royalty Books

Maybe this is the greatest book about richard I ..
Gillingham done a great job for all the history buffs & specialist ..

Richard the man who was one of the greatest warrior kings In all the time
finally found for himself a marvelous author .

I strongly recommend this Amazing book even fo those who don't read
history at all ! ..

John Gillingham is possibly the world's most respected Richard scholar. This book is a masterpiece. I don't use that word a lit. This book is an exploration of the career of King Richard the Lionheart, one of the most famous of English kings. Although his reputation has remained high among the general population, among scholars his reputation has suffered under a series of attacks. For over a century he has been considered, in Steven Runciman's words, "a bad son, a bad king, but a noble and valiant soldier." His is a relatively positive interpretation compared to others. Professor Gillingham helps put the record straight, in part with the help of modern analysis of the writs and charters of his reign. He shows that the criticisms of the worst of King Richard's detractors are mistaken. The economy that Richard is accused of stretching to the breaking point is shown to have been healthy throughout his reign.

The Angevin kings are easy to understand, as their personalities are so strong that they show through even in the flat and adulatory writings of the period. And Gillingham's book brings their personalities across very well. You see Richard in all his larger than life nature. He is the dominating figure in this biography.

Gillingham does it again. John Gillingham, again,provides us with another superb account of a remarkable ruler of England.

A great introduction to those curious about this legendary monarch. Gillingham pulls off a bit of a hat trick here. While he does have strong opinions of surrounding figures, particularly Philip and John, he lets the facts speak for themselves about Richard and does not argue one particular point of view. With one exception, his sexuality. This also one of the few times where I found the primary historians, both Arab and Norman, becoming "characters" and their presence is missed when they die or no longer are around the King. The very difficult task of giving all of the counts of Normandy, the Vexin, and the Aquitaine distinctiveness is handled incredibly well. In the hands of a less skilled author this would have been very dry reading and frustratingly convoluted. Also, bit of a heads up to the future reader: This is Gillingham's second book on Richard the Lionheart and he has written numerous articles and essays on the monarch. He has no problem using himself as a reference and he flat out lifts an entire chapter from his previous work and places it in this one. I found this shrewdly entertaining. It does benefit this volume and since the older version is no longer in print, no harm done. After reading this you come away better informed, entertained and with a desire to pick up another book on this era and this king. I can't think of much better praise than that. An essential work for a medieval library.

I was sceptical getting started on this biography. Certainly, the early parts were fact-laden, slightly uninteresting and slow going.

I am very glad I did not give up.

This is one of the few strictly historical books that restores one's faith in objective research and non-agenda, non-ego driven truth finding.

One might wish for a bit more of a picture of Richard's persona, but from the remove of nearly a millenium, this would be fudging anyway. The facts that there are are clearly and neatly laid out regarding all of Richard's attributes, and some of the modern fadist mythologies (so many of which have their underpinnings in a given academic's desire or need for attention) are dealt with fairly and thoroughly.

Example: Richard was not a homosexual, as "The Lion in Winter" would have a viewer believe. The evidence against it is clear and plenary. It isn't that one doesn't wish him to be, it's just that this notion has its roots in a modern attempt to overlay ancient male and political bonding customs with a template of modern behaviours and modern conclusions which would stem from modern interpretations of those behaviors.

All in all, Richard emerges from the historical record as a great warrior King, who was grossly treated following his exertions during the Crusades, and was forced to try to reclaim the lands that Phillip of France stole while Richard was away. He was therefore forced to stay away from Britain, because the Angevin and Acquitainian and Norman parts of his empire were on the continent. He did not stay away from Britain by choice or by neglect (another myth debunked), but because he was forced to by the duties of his Kingship. Also, Britain WAS part of continental Europe as well in those days. (Or vice versa, if you happen to be English.)

We checked this book out at the library so many times that I finally decided to just purchase it. My children love it. The story is whimsical and creative. It was a spring board for my children to daydream. It inspired new games and even made them prone to carrying around their own favorite toys. It is a must own book that celebrates childhood and imagination.

We love Emily Brown. She is imaginative, creative, fiercly loyal to her bunny, adventurous, and is polite but stands up for herself when necessary. Great characteristics for a little girl to emulate. The story is fun and teaches a great lesson. The writing is creative and the illustrations are great. My 2 year old adores this book and acts it out as we are reading together. Highly recommend this one... I buy it for everyone I know!

My daughter who is 6 loved this story. It was easy for her to read and she enjoyed the fact the little girl wanted to keep her favorite stuffed animal and not trade it in for a new one. I would recommend this story to anyone.

My niece (who is named Emily Brown) loved this book! I also found her a stuffed rabbit and she loves to hold it and have the book read to her:) I look forward to more Emily Brown books!

Ages 3-7. "Emily Brown" is a very successful book. It is funny and imaginative. Emily Brown and her well-loved stuffed bunny Stanley spend their days going on fantastic adventures together. They go to outer space and the Amazon rain forest and deep-sea diving off the Great Barrier Reef. These activities are interrupted by representatives of Her Excellence Queen Gloriana the Third. The Queen has seen Emily's wonderful bunny, whom she refers to as Bunnywunny, and wants him for herself. First, Emily is approached by the Chief Footman to the Queen who offers her a brand-new teddy bear in exchange for the bunny. Emily politely explains that the bunny is not for sale and that his name is not Bunnywunny but that it is, in fact, Stanley. In the ensuing days, Emily is approached by representatives of the Army, the Navy, and the Air-Force whose requests for the bunny become increasingly more extravagant and progressively more hostile with each successive visit. Finally, Emily awakes one morning to find that her beloved Stanley is gone! He has been stolen by the Queen's Special Commandos. Emily heads straight for the castle to find both the Queen and Stanley miserable. Emily rescues Stanley and shares with the Queen the secret to having a real toy of her own. Giving Queen the brand-new teddy bear she says, "play with him all day. Sleep with him at night. Hold him very tight and be sure to have lots of adventures." This story harkens back to messages learned in "The Velveteen Rabbit" about truly loving a toy and making it real. Neal Layton's illustrations in "Emily Brown" are childlike and evocative. He uses what looks to be a mix of line drawing and photographs to make wonderfully detailed collages. The book is a delight and would be a good addition to any public or school library collection. - Elizabeth Considine, Children's Librarian, Sonoma County Library.

Even my 5 year old daughter who was given the Barbie movie by the same title prefers me to read this book to her over watching the dvd. The illustrations are lovely; the text is interesting, yet clear enough for my little one to understand. A wonderful book for any little girl who enjoys beautiful dresses and magical places.

Having enjoyed looking at children's book since childhood this illustrated book is absolutely amazing. Each page is beautifully illustrated in Oil based paint, such exquisite artistry in a book made for children. The detail of each painting serves to tell the tale without words.

Having enjoyed looking at children's book since childhood this illustrated book is absolutely amazing. Each page is beautifully illustrated in Oil based paint, such exquisite artistry in a book made for children. The detail of each painting serves to tell the tale without words.

I've said it in another review and I'll say it again: every home should have at least one Ruth Sanderson book in their children's bookshelves, and her retelling of 'The Twelve Dancing Princesses' would be a pretty good choice.

The king of a prosperous kingdom has twelve beautiful daughters, but is confused at the state of their shoes each morning - each pair is worn through, although the door to their bedroom is locked. Where are the princesses going and how are they getting out? Many men are sent to guard the princesses with the promise that if they solve the mystery they may gain one of their hands in marriage, but all the young princes disappear by morning. But one day Michael comes to the castle as a helper to the gardener with the magical gift of an invisibility cloak given to him by an old woman on the road. Instantly smitten with the youngest princess Lina, Michael hides in the girls' bedroom under his cloak and watches them creep through a secret trapdoor, through glittering woods and across a vast lake to a castle... but how is a mere commoner supposed to inform the king of this and secure the love of his youngest daughter?

Ruth Sanderson once again brings to life a beautiful fairytale with her glorious oil paintings, making this a must for any bookshelf, or lovers of fairytales or fine art. Despite the fact there are twelve princesses, the illustrations are never cluttered, and Sanderson captures water, material, hair and even glances between one figure to another realistically, yet with a whimsical and fantasy touch. If there is one slight flaw, her colours are less bright than in other books - they are mostly pale yellows, blues or greens that give them a slightly washed out look when compared to the vividness of her other books such as 'The Golden Mare, the Firebird and the Magic Ring' and 'The Crystal Mountain', but this is most definitely one of her best narrative retellings. 'The Enchanted Wood' in my opinion still contains her best illustrations, but the story is rather weak. 'The Twelve Dancing Princesses' is the best choice for a melding of both art and storytelling skills.

Basically, girls will adore this, parents will love reading it, and if you take the time to persuade boys that is isn't a 'girly' book, then I'm certain they'll be intrigued enough by the mysterious midnight travels through the woods and the cunning of Michael to enjoy it too!

Ruth Sanderson's 'Twelve Dancing Princesses' is a fresh, deftly written take on the original fairy tale. The characters come alive, and the writing captures the childlike innocence of a fairy-tale world without being saccharine. However, what really makes this book stand out are the gorgeous illustrations. Sanderson's sumptuous oil paintings enrich the tale, and are works of art in their own right. Even without words, she knows how to create an atmosphere of mystery and of magic.

I think reading this book is an experience in itself. Its remarkable how similar we all are in basic high level thinking even though we might be centuries apart. Of course a emperror's biography going through smallest of details is very interesting. The preface by Salman Rushdie is an insult to such a great book. I believe he shouldnt have been chosen for it. But other than that I found the information in this book vital to undertstand the present culture, thinking and lifestyle in India. I am myself a proud Mughal and having this book in my possession is a pride in itself.

Babur was a king in the true sense of the word. His autobiography outlines his feirceness as a warrior as well as his compassion toward the people in his court. Although he lived in a time where one would think there would be little time for introspection, this is exactely what his narrative is: and introspective look at his own life, his shortcomings, his downfalls, his triumphs and tragedies. One is touched by Babur's humbleness, his sensitivity towards some of the most simple of things, and at his sense of awe and appreciation of beauty in the world around him. Although in some ways I prefered the AS Beveridge translation, this is also a wonderful translation with beautiful pictures and notes in the margins to help explain things. Even if you are not normally interested in this type of book, Babur leads you into his world and you are compelled to read on!

Babur, a descendant of both Timur and Genghis Khan, was a truly remarkable man: a soldier and a poet, an inspirational leader with a deep appreciation for the beauties of nature - and a sensitivity that seems striking to us in a warrior of his undoubted stature.

His memoirs are a detailed, entertaining, and highly personal view of a changing world. In leading his followers into northern India, he laid the groundwork for the Mughal Empire, one of the great Islamic powers of the early modern period - and it is this achievement that history primarily remembers him for. Yet the _Baburnama_ shows that there is considerably more to the story than its conclusion.

With unstinting and engaging honesty, Babur talks of his early struggles, his constant setbacks, and his lifelong desire to hold Samarkand, glorious seat of his ancestor Timur (Tamerlane). For Babur, India is only the consolation prize after his failure to reconquer the lands of his birthright; India is rich, yes, astoundingly so, but it is far removed from his fond reminiscences of home. Along the way, reports of skirmishes with his enemies, and the constant betrayals of his allies, share the page with descriptions of local flora and fauna, and fascinating observations on everyday life in the cities and towns that he spends time at - and it is here that the work's true enjoyment lies.

Bear with the initially confusing internecine squabbles of the Central Asian nomads, and you'll be richly rewarded. A comprehensive and compelling insight into both Central Asia at the turn of the sixteenth century, and the day-to-day pressures inherent in the leadership of an empire based on conquest.

The book itself is excellent.

I had problems with Salman Rushdie's preface, however. It is not a bad introduction, but some of his comments seem to be flawed. The writer explains the contradictory aspect of Babur's psychology (both ruthless/aggressive and soft/cultured) as the outcome of two conflicting "aspects" within Islam. Mr Rushdie does not explain how he arrives at this conclusion, however, and he fails to mention the possibility that Babur's aggression might have naturally stemmed from his Mongol background & warrior instincts. In addition, in the 2nd last paragraph, Rushdie seems to contradict himself when he compares Babur to Machiavelli: "In both men, a cold appreciation of the necessities of power, of what today would be called realpolitik, is combined with deeply cultured and literary nature, not to mention the love, of excess, of wine and women."

I would compare this extraordinary memoir by an extraordinary man to The Tale of Genji - both of them are "firsts" in their culture. The descendants of Tamerlane were both ruthlessly crafty Central Asian kings and warriors, and ultra refined conoisseurs of art and architecture, poetry, food, gardens, and (alas for them) wine. The Baburnama has it all. To encounter the private thoughts of a great conquerer is a unique experience. The Baburnama is well-written and well translated. It is one of the great treasures of literature, and will give the reader a much better idea why Afghanistan and Central Asia are the way they are.

Yes, it's wieldy, but my 27lb three year old will carry this one out of her library for me to read these long stories! We got 2 of the Disney movies after reading the stories (Mermaid and Cinderella) and she identifies the story details and pics/photos from this lovely book. Nice full page pics on every facing page.

Only criticism is after the Cinderella story there is no wedding picture or one of the prince and herself together which my daughter asked for.

I am starting a collection of books for my future children and this is part of it. I read all the stories and I loved all the pictures. This is the perfect book for beginning readers and Disney lovers.

This book is an awesome compilation of all the princess stories. It's written very nicely, not at all like the usual princess story books, which are written strictly for children. This is definitely a book an adult can enjoy with their child. The only downside is that your child will most likely not be able to read it on his or her own until they are able to read chapter books, in which case they'll most likely be interested in reading other types of books. Overall, I think this is a great book. It gives my daughter and myself some quiet time together. As all parent's know, that is always priceless.

This has been a GREAT book for us! We got it for our 4 year old daughter for Christmas and now, 2 months later we are STILL reading at least 1 chapter at naptime and 2 chapters at bedtime EVERYDAY! I can speak for my daughter and most of her 4 year old girlfriends: They are SOOOO into the Disney Princesses--the pictures in this book are FABULOUS; while the stories are complete (identical to the movies). We don't let our daughter watch the movies (she is SUPERSENSITIVE to scary stuff) and yet the stories give a vivid picture (while allowing us to edit out the more graphic words as needed: i.e. "kill, die, etc.). On those nites when the "fearsome fours" are intense, she even tells us to skip over the pages with the witches or tells us not to say "Malificent,...because I may have nitemares." I cannot recommend this book more highly as it has ALL the princess stories, beautiful pictures and will be a keepsake to pass on for generations!

When this wonderous book arrived in the mail this morning, we paused for a moment after we took it out of the box and said, "WHOAH!" This book is big and beautiful.
I first purchased this treasury five years ago for my best friend's newborn daughter. At the time, I remembered
thinking the book was too special and elegant to give to a child. Yes, I gave it to my friend's daughter!! I've searched for my own copy ever since. This Christmas, I bought a copy for my 88 year old Aunt (who introduced me to "Sleeping Beauty") AND a copy for myself at last! My neighbor who lives down the hall from me (a 55 year old adult lady) just looked at the book and told me SHE wants a copy for HERSELF! You can tell this book is already popular; and the price is a real bargain for the size and wonderful content.
This treasury collects the ultimate editions of Disney's "SNOW WHITE," "CINDERELLA," "SLEEPING BEAUTY", "THE LITTLE MERMAID," "ALADDIN", and "BEAUTY AND THE BEAST." What sets this book apart from other Disney collections is that each story is told in lengthy detail, broken down into Chapters like a novel. The dialogue is taken almost directly from the films on which they are based. Each story is approximately 94 pages long. Each page of text is followed by a full-page color illustration; again looking exactly like the Disney film on which it is based. Each page of text has a detailed border illustration. If you remember, each classic Disney fairy tale film began with a large storybook being opened; the pages turning. The style and content of this book reminds me of those classic film's beginnings.
The ornate details and size make this the perfect treasury for ADULTS to indulge in their own Disney Princess fantasies, or fond recollections of long ago vanished childhoods when we saw and appreciated Disney films for the very first time in a real movie theatre!! You don't have to, and probably won't want to, share this with kids; but your sweet, favorite Aunt and adult neighbor will likely want their own copy.
Also, Thank You Amazon for the FAST delivery!!

Very informative. Breaks down into an easy to understand timeline and also by the Royal Houses.

. Informative book which is easy for all ages to follow wether reading it themselves or being read to. My children used it for projects and i myself took it into school to show children the system the English have as many think the Queen is voted in. I also enjoyed this book as i enjoy my country's history.

My bible of Royal British successions for almost 20 years, I keep it at my elbow for constant reference. A wonderful thumbnail sketch of each King and Queen, as well as a snapshot of the times in which they lived and the causes of their sucesseses and failures. Great reading--beautifully illustrated.

I bought this book many years ago, and I still pick it up at least once a month. The book gives you the most important information of every king and queen who has ever ruled England or Scotland.

As I turn the pages, I can see that there is something interesting about every regent, and by the way; this book makes you realize that royal scandals are not a new invention.

I read this book cover to cover just prior to my trip to England (along with Antonia Fraser's "The Lives of the Kings & Queens of England"). This was a fun and easy read with nice pitcures. It is nice for anyone looking for a brief overview about the English Monarchy and also for anyone who just wants to have a handy reference.

This book is a reflection of when I had a really really good relationship with one of my friends and how Maizon and the other girl just always stuck together no matter what would happen. They were like paper and glue, just no seperation. Even through their trials and tribulations, they are like really close sister. Over there summer time, they went places together, spent time with each other. Went shopping with each other.

I read this book in order to prescreen it before giving it to my beloved 8-year old niece. It held my adult attention with no problem, but is still age-appropriate as marketed. The fascinating story of Maizon and her best friend Margaret unfolds largely on their block in the big city. These two have grown up together and are as "thick as thieves". The story follows them over the course of a summer when Margaret faces a personal family crisis and Maizon deals with the uncertainty of moving away from her beloved grandmother, family and friends (including Margaret) for the very first time.

Jacqueline Woodson crafts a fine story that is so real you'll believe it could have happen to you or some beautiful brown baby girl you know.

I'd highly recommend all of the books in the trilogy.

IF YOU ARE A GIRL AND LIKE BOOKS ABOUT FRIENSHIP, THEN YOU WILL DEFINITELY LOVE LAST SUMMER WITH MAIZON. IT A LL BEGINS IN A FRIENSHIP THAT WILL LAST FOREVER. MARGARET AND MAIZON HAVE BEEN FRIENDS SINCE THEY WERE LITTLE AND THEY SHARE SO MANY THINGS LIKE WEARING THE SAME OUTFITS AND IN THE SAME CLASS TOGETHER. SUMMER IS COMING UP AND THEY ARE WILLING TO SPEND IT TOGETHER, BUT WILL ALL THIS CHANGE WHEN MAIZON TAKES A TEST FOR A SMARTER SCHOOL?
I LIKED THIS BOOK BECAUSE IT HAD ALOT OF DETAILS ON MANY DIFFERENT CHARACTERS AND IT MADE YOU GET SO INTO IT THAT YOU COULD NOT PUT THE BOOK DOWN AND STOP RDEADING BECAUSE ONCE YOU GOT INTO A CERTAIN PART , YOU JUST COULDN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT. LIKE WHEN MAIZION TOOK THE TEST, I JUST HAD TO READ THE NEXT PART TO SEE IF SHE HAD GOT IN AND WAS GOING TO THE NEW SCHOOL.
IF I HAD A CHOOSE I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE I KNOW BECAUSE I WOULD DEFINITELY HAVE TO GET THE WORD OUT TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE SO THEY CAN AGREE WITH ME THAT THIS IS ACTUALLY A VERY GOOD BOOK. IF YOU DON'T READ THIS BOOK THEN HOW CAN YOU SEE FOR YOURSELF IF YOU LIKE IT OR NOT.

The Wonderful Friendship that will Never End
By: Johnnise Lopez

This review that you will read is about a wonderful book called "The Last Summer with Maizon" by Jacquline Woodson. This book is great I would recommend it to readers that likes to read about best friends relationships. I can relate to this book because I'm going through the same thing. Oneof my best friends, Aerial is leaving to Westown boarding school when we graduate from 8th grade. I will miss her alot but when she comes for vacation we will be together.
Now let me tell you more about the book. This story was mainly about two best friends Maizon and Margaret. Maizon lives with her grandmother. Her grandmother wants to to get her into a gifted J.H.S. in Connecticut called "Blue Hill".She thinks these schools in New York aren't challenging enough so she wants Maizon to go to boarding school in Connectitcut.
The next main character is a girl named Margaret which is Mazion's best friend. Maizon lives with her mother, her father, and her little brother Lil'Jay. Margaret doesn't want Maizon to go to Connecticut. She prays every night for Maizon to stay here on Madison Street.
Maizon and Margaret has been together since they were babies they both grew up together on Madison Street in New York. They have went to school on Madison Street they have carved their names on that street and did many other things that they will always remember. Its like their life is on Madison Street and Margaret doesn't want Maizon to leave.
Maizon's grandmother took Maizon to take the test for the gifted J.H.S. Maizon was hoping she failed the test but she then changed her mind. Everyday she would check the mailbox hoping the test was there. Margaret did the opposite she prayed everynight hoping Maizon failed the test. Margaret felt that if Maizon left she will then be alone and Maizon will find a new best friend, and forget about her.
A few months later Maizon looked in the mailbox for the millionth time and found a letter that was from Blue Hill. Maizon went up stairs opened the letter read it and spread a big smile across her face because it said "Congratulations Maizon you've been excepted to Blue Hill. Maizon told her grandmother then quickly called her best friend and told her the good news but Margaret thought of it as bad news. Margaret went and told her mother and she said "oh great". Margaret's mother didn't know how she felt about Maizon going to Blue Hill which meant leaving her. These two girls were so close that they promised each other not to go to Manhattan without each other.
Time then came for Maizon to go to Connecticut. Maizon, Margaret, Lil Jay, Margaret's mother and Maizon's grandmother went on the train to Manhattan to take Maizon to Penn Station. Maizon gave Margaret a huge hug said good bye and did the same to the others. On their way back to Madison Street Margaret asked her mother will her and Maizon become old best friends. Her mother said "no" never that made Margaret feel so much better but she still worried.
Hours later Maizon got to Blue Hill settled down met all her teachers and classmates. After a few days of being in the school Maizon got the message from her classmates. Maizon felt that they didn't like her, no one talked to her, no one payed her any attention, or even tried to be friends with her. Maizon didn't call anyone in New York for days because she wanted everyone to think she was okay. One day she couldn't hold it anymore and decided to call. She called and and spoke to Margaret told her how she felt and she wanted to come home. She told Margaret to tell her grandmother because she didn't want to disappoint her. she thinks her grandmother might think she just said that because she doesn't want to be there. Her grandmother found out called her and told her "it was going to be okay" and she can come home. A few days later Margaret was looking out the window and saw Maizon running to her house. Margaret went outside hugged her and told her how much she missed her. They then walked down Madison Street and talked about everything they did when they were younger.
I hope you enjoyed the review. I also hope you saw that there were two problems in the story. The 1st problem was that Margaret didn't want Maizon to go to Blue Hill. The solution was Maizon went but she didn't like it so she came back which made Margaret very happy. The2nd problem was that Margaret didn't like the way her classmates were treating her and she wanted to leave. The solution was that her grandmother made plans as quick as possible to get her here and she did. Maizon and Margaret was happy again.
Now that you have read a wonderful book review about the book "The Last Summer with Maizon" by Jacqueline Woodson, I hope you check it out and read it. Once you read the first page you will fall in love with the book.I hope you read the whole book and check out the 2nd part of the book "Maizon at Blue Hill". This book is just as good or better. The second part of the book talks about when she goes to Blue Hill and how she feels that she is different from the white kids, in the school. At Blue Hill there are only 5 black children and Maizon is the only 7th grader. Imagine how interesting this book will be "you can't know without reading it". I hope you read it and, I hope you liked the review.

This book reveiw is on a book named Last Summer with Maizon. This book is about two best friends named Margarate and Maizon who lives on Madison Street. Her friend Maizon was accepted to Blue Hills, a school where really educated people go. Margarate does not want them to be separated. Every night she wishes Maizon will not get accepted. But when Margarate's father has a second heart attack, he dies and now all Margarate has is Maizon, her mother, her little brother Jay and the people around. Margarete was having a rough time anyway and then Maizon got accepted to Blue Hills. When it was time for Maizon to leave Margarate, her mother and Maizon's grandmother dropped her off. When Maizon wasn't there with Margarate her whole life changed. At school she was becoming popular, she was liked now. Days passed by and Maizon still didn't call. When Margarate went to go get her brother at her neighbors house, that's when Maizon calls. Margarate was so excited that Maizon wanted to come home. Margarate ran to the grandmother's house telling her the news. Margarate said Maizon wants to come home, the grandmother says that she would go get her. When Maizon got home it was like old times, they ran into each others arms. They then went to their favorite spot and started talking. Maizon said she came back because she wasn't being treated right, she didn't feel the same. So they sat there and talked and felt like old times with my best friend Maizon. I think that this book should have gotten an award or five stars. This book has mostly everything of real life. It deals with best friends, for example like my friendship with Kiena. It has separation, like my sister and me. It has a lost loved one like my godfather and it has a lesson like when you do wrong and learn your lesson. I think that this book should have five stars because it really relates to real life,it shows friendship and it shows and explains what happens in real life. I like this book because it reminds me of my life, me and my friends, how we argue and lose our friendship and then gain it back with a little talking. It reminds me of how I lose people in my family and then cry because I miss them. If I could buy this book, I would let my whole family read it, I would make it our reference book for when we need advice or something to do. This book is so good that all my friends wanted to read it. It is so good that I really read it because I don't really read books and when I read the book it made me think of when my best friend Ariel was going to move and how it made me feel, and how I compare it to Margarate and Maizon. This book is excellent, the author really put their heart in it and that they were depressed and needed a friend. If you ask my best friend Johnniece, she'll say that she really enjoyed the book, that it should get five stars, because the author really put thought, confidence, respect, love, care and her whole heart into this book. When I say she put confidence in this book I meant that she wrote it knowning that it will be a hit. The author thought about the words, thought her life and compared it and started writing it with compassion. I think that this book should be the book of the month in my school, because it shows and teaches a lesson. With the summary I wrote I put my heart in it because when I read it, it touched my heart. I won't want my friend away from me. I think that I mostly relate to Maizon, because when she left Margarte was beginning to be liked, and the girl was talking about Maizon and Margarte sat there and watched and listened instead of doing the right thing and telling them to stop doing that to their friend. I relate to Maizon, I relate to her because if people don't like me, I don't care. If people want me out of somewhere, then I'll leave and if people love me, I love them back and that's how Maizon is. She doesn't take junk. Alot of people relate to Maizon. This book is interesting and gets interesting as you read on. This book is really a good book that shows you friendship, break-up and everything else that deals with real life. I love this book, it is really good and I think that if most people had this book then they wouldn't be out doing the stupid and illegal things that they are doing. This book really didn't grasp Dr. Kings dream because when Maizon went to Blue Hills, the whites were treating her bad, they saw her different. Brenliniqua, Class 7-512.

I enjoyed reading this book. Crawfie (as she is nicknamed by the princesses) uses a chronological framework to look inside the royal family. She shares about their daily routines and relationships within the extened family. It starts around the time Elizabeth is 8 or so and goes through her teen years. It gave me a better understanding of Queen Elizabeth than I had from only seeing Helen Mirren in The Queen (2006). It's not the kind of book you'd read to a child who loves princesses. It is written from one adult to another, but a young teen on up would probably enjoy it.

For fans of the British royal family, this book is a must-read. While it may be a trifle dated and decidedly unsensational, the book holds a unique place in the now vast array of books about the royals because it was the first to break the rules and reveal details of life behind the gilded doors of Buckingham Palace. "Crawfie," who cared for Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret for 17 years, was completely cut off by the royal family after the book was published, but the book itself lives on as a kind of time capsule of royal life before the press declared open season on the royal family.

Truly, this book is a national treasure and even the Queen should cherish it (apprently, she does not). After reading it, I have new-found respect for Elizabeth II and her family. No where else would you find such wonderful detail of the lovely lives these little girls led. Its also very revealing to see another side of the abdication of her uncle, King Edward VIII. I couldn't put it down and was left wanting more!

absolutely fascinating story of Nanny Crawford which brings to life how the Royal Family live. I cannot understand why the Royals thought it was disrespectful to write this and cut Nanny Crawford off for the rest of her life. I wonder what the real reason was?

A lovely portrait of royalty as it used to be, painted in the words of a woman who devoted years of her life to royalty's service. "Crawfie," as a very young Princess Elizabeth nicknamed her new governess, had no idea when she accepted the post that she would be staying for more than a short time. She'd come to help the Duke and Duchess of York begin their little girls' education, after which Miss Crawford fully intended to take up the classroom teaching career of which she had always dreamed. She wasn't planning on growing to love Elizabeth and Margaret as she did. Nor had she any clue that one of her charges would someday sit on England's throne.

The interlude Miss Crawford planned to spend with the Yorks lasted until after Princess Elizabeth's marriage. As a member of their household, she experienced history first hand when the abdication of King Edward VIII - otherwise known as "Uncle David" - forced her employers to give up their private, comfortable, family-centered life. She kept their daughters out of harm's way during the frightening war years that soon followed; and after the war's end, helped the family that by now considered her indispensible in guiding its "little princesses" from adolescence into womanhood.

Charming, but in no way saccharine, this recently re-released book provides invaluable insight into the character of the woman who has reigned for more than half a century as Queen Elizabeth II. Not by any means just for "royal watchers"!

Yes, this book is now 10 years old. And it's been 10 years since Princess Diana died, but this book is a very vivid reminder of that horrible week following her death. That week where I, and I'm guessing millions more, stayed glued to the TV not quite believing what had happened. This book brings the chaos of that tragic time back, but gives us the most beautiful remembrences of the late princess from people she touched. People she visited at hospitals where she shined her brightest helping people.

I was hoping there would be pictures in this as well, but the picture on the cover is the way I'd like to remember her. Beautiful, happy, radiant. And really I wouldn't want to see pictures from that week anyway. It was too sad to remember it just reading about it. This book captured that one week in a tiny time capsule in a way I've never seen any book on history do. Because now that is what she is believe it or not-history.

During the 10 year memorial stuff my 5 year old niece asked who the pretty blonde woman on the TV all the time was. We told her she was a princess who was very kind to sick people and cared for others, but had died before she was born. She looked up at me and asked, "A REAL princess?" When she's older I'll gladly give her this book to show her how the entire world stopped to grieve over the most amazing woman in the world. And tell her how one ordinary person CAN change the world. Princess Diana was proof of that.

So YES! This is a book for anyone's collection!

I think Princess Diana was one of the most loved royal family members of England and the world and this book proves that! I felt like she connected with everyone she met. I never met her but I was in a car traveling through the streets of London once and her royal auto passed by, it seemed to glow with her warmth. Review written by the author of Bruised But Still Strong which contains a poem about Princess Di called HRH.

THE GOSSIP AND SNIPING THAT SURROUNDED HER IN LIFE IS CUT TO THE QUICK BY THE HONESTY THAT CAME THROUGH HER DEATH. THIS BOOK PROVIDES A REALISTIC LOOK AT DIANA. A MUST HAVE FOR DIANA COLLECTORS AND DEVOTEES.

at least in a very long time. I picked up the book as soon as received and had a difficult time putting it down. Its been a long time (over 2 years) since Diana's passing but this book made it feel like it was last month. All the feelings and emotions came flooding back & made me remember what a great loss this was to the world. Obviously the writers of the essays etc had very strong emotions towards Princess Diana. The feeling of love for this lady comes pouring out of each story.

While dozens of pictorial testimonials to Princess Diana have already appeared Requiem offers more than eighty written tributes and recollections. Dont buy this book for pictures it leaves that to others. But this 43 year old does not mind saying the tributes and recollections moved him to tears. If you are a Diana fan this book is a must have.

All of the Chuck Black Kingdom Series and now the Knights of Arrethtrae series Audio books are superb! This one is no exception. Have immensely enjoyed listening to it.

does it again. Chuck Black writes fiction that kids can really get hooked on, especially boys! My son is 11 and Chuck Black is his hands down favorite author. He reads his books again and again. He says that each one is better than the one before. My 13 yr. old daughter also enjoys reading them.

It was a good day for young Sir Bently's family when he took the oath of the order of the Noble Knights, swearing to uphold the honor of the knights and to protect them always. When word comes that a handful of Followers are meeting in a nearby hut, Bently is happy to join the group of knights sent to investigate. On the way, they are overpowered by five massive warriors. Just when it looks as if all is lost, four other warriors, bearing the mark of the Stranger, identifying them as Followers, drive off the invaders. Since the Followers are the very people the knights set out to capture, Bently has questions. He asks his father to explain who the Stranger is. As his father ells it, they executed the Stranger, but his men still give up everything to follow him. Bently knows the price he will have to pay if he gives up the knighthood, but the Stranger is calling him. He sets out to learn the truth.
Chuck Black is a new writer for me, and I loved this story. I couldn't put it down. A fascinating tale of the battle between Jesus and Satan, set in a fantastic land of knights and ladies, dragons, wealth and crushing poverty. If you like fantasy, don't miss this one. Strongly recommended.

When I first picked up Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court, the second book in the series, I was afraid I might be lost not having read the first. That wasn't the case. The book had a couple of pages of introduction to the Knights of Arrethtrae, which became very clear that the first book was a retelling of Christ with knights and kings as the background.

Knowing that it was an allegory of sorts, it was easy to understand who they were talking about, and having read other such books, I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this one as much, but I did! Soon the allegory got lost in the story and it turned out to be a very fast, worthwhile read.

Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court
Chuck Black
Multnomah, 2009
ISBN: 9781601421258
5 stars
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for ReviewYourBook.com
Knights, swords and dragons...
Sir Bentley's faith is tested when Sir York gives orders that seem to contradict the teachings of the Prince. He strikes out on own in search of truth. Along his journey, he encounters a village living in poverty while Lord Kingsley lives a life of opulence off their tax money. He meets Eirwyn, a mystifying young woman who offers helps the poor. When she is kidnapped, Sir Bentley must battle ferocious opponents to rescue Eirwyn. Will greed conquer the kingdom or will the grace of the Prince persevere?
Chuck Black returns us to a medieval kingdom filled with knights of courage, gallantry, furious sword battles, and dragons. He continues his Knights of Arrethtrae series with book 2, Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court. I enjoyed the first book, and this one far surpasses it. This book is filled with mystery and adventure. Black has an amazing talent. He offers readers an allegorical interpretation of the Bible and spiritual warfare. While this book stands well alone, I suggest you read book 1 first. This is a series for all ages. Sir Bentley and his adventures will mesmerize young and old alike.