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What a wonderful and warm way to show the amazing similarities and differences among children around the world! A charming book and one that will endure. The author captures the excitement of children returning to school in a lovely way.

This is a fabulous book for expanding children's curiosity and knowledge of other cultures. Every child can relate to the challenge and excitement of the first day of school. Children from Peru, India, Australia, China, Japan and many other countries tell what a typical day of school is like. Each child who speaks has a unique personality. A great resource for teachers, parents, and children.

This book is very reader friendly. Besides the usable ideas Ms. Small included, I was impressed with how the author was able to incorporate student samples throughout her writing. Hooray for an educational book that keeps one awake and interested. Hooray for one excellent teacher's willingness to share her teaching philosphy.

I always search for ways for my children to want to learn. This book gave me ideas along with smiles and enjoyment. I kept reading to hear more. Each chapter took me to the next. I think parents can learn as much from it or maybe more than educators. I now have new thoughts and ideas to help my own children.

This volume continues the great work that the authors have done in volumes I-IV.

One of the unique things about this series - and one of the things I like about it - is that they are written "broadly" instead of "deeply". That is, each book is written to a phase in your development as a Go player, covering the things that you're going to be seeing on the board during that phase - openings, fighting, end-game and all.

This is in contrast to most Go books, which cover a particular aspect in great detail, trying to cover the advanced and not-so-advanced aspects at the same time.

When I look for a new Go book, I always wish for some kind of guide as to what level it's appropriate for. Though there's a lot of individual variation in this area, I'll take a shot at it for this book: I would say that it's teaching material for 20k to 10k players. It would also serve as good review material up to, say, 5k, providing a fresh perspective and filling in some details.

Players below those levels would definitely want to go back to previous volumes in the series and work their way up to this one. Players above those levels might not find much new here, unless they've gotten there mainly through a lot of play and not much study - in which case they might still benefit from this presentation.

My first Go book was the first volume of Janice Kim's Learn To Play Go series. From there, I quickly jumped into the other three books in the series. When browsing for a new board on the website for Kim's company, Samarkand, I saw her announcement that the fifth book in the series was out. I picked it up immediately.

In studying the game, I'd gotten to the point where the opening and issues of shape were becoming important, and it's amazing how Kim's book just enlightened me on these sometimes difficult areas of the game. In one review for Volume IV of the series, a reviewer mentions how Kim interweaves advice on specific plays with general concepts. This effective technique is used here as well.

This is an excellent go book, but obviously it is not for everyone. If you've never played the game before, this is going to be way over your head, and I would suggest Volume I of the series. If you're familiar with the basics, Volumes II-IV are definitely worth reading. Once you've digested those (or equivalent material elsewhere), I totally recommend Volume 5. Not only does it continue the series' reputation for excellent go writing, it extends it.

Born after his death on the opposite side of Pacific, I cannot clearly imagine what America had been like during administration of JFK.

Soviet Union threatning US with nuclear missiles stationed in Cuba. Black young men actually denied to enter his university. West Berlin in blockade. Ok, it's impossible for us to compare difficulties of those with the threats today's US faces but for sure the one of JFK's can never have been easy.

One of the greatest abilities (personalities) in JFK is to encourage people, in their difficult times, with his absolute power, vitality and sincereity of abundance. As Sorensen pointed out, perhaps sometimes his words conveyed messages of what was beyond or above people, couldn't be achieved as it's simply too difficult.

Nevertheless in my opinion, statesmen have to tell LONG vision, things people don't want to hear but need to while politicians merely telling what people want to hear. He's supposed to have made "a step" in many subjects, which later leads to one "thousand miles" as he always said.

Recently I watched movie "13 days" and, very impressed with his decisiveness, I just happened to want to go through his speeches all over again to have bumped into this book on Amazon.com. With it in mind that the author, Ted Sorensen, was a speech writer of JFK, I believed this was the one. I wasn't wrong.

The book is very organized, subject by subject, which makes it easy to find what you need in this book although I read this from cover to cover. With statements and interviews included, let alone all important speeches, you can have a clear picture for creeds of JFK's.

Far more complicated and different as is the current world, simple and direct application of his wisdom might be not so realistic but, again, his power, vitality, sincerity and whatever are all in this book, which definitely moved world citizens at that time, and for sure could, in our time.

It might be different from reader to reader or from his social position to position, what impression you'll have from this book. One thing for sure is you'll find SOMETHING impressive, this I guarantee.

I, for one, am proud of this book being in my shelf from now on. Unfortunatelly the book seems to be out of stock for now, so just pick it up in market place, hard-cover version recommended, it endures.

Whether you love John F. Kennedy or hate him, "Let the Word Go Forth" is a rewarding read for anyone interested in the 35th President or the America from which we are not very far removed. This book consists of excerpts from over 100 speeches made by John F. Kennedy during his political life. These is not a collection of quotations but a public career as portrayed in largely and totally complete speeches and statements. In these pages we are reminded of the lofty ideals, the wit and, a bit of the parochial politician which was John F. Kennedy.

For me, much of the value in this book lies not in what it tells us of Kennedy, but what it tells us about the country in which he lived. The things which were said, and which did not need to be said, and the language used tell us of an America different from the one in which we live today. To illustrate this I will discuss four of the speeches.

We begin with the Inaugural Address, probably Kennedy's most famous statement. The speech, which gave us several remembered lines, the most famous of which is "Ask not what your country can do for you,-ask what you can do for your country" is most notable for what it does not say. Read this speech from start to finish and you will find no mention of social security, health care, education, poverty, civil rights, highways or any of the domestic concerns which have held such center stage in recent public debate. It deals exclusively of foreign policy. What President since Kennedy would start his administration which such a challenge?

The second speech to which I would direct the reader's attention is the address to the Houston Ministerial Alliance on September 12, 1960. The purpose of the speech was to refute allegations that a Catholic would have a divided loyalty or would be subject to orders from the church hierarchy. The way in which Kennedy responded to the problem is felt by many to have done a great disservice to Catholic politicians. It is believed that Kennedy established the standard that, in order to be considered for office, Catholic candidates must establish that their religious beliefs will not be a factor in their decision making process. At the end of the speech, Kennedy was specifically confronted with a request that he request approval from the Vatican for his statement supporting the separation of church and state. What politician since then has been confronted with such a question?

The third speech to be considered is entitled "The City Upon a Hill" and was given to the Massachusetts legislature on January 9, 1961. In this speech Kennedy draws on the history of Massachusetts in establishing the code of conduct for those serving the Commonwealth. He lists four questions by which public servants will be judged: "were we men of courage...were we men of judgement...were we truly men of integrity...were we men of dedication." As one reads these stirring question with their elaborations, a realization dawns on the reader: There were no women in the Massachusetts legislature in 1961. I am sure that the wording would be different today.

The last speech which I would suggest for consideration is the acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, entitled "The Opening of the New Frontier." I bring this speech up because of the oft stated lament that the public is losing its sense of history, its ability to relate current conditions to conditions of the past in order to help us separate the principle from the pragmatism and the important from the trivial. In that speech, the nominee tells his listeners: "just as historians tell us that Richard I was not fit to fill the shoes of bold Henry II-and that Richard Cromwell was not fit to wear the mantle of his uncle {sic}-they might add in future years that Richard Nixon did not measure to the footsteps of Dwight D. Eisenhower." Overlooking the fact that Richard Cromwell succeeded his father and not his uncle, what contemporary candidate would trust his listeners to understand the reference to long gone English leaders? Is it the draining of the general fund of knowledge of our citizens which has lowered the level of our public discourse from the deep, rich speech of the Kennedy era to the shallow sound bites of today?

At the conclusion of "Let the Word Go Forth" one has a greater respect for the communication skills of our 35th President and an appreciation for the things which we, as a society have gained, and a longing for the things which we have lost.

Compiled and written by Troy Corley, Let's Go Buggy!: The Ultimate Family Guide To Insect Zoos And Butterfly Houses is a straightforward vacation guide to over 100 insect-themed, family-friendly places in the United States. From acquiring pet bugs, to butterfly releases, to honey harvest celebrations, and more, Let's Go Buggy! is chock full of locations, descriptions, and solid information concerning hours, admission fees, web sites, and more. Let's Go Buggy! is very highly recommended for planning a unique, distinctive, memorable, educational, and thoroughly fun family trip.

If you want to walk among a thousand butterflies or hope to excite your child about the wonders of insects, this is the book for you. I recommend Let's Go Buggy to everyone I meet who wants to visit a butterfly atrium or insect zoo. Its many other resources - web sites, book recommendations, etc. -- are excellent for insect enthusiasts of all ages.

My son is 3 and loves all the Little Bill books

My son is 3 years old and loves Little Bill. The colors in the book and the stickers are great!

This guide is an excellent resource for those who are looking for great weekend getaway ideas for their families. I have a toddler whom I'd like to introduce to the fun of a train ride. This book instantly supplied two possibilities, both in the Catskills, which my husband and I can't wait to try. There's a wealth of information on pick-your-own farms, state parks with lots of activities for kids of all ages, museums and other educational and fun destinations for the whole family.

Being a parent that lives Adirondacks I am always looking for new things for me and my children to enjoy. I thought this was a great book for both kids and adults to look through and find activities. I found it had a variety of activities to do in a large 16 county area. I think this is the perfect guide for the parent who like to do weekend activities with the kids. For me its simply choose a place to go and find something interesting to do there. And trust me, there are plenty of choices! This is an escpecially helpful book for kids 2-12. I easily give this book the full 5 Amazon stars for excellent research, easy to use layout, variety of choices, wide selection of locations, and knowledge of what families want. So if your a parent looking for a guide for where to bring your kids, buy this book. In fact any parent living in upstate New York should get this book, you never know when you might need it.

Lama Surya Das is a profound teacher when it comes to Tibetan Buddhism. He remembers that his teachers always observed that the most important step in dealing with grief and suffering was to look at the losses pragmatically. Surya Das adds: "Like the Buddha, we want to find the lessons that lie buried in suffering and pain. Questioning is an essential part of the spiritual path: self-inquiry, introspection, philosophy - all involve genuine doubt and skepticism as propellants fueling the spiritual journey. We find meaning in the seeking itself." In short, we must find the answers for ourselves. No text, as wonderful as it might even be, can do this exploration for us. As opposed to trying to escape from bereavement and hindrance, we can face them with insight and strength.

There is an enormous breadth of teachings stories in this book. From something jotted down in a Nursery school by a toddler, to Zen allegories-Surya Das unabashedly draws from the best of so many sources to bring us a book so full of the good teachings. As he's done in his earlier books, Surya Das proposes precise practices in his dialogue of the circumstances we may all find ourselves in. For instance, mention how the loss of a loved one can make us "wrap up" or become solitary, he counsels using prayer to confirm our aspiration to keep our hearts unlocked and free. Like the old saying, "A bird only can stay in your hand without you killing it if your hand is open." We must cherish and love all that is, while being prepared to let go at any moment. This is how we should practice. Letting go. The Hindu text The Bhagavad-Gita states: "Death is certain for anyone born, and birth is certain for the dead. Seeing how this cycle is inevitable, you have no cause to grieve." Those are some really sobering words. This book answers a lot of our toughest questions in life with a kind and gentle hand. Enjoy it!

Lama Surya Das has given us a handbook on living. "Letting Go" is an excellent book for anyone going through loss, change, illness, or a desired transformation of being. This book is easily read and has been written like he is talking to you in person. While it is very Buddhist in background, this is a book anybody from any religious background can gain from. I resell many of my buddhist books but this is one I will be keeping in my library to re-read in the future. Surya Das has a easy way of explaining Buddhism in a more westernized way that makes this an excellent book for newcomers to this faith and way of being. I also loved the Medicine Buddha section which gives full instruction on a healing mantra and visualizations for physical, mental, and spiritual healing. It reminds me very much of guru yoga for those of you familiar with Dzogchen practice. Read this book for yourself and give out several for gifts. Surya Das, I can't wait for more of your writings. You are one fine writer! Bodhi Leaf, Buddhist and Reiki Master.

I have found that following up on hunches, feelings or listening to my inner voice produces much better answers to questions than if I simply rely on logic. This book teaches how to access that inner knowledge found inside each of us and encouranges the reader to follow that inner guidance in order to live a more peaceful, satisfying life. There are exercises that teach you how to do it and true stories contributed by people illustrating how accessing their inner voice helped them make the best decisions. Highly recommended.

This book takes the reader on an inspiring quest for the Inner Voice, starting off with conscience and its part in rightful action, moving to intuition and hunches which enable us to make appropriate decisions, towards inspiration and inner guidance as an effective tool in a chosen field of expression. The thorny question of discernment is discussed; how can we trust what we hear? How do we formulate precise questions in order to receive clear answers? What happens when we discover that there is an Inner Voice which is not only interested in our personal lives, but nudges us towards embracing all of Life? Is there such a thing as a Voice that is ever present, an intrinsic part of our consciousness, not just an oracle to be consulted very now and again? The authors clearly write from deep personal experience, and a number of practical examples are given and writing exercises suggested. Inspiring quotes from well known authors, as well as many testimonials from people who have had startling experiences and insights prove that we are not only equipped with intuition, but that we have access to divinely inspired guidance and an inner connection to the whole of Creation. In finding and using the Inner Voice we learn to play our unique part in the unfolding of the Divine Plan and in making this World a place of harmony and love for all of Life.

This book could have been written with my daughter instead of Little Bear. We read this book every night before bed. My 3 year-old loves it and has for years. I also think it's adorable, so I don't mind reading it over and over again. Little Bear is just like so many kids who don't want to go to sleep or who want to sleep with mom and dad. Great book for kids!

This is one of my 3-year-old's favorite books. Little Bear is so cute, and she loves how curious and naughty he is! The sniffing game that his parents play with him is especially cute, and she makes us recreate it while reading. This book has been especially helpful in getting her ready to move from our room to her own big-girl bed, as Little Bear learns that sleeping with his "guys" in his own bed is really the best place for him. We read it every night before bed, and I suspect she will love it for years to come.