A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker, Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton, 2008, Candlewick Press, $16.99, hardbound, 52 pages. Category/Genre: mainstream. Cover: excellent. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.
This is a very charming story about a bear who doesn't like visitors, and a mouse who refuses to take no for an answer.
Bear has a large sign on his door confirming that he doesn't like visitors. In spite of this, a mouse knocks on the door, turns up in the oddest places, and in general makes quite a nuisance of himself whilst Bear tries (unsuccessfully) to have a single cup of tea and breakfast for one.
The mouse's antics, coupled with Bear's humourous reactions, make this book one both adults and children will enjoy reading over and over again.
For ages 2-5.
If you like this one, try: A Birthday for Bear, by Bonny Becker.
Masters: Glass Beads, 2008, Lark Books, $24.95, softbound, 335 pages. Category/Genre: art. Cover: attractive. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.
Forty master craftsmen are highlighted in this book, and each is given an eight-page spread showcasing their work. The galleries contain photographs of a minimum of 12 beads per beadmaker, with examples of that beadmaker's work over time.
Quotes from each craftsman are included within the galleries, and these provide insight into the beadmaker's creative life, personal philosophy, and approach to beadmaking.
Beads within the book are flameworked, cold cast in molds, kiln-fused, or drawn out in a hot shop.
If you like this one, try: Suggestions?
Digital Macro Photography by Ross Hoddinott, 2007, Photographers' Institute Press, $17.95, softbound, 176 pages. Category/Genre: how-to. Cover: great. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble.
This book covers terms required to familiarise yourself with digital photography, types of digital cameras, the care and maintenance of cameras, additional technology, and lenses and close-up accessories.
Basic techniques are examined, including exposure, ISO, shutter speed and motion, etc. Hoddinott even tells you how to hold your camera, with pictures to illustrate the techniques.
Other topics are light and colour, still life, natural history subjects, textures and patterns, and post-camera processing. There's a handy glossary and a list of pertinent web sites.
If you like this one, try: Suggestions?
