5 comments about Cat in a Red Hot Rage (Midnight Louie Mysteries).

1. I've read this series since it started and still enjoy every one of them. The story stays fresh and entertaining even as the core cast of characters stays the same. That takes talent! I can't wait for the next book to come out!



2. I had to check since I saw this was the 19th? It doesn't seem that long ago! But she keep the series fresh. I really enjoy Nelson's books, even her new one Dancing with Werewolves.
   
   Long Live Midnight Louie! As a cat love (I have five) I really enjoy the books with cats in them.



3. 
   
   If you've enjoyed the previous books in the series, this will be fun reading too. Just don't expect many final wrap-ups.



4. I love Louie, and his kit, Louise. However, the human characters in these stories are so unreal, that I find myself skipping through the book so I can read Louie's monologs. Somehow the fun fantasy that comes through in, for example, Rita Mae Brown's books just doesn't work here, at least not for me. This one is about the same as all the others... The books are about 90% human chapters, and 10% cats...They'd be much improved by reversing the percentage.



5. As usual, Midnight Louie is the best...a real cat's meow. Carole Nelson Douglas has the right feel for cat characterization...whether Louie, Louise, Karma or Ma. Somehow they seem less anthropomorphic than you'd expect. The big leopards invariably come off a little dense...and so do the Fontana brothers...but then all the big guys seem to be of the same mold.
   
   However I do get annoyed with Temple...just how unaware of mid-life can a 30 year old be? And Matt is like no priest or ex-priest...well, that I've known. Then there's Max...personally I think, for all the improbability of his "profession", his character seems the most human.
   
   Still...all in all...the Midnight Louie mysteries are like potato chips: you can't devour just one. I look forward to each new "episode", wondering how all the twists and turns will merge in the end. Actually 26 letters in the alphabet aren't enough.

5 comments about Baby Einstein: Cats (Baby Einstein).

1. petit et mignon!
   c'est le fun pour ceux qui aiment les chats!



2. This is an adorable little board book with some fantastic feline art in it! Our first son grew up with a cat in the house and this book was one of his favorites. I remember him crawling after the cat with this book in one hand when he was about 9 months old, as if to say "Hey wait! I have this book you'll love!" :>) This is a must-have for any feline-loving home. The colorful images range from classical paintings to modern art. You can also get Baby Einstein's Baby, Birds, and Dogs for a nice set.



3. My 11 month old is completely bored with this book. She doesn't even want to look at the pictures, she just tries to turn the pages as fast as she can to get to the end. Also, it is a teeny book! Much smaller than I expected even after reading other people's reviews. We have several of the Baby Einstein books, none of which get opened very often. Stick with the classics. Dr. Seuss is a winner every time!



4. A little underwhelming. My 9 month old daughter has little interest in these Baby Einstein books (we also have "Dogs" and "Babies"). The size is smaller than you would expect, but the real problem is that the content is not very exciting.



5. I bought this for my baby sister and she loved it! The pictures of the cats are very sweet and adorable!

5 comments about The Craggy Hole in My Heart and the Cat Who Fixed It: Over the Edge and Back with My Dad, My Cat, and Me.

1. Parents, like all humans, are imperfect. When they die, we sometimes recall events, actions, and issues that make us question why we may have ever thought they loved us. Pets, on the other hand, come with no strings attached. They love unconditionally and are a source of joy that is boundless. Geneen covers losing both in the funny and touching book, which may offer healing and hope for those who have lost either.



2. I love this book and I often re-read it. Funny and clever writing. Easy to relate to and written with heart!



3. A beautiful and engaging story, this memoir deals with coming of age, learning to accept and give love, coming to terms with parents, and death and dying. Geneen Roth masterfully writes about many of life's large universal themes and puts them together expertly into a cohesive whole. This story will stick with you. This book is one of those rare gems to keep in your permanent library, one that will surely unfold a different lesson and mystery each time you read it.



4. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Geneen Roth is a very talented writer - I love the way she writes from her heart, letting others in her life, to help us learn and grow by seeing parts of ourselves in her life. This book has helped me get a grip on some emotions I've been dealing with for a long time. And in just a few days of reading I finished it with a stronger attachment to my own cats and appreciation for their place in my life, as well as for certain people in my life that I've so long taken for granted. Can't wait to read more from Geneen! I'm sharing this one with my mom, a cat-lover as well.



5. This was a great book and an easy read. It helps with understanding the feelings about our parents.

5 comments about Return to Howliday Inn.

1. The pets that are staying at Chateau Bow Wow want to escape before something terrible is about to happen. I liked the book very much because it had great descriptions that you cant picture in your mind. You are surprised at what's going to happen. It makes you want to keep reading until you find out what happens to the characters. It is also funny. There are other books by this author. The books are Bunnicula, Howliday Inn, The Celery Stalks at Midnight, and Nighty-Nightmare.



2. Well, when I first started reading this, I was so intrigued. The uncovering of the bones and collar was SO dang spooky!! But then it all just fizzled out. I was really disappointed. And I missed the old cast of characters from Howliday Inn: Louise, Taxi, Max . . . especially Lyle, the secret agent cat! I swear, this book is nowheres near as good as Howliday Inn! The original is much spookier and cooler 'cause there's lots and lots of real dangers! If you haven't read the original Howliday Inn, I so recommend you do so!



3. I actually read this book before the original Howliday Inn, and I still think I like it better. I must have read it at least twenty times, because it never failed to make me laugh out loud, and still does! I loved animal characters, and the ones here are so clever, and the dialogue is unbelievably witty for a kid's book. Some of the humor, like the Shakespeare references, I didn't get until I was much older. "A 700-page first novel entitled Ah, Life!"



4. The first three Bunnicula books were favorites of mine when I was young. I bought them for my son's Christmas present. He loves them. He reads them in the car and laughs out loud at parts. It is hard to find books that boys will love and want to read. These fit the bill!



5. I purchased a number James Howe mystery books for my granddaughter in an effort to cut into her computer game playing time. It worked wonderfully. Once she started reading one of the mystery books, she could not put it down. James Howe is able to inject just enough humor into his mysteries that they are not frightening. I think my granddaughter read his complete series including Return to Howliday Inn. Good series for children.

5 comments about The Shy Little Kitten.

1. This picaresque novella will soften the hardest heart. When a mother cat leads her kittens into the barnyard sunshine, one kitten lingers behind and thus begins her adventures. She takes a walk with a mole through the countryside and the two hap upon a frog whose enormous mouth sends them into gales of laughter. A shaggy puppy then offers to lead the kitten home but not before he busies himself yapping at a squirrel who drops a nut on his nose! Home at last, the kitten joins a barnyard picnic but a bee-stung frog causes a stir and everyone dives into the brook for safety! It isn't long though before merriment is restored. 'This was the best day ever!' the little kitten exclaims. Tenggren's illustrations are lovely and most pleasing. A memorable tale and one the reader will return to time and again.



2. This book does not teach any lessons whatsoever on overcoming shyness.



3. I love Little Golden Books like this one, and my children do, too. They always have a good story inside them, which is pleasing to both children and adults. These are classic stories all children should have a chance to read.



4. THE SHY LITTLE KITTEN is a purr-fect way to introduce my granddaughter to the wonders of Little Golden Books.The illustrations are wonderful and, as always, the story is just the right length.



5. I read this to our son, sadly, after he "out grew" these books, they were passed on. Happily, after searching all over I found these treasures on Amazon and now have a new collection for our beautiful grand daughter to enjoy.

5 comments about Cat Getting Out of a Bag and Other Observations.

1. I'm actually a dog person and not a cat person, but picked up this little book for my son's fiancee. We have been adopted by a cat, as has she, and ALL of this little book rang true. I was surprised, being a dog person, that it made me laugh out loud loads of times. I've since purchased three more copies for other cat people. Garfield it isn't; quirky, funny and observant it is.



2. A fun and wonderful book for anyone who has or had a cat. Illustrated observations of the artists cats, snoozing, running, playing, and more. A quick flip through the book will almost always elicit an "awwwww" or a "my cat does that, too!" Beautifully designed little hardcover as well - a perfect gift.



3. This 'book' is totally inane and isn't worth the paper it's printed on ... a total disappointment!



4. If you have ever lived with a cat, you will recognize these scenes. If there is another cat person in the room while you read it, you will find yourself sharing just about every page until you're reading it together. If there's a non-cat person in the room, that person may be confused by what the fuss is about. But that person just doesn't understand.



5. This is a heartwarming little book for anyone who has ever had a cat in their life. Jeffrey Brown manages to capture the universal things that cats do in brief illustrated glimpses. You will probably be able to recognize your own cat in most or all of the comics in this book. Always brings a smile to my face whenever I read it, but this is not a book for someone looking for a humorous comic.

5 comments about Fabian Escapes.

1. Peter McCarty's FABIAN ESCAPES tells of Fabian the cat, who escapes out the window to leave his friend Hondo at home for the day. Who will have more fun? A series of mis-adventures keeps the two friends nearly equal in their day's excitement in this easy, gentle reader.



2. Perfect books for toddlers. My 18 month old daughter loves this book and the original Hondo and Fabian. Simple story but not silly and based on things they know - cat, dog, car, cracker, baby, highchair, food etc. She can understand the books and sits quietly and attentively while I read it to her. The same can not be said of other books....



3. As a children's librarian, I advise my little ones to examine a book when they first get it. Look at the cover. Look at the color and prints of the endpages. Look at the title page. As a rarity and for this particular book, remove the dust jacket to examine the front board (top outside covering). There is a story already going on before they turn to page one.
   
   Dust jacket: Hondo rests his head on the windowsill as he looks out the window; Fabian is grinning because he is outside! The title: Fabian escapes! Endpages: Fabian and Hondo are each galloping across the pages. Title page: Fabian is jumping out the window. Cover of book: Fabian is jumping over a fence, obviously back into the yard! Page one: Fabian in the window, Hondo on the floor, awaking from naps.
   
   Wait! This page is deja vu! This is how Hondo and Fabian begin the first of Peter McCarty's books about these adorable friends. In the first book Hondo goes on an adventure to the beach; Fabian stays home with the BABY. It just had to be, it was just inevitable, it was only fair that McCarty create an adventure for Fabian. Thus, book two.
   
   Fabian is in the window, Hondo on the floor. Their people take Hondo for a walk. As Hondo re-enters the house, Fabian slips out as only cats with their invisibility factor can do. He eats flowers and meets up with "the neighbors," three inquisitive dogs. The two stories continue parallel actions also used in the first book. In this one Hondo walks to the butter and eats it, he meets up with the BABY who makes him play dress-up (pretty much comparable to a face-off with three dogs). Fabian leaps over the fence and escapes; Hondo leaps up the stairs and escapes. Fabian hides out under the porch until the people come home and he can slip back in; Hondo naps the day away on a people bed.
   
   Finally, when Fabian returns, Hondo says, "Where have you been, Fabian?" and walks with him to the favorite window to welcome him home. These two really are friends.
   
   This brief summary surely does no justice to the power and magic of this artwork to insinuate itself into your heart and your mind. According to the verso (copyright) page, McCarty used pencil on watercolor paper to get this softened, almost nostalgic appearance of his animals. They look special even beyond the softness. Their eyes are reminiscent of stuffed animals in the way they are slightly indented in the facial area, their legs are foreshortened, and they have that over-fed look, if you get my drift. Loved, happy, contented inside pets with an occasional romp outside. What more could a dog want? What more could a cat want? Peter McCarty will let us know in the next episode of Hondo and Fabian. There will be another episode, yes, Peter? We love these guys as our own!



4. Three cheers for Hondo and Fabian! My daughter loves these books! This one is similar to the first which is a favorite. The story is simple for young children and they love the pictures.



5. This is my first experience with the wonderful characters, Hondo and Fabian. This dynamic duo are their adventures are charming. The illustrations are some of the most beautiful I've seen. I can't wait to explore other books by McCarty.

5 comments about The Writer's Toolbox: Creative Games and Exercises for Inspiring the 'Write' Side of Your Brain.

1. As a homeschooling parent with a high school age daughter, I bought The Writer's Toolbox to use as part of our writing program. After years of focusing on sentence structure and grammar rules, I was afraid I had completely destroyed my daughter's desire to write. Jamie's toolbox provided the breath of fresh air that our writing life needed. With just the right amount of instruction and loads of room for creativity, the exercises offered quickly restored to my daughter the joy of writing. When we break out the Tool Box, the spinners, cards, timers and sentence starting sticks have us feeling like we're playing a game. When learning and fun are synonymous, both teacher and student are winners. Thanks, Jamie for this great writing tool!



2. Jamie has been one of my most inspiring writing mentors, and it looks like she literally "picked up" her classroom and placed it into this clever and eye-appealing keepsake! How ingenious that she put her creative teaching techniques INSIDE a box in order to motivate writers to think OUTSIDE of it. The only thing missing from this toolbox is a badge that says, "I am a writer," as the person who utilizes her time tested techniques will certainly be able to make this declaration after using it!



3. This is truly a wonderful product! Simply put, the Writer's Toolbox is a necessity for every writer. Who among us has not been faced with a blank page at one point or another during our writing careers? The writing exercises in this package are perfect for moving beyond "I want to write" to "I am writing." In fact, it was a writing exercise from Jamie Cat Callan that inspired me to write my novel, due for completion in August 2008. Kudos to Ms. Callan for a brilliant creation!



4. The Writer's Toolbox is fun and engaging-- not only for me, but for our weekly writers' group! The group of six to eight of us come to the table with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. The Writer's Toolbox inspirational and fun exercises are relational and help us to jump 'write' in with our warm-ups! Thanks for sharing your fabulous ideas and instruction, Jamie!
   Tanja Moriarty, "Encouraging Words", Haddam, Connecticut.



5. I'm an English teacher and a part-time, professional non-fiction writer. I walked past "The Writer's Toolbox" in a bookstore this past weekend, sniffed at the creative packaging, and muttered, "All fluff, but no substance, I'll bet!" And yet, I found myself going back to it. Finally, I bought the damned thing, hoping to scratch the itch.
   
   At home, I opened it, expecting buyer's remorse. No way!!! This kit is amazing. I plan to use it in the classroom next year, both during school hours with my writing students and after hours with my Writers Guild. I especially like the sample story -- in the directions -- that is essentially the result of the toolbox games.
   
   My favorite device? The non sequiter sticks. I plan on using them to help keep some of my non-fiction writing dynamic. Of course, I'll have to modify the items to my own research and reality, but that strikes me as half the fun.
   
   A very clever little box full of games, ideas, and methods for creative writing. Thanks!
   
   Scott Snair

1 comments about The Great White House Breakout.

1. This book is laugh out loud funny for children and adults. Collaborators Thomas and Bok make a great pair. The story is entertaining, and the drawings are vibrant, with unbelievable details (you have to look through the book several times to absorb all the nuances).
   
   Children and adults will fall in love with THE GREAT WHITE HOUSE BREAKOUT -- while taking a romp through the sites of Washington, DC!

5 comments about The Great Ice Battle (Secrets of Droon, 5).

1. I really liked this book. It shows how kids can do something. It shows that because evil Lord Sparr has put an ice spell on Jaffa City and most things,except for the kids so they have to save the day. The main caractors are Keeah, a wizard and princess from Droon, Eric, a boy from the Upper World,Neal, another boy from the Upper World and Julie, a girl from the Upper World. There are also other caracters. It was a very good book.



2. Evil Lord Sparr has frozen all of Jaffa City up and it is up to Eric, Neal, Julie, and Princess Keeah to save Jaffa City and the rest of Droon. If the problem isn't hard enough already the only weapon they have is snowballs! The problem gets worse when the great wizard Galen Longbeard is frozen up. Will the kids save Jaffa City? Can they unfreeze Galen Longbeard? I highly recommend this book because it is a great page turner!



3. I love Droon books! This one is no exception. Very creative as the kids try to save Jaffa City



4. this book is great! I couldn't put it down. I loved it. The Droon series is great.



5. all the books of droon, well 1 - 8, are awesome for my 3rd grader.. i read them first.... and can see how much fun it is to "go" somewhere else, be responsible, and learn to help others no matter what the odds are...
   great learning!