SWIFT

Statin drugs seem to be all over the news these days. Those of us who follow science/medical news read about them all the time. They're being touted as effective for all kinds of conditions, even Alzheimers! But many people don't know that statins can have unpleasant side effects, like muscle aches and pains and memory/concentration problems. THE ALL NATURAL CARDIO CURE presents a really helpful program as an alternative to statins. I like that the book has been written by a doctor and that he is willing to recommend statins when necessary, but he offers an array of much healthier, more natural alternatives including herbs and supplements. Kudos to you, Dr. Magaziner!

Among the spate of books about natural approaches to heart disease, this one stands out in its clarity and ease of use. It explains heart disease in terms that a person who's not a medical professional can understand. The "DEAR" program that is described in the book is easy to remember and also easy to follow. There is a great chapter on the types of things that get in the way of adhering to a heart-care program, something I've never seen in any other book. Magaziner is to be commended for his fine work.

Asimov does his typically thorough job of annotating, filling this book with tons of information about obscure references and historical tidbits. However, I was a bit dismayed at Asimov's heavy-handed critique of Swift in the 3rd book. As many readers of Swift know, the 3rd book contains a very harsh criticism of science and technology. Asimov decides to use his annotations to defend science. While his aims are certainly admirable, I think that he takes Swift's comments out of context in an effort to prove his own case.

That minor cavil aside, this is an excellent book for young people studying this great classic of literature, and for fans of both Swift and Asimov.

Sometimes having an older sibling to show you the ropes on the first day of school can be an advantage -- and sometimes it can be a liability! Annabelle's big sister, Lucy, is determined to teach her little sister all the insider secrets. Using their mom's make-up, Lucy teaches Annabelle the real names of the colors, like Raving Scarlet and Blue Desire. Having already taught her sister how to count past one hundred, Lucy seeds Annabelle's mind with the really important issues of math, like "[a]re there numbers less than zero. . . what's the number after infinity?" Armed with an extra dose of Lucy's advice and the admonition, "Remember, you're my sister," Annabelle sets out to conquer kindergarten. Somehow, the strategy doesn't quite work. No one else answers roll the way Lucy taught her to, or calls any of the colors anything even close to "Blue Desire." When Mr. Blum, the teacher, says it's time to do math, Annabelle isn't about to mention zero or infinity. But when Annabelle is the only kindergartner who can count the milk money, Lucy's lessons finally pay off. Annabelle gets to be milk monitor and deliver the money to the cafeteria. When the cafeteria lady asks her name, she proudly proclaims it the way Lucy taught her, "Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner!" Amy Schwartz does as good a job illustrating this story as she does writing it. I especially liked the interaction between the two sisters: Lucy wise in the ways of the world, lathering on her mother's "Blue Desire" eye shadow, and Annabelle gazing up at her in rapt attention.

Brief Synopsis: Annabelle is all ready for kindergarten. Her 3rd grade sister, Lucy, has taught her geography, counting, and colors. Lucy, also, made a name tag for Annabelle to wear on the first day of school. The name tag says: Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner. Annabelle's teacher is Mr. Blum. Annabelle arrives at school feeling confident as she meets him and her classmates. She is confident because of Lucy's good advice and training. It turns out that all of Lucy's advice isn't good. However, Annabelle winds up that first day as a success in her class.

Note to Teachers: The children's book would be wonderful to read on the first day of school. Children in grades K-3 would really love the story. It contains humorous passages and witty pictures. The book teaches the importance of being prepared for school. It teaches the importance of color distinction and the importance of counting. It,also, emphasizes the closeness between siblings.

This is a classic Kindergarten book worth reading on the first day of school...helps those little ones relate to each other and to Annabelle Swift! You may also like the "Miss Bindergarten" books!