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How can a beautiful white elephant be a terrible curse?

Customer Reviews (2)

Real elephant stories brought to everyone
The White Elephant is a wonderful book by a legendary children's author, Sid Fleischman.His blend of Twain's wit and O'Henry's love of language brings this story of a boy and his elephants to life in a way no one else could.He used stories of real elephants to create the connection between the boy and his animal friends.Not only is it a great read, but you can leave with actual knowledge about elephants.Did you know elephants like peppermint?Sid cared enough to find out.It enriches the story and the reader's experience.It's a must read for any child who loves animals (and in my opinion for everyone young and old).Buy a copy and read it, then give a copy to children in your life.

A boy and his elephant(s)
The English language is chock full of funny terms and phrases. Raise the roof. Give me a hand. A fair weather friend. Yet few phrases, however creative, tend to lead to their very own children's books. Leave it to Sid Fleischman then to change all of that with a wave of his hand. Unless you are directly involved in a white elephant gift exchange, you've probably had very little reason to ponder where the term even came from. With "The White Elephant", however, they'll learn what the term means, where it came from, and the book has the added bonus of containing the ultimate in luxury pets.

Run-Run, resident of Siam and owner of the clever elephant Walking Mountain, has a pretty good life. Get up. Use Walking Elephant to clear away tree stumps or wet down dusty roads. Eat. Relax. Go back to bed. It's a simple life and it suits Run-Run just fine, though he sometimes wonders about what the world outside his tiny sphere must look like. Soon there's little time to ponder such mysteries, however. As fate would have it, one day Walking Mountain accidentally douses Prince Noi, perhaps the idlest of the king's princes, with a heavy flood of river water. As punishment, Noi sends Run-Run a gift that is also a curse. The boy is now sole owner of a beautiful and sacred white elephant. White elephants cannot be used for labor, of course, and their appetites are immense. Now Run-Run must balance the desires of an elephant who just wants to be useful against those of a prince.

I'm always pleased as punch to find a new early chapter children's book. They don't exactly have the publishing stats of fantasy novels, yet they're of great importance to young readers. And Sid Fleischman has always been God's gift to reluctant or early readers. I haven't any statistics to prove this, but I suspect that his "The Whipping Boy" is the number one best read Newbery due in large part to the word "Boy" in the title and its enormously rewarding length (or lack thereof). So it should come as little surprise at this point to find Fleischman bestowing yet another well-written title on our shelves. Part of what I loved about this book was the fact that the elephants acted like elephants. They don't go putting on clothes like Babar and start discussing the weather. No sir! Fleischman even avoids that most tempting of children's literary techniques, the dream sequence. No easy outs for this fellow. Therefore, by the end of the book your kids will be able to discuss what elephants like to eat, why caring for their feet is important, and the sometimes deadly use of their tusks.

I've often said that it is far more difficult for an author to pen well-written early chapter fare than complex 400+ paged tomes. If brevity is a skill then Fleischman has it in spades. Not only do you understand each character's personality, but the author even goes so far as to illustrate Run-Run's dreams of seeing more than his own private corner of the world. More impressive still is a small section of the book wherein Run-Run has a private conversation with himself on whether or not to return the white elephant. Each sentence in the book gets its own line. "A white elephant must be obeyed. Mustn't the prince, also, be obeyed? True. And he will be furious. But isn't the prince always furious? Wipe your nose. I am. Well? I am thinking". I don't know about you, but I have definitely had interior monologues that proceeded at a pace very similar to the dialogue found here.

Oh just buy the book already. What more can I say? It's smart and fun (let's not forget the importance of fun in children's books, okay?) and written beautifully. If more books of this stripe come out, elephants may soon become this season's penguins (if you know what I mean). A must-have for any early chapter collection you know of. ... Read more

Product Description
Everyone thinks they know the Sid James story the wife-beating womaniser who seduced hisCarry On' leading lady, Barbara Windsor, and drank himself to death after the affair ended. Sid was certainly a lover of the flesh be it chorus girls or race horses but the rumours that have enlivened hundreds of newspaper exposes fail to tell the whole story of this complex actor. At turns a quiet, even-tempered family man and the ultimate lad, this book reveals every facet of his character through never before published correspondence with his family, friends and agent Michael Sullivan, forgotten press interviews and exclusive tales from Sid's inner circle including Joan Sims (Carry On co-star), Sally Gleeson (Bless This House co-star), and scriptwriter Vince Powell, who crafted three sitcoms for Sid and made him the star of Thames Television. Sid James: The Authorised Biography reveals the actor's many sides: the war hero, the saviour of Diana Dors, the seducer of his agent's wife, the reluctant broadcaster, shrewd investor, and addicted gambler. Sid, who counts Jonathan Ross, Paul Merton, Ben Elton and Frank Skinner as loyal and devoted fans, is as popular today as he ever was.And this revealing biography will captivate anyone interested in learning more about this national treasure of comic acting. Robert Ross has been writing about and researching British entertainment history for more than a decade, and he has written 15 books dedicated to the best of British comedy from Monty Python to Benny Hill. He has appeared in dozens of TV programmes including What's A Carry On? and Legends: Hattie Jacques. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

silly snake
Sid the Snake starts to lose his skin one day.He thinks that he is sick.He tells his friends and mother.When he tells him mom she explains that snakes shed their skin and that just means that he is growing up.


The book was quick and easy to read. Young readers will enjoy the cute illustrations.

I would recommend this book to kids 5-8. It is part of the "Green Light Reader" series. It also included fun activities and questions to ask after reading. ... Read more

Product Description
Sid Phillips knew he was a long way from his home in Mobile, AL, when he plunged into the jungles of Guadalcanal in August 1942. A mortarman with the same company of the 1st Marine Division as Helmet For My Pillow author Robert Leckie, Sid was a 17-year-old kid when he entered combat. Some two years later, when he returned home, the island fighting on Guadalcanal and Cape Gloucester had turned him into an "Old Timer" by Marine standards and a man. In this true story, Sid recalls his encounters with icons like Chesty Puller, Gen. Vandergrift, Eleanor Roosevelt, and his boyhood friend, With the Old Breed author, Eugene Sledge. He remembers fighting in the battle of the Tenaru (Alligator Creek), the struggle for Henderson Field, bombardments by Japanese battleships, the brutality of the tropics, and the haunting notion of being surrounded and expendable. This is the story of how Sid stood shoulder to shoulder with his Marine brothers to discover the strength and faith necessary to survive the dark, early days of WWII in the Pacific. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Great book
I bought this book after reading Helmet For my Pillow by Robert Leckie, and I wanted more.Unlike Helmet For my Pillow, Sid Phillips' book is written from the perspective of a man recollecting events many years after the fact.As some reviewers have pointed out it's sometimes hard to follow the events and how they correlate to specific battles, but that seems to be pretty typical of first-person accounts.That's the fog of war plus 50 or so years.Regardless, I loved this book.Like Leckie, Phillips really captures the individual hardships faced by a young, non-rate Marine.His struggle was right in front of his face as he had little idea what the big picture was.He did it right though because he talked about what he knew and didn't second-guess it later.Phillips has a great sense of humor and that's a big part of what he remembers.As a 14+ year Marine I can relate to his experiences, although times and the Marine Corps have certainly changed from his era.My advice: read it!

Much respect, I was not Sor-ree!
I have just started reading books about WWII battles in the Pacific.I read "The Pacific" first, three times back to back.After getting to know the characters, Sledgehammer, Sidney Phillips and R.V. Burgin, I purchased their books.I finished "You'll be Sor-ree!" over two evenings and I am now reading "With the Old Breed".I can certainly say that I feel like I have a better idea as to the hellish experience our troops faced during WWII.Sidney Phillips, as well as Eugene Sledge, recount thier experiences in different ways, Sledge with a reserved and refined style of writing and Phillips with more boyish humor.As I read thier stories I find I have developed a great respect for all of those who served and I wish I could have had the chance to meet them and express my thanks.

I am surprised how much of "The Pacific" was taken directly from each of these books.I have been disappointed a few times because I was reading the exact same story word for word.However, I am still enjoying the reading and turn each page with anticipation.

Guadalcanal Marine Remembers
Sid Phillip's memoirs "You'll Be Sor-ree!" was a good read. As a former Marine whose Father was a Marine SBD pilot on Guadalcanal during Sept.'42(Oct. & part of Nov. behind enemy lines), and knowing what I know about the Battle and the awful conditions our Marines endured, it was a good recall by Dr. Phillips.Thank you, Sir. Semper Fi,Gene Leslie, Sgt., U.S.M.C.,Ret.

You'll Be Sor-ree!
I was intreased in this because My Father served in this area at the same time and he would not talk about it. Realy brings out what the men had to go through and how they worked togethet to get the Job doneLots of feelingsthank you GrandmaJ

Interesting, but flawed
I have mixed feelings about this book - Dr. Phillips is a good writer and does an excellent job describing the day-to-day life of a grunt helping push back the Japanese in the Pacific.However, if you are unacquainted with the campaigns in which he fought, you will find the descriptions of the combat somewhat disjointed and difficult to follow.Also, the epilogue significantly detracts from the content of the book, as it mostly contains rants about evolution and atheists and his idea that the United States needs to be taken back to "God".It is the literary equivalent of the grumpy old man shouting at kids from his front porch, and does not match the rest of the writing.Without the epilogue, I give this four stars, but with it, the book is damaged goods.I recommend Eugene Sledge's books over this one, and "Strong Men Armed" if you want to know more about the Pacific campaign.
... Read more

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Let's-Read-and-Find-Out About Teeth

Customer Reviews (1)

Learn about importance of brushing teeth
Reviewed by Cayden Aures (age 5 ½) and Mom for Reader Views (05/10)

Cayden:"This Sid the Science Kid book is about why we should brush our teeth.Sid doesn't want to brush his teeth because he thinks it is too much work.Then everybody tells him why he has to do it.At his school the teacher shows the class a cavity picture.You can get a cavity if you don't brush your teeth.My favorite part of the book was learning what my different teeth are called.I learned incisors, canines, and molars.I also learned which teeth bite different foods.I just went to the dentist and he told me that I do a good job brushing my teeth.I don't have any cavities!"

Parent's comments:

"Sid the Science Kid: A Cavity is a Hole in Your Tooth" is an excellent educational book.It is part of the Stage 1 "Let's-Read-And-Find-Out Science" series which we absolutely love!My son is intrigued by science and learns so much from these books.We highly recommend "Sid the Science Kid: A Cavity is a Hole in Your Tooth." ... Read more

Product Description

When Sid discovers that the ice pop he left out overnight has melted, he starts to wonder: Why don't ice pops stay frozen all the time? And why does water turn into ice in the freezer? With a little help from his family, friends, and teacher, Sid the Science Kid is ready to investigate reversible change!

Product Description
It's not every day that you make the most important phone call of your life based on a wish and a hunch. But that's exactly what promoter Sid Bernstein did when, feeling that the time was right for the Beatles to play America, he placed a single call to Brian Epstein and arranged the pop group's history-making event at Carnegie Hall. A year later, Sid presented John, Paul, George and Ringo to a sold-out Shea Stadium. That unforgettable performance, the first concert in a venue that large, changed the face of music.

"It's SID BERNSTEIN Calling . . ." is America's premier impresario's exciting ride through the decades with many of the twentieth century's greatest personalities. As a promoter, his extraordinary vision and instinct was evident during rock-and-roll's "British Invasion," when he imported a tidal wave of English bands-the Rolling Stones, Herman's Hermits, Moody Blues, The Kinks and others-to American shores. All the while, Sid, with his incomparable music savvy, was pivotal in the careers of James Brown, Ray Charles, John Denver, Joan Baez, Miles Davis-a veritable Who's Who in the recording industry. Also a rebuilder of dreams, Sid was instrumental in the triumphant comebacks of legends Tony Bennett and Judy Garland.

Sid takes us on his professional and personal journey, from high points such as his marriage to Broadway singer Geraldine Gale and appointment as Ambassador from Liverpool, through the incredible low points, like the breakup of his chart-topping group, the Young Rascals and the shocking death of John Lennon. We get an intimate look at Sid and the many celebrities he met along the way: Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Mick Jagger, Ed Sullivan, Barbra Streisand, Paul Newman, Shirley MacLaine, the members of ABBA, even George and Barbara Bush!

In "It's SID BERNSTEIN Calling . . ." we're propelled into the world of show business and, through Sid's recollections, get to know some of its biggest stars. We do so gladly, listening with our hearts to this man who was always one step ahead of the beat-paving milestones in entertainment history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Love That Sid!
This isn't really a review, more of a statement. I happen to know Sid Bernstein very well. He has become more than a friend. I consider him Family. I just love all of the fantastic facts that he wrote about. I have read it several times. As a result when I find out someone's musical tastes, I purchase his book and give it to them as a gift. He was a very important part of the Music Business. He should be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It's incredible how many lives he touched in his career. His Birthday is this Wednesday! Happy Birthday Sid and thanks for this wonderful book! Love You, Denice Given

The book and the man
As a reporter for a weekly newspaper in Hudson County, I was able to interview Sid twice -- once for a profile in anticipation of his visit to the Beatlefest in Secaucus and later when he worked with a local promoter for a benefit. For both stories, this book helped bring out details of his life and his passions I would have missed, and helped me ask the right questions. It is a fun book about a special man, and for me, the book enlightened me about the details behind some of the more historic events of my life, such as what really happened when the Beatles came to America in 1964. This was a trip down memory lane. Thank you Sid.

The Real Deal
Sid Bernstein is nobody who would be called shy.His bold and confident approach to the music industry made him one of the most successful and historical legends among characters whose sheer presence could eclispe even superstars.Naturally, the book reads like Bernstein's personality:it's straightforward, New York-brassy, and honest.His personal, behind-the-scene accounts of the English invasion and its two major acts -- The Beatles and The Rolling Stones -- are worth the price of the book alone.But there's more to be learned about the evolution of the music biz from first-person advice than almost anywhere else.Best of all, it's a very quick read.

Sid Bernstein is "The Man!"
This book is a MUST read! The impact of the Beatles on our society is immeasurable.

Sid Bernstein promoted the biggest stars in show biz to the heights of their careers. But is was Sid who put his own career on the line and brought the Beatles to America. Sid Bernstein changed the course of society!

An amazing story! "It's Sid Bernstein Calling!" is the book you should be reading right now!

The Jerry McGuire of The Entertainment Biz
"It's Sid Bernstein Calling" might seem to be one, long show business success story, but it's not.

It's way better. It's many entertaining show business success stories in the life of one man.

"It's Sid Bernstein Calling" is a well-written story of the many and varied successes of a kid from the Bronx, who took his chances and managed the biggest acts in show business.

Bernstein was the first guy to sense that The Beatles were going to hit it big; he organized the world's first modern rock concert (The Beatles, Shea Stadium, August 1965) and his tireless promotion ofsuperstar artists is a textbook in real world show biz promotion.

The book is well written, a pleasure to read. Arthur Aaron's well-researched writing tells Sid Bernstein's story and never gets in the way of dealing with Bernstein's experiences, personal life and work ethics. The ups and downs are all there. Bernstein holds nothing back. It's a real story about the real thing.

Read it for such great ancedotes as how a piano got him to promote Abba, how he helped Tony Bennett sell out Carnegie Hall, helped promote The Young Rascals and the dozens of other superstars who have benefited from his golden touch.

Sid Bernstein is a rarity today - an honest, trusthworty and hardworking musical and theatrical promoter. A must read if you want to know about show business and treating people with class and respect. ... Read more

Product Description
In Switchbacks, Sid Marty draws on his own memories and those of friends and former colleagues in relating a series of true mountain tales. Among his subjects are: the old guide who built a staircase up a cliff; the stranded snowshoer who was rescued between rounds of beer in a Banff tavern; the man who catered to hungry grizzlies; an opinionated packrat with a gift for larceny; and a horse named Candy whose heart was as big as a stove.

Along the way, Marty tries to answer the kind of questions that all of us must face some day. Do we really have to “grow up” and abandon adventure as well as youthful ideals? Can the mountains draw old friends back together, when politics and life styles have set them apart?

Sid Marty writes gracefully of the land he loves and lampoons a few bureaucrats whose policies sometimes threaten its integrity. His portraits of the people – and creatures – that make their lives in the mountains are affectionate and respectful. But, above all, this is a collection of engaging, surprising, funny, and superbly told true stories by a gifted writer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

My kind of Stories
A Canadian friend gave me a copy of this book to read and I enjoyed every bit of it.Even though I am not familiar with the area Sid Marty's stories take place in, I was glued to the book until I finished. The stories are so fantastic they could only be true and so entertaining I read many of them out loud to who ever was around at the time. Here is a small sample: "This woman had a terrible sunburn. She was lying naked in her tent, covered with cold cream, when a black bear walked through the tent door. The lady froze, played dead, and without much preamble, the black bear began to lick off the cold cream - all of it. Then he wandered off in search of dessert, leaving his victim uninjured, though emotionally debilitated - to say the least."Yup, that is just a small sample of the stories in the book, some of which made you laugh, some cry and some just downright bigger than life. The mountain descriptions were complete enough to get the picture, as well as the rescues and the helicopter techniques like being transported through the air from a sling under a helicopter for rescue purposes. Sid Marty's life experiences are lessons to us all from patrolling on horseback to recalling the history of climbers who went before him. If you like outdoor stories, or Marty's other books you will enjoy this one as well.

Switchbacks: AMustRead
I've just discovered Sid Martys' books this year. I'm finding all his books are spellbinding. What makesSwitchbacks so remarkable is that the adventures recorded are true stories.I could not put this book down.If you love the great outdoors, if you love to learn more about the history of North American parks,in this case, the Canadian Rockies, this is a must read.

Good history of the Rockies
Once again, Sid Marty has produced another 'must read' about the beautiful Canadain Rockies. His first book "Men for the mountains" is still a classic adventure and environmental tale about the Rocky Mountain Parks, with this as it's somewhat continuation. It differs however in that it reads as more of a climbing/historical acount of the pioneers of the Lake Louise, Banff and Jasper areas rather than of the park system and how it is managed and sometimes mismanaged. For an Albertan and a frequent visitor of the Rocky mountain park system, this was a great book in that the names of the places I visit now have greater significance and meaning.

I give it only four stars instead of the five "Men for the mountains" received only because the narrative is less engaging and is more of a history lesson, but still a great mountain book.

"Leaning on the wind" is another great choice if you enjoyed either of these books. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (13)

A Hole In The World Review
This was a rather short book but not very exciting.It was a long time before you actually figured out the reason for Paul being sent to the farm, which made it very hard to grab my attention and keep me interested.The book did have a good message to the story of the power of your words and integrity, however it did seem to go into some things that did not appear to deal with the story in many ways.If you read it with a group that does notthink alike, it can become a controversial book with some of the topics.If you have the opportunity, chose another book to read.I only gave it a one star because you were forced to rate it, personally out of five stars I would give it a zero.

Richie's Picks: A HOLE IN THE WORLD
A HOLE IN THE WORLD left me with a touch of that same warm, quiet feeling I've gotten after reading such great books as BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE, WALK TWO MOONS, and A YEAR DOWN YONDER. Sid Hite, who hails originally from Virginia where the story takes place, has created a collection of genuine characters whom I will remember with a great fondness. What is rather unusual about this book is that one of the most memorable characters is Hennley Gray, a farmhand who has died before the story begins.

The story takes place over a summer and begins when Paul Shackleford, a fifteen year old from Richmond, is delivered by his father to a distant relative's farm. He is to work the summer there as a consequence for the error in judgment he's made. As Paul explains it to Ellis Vallenport:

"A guy named Stitch asked me to provide him with an alibi, to say he'd been with me that night. I had seen him briefly that evening, for about five minutes, so when a cop came and asked me about it, I sort of stretched the truth and said we'd been hanging out. The thing was, Stitch forgot to tell me he'd borrowed his uncle's car and sideswiped some woman's car, then took off because he didn't have a license..."

"It was an ugly situation. The woman didn't have any insurance and wanted to sue for damages...and after my name was dropped into the mess, my dad had to step in and sort things out with the judge and Stitch's uncle's insurance company."

Paul is immediately put to work mucking out pigpens, replacing barbed wire fencing, and hoisting bales of hay. While he works with his kin and the hired farmhands, he gradually learns their stories as well as those of the late Hennley Gray, whose presence permeates the farm far beyond the fact that his loyal dog, his old green farm truck, and his cabin remain there.

For instance, when Paul tells Ellis the aforementioned story about what he did wrong, Ellis tells him that Hennley'd say, "Taffy stretches, but not the truth." At another memorable point Granny Furr tells Paul how, "Hennley respected words. I think he believed they lived in the air after they were spoken."

In the end, A HOLE IN THE WORLD is a splendid story in which a decent but relatively clueless kid gets himself together, in large part due to a man whom he never meets. A relatively quick read, I'll be rereading it aloud at home beginning tonight.

A Hole in the World
Sid Hite wrote the book A Hole in the World. Scholastic Press published this book in 2001, in New York. This book has a great moral, great theme, and you have to read it! Why, you'll find out as you read on.
This book is about a boy named Paul, who got sent to his distant relatives, the Vallenports, to live on a country farm, as a punishment for his innocent lie. At first, when Paul was being dropped off at the farm, he was very mad at his parents and also sad because he was going away from his friends for the whole summer! He was really horrified because he was a city guy and being transferred to live with a bunch of old-country people, made him get the creeps. But he actually started to like it there. He started working on the farm (which was painful at first but fine later) and during his stay there, he made great friends: Dundas, Tucker, Ellis, Hargrove, Ada, Inez, Einstein (the Vallenports' pet dog), and, of course, Rebecca (Paul & Rebecca liked each other). Another central character in this book was a man named Hennley, who was not alive anymore (and just to tell you, Einstein used to be Hennley's pet but after Hennley died, the Vallenports kept him). Everyone on the farm kept saying that Paul looked like Hennley. This made Paul curious, so he asked a lot of questions about him. One time, Dundas said that he had seen Hennley's ghost and heard Hennley speak to him! So to find out the truth, Ellis, Maya (Ellis' fiancée), Rebecca, and Paul held a séance (an act of calling the ghost) to try to communicate with Hennley's ghost. Einstein was missing for a couple of days, but when the séance was taking place, he came back! Everyone had searched for Einstein but couldn't find him anywhere. So they thought that this séance brought him back! Eventually, they couldn't communicate with Hennley. That's when Dundas said that he never saw any ghost and that he never heard anything either. He said he made all this up so they could keep Hennley's memories alive. By this time, Einstein, who was so attached to his ex-owner Hennley, figured out that he was never going to come back. So, with the intention to join Hennley, he crashed into a gate and died. The sad thing was that all this happened on Paul's last day on the farm! He really missed everyone when he went back home, though he was happy to see his parents and his friends. So, at the end, Rebecca sends Paul a letter saying, "You are invited to Ellis and Maya's wedding and also for the big thanksgiving feast!"
The story ends here. I think Paul will go to visit them sometime! I like this story because it is a mysterious, touching, and a very adventurous story, and I love these kinds of stories that have a little touch of everything. This book also has a great moral: things that seem bad and horrifying at first, might turn out to be really good at the end. That's what I learned and, of course, what Paul learned, as well!

So amazing you won't want to put it down
This book is mainly about a boy named Paul. Paul told a lie to keep one of his friends out of trouble but ends up getting in trouble. Paul's dad sends him to the Vallenports farm.
When Paul arives he thinks that he won't make it through the summer. Paul finds that he surprisingly was wrong. Paul meets a pretty girl and a new hairy companion.
Paul meets Rebecca on a walk of complete solitude with his new best friend Einstein. As Paul grows closer to Einstein he also grows closer to finding out what happened to Einstein's owner, Henelly Grae. Paul eventually finds out what happened to Henellyand starts to fall in love with Rebecca. If you are happy now you won't be once you read the book and find out what happens next.

The hole inthe world
Genre:Fic
Whenfifteen-year-oldPual Shackleford issentto liveon arelative's isolated Virginia farmas punishmentforlyingand a lesson incharacterbuilding. hethinks he's inforworstsummer. But it'snothe meets agirlnamed Rebeccaanda dog andbecomesa friend even toaghost.

It likeawayoflife it teach you what todo and not do.Andthe was oflifeyoudidn't know.

It needed more detail at the at the end.Because Igotintothebook and wat toknowmore.

IT dadbecausehe wants his sontogrowup good.He punish hissonbecause he caresabout him.

Page 1 : Paul glaredangrily fromthepassengerwindow of the car that carried him farther and farther from home.Because it mada methink why ishegoing awayfromhome.

Theyshouldreaditbecauseitshowsyou howtobe agrowup andyoulearn about it.

Whathappendsnexts after you'll understandlike I said I want to know more.

I really love it, I learn from this book because it though me things outside school. ... Read more

Product Description

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you ate cake all the time? Why do you need to eat a lot of different kinds of food? Read and find out all about nutrition with Sid the Science Kid!

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Product Description

When Sid's favorite shoes don't fit his feet anymore, he can hardly believe it! He is determined to get to the bottom of this strange problem. With a little help from his family, friends, and teacher, Sid the Science Kid is ready to find out—are his shoes really shrinking?

Product Description

Annyrose Smith is a true child of calamity, but she is determined to overcome it. So what if she's an orphan? So what if she's stuck with the vilest landlady in California, while her brother's off trying to strike gold? So what if Joaquín Murieta and his band of notorious outlaws swoop in and take her away? The fearsome bandit thinks Annyrose can help him in his quest for justice, and she thinks he can help her search for her long-lost brother. She's not about to let anything stop her, not the mistaken identities, the daring robberies, the wild chases, or her unlikely friendship with the Mexican Robin Hood.

Customer Reviews (15)

I LOVE this book!
I "love" Bandit's Moon. It's such a great storyline! I would totally suggest getting this book to anyone! Sid Fleischman is a great author! I also love his book "Jim Ugly"!

The Bandit
Joshua Price mod 1 The Bandit11-14-07



Bandit's moon is a great book full of adventure. It is when a girl goes on an adventure with this group of bandits in Mexico and in California. They go to the gold mine to reclaim something of theirs.
The Bandit is named Joaquin.His right hand man is named 3-fingered Jack who kills a person in a passing carriage. The girl thinks it's her brother who was looking for her. When she gets to a town named Bed Bug, with the Bandits she rats them out. But they trick the sheriff and go south to a gold to get back what's rightfully Joaquin's.
I read many books in my life and I like this book very much. I really think that people should read this book since it is full of adventure. Also parts of 6the book can relate to real life. The head Bandit also thinks that girl is a guy so its really exciting. When I read this book I learned a lesson. I can't tell you the lesson; you have to read the book to find it out by yourself.

Bandit's Moon
I think Bandit's Moon is a pretty good book. My Favorite part of the book is when O.O. Mary comes to town to kill Joaquin but the sheriff shot O.O. Mary's husband because he shot Joaquin in the shoulder and alomost killed him. I think you should read this very interesting book.

Must Read!
The name of the book I am reviewing is called Bandit's Moon by Sid Fleicman. The two main characters are Joquin Murita and Anyyrose Smith. In the beginning of the story Joquin ,the bandit,takes Annyrose but he is after another character named Calicos. Joquin and Annyrose help each other out. Annyrose teaches Joquin to read while Joquin helps Annyrose to find her brother Lank. To find out more read this great book.

Great Read!
This review is on a book called Bandit's Moon by Sid Fleishman. What I liked about this book is that the author described very well what was going on. You could imagine yourself being there. My favorite character was Annyrose because she never gave up on finding her long lost brother. She would also keep a secret and not tell anyone that she was a friend with a bandit. I would recommend this book to someone who likes adventures. ... Read more

Product Description
A comprehensive guide to the use of expanded plastic foam materials in model aircraft. Foam is a relatively new material for modelmakers, and many are still not familiar with all the necessary information and techniques, the latest choices available, and the associated materials, tools and glues. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Well worth the modest cost

This book is well worth the price as an introduction to foam modeling.It is not meant to be an instruction manual on building any particular foam craft, as one reviewer seemed to expect, but a series of discussions on tools and techniques for building ANY foam model.

I dropped one star only because the material is just a bit dated and newer stuff is out there.Also, not covering a gravity-style hot foam cutter is a pretty serious omission... but that info is available everywhere on the Internet nowadays.

Every modeler that builds, or is interested in building, from foam should buy this book.The used versions are so cheap as to be almost free.

Radio Control Foam Modelling
A very good book that all airplane modelers must to read! With a lot of images, in this book the author explain the "how to" foam modelling, with profused information to make tools, templates, wings, fuselages, and includes the laser cutting method! Also the repair techniques are included. In the last chapter (Chapter 14) the aerofoils plotting is explained, with the coordinates of most popular aerofoils.

Not worth the money
This book I believe is missrepresented on the review it does not teach you how to build a plane from scratch but how to build hot wire cutter and use templates from hobby stores to cut the foam into an aerodynamic shape stuff already on the pattern package in my opinion is not worth the money.
I bought this book trying to get a better understanding on how to build with foam and fiber glass for a car project on account of the book been so cheap but I endedup buying three books instead.I reccomend Composite Materials from Jhon Wanberg and How to build your own Supercar by Brian Thompson these book are defenetly worth more than their value.
Very disapointed on the book

Radio Control Foam Modeling
I read this easy to read book in just over a hr. The Auther spends way to much time on how to build a hot wire cutter,and not a lot of time on actually on "foam Modelling.Not worth the money spent.I will sell the book for $10 plus postage.

Excellent book!!! One of the best RC books I've read.
This book is one of the best RC modelling books. There is so much information that all questions are answered.
I really recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description

Let's-Read-and-Find-Out about Exercise

Customer Reviews (1)

Wonderful exercise learning exploration
Reviewed by Madison Schlarman (age 4) and Mom for Reader Views (05/10)

"Sid the Science Kid: Everybody Move Your Feet!" is an exciting look at why it is important to exercise our body.Sid thinks it would be grand to lie in bed and watch TV all weekend, but knows his mom and dad will not approve! Why does he have to play?What will happen if he doesn't?How can you get tired if you're not moving?Over the course of these colorful, vibrant pages your child will learn and discover, just like Sid, why it is important to exercise by getting up and moving your feet!

Madison: "Good, good, good, good, good!" (times 10... she wouldn't stop saying it!)"It is the most good, all day long good!It was all about exercise and move your feet, move your body!Why did they need to move and exercise?I like exercise too!Do you?I want my body to be strong and happy."

Mom: Madison thoroughly enjoyed this Sid the Science kid book.It was a thought-provoking conversation starter for her.She wanted to try all the different types of exercise in the book, and learn about more."Sid the Science Kid: Everybody Move Your Feet!" provoked play time and story time ceased for a little bit!I really can't say enough wonderful things about the "Sid the Science Kid" books.They are a wonderful tool for parents to help teach their children scientific lessons.The book was fun, colorful, interactive and easy to understand.I would recommend this book to any parent who has a child ages 3 - 6 as a start in their learning regime. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (4)

Great Family Fun!
This is the perfect little book for family trips. Small, light weight, about the size of a Reader's Digest. The format, instruction, and illustrations are great. I appreciate the Level of Difficulty label for each game. It makes selecting a game easier.

For those who works nights, this book provides lots of entertainment in the wee hours of the morning on our nights off.

Sid Sackson Does It Again!
Prolific game collector and author Sid Sackson branches out into card games and the result is fantastic.Going beyond the typical "Hoyle" type games, you will find the rules for fun and exciting card games that have not been published anywhere else (including Sid's own CARD STOCK MARKET game, a fun simulation of the stock market using a standard 52 card deck).If you know how to shuffle a deck of cards, then you need this book.

Very good
This is a great collection of card games from all around the world, as seen through the eyes of the noted American Game Designer, Sid Sackson. This book also contains a few original games by Sackson, including the wonderful Card Stock Market game, which was later sold in boxed form as Black Monday. This inexpensive volume would be worth its price if only for that!

A definitive work by the Master of Games!
This is a terrific compendium of card games from all around the world, as seen through the eyes of the Dean of American Game Designers, Sid Sackson.This book also contains a few original games by Sackson, including the wonderful Card Stock Market game, which was later sold in boxed form as Black Monday.This inexpensivevolume would be worth its price if only for that! ... Read more

Product Description
In 1981, the daughter of Garrett Wilson-a man prone to money-problems and extra-marital affairs-apparently succumbed to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. In 1987, remarried and blessed with a new child, Garrett suffered another loss when his infant son also seemed to fall victim to SIDS. The tragedy remained unexplainable and inexplicable to everyone-except for his wife, Missy... Seven years later, Missy, who was now divorced from Garrett, made shocking accusations that her philandering ex was a baby-killer. For Garrett, who had married a third time and fathered another child, his sordid history as a womanizer and a thief finally caught up with him... Did Garrett trade his children's lives for the payoffs he could expect from their $190,000 insurance policies? Or was he the victim of a scorned wife who held seething fantasies of revenge, and a scapegoat for obsessive prosecutors and a bloodthirsty public? A stunning investigation into unimaginable crimes and medical mysteries, WHILE INNOCENTS SLEPT will disturb and outrage you...AUTHORBIO: ADRIAN HAVILL is the author of The Spy Who Stayed Out in the Cold: The Secret Life of FBI Double Agent Robert Hanssen, Born Evil, and The Mother, the Son, and the Socialite: The True Story of a Mother-Son Crime. He has also written several biographies, including The Last Mogul: The Unauthorized Biography of Jack Kent Cooke, Deep Truth: The Lives of Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, and Man of Steel: The Career and Courage of Christopher Reeve, and contributed to Juice: The O.J. Simpson Tragedy. He lives in Virginia with his wife, Georgiana. They have two children.Amazon.com Review
Billed as a medical thriller, this unsavory story focuses on the troubled life of Garrett Wilson, the father of two infants who mysteriously died in their cribs in the 1980s. Wilson is not an easy person to like: he's a womanizer, a liar, and a thief. But is he a murderer? Author Adrian Havill, better known for biographies of more appealing characters such as Christopher Reeve and Bob Woodward, maintains a journalist's impartiality throughout the story and utilizes an abrupt, matter-of-fact writing style, never hinting at Wilson's guilt or innocence until the trial verdict at the end. Readers may find it difficult to keep track of the many characters that appear--particularly since there is no single, distinct voice telling the story--but more than a dozen black-and-white photographs help keep the faces straight. The medical angle of the mystery, with its detailed look at sudden infant death syndrome, adds interest and intrigue. --Jodi Mailander Farrell ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

School friend
This book was especially shocking and hard to put down for me because I went to high school with this guy and we were actually friends. Not that we hung around, but spoke alot, rode around once in a while etc... Shocking that he had this side to him. I would have NEVER thought he had anything like this lurking below the surface. He was very nice, well mannered and seemed very genuine.

While Innocent Fluoridators Schlepped...
Adrian Havill is the kind of disguise artist readers will want to watch carefully.Most writers do their homework and figure out what they're talking about; and don't try to hide monstrosities silently in progress creating autism pandemics from the survivor brain damage victims the SIDS mortality rate doesn't kill.

Since Havill is such a sleuth...maybe he'll get to the bottom of it eventually.Turns out people have brain stems they need in order to breath while they're asleep.Wow!Shocking new scientific discovery?No.Sensitive to a horrific toxin, like fluorine?Yes.

Shadow of Doubt
Garrett Wilson was far from a model citizen.He was convicted of embezzlement, theft, and was accomplished in deceiving women.Seven years after he had a second child died of SIDS, his wife decided that Garrett Wilson must also be a murderer.While arguing the case of Wilson's guilt, the author simultaneously raises the question of whether Wilson's former wife is merely a scorned former lover seeking revenge.Even though some startling arguments are raised in this book, a reasonable doubt as to Wilson's guilt does exist.

Garrett Wilson allegedly had several siblings die from SIDS.This was his reasoning for purchasing a life insurance policy on his daughter Brandy Jean and son Garrett Michael shortly after their birth.Any time a baby dies from SIDS, the circumstances are suspicious.While Wilson's behavior surrounding the death of his children may be suspicious, much of the evidence seems circumstantial.Though Garrett Michael's edema may suggest trauma from suffocation, an edema can arise from other forms of trauma aside from suffocation.Being the last person to see his children alive before they died does cause some serious eye brows to be raised.Particularly with the accusation that he drugged one of his wives to make her sleep through the murder.

Is it possible that Garrett Wilson killed his two children to collect life insurance?Based on his shadowy financial reputation, his guilt is quite possible.The evidence has obviously left doubt in the mind of other reviewers based on their reviews.I will give the author credit, he did pick a compelling story for his book.

Good book, not great
This book is a capable chronicle of an interesting true crime story that spans over many years.For those who are fans of this genre they will find the mystery itself and the people sho demanded these deaths be prosecuted, despite the inital lack of police interest, to be the substance that carries this book.

The author did his homework and wrote the book in a straight forward fashion that neither gets in the way of the story nor overly dramatizes the tale.The background info on the central charachters is adequate, but there were times I would have liked to have them flushed out some more.

I think the book does justice to prosecutor Doug Gansler, who really carried the ball on the case when it would have been just as easy to decline.

Mother Decides Years Later That Babies Were Murdered
This book wasn't bad, but as true crime, it wasn't all that great.A lot like Garret Wilson himself; I could not see why women were fighting over him...it must be his charisma or something.I think he probably did murder both babies for the insurance money, but the evidence as presented in this book would not be enough for me to vote for conviction.Also, Missy wasn't that sympathetic a character, as it seems she didn't suspect her husband of murdering their baby until he left her for another woman. Then she gathered her info and recollections and began her crusade.

This book didn't tie up all loose ends or erase all doubt, so to me, it was rather disappointing. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

great story, comics a little hard to follow
Before reading this biography, my knowledge of Ernesto "Che" Guevara was superficial, and I found this book to really provide a lot of great information about the man himself and the sociopolitical situations he faced in Latin America.It was a fun read and a great way to learn about this incredible and controversial revolutionary figure.The artwork was pretty good and contributed to the experience.I really like how the book ended with a series of quotes from various sources, some of which criticize Che, others of which praise him.My only criticism of the book is that sometimes the text boxes and speech bubbles were arranged in a way that made them a little hard to follow.I often discovered that I was reading them out of the intentded sequence, but all in all this was a good book. ... Read more

Product Description
Explore, Expand, Conquer!

• Complete coverage of all civilization advances
• Tips for building and controlling your armies
• Essential strategy for diplomacy, politics, and commerce
• How to use Great Leaders
• Tactics for understanding and developing the new Culture element
• Advice for immersive single-player gaming
• Detailed information on the game editor ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Good, includes info on the game editor
I use this along with Civ 3 Complete Edition.I have about 25 hours of playing time so far, during which I spent a lot of time with the standard manual.The Ellis/Prima manual has a lot of tables that I find more useful than the tables in the standard manual.Tips that appear in the sidebar are also useful and non-trivial.The index is more intuitive than that in the standard manual.PLUS this book covers the game editor; I wasn't even able to FIND the game editor before, and I had looked hard.This was definitely worth the money ($4 plus shipping) but I suspect that the 2001 copyright date means that it came out before the expansion packs; therefore I am ordering the 2002 manual that includes Play the World etc.Recommended -- but the 2002 manual may be even better.Ellis is good.

Greatfor novices and begginers!
This a great book that improves your skills.It is great for skimming through or evening reading cover to cover.Great addition for Civilization fans!

Good Information
Gives you a lot of information in tables and charts.Well orgainzed and easy to reference. Has some helpful hints and clues to make the game easier to learn.It is NOT going to help you WIN.You have to think and reason on your own to accomplish this on your own ability.Use the brain GOD gave you and say thanks.Great Game and Great Information Book.

Expanded Instruction Manual - Little Strategy
I bought this manual hoping to quickly get up to speed with the new game.I knew enough to play at the more basic levels but wanted tips on how to improve my playing level. What I found in this book was a nicely complete instruction manual, and very little in the way of strategies, tips, etc.

While I did read the book cover to cover and learned a few rules and features that I was unaware of beforehand, it did little to improve my level of play. This is a very complex game, and knowing a few basic tips/tricks can be immensely helpful.Most of the tricks I've learned came from extensive playing (it's easy to get [pulled] into this game) and message boards online - Yahoo groups, civfanatics, etc.

If you have money to burn and want a comprehensive instruction manual buy this book. If you are looking to improve your level of play, you won't find it here.

Knowlegeable Civ players must pass on this
This guide is only for those people who don't know the difference between a spearman and a warrior, or for those who get eliminated while playing the Chieftain level, which isn't an easy feat.

Otherwise, it does the job it's supposed to. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

A great and fasinating read
This is the story of the life of one of the greatest comedians ever to grace the television screen. It's the life of Sid Caesar, who broke new ground on Tv with his shows, "Your Show Of Shows" and "Caesar's Hour". Here is a man who was lucky from the start of his life. He went from being a great saxaphonist to a wonderfully instinctive comedian just by chance and meeting the right people. He meets the girl of his dreams by chance, then while joining the Coast Guard in WWII instead of going off to war, he's stationed on Governor's Island in Brooklyn, NY. There he puts on shows which leads to him being sent to Washington and being featured in "Tars And Stars" an big Naval revue show. It then goes on tour and at the end of the tour he's one of the few actors from the show to make the movie version. Then he and his beautiful wife return to New York where he stars in a Broadway show. Then he moves to Television with the biggest show on the box. His writing staff go on to greater success televion, movies and the theater. The writing staff which Sid picked personally included Mel Brooks, Larry Gelbart, Mel Tolkin, Arron Rubin, Joseph Stein, Neil Simon, and later on Woody Allen.

But how does Sid take the success, badly. First he starts to drink way too much. Then to try to get off the sauce he takes pills, but he takes them with the booze. He does things to him and really addsto his already volcanic temper. Then after his show is canceled he goes from years just coasting on his fame, till he ends up in Canada acting in a play that he's been doing for years, only on opening night, he can't remember a line of dialoge. He kn ows he's hit rock bottom, but does something about it. He stops the show at the first intermission, and gets help. Where he reclaims his life and becomes a better man because of it.

It's a facinatic read and does show that you can quite a life of substance control and reclaim your life. But to do it, you have got to want to do it. Sid Caesar is a very lucky man.

Sometimes I Pretend There Are Two of Me
This book reminded me of a line from Alice In Wonderland where she says, "Sometimes I pretend there are two of me."

Sid Caesar had no faith in psychotherapy so he invented a way to process his own stuff.He pretended there were two of him, one named Sid, the big comedian, and one named Sidney, the real person.

He then got a tape recorder and talked to Sidney, telling him all of his problems and trying to unravel the knot of why he was so successful and famous and still so unhappy.He was working on a movie and living alone (temporarily) and every night he would come home and talk to Sidney on the tape recorder.It worked, too.Eventually he got a handle on all of his pain and anger and confusion.

I have no idea why Sid was so unhappy, having attained things most people only dream about.I'm sure he doesn't know either.I do think it might be pertinent that he attained massive success at such a young age and had to know, based on basic knowledge of show-biz, that there was no place to go but down.But still, having become a household name why not just coast for a few decades?

Of course it was oscar wilde who said there are two tragedies in life--one is not getting what you want and the other is getting it.

Also Sid was basically an alchoholic and that's just hereditary to a large extent.

At any rate, I saw this as almost a how-to book, how to heal yourself, how to cure your own confusion without paying someone two hundred dollars an hour to say, "And how do you feel about that?Oh, I'm sorry, our time is up."

If you'd like to follow Sid, I'm sure he'd be happy to lead.(Don't forget to bill yourself).

Oh, and when it comes to Sid, I watched him as a child and actually idolized him at one time in my life (along with Jackie Gleason).All I can say is I was always a fan.

By, now, and thanks for all the fun, Sid.

Trials of tribulations of a great comic
For those that knew him on TV and always wondered about his life this is a good book. I believe there is a more recent biography though.

Honest, funny and inspiring
I never really had much time for wealthy celebrities who got themselves hooked on drugs and destroyed their lives.I picked up Sid Caesar's book only because it was mentioned in a book on over-coming procrastination.Sid has a good story to tell about show business, how doctors used to dole out drugs like a pusher and how Sid brought himself out of his own hole.There are some interesting mention of other celebrities like Mel Brooks.Good read.

Doug Setter Bsc.
Author of Stomach Flattening and One Less Victim: A Prevention Guide

To hell and back
Sid Caesar's biography is an excellent book for anyone who is recovering (or trying to recover) from alcoholism and drug abuse.It paints a portrait of a man who was overcome by these problems, but found a way out.It is also very entertaining, and easy to read.This biography has had a tremendous impact on my life, and I have bought copies to share with friends who are recovering alcoholics. ... Read more