Product Description
Children from three on up can enjoy gentle, fun-filled exercises from the experts at Gaia--no matter where they live or what their abilities are. Yoga is a great way to develop strength and suppleness, as well as good posture and coordination in a noncompetitive setting. 100 4-color photos. Diagrams. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Good yoga book for breaks in the classroom
My students love this quick break between reading and spelling.We call it our stretch break.The exercises/poses are pretty easy for them.I probably do 3/4 of them.

Yoga for Children
I like the book. It was purchased as a gift for a 10 year old. I like that it teaches the names of the asanas, also has good demonstation photos.

Good book for working with children
This book is nicely illustrated and provides instruction on a range of poses. Group activities are included and some adaptations for children with special needs. Some poses are adapted to chair positions for those without mobility. Some breath instruction is included. All in all a good starting place to work with children at home or in groups.

Simple and adaptable!!!
I love this book.Let me say that I've probably owned this book 4 times, but it continually disappears and I have to buy it again. I am a pediatric occupational therapist, so I do a lot of Yoga with children with disabilities.
I've used this book with kids ages 3 through 18 that have varying levels of disability.The colorful pictures truly grab children's attention.The pictures are basic enough that children can look at the picture and attempt to imitate the pose.The yoga is 'watered down' enough that I can adapt these poses to most any child, not only those with special needs.My own daughter loves to look at this book with me!
You do not need a high knowledge base about Yoga to make this book effective and practical.I've purchased many other kids yoga activities, and this is the one that I use daily in my professional practice.

Good foundation for kids' fitness
This book is well-written, and approaches yoga at a good level for kids.

The authors have selected a good variety of movements, and presented them in a format that make them accessible to kids. There is a mixture of easy and not-so-easy positions, and instructions for how tostart simple and get more advanced as the child progresses.

There is alsoample instruction for the adult who is overseeing their practice. I haven'thad a lot of exposure to yoga myself, but I got enough information from thebook that (with a little preparatory work on my part) I felt confident inknowing how to get them in the right position while watching out for anyproblems.

(Note to the sharp-eyed: No, I'm not related to the author) ... Read more

Product Description
"What is man, that you are mindful of him, the son of man, that you care for him?"Indeed, what is a man?As our society sorts through what it means to be masculine or feminine and roles drift and shift, men as well as women feel the strain. Very recently, a small but growing field of theory called men's studies has appeared in reaction to the decades-long feminist movement in women's studies. Can the social sciences informing contemporary men's studies (psychology, cultural anthropology and others) provide helpful insight as to what helps or hinders men in becoming the sons, fathers, husbands, and brothers they ought to be?Following her landmark gender-reconciliation text, Gender and Grace, Mary Stewart Van Leeuwen turns her focus to men's studies in this new book. She incorporates the most recent and significant research in the social sciences with a biblically founded Christian worldview that sets the course for men and women being in right relationship. Surveying a vast amount of literature with balance and insight, Van Leeuwen probes the value and plumbs the limits of what the social sciences offer Christians.For men and women, for students, teachers and general readers, Van Leeuwen offers an alternative to mindless conformity to--or dismissal of--cultural "norms." Rather she encourages pursuit of a faithful masculinity that honors the God who made men and women to be a blessing to each other. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A must read for anyone not satisfied with the "Good Ol Boys" explanations on the subject
This is one of the best books I have ever read on the topic of Masculinity. Fantastic truths to ponder instead of the same old rhetoric that has been swirling around pretending to be enlightening and uplifting truth concerning the world of maleness form the beginning of time until now. This book should be mandatory reading for all people male or female for it is truly enlightening and immensely helpful in sorting out what is really fact and what is really fiction in our beliefs. I have re read this book about 3 times and continue to learn more each time as I research this issue. If you, like myself, have been on a long and confusing journey in trying to figure out what the truth about maleness in all its regal glory and real weakness, this book is one you will not regret reading. I found out about this book through Christian for Biblical Equality which has been an absolute blessing in my journey to find truth about our humanity which is male and female.

About more than men... also the relationships and society which shape them and they it
This is a scientific but highly readable (quick) and profound evaluation of masculinity.However, because masculinity is relational, it is also an evaluation of marriage, parenting, business practices, and economics.I have some quibbles with it (I will get to a few), but I wish every pastor and engaged couple would read it.She assumes an egalitarian standpoint but also attempts to reach across the aisle.

Van Leeuwen presents a compelling vision of how a fallen version of a male honor code has permeated so many cultures, including ours, to the detriment of BOTH men and women (and boys and girls).I found myself crying for men at times and the pressures on them.A lot is stuff I've "known" as someone who has pondered and even written about these issues a lot, but I have a fuller perspective on and deeper conviction of that "knowing" after reading this.

One of the most breathtaking moments was when she returned to one culture she had repeatedly evaluated for its detrimental patriarchal behaviors (for instance, female circumcision of both the clitoris AND the labia), the Masai, and showed what happened when Christ came to town.I don't want to spoil it, but it is a story you do NOT want to miss.I'm sure the Masai will continue to struggle with the reassertion of patriarchy in their churches and any remnant pieces, but Christ is indeed good news for women everywhere!(On the topic of the reassertion of patriarchy after breakthroughs in our Western Church, please see Discovering Biblical Equality, Pierce and Groothius, eds. chpts 1 and especially 2.)

In the latter third of the book, Van Leeuwen argues for several changes in society and business (and our thinking) which might allow mothers and fathers of young children to work 30 hrs/wk apiece and evenly divide childcare and housework responsibilities.(Throughout the entire book, she gives scientific, historical, and cultural reasoning for the reintroduction of far more profound father-involvement than almost any American families know today as well as the benefit of women living multi-sphered but not overextended lives, although she delves into that on fewer levels, given the book's emphasis.)She points to a season when Kellogg factories did this much to the advantage of all and some of the societal influences and pressures of male (and female) identity which crept in and overturned this practice.She notes other countries which have moved in this direction as well, for instance with shorter work weeks in general, paternity leaves, etc.It is a wholly compelling case.She also provides suggested safeguards so that women in divorce are not so unevenly and devastatingly impoverished.

YET....This is where I wish she would have painted more diverse pictures that could better suit more subcultures within the U.S. and the unique diversity of callings that any given couple will find on their lives.Understandably, since she is working so much w/in scientific studies, she may not have tackled it for lack of studies.But as a reader, I would have liked it if she nonetheless wandered the paths in wonderment.

To her credit, she does suggest that some might want to divvy it up a little differently and notes, "A genuine social partnership between men and women will allow for specialization by gender and by life-cycle stage for those who mutually wish it and agree to it.But such specialization should not result in either sex's becoming materially or psychologically vulnerable, socially isolated or permanently closed off from other avenues of growth and service."This important caveat deserves FAR more exploration than these two sentences serve (the most in specifics she came up with earlier was that one parent might work 35-40 hrs and one 20-25 for a season).I can see too many reading this book and throwing their hands up when they get to her final solution.Or they might feel guilty if they either simply cannot find or do not feel called to a 30/30 scenario.

For instance, I live in an area where the women with higher educations are very few and far between.Indeed, not that many of the men are educated, but the army and various muscle-bound jobs that not too many women can do give them a means of ready income.The women's ability to contribute as much financially would be thus hampered.Plus, even if all of these arguments were to be accessibly presented to the couples here, very few women here, I think, would sign up as this being at all what they want.The teens here express near constant jealousy of the young moms.And many marry right out of high school.It is their general desire and horizon, if culturally mediated.The turning of that and the availability of other possibilities would be a gradual thing here and not to be desired in the eyes of many.

SO it would be great to come up with some game-plans to work toward health of gender identities in this context, limits on the tyrannt of economics, and ways in which women who do choose (and who may very well be called) to be primarily guardians of the homefront might nonetheless find (with a husband's support as he takes on more housework and childcare and affirms her) a public role of service, life-giving hobbies, and/or some gradual education that would enable them to enter another stage of life later on as they find desire.

One side-note is that in her book I stumbled upon scientific evidence of the totally uneven toll on Christian marriages experienced in the oh-so-patriarchical corner of the country in which I live: the buckle of the Bible belt.I had observed the divorce rate and so on and made the correlations within my small circles but had not seen such a study.

Another Thought-Provoking Book by Van Leeuwen
She does it yet again!I really enjoyed an egalitarians viewpoint on masculinity in this century.It also made me realise how hugely important of a role my husband plays in my daughters life.It is scholarly, yet readable. An overview of masculinity in through the centuries and what affect that has on todays perception of what masculinity is.She has two sons, is a egalitarian and a very intelligent woman both as a scholar and from her personal experience. ... Read more

Product Description
Kate travels to her childhood home, Rose Cottage, before it is sold, curious as to the changes she may find. In "Stormy Petrel" writer Rose Fenemore trys to find peace in an isolated cottage in the Hebrides. Gilly gets more than she bargains for when she inherits Thornyhold from her cousin. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
In this collection of essays, a team of historians reassesses the life and historical significance of Mary Stewart. Best remembered as Mary, Queen of Scots, she was also, briefly, Queen of France and, for almost 30 years, Catholic claimant to the Protestant throne of England. This is the first book to examine her career in all three kingdoms. The chapters explore Mary's early years in France, highlighting the enduring influence of her French connections on her later actions and attitudes. They follow her return to Scotland, focusing on the contentious years of her personal reign: was Mary a successful and astute ruler or was she the inept and incompetent monarch of tradition? Finally, the volume looks at her long exile in captivity in England, reconsidering her involvement in the conspiracies against Elizabeth I. Throughout, the contributors emphasize the complex interconnections between French, Scottish and English policy and interests. This book offers a new interpretation of Mary's life, providing a range of insights into the interplay of religions and politics, international diplomacy and dynastic intrigue in which Mary played a major role. ... Read more

Product Description
The third volume in the enticing new series of home decorating books based on Mary Engelbreit's successful Home Companion magazine.Collections offers creative ideas and simple guidelines for Mary fans who wish to achieve a unique and beautiful look in their homes using their favorite collectible items.Amazon.com Review
From popular artist Mary Engelbreit (whose work gracesgreeting cards, calendars, books, and home decorations, among others)comes a beautiful little book about collecting. "No matter what drivesus," she says, "few are immune to the urge to collect." Engelbreitestablishes the beginning of a collection at three pieces--and you'veusually purchased the adorable, unique items before even realizingyou've started a collection. But how do you know what to collect and,once you've gotten an impressive little pile, how do you arrange them?

In Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion: Collections,Engelbreit explains how to recognize collectibles, where to find them,and then what to do with them once you get home. She reminds us that"popularity is a factor; collectibles go in and out of vogue and theirprices skyrocket accordingly." So if you started buying stray piecesof Bakelite or old medicine bottles a few years ago, you may haveamassed a valuable assortment. Engelbreit advises buying what you"REALLY like," not just items you think may increase in price--afterall, you have to live with this stuff.

The book covers some of themore sought-after collectibles: clocks, books, pottery, stuffedanimals, souvenirs, maritime items, toys, and paper/labels. In eachsection are sumptuous photographs of how to creatively display yourtreasures in your home. The arrangements are lovely, but not overlyornate, inspiring those of us without interior decorators to try ahand at it ourselves. Whether you collect teddy bear cookie jars orjeweled hat pins, Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion: Collectionsnot only encourages the collecting bug, but also ensures yourcollection doesn't end up in a box under the bed. --Dana VanNest ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion: Collections
As someone who thorougly enjoys decorating with Antiques, this is a wonderful book with great pictures.

Small book packed with pretty pictures

This book is part of a series that Mary Engelbreit issued a few years ago. The book series is comprised of these nifty little books filled with great ideas, depending on the topic. The photos in this book are absolutely amazing, just as all of M.E.'s books have wonderful photos. Very inspirational.

This particular book, though, from Mary's series is LESS "how to" and more of a picture book. Thus, I wish she had included more photos of people's collections.

wish it were larger
This is a cute, fun, little book (check the dimensions before ordering so that you aren't disappointed). For the list price it should have been twice the size, but at $6 it's an excellent buy. I love some of the collections, but too many photos are close-ups and you can't see how they are displayed. I prefer Better Homes and Gardens "Collector's Style" which has some of the same attitude, but more bang for the buck.

Collectors Will Love This Book!!
If you're like me and love to collect, this book is for you.The pictures are luscious and it's loaded with great information.It brought back so many memories of my childhood (things I kept and things I wish I had kept).It also gave me great ideas on new collections.I settled in on a rainy afternoon to browse the book and before I knew it, it was over, much to my dismay!!I only hope Mary plans a sequel - with many more collections!

Not really what I was hoping for...
On the plus side, Collections does feature lots of lovely photos of pretty things.Sadly, it didn't really give me what I wanted, which was ideas on displaying diverse collections.Most of the photos either show only one of an item (this is a collection?) orjust plunk the items down on a shelf (thank you, I could think of that myself.)The book wastes lots of space on collecting tips (price suggestions/figuring out the age or maker of a piece/etc.) which aren't very helpful -- too detailed and boring for someone who doesn't collect that particular item; not nearly detailed enough for someone who does.

Buy the book for the pictures, but don't expect too much... ... Read more

Product Description
It is Tib the black cat who leads Mary to the strange flower in the woods. When she discovers a little broomstick shortly afterwards, she is astonished to feel it jump in to action. Before she can gather her wits, it is whisking her over the treetops, above the clouds, and in to the grounds of Endor College, where: 'All Examinations Coached for by A Competent Staff of Fully-Qualified Witches.' Here she discovers evidence of a terrible experiment in transformation - deformed and mutant animals imprisoned in cages. In the moment after her broomstick takes off, she realises that Tib has been captured. Returning to the College the following day, she manages to free the animals, but not before the Head of the college, Miss Mumblechook, and her colleague, Doctor Dee, have seen her. Mary manages to flee...but the evil pair are in hot pursuit! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

This was my favorite book. I'm so glad it's back in print now that my daughter is 8!
I loved this book more than almost any other book from my childhood. When my first daughter was born @ 8 years ago, it was out of print and I actually bought used copies so that I would be sure to have it to read to her when she was old enough. Now that she is, I am happy that we can buy copies as gifts for her friends as well.
J.K. Rowling owes a huge debt to Mary Stewart. I have to imagine that she must have loved this book as a child as well.

Take a bow, Mr. Potter....to our heroine...
Mary Stewart's delightful fantasy is fun and exciting from beginning to end.I first read it about 30 years ago, and it made a big impression on me.Something about the way Stewart told the story made everything seem quite logical.I reread the booklast year and loved it all over again.I only wish it were a bit longer, as it seems to end rather quickly.Still, I thoroughly recommend this as a delightful fantasy for children who are a bit too young for Mr. Potter (whom I believe owes a debt to Ms. Stewart)>

A Fantastic Read for All Ages
I read this book when I was about 8 years old and I loved it more than any other book I read. I say this because I remember it better than any other book I read as a child, and I read quite a few books. I have a copy somewhere in a box in my house and am longing to read it to my 6 year old and I don't want to wait any longer. So I have ordered another copy of it. In the wake of Harry Potter (which I also love) this story is just as enchanting and enthralling. It all begins with a child in England discovering a magical broomstick followed by a school for witchcraft! I can only highly recommend this book, plain and simple.

Magic!
A lonely, young girl finds a cat and magic in the English countryside in this book for young readers.Pre-Harry Potter, there are similar themes, but Mary Stewart writes like no other, and the story unfolds giving just enough details so a young person's imagination can fill in the rest.When I went back and re-read this after many years, I realized how much I had forgotten, and how much I had made up about it when I was nine.I love this book very much.

The Little Broomstick, by Mary Stewart
I love most of Mary Stewart's books, but, if you have a young daughter getting interested in reading, after she reads this, she'll become a fan for life, like I did!It's a story about a girl with a cat, who get caughtup in intrigue.My mother brought this book home from a trip to Canada,and I'm sick that it's out of print.I hope to find it again, soon! ... Read more

Product Description

In late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century France the idea of "physical culture" emerged, promising health and beauty but also seeking to promote women's fertility in a period of declining population. Going beyond the simple argument that women's bodily standards and practices were altered by such cultural disciplines as education, medicine, journalism, and advertising, Mary Lynn Stewart argues that these disciplines needed to change their own messages in their attempts to persuade women. As Stewart demonstrates, internal contradictions in the experts' advice, especially concerning issues of sexuality and reproduction, failed to convince women to follow all of their counsel -- particularly the most persistent advice, which was to have more children.

In For Health and Beauty, Stewart reviews the new scientific and medical attention to women's bodies during the Third Republic and traces the growing emphasis on women's private hygiene as the basis for public hygiene. She then examines compulsory education in hygiene and gymnastics, the flourishing genre of women's medical and sexual self-help literature, and the commercialization of health, beauty, and fitness products -- all contributing to new scientific and commercial representations of the female body. In both the scientific and popular works, including women's autobiographical writings, bodily ideals changed from rounded, plump figures to straighter, slimmer contours, and from relatively immobile to relatively active bodies.