Kitten's First Full Moon

Product Description

The Caldecott Medal winning book by Kevin Henkes.

Amazon.com

In this beautiful picture book, winner of the 2005 Caldecott Medal, Kevin Henkes, captures the sweet, sometimes slapstick struggle of Kitten, who sees her first full moon and thinks it's a bowl of milk in the sky.

Any child who has yearned for anything will understand how much Kitten wants that elusive bowl of milk. Readers will giggle as she tries to lick the faraway moon and gets a bug on her tongue, or leaps to catch it and falls down the stairs. In an effective refrain, the narrator repeats, "Still, there was the little bowl of milk, just waiting." The winning combination here is the simplicity and humor of the story, paired with gorgeous black-and-white illustrations with thick black lines (mirrored by the thick bold sans-serif font) and shades of grey that are as luminous as a moonlit night should be. Full-moon circles and ovals appear throughout the design: white circle full moons on the endpapers, elliptical flowers by the porch, white circles of firefly light, oval pads on Kitten's paws, and her big round eyes (especially when surprised and soaking wet). Children will love Kitten's quest and ensuing comedy of errors, but what they will love even more is that there's an actual bowl of milk waiting on the porch for Kitten. (Preschool) --Karin Snelson

Customer Reviews:

The cutest book ever.......2007-08-18

My son loves this book... The story is so cute and the detail in the drawing are great. This is a must buy.

An adorable book..........2007-07-04

...with very cute illustrations. A very easy read for a preschool set as it kept my child interested from start to finish.

Just as it seems.......2007-06-27

Beautifully illustrated, sweet story. I love nothing better than books in the pure form Henkes has presented. My 6y.o. and 3y.o. both loved it equally. Must-have for you child's library.

Excellent Book - Especially for Infants.......2007-06-21

This was the first book our twin girls were read. Though a few reviews have mentioned how "dull" it was, due to the black & white, what they don't realize is that black & white is what newborns see best. Our girls could go from fussy to quiet, instantly upon opening this book. In fact, the inside covers, with the white polka dots, was enough to mesmerize them. On top of that, the pictures with the dark backgrounds and white bowls are just what an infant's eyes are drawn to.

I highly recommend this book. You will quickly be able to memorize the story, holding the book for them to see, while telling the story with excitement, adding to the wonder and amazement. My girls are now almost 1, and they still enjoy the book (and I still have it memorized).action of the story and for the kitten, as for the polka dots!

Another recommendation for infants, especially starting around 6 months, is "I Went Walking," by Sue Williams & Julie Vivas. The pictures are colorful and bold, and if you are making some animal noises, will be one of your infant's favorites.......it also can stop our girls from crying almost instantly.

Charming.......2007-05-26

The world is full of unpleasant surprises for the little kitten! - Didn't we all learn about the world by making all kinds of silly mistakes? "Kitten's First Full Moon" is a sweet and charming children's story with beautiful illustrations. It reminds me of my favorite books of my childhood. Very much recommended both for boys and girls. In addition to that I suggest The Cat Who Walked Across France. For older boys and girls I highly recommend the great cat series Why Some Cats are Rascals, Book 2, and for cat lovers like myself Cat Vs. Cat: Keeping Peace When You Have More Than One Cat

Average customer rating:

Kittens for dummies
Why can't human babies come with one of these??
A fast and easy read
An Invaluable Resource
Great Guide for Rescuers and Kitten Owners!

Kittens for Dummies
Dusty Rainbolt
Manufacturer: For Dummies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0764541501

Book Description

Who can resist the charm of a kitten, those energetic, curious creatures whose cuteness factors fall somewhere between adorable and irresistible? But as animal shelters across the country can attest, those enchanting balls of fluff quickly mature into full-grown cats with their own requirements for healthy, happy lives.

Kittens For Dummies is your source for understanding what you can expect if you decide to welcome a high energy and high maintenance four-legged friend into your home. You'll not only figure out if you're ready to fit a kitty into your lifestyle, but also how to go about

Adopting or buying the right kitten for you
Making sure your home is kitten-proof
Introducing your new pet to children and other pets
Preventing and treating feline illnesses
Dealing with behavioral issues
Rescuing an orphaned kitten

Books abound about kitten care. Unlike many of them – those that seem to require a veterinary medicine degree to figure out – Kittens For Dummies explains everything in plain, everyday English. And like the subject itself, this handy reference is full of fun. In entertaining, informative language, the friendly guide gives you the real deal on

Doling out plenty of love, attention, and patience
Deciding whether kitty will be allowed to explore the outdoors
Making your kitten comfy with the right supplies and accessories
Knowing how often to ring the dinner bell
Recognizing emergencies that call for quick trips to the veterinarian
Locating qualified caretakers when you travel
Nurturing kitty into adulthood

Before you take the giant leap into kitten ownership – a wonderful and sometimes chaotic world – check out the expert advice in a resource that's bound to become as constant a companion as your purr-fect pet.

Customer Reviews:

Kittens for dummies.......2007-06-27

I enjoy reading this book. It is full of usefull information, and fun and easy to read.

Why can't human babies come with one of these??.......2006-09-14

Kittens for Dummies is quite simply one of the best books I've ever read. I'm glad I didn't get a copy from the library because the overdue fines would have bankrupted me!!!

Growing up, my mom was a breeder and I've had cats ever since. About 1.5 yrs ago,my son decided that he wanted a dog or cat that would be 'his' and sleep upstairs with him. We were at Petsmart and there was an adoption event. He saw a 7 mos old black kiten named Scamp. He wanted to take him home immediately, but had to talk to Daddy, who at 43 and never having an indoor pet had graciously allowed the adoption of a cat and a rather large dog. He agreed and during the week that we waited to adopt Scamp, I went looking for a book that would explain to my son all about kittens and what kinds of things they needed. I found very few children's books that covered the kinds of info I wanted. On the shelf next to it was Kittens For Dummies. It had all kinds of information in it, and happened to have a sticker on the front that said "Autographed Copy". I thought that was neat and that it had been so long since I'd had kittens that it wouldn't hurt for me to brush up on my own kitten care knowledge. I read the book cover to cover, like a novel. I couldn't put it down. For the interesting, pertinent and especially funny parts, I read it aloud to my husband and son while we drove from place to place that week. I suspect they had most of the book read to them. When I got to the part about orphan kittens, I was very interested. I had only one child, and we could not have any more. The thought came that maybe I could use some of the 'baby crazies' to take care of baby cats that didn't have mothers and more. I talked to my husband and to the people at the rescue group when we picked up Scamp, and while they said they didn't get a lot of bottle babies, they didn't have many people that could care for them and they would definitely call me. They called a week later. I got a box with a couple of towels, a bottle, a brush, an can of formula and I was a new mom! THANK GOD for Dusty's book. That kitten had a number of problems, but I was prepared for almost every single one, thanks to the book. I learned the signs to watch for when he would get sick, times he needed medicine or special care, how to determine what age he was, and what milestones he would or should have reached. Since then, I've been a foster mom to many more kittens. I catapulted from 'newbie foster parent' to 'expert kitten foster'. When the group had a kitten that a lot of supervision or that was very medically fragile they brought them to me. I had a lot of help from the more experienced rescuers in our group and from friends online, but more often than not, they reminded me of something I'd read in Kittens for Dummies. I had the privilege of meeting Dusty and Weems, and found out something really neat about the book -- All of the pictures except the show kitties and the one on the cover are ALL orphan kittens raised in their home. That's a LOT of happy and healthy kittens!! The book has something for everyone that has or will have a kitten or cat in their life. A lot of the information I've used for full-grown cats as well as kittens - because the information is so thoroughly presented. I have places that the book will fall open to on it's own because it's been in that place so many times -- I use the age chart often to try to figure out what age a kitten that has been brought to me might be. A normal, healthy, indoor kitten can be estimated by weight, but in rescue, very rarely are the kittens we get normal, healthy indoor kittens until we help them become that. Rescue can be hard work - especially when you lose one of the kittens. Dusty even covers that possibility in her book. That's not something we all want to think about, but it's an important thing to consider, since everyone experiences the death of a pet differerntly. Having lost my own cat of 10 years recently, I ever found myself popping my book open, once again, to check out the web address for petloss.com. I hope if you have or are going to get a kitten (or a cat) that you will get this book. I don't know what I would have done without it!

A fast and easy read.......2006-08-21

One thing I like about the "for Dummies" format is their layout which makes information easy to find and quick to digest. In "Kittens for Dummies," the author, whose name I recognized from numerous cat articles in magazines like "Cat Fancy", writes from twenty years of experience in rescuing orphaned kittens. She gives a fair, two-sided argument (pros and cons both) about buying pedigreed kittens and dealing with reputable breeders. In particular, the sections on behavior problems and health issues were useful and up to date. Like other "for Dummies" books, the author filtered in plenty of humor. As a teacher, I've always found that humor helps make information easier to learn and remember. While the book doesn't contain information regarding obscure illnesses--by being obscure the disease isn't a likely event. That's what veterinarians are for besides. Overal, I found the book to be a useful, enjoyable, and easy to read guide. A definite must for first time kitten owners.

An Invaluable Resource.......2006-08-14

Being involved in rescue, I find this book to be an invaluable resource. Sometimes I use it like an encyclopedia and look up information that I don't know or might have forgotten. I've also referred countless people to this book when they've adopted a kitten. Kittens are cute and people are drawn to them but most find that they're not as easy to care for as they'd thought. "For Dummies"? Maybe. But also for people who are smart enough to know they need help. If kittens came with an owner's manual, this book would be it.

Great Guide for Rescuers and Kitten Owners!.......2006-08-13

As both a rescuer and a breeder, I have found this book to be an easy-to-read and indispensable guide for fosterers and owners of kittens - so much so that I have started giving a copy of this book to all of my kitten buyers when they come to pick up their new baby! I have gotten much positive feedback from my kitten buyers, who have said that the book has been especially helpful to them in introducing their kitten to its new home, and in understanding the needs of their new family member. But this book is especially valuable to fosterers who have to take the place of a four-footed mom in raising at-risk orphans, and I am certain that this book's information on raising orphaned kittens has helped to save many a newborn life.

The Cornell Book of Cats: The Comprehensive and Authoritative Medical Reference for Every Cat and Kitten

Average customer rating:

The Bible of Cat Care
Always an Important Book
A must-have source to start with
Indispensable.
More of a reference book for a vet

The Cornell Book of Cats: The Comprehensive and Authoritative Medical Reference for Every Cat and Kitten
Mordecai Siegal
Manufacturer: Villard
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0679449531
Release Date: 1997-05-13

Customer Reviews:

The Bible of Cat Care.......2007-03-01

The title says it all. If you're not a vet, this is the next best thing, to help you know what to ask your vet when your cat has problems. Also is great for minor aliments and first aid.

Always an Important Book.......2007-02-23

This copy I bought for our local non for profit shelter. I have purchased at least 10 copies of this book. It is written in a matter that both the professional and the pet owner can understand. It proofs to be most valuable for a cat owner. Educates and helps the cat owner understand both health, anatomy and illness in a cat. Also, valuable when you bring your cat home to understand "just what did the vet say?"

A must-have source to start with.......2007-02-12

I disagree with readers who say that the book is too general or out-of-date. It's a BOOK, not an article in a scientific journal.

That said, I also disagree with readers who say that it's too complicated. I believe that it's an important book for any responsible cat owner to have on the shelf. If you're worried but aren't sure whether something is an emergency or not, you can check here before making a midnight call to the vet or racing to the emergency clinic. If your vet tells you that a condition is suspected or diagnosed, it's a great reference to start to learn more about it, or to help you formulate questions for your vet. No, it's not a replacement for a visit to a vet, but it's a help.

Remember how every new parent read Dr. Spock's book 40 years ago? Well, I see this in the same light. A MUST for cat owners that provides information, helps allay fears, and guides you. If you have a serious question, it gives you the right technical terms to do more research. If you don't remember all of the details that you heard at the vet's, you can use it as a refresher.

Indispensable........2004-06-20

"A cat is only technically an animal, being divine." - Robert Lynd.

"The twenty-first century may be the century of the cat," says Franklin M. Loew, former Dean of Cornell University's renowned College of Veterinary Medicine in this book's preface, citing statistics according to which even at the end of the 20th century, the number of cats in the United States alone already equaled that of the entire human population of Europe (and with sinking birth rates among humans, it is not hard to guess where that particular trend is headed in the near and midterm future).

Authored by the staff of Cornell's Feline Health Center, "The Cornell Book of Cats" is an indispensable reference guide for every cat owner who cares about his or her feline companion(s). The book provides detailed coverage on every aspect of feline life, from the cats' origin and breeds to cat (mis-)behavior, nutrition, anatomy, reproduction and all major instances of disease and infirmity. Particular attention is given to kittens, aging cats, skin and sensory disorders, internal disorders and medical emergencies. While the explanations do rely on a number of medical/veterinary terms, they are generally clear, comprehensive and easy to understand; in addition, most of the veterinary terminology is defined in a 22-page glossary at the end of the book. Numerous figures, tables, sketches, statistics and photos further illustrate the text; and treatment suggestions are provided for all diseases and disorders described. As the authors point out, this book is *not* intended to make a visit to the vet unnecessary in each and every instance (and sometimes, the remedies suggested here are only the beginning of the path to complete treatment) - but the book does help a cat owner determine when the often not inconsiderable expense of a visit to the vet is truly warranted. Moreover, it is a tremendous supplementary resource to even the best vet's recommendations, and it provides a wealth of background information on our four-pawed friends. Highly recommended.

"A house without a cat, and a well-fed, well-petted and properly revered cat, may be perfect house, perhaps, but how can it prove its title?" - Mark Twain.

More of a reference book for a vet.......2004-02-03

I just purchased this book and was disappointed. It is really more for a reference book that a vet might have or if your cat has already been diagnosed, you could look up the diseases to get a bit more of an understanding. If you are looking for a book on how to treat and understand your sick cat, this is not the book for you.

For instance, there is one reference if you try to look up HAIRBALL, and it tells you nothing...no information you could actually use. Basically, it's a dictionary and nothing more.

Book Description

To celebrate Peter's birthday, Frederick Warne is publishing new editions of all 23 of Potter's original tales, which take the very first printings of Potter's works as their guide. The aim of these editions is to be as close as possible to Beatrix Potter's intentions while benefiting from modern printing and design techniques.

The colors and details of the watercolors in the volumes are reproduced more accurately than ever before, and it has now been possible to disguise damage that has affected the artwork over the years. Most notably, The Tale of Peter Rabbit restores six of Potter's original illustrations. Four were sacrificed in 1903 to make space for illustrated endpapers, and two have never been used before. Of course, Beatrix Potter created many memorable children's characters, including Benjamin Bunny, Tom Kitten, Jemima Puddle-duck and Jeremy Fisher. But whatever the tale, both children and adults alike can be delighted by the artistry in Potter's illustrations, while they also enjoy a very good read. Because they have always been completely true to a child's experience, Potter's 23 books continue to endure.

Customer Reviews:

For anyone who ever resented having to take baths........2002-05-13

'The Tale Of Tom Kitten' sees Beatrix Potter at her most fey. Three young kittens muck about in the garden, tormenting their neighbouring creatures, and generally being boisterous-but-nice kids. Their class-conscious mother (very few fathers in Potter's world) is having relatives around for tea, and gives her children unwelcome baths and brushings down, before making them wear the most appallingly naff Sundaywear. Unfortunately, Tom's been eating one too many pork pies, and bursts out of his pale blue two-piece, looking rather seedy.

The charm of this story lies in the infectious playfulness of the children, their universally-understandable indifference to their elders' desire for 'respectability', and the quaint evocation of an Edwardian farmstead.

The Tale of Tom Kitten.......2000-05-18

The Tale of Tom Kitten is Beatrix Potter at her best. It is certainly one of our family favorites. This is the story of three kittens all dressed in their best clothes and set out to play. They struggle to keep their clothes on only to lose them. They meet three ducks along the way who waddle off with the poorly fitted clothes. When the kittens return home their mother sends them upstairs while she hosts a tea party. Of course they cause a ruckus disturbing the "dignity and repose" of the party. The book ends with the ducks still searching for the clothes at the bottom of a pond. What makes Beatrix Potter so wonderful is her delightful vocablary that stretches a childs intellect. There is a mutual respect between Potter and the reader. Having drawn and painted animals and plant life since a child she is a master of anthropomorphisim, the giving of human qualities to animals or objects. Her delicate watercolors are perfectly suited to the playfullness of the story. This is a classic that should be a part of every child's library.

Average customer rating:

Cute for preschoolers....
Excellent service
Good child reading material
Three Little Kittens
A Wonderful Classic

Three Little Kittens
Paul Galdone
Manufacturer: Clarion Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0899197965

Book Description

The favorite Mother Goose rhyme about the three careless kittens who lost their mittens is given added appeal with Galdone's bold and colorful illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

Cute for preschoolers...........2007-09-03

My three year old daughter loves this book. It has cute illustrations and an easy to follow story line, just like I remember. This is great book for both boys and girls.

Excellent service.......2007-07-04

The book was in perfect shape and arrived very quickly. A pleasure to do business with.

Good child reading material.......2007-05-12

This is one of the best books for young children. I read it to my daughter as a child and she loved it.

Three Little Kittens.......2006-11-03

It was a cute book for my first grader to read. I enjoyed it as well.

A Wonderful Classic .......2005-06-12

This is a wonderful version of the classic story of the "Three Little Kittens". The artwork in this book is very colorful and detailed and exactly right for young children. My son (just turned 3) loves this book and must request it (we just got it) 6 times a day. The only other thing that he shows this much enthusiasm for is Thomas the Tank Engine.

His older sister (5) and I like it too, principally because of the funny details in the background and because of the amusing expressions on mama cat's face.

Some of Paul Galdone's best work.

Draw 50 Cats: The Step-by-Step Way to Draw Domsetic Breeds, Wild Cats, Cuddly Kittens, and Famous Felines

Average customer rating:

step by step nonverbal instruction
Great Drawing Book
Artists who love cats will love this book.
Great drawing book
From a cat-lover

Draw 50 Cats: The Step-by-Step Way to Draw Domsetic Breeds, Wild Cats, Cuddly Kittens, and Famous Felines
Lee J. Ames
Manufacturer: Broadway
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0385246404
Release Date: 1989-04-01

Book Description

This book brings to life Siamese, Persians, lions, tigers, panthers and such celebrity felines as Felix, Top Cat and Snaggle Puss.

Customer Reviews:

step by step nonverbal instruction.......2005-01-06

I wanted to draw more realistic cats
and this book showed me that I needed to start with the head shape
and not the ears. There was not a lot of writing, just good step-by-step instruction. From my first drawing with this book, my drawings have improved. I highly reccomend this book!

Great Drawing Book.......2004-12-21

This is the best drawing book I have gotten to date. It gives detailed instruction. Almost immediatley I was able to draw realistic looking cats. Using the techniques in the book I was able to expand and draw other animals as well.

Artists who love cats will love this book........2003-10-20

I am teaching my students to draw cats using this book. I like the step-by-step drawings and the different position and types of cats.
We have gone one step further in class by making our own stationery and cards using our finished drawings. We add a complimentary quote to our drawing from the book 516 Sensational Cat Quotes, Proverbs, Quips and Jokes for Scrapbooking, Crafting and Fun ISBN 0966640578
Teachers, have your student make a copy of the original so that they can make numerous copies. Save the originals.
Great drawing book. I highly recommend it.
We are having fun in class.

Great drawing book.......2000-12-27

My daughter borrowed some of these books from the school library & loved them so much i bought some for her. It goes step by step with you,giving examples,to show you how to make wonderful drawings.Great book for anyone who likes to draw.

From a cat-lover.......2000-06-20

This book is just what I needed! It has fairly simple stepswhich create great results in only a few minutes. I borrowed thisbook from a friend and I was drawing grrreat tigers before I had to give it back. Now all I have to do is buy it! :)

Good Night, Little Kitten (My First Reader)

Average customer rating:

Great First Book!

Good Night, Little Kitten (My First Reader)
Nancy Christensen
Manufacturer: Children's Press (CT)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0516246283

Customer Reviews:

Great First Book!.......2000-07-11

This book contains easy to remember, key words that are repeated through out the book. The simple story kept my daughter's attention and the words were simple enough for her to learn to read on her own, yet challenging enough for her to feel proud of herself.

WHAT A GREAT FIRST BOOK TO READ ON YOUR OWN!

Average customer rating:

OK, but Gribbin's In Search of Schrodingers Cat is Better.

12 years old, still 96% relevant

A little old, focused on transactional (Cramer's) interpretation of Quantum Mechanics

Well-written but not imaginitive enough

A little difficult

Schrodinger's Kittens and the Search for Reality: Solving the Quantum Mysteries Tag: Author of In Search of Schrod. Cat
John Gribbin
Manufacturer: Back Bay Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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In Search of Schrödinger's Cat: Quantum Physics and Reality

The Search for Superstrings, Symmetry, and the Theory of Everything

The Ghost in the Atom: A Discussion of the Mysteries of Quantum Physics (Canto)

Quantum Physics (Essential Science Series)

Deep Simplicity: Bringing Order to Chaos and Complexity

ASIN: 0316328197

Amazon.com

Astrophysicist John Gribbin first introduced the general public to the world of quantum physics in 1984 with his book In Search of Schrödinger's Cat. A dizzying, counterintuitive domain, the quantum world is so strange that Richard Feynman, the greatest physicist of his time, admitted, "nobody understands quantum physics."

Science has not stood still in the years since In Search of Schrödinger's Cat was written, and in this new book, Gribbin brings us up to speed on the latest developments. New interpretive models have been put forth about the nature of particles and light; experimental evidence has turned over many of the basic precepts of the Copenhagen interpretation, which says that until it is observed, the subatomic world exists only as a probability wave, lacking any objective reality independent of observation. The new models offer not only a paradigm independent of an observer, but also begin to unite quantum phenomena with relativity and Newtonian mechanics. This is not to say that the quantum realm has become more comprehensible. With particles existing simultaneously as particles and waves, feedback loops, and waves that move forward and backward in time, the quantum world is still a strange, strange place; it's just a little less solipsistic.

As in his previous books, Gribbin deftly translates the abstruse mathematics of these new theories into a highly readable narrative that informs as it entertains. Schrödinger's Kittens and the Search for Reality is a book that can be enjoyed by expert and layman alike.

Book Description

Astrophysicist John Gribbin first introduced the general public to the world of quantum physics in 1984 with his book In Search of Schr+dinger's Cat. A dizzying, counterintuitive domain, the quantum world is so strange that Richard Feynman, the greatest physicist of his time, admitted, "nobody understands quantum physics." Science has not stood still in the years since In Search of Schr+dinger's Cat was written, and in this new book, Gribbin brings us up to speed on the latest developments. New interpretive models have been put forth about the nature of particles and light; experimental evidence has turned over many of the basic precepts of the Copenhagen interpretation, which says that until it is observed, the subatomic world exists only as a probability wave, lacking any objective reality independent of observation. The new models offer not only a paradigm independent of an observer, but also begin to unite quantum phenomena with relativity and Newtonian mechanics. This is not to say that the quantum realm has become more comprehensible. With particles existing simultaneously as particles and waves, feedback loops, and waves that move forward and backward in time, the quantum world is still a strange, strange place; it's just a little less solipsistic.As in his previous books, Gribbin deftly translates the abstruse mathematics of these new theories into a highly readable narrative that informs as it entertains. Schr+dinger's Kittens and the Search for Reality is a book that can be enjoyed by expert and layman alike.

Customer Reviews:

OK, but Gribbin's In Search of Schrodingers Cat is Better........2007-10-13

This is an OK stand-alone book, but it is better if one has read its prequel, In search of Schrodinger's Cat. This book was written ten years after the previous book, but covers much the same ground. The first 100 pages or so of this present book cover classical physics and modern physics, almost all of which was developed before the first book was written. It is focused on light, whereas the first part of Schrodinger's Cat was focused on the history of the development of quantum mechanics. Schrodinger's Kittens then spends another 100 or so pages on experimental results (most of which were obtained before Schrodinger's Cat was written) and the attempts to explain the illogical nature of these results in terms of quantum theory.

I kept getting the feeling that much of Schrodinger's Kittens was composed of things that did not make it into Schrodinger's Cat, but could have. If I could only read one, I would choose the first book, as the history of the development of quantum mechanics provides an excellent base from which to study this subject in more detail and, as it is history, it will never go out of date. The later sections of both books are involved with the interpretations of the various theories of quantum mechanics, and as new theories are developed, and new interpretations developed for old theories, these sections of the book will go out of date.

I was prepared to give only three stars to this book, but raised it to four on the basis of the last 33 pages. The previous book and almost all the present book consider the distressing consequences of quantum theory, i.e., that there is no reality unless someone is looking, or there are an infinite number of universes coexisting, or that information can actually travel instantaneously to all parts of the universe at once. The final few pages of the book are devoted to the transactional interpretation, which gets around many of the troubling aspects of other theories, if you are willing to accept the concept of things going back in time. The transactional interpretation is not popular view of quantum mechanics and I do not know if it is correct. My point is not that it is correct, but only that it is at least one approach that overcomes some of the difficulties inherent in other approaches.

Gribbin denigrates those who choose to ignore all these various interpretations and just use these theories to solve problems, calling them quantum cooks. But, finally at the last minute he takes a more reasonable position, namely, that quantum theories use models based upon analogies to things that we experience, such as the collision of billiard balls. As such, they are useful to make understanding easier, but they should not be taken too seriously, lest in the words of Richard Feynman "you will go down the drain' into a blind alley from which nobody has yet escaped" if you keep asking, "How can it be like that?" In the end, again quoting Feynman, "Nobody knows how it can be like that." Thus, neither this book, nor its prequel explain (at least to everyone's satisfaction) how things can be like what quantum theory implies they are. The importance of both books lies in the questions that they raise, not necessarily in the answers, which are being continually changed.

I would also recommend Feynman's QED as a valuable source that puts the paradoxes discussed in Schrodinger's Kittens into a much better perspective. Feynman's QED provides general information about the path integral method, which avoids the paradoxes because it avoids assuming that light (and electrons) are waves as well as particles. Gribben references Feynman and discusses the development of Feynman diagrams, but I do not feel that he adequately highlights the fact that Feynman's approach (actually the Dirac-Feynman method) avoids the distressing paradoxes that are the subject of his book.

To recap - This book can be read "on its own", but it is better to have read Schrodinger's Cat first (and Feynman's QED afterwards). You will learn about how quantum mechanics was developed (primarily from Schrodinger's Cat) and about the experimental results that raise troubling questions about the nature of the universe and of reality itself.

12 years old, still 96% relevant.......2007-05-14

Do I rate this book based on 1995 standards, or 2007 standards? I opted for 1995, this book must have taken a stupendous amount of work to assemble. Work and talent deserve a full rating.

Today it's a bit dated. As noted in a prior review, Gribbin has his heart set on the Transactional interpretation of QM, but decoherence is fashionable today. I think Leggett's inequality, which was recently proven, also goes against the Transactional intepretation. Not to mention that the transactional interpretation seems to require a closed universe and, despite Gribbin's disclaimers, severe determinism.

That's just the last chapter though, and it makes excellent reading anyway. The rest of the work is as enthralling and disorienting as it was 12 years ago. The theoretical breakthroughs that inspired this book were predicted in the mid-20th century and proven in the late 80s, so the book stands well.

It's not "merely" a book in Quantum Mechanics. Gribbin is a philosopher of science as well as a writer and physicist, and he fits a solid discourse on the nature of scientific models into his book.

It's a relatively slender, tightly written work that rewards the careful reader. I read a bit every day, which gave me time to digest and reflect. I don't recommend a single go, instead skim the last chapter then steadily work through the book.

I will never think of the photon quite the same way again. To the timeless photon all that was is, and all that will be is ...

I wonder, these days, if all of cosmology and quantum mechanics is "merely" an attempt to understand the photon ...

A little old, focused on transactional (Cramer's) interpretation of Quantum Mechanics.......2006-10-16

This books claims that Transactional's (or Cramer's) interpretation of quantum mechanics has solved all the mysteries of the theory. I'm not sure that the author would hold the same opinion ten years after that (the book is dated 1996).

In fact, there is growing consensus today that the right interpretation is so called "decoherence". For a comparison of interpretations, look for Interpretation_of_quantum_mechanics in Wikipedia

Anyway, as is always the case with Gribbin's books, reading is insightful. The travel is worth the reading, although the final conclusion may be wrong. Only the final chapter (even only part of it) is devoted to explain Cramer's interpretation.

John, we'd very much like to have another book like this, but devoted to the "decoherence" approach!

Well-written but not imaginitive enough.......2005-04-18

Well the whole "transaction" theory of quantum mechanics the author champions in this book is as laughable as the whole multiple-universe theory and the "Copenhagen Interpretation". It is more grasping at straws and seeking the desperate remedies the author bemoans. The fact is, we've reached the observational limits humans have because we need photons to act as measurment tools and we are trying to get to "particles" that we assert are smaller than photons (which are not in fact either particles or waves, so we are already using the wrong language to describe reality's "building blocks" already). Science has no conceptual model to discuss reality as it exists, only as people make it out to be. Thus is needs a new set of tools, or it needs in any case to stop embarrassing itself by at least shutting its collective trap until it has something to share that doesn't sound like it's the ramblings of a lunatic.

So I give the book 3 stars becasue it is well-written though, in terms of style. However the book leaves the reader knowing nothing particularly new or helpful. We still have no idea what all this stuff we call reality is.

A little difficult.......2003-02-26

Although I'm not really a math/physics type person, I enjoy the popular books on the subject and have read a number. John Gribbin's book Schrodinger's Kittens and the Search for Reality was a little harder for me to get into, but there was a fair amount of new-at least to me-material. Part of the problem was that the author tended to repeat himself. Although if I plowed onward I usually discovered his purpose in doing so. Part of the problem is that he covers a lot.

The book has a fairly extensive history of the who's who of physics, starting with the early Greek philosophers for whom experiment was largely impossible (even the thermometer is a fairly new invention) to the likes of Galileo and Newton (for both of whom experiment was an imperative). The section on Modern Times is interesting in that it shows where thinking has gone wrong as well as right, and shows the interconnectedness of research in physics, one break through or thought experiment leading to further advances. I certainly found the degree to which Einstein was beholding to previous theorists surprising; he has become such an icon, that he seems to stand alone, head and shoulders above the rest. Just the idea that scientific understanding had reached a level at the turn of the century that the discovery of relativity was "ready" to be made was a surprise to me. It makes even more obvious that advances have their "time" and that much in science and technology moves forward in lock step.

In Desperate Remedies the author discusses in greater depth the various interpretations of quantum theory including, for instance, the well known Copenhagen Interpretation, David Bohm's pilot wave theory, and the many worlds theories, putting them into perspective and describing how each is different from the others and how each stands up to experiment. He has his own biases, but he is fairly up front with it, explaining his reasons for them. To those with a greater background in physics and/or math, this may seem arrogant, but to those of us who haven't a clue, it's helpful.

One of the benefits of the last chapters was that Dr. Gribbin points out clearly that all of the theories about "reality" are just paradigms that allow their authors to draw conclusions, design experiments and test results. He also points out that these same paradigms can confine thinking, confusing the metaphor with the described phenomenon, or channel thinking so much that experiments are designed to find certain things while neglecting other things. I thought his own idea of combining all of these theories and sifting out the relevant portions of each to make a master theory an interesting one.

The bibliography is fairly extensive and annotated, which allows the interested to follow up on some of the areas of interest, whether particular theories or biographies. Most of these are quite current, from the 80's and 90's, the oldest being 1873 and 1934 (Tyndall, On light; and Dunne, An Experiment with Time.)

I'm not sure I'd advise the first time dabbler to start with this book. I think it might be too confusing to start with, but it would definitely be a good one for those with at least some background in the genre. I agree with another reviewer; read 10, then go on to this one. The Universe Next Door: The Making of Tomorrow's Science by Marcus Chown, Just Six Numbers: The Deep Forces That Shape the Universe by Martin J. Rees, Matter Myth by John Gribbin, and P. C. W. Davies, and About Time by P. C. W. Davies might interest the beginner.

Average customer rating:

This book is the best

Great photography, ADORABLE kittens

I'm not one for coffee table books but WOW this one is so cute!

the kittens are wise

a good way to occupy your spare time

Smitten: A Kitten's Guide to Happiness
Rachael Hale
Manufacturer: Bulfinch
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0821258486

Book Description

Ever wished you could be as happy and carefree as a kitten? SMITTEN: A Kitten's Guide to Happiness will help point the way. Acclaimed photographer Rachael Hale uses her lens, her love of cats, and a great deal of patience, to create an enchanting perspective on how kittens see the world. This latest collection in her bestselling book series features 60 brand new images of adorable kittens as they frolic, sleep, and explore. The heartwarming and amusing photographs are presented alongside memorable quotations that serve to remind us to remain curious, to revel in playtime, to appreciate fine food and friends, and to never underestimate the power of a good nap.

Customer Reviews:

This book is the best.......2007-07-13

I got this book for myself and my daughter immediately fell in love with it and walked off with that copy but I like it so much that I bought another copy for myself that I will hide. This is a wonderful book; the pictures and the captions are incredible. A must-have for anyone that loves cats or even remotely likes kittens or cats.

Great photography, ADORABLE kittens.......2007-06-08

This book is one that you can flip through again and again. Not only are the kittens absolutely adorable to look at, but the photographs are so well done that it's impossible NOT acknowledge how talented Rachael Hale is. It is sure to make a great gift for anyone and everyone, no matter what the occasion is. With those precious little kitties captured in the cutest of moments, paired along with fantastic quotes leading you towards a happier life, how can you go wrong?

I'm not one for coffee table books but WOW this one is so cute!.......2007-03-20

-- Absolutely irresistible.

I bought this on a whim through a book club offer and am so happy I did. It is soooo wonderful. The photos aren't just *cute* but also well-shot. They have an artistic bent -- not just another cute kitties book -- and are very uplifting. The author pairs heart-melting photographs of kittens (mostly 6 weeks old) with day-brightening quotes from various authors and philosophers.

For some reason, looking at their happy little furry faces never gets old, and never fails to put a smile on my face. This is a wonderful book to get and to share with the other animal lovers in your life. :-)

the kittens are wise.......2007-03-08

This is a delightful coffeetable book, perfect for moments of reflection. Who can resist adorable kitten photos? Paired with philosophical quotations to lift and inspire, soothe and console, it's a heartwarming book for many moods and serves as a reminder that we should slow down and take notice of the little joys in life.

a good way to occupy your spare time.......2007-02-05

If you are a cat person, as i clearly am, you will find this to be an absolutely adorable collection of pictures... For what it is it is great.. If you have some spare time passing through the bookstore - page through this one..

Average customer rating:

A must have
From the Past
Such an enchanting book
Great book!
My artist dad used to read this book to me . . .

The Color Kittens (Little Golden Book)
Margaret Wise Brown
Manufacturer: Golden Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0307021416
Release Date: 2003-05-13

Book Description

Once there were two color kittens with green eyes, Brush and Hush . . .So goes the rollicking tale of two pouncy kittens who make all the colors in the world. First published more than 50 years ago, this much-requested title is now available as a Little Golden Book Classic, with its original cover!

Customer Reviews:

A must have.......2007-09-13

My daughter loves reading this book over and over. All of my daughter's favorite books are by this author. She looks at them over and over. Margaret Wise Brown is one of the best children's authors, and my personal favorite. This book also teaches colors and color mixing in fun verses of the kittens' adventures. I can't recall any other young children's book that actually teaches how colors are mixed.

From the Past.......2007-05-29

This was my all time favorite Little Golden Book as a little girl many years ago. I was thrilled to find it and share it with my grandson.

Such an enchanting book.......2007-05-11

This is one of my husbands favorite childhood books and I can see why. The illustrations are just wonderful and so is the story. I love to read it to my daughter.

Great book!.......2007-04-29

This was my favorite book as a child and now I read it to my baby before I put her to bed.

My artist dad used to read this book to me . . ........2006-08-09

. . . many, many years ago, and then we'd paint and do the color mixing things ourselves. I loved this book and am excited to see it being reprinted. My kids are a little too old for it, but I'm saving my new copy--some day there will be grandchildren to read it to--and to paint with.

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