5 comments about Ten Mice for Tet!.

1. this book is simple but filled with information. one mouse plans a party, two mice go to market, 3 mice paint and polish, 4 mice prepare a feast, 5 mice learn their fortunes, 6 mice open presents...etc. The last two pages of the book give further information on each activity - what it is and why it is an important tradition. I like it because most books do not focus on the vietnamese tradition of Chinese New Year. Our family is of Vietnamese heritage, so this book is best for us.



2. This is a great book for preschoolers to teach about some of the activities related to the Vietnamese New Year and its celebration. The embroidered illustrations are quite intricate. I highly recommend this simple, yet informative book.



3. My 2 yo loves this book, on the 1 Mouse plans a party page we talk about all the people she will invite to our party and by the end she cheers Happy New Year (in Vietnamese) with me. She was enchanted by Lunar New Year this year, and this book has been a wonderful way to help keep it alive for her. We are not Vietnamese and we love this book.



4. Great book for little ones about the Vietnamese New Year. The embroidered illustrations are phenomenal.



5. We really like this book because it has a section in the back for "older" readers. We also enjoyed the front part for "children"

2 comments about 50 Hikes in Massachusetts: A Year-Round Guide to Hikes and Walks from the Top of the Berkshires to the Tip of Cape Cod (50 Hikes in Massachusetts).

1. The three stars are in appreciation of the books identification of hikes I would never have found on my own. It also has useful maps for locating the hikes, and provided helpful information for the one hike I have taken with its help. This was the first hike listed in the book, to the top of Mt. Alander.
   
   The less than perfect score reflects serious deficiencies in the guide to this hike. First, poetic descriptions of landscape and wildlife obscured important directions. Second, there was no indication of the actual distance between the landmarks buried in the descriptions.
   
   The most serious deficiency has to do with directions to the summit. These were very brief and gave way to an extensive and ecstatic account of the views from the top. The trail to the top forks, and there was no indication in the guide of which fork to take. The right fork I took led away from the views so ecstatically described. The most serious problem was the absence of any indication of how to get down from the summit. Trying to retrace my steps, I came upon a sign pointing to landmarks in New York State. Fortunately I ran into two experienced hikers who pointed out the best line of descent and got us back on the trail to the parking area in Massachusetts.



2. I agree with the previous reviewers comments.
   
   The book provides great ideas for hikes, and has informative text on the geology of the area, and even points you toward scenic trailheads. But the directions are lousy and convoluted. I have gotten seriously lost trying to follow.
   
   I'd advise people to buy this book, but when the authors' directions get difficult, backtrace your way to your car rather than relying on them. Better to walk the same trail twice than to get totally lost!
   
   Good hikes in here, though.

No comments about First Night.

No comments about The Celtic Year: A Month-By-Month Celebration of Celtic Christia Festivals and Sites.

5 comments about In the Land of the Big Red Apple (Rose Years).

1. The girl was quite a firecracker. Again, just as charming as Little House, but the storytelling is a bit more complex and more reflective of who Rose was. This series truly equals the charm and storytelling of Laura's story. Kudos to those who thought to bring this series to print.



2. I found this entire series of books to be disappointing. The writing was average but what really bothered me most is how the stories lacked the sweet innocence of the original series. On doing some research I discovered that parts of the books were based on Rose's diaries. Unfortunately, she was not a happy soul and these books suffer from her same pessimism. The listed author for this book (MacBride) died before the last few books were published. The books were still published under his name and HarperCollins claimed that he wrote the manuscript before dying yet one of the last books in this series contains several chapters (almost verbatim) from a story that Rose wrote herself for an adult audience. The story is totally out of character with the series. Rose and her friend sneak out for several nights to meet a traveling salesman. He eventually makes a pass at her...

   This series is okay as light reading for adolescents but if you are looking for a piece of americana, and/or a wholesome book for your child or self this is not the best choice. It grossly fails to live up to the original series of books. The Caroline series is a better choice.




3. I love THE LAURA INGALLS YEARS and the ROSE YEARS. In the later ROSE books, Rose is a little more fiesty and romantical...it builds up as the series goes along, so this is more for pre-teens and teens later on. Otherwise it is very wholesome and fun; Rose is interesting, and has many ideas about the world! I have all the LAURA YEARS books except THE FIRST FOUR YEARS and all the ROSE books except ON THE BANKS OF THE BAYOU (my fave) and BACHELOR GIRL (haven't read that yet).
   ...



4. In the Land of the Big Red Apple is a GREAT book! Rose begins to adjust to her new home in Missouri at Rocky Ridge Farm. She gets a new donkey named Spookendyke for her ninth birthday, a huge ice storm hits, she gets to celebrate her first real Christmas in the Ozarks, and her parents bulid a new house.



5. In the Land of the Big Red Apple is adventurous and suspenseful. Rose and her Mama and Papa moved to Missouri and left her Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Mary, Aunt Carry, and Aunt Grace in De Smet because of a drought. Rose's best friend was Alva. Alva hated town girls. Rose's Papa had a hired hand. His name was Abe. Abe lived in a rented shack with his little brother Swiny. Abe and Swiny's mother and father had died. They met Abe when Papa caught Swiny stealing some of Mama's eggs. The next morning Abe came by to apologize. Then they harvested the last harvest. Then Mama and Rose baked and cooked for Thanksgiving. They invited the Coolys over for supper. The last thing Mama put on their plates was three kernels of corn to remind them of the Pilgrims. Then they said grace. After they ate Rose told Paul and George about a cave, but she wasn't allowed to go in it. Paul said, "They wouldn't know if we do so let's go." They went inside the cave and got really muddy. They got in big trouble when they got back. It was time to go back to school. Rose saw Blanche, her school friend. Rose's Papa came and picked Rose up from school. Papa said, "Why Rose you're lips are blue and you're shivering." When Rose got home he said, "Go sit by the fire." Soon it was Rose's birthday! Mama kept looking out the window but wouldn't let Rose. When it was time for chores her Mama wouldn't let her do her chores. When Papa came inside he said, "Go outside and have a look." There was a donkey outside with a new saddle! A little while after Rose's birthday was a terrible ice storm! It was hard getting around. You had to put cloth on your shoes. Their orchard barely made it. Abe was sparking with Effie, Alva's older sitter. Then Abe asked Effie if she would marry him. Will Effie marry Abe? I recommend this book, because it shows you what it was like when Rose was a little girl compared to now.

5 comments about Christmas Parties . . . What Do I Do? (What Do I Do? series).

1. For anyone wanting to recapture the nostalgia and "family friendliness" of the Christmas season, Wilhelminia Ripple's Christmas Parties: What Do I Do? is a terrific place to start! This attractively presented compendium offers more than 125 creative ideas for games, crafts, and holiday snacks that will make every Christmas gathering fun and memorable. The themes offered for consideration including Christmas Trees, Stockings, and Candy Canes; Snow, Snowmen, and Snowflakes; Santa Claus and His Elves; Rudolph and His Reindeer; I Believe in Angels; and Christmas Here, There, and Everywhere. 36 easy craft projects are clearly laid out with step-by-step illustrations. Christmas Parties is enhanced with 40 simple and delicious recipes for Holiday treats and drinks; 36 "Santa-Approved" games; and more. There's even suggestions for celebrating the end of the Christmas season with "New Year's Tips and Fun Party Ideas" from here at home and around the world. Christmas Parties is a thoroughly "user friendly" instructional reference that will be appreciated by one and all, year after year, Christmas after Christmas.



2. A sparklingl book and many ideas to use for Chritams affairs. The games and crafts are tremendous. This book is great for anyone hosting a Christams Event for any ages. The chapter of The What, Why and How of Christmas Parties is a great beginning for any type of party and gives you a starting point. Suggestion: Purchase a complete set.



3. This book has Christmas Spirit on every page, with holiday games,crafts, and goodies from all around the world. It really brings out the child inside us all. With an added bonus of 13 pages for New Years Eve. I am a Parent and Day Care Provider, to me this book is as much a part of Christmas as the Tree.



4. So you're planning a Christmas party, one where there will be fun and games, and lots and lots of kids. But where do you start? Well, first of all, purchase CHRISTMAS PARTIES...WHAT DO I DO? Wilhelminia Ripple has created the perfect book for anyone planning a Christmas party. Filled with over 125 wonderful ideas for crafts, games, and holiday snacks. Wilhelminia teaches you everything you need to know to throw the most fantastic Christmas party of the season, complete with instructions on how to create Elf Handprints, how to build an Edible Snowman, make a Human Christmas Tree, and much, much more. Whether you've thrown Christmas parties before or not, CHRISTMAS PARTIES...WHAT DO I DO? is the one thing you'll need to make your Christmas party better than anyone else's. A wonderful book that absolutely must be a part of your book collection.
   
   Erika Sorocco
   Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper



5. I bought this book hoping that it would have some fresh ideas for my kids' class parties instead of the same old games and crafts we've been doing it seems year after year. I was worried that even if it had new ideas they might be too invovled/time-consuming for the hour and a half we typically have for the whole party. I was pleasantly surprised that this book had so many ideas to choose from that were original and fit into our limited time frame. I highly recommend this book.

No comments about Mystical Year (Mysteries of the Unknown).

1 comments about New Proclamation: Year A, 2008, Easter to Christ the King (New Proclamation).

1. helpful resource for a minister, especially on those weeks when he is scratching his head wondering what next week should be about.

No comments about Legend of the Chinese Dragon.

5 comments about Aisha's Moonlit Walk: Stories And Celebrations For The Pagan Year.

1. This is a quick read, the stories are written for children as well as adults, and the large type goes by fast. The "real life" stories give a nice dimension to the usual Pagan holiday lore that pre-teens might enjoy reading, while the info for adults give some great ideas on how to best celebrate the high day.
   
   This book is what I'd call "Pagan stealth" written by a UU educator, it stresses the seasonal changes and connecting with the self and nature over specific Pagan theology or much mention of Gods. I question some of the historical information, but think that the ecumenical tone of the book will make it something that teachers and Pagans wanting to include non-Pagan friends will enjoy using.
   
   My one big complaint is just layout style. I wish the book had had a few more illustrations, or that the big blocks of text had been broken up into columns or had headings that catch the eye more. Otherwise, it's a nice addition to the Pagan family's library.



2. I just got this and really think it's a great book. I am a UU and a pagan, so I was really looking forward to this book's release. The stories are short enough to share with a group of kids, and the suggested projects are simple to implement, yet get at the heart of the eight holidays in the pagan year. I expect to use this book both with my own children, and at the UU church I attend.



3. I was eagerly looking forward to receiving this book but was sadly disappointed when it arrived. It is a very short read and the book doesn't flow well at all. For books you'll keep close at hand and refer to over and over again, I suggest "Circle Round" and "Celebrating the Great Mother." Don't waste your money with this one...



4. For a twenty dollar book, I was sirprised at it's size to start off with. At less than a centimeter thick, it isn't much more than a couple of magazine widths. Inside, the print looks to be double spaced with large margins to accommodate an appalling lack of content. Not only is the content minimal, but it's not even quality. Sorry to say, but it's definitely very fluffy with little depth of spiritual understanding. It comes across, to me, like the author has read a few books on paganism and then decided to write a book herself. This impression is reinforced by the choices made in the 'to find out more' recommended book section and website recommendations. The books include a few of the most common pagan parenting type books but misses out on some of the best ones, and throws in some completely unrelated books (such as Starhawk's Spiral Dance and Twelve Wild Swans - I have no problem with Starhawk, I have read these books myself, but I fail to see the relevance). The websites suggested are the Reclaiming site, the Unitarian site and the Circle of Life Foundation. That's it. There are many great sites out there for pagan children and pagan families, with a huge assortment of stories, craft ideas, colouring pages and consumer products (my favorite being the Elsie and Pooka site). If this book is about 'stories and celebrations for the pagan year,' and includes a recommended websites section, it just seems to make sense to include websites that follow the same thread. Particularly as the book is so lacking in adequately fulfilling this purpose. For example, the book is divided into a section for each Sabbat. Each Sabbat has one story following Aisha and her family and greater pagan community. Following the story are celebration ideas. For Yule, the celebration ideas include: 1. Cut evergreen branches to place on your altar. 2. buy a journal and decorate it. 3. Decorate a mirror in a frame. That's it. Nothing else. And with the mirror making idea, she suggests writing down the words "Goddess," "Sacred," and "Divine" to, I don't know, tape to the mirror? It's not clear exactly what you do with these words but my question is: how are they relevant to the Winter Solstice? They are clearly relevant to paganism. But Yule?? The majority of the 'celebration' ideas are not unique, are not terribly relevant and are not that interesting.
   The stories, one per Sabbat, are well written. But they were still generally disappointing for their lack of any depth of spiritual content. I will read them to my kids though, even though the practices mentioned within their pages are completely alien to most of the pagan's I know. I think if you're specifically Reclaiming or UU, you will probably enjoy this book more than I did. It spoke very little to my pagan practices and beliefs and seems quite devoid of much real content.
   My recommendation? In a half an hour you can search online and get ten times the suggestions of celebration ideas for the pagan year (with much greater quality) and quite a few pagan Sabbat stories. Along with wonderful colouring pages, recipes etc. Print them out. Bind them at your local office supply store. Save fifteen bucks.
   Check out The Pagan Family by Ceisiwr Serith if you're looking for specifically pagan ways to celebrate the turning of the wheel as a family.



5. My sister wrote this and it's awesome. It's sitting on our table in our living room.
   We love you Anika.