Birthdays Books

First, let me say, this just isn't my normal kind of read. I'm a romance author--I read romance.

That said, let me just say "Wow!"

Mr. Cassell writes a tale that will engage the reader from the very first line.

The tension builds, the plot unfolds, and we learn the back story all without realizing we're being 'given' back story.

For those that aren't authors, one of the hardest things to do in a story is let the reader know what they need to know--show not tell. Mr. Cassell has mastered this technique to a fine art.

I'm not going to ruin the story by telling what happens--I hate reviews where I'm given the entire story.

Let me just say--I'm off to buy the next part.

The story is written with a talent that is hard to not find impressive. The protagonists are likable and the reader will emphasize with them.

I've found a new author to add to my 'keeper' pile.

John W. Cassell has done it again, as with all his stories. He is a master story teller from the word go. Never am I disappointed with his work. Never. Leap into Darkness Part I is an excellent read...brilliant. As always, he puts you, the reader, in the middle of the story, wondering what is going to happen next, and the tension builds, as it is always paced just right. Now...on to Part II. Superb! Again, five stars!

As I've read Cassell's novels, I've continued wondering why his clear descriptions of depression, intense difficulty, and pain provide good (enthralling) reading for me, whereas some of the classics or overdone genres of horror, adventure, etc., are just not my cup of tea; I'm never in the mood to be depressed, and usually I'm not drawn into pure adventure stories.

What I saw again with "Leap into Darkness, Part 1: Not my Best Birthday" (which is chapter 2 in Cassell's novel UNCERTAIN PARADISE: 1973 [PART ONE] (n/a)) is that most classics deal with depression in a much different way from Cassell. Take for example John's detailing of his birthday, walking on the boardwalk and vividly bringing to life the depressed state of Atlantic City reflecting his frame of mind.

In many of the classics I've tried to read, there is no ambition and no hope for escaping drudgery, horror, or depression.

Yes, in Cassell's stories the reader is side-by-side with the protagonist (who is based on the author and using his name), and absolutely feeling the feelings, not running from them. Yet, the author (as a character, and with the reader) is constantly questioning, working toward valid or useful reasons for the deadly issues and situations; or the author is working toward a release, either partial or complete (the John Cassell character takes either with glee). And, when something good comes along, John doesn't allow a grudge from a past difficulty or depression to spoil any incoming fun, at least never for long.

That is one of the special qualities which run through Cassell's books. Somehow, in his characterization of himself, there's always an underlying feeling of hope, and an ultimate belief in some type of Higher Good, even when there is no hope in the moment, even during those times when Cassell is forced to lay down.

Cassell writes incredibly well, too, with setting, mood, action. The details of the fight with Sean Kelly were amazing (I enjoyed the later discussions with Joe about the "Mick" value in a good fight), as are the dialogue connections between a variety of characters. I noticed that John was sporting a topcoat there, replacing the field jacket made famous in Crossroads: 1969 (N/A) and Odyssey: 1970.

I loved the way these Irish guys come through in their vivid personalities, and Joe takes the cake of vulnerability and endearment. All those exchanges were awesome, every bit as rich as Robert B. Parker's characterizations and male bonding scenes.

I noticed lots of passages I could quote here, too many, in fact! I had difficulty deciding where to begin and end the quotes without typing the whole chapter. Lots of great setting description, dialogue, mannerisms and movement, sound, too, especially the Boardwalk's types of silence alternating with its unique noises.

"The Birthday" was heartwarming with plotting, too, hiring Sean and Joe, and getting Joe (starving but proud) to accept and relish a steak, with John's steak resting nearly complete in the doggie bag (John was hiding the fact that he had just had lunch with another birthday basher). Cassell does a fantastic job of getting not only the reader's mind engaged in his setting, story, and characters; he gets the reader's heart, sometimes soul into his world and situations.

It still amazes me that I'm so able to get into even the parts of Cassell's plots which most people would see as pure adventure, maybe appealing mostly to male readers, or females whose tastes run there. It's his just right sensitivity which does the job for a less gritty gal like me.

Linda Shelnutt
Shelnutt is the author of a collection of Amazon Shorts, and novels on Kindle, including:
Morning Comes: the Pre Dawn Blues - Part 1
Full Moon Rising (The Books of Gem)
Myrtle's Ultimate Mystery

This book saved the day for me -- i had no idea what to do for my daughter's birthday and someone recommended this book. It's a complete and easy to follow, step by step on how to engage any age group in baking the birthday cake as the party activity. Talk about killing multiple birds with one stone -- this idea took care of the activity and the food! Saved me time and money. And everyone went home thrilled that they baked the cake and ate it too! Thank you Linda Kaye.

I came across this book after looking around for birthday party ideas - I wanted to do something unique this time around. I loved the unique approach to throwing a party for someone where the party is the actually baking! How clever. This book offers a helpful checklist and template guide to planning your own party. Truly a great book.

I heard about this book from Cookie and also from Nick Jr. I'm always looking for something new to keep things exciting for my son and his little friends, so we tried it out. What a great time! Everyone pitched in and helped bake and decorate the cake. It seems like alot of work to prepare, but the book has helpful checklists and schedules that took all of the work and worry out of preparing for the party. Really unique and highly recommended. I've been telling all my friends.

Right from the start this book is one of those that just feels good in the hand. A thin aesthetically pleasing little volume it has a red satin ribbon to mark your place and a brightly colored huge red heart invites you inside from the front cover. The text is a love poem by the great Carl Sandburg that has never before been published. The pictures are by Anita Lobel and they are filled with glad, warm-hearted images and colors.
A young man goes to "where the aurora borealises grow" and brings home a beautiful speciman for his true love's birthday. The enchanting swirls of color actually do quite well at depicting the essence of the aurora borealis and its mysterious, magical light show. I know, because the northern lights were swirling in the skies over my home just a few nights ago and Lobel captured the feeling just perfectly.
We follow the young man's struggle to find and bring the aurora borealis to his love and we believe that his feelings are so strong that he really can do anything for his love that he sets his heart on doing. He offers to bring her more aurora borealises or even a rainbow if she would like. This poetical man is letting her know that he will always work hard for her and struggle through life with her which is something a young woman may hope for, but this clever man has found a beautiful and romantic way to say it. His sensitivity to her need for beauty and abundance is the endearing point of the colorful promises he makes in this story.
I treasure this book and I think it makes a wonderful gift for anyone you love, especially yourself.

I'm an avid reader of all sorts of novels. I've read 'em with thousands of pages, but none of them have ever moved me as much as this little book did. Both the poem and the illustration have a magical, enchanting quality to them. Buy it for yourself or as a gift. It's well worth the money.

This book is so amazing that when i picked it up in the store and started reading it, i began to cry right there in the shop. i've never experienced that sort of thing in before. i bouth the book right there on the spot with money i had ear-marked for something else. It is just a really simple, really beautiful poem about love with wonderful illustrations. It makes a beautiful present for a child or even a sweetheart.

Pooh Corner, Not For Kids Only: ...Any adult or child who is captivated by Winnie-the-Pooh, Eeyore, Rabbit and all of A. A. Milne's creations - as he wrote them - will find magic in a new top-quality three volume set, The Classic Pooh Treasury" performed by British actor Peter Dennis.

Dennis has pleased critics and audiences around the world with his faithful treatment of Milne's stories and poems in live theater performances.

Peter Dennis brings to charming life each endearing character in these unabridged tales for the young and young at heart. LYNNE HEFFLEY, LOS ANGELES TIMES, AUGUST 11TH, 1996

These recordings of the Pooh stories are the BEST rendition I have ever heard. Peter Dennis' characterization of each character is perfect. The read-a-longs are great for the kids. I am a 50 year old "Classic" Pooh fan. I recommend these to everyone, whatever your age. They are pure joy .

This program exemplifies the potential quality audio has for complementing text. Soothing music introduces and links the stories and verses. Subtle sounds of nature immerse the listener in Pooh's world and provide a backdrop for Peter Dennis's enchanting performance. Dennis's ability to switch characters and moods allows him to accurately portray the range of characters in the stories. These talents shine prominently in the "When We Were Very Young" poems. All ages will enjoy this marvelous performance of Milne's words.

Some children's books are fun to read, and others are more serious. There are those that make you smile, and those that touch your heart. This book will touch all those who read it.

"The Promise," by Chiemi Mochizuki, is about a young boy, Finn, who is traumatized by the accidental death of his father. Since that time, Finn is not able to speak. Through the love that his grandfather displays for his late grandmother by way of a promise, Finn realizes that love lasts and helps heal. It's through this experience that Finn finds the courage to speak again.

MyParenTime.com highly recommends this book -- the illustrations are colorful and inviting, and the story is sure to touch a place in every reader's heart.

I cried after I read "The Promise." A hero in this story, Finn is very warm hearted boy and care about everyone around him. The way he cared about his family really touched my heart. Also, the way his grandfather showed his love for grandmother is very touching. I recommend this story to your children.

Yokouchi, Michiko
A house wife/Mother of two children
Tokyo, Japan

A young child remembers discussing Heaven with his deceased yet beloved grandfather, who cherished the beauty and wonder of flowers and planted them to keep a promise. Written and illustrated by Chiemi, The Promise is a thoughtfully impressive picture book for young readers ages 8 to 11 and deals with the serious issue of death and the remembering a lost loved one. A meaningful, poignant, and recommended addition to family, school and community library picture book collections.

Spot the Dog books are a favourite with my girls. They love the simple stories that they can relate to (hiding, baking a cake, playing with others etc) and the lift-the-flaps always bring screams of delight even though we've read them many many times. As they grow I'm sure they'll be one of the books they learn to read with. The words are simple and the font easy to read. Lovely books to cuddle up with your children on your lap. They are also big enough to hold up and read to them as they sit in back seat on car trips.

Spot and his mom make a surprise birthday cake for daddy dog in this fun book. Kids love liftng the flaps and seeing what's underneath (mine liked the mouse who says "I need some cheese.")

After shopping for the ingredients and mixing them up back at home, Spot has great fun icing the cake with LOADS of chocolate--it gets all over the table as well. Festooned with multi-colored frosting and bones, the finished product is a delightful surprise for dad. You'll find this delightful as well! With 22 pages, 20 flaps, and big colorful pictures, this is a surefire hit for the toddler set!

I am a first grader in Lockport, NY. My name is Joshua. I have read all of the Spot lift-the-flap books. My favorite book is Spot Bakes a Cake. I liked when Spot helped his Mom bake the cake for Dad. I hope Eric Hill writes 500 more Spot lift-the-flap books!

I am a grandparent and can't wait to read this book to my two year old grandson. The bright action-like illustrations that you see as you turn every page I know will capture his attention as I read the simple short rhyming story on the corresponding page. I think children who have been exposed to the ocean and its creatures will particularly love this story.

This book is a wonderful story that has a rhyme on every page. The illustrations are beautiful and full of depth and meaning. My children and I have read it time and again and my 2 year old is learning the rhymes! We laugh everytime we see how Ray shows his frown...

I absolutely adore this book! The pictures are vibrant and eye catching, the rhyming makes it easy to read, and the story is phenomenal! This is an excellent example for children - it shows great character. Children are mesmorized by the blue ocean scenes and all the ocean characters. The facts at the end of the book are a nice touch also. I highly recommend this book for children and adults. It teaches us ALL how to be a great friend!

Now that I've been using the latest edition of the Teacher's Calendar for a few weeks, I can say for certain that it's done what I hoped: built an appreciation among my "Social Studies is boring" 3rd graders for historical events. If I forget to read them the highlights for a day in history during the usual time in the morning, at least one of them will ask, "What happened today?"

I highly recommend this book to fellow educators who are looking for a sure way to build more interest in history among their students.

This book covers the gamet for holidays and dates to be remember or celebrated. An excellent resource for student participation in current and historic events.

I am the principal of a small Catholic school, and I use the information in this book to write the morning announcements. The kids love to hear a little piece of history, or a snippet of trivia, or important holidays in foreign countries. It has inspired some off the wall celebrations, such as Hoodie Hoo Day which I celebrated with my 8th graders when I taught.

This book should be called "This is the Best Children's Party Book Ever!" It has great ideas, but unlike most party books it tells you how to accomplish everything and make it a learning experience for your child and his or her friends. I loved it and would reccomend this book to anyone.

This book is organized by age, and then by theme -- as an early childhood educator, her observations on what a one, two, three, four or five year old will like and put up with are absolutely right on! Wish I'd had this book to plan my childs first three birthday parties. She has great age appropriate activities, as well as organizing checklists.

The President of our Mother's Club recommended this book and it is wonderful! The author, Sharon Krull, speaks at Mother's Clubs throughout Northern California and is an incredibly dynamic speaker.

My daughter and I love this book. The pull out figures give her a way to contribute to our quiet time. I took the figures to an office supply store and had them laminated so they'll remain in good condition...and they have! A wonderful contribution to any child's library!

The perfect just-before-tucking-in book! My daughter loves it and asks for it every night. She carefully tucks each animal into the appropriate bed--and even chides Tiger for having too much cake at the birthday party. The only problem is keeping track of all the little paper cut-outs! I even thought of making a back up set on the color copier and having them laminated...but I'm not Martha Stewart.

This is a very nice story about friends falling asleep and tucking them into bed. My child enjoys tuckng each of the sleepy friends into the beds provided on each page and wishing each one a "Goodnight". When the story is over each of her friends are tucked in, and she is ready mentally to join them in going Goodnight! Each page ends with the same text "Let's tuck them into bed. Goodnight, [animal]." So the child begins to read along with you. I have a two year old, and she obviously does not read, but she expects that each animal will be tucked in and bid goodnight. Then it's her turn--and she goes without fuss!