5 comments about Bathtime for Biscuit (My First I Can Read).

1. My daughter has loved these stories since she was three and started recognizing words right away. They really helped her put together phonics sounds with words. The text is simple and the stories are relatable to young children. The pictures are bright and Biscuit is adorable.
   My daughter is now 5 and can read any Biscuit book w/o help. She even chose one for her first book report in kindergarten. A definite for all children ages 2-6.



2. Not good for reading to child before bedtime. Not enough words, story, substance. We were bored with it after one reading. My 2yr son isn't old enough to read yet, but when he is, I am guessing he will read it once and then be bored with it again.



3. You can not go wrong with books for the little ones who have only began to learn



4. My son is just learning to read and really loves the Biscuit series of books. Highly recommend!



5. My 16 mos old daughter loves Biscuit! She loves hearing me say "woof woof" every page and when the neighbor's dog shows up; "bow wow". She laughs when Biscuit's owner gets a surprise bath. Every night we have to read two books: one I choose and then..a Biscuit book. I just ordered four more because I'm ready for some more variety even if my daughter is ok with the same book all day long!

5 comments about Wheelock's Latin (Wheelock's Latin).

1. Anyone who completes a beginning grammar such as Wheelock's and then expects to stroll through the Metamorphoses is in for a rude awakening. Nor do people draw a fair comparison between Latin and modern languages: sure, people can learn to converse in German or Russian after a year or so, but that's because conversation only employs the most simplistic vocabulary and syntax, and since there hasn't been any selective preservation of these languages' literatures, plenty of easy but artless texts are available to read through and feel good about. All that has survived of Latin and Greek, however, is the very best literature, the works that defined and then pushed the extreme limits of the language, because nothing else was worth the effort of preserving. Take two semesters of French and see how fluent you are in reading Mallarmé. I guarantee you'll have constant recourse to a dictionary and a grammar, just like you will with Latin.
   
   Wheelock's teaches basic structures and vocabulary, and it does a very good job. The problem is that once people finish chapter 40, they expect life to get easier, but that's actually when the real labor begins. For the next couple years, the lexicon and the advanced reference grammar will be your constant companions. And don't sabotage your success with unattainable goals, like reading through the Aeneid. Start with a shorter, more manageable text like the Eclogues or Laelius de Amicitia. Reading through a shorter work in its entirety is much more encouraging than bits and pieces of a larger one.



2. What a great text book for Latin. I've tested many Latin text books, and this was by far the most efficient and thorough text I've had. Another key feature that separates this text to the others is the numerous examples of ancient text, written over 2,000 years in the past. It's very interesting to see what the famous authors and poets had to say about their views and philosophies, not to mention the chance to translate this beautiful old writing. Unlike in many other textbooks where the main focus of translation practice is to translate sentences pertaining to what the dog is doing or what the family likes. I really did not know how much joy I found when I ordered this fluid and unique book. I felt as though I were among a Roman school class learning their language.



3. I was glad to get this book after hearing so much about it from Latin students at college.



4. I purchased this for my son who is taking his first year of latin so that he would have a copy from home. i took latin for 4 years many years ago. i think this is either the book we used or it is very similar. i would highly recommend it.



5. I just recently began learning Latin and this book has been great so far. I was really unsure what to go with as far as books go because I'm teaching myself Latin at the moment though I plan to take Latin 101 next semester. I really like this book's setup. It provides some background on the language and from going through the book (making notecards, etc.) you end up getting exposed to idioms, people, vocab... blah blah blah. end point- really good book!

5 comments about The Merriam-Webster Dictionary of Synonyms and Antonyms.

1. As usual, Amazon.com has provided the service that customers have come to value and appreciate. The book came as described and in perfect condition.



2. I find this book extremely helpful with all of my assignments and daily tasks, as well as in assisting my children with their homework!



3. It is an excelent book, I bought it to improve my english knowledge and it's being usefull for me nowdays...



4. I have a friend from Mexico that is now living in the USA and trying to learn better English. She loves it and uses it often. And her English has been improving each day. That is good enough for me



5. I just ordered this book yesterday and received it today. I am very happy with the content of synonyms and antonyms and definitions that this book has.
   Perhaps this is my own fault, but I was under the impression that the used books offered were of the newest edition depicted. I received the older version. I love vintage things, so all is not lost.

5 comments about Advanced Grammar in Use With CD ROM.

1. I like that one. It contains everything you may need, while you are using a little advanced English. Your grammar will become very good. It can be very useful in every way if you are just studing English or you want to live in English speaking country or you want to study there, or work for foreign company. In every way I recommend this book highly to everybody that want to speak English well.



2. I have bought this book and i am very disappeared. Inside this book you can find hundreds of rules but you have to remember all of them and keep in mind during all the time you use English language. In my opinion it is not possible. Just imagine yourself talking to somebody and thinking about more than thousand rules. You have to have some time to choose appropriate grammar form. It takes lots of your time and it will be extremely difficult for you to speak.I think the author should to have thought about it before writing this book, but he did not.
   
   Many exercises are stupid. You just should choose answers between Past Simple and Present Simple. Oh and do not forget to read the article about
   can, could, be able to... So I read only few articles and it was more than enough for me.



3. I do not think it's a great product, the exercises are way too simple and sometimes confusing



4. The Book was very good, although I can't read it: It was destroyed during delivering!
   The book package was nice however the postman inappropriately thrown the book on my yard (and not on mail box were it was supposed to put). At this point my dog ruined the book entirely.
   Unhappily I could use the book at all.
   Regards,



5. Bit disappointed when the answer key is sparse. English is not myu first language and I always have trouble finding right usage of grammar.

5 comments about The Berenstain Bears' Trouble with Money (First Time Books(R)).

1. This is an excellent book it really helps kids learn about money. The illustrations are perfect for my four year old



2. I like this book because it showed me not to spend all the money i receive for special occassions on things that i may not need but i want very badly. It showed me that i need to be very careful with money and that spending it on everything isn't always a good choice.
   Alyssa Seifferly



3. the illustrations are what got me interested in this book when I got it from a book club as a kid. It teaches a good lesson about money and how to not act spoiled, and the idea that money should not make you greedy



4. i think this book is a really good book and i think that they have a problem with money and that they are really bad at that and i am to and my mom like tells me the same thing and it is cool just to have something that relates to my life and my mom tells me no don't spend all your money and stuff like that and that means i have a TEXT TO SELF and i love to read and it is cool. thats all i wanted to say. p.s. i love the bereanstain bear books they are so cool and i just love them and they are so cool i wish i could be a good writter just like you but you are a really good writter and if i could be like you i would but i am glad i am diffrent than everybody i love your books.



5. This is a cute story! I used this story in my elementary classroom during my unit on money to teach about the importance of saving money and the concepts of "goods" and "services." You could also discuss the concept of interest as well. My students enjoyed hearing the story and participating in a discussion afterwards! Their favorite part was definately creating their own "critter" bank to put their own money in!

5 comments about Getting Started with Latin: Beginning Latin for Homeschoolers and Self-Taught Students of Any Age.

1. I have a Ph.D. in English and am currently homeschooling my 7-yr-old son. I looked at several texts for teaching him Latin. I prefer this one b/c it is a simple yet systematic approach to learning the language. The sequence progresses clearly, logically, and manageably. The audio downloads provide clear, effective support for the lessons (they just repeat the lessons, but sometimes my son likes to listen to Linney rather than me!). One doesn't need any Latin background to use this book. I highly recommend it as a starter.
   
   I also got Bell's _Minimus_ book, but I don't recommend it--not as the main text, anyway. It's not a systematic approach but more of a "Latin for speaking/cultural knowledge" approach. But who needs to speak Latin? It's more useful to know the forms of "to be" (Linney) than to learn to have a conversation involving, "Who are you?" "I am the mother" (Bell). I will use this book (since I bought it) after my son has a stronger grasp of the language structure. It's a fun accompaniment, but not the main text--certainly not essential.
   
   For parents wanting to learn alongside their kids, I recommend Wheelock's Latin grammar, which is quite comprehensive but written (originally) for GIs entering college on the GI bill and having no background (or use for) classical languages. It's much denser and more comprehensive than Linney, but it is clear and accessible. Only the self-tutorial exercises have an answer key (as far as I can find), but it's a great intro to the language and even to Roman literary history. I recommend it as well.



2. My wife and I have begun using this Getting Started book, teaching each other, as it were. We're both instructional designers -- I'm a tutor as well -- and our hats are off to the author! I've written instructional, home-study books (SAT, AP Bio, etc.), so I know a bit about what's involved. He's done a fantastic job.
   
   We're about a third of the way through GS, and we are just thrilled with it. Can't wait to finish and start the online course: lectures based upon another Latin textbook.
   
   It's always been a goal of mine to learn another language. Many false starts -- Hebrew in Hebrew school (didn't even start, really!); Spanish in high school; German in college and grad school; French and Russian in grad school. Many beginnings, some progress, no real mastery. So, for my 40th birthday to myself, I decided to remove a reason to berate myself by learning Latin, which my wife was also interested to learn. (She took six years of Italian in high school and college.)
   
   We're both very interested in Roman art, literature, culture. I've spent five weeks in Italy over the past decade; my wife's family is from just north of Caserta. I've read a ton of Roman literature in translation; my two ultimate goals are to read the Aeneid and Tacitus in Latin. Some day in the not-too-distant future -- with the author's help-at-a-distance!



3. I thought long and hard about writing a negative review for a book that has garnered nearly universal praise. But just because something 'feels good' doesn't mean it's good for you or will do much to help you.
   
   Working through Linney's book 'feels good' because you don't have to put forth much effort. Unfortunately, when you're finished, you will also not have much reward.
   
   The book consists of a limited vocabulary of Latin words, presented one per page, and interspersed with short expositions about grammar and Latin expressions. The pages have lots of white space because so little information is given on them. Some pages are mostly white space: Lesson Two, for instance, on page 2, consists entirely of three sentences telling me that there is no 'the' in Latin. Am I supposed to draw in crayons on the rest of that page?
   
   The next page consists of one new Latin word - 'sum' - with its definition, two sentences of 'instruction', and two translation exercises, one of which asks that I translate 'sum'. Hmmmm.
   
   You can't learn Latin by taking these baby steps. Many people dislike Latin because it's hard, really hard to learn. Authors who peddle books promising to make it easy do a disservice to their prospective readers when their 'method' consists of filling entire pages with single words and incomplete lessons. Sure, that's easy, and virtually anyone can work through Linney's book, but they will not have learned Latin, nor will they have gotten a particularly effective introduction to the language. Linney takes over 200 pages to present material that in any other book could have been presented in 40 pages.
   
   The other problem with Linney's approach to teaching Latin is that it's disjointed. Nothing seems to come together because it's given in 'chunk' form instead of organized cohesively and then dissected individually. Worse, there's no big wrap-up at the end to pull together everything from the book and make sense of it as an organic whole. Instead, the last lesson presents a new word (for 'many'), and there the book ends.
   
   I'm a big fan of making languages accessible to people who were taught poorly in school and have, as a result, avoided them since then. I'm also a big fan of doing it right. Linney's book does make a tiny subset of Latin accessible to anyone who can read at a basic level. But he doesn't teach it right, and that means when the reader is done with Linney's book and then - confidently - opens a real Latin book to further his education he will be in for a most rude awakening.



4. First: IGNORE the bad reviews of this book. The reviewers did not understand what this book is supposed to do and that is to introduce the TOTALLY oblivious to Latin so they can test themselves on whether or not they want to go further.
   Second: All the FIVE stars speak for themselves. This IS the book that has allowed me to pursue Latin further and start to read Caesar and Cicero.
   
   I am homeschooling Latin now, thanks to Linney.



5. Great job Mr Linney
   
   English is not my first language so I can feel how it looked like to start learning a new language, MOTIVATION
   
   And the way to motivate me?
   
   Telling me something interesting. I don't want to start with apple or tree. Well, Getting started with Latin started with nauta, stella, maybe some of the most beautiful words in the world to me.
   
   Don't let me guess like Rosetta Stone, that's not my way of learning, why just show me the word or grammar in endless repetition rather than just let me know the answer? I can handle these things right now since I'm not a child anymore.(I say this because I still remember how I was frustrated by some simple English grammar rules when I was a child, now I can remember the first and second declension in a much natural way, so ,just tell me)
   
   Not too basic for too long. Well, this is so great about this book, I finished it in 2.5 week with daily effort(I mean understand every word in every sentence in this book), that's really a balance between the time you spent and the content you learnt.
   
   There's much more. One great feature in this book is the Latin Expression, which introduces many interesting Latin usage in modern world, the author does not explain a lot on that except the meaning and historic background. How can I say this is part of a motivation. Because some of them can not be explained using what you have learnt in this book. And I'm just happy to continue my Latin study in order to, say, find the Latin background behind them.
   
   All in all, Getting started with Latin is a very good introductory book for Latin. I never think that I can get any fluency in Latin after finishing this book, but I think Linney just succeeded in bringing the beauty of Latin to me, say, with the words and the Grammar(I can really feel the beauty of the Latin Grammar now, when I was learning Spanish, since the grammar is not very different from English, so many times I just get bored)
   
   I highly recommend this book to anyone want to study Latin as a complete beginner.(even you say you are a serious learner and want a more formal and academic book. it just takes you 2 weeks, and it will boost your enthusiasm, that's the two week definitely worth taking)

5 comments about English Grammar In Use with Answers and CD ROM: A Self-study Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Students of English.

1. This book explains English Grammer in easy English. So, English learners can understand what is written in Enlish. To study English Grammer in English is important for each learner. So this book is good for English Learners.



2. I`m a brazilian english student and I bought this book in order to improve my english.English Grammar is a great book, which introduce you to the rules of english language through simple explanations. Another good thing about this book is that it have a lot of exercises. This help us to practice the writting and the reading too. In addition, the student can use the book cd rom, which have hundreds of exercises.



3. "English Grammar in Use" is a very well-known tool among English students around the world. So it is unecessary to comment about this helpful and indispensable Self-study Reference. Anyway, I will let my modest contribution here.
   
   It is not a book, but a manual of English.It is NOT organized based on level of difficulty. Instead of it, you can select aleatory by topics according to your need to work on.For istance, at the moment I am studying and doing exercises related to prepositions.I suppose that this subject is a big issue even for native speakers. Do you know how to apply "during, how long and while"? If you have doubts on these topics and others, I am sure you will get satisfied.
   
   Have fun studying English.



4. Very good book. It goes with a page of explanation, and a page of exercices, and so it goes, with many of them. Very clear, and good to pratice what you learn and memorize. I'm looking for a similar grammar to study german, but I didn't find yet.



5. Actually, I got this book for a friend, who expressed a wish to improve her English skills. I appreciated that this book included both American English and British English examples. The CD and many, many practice sections should prove to be very helpful. She was very happy to receive this book!

5 comments about Merriam-Webster's Vocabulary Builder.

1. Merriam-Webster's Vocabulary Builder it's very helpful for me and i would tell everyone to use this one and the other one also.



2. Outstanding book. Good reference as well as tutor for etymology. Will use on a daily basis.



3. This item was given as a gift to a friend, who specifically requested it, and expressed great satisfaction on receiving it. Pricing, delivery and product integrity were all satisfactory. My rating it a 4 out of a possible 5 reflects only the fact that I lack first hand experience with the purchased item, and can only reflect the limited information conveyed to me by its recipient.



4. Were I teaching seventh grade again, I might view this book differently. As an SAT tutor looking for an efficacious, supplementary vocabulary builder, I am somewhat disappointed by the Merriam Webster offering.
   Included in this book are two hundred Latin or Greek roots, each root defined and followed by four English words derived from the listed root. Each example word is defined, and provided with pronunciation, example sentence and extended explanation of the word's usage. Also included in the book are self quizzes and sections of phrases or words derived from the Latin or Greek such as: ad hominem, de jure, and modus operandi.
   
   The roots entries are listed randomly; to find a specific root one must search the index for roots listed along with the book's example words.
   
   Likes: I do like that 200 roots are listed and that knowledge of such roots can improve one's vocabulary.
   
   
   Dislikes: I was hoping for more than four examples per root, but in this book four is the magic number. I also like that each example word is used in a sentence for clarification and reinforcement.
   
   Vocabulary Builder is said to be a "great preparation for standardized tests." It may be good preparation for some high school tests, but I find it lacking as an SAT preparatory medium. Yes, the reader will find worthy words here like olfacatory,sybiosis,solecism, quintile and anachronism. He or she will also find many words like: semicolon, deflect, pedestrian, carnival, induce, dejected, compel, impartial, and sophisticated. Anyone needing to learn such words will find the SAT test to be a formidable challenge.
   
   This is a standard-sized pocketbook that must be read with two hands to keep it from closing. The smallish font against the dull white paper is not easy on the eyes.
   
   Others may find this book useful and edifying. I wish the author had included more examples for each root, fewer nonchallenging words, and exercises with addtional words for the reader to define using his or her knowledge of previously studied roots.



5. This is an excellent resource for those seeking to improve their vocabulary. I strongly and unequivocally believe that all persons will find this book useful, especially entrepreneurs, professionals, high achieving students, writers, and avid readers.
   
   This book is very well organized. I particularly enjoyed the somewhat of an intellectual approach to learning the words -- most words are categorized by a root prefix or suffix, and the historical context of the root word is briefly discussed to give the reader a better and fuller understanding of every word.
   
   While I believe this book is very readable, I also recognize that some may prefer a more gentle and fun approach when it comes to learning words. For such persons, I highly recommend Princeton Review's Word Smart as it takes a much lighter but nevertheless thorough approach as the authors made a deliberate effort in injecting humor into the book.
   
   I found it much less necessary to refer to a dictionary or thesaurus after going through this book. This book is truly a treasure.

5 comments about The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers (First Time Books(R)).

1. Berenstain Bear books are great on so many levels. They present topics in a manner that is easily understood by pre-school / elementary age children. My daugther loves to read these books herself, which is another plus. These books help build reading and comprehension skills. The price if reasonable and with free shipping, it is a good deal all around.



2. It is very useful book presenting the important safety tip to the kids through the eyes and mouses of their favorites heroes.



3. I have to admit this book has a soft spot in my heart,as it was the first book I bought and gave to my oldest daughter. I fell in love with the Berenstain Bear family from the first time I read this to her. The author strikes a great balance between loving the characters and having them teach a lesson in a subtle way,in each book. My daughter is now older but stil treasures this book and almost all the Berenstain Bear books she owns. I've never been disappointed nor my daughter in any of their life lesson books. I can highly recomend this book



4. Innocent and uncomplicated story about being guarded with people we don't know. It demonstrates the importance of being active, keeping self and others, safe; by following the 'cub rules'. This is a good addition to 'first time' books for a little one.



5. I love Berenstain Bears books from my childhood in the '80's, and I hope to put together a nice collection for my children. When we received this book, I was curious to see how they handled the issue of strangers. They handled it beautifully--well thought-out and responsible writing. I love it!

5 comments about Merriam-Webster's Spanish-English Dictionary.

1. This is a small dictionary with everything you need, including phrasing examples. I know very little Spanish, but needed something quick to talk to the crew which was working on my house. I found the task frustrating, as I am sure they did as well. This little book did the trick. Was able to explain exactly what I needed and get a job well done.



2. The old saying about dictionaries being obsolete by the time they are printed is less true now, with our modern technology, but there remains another weak link in the chain that we seldom talk about when reviewing dictionaries: the user. As a professor of Spanish (Golden Age) and as a professional translator (technical and literary), I am a dictionary junkie. That means I have all sorts of dictionaries, each with its particular strengths.
   
   If a person uses a dictionary for what it is not meant to be and encounter problems, it is not from a weakness of the dictionary, but rather a misunderstanding of the user. "Don't use a screwdriver for a hammer" and then complain that it doesn't allow you to drive or remove nails well.
   
   This dictionary is not going to give users the regional nuances of certain words. It isn't a source of information about comparative usage. For that, there are other dictionaries and reference materials, such as Cassell's beyond the dictionary in Spanish;: A handbook of everyday usage -- with a slight inclination toward Peninsular Spanish, written from the perspective of British English -- and a wonderful book. There is also Dictionary of Spoken Spanish.



3. Middle school kids use this often to assist with their homework. Print is small for Mom, but kids have found this book very helpful.



4. This is James from James Spanish (the learning Spanish blog). One of the most recognized and trusted names in reference books, you expect a dictionary from Merriam-Webster to be high quality, and the Spanish-English Dictionary doesn't disappoint.
   
   
   Many words include sample sentences so that you can see how the word is used in context, allowing you to make suitable word choices or extract even subtle meanings. These phrases are often useful and a handy way to build your vocabulary.
   
   The dictionary is up to date, with many modern and idiomatic words and phrases to help you translate even slang Spanish. While other dictionaries may be old fashioned in their choice of what words to include, or may not cover some more modern expressions, this reference tool is comprehensive and contemporary.
   
   With a helpful section at the front on the basics of Spanish grammar, sentence structure, punctuation and conjugation, the dictionary is great for brushing up on any language issues that you are struggling with.
   
   The introduction on how to get the most out of the dictionary is also a useful resource, ensuring that you can find what you are looking for quickly and easily.
   
   All of the definitions are laid out in familiar Merriam-Webster format, and are clear and easy to read despite the dictionary's small size.
   
   Ideal for checking spelling, meaning, context and conjugation, the dictionary is aimed primarily at English speakers looking to learn Spanish, but works well for native Spanish speakers learning English as a second language too... a testament to just how accurate and useful both the definitions and examples are.
   
   As tiny in size as it is big in usefulness, the dictionary will fit into just about any bag or purse and is sure to be used time and time again. Much more comprehensive than most travel or pocket sized dictionaries, if you are looking for a portable but powerful Spanish-English dictionary then this is the one to buy.
   
   
   In closing my review of this product, I'd like to share with you the three Amazon products that I have found most helpful in my pursuit to learn Spanish. If you are truly serious about achieving fluency, I'd recommend getting all 3 of them if you can afford it.
   
   1. Lights, Camera, Spanish (Book + DVD): Learn Conversational Spanish by Watching a Romantic Adventure This is actually a 90 minute movie for Spanish-language learners. It gives the option to watch the movie with subtitles but I'd recommend not using them to improve your Spanish. This "movie" also includes a workbook so that you can reinforce the Spanish vocabulary words and phrases from the film. The workbook also has lots of exercises to keep you engaged in the film. But be prepared to hear Chilean accents. Although pleasent to the ear, the accents from Chile are very different from most Latin American accents.
   
   2. Verbarrator Version 1.1 (Windows Version) This software replaces the traditional verb conjugation books and makes learning how to conjugate Spanish verbs an interactive and fun activity. This should be a required resource for anyone who wants to improve their ability to conjugate Spanish verbs. Especially anyone who is challenged by the drudgery of learning how to conjugate Spanish verbs and who is looking for a new way to make learning how to conjugate Spanish verbs an easy and fun activity
   
   3. Diccionario esencial de la lengua espanola de la Real Academia Espanola (Spanish Edition) If you are really serious about speaking the language fluently, then at some point you will need to replace your Spanish-English dictionary and get a pure Spanish dictionary with both the vocabulary words and the definitions entirely in Spanish. I use this one only because it was highly-recommended by a friend from Spain who teaches Spanish.
   



5. My daughter is teaching herself Spanish and has found this dictionary to be very easy to use and extremely helpful to her studies.