooling mothers, novices and veterans alike. There are ideas for a huge variety of social opportunities: all kinds of clubs, arts and crafts, drama (the Shakespeare play alone is hugely inspiring), and growth in the faith. This book is a beautiful guide to hospitality, for mothers as well as their children. The picture painted of the rich and happy social lives (which is what most people mean when they ask about "socialization") of these families is proof enough that homeschooling does not produce socially stunted children, but Alice Gunther also addresses the questions most of us face regarding "socialization" as "learning to interact with others in the world."

I think it will be the definitive book on the subject. A marvelous book!

This is a wonderful book, for it not only helps parents deal with the "What about socialization?" question they get whenever they mention the word "homeschool", but it also helps homeschooling parents understand the value of building up a strong community of like-minded parents and families for their family to interact with joyfully.

Practical as well as theoretical, Haystack Full of Needles helps new homeschooling parents to begin a group; helps answer the question--what are the essential parts of a gathering?- (coffee being one of them), and what kinds of things to talk about.

But Haystack is not just for new homeschoolers. I am a veteran, and found many good and practical common sense suggestions to put immediately to use in my own group.

Valuable, practical, filled with common sense, useful, uplifting and encouraging, I hope all homeschooling parents will read this book.

Have you ever had a friend so wise, so creative, so full of good ideas, such a gift to your circle of friends, that you've found yourself repeatedly telling her, "You know, you should really write a book"? Alice Gunther is that friend, and at long last, she has written that book. Even as she was writing it, her ideas were bearing fruit in my own home and homeschooling circle: inspired by her Shakespeare chapter, I organized a Shakespeare Club for my children and their friends. I've never been a natural hostess, but Alice makes it seem easy.

What makes Haystack Full of Needles so compelling is that it is much more than an explosion of the myth that homeschoolers lack "proper socialization"--it is a vivid, lively, and detailed account of how homeschooling families can build community and friendship. The perfect blend of personal narrative and practical advice, Haystack Full of Needles is an inspiring heartwarming chronicle of the growth of a lively homeschooling community. At first, readers will wish they could live in Alice's neck of the woods and be a part of all the marvelous events she describes, but by the book's end, they'll be overflowing with excitement to put Alice's ideas to practice in their own homes, parishes, and homeschooling communities.

Every Catholic or any person wishing to know about Catholicism should read this book. Fr. Groeschal's presentation is stunning, challenging and moving. This book will move the reader from a nominal believer to a spiritual life that gives one a greater need for an intimate relationship with God.

"Healing the Original Wound" is a book that should be read by everyone. Father Benedict Groeschel does an excellent job of putting into perspective what the meaning of life really is. Father Benedict's faith, compassion and intelect flows freely in this easy to read book. For those that have read "Healing the Original Wound", putting into perspective everyday problems will no longer be a problem.

In this book, Fr Groeschel examines the consequences of original sin, and gives us reasons for hope in a world where God permits much that is tragic. Written in a conversational tone (compared to his earlier work) and in a tenor of affable tough-mindedness, Fr Groeschel illustrates his theses about hell, about penitence, about God's grace, using many incidents and real-life stories from his own experience as a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal in the South Bronx, an area which police have denominated "Fort Apache" and which priests call "Our Lady's Playground."

Unsentimental but never hectoring, clear-eyed and hopeful, acutely aware of the tragic and the sinful but nonetheless unwavering in faith, hope, and charity, Fr Groeschel has given us a book that you will read at least seven times a year. There is a marvellously restorative effect to "Healing the Original Wound," and without hesitation, this reviewer declares it to be the best of the friar's books.

It might be mentioned further that a book like this one reveals the crippling inadequacy of labels like "liberal" or "conservative." Benedict Groeschel is a Catholic priest who works among the poor in New York City, who has an ardent love of Catholic tradition, who doesn't take kindly to dissings of JP2, who reveres the memories of Archbishop Oscar Romero and Dom Helder Camara, and who on occasion has kind words to say about Mother Angelica. We think it safe to say that he is uncategorizable and inimitable. And we thank God for him, and this wonderfully magnanimous book of his.

Can't read Aquinas ? Read Groeschel !
Easy but profound and packed with
great insights and stories.

I love Fr. Benedict's writing style, he is very down to earth and because of this he is very clear. In this book he guides the reader towards understanding exactly what the Salvation that Christ gained for us is, what hallmarks our lives have to have in order to truly reflect Christ's presence in our lives, as well as to draw us heavenward. Throughout the book he illustrates the points he is trying to make with vignettes from the lives of his parishioners and his friends, from the tragic to the funny. I highly reccomend this book, particularly to all who think that we live, we die and then that's it.

This is a fantastic book. I was crying and laughing at the same time. Seth and Abby are devasted when Seth's sister dies. Seth is a doctor who feels he should have been able to save his own sister. Depressed, he decides to leave town and quit his profession. Abby has always loved Seth and doesn't intend to let him walk out of her life. She does some interesting (and desperate) things to keep him in town all in the name of love. Then Abby finds out that she is sick and it looks like only Seth will be able to save her.

This book is really funny. Between Abby's crazy family and her attempts to keep Seth from leaving I was laughing all the time. When Abby gets sick though is when the book really shines, the emotions are very real. I highly recommend this book!

Abby Merganser is determined to marry Dr. Seth Hendon. Unfortunately, Seth seems a little . . . shall we say less than enthusiastic to the idea?

This a really good story. It starts off with a bang - funny, interesting, lots of authentic, historical detail - which is always a plus for me. The characters are funny, the story is fast-paced and heartwarming.

I did not enjoy it, however, and I'll explain why. This story deals - at length - with two people who have long term chronic, and potentially fatal illnesses. Having just lost two close family members after a very long and painful illness, I found this book simply too sad, it brought up so many bad memories, and I found those parts of the book painful to read.

So, this is my synopsis - this is a fun, fast-paced book, with a heartwarming ending - however, if this kind of story (long term chronic illness) will bring up bad memories for you, you may want to skip it.

This book is both funny and poignant, and you'll laugh out loud and reach for your hankie along with Seth and Abby. They'll touch your heart and remain there long after you've stayed up all night finishing the book. As a bonus, Heart Full of Miracles is a particular treat for those interested in 19th-century doctor/medical romances. Seth is everything a good doctor should be and more, and the afflictions and 19th century medical practices were believable and well-researched.

If you enjoy Americana, don't miss this book.

In the latter half of the nineteenth century in Eden's Grove, Iowa, optimist Abby Merganser seems to always obtain her goals in spite of being the looniest of a loony family. Currently, Abby works at the Weekly Herald, but her strategic objective is to marry the man she loves, Dr. Seth Hendon. However, Seth sees Abby as a close friend of his younger sister.

As part of her campaign, Abby begins to show up everywhere that Seth goes including his office. Seth continues to reject her. He is bone tired after losing a few patients. Seth not only is thinking of quitting the medical profession, but of simply leaving town. Still, the persistent Abby refuses to allow her soul mate to retire from life.

A HEART FULL OF MIRACLES is a wonderful Americana romance that vividly brings alive a piece of our heritage. The exciting story line works because the authentic tidbits are fully interwoven into the plot. The lead characters are a charming pair of opposites as Abby is full of life's vigor while Seth struggles with depression. As she has done with her previous novels like THE COURTSHIP and A KISS TO DREAM ON, Stephanie Mittman makes nineteenth century America a one-sitting affair.

Harriet Klausner

The best reading choices, I find, are those I buy on impluse. The reason I picked this book was the intriguing blurb on the back cover. I'd just been through a spate of regency historicals and thought this would be a nice change. Glad I did!

Abby and Seth, the main characters, are are so thoroughly developed and empathetic. Their relationship has the closeness borne of a shared sorrow (death of a dear friend and a beloved sister) and the distancing of a love, long unexpressed. You feel the emotions so profoundly as these two struggle through the up and downs of the relationship. Adding to the poignancy are the secondary stories. As is true of most small towns, the inhabitants of Eden's Cove have a shared history. I enjoyed what made this small town interesting and close knit.The storyline doesn't get bogged down in pathos.There is enough gentle humor to add balance. Overall its a wonderful story of faith, hope and love.

As a Christian Mom I am faced every day with the task of helping our two kids make choices. I often forget to guide them through the process with a Biblical perspective. Kendra's book was right on track with very real examples. Many of her examples hit home and made me realize how much more I can do when it comes to helping my kids make choices. The book was great; I enjoyed Kendra's style and sense of humor. This was just what I needed to read!

As the parent of a toddler, this book opened my eyes to the BIG PICTURE when it comes to the choices our children make. I especially appreciated the author's ability to document the success of her advice through historical reference and personal experience. Her practical and hands-on suggestions have given me the confidence I needed as a parent to work WITH my child when it comes to his life choices!

In an age of too much information, this was a book that I could use TODAY! I found her advice to be practical and inspirational. It also helped me understand that, as with most things in life, becoming a better parent is a choice. My boys are reaping the rewards of my taking just a few hours to read this book!! I'm looking forward to her next book.

Kendra Smiley's "Helping Your Kids Make Good Choices" is insightful and full of wisdom, but also enjoyable and easy to read. Her real life examples and Bible stories brought to life are extremely helpful and often amusing. The book not only gives the tools to help your kids make good choices, but the surprise was that it helped me think about my OWN decisions as well. I used to think that if you were a Christian your kids would turn out fine; but I have too many Christian friends whose kids are now ages 16 - 21 and are making bad life-changing choices. If this can happen in good Christian families, then we need every tool available to help avoid it. Kendra's book is such a tool!!!!! This is an excellent book for parents and parents-to-be.

I found this book to be very beneficial as two of our children are in school and are now experiencing social pressures. (Even at second grade and kindergarten!!) Many of the book's points are so practical and easy to incorporate into daily decision making. The fact that the basis for the book is taken from the Bible is all the more important for our family as we try to make scripture and christian values a part of our daily life. I would recommend this book to anyone with children or anyone considering a family. Thank you Kendra!!

I just wanted to jump in and agree a billion percent (not impossible, just highly improbable) with the others here, especially my fellow San Diegans, that the original BBC Radio presentation is fantastic and the best of all the incarnations of The Hitch Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy. I never tire of it, and it sure makes road trips fly by. There are a lot of great sound effects that come to life with headhphones too....and all this being said the books are not to be missed either. Marvin Rules!

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy has had numerous incarnations: novels, TV series, an ill fated stage play, a text based video game, a full length movie, and other obscure manifestations. However, the one that started it all was in fact the 1979 radio broadcast. The series is written for the ear, and no other performance is quite like the original. Any fan of the books should be glad to own the medium that started it all.

This is the original BBC radio series (I know I have an old cassette copy from the early 1908's). The radio series was first, then the book, then the TV series, and now the movie. In my opinion the radio series was the best. It has all of the great lines my friend love to quote. The actors are wonderful. The sound effects make you feel like you are right there with Arthur and Ford exploring the universe. Highly recommend it. Great way to pass the time while you are driving to work.

This 3 CD package contains the original six episodes--they call them "fits"--of the BBC Radio series broadcast in 1978. Each fit is approximately 30 minutes long. There are 7-13 tracks per fit, so that you can quickly and easily go forwards or backwards in any episode--as close to hyperdrive as your going to get. The sound quality is excellent.

As the title of my review indicates, my favorite version of The Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy is the radio version. The BBC Radio broadcasts were the first medium through which The Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy was introduced to the world, with the books, TV series and film coming later. Peter Jones' performance as the Book is outstanding.

That being said, I think it beneficial to read the book (if you haven't already) prior to listening to the CD's, so that you know the basic story line. I say the basic story line, because the book and the radio version differ on occasions.

Listen to these CD's in your car, and you'll arrive at your destination before you really want to--who needs an Improbability Drive.

Of all the incarnations this story has gone through, I still believe that this original BBC radiophonic production is the best!

I absolutely loved this book. It is wonderful to read stories about strong and diverse women. I am giving it out as holiday presents to everyone this year. I reccomend this book to everyone!

My men's book club chose this book as its nonfiction selection of the month. 7 of 8 men felt that the book added to their appreciation of women's issues. The presentation--folktales paired with short essays on strong contemporary women--gave insights we felt to be valuable.

What a great idea! In Full Bloom pairs folktales from all over the world with vignettes about real women--real, mature women. Each folktale/vignette exemplifies a certain trait or common experience of mature women, such as "Protecting Our Daughters" (Demeter and Persephone/Elizabeth Morgan) and "Breaking Free of Convention" (Lilith/Mae West).

Additionally, the book is broken up into two sections, Roses and Not Roses. The Roses are the traditional women, or women acting in traditional roles, while the Not Roses are untraditional women. Creeden doesn't denigrate or glorify either--she celebrates them equally and shows the reader the best sides of those roles.

Finally, Creeden includes a comprehensive collection of notes, which I particularly liked. I'm interested in folklore, so the notes gave me a good starting place for more research.

I have no problem recommending this book to everyone. Just because it's about mature women doesn't mean only they will appreciate it!

What a delightful book! I laughed and cried. Ms. Creeden has been able to connect folktale and legend to lives of real people. Her choices are so varied we are treated to ancient tales as well as urban stories -- Women who are "Roses" and "Not Roses", well known and unknown. In doing so, she captures the essence of women's struggles and joys with both insight and wit! A good read and great examples for our own journeys!

I absolutely loved this book. It is wonderful to read stories about strong and diverse women. I am giving it out as holiday presents to everyone this year. I reccomend this book to everyone!