Children Books

I deducted one star because she uses Roman Catholic religious terminology that I wasn't familiar with. That is to say, they failed to provide a glossary.

Her book is more lengthy than her husband's autobiography of surviving the Holocaust (Max Liebster, a Jewish Jehovah's Witness)

I could feel her loneliness and also her strength and determination to win the race for life because Jehovah kept strengthening her at the right moments to that she never felt alone!

Unlike some Witnesses who survived the Holocaust, I'm pretty sure that Simone and her husband did not succomb to Satans' lies of materialism, immorality, idolatry, and apostasy! (At least, I would hope so around here.) All the anointed die faithful and loyal when under severe persecution. It is only when they believe Satans' lies (like Annania and Saphira) that they fail. Remember your Achilles' heel!

I surmise that a Jew/Israeli is more likely to become a Witness than they are to become Mormon. Isn't that funny?

What a wonderful true story to inspire courage and the ability to stand up for oneself. A true treasure to be read and reread.

This is a powerful, inspiring story of how even a child can have tremendous courage in the face of overwhelming oppression. My 10-year old daughter and I shared it together.

This book is a first hand account of a young girl who had what it took to survive her horrible experience under the Nazi's. What she "had" was her religion. It is amazing to me that the large amount of Jehovah's Witnesses came through those war years able to cope with life after the war. So many others (in the camps) had no means of doing so. What J.W.'s have is nothing short of a miracle, as I have seen for myself. My 18 yr. old son and I met Simone and her husband at their home in France this past winter. The first thing Max did was to show us the number tattooed on his arm.Then he said to my son, "young man, I watched a 1000 people being put to death every day". Yet, here he stood, just out of the hospital the day before, still bright and full of life and love for his faith, at over 90 yrs. old. Next on my list is his book which I hear is just as inspiring as his wife's.

This young girl suffered so much at the hands of the French, who sided with the Nazies.
She was French and they took her away from her parents and put her in a terrible reform type school.
This book enlightened me as to how horrific that these Jehovahs Witnesses were treated and only because of their deep religious convictions.
It brought many tears to my eyes at how the innocent ones suffered.

This is a really sweet book to read to your child! The illustrations are beautiful. We would read it to our baby before she was born.

Cute story & illustrations. (Story assumes parents visited doctors & gave birth at hospital so those parents who had home births might not find the book appropriate for them.)

My daughter is only 6 mos. right now, but I HAD TO HAVE This story! IT's so sweet in explaining about how parents plan and ask God for their children and consider them a blessing. I can't wait to share and read this to her for years to come. It talks about the mama's growing belly, daddy talking to her inside the womb, listening to the heartbeat and going to the hospital to be born. Very cute and great pictures too!

This book is wonderful!! It explains the subject of where we come from in a thoughtful, truthful, and biblical manner. It's heartwarming, and my daughter absolutely loves it. She feels so special (as she should) when we read it and apply it to her. We actually have used this book to talk a little bit about the upcoming birth of our next baby. My daughter completely understands that her mommy's tummy is going to get bigger and bigger as the baby gets bigger and bigger just like the polar bear in God Gave Us You.

I absolutely love this book! I cried the first time I read it and still do! What a gift from God, indeed, a child is and it is refreshing to talk about God's role in our childrens' lives. I have looked at and purchased many books in preparation for my little one, and this one BY FAR impressed me most. I highly recommend this book if you want to talk about God and you sheer joy for your baby!

...when I received the phone call. I had stayed home from church with a sore heel when I picked up my phone to see my best friend was calling. It wasn't her though, it was someone else--her mother, calling to tell me that their dear girl was taken from us in a horrible accident. I had to break the news to one of her best friends, my daughter. The grief had our whole county reeling.

After the dust settled, the funeral and memorials done, the semester over, I had time at the bookstore to comb through all the books on grief. Of course I looked over Lewis and the other major Christian writers, but they weren't of much use to myself and my pain. Lewis--God bless him--lost a wife to cancer after she had a full life. Our girl was 11.

Sittser knows grief. He knows sudden, horrible, irrevocable death; trauma, tragedy and loss. Loss with a capital L. He lost his wife, his four-year-old daughter and his mother before his eyes during a drunk driving accident. As a well-respected Fuller seminarian, he was encouraged by his friends to write down his observation and addressed the concept and effects of catastrophic loss a full three years after the accident.

Now that I have said why this book was relative to me, let me tell you why it's relative to you and everyone you know: he makes one thing firm--loss is loss, and cannot be qualified as more or less. He does not feel that his loss was greater than anyone else's, for all loss is relative to the person who is doing the losing, whether that someone's a parent, a unemployed mom, or a father trying to cope with his children after divorce. He clearly states that losing a job, for instance, is a loss. Rape is a loss. Divorce is a loss. Death constitutes a loss. Loss is loss is loss. This book adroitly and honestly discusses them all, his experience with grief in really honest detail. I'd like to point out here that this particular edition is the tenth anniversary, as well, and he covers the lives of himself and his children in the intervening years and would be a better buy that the original for it's epilogue.

And before you finish reading this, can I offer some advice? If you're shopping for a friend that has just lost someone, give them a considerable amount of time, and then give them this book. For goodness sakes, don't bring over a copy of 90 Minutes in Heaven, (my friends had two by the end of the second day) especially to a grieving parent. Although that is an especially good book about suffering, his life went on. Our girl's didn't.

This book was very helpful for me and family members when we lost a loved one unexpectedly. Mr. Sitter expressed a lot of what we were feeling in a very understanding and real way.

I love this book. It's a great book for any person who has lost a loved one. I just lost my mother. This book has helped me alot. I hightly recommend it.

The ideas presented were very nice, but I felt this book moved a little slow and was, at times, very repetitive.

I lost my husband of 31 years almost 2 years ago now to a GBM; brain tumor. I received many books from people, but this book by Jerry Sittser was the one that truly helped me. I didn't read it right away; reading was difficult for me at the beginning as I couldn't really focus.
But when I picked this book up and started it, I just kept on reading. Here was a man who understands catastrophic loss; his was the death of family members, but he also talks about other types of loss one encounters in life. He helped me realize that I need to confront my loss and face it head on--not to run away from it and push it away. As I have faced my grief, the Lord is helping me travel from the darkness to the Light. I have given this book to other widows and to those who have lost their jobs. I am so thankful that Jerry has written this without the platitudes that we hear from people who don't know what to say. There is hope even when we have lost someone we loved deeply; he reminds us that God still walks with us daily on this journey of life. Thank you Jerry for writing this book.

I read The Forbidden Game series as a teenager and since have read it a dozen times at least. I cannot begin to tell you how amazing this series is. Vampire Diaries by LJ Smith was recently re-released and I must say as good as that series is this one is 10 times better. I really hope it gets released again for a new generation. This story is so unique, based around a girl who buys a game from a strange store. Her and her friends end up opening up a veil that has kept a demon in the shadows who has just happened to have been in love with her for years. He brings her and her friends into the game to relive their worst fears. Even as a teen I fell in love with Julian, the shadow demon. He is absolutely breathtaking and everyone who reads this series will fall in love with this tragic character. Don't just listen to me, read it for yourself. If you like: Vampire Diaries, Twilight, Vampire Academy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Tithe, or any other book similar to these you will love this one!

Who's this mysterous man, well who ever he is, he can have me any time. Very good book to read and can get addictive in the world of L J Smith.

like the other reviewers, i've read this book when i was 16. now at the age of 21, i still find this book captivating and have reread the series a dozen times over the years. the ending always makes me cry. the characters are memorable especially julian. this is a book you'll treasure and reread no matter how old you get.

This is the most awesome book in the WORLD!!! It's so sad that it is going out of print! I found this book last year while looking for a scary book to read and I found this! I have re-read and re-read it so many times that it's almost falling apart not to mention the times i have let MANY other people borrow it!!! Everyone LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!! Julian is like OH MY GOD HOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!! I totally fell in love with the Prince of Shadows... I recommend it!!! HOpefully you'll get it before it's too late... Almost all L.J. Smith's book are going out of print!! Especially the NIGHT WORLD series that are awesome!!! Tells you of how when someone breaks the rules of the Night World they have to Pay!!!!!! Forbidden Game is a page turner and so romantic, courageous, loyal, evil, good, betrayal and everything!!!!!!!! READ IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This entire Trilogy is just amazing. I was given a present of the first book when I was about 7 (10 years ago), and I immediately wanted the next two! I fell in love with Julian there and then, and was never able to understand why Jenny didn't just choose him! I've read these books over 20 times, and they're all falling apart. Everybody in the entire world should read them, because you're missing out if you don't. I highly recommend them. The last book is a nice finish, but it's incredibly sad. I wish it had ended differently! Anyone who would like to discuss these books, I've set up a Yahoo! group for it called theforbiddengame. Please join, I really like to talk about these books!

This is one of the better Love Stories books. The characters are well-developed, including the minor characters. There is a wonderful little subplot going on with Grizzly and Stacy. The first time I read this, I thought the characters were in college, not in high school. So if you're a little older and want something that isn't quite so corny, this is a good pick.

When I received this book in the mail, I was so excited to read it because of all the reviews and all, but when I started to read the book, I was kind bored in the beginning until I got to almost the middle..I Do wasn't exactly what I expected..It wasn't really about their love or relationship, but more of her being a journalist and reporting about the guy's lacrosse team which of course Adam is on..I expected more from Jane and Adam, but there weren't really anything between them..I mean there was a bond, but it wasn't something I thought was romantic..not until the end at least..So I give this book 3 stars..it's not GREAT, but it's a good read=]

This is a wonderful book from beginning to end. The dialogue and humor was great as well as the romantic situations. Don't miss this book!

i love this book so much. i like the friction between adam and jane.man i wish guys were more like him. i strongly urge you to read it!

This book is one of my favourites too... I bought it in 2000 and I still pick it up every now and again, it makes me laugh, smile and dream every time. It's so good even after all these years the story between Jane and Adam still captivates me. Elizabeth Chandler created two characters that make you wanna feel that click beteen hate and love that just makes your toes curl. :)

read this when I was preteen, it's great and it bears re-reading as an adult. Scary, psychological drama. Lots of stuff for adults to chew on as well as kids, because of the dual (even triple) heroine structure: a child, a young woman, and a mature woman. Each character is fascinating, and so is the situation, the setting, the writing... what a great book. Now I want to read everything by Patricia Clapp.

I read this book as a child back in the 70's, and it's still one of my all-time favorites. The writing is mature enough to appeal to adults, but still on a level that an older child can easily follow.

Creepy without the gore, the slow build up of tension until the climactic ending is deftly handled and leaves you wishing you could read faster to reach the resolution.

My old copy of this book has been taped together numerous times, so I'm pleased that it has now been reissued. I plan to pass it along to my own daughter in a few years' time.

I first remember reading this book when I was eleven or twelve. I was so excited to see that it was reissued. I devoured this slim little book in an hour and it was an hour well spent, reliving the chills and thrills of this book. Patricia Clapp has a great ability to create a fabulous atmosphere that makes it easy for the visualize the story. What a wonderful book!

This book was a good as I remember! Plus, Witches Children was gripping. Also, there is a nice trubute written by Ms. Clapp's children about her. AND insight from Ms. Clapp herself of her inspirations for both of these stories and others.

I have loved this book ever since I first read it as a child. I am so happy to see it available again after so many years! I wanted it several years ago, and had to buy a used copy on eBay to get it. But now I want to buy this re-issue so I can also read Witches' Children! Since Jane-Emily is so good, anything else she wrote must also be great! I've been waiting since my childhood to see a studio make a movie-version of this story, and I can't believe that no one's ever thought of it! I'd love to see it done!

I have read most of the series and I think it was the most flawless. The story kept me more interested than most of the other books. Jude never ceases to amaze me. All her plots are different and they all get me pumped up and make the Star Wars soundtrack play in my head. This book is fast, action filled and very, very interested.

Lovely read. This book continues where THE HIDDEN PAST left off. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan arrive at Gala, eventualy,and they discover that there is a plot to kill the Queen and also sabotage the up-coming elections.
No sploilers from me, you'll have to read the book to find out what happens. You won't be dissapointed!

The Mark of the Crown was really an extrordinary book in the Jedi Apprentice series. The same great characters are back and are on another adventure. The plot kept my attention through the entire book. For all who like the series or are new to it, this is definitely one you'll like!

Star War Jedi Apprentice: Mark of the Crown

The main characters in this book are Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi-they are Jedi Knights. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are sent to the city of Gulu on the planet of Gala to keep the peace. They
are having elections for a governor. On Gulu, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are caught between two mobs of angry citizens and must escape. This is just one of their many adventures on gala.

Qui- Gon is my favorite character because he is a master of the Force and overcomes many challenges in the book. He is always serious and doesn't give up easily. The Queen of Gala trusts him. He takes the most serious missions while Obi-Wan stays behind and keeps an eye on the Queen, who may have been poisoned. Mali, a chemist, analyses tea that has been given to the Queen and tell Obi-Wan: "Whatever it is, it doesn't belong in tea." The problem in this book is for Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan to protect the Queen.

I recommend this book for anyone who likes Star Wars or adventure books. When you read this book you will want to know what happens next all the time, such as when Obi-Wan was stuck in a giant refrigerator. You will feel a sense of adventure and will want to know how the book ends-does the Queen live or die?

Jude Watson continues to write intereszing stories about the adventures of Qui-Gon Jinn and his young Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi. He also writes about their developing relationship, with both men longing for connection and not realizing that they are coser than they think!

In this instalment the two Jedi are sent to Gala, where the dying queen is bringing democratic elections to her planet, and her son is not at all happy about it.

This is a well-written and interesting story in this continuing series.

Okay, so maybe it's NOT so new, but when I read it, it was unlike anything I had read before. I read this one shortly after reading Tomorrow's Sphinx. Big Cats seemed to be common with this author. It was fairly easy to follow with very interesting characters. Ratha is a very interesting character herself and the whole plot kept me interested from start to finish.

The Re-release pleased me greatly and now I have started collecting the series. So, if you're looking for something a little different, this is a nice story to get into.

Ratha's creature opens up a whole new world of cats. Long before the Warrior cat series, lived Ratha and her tribe. This book is full of adventure and suspense for any age. I couldn't put it down. Make sure to buy this one first and while you are at it, order the other three so you won't have to stop in the middle of this great adventure. If you love the Warrior Series you will love Ratha's Creature!

I am a cat person. I happen to believe that all cat people would enjoy this book, given they like a good infusion of adventure. Clare Bell brilliantly reimagines a prehistory where sentient cats are suggested as being the top species and a cat called Ratha dares to experiment fire. The writing here is top-notch and vivid with description that never gets too flowery. These are cats, but they are not cute and cuddly--think cousins of the saber-toothed cats. Bell gives their characters a wonderful blend of humanity and pure cat instinct. I don't know if I would consider this children's literature, but rather something anyone could read. Wonderful pick for any lover of fantasy adventure.

I have read many feline fantasies,but none of them touch this one.It is better than the Warriors books,and I think that older Warriors fans will love this book.The harsh landscape and the complicated,realistic characters are wonderful!A word of warning,though:this is not a cutsey kitty book.Ratha's Creature is a very deep,allegorical,and thought provoking book.Some of the raw,savage images(mating,wounding a cub,death by fire)may be too much for younger,sensitive readers.I would reccomend this book for mature teens who will be able to understand and enjoy this magnificent,powerful book.Well done,Clare Bell!!

The Named Series is a collection that has survived in the hearts of readers for decades, inspiring fanart, fanfiction, and more. Here is the book that started it all - Ratha's Creature, an epic, memorable tale of strife, forgiveness, and triumph. This novel resurrects an ancient world and delivers in full detail, the savage brutality endured by those of arcane laws, a code of claws and fangs - while thrusting into harsh, honest light, what it means to question and discover the meaning of 'Self Awareness'.
Lion King worshipers, Warriors devotees, Animal enthusiasts - you have not stalked the feline path, until you have unearthed these treasures.

For more information, copy and paste the following links:

Clare Bell's official domain:
www.rathascourage.com
For an exclusive look including fanart, fanfiction, and more visit Trails Of Conquest:
www.trailsofconquest.webs.com
For Named (Ratha) Series Cat Role Play (rp) stop by Into The Mist:
www.intothemistrp.webs.com

I bought this for my 4 year old and she absolutely loves it! It is really great for kids who have a million questions about how things work and it does a phenomenal job of explaining a typical process (e.g., building a house) from end to end (including laying sewage and water pipes underneath the ground). It gives the details that curious kids really want to know in a fun, darling way.

This delightful book for children which is enjoyable for parents to read as well wonderfully teaches us that we are all part of a family here to help each other with the gifts we have been given. For those with Faith, it is a happy way to show that we need each other, and to be grateful for each person, and appreciate what they do to make the world a better place; that each person is, as Pope Benedict said, "loved, willed and necessary."!

I still have this book from when I was young; it is now 36 years old and has survived all of my children. I cannot bear to part with it and I will save it for my grandchildren. (Along with Richard Scarry's find your ABC's) I am buying a copy for my niece though so she doesn't have to do without. Thank you Richard Scarry

I got this one as a child, back in the sixties. My copy is in Dutch and although a little weathered it's not falling apart yet.
The copy I'm reviewing here is a reprint that misses several spreads, but sad though it may be, if you don't know about it you won't miss it.
Richard Scarry shows different "people" (animals in clothes), all kinds of professions, how they interact and how one depends on the other. And in doing so he introduces a child to society where we all depend on one another.
More than anything else he was responsible that I grew up to be free minded and open spirited person. Whatever a human being does for a living, if he/she does it with love he will make your day.
A policeman, a baker, a newspaper man, a writer, photographer or singer, the postman, the bus driver. We all depend on one another. And as long as we try our best to understand that and accept and respect our fellow citizens we will be on the right path.
His drawings are world famous. They're sweet and funny without being too simplistic. No matter what family, the rabbits, the mice or the pigs, even the worm, they're all lovely characters with different personalities.
It has always been my first choice as a gift for kids.

I bought this book thinking that even though it was abridged it would be as great as the original version. Boy was I wrong, some of the most entertaining and interesting parts of the book are GONE!
It was absolutely heartbreaking. I don't know why the publishers have altered a wonderful book leaving it hollow and less interesting than it should be. Do yourself a favor, find an original edition on ebay or half.com . You'll be much happier.

A kind-hearted witch with a tricked-out broom and good friends who rescue her from an evil dragon - what's not to love!

This book is perfect for the Halloween season, although it does not mention Halloween specificially. Because of this, I was able to read it to my son's school class for the "fall" season (his school tries not to focus on the Halloween holiday). The kids loved it. The main character is a friendly witch who gets out of a sticky situation thanks to the friends she has made along the way. A fun read.

My 2.5 year old daughter and I love this book! Although we skip the page with the dragon, the illustrations, rhyming and story make it fun!
My daughter loves the animals and loves to quote the book. Great reading for all ages.

As a Calif kindergarten teacher and mother of a 3 year old, I love this book. The story is engaging and witty; I find that I'm the one pulling out the book night after night (which also thrills my little one!). As a teacher, I love the rhymes (a challenging concept for my students in the first two months of school) and the predictable pattern keeps the children engaged and thinking about what comes next.

My 3 year old grandson loves this book. Nice art work and a good story. I think this book would be a great addition to any child's library. I was extremely pleased with the book we love reading this together. I hope I can find other nice books like this for him. His mother loved Witches Holiday by Alice Lowe when she was little and I think this is a equal.