'The east-west house' by Christy Hale is a beautifully versed and delicately illustrated book describing the early life of the sculptor, designer, and landscape architect Isamu Noguchi. Read about little Isamu, born to a Japanese father and a Scotch-Irish American mother,trying to fit into both worlds. In an effort to unite his cultures, he creates a house that is a mingling of both worlds. As one of the twentieth century's most innovative artists, Noguchi uses elements of his childhood experiences in his work, seeking to combine 'ancient and modern, craft and technology, and East and West.' A perfect read for the blossoming artist.

Similar books: Frederic Remington: Artist of the American West; Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec by Jennifer Bryant; John James Audubon: Aritist of the Wild by Martha E. Kendall; Artist of the Angels by Ann Stalcup

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/3/2010

ISBN-10: 1600603637

ISBN-13: 9781600603631

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At the Edible Pyramid restaurant, animals learn how to create a balanced diet. Using gentle, cheery illustrations, each area of the food pyramid is introduced with many examples of items belonging in each group. This picture book offers a simple introduction to a complex topic and could be used for teaching the idea of eating a balanced variety of foods even if someone is not specifically interested in the food pyramid.

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 10/28/2010

ISBN-10: 0823420744

ISBN-13: 9780823420742

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Ellen Ochoa was the first Hispanic woman in space. One of five children, she was raised by a single mother in La Mesa, California. She worked hard, and did well in school, graduating high school at the top of her class, completing her college work, and then, earning a doctorate degree at Stanford University. In 1985, Ellen applied to the NASA astronaut program, after she watched Sally Ride become the first woman in space in 1983. Ellen was accepted to the program in 1990, and completed her first space mission in 1993. Her training, and jobs as an astronaut, are all described in this biography.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/14/2009

ISBN-10: 1597160768

ISBN-13: 9781597160766

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Eric the Red by Neil Grant is a young reader's biography about the famous Viking chief and explorer. As a typical Viking, Eric loved the sea almost as much as he loved a good fight. However, due to one of these quarrels, Eric was banished from Norway for three years. Determined to find a new land and obtain the fame and forture that goes along with it, Eric the Red sailed west on a 'voyage of discovery'. He landed and settled in a place now called Greenland. Eric the Red had a boundless curiosity, an adventureous nature, and a fearless spirit. He eventually passed these qualities on to his equally famous son, Leif Ericsson. Following in his father's footsteps, Leif discovered America 500 years before Christopher Columbus.

Similar authors: Haydn Middleton; Andrew Langley; Jacqueline Milton; Andrea Shavick

Similar books: Cleopatra: The Queen of Dreams by Haydn Middleton; Amelia Earhart: The Pioneering Pilot by Andrew Langley; Captain Cook: The Great Ocean Explorer by Haydn Middleton; Galileo: Scientist and Stargazer by Jacqueline Milton; Alexander The Great: The Greatest Ruler of the Ancient World by Andrew Langley

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/16/2010

ISBN-10: 0195214315

ISBN-13: 9780195214314

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Are you not a dog or a cat lover? Maybe you need an extreme pet. Answering 'The Extreme Pet Pact' at the beginning of this book will help you determine if you are the right person for an extreme pet. If you want it just to tease your little sister, perhaps another pet would be better for you. Learn all you can about caring for your extreme pet because it is a living thing that needs you. The five chapters are: (1) Cold-Blooded; (2) Pocket Pets; (3) Insects; (4) Slimy Pets; and (5) DIY Guide-How to convince your parents you would be an excellent extreme pet caretaker.

Reviewed by: cjones

Date read: 10/18/2010

ISBN-10: 0439829488

ISBN-13: 9780439829489

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