Customer Reviews:
the extremes tell it all.......2007-10-17
Notice the extremes of the reviews. On one side, "KelleyG" gives it 5 stars and complains about "obvious religious zealots who feel they have a right to shove their beliefs down the throats of everyone else in this country", and 4 Christians give the book 1 star for its anti-Christian themes and statements. They're both right. The book does nice activities, but its strong point is the background info provided for each activity. I value how it asks us to think about living life in the Middle Ages, like how heavy armour would feel, living without modern technology, and how short life spans lowered the marriage age. I can do an activity AND present questions that help my child relate to the Middle Ages. But, the anti-Christian perspective is flawed to the point of giving an inaccurate perception of the Middle Ages. Pointing out the failures of the church is valuable and needed. Ignoring the contributions of the church is historically inaccurate. For example, nearly every expert credits the church as being the only source of learning and scholarship during the Middle Ages. The handwritten manuscripts of the monks preserved great texts, both Christian and secular, that would have been lost forever. This vital fact is one of many that the authors ignore. Notice that "manuscript" is nowhere in the index, but "minds, open vs. closed" is an index entry. I appreciate that the book is more than just page after page of activity in that it provides historical and philosophical points. I really like it, and will use it. But, as a Christian, in the end, as I am using it with my child, I'll also be able to use it as an example of how bias distorts historical accuracy. We'll be able to talk about whether the church-bashing passages are really true, why somebody would write thus, and what is a more accurate position to take. I am absolutely not afraid to point out the failings of the church. I just wish the authors had been willing to consider the valuable contributions, also. If the church defined much of the Middle Ages, then the distortion is inexcusable.
I own the book, I like it, but I'll call it what it is--biased historical perspective--and educate my kids accordingly when we read those passages.
Read the all reviews first!.......2007-05-05
I was really disappointed by this book. It's very anti-Christian, anti-European, anti-Middle Ages, even. Avery Hart is warping history to suit a politicly correct agenda. I hoped to at least get a few craft ideas, but those were unoriginal and not well done. The "make your own code of honor" craft for example didn't even give an example of what a medieval code of honor might have been like. The book, in my opinion at least, is a big waste.
Lots to do!.......2007-02-13
Make sure you're ready to take on craft projects when you get this book, you'll be inspired to build castles and family crests!
Anti-Christian Zealotry at its worst.......2006-07-04
Apparently Christianity is at the root of all evil and the cause of most misfortune that occurred in the middle ages. If it weren't for those darned Christians, it seems the world would be a much better place. St. Frances of Assis was ok, (he loved animals), but all the rest of the Christians were closed-minded, violent and supersititous. I wasn't aware that the church wouldn't let people read because it might confuse them and that many people became monks because they didn't want to go to war.
I wish I had read all the reviews before purchasing this item, and I have definitely learned my lesson. I would never allow my children to read this trash.
Excellent for Modern-Day Thought and Practice.......2005-11-21
Ignore the obvious religious zealots who feel they have a right to shove their beliefs down the throats of everyone else in this country and the world in general: there is absolutely nothing wrong with a child learning about the realities of the middle ages, which was an era heavily influenced by the Catholic church. An adult subject matter, albeit an opportunity for quality parenting, this era was dominated by the church and many superstitious and malinformed beliefs we hold true today stem from this era of intolerance and brutality against human kind and religious freedom.
This book is a wonderful and refreshing guide to learning about the middle ages, and offers a perspective on the era which allows children to ask questions and open their minds to the possibilities of the belief systems of other people and families. Children asking their parents questions based upon moral ground and religious belief is extremely healthy, and it offers up an opportunity for parents to parent their children the way they decide to parent their children. This is especially true if your family happens NOT to be Christian, as non-Christians in this era were treated rather harshly (i.e. the Crusades of Christians against Muslims and Jews).
The activities are creative and allow children to begin an inquisitive mindset geared toward futher want of learning about the middle ages. In general, this is a fine place to start and it opens a pathway for learning more about the era. There are other books available with better and more indepth activities, however this book offers a balanced introduction to the times. Combine this with whatever religious classes or teachings your family traditions, and further the lessons with trips to museums to view tactile and artistic representations of the people of the middle ages, along with writings from poets and authors of the times for an even-keeled and well-balanced cirriculum.
Book Description
All you need to make the most of a family trip to Ireland – without breaking the bank! The tranquility of Ireland’s breathtaking scenery and liveliness of its people encourage fun and adventure, whether travelers enjoy beachcombing, hill trekking, horse riding, dolphin watching, visiting zoos and folk museums, or indigenous sporting events like hurling. From Dublin to Donegal, Cork to the Kingdoms of Down, city and country activities are assessed and recommended, while stories and games bring sights alive. Practical advice enables parents to relax in warm, welcoming atmospheres that are amenable to families while they tune in to a unique way of life.
Customer Reviews:
more useful information needed.......2007-03-08
Would like to have seen more blurbs on the side bars about what to pack and more stories, legends and history to tell the kids. There were some, but needs to be more. Also, would like to see a more eye appealing layout that perhaps kids would be able to follow along w/ while in ireland.
Book Description
Children will learn all about different civilizations and inventions—the way they changed history, their evolution over centuries, and their influence on modern times—through the activities and anecdotes provided in this interactive series.
One thousand years of ancient Roman civilization and its effect on modern living are presented in this interactive guide. Divided into themes and further supplemented by time lines and sidebars, every aspect of Rome is discussed, from Pompeii and gladiator bouts to the technology behind Roman baths and siege machines. A comprehensive "who's who" of ancient Rome explains the various roles within the empire and also takes a look at their daily lives. Children's understanding of the Roman way of life is enhanced with 15 activities that range from creating mosaics to building replicas of Roman ruins.
Customer Reviews:
Add this to your bookshelf.......2006-07-11
As a home educator, I'm always looking for books that will draw my kids into the time period that they are studying. Tools of the Ancient Romans does this perfectly. Through reading and hands-on activities, kids will gain an understanding of what life was like in ancient Rome. The main text is full of information that kids will find interesting, and peppered throughout are sidebars offering further detail. Each activity relates to the text as kids try their hand at making projects such as an abacus, an amphora or a Roman medal. These activities are great for letting all kids delve into the ancient Roman era, but especially good for kinesthetic learners, as they can get their hands involved in learning!
Book Description
Children will learn all about different civilizations and inventions—the way they changed history, their evolution over centuries, and their influence on modern times—through the activities and anecdotes provided in this interactive series.
Kids discover the origin of ancient Greek theories, such as anatomy, geography, and democracy, and the ways they continue to influence modern-day thinking with the absorbing time lines, sidebars, and activities included in this guide. Profiles of more than two dozen famous historical figures explain how their inventions are used in the modern world and provide insight into the experimental nature of the Aegean people. Fifteen activities allow children to re-create some of the scientific discoveries while learning how to use scientific reasoning, develop theses, and find supporting evidence.
Customer Reviews:
An Excellent Resource.......2006-08-31
What a great resource to stimulate young minds! I've got girls in 5th and 7th grades, and have had a hard time finding reference material that interests and challenges them. This book does both. I wish there were more like it.
Brings History Alive for Kids.......2006-07-24
What a nifty book! Not only do kids learn about the inventions of the Greeks, but how those discoveries help us today. Kids learn about Greek gods, philosophy, architecture, science, math, medicine, art, and even about the start of the Olympics. The "words to know" (ie: Sparta and acropolis) and the quiz questions (ie: What were the three uses of olive oil in ancient Greece?) sprinkled throughout the book invite dialogue, and the 15 activities bring the book's information alive. My favorites? Make your own baklava and write a letter in Greek. This book is interesting, well written, and engaging. A must-read for any kid (or adult!) wanting to immerse themselves in Greek history.
Book Description
A truly enchanting guide that will keep the children--and adults--thoroughly entertained on a visit to Ireland. With details of the best places to visit, child-friendly accommodations, and places to eat, along with magical myths, stories, and games, this guide will help everyone get the most out of their trip.
Book Description
In this delightful book, best-selling author Debbie Bliss presents 30 classic knitwear designs for children from birth to six years.
Customer Reviews:
Knitting for Kids.......2007-09-30
Another great Debbie Bliss book...Some really beautiful patterns in this book...Just remember that the end results will come out lots bigger than you think...Very generous sizing...
the Best Bliss Book.......2003-03-04
....and I mean it. This one is really good. Like many other knitters I have been burned by Bliss' designs often. Her designs do tend to repeat themselves from collection to collection and the pictures, while cute, never show the designs properly. Well, this collection has b&w pictures of the items next to the instructions after the color pictures which are huddled in the front of the book. (I'm talking about a hardcover copy and am assuming that the paperback is identical). The designs are charming and definitely classics. I am buying my own paperback copy and finally returning my library copy. I also recommend the book Knits for Kids by Lena Stengard. This one is a keeper
Great example of knitter's "Bliss".......2000-03-28
I just counted, I have 7 books by Debbie Bliss. That is probably why I found this book to be a bit less enchanting than I had expected it to be.
I like her books - enjoy the layout and can always understand the instructions. However, within the body of her work, this set of designs just seemed a little too similar to some in her other books for me to get excited. As a stand alone book, it has charming styles.
I still give it a 4 for good instructions, photography and cute styles.
Wonderful collection of kids sweaters.......1999-11-23
Bliss designed a great variety of styles, all attractive and all, sadly, only in children's sizing (many would make truly lovely adult sweaters). Difficulty level is not high -- some are fairly simple to make and the others are well worth the effort. Some are rugged sweaters, others decorative. Sweaters for boys and girls, too. The photography is nice and instructions are clear. Really a fabulous book.
inspiring patterns, a bit difficult for new knitters........1998-04-27
My husband and I started knitting while expecting our first child. Ms. Bliss' books contain photos of beautiful sweaters, caps and dresses which are very inspiring. The most classically fashionable that I've ever seen, and surprisingly not impossible to make. We also own her "Kids Country Knits" which is great. My husband's first ever knitting project was a large stuffed sheep, and his second a beautiful sailor collar style sweater with a family of ducks knitted into the design. Both turned out great!!! These patterns are in the "Kids Country Knits". I made a cute hat and sweater set from the "Classic Knits for Kids". I recommend her books as the instructions are understandable, versatile and the small child sizes take a short time to make.
Average customer rating:
- Wow! A terrific old fashioned read-aloud!
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Four Kids, Three Cats, Two Cows, One Witch (Maybe)
Siobhan Parkinson
Manufacturer: The O'Brien Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Action & Adventure
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Action & Adventure
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| 4-for-3 Books Store
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| Family Life
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| 4-for-3 Books Store
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ASIN: 0862785154 |
Book Description
Beverly, who is bossy and a bit of a snob, convinces her cautious friend Elizabeth to accompany her on an adventure to the island off the coast. Gerard, Beverly's messy brother who is barely tolerated by the girls, insists on going with them and brings his cat. Things begin to look up when at the last minute the good-looking Kevin joins the trip, but when they become stranded on the island and encounter a strange inhabitant, this motley crew must find ways to support each other and put up with one another's shortcomings.
Customer Reviews:
Wow! A terrific old fashioned read-aloud!.......2000-02-07
My son and I shared this as his bedtime book, and it was truly satisfying. Reminded us of the adventures of the Railway and Boxcar children, but this is on a more sophisticated level. We appreciated the attention to friends' differences, the willingness to not only tolerate but to work at getting along with others whose opinions might differ from one's own, the tenderness for the mentally ill, and the importance of the sharing of our stories.
Average customer rating:
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Here's Looking at You, Kid: Ireland Goes to the Pictures
Manufacturer: Irish American Book Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Irish
| Ethnic & National
| Biographies & Memoirs
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General
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History & Criticism
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| Reference
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ASIN: 0863275567 |
Books:
- Learn Filipino, Book One, with Discs 1 and 2
- Let's Go 2005 Spain & Portugal (Let's Go Spain and Portugal)
- Listen! the Wind
- Living in Morocco: Design from Casablanca to Marrakesh
- Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia (Lonely Planet Travel Guides)
- Lonely Planet Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei
- Lonely Planet New Zealand
- Lonely Planet Tramping in New Zealand
- Lonely Planet West Africa
- Making Democracy Work: Civic Traditions in Modern Italy
Books Index
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Hands-On-History: Middle Ages: 20 Enchanting Art Projects and Other Creative Activities That Illuminate and Enrich Your Study of the Middle Ages
