History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

The Man Who Heard Voices: Or, How M. Night Shyamalan Risked His Career on a Fairy Tale

Average customer rating:

Cut & Dry
An unbiased look at the film making process
The Man Who Ignored Voices
The Man Who Heard Razzberries
I was looking for just a little more...

The Man Who Heard Voices: Or, How M. Night Shyamalan Risked His Career on a Fairy Tale
Michael Bamberger
Manufacturer: Gotham
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1592402135

Book Description

An acclaimed writer takes readers inside the world of M. Night Shyamalan—the most successful filmmaker of his generation—as he creates a new movie masterpiece

In 1999, filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan exploded onto the cinema scene with his supernatural thriller The Sixth Sense, which garnered major acclaim and raked in massive box office numbers around the globe. Since then, his phenomenal commercial and critical success has continued as his films—including Unbreakable, Signs, and The Village—have grossed over $1.5 billion and reinvented the thriller genre. But throughout his rise to prominence, Shyamalan has remained separate from the Hollywood system, living and working solely in his hometown area of Philadelphia, and keeping his ideas, filmmaking techniques, and business practices tightly-kept secrets.

In The Man Who Heard Voices, journalist Michael Bamberger takes readers inside Shyamalan's world for the first time, getting total access to the man who has been called “the modern-day Hitchcock” as he prepares, creates, and test-screens his next film, Lady in the Water, which stars Paul Giamatti (star of Sideways) as a building superintendent and Bryce Howard (star of The Village) as a mysterious sea nymph. Bamberger's intimate perspective and insightful narrative prose will bring to life Shyamalan's creative process—from his multiple drafts and revisions of the screenplay to his on-location work with his cinematographer and crew and his relationships with the actors under his direction. The book also follows the high- stakes business decisions behind the scenes, including his agonizing decision to move from Disney to Warner Bros. for this film, his involvement in the studio's massive marketing campaign, and the evaluation of the crucial initial test-screening of the film.

Customer Reviews:

Cut & Dry.......2007-09-15

If you're an M. Night fan you will not be able to put this book down. It's amazing.

An unbiased look at the film making process.......2007-04-11

I almost didn't read this book after reading some of the reviews and comments made by others on this site. I'm glad I decided to give this book a chance. This is a must read for anyone interested in the process of film making. The fact that the author is a sports writer and not involved in the film industry gives the book more authenticity, not less. The journey from script to completed film is told through the eyes of someone seeing it for the first time and not prejudiced by other films.

I read the book first and then saw the movie (on DVD). If you haven't seen the movie, this is the order I would recommend. You'll especially like the DVD extras after reading about the various collaborators in the book. If the "Lady" script had been submitted by a no-name screenwriter, it would never have made it past the script readers. Yet not only did Night get to make a movie based on a weak story idea with a weak script, he got Warner Brothers to put in over a hundred million dollars to film and market it. No matter how talented the actors, the cinematographer, or the director, if it doesn't work on the page it isn't going to work on the screen. This book shows how bad movies get made.

The Man Who Ignored Voices.......2007-04-06

After delivering "Lady in the Water", Shyamalan somehow managed to offend a pubescent American culture that prefers to be the offender. And somehow he did it without any pretentious artistic attempts at being shocking through sex, violence and vulgarity. Kind of ironic that it would take a bedtime story to get under the skin of a society plagued with the Peter Pan syndrome. And then he tops it off by having the audacity to let a biographer tell us how he did it. I mean, the nerve of Shyamalan. Why can't he blow his own horn like everybody else?

But that's what happens when one is an artist truly committed to his art. And instead of taking the usual X-Rated route of cage rattling, Night pulled it off with a PG-13 Rating. Impressive.

But to read this book you realize that he paid the price of the much sought after and coveted title of being "controversial" -- even if that wasn't his goal. In fact, from this book we learn that his intentions were the exact opposite. He was hoping to inspire a hopelessly adolescent culture that is hell-bent on being cynical. Because, you know, cynicism is a worthy accomplishment.

Michael Bamberger, the biogrpaher, seems to be somewhere in the middle of this willingness to be inspired and cynical resistance (He admits to having spotted feelings about "Lady"). This makes him more than just a biographer but also a character in his own story. While Bamberger describes Shyamalans vulnerabilities and strengths in the turbulent ride of artistic rejection and redemption, I couldn't help but wonder about Berbengers feelings while acting as a passenger. And he is a passenger. When someone else is doing the driving and your duty is to watch, you have a heightened sense of doom when the driver is irrational and, at times, reckless. Bamberger all too often becomes the rubber-neck passenger watching the chaos that sometimes zooms past Nights peripheral. For instance, the erratic antics of the Director of Photography often occur when Night has left the room.

There is a palpable doom that soaks these pages. Bamberger knew while shadowing Night that the "Lady" was going to show the darker side of herself. The side of her that was a "B*itch." It comes through vividly when he describes Giamatti's late, albiet enthusiastic, acceptance of the role which threw Shyamalan into a mild panic. And that's just the beginning.

One of the recurring themes that Bamberger picked up from Night and migrated into this book is loneliness. Nights loneliness in the development of his movie is so well documented by Bamberger that it becomes experiential for the reader. You'll find from chapter to chapter how loose the strings really were as Night struggled to keep his often reticent players tied together. It's painful to read, because the very people who doubted Night -- and his script -- happen to be on his side. But this is all proof that Night really is the innovator that cynics and critics wish he wasn't. Innovation is inherently a lonely mans game. And naysayers who lack the courage for innovation are always looking forward to seeing the courageous take a loss in their own game.

I think it's safe to say that these same critics are among the voices chattering away in Nights head. That is why, from this book, we learn that Nights personal journey was not just to make a movie, but to silence those voices by being insubordinate. It takes a genius to be a rebel during the day and tell bedtime stories at night.

The Man Who Heard Razzberries.......2007-03-15

I agree that Bamberger could be the greatest satirist living, if that was his intention. The endless verbal oral sex the author performs on his subject...The abject awe...It is truly hilarious.
It's also true that you'll only enjoy laughing at this road apple of a book IF you didn't pay anything for it, as I didn't.
Let us all hope that in the future, M. Night Shamalamadingdong does NOT listen to the same voices that told him to put out "Lady in the Water," AND this book.

I was looking for just a little more..........2007-01-22

I enjoyed this book, but I admit that as I was nearing the middle of it, I started to lose some interest. It began to tell me that the entertainment business is all the hype, egos, and vanity I thought it was to begin with. And it got a bit boring in parts. My interest came back again at about three quarters of the way through. This may or may not be because that is about the time I watched Lady in the Water on DVD. I so enjoyed the movie... it has a great combination of little laughters, mystery, emotion, and storytelling. There were parts and characters that could have been developed better... I say this after reading the book since I did feel I had a better understanding of the idea behind some characters than the movie portrayed. (This after watching with my husband, who did not read the book... though he liked the movie.)

Interestingly, I think the book's author and Shyamalan are having the same struggles. Both of them have a little trouble getting out of their own way. There are moments when Shyamalan seems to lose it and blame others for his dissatisfactions when making the movie. Bamberger throws in one too many "dude"s and "dig it" type dialogues as well... as if he is trying too hard to portray Shyamalan as an ordinary guy. Paul Giamatti comes across as the wonderful and ordinary guy. Probably because he doesn't think about it, he just is. Shyamalan's reactions to Disney and others seem confusing to me. The folks at Disney did tell him that he could make the movie, yet his attitude was as if they were supposed to treat him like a movie god and not hesitate. In the end it sounds like the movie, the story, could have truly been great if he had gotten out of his own way. He did what he told Cindy Cheung to stop doing... trying too hard and not just letting it happen. It seems like there could have been tremendous gains if the story were kicked around for another year. While I really did enjoy the movie, it could have made the difference from a really good story to an amazing story. I think Shyamalan may have learned from the experience, and as an excellent director, I'm anticipating some amazing movies yet to come in my lifetime.

In recommending this book, it depends on what you want out of it. Definitely a great read if you are interested in moviemaking. Perhaps a learning experience if you are interested in a struggle to do what your own inner voices may be telling you.

On recommending the movie... definitely. Especially if you love magically stories. The look and feel of the movie is well done. Lots of interesting characters. (I loved the Anna Ran and Mr. Drury characters the best.)

Water Song: A Retelling of "The Frog Prince" (Once Upon a Time)

Average customer rating:

Best Once Upon a Time book YET!!!
Disappointing...and silly, too.
Not So Great: SOME SPOILERS
Another great Once upon a Time book
More historical fiction instead of fairy tale fantasy

Water Song: A Retelling of "The Frog Prince" (Once Upon a Time)
Suzanne Weyn
Manufacturer: Simon Pulse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 1416940138

Book Description

"ONCE UPON A TIME"

IS TIMELESS

Young, beautiful, and wealthy, Emma Pennington is accustomed to a very comfortable life. Although war rages abroad, she hardly feels its effect. She and her mother travel from their home in Britain to the family estate in Belgium, never imagining that the war could reach them there. But it does.

Soon Emma finds herself stranded in a war-torn country, utterly alone. Enemy troops fight to take over her estate, leaving her with no way to reach her family, and no way out.

With all of her attention focused on survival and escape, Emma hardly expects to find love. But the war will teach her that life is unpredictable, people aren't always what they seem, and magic is lurking everywhere.

Customer Reviews:

Best Once Upon a Time book YET!!!.......2007-06-14

So I wasn't expecting much because frankly I wasn't into Weyn's retelling of The Night Dance, but Water Song was SO GOOD! I loved it. I read up til page 15 the first day and the next night I finished the whole thing. Even after I finished it at 4AM I couldn't go to sleep. The historical bits were pretty accurate (from what I can remember from U.S. History class) and I was cheering the characters on every step of the way. High recommended to... well if you're reading this then you're already sucked in.

Disappointing...and silly, too........2007-01-14

I've read nearly all the books in the Once Upon A Time series, and I was looking forward to this one. However, it was quite a disappointing read. I didn't mind the beginning of the story; it started out okay, although it did seems to skip over a lot of things that might have made it easier to connect with the heroine. For example, her mother is killed by German bombs (this is set in WWI) while she is sitting next to her. We only hear about this, but don't actually experience it with Emma, the heroine. Not that I have a need to experience gruesome deaths, but I felt like the author just didn't feel like spending a lot of time developing Emma's character or her backstory. Suzanne Weyn doesn't spend a lot of time on the hero, Jack, either. She does take the time to explain that he knows some Native American/Creole healing potions that he learned from his mother. He apparently also learned how to "talk" to his mother's spirit, and maybe to even transport his spirit to other places...? What?? I think this is Weyn's way of introducing the "frog prince" connection; Jack is from the bayou and is a terrific swimmer, and his mother repeatedly "speaks" to him in dreams and tells him how he is a prince, and how he knows the water, etc. Emma and a minor character are both rescued from water by Jack while both are unconscious; this adds to the mystery -- "Who was that frog-man that rescued me?" Emma even asks Jack if he has magic to turn himself into a frog. This question, while German bombs explode outside, is just a bit of a silly paradox between fantasy and reality. I really think that Weyn makes the frog connection within the first part of the book. There are enough water references. She doesn't need to go so far as to have Jack's frogginess brought up nearly every page. Okay!! We get it!! Jack is the frog prince!! It just becomes silly, and almost seems like she is trying too hard. She didn't try too hard to create the relationship between the hero and heroine, though. They don't really have a relationship. I was surprised and bored when they decided they were in love with each other. They don't really have much connection at all, and therefore I didn't feel like I had any connection to them either. Weyn tries to make this a psychological fairy tale as many of the others in the series are. Themes of finding yourself, loving who you are, discovering truth, etc. are part of many of these books, but Weyn's efforts fall flat. She does try near the end of the story to have Jack realize that he is a great man, because Emma loves him, but that he was great all along, and it took her love to make him realize what was already true. Weyn's rendition of this self-discovery is even more awkward than the sentence I just wrote. What a shame. I was hoping it would be as good as some of the others in the series, but it wasn't. The best one so far in the series: The Storyteller's Daughter, by a LANDSLIDE. Read it and be satisfied.

Not So Great: SOME SPOILERS.......2006-11-13

I quite like the "Once Upon a Time" series. They are usually fresh and original. Water Song is the 10th in this series. Some of the books are better than others and so I bought Water Song with some trepidation. I perhaps should have been more cautious. While there are some original, creative elements in the book, such as turning the "frog" into an American soldier from Louisiana, and the golden ball into a locket, the plot itself is almost painful to read. The first time the American soldier sees the heroine Emma he wants her love (pg. 33). Emma is continually frustrated with him (with good reason) and yet somehow this translates into her loving him. They seem to have a continually rocky relationship while falling in love with each other more and more. I do realize this is a fairy tale but the plot is highly unlikely. Call me a pessimist but the "love at first sight" aspect of the story is cliche and unrealistic.

Another great Once upon a Time book.......2006-10-30

I've just resently started reading the once upon a time books and have really enjoyed all of them so far. Water Song was no different. The story was original and the characters interesting. WWI and the frog prince were not something I'd think to put together. If you are a fan of the others in this series I would imagine you'd like this one too. It has a little less magic then some of the books, but I really don't think it distracts for the story at all. Magic is where you see it after all.

More historical fiction instead of fairy tale fantasy.......2006-10-25

"Water Song" is the latest release in the "Once Upon a Time" series, in which current teen authors take different fairy tales and put their own spin on each story.

"Water Song" is based on the "Frog Prince" fairy tale, which, in all fairness, doesn't have a lot to go on. Kudos to the author for taking such a short (and relatively conflict-free) story and fleshing it out into a retelling set in World War I Europe.

The story follows Emma, a young British teenager who finds herself on the WWI battlefront, unable to leave for home and alone in the world after her mother is killed in a recent bombing. She encounters Jack, a wounded American soldier, and cares for him at her family's estate while enemy soldiers take over and occupy her home.

As a historical fiction book, I thought this was great. As a fairy tale retelling, I thought it was lacking a little. It's obvious who the princess and the frog are, but what's not so obvious is the use of magic (other than some events the characters can't explain and healing ability). In many respects, the author could have taken the use of magic out of the book and it would have been a stronger story. Another element that seemed poorly used was the secret of the locket. We spend most of the story wondering what exactly makes the locket special. When we finally do find out, it's rather ordinary and anti-climactic, and it's introduced quickly and discarded even faster.

As Emma and Jack are both on the same side of the war, it's easy to view the German soldiers occupying her home as "the enemy." Granted, the books in this series are supposed to be quick reads. But some characterization on the part of the Germans - showing their human side, not the sterotypical bad guy way they're drawn - would have made them more interesting to read about.

If you're new to the series, start with Suzanne Weyn's other book "Night Dance" or any of the Dokey books. Those are more solid fairy tale retellings.

As far as "Water Song" goes - promising premise, but incomplete delivery.

Fairy Realm #8: The Water Sprites (Fairy Realm)

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Fairy Realm: The Water Sprites
Jessie would do anything to save Baby Jewel.
fun Fairy Realm mystery

Fairy Realm #8: The Water Sprites (Fairy Realm)
Emily Rodda
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0060777613
Release Date: 2005-10-11

Book Description

The Water Sprites are angry. Their Moon Stone has been stolen! They won't return any thing that floats down to their Finding Pool until the stone is returned. Will Jessie be able to help the Water Sprites before they take something precious?

Customer Reviews:

Fairy Realm: The Water Sprites.......2006-03-03

I got this book out from the library because of it's beautiful color, but its lack of creativity & simplicity totally threw me off. The story is about a girl named Jessie who is invited to a special party in the "Fairy Realm" when on the way she meets a few water sprites. So on, but half way through the book I was bored, confused, and frusterated. I recomend this book for someone who has a good amount of patience.

Jessie would do anything to save Baby Jewel........2006-01-29

While reading Jessie's 8th. Fairy Realm adventure, I began liking it right away-esspecially when Jessie discovers another new part of the realm she's never seen before...a trail of flowers that lead to Lirrale, Patricia's old home.

Jessie and friends celebrate the birthday party in honor of their new friend, Baby Jewel. After the poor baby girl has been stolen, the Water Sprites promise to return Jewel back to her parents if Jessie promises to return their moon stone, first. Of course, I think that Jessie promised to do that for Jewel's sake.

I think my most favorite part about this book was when Jessie becomes friends with Jewel.

fun Fairy Realm mystery .......2005-10-15

The leaf she found on her dresser was actually an invitation to a party in Liralee village by her friend Patrice the palace housekeeper. Also invited are their pals Giff the Elf and Maybelle the miniature horse. Meanwhile someone is stealing items from people with everyone suspecting one of the neighbors is the thief. Jessie soon realizes that the Water Sprites are outraged because someone stole their precious Moon Stoon. Anything that floats to the Finding Pool the sprites find and now claim as theirs rather than returning it. Before troubles escalate Jessie believes she must find the purloined Moon Stone by using human, elf, and horse common sense.

The eighth Fairy realm tale is a fun mystery that targets elementary school children. The story line is fun as Jessie and her buddies only want to go to a party, but also must solve the case of the stolen items especially as the ire of the Water Sprites grows. Emily Rodda provides a fine tale starring a likable young heroine accompanied by a mythological who's who and enhanced by the terrific pictures by illustrator Raoul Vitale.

Harriet Klausner

William the Curious: Knight of the Water Lilies

Average customer rating:

Wow, I was stunned!
A FROG BECOMES A KNIGHT
WOW! A Discovered Gem
William the Curious

William the Curious: Knight of the Water Lilies
Charles Santore
Manufacturer: Random House Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0679887423
Release Date: 1997-09-16

Book Description

The Queen of the Land of Far and Wide demands perfection--absolute perfection--in all that she surveys from her windows, high in her perfect castle. She orders her minions to move mountains and to change the colors of the forest--but, alas, she is never satisfied. One day she makes a decree--all imperfect things in the castle must be thrown out of the windows. Soon the lovely, lily-blanketed moat below becomes a slimy, polluted junk pile. Blinded by her quest for perfection, the queen does not realize the havoc she has wrought on the harmony of her kingdom, and no one dares to tell her--except one very small and very brave frog named William. Here is the story of how he opens the queen's eyes, to see that nature, in and of itself, is perfect. Acclaimed artist Charles Santore's sumptuous illustrations and provocative "environmental fairytale" will have readers of all ages cheering the triumph of the courageous frog.

Customer Reviews:

Wow, I was stunned!.......2005-03-18

I think William the Curious was a great book. I think the lesson was very reasonable. Being perfect isn't everything. I think the pictures are wonderful and I really liked this book. I was stunned by the great words that were in the book.

A FROG BECOMES A KNIGHT.......2004-03-05

Youngsters are inquisitive and so is the brave little frog in William The Curious, a delightful environmental fairy tale written and richly illustrated by Charles Santore.

A queen's desire for perfection and the consequences of this quest are explored, as well as the meaning of courage.

WOW! A Discovered Gem.......2001-06-14

Okay, I wish I was a kid again. Can I be a kid again?! I bought this book because it was about a knight who was curious and I can't think of a more perfect quest for a knight than curiosity. This is a little gem of a book and it could be made into a wonderful movie. It's art. It's a wonderful story about a knight who goes on a quest and learns that everything perfect is not so perfect. But that's okay. Even flawed it can be magical. William is a terrific character. The art work is fantastic, and I want to be young again. Mothers of young children should read this to them often. It's got a great message and it's clever. Not enough books for little boys either, and this is a great one. Buy it now.

William the Curious.......2000-04-26

This is a charming book that lets children (and adults) know that sometimes what appears to be perfect, isn't. The pictures a lovely and engaging and the story moves along well. My four year old declared "it should be a movie". Definitley a good bed time story.

Average customer rating:

Transformation and redemption
New unabridged edition forthcoming
A classic children's book
BoRiNg!
"My Name is Written in my Eyes..."

Water Babies: Childrens Classics
Charles Kingsley
Manufacturer: Random House Value Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0517618176
Release Date: 1986-12-31

Book Description

A classic since its first publication, in 1863, The Water-Babies is the story of Tom, a little chimney sweep, and his magical adventures beneath the waves.

When young Tom flees his sooty, dangerous toil and his cruel master, Grimes, he finds himself plunged into "a quiet, silent, rich, happy place"--a land beneath the water "so out of the way the bad bogies can hardly find it out." There, Tom meets haughty dragonflies, makes friends with a slowwitted lobster, and dodges hungry otters. Eventually he meets the other water-babies and their clever rulers, Mrs. Bedonebyasyoudid and Mrs. Doasyouwouldbedoneby.

Charles Kingsley's "fairy tale for a land baby" has charmed generations of readers. This handsome facsimile edition-with Jessie Willcox Smith's twelve exquisite full-color plates and two-color illustrations throughout-is the perfect way to introduce this classic to a new generation.

Download Description

Tom, an ill-treated little chimney-sweep, is turned into a tiny water-baby by fairies in this moralistic Victorian fantasy.

Customer Reviews:

Transformation and redemption.......2007-06-29

This is a classic British "children's" story and is more for adults or older children. It was written in the 1860's. It's a charming look at the transformation of a dirty chimney sweep into a clean 4" water-baby, but on a higher plane also a look at the death of children during this Industrial Revolution time period. Beware: some of the author's prejudices come out in this book especially when it comes to the Irish which he represents as dishonest and magical. There is also an abridged version, and if you use this book with children, you might want to use the abridged version or explain these things to them. If you are an adult, you should read the unabridged version. Charles Kingsley had a good time writing this book!

New unabridged edition forthcoming.......2007-05-04

I would like to point out that in 2008 Broadview Press will publish my unabridged edition of The Water-Babies with the original illustrations by Linley Sambourne. There will be a substantial introduction to the work as well as works by Lewis Carroll, Kingsley himself, and other contemporary writers that help place Kingsley's work in context.

A classic children's book.......2006-07-06

I had to review this book because I was absolutely obsessed with it as a child. I can't count the number of times I must have read it. I'm not sure what my reaction would have been if I'd read it as an adult, as this work was meant for children, but based on my childhood memories, it's a great kid's book! I only knocked off one star based on some of the anti-Irish, anti-American references that were edited out of my childhood copy but are present in some printings.

BoRiNg!.......2005-07-17

Bought because it's purportedly a 'MUST READ' of recommended English 19th century literature and I'm trying to read every good book I can before I die (hopefully at 90). Unfortunately, this book is a waste of time as it's BoRiNg (even w/ the footnotes that I so dearly love).

"My Name is Written in my Eyes...".......2004-08-20

"The Water-Babies" by Charles Kingsley is best described with reference to J. M. Barrie's more famous work "Peter Pan", both of which belong in the canon of Victorian fairytales. Kingsley's work is poised between two words: the world of Christianity and the whimsical realm of fairies, and the onset of the scientific and historical developments that resulted in the evolution theory, industrial factories and the War. Although certainly not as famous as Barrie's tale of the boy that never grew up, Kingsley's story is equally fascinating, though much more difficult to read.

Tom is a young chimney sweep of London, under the brutal care of Mr Grimes who doesn't hesitate in sending him up the filthiest, narrowest chimneys whilst he collects the money from downstairs. Tom himself is quite the little savage, but when his master is employed at Harthover Place, he is in for a surprise. Getting lost on the rooftop and crawling down the wrong chimney, Tom finds himself in a room where three things change his life. The first is a picture of the Crucifixion on the wall. Having no idea who Christ is, Tom is rather intrigued by the picture: "Poor man, he looks so kind and quiet. But why should the lady have such a sad picture in her room?" The second is the young girl asleep in the bed, beautiful and peaceful. The third is his own reflection in the mirror, which horrifies him - "Tom, for the first time in his life, found that he was dirty".

Accidentally waking the little girl on his way out, Tom sets the entire household upon him - out of the house, across the moorlands and down the valley to meet his "death" in a nearby creek, and his rebirth as a water-baby. And there his adventures really begin, as he investigates his new form, meets the river-folk and begins his journey to be reunited with the little girl in the white bedroom - Ellie, who has not forgotten the boy who woke her from her sleep.

Like Barrie, Kingsley's story is chock full of allegory and moralising, namely concerned with images of baptism and rejuvenation, as seen from Tom's transformation from "dirty" (figuratively and literally) to the white form of the water baby, to the moral growth that he gains over the course of the story. Presiding over all of Tom's adventures is the Madonna-like figure of Mrs Do-as-you-would-be-done-by; a fairy queen that takes many different forms and names throughout the course of the story. As well as this, there are touches of the Victorian fascination with insect life, as Tom's `evolution' could also be compared with the pupae and larvae stages of the insect life cycle that (with the onset of microscopes) was being explored by biologists of the age.

But Kingsley's story falls short in several aspects, namely when he is speaking to an adult audience rather than a child one. Though the story is subtitled "a fairytale for a land-baby" and the narrator is conversational and chatty throughout (in fact the style reminds me a great deal of C. S. Lewis in the "Narnia" series) calling the reader "little man" and often providing legitimate queries that the reader would probably be asking at that time, often he strays away from Tom's story to discuss his own personal opinions and theories on the general mindset of the Victorian world - some of which is amusing, some of which is tedious.

For instance, Kingsley perhaps gives us the strongest evidence of the existence of fairies in the world - or at least why experts can never really claim that fairies, water babies and other such creatures do not exist. Only his own words can really do this justice; as the reader says: "But there are no such things as water babies," to which he answers with devastating logic: "how do you know? Have you ever been there to see? No one has a right to say water babies don't exist until they have seen no water babies existing." You can never prove a universal negative!

But these amusing ponderings, and tongue-in-cheek criticisms on other Victorian minds will probably be far over the heads of any children that the book is aimed toward. I can't believe I'm saying this, considering I hate having original books tampered with, but perhaps it would be best to read a young child an abridged version of Kingsley's story, and waiting till they're older for the complete text. For the record, I got my copy at age nine, and didn't get it finished till ten years later. Furthermore, it is a book of its time, and you'll find within its pages several disparaging remarks directed toward the Irish, Americans and several other ethnic groups (heck, this *was* written during the British empire!)

However, Kingsley's book is a necessary inclusion into the library of children's literature - namely because it can be enjoyed by adults too. With a poignant look at the horrors of a sweep's life, to the humorous commentary on his contemporaries, his intriguing philosophy on the nature of fairies and the sublime moments of Christian spirituality, this is a classic to be read and re-read in childhood, adulthood and old age; it'll be a different story each time.

When Woman Became the Sea: A Costa Rican Creation Myth

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Beautiful Illustration
I really loved reading this story and looking at the art.

When Woman Became the Sea: A Costa Rican Creation Myth
Susan Strauss
Manufacturer: Beyond Words Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1885223854

Book Description

Oh, how the world is changed when a woman begins to wonder! When Woman Became the Sea is Costa Rica's beautiful story of how the world began. Sibu creates the world but cannot decide what is missing. To get help from Thunder, Sibu creates something intriguing and magical for his friend: a woman named Sea. Sea soon becomes frustrated obeying the ridiculous commands of Sibu and Thunder and thinks to herself, "I wonder why I should listen to this man telling me one thing, and this man telling me something else, and I think I just won't listen to them any more." Enchanted by her new freedom, she lets down her guard and is bitten by a magical snake. Sea appears to die, but a tree grows out of her burial bundle. Like a butterfly from a cocoon, the waters of the world and the creatures of the sea burst forth from this great tree. Sibu realizes that the Sea is the missing piece, and he is thankful for her crowning creation.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful Illustration.......2005-12-03

I have a five year old, Diego, that absolutely loves this book. I am originally from Costa Rica and was looking for books that would interest him while teaching him something as well. This book reminds us that there are many wonderful ideas and theories that explain the beginnings of the Earth and that it is wonderful to share in others' thoughts (on this and other subjects). The illustrations are amazing. The colors are vibrant and the characters are each beautiful in their own way. I now have a 7 month old daughter, Sofia, and I can't wait to share it with her.

I really loved reading this story and looking at the art........1998-11-14

I am a mother of two small children ( 2 & 3) and they really enjoyed listening to this story being told aloud at a recent book signing. The colorful art on every page keeps my children very interested in this wonderful book.

Average customer rating:

Gorgeous illustrations
Beautiful, Authentic

Snail Girl Brings Water: A Navajo Story
Geri Keams
Manufacturer: Rising Moon Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Customer Reviews:

Gorgeous illustrations.......1998-12-27

Beautifully illustrated, this book is a delightful authentic Native American tale. Every child I bought this for has loved the drawings.

Beautiful, Authentic.......1998-11-13

Geri is a genuine Native American storyteller (Navajo) and one of the few authentic indian authors of children's books today. This book reflects her creativity, while the vivid and beautiful illustrations excite the imagination! "Snail Girl" is based on a story from the Navajo creation myth which imparts respect and honor for a most precious substance, water. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Cute, but not what I was looking for
A Must for Every Toddler - Reinforcement of Safety Rules
Life-saving lessons
This book can save lives.
Water Safety is the most important thing

Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim
Kimberly Leonard , Stew Leonard , and Lawrence E. Shapiro
Manufacturer: Kimberly Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0966861116

Book Description

A child's first guide to water safety. Written for children ages two through six, the book conveys an important message of how to be safe near the water, through the story of Stewie, a duck who wants to swim with the 'big ducks' but is prevented from going in the water by his older sisters until he learns the water safety rules. Comes with a free CD that reads the book and sings the water safety song.

Customer Reviews:

Cute, but not what I was looking for.......2006-12-18

I am a water safety instructor who teaches swimming lessons according to American Red Cross Guidelines. I teach outside so on days it rains we have to find other activities. I thought this book would be perfect for my younger students, but the Red Cross already makes a book close to what this book is teaching. I think this book is perfect for parents who want their children to know about water safety if they have a pool or grow up/vacation around bodies of water. Touching story as to why the parents wrote the book. I admire them for what they have done.

A Must for Every Toddler - Reinforcement of Safety Rules.......2005-08-19

This is a very basic story about a duck who isn't allowed to swim with the other ducks until he learns the rules. The main ideas of the story are repeated several times throughout the book and set to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. The song goes "Don't jump in 'til you learn to swim, cover your chest with a safe life vest. A grown up must watch you in the pool. You'll be safe if you learn these rules."

The book includes a CD that includes reading the of the story as well as different children singing the same song about five times. I did not give this book a five star rating because the children singing on the cd cannot sing and will make the hair on your back stand up if you are any bit musically inclined. There is one track on the cd that has all the kids singing together and is bearable to listen too.

Nonetheless, this book and cd are a favorite of my 2 and 4 year old girls (I would not recommend this book for anyone over six). I keep the cd in the kitchen all summer long and I play it while I get breakfast ready, especially on days that we go to the pool or beach. The girls especially love it because the book shows Stewie learning to swim at the YMCA where my girls are also taking swimming lessons.

Please note that this book only teaches safety rules and does not provide any instruction for swimming.

I will also mention that the author, Stew Leonard, the supermarket entrepeneur, got involved in water safety for children after his son drowned. This is an excellent tool for all parents to use to avoid this kind of tragedy. I strongly recommend it for every toddler.

Life-saving lessons.......2004-11-11

This is a wonderful resource for parents, teachers and coaches. Stewie the Duck is one of the few books available that addresses drowning, one of the most significant injury-related risks our children face. The authors teach children critical survival skills in a loving, age-appropriate, and fun way. Children really enjoy the CD, and being able to incorporate music makes the lessons fun and effective. This adorable, intelligent book was so impressive that we utilized it in our water safety curriculum program, and have received very positive feedback about it.

This book can save lives........2002-07-08

I teach many children to swim, but this book can save more lives than any swimming lesson program, because it can reach so many more children. After reading Stewie The Duck Learns To Swim, children will remind their parents about proper water safety habits! They'll say things like "Mom, I want to go swimming; will you watch me?" or "I want to go swimming, but I need to have my life vest on first." Even more exciting, children will understand how important it is to take swimming lessons, and even older kids who may be tempted to swim in unofficial swimming holes, reservoirs, etc., may very well thing twice before doing so.

Rob Polley
Program Director
SwimAmerica

Water Safety is the most important thing.......2002-07-06

Ive read this book to my sister so many times and the first time i ever read it to her..she memorized it the rules and the song. It is so easy to catch on to and is very fun but a important message. This is the BEST book and you should get this for any young children. ...it could save your childs life. I HIGHLY recommend this book!!

The Water Babies: A Fairy Tale for a Land-Baby

Average customer rating:

The Water Babies: A Fairy Tale for a Land-Baby
Charles Kingsley
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0486450007

Book Description

A young chimney sweep enters a magical waterworld where he meets creatures that teach him the difference between right and wrong. Delightful characters such as Mrs. Doasyouwouldbedoneby will enchant today's young readers just as they did well over a century ago. A lavish edition of a children's classic. 32 illustrations.

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