Nonfiction Books

I agree with the other commenters who have given this book negative reviews and who appear to be more critical thinkers than the author himself.

This book was clearly written on auto-pilot; it is constructed on a string of cliches and half-conceived insights and analysis. It is entirely clear the author has little to say. The book is an insult to probing, intelligent minds. A total joke!

I actually purchased these cards in error, thinking that they were the book.

When I received it, I was disappointed.

When I read them, I was delighted!!!!

They encourage great focus and act as a boosters at the start of the day - pick up a card, read the back also or just read the front in the extremely pleasant font, and make yourself more effective and generally a better person.

A lot of these points made are quite obviously (although some are a lot more subtle and extremely cleverly presented) but fundamentally, it helps to make you a balanced and better person, which then obviously spills into your personal and business life.

They are the closest thing you will get to a quick fix - where a book requires you to be motivated to focus to read it, these are available at all times - pick one up from your desk before a meeting, browse through one or two while on hold for a phone call - you can only benefit if these ideals and tips sink into your subconscious!

Nutshell review - This is an excellent book whose lessons and insights can contribute to all aspects of your life. Excellent.

The premise of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is that there are 7 habits which can dramatically improve a person's professional and social life. These habits include: 1. Be proactive. 2. Begin with the end in mind. 3. Put first things first. 4. Think win/win. 5. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. 6. Synergize. 7. Sharpen the saw.

Covey's philosophy of using honest open communication, fairness, integrity and human dignity as a baseline in all relationships is sound powerful advice. The book is well written with excellent insights and wisdom.

The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide to: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking

We had the privilege of hearing Dr. Covey in person at The University of Michigan when this book was first published. It instantly became one of the most important books we've read and used in our teaching. We give this as a graduation gift to our college students to help them to be effective as they start their new life. Covey is the master of story-telling and bringing his habits to life.

Author, "Trust is Everything: Become the leader others will follow"

This book is a great way to introduce your kids to some basic weather info and langauge. I would say it is for 3 1/2 and up -- nice rhyming with a famliar character.

This series probably counts as my toddler's first real science books, which is saying a lot for a very young person. This book is a hit, along with the one on butterflies. Recommended.

My grandson was very happy with this book. He loves reading books by Dr. Seuss and knows when he comes to Grandma's house a new one will be waiting for him. The book was presented as "used" but it looks brand new! Delivery time was as promised. Only negative comment for all the used books I have purchased thus far is that the postage charged has been far more than the book.

I think this is one of the best of the books in Cat in the Hat's Learning Library. In this book, the rhymes are crisp and interesting. Some of the concepts introduced/covered include: meteorologists, weather maps, clouds, evaporation, condensation, snow, rain, thunder, lightning, tornadoes, and climatology. This book covers a lot in the simple and effective Cat in the Hat style.

If you want to know more about your subc.I heartily recommend these CDs

The Power of Your Subconscious Mind
The Master Key System
Thought Vibration or the Law of Attraction in the Thought World
The Science of Getting Rich
The Science of Mind
Think and Grow Rich: Original Version

I have read many books from Catherine Ponder, everyone is the complement of the previous ones. Very good job.

I originally bought this book three years ago. I had read the Game of Life by Florence Shinn and I was looking for more info about prosperity. WE have used the laws, specifically the law of vaccuum- giving things away freely,writing things down, visualization, affirmations and the most powerful law- tithing. I can't begin to tell you how using these laws have changed my family's life. It is like clockwork, everytime we use these laws wonderful things come about in unexpected ways. Actually, I have a list of things I wanted in life from three years ago when I bought the book and even though they seemed a bit unnattainable at the time, I can say that as of today, every single thing on that list (and more) have miraculuously came true. Now I stock up on copies of this and the Game of Life and give them to people who need and want to learn the laws.

This is the first Catherine Ponder book I have read and, while I normally read a lot of motivational material, I likely will not read any more Catherine Ponder anytime soon. Her message is certainly worthwhile: making affirmations in your own life will help you to draw upon God's assistance to achieve your goals. She is also a minister, which explains why she draws her approach from a sprirtual angle. While this effort is certainly worthwhile for a reader, her supporting examples are not specific enough to satisfy my need for "proof". In Ponder's book, her examples are full of "a woman I know...", "a businessman...", and other such vague statements. Contrast that with Napolean Hill's book "Think and Grow Rich." Hill's examples are specific and precise: "Thomas Edison tried over 10,000 times...". Napolean Hill and Catherine Ponder both have a similar message in their books. But while Catherine Ponder's message is meaningful and worthwhile, her examples are not down to earth enough to suit my tastes.

If I had known Catherine Ponder was a minister, I would never have bought (and returned) this book. If you believe prayer and positive thinking will bring you prosperity, I suppose this book will be fine for you. If you aren't a devout Christian, however, you might find this book hard to deal with.

Excellent book. It was interesting to learn a lot of things about their business/lives I didn't know. Sharp business men I'd say. Great entertainers...this is going right next to all my LP records, VHS tapes, CD's & DVD's.

Great, book. My wife is a big Statler Brothers Fan. Fast ship well pleased.

This is a wonderful look into The Statler Brothers. I enjoied every page They are truly Entertainers on and off the Stage. Every fan of the Statlers should read this book.

I have been a fan since Flowers on the wall, and I have a collection of greatest hit cd's that I sing with to and from work every day. And I never tire of my favorite songs. Of course I like some more than others, but I have a feeling they did too, all the more so after reading their book. Now I wish they would do a biography of the group and tell us more about themselves, how they interacted, did they ever have any internal "scraps", how did the traveling affect their families, etc., etc. They have protected their privacy, and have a right too, but they can still do that and tell us who have followed them through all their years more about themselves. I hope they will, but if this is the only book they ever do, it will do.

I'm happy to finally be able to publicly say what I said in the title, and I'm sure every one of their fans shares that sentiment. The story of The Statler Brothers is known world-wide, and has been for many years, and I'm not writing this to try and tell all the reasons why I'm such a big fan. If you ARE a fan, then you already know, and if you aren't a fan, do yourself a favor and spend some time with this book, the music, the videos, and anything they've ever done. Your world will become a happier place, and you might just be reminded that it's still possible to be good, do the right thing, and have God bless you with a remarkable journey on this earth.
As far as the new book goes, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and read through it so quickly that I will probably be reading it again very soon. The stories were wonderful and although I'd like to know more (everything), I'm just happy that Harold and Don shared as much as they did. And the humor... Let's just say that after bursting out laughing while my husband was sleeping nearby, I learned to read with my hand over my mouth. I should have expected that to happen. :-)
I can't remember how many times I've seen The Statler Brothers in concert, but one time was in a really small venue in West Texas, back in the days when they could still hang out with their fans at the end of the concert. When I got to the front of the line of fans, I didn't even have a piece of paper to get their autographs on, so I took off my boot and they all graciously signed it for me. (The great Lew DeWitt's name was on that boot, and after carefully painting over the names with clear nail polish, I kept it for many years.) Then, I timidly asked Harold if I could shake his hand. We shook. :-) Those are just a couple of many great Statler memories for me. The last concert I attended was in Abilene, TX in 2001. I thought they would blow the roof right off that coliseum! Their performance was as strong and powerful as any I had ever seen, and I'm so glad I was able to be there.
Thanks guys, and my heartfelt congratulations for your SO deserved induction into the Country Music Hall Of Fame!

Ralph Fletcher is a wonderful author with great ideas for teaching writing. His books are infinitely readable!

Similar to other Fletcher writing books
Excellent to use with writing lessons--esp. at the beginning of the school year

This charming little book offers a solid, user-friendly introduction to the fundamental steps of the writing process. Fletcher uses a clear and simple prose style to lead young readers through the creative writing process, from generating an idea and writing the first draft, to rereading and revising, to proofreading, editing, and publishing. Along the way, he discusses the importance of finding a suitable place to write, strategies for brainstorming, and methods of overcoming writer's block. Also included are several author interviews to provide alternative approaches to the writing process as well as a bibliography of recommended fiction and writing-related nonfiction. Beginning writers of any age may find inspiration in the practical strategies and encouraging sentiments set forth in this simple but elegant guide.

This book is unique in that it talks directly to kids about writing, in a personal rather than a "textbook" manner. I can't think of any other books for kids that do this (other than the others by Fletcher listed at the end), and it is so valuable! The book is also simply very interesting and well-written.

This book is not about the craft and mechanics of writing, but about how to establish that all-important *habit* of writing. It's about all the elements that enable and support a person to actually write. I don't know whether this book or "A Writer's Notebook" by Ralph Fletcher should be read first; they are both so important. I'm thinking of having my students read them concurrently.

I love the fact that Fletcher does not teach "the process," but rather encourages kids to find their own process. He cautions students not to "prewrite the life out of their topic" through excessive prewriting. It is also made clear, through the book's inspiring interviews with children's writers, that the processes that these successful writers use differ greatly from each other. One of the authors says she would never talk about her topic before writing about it, because "ideas bring with them an energy to write them. If I talk about them instead, I lose that initial energy that's crucial." I am a prolific writer, have almost never written an outline (before writing) in my life, and have always disagreed with requiring kids to do so (see Peter Elbow books for more on the process I use - freewriting).

Some of the topics this book goes into are where to write, finding an idea, brainstorming, getting started, amount to write, rereading, handwriting vs. using a computer, research, rough drafting, revision, and the proper place of grammar and spelling (definitely never "disturb the flow," when you're writing well, to deal with them). In all these topics, a variety of options are given, with liberal use of quotes from both kids and adult authors.

Fletcher makes it clear that "getting an idea" and "getting started" are two distinct activities, and not necessarily related. It's common to have a great idea that you never bring to fruition, and even more common to just start writing, with no ideas initially. In fact he goes into the value of writing "just a bunch of slop," and valuing it as a form of "exercising."

His overall message is that although some people are born or inspired writers, for most people, writing is hard work. You have to live a full life to have material; be conscientious in capturing those inspired thoughts and moments in your writer's notebook; do the tough work of writing something bad as a first draft; be open to "radical surgery" type revision; reread your own work incessantly; solicit feedback; be a careful editor; and look for appropriate places to publish.

Lastly, I read this book as a mother of three and a teacher who supervises homeschooling families. Since reading this (and Fletcher's other wonderful books: "A Writer's Notebook" and "Live Writing"), I haven't been able to stop writing poetry myself (which is not something I normally do)!

Mr. Fletcher wrote this book as a how-to for younger students, but anyone can get something from this book. It does a great job of walking the reader through a step-by-step process of how to be the best writer possible with an easy to follow format and many helpful ideas to accomplish the process. I think the point Mr. Fletcher is trying to convey to his reader is that writers are not mysticals who exist in a far off wonderland; they are everyday people, and anyone can be a writer-all it requires is releasing the energy of talking on paper. I think this book would be a beneficial part of any classroom library because it's a quick read and packed with ways to start out even the youngest of writers. The section of this book that is dedicated to expaining what students do when they are facing problems writing, will help other students relate to this book.

My daughter loves this book. She enjoys looking at all the pictures and having me tell her what they are. She is enjoying learning more spanish

Spanish is not our native language, but we believe our children need to be bilingual. Last October I bought "Play and Learn Spanish" because I liked that it had every day situations to practice and the came with a CD for pronunciation. After bringing it home and using it, WOW it is INCREDIBLE.

After a week, my children and I were singing the songs - not perfectly, but pretty close. We have now been listening to the CD and reading the book for 3+ months. My five year old daughter and I are having small conversations in Spanish together. I can't tell you how incredibly special this is. We have since purchased "Hop Skip and Sing Spanish, "Goldilocks" and "Little Red Riding Hood". All Ana Lomba's materials are of equal exemplary standards.

I hope she will continue to produce more books and CDs, we will buy them all!

Thank you for creating such incredible tools for the non-speaking Spanish population.

P.S. This is now my signature gift to all my friends who would like to learn Spanish.

WOW. This is an awesome program and an awesome deal.

If you are like me, tired of wasting money on dictionaries, grammar books, travel guides, contrived music programs....

You will not regret buying this. Not only is it inexpensive, and usable for all ages, you will have usable spanish vocabulary immediately.

I'm using this book to help expose my son to Spanish at a young age. It's full of very useful phrases that you just don't learn in Spanish class in high school or college. I have not listened to the cd much, but hope to get more use of it down the road. I would recommend this book for anyone wanting to learn common phrases that you really can use with your children. It's probably best for someone who has had a few years of Spanish study.

It's touted as the fun way to get kids started, but it's a book on tape without even signals after each page. The dialogue was too fast and there's no explanation or instruction, just spanish dialogue printed next to English translation. If your child isn't a fluent reader, forget it.
It'd be good for an older child or adult already learning Spanish who wanted to work on pronunication.

This is probably the best book I have read on classroom management--EVER! Not only is it well-written, it is timeless, useable, accessible and friendly. The author readily includes her own classroom successes and failures, which helps me to identify with her journey. She also give practical, ready to implement steps and routines. Is classroom managment difficult? YES! Is is do-able--YES YES YES if you follow the guidelines given here by Ms. Charney. Combine this with a Responsive Classroom workshop, or at least books from the RC library, and you are on your way to loving your job again!

I am very happy with the price as well as the fast shipping. My University campus book store wanted twice the amount of money for this book; worst of all, it was used. Amazon had it for half the money; best of all, it was brand new. :) I am a happy camper...

For my professional goal I joined a study group in which we all purchased this book. The manner of speaking and presenting rules and consequences teach children that they can choose how to act. It reinforces responsibility, kindness and cooperative learning. I am now teaching sixth grade three years later. The strategies produce active learning and a desire to make the right decision. Combine this book with "The First Six Weeks" and you will be all set for the school year!

A terrific book that should be in every teachers' and parents' library. Clear directions, plenty of space for notes. Good bibliography.

This book is fantastic. It offers plenty of wonderful tips and situations for constructing a healthy behavior management plan within your classroom. A definite must have.

I teach history classes for homeschool junior high students and use this book as the spine of our program. The paperback's font is way too small-- I recommend the hardcover.

The book is divided into 4 sections: prehistoric, ancient, medieval, and modern. The Ancient and Medieval sections are available as stand-alone volumes from Usborne. But, you have to purchase this thick encyclopedia if you want the first and fourth sections. For my kids, we purchased the large hardcover and had our local Kinkos slice the spine off the book and spiral-bind the four sections into 4 different books that were much smaller and more manageable.

I give it only 4 stars. It's the best history encyclopedia available, but I hope something better will someday be available.

PROS: great review of ancient and medieval history, great illustrations, good readability. Internet links are fun and easier than googling.

CONS: Insufficient coverage of 20th century and *WAY* too much time spent on prehistoric life. I'm not anti-evolution (I haven't yet made my decision on this topic). I simply feel the the information would be better suited to an earth science book rather than a history book. It's simply a waste of money for parents to pay for 1/4 of a book not even used in the majority of history studies. I suppose Usborne wrote the book from the perspective of "Earth's History" rather than the history of just humans on the earth.

This is a beautifully illustrated history of the world. It's a bit dry, but if you can make it through, it gives one a good sense of perspective.

I bought this book at the request of my homeschooling sister. She says that she and her almost 5 year old read a few pages a day and are already halfway done with the book. She says each section is brief, but would help to build a broad basic knowledge. It is a good starting point for deeper research. I looked it over before I gave it to her and it is a very appealing book. It is full of illustrations that look like they would be hours of educational entertainment.

This book is fantastic for our homeschooling ventures. I gave it four stars because I wish the text had a little more informtation on some topics. The websites are a great extra. This is almost the only history text we have to use.

I'm a high school social studies teacher and encountered USBorne books at a teacher workshop. They are very informative and vibrant texts. The internet-linked versions are wonderful. They include numerous links that accessed through the USBorne website, not the book. This allows for dead links to be eliminated and new links to be added (even more than are mentioned in the book). The pictures are wonderful, colorful, and some illustrations can even be downloaded for classroom use. I'm very happy with this book and use it in the classroom.

This book was helpful telling the story of how the tadpole changes to a frog

From Tadpole to Frog is a great learning experience for little ones. I would recommend this book for any child, 4-??? The service from Amazon is great. That is the only place I purchase books anymore.

Dana Hodges

Great teaching tool for kids. My 3 and 5 year old loved it. They pretend to be tadpoles turning into frogs. I loved that it gave facts and was easy for the kids to remember and understand!!

I highly reccommend any and all of the "lets find out" books. Excellent teaching tools which hold a child's interest.

This is a nice book with attractive artwork that describes the two-year life cycle of the American Bullfrog. As a Stage One book "From Tadpole to Frog" uses simple sentences and concepts that are appropriate for toddlers, preschoolers, and young children up to about 8 or 9 years of age.

Besides a description of the Bullfrog lifecycle, and the 'where Bullfrogs can be found' map, there are pictures with brief descriptions of 5 other frogs, including the Leopard, Pickerel, Wood, Spring Peeper, and Gray Tree frogs.

Four Stars. Good artwork on every page. The color runs from edge to edge. Okay Read-aloud. The Bullfrog is interesting as even the tadpoles hibernate for one year. Nothing objectionable in my opinion; although I should note above that there is a brief mention of reproduction. [I mention this as some parents have concerns and have told me they appreciate such notes.] The book, in any case, says the following about frog reproduction:

At night you hear "Ba-ra-rooom... ba-ra-
room... ba-ra-rooom...". The males are calling
to their mates.

The female hear the call.
The male hugs his mate. He fertilizes her eggs as
she lays them in the water. Thousands of soft
jelly-covered eggs cling together in the cool water.

The artwork shows the frogs hugging, and neither art nor wordage was inappropriate or graphic, in my opinion. Certainly my children didn't think anything of it.

The AR reading level is given as 1.6 which means this is a book for a child in the second half of the first grade. While professionally assessed, this mom thinks quite a few first graders will need some help because of the vocabulary. More difficult words include: hibernate, thousands, whistle, creatures, stretching, fertilizes, speckled, and capture. Words they might not be familiar with are: mate, female, male, breathe, gills, and cling.