Publisher: The Teaching Company
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 2006
UPC: 9781598032116
ISBN-10: 1598032119

If you are going to the Louvre or wish you were, this series of lectures on DVD takes you on your own private tour, highlighting the history of the museum and the paintings and artists through the centuries. Most interesting for me were the stories on how the museum acquired many of the masterpieces.

Publisher: HarperCollins
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 9/1/2006
ISBN: 9780060734022
ISBN-10: 0060734027

What do the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, 2 agoraphobic pet chickens and the National Gallery in London have in common? The answer: this story about a boy, valuable paintings in an abandoned quarry and how a town is changed by the power of art. It is wacky, witty and wonderful and the book on tape captures the off-beat quirky characters perfectly. A delightful family listening experience.

First Chapter  

Publisher: Scholastic Press
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 4/1/2004
ISBN: 9780439372947
ISBN-10: 0439372941

Three letters, a book of unexplained occurrences, an eccentric old woman and a set of pentominoes -- a pair of 6th grade friends use their powers of intuition and problem solving skills to find the priceless Vermeer painting that mysteriously disappears.

Table of Contents  

Publisher: Scholastic
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 6/1/2007
ISBN: 9780439693684
ISBN-10: 0439693683

The author has created an exciting mix of adventure, mystery and art history and does it again in the sequel The Wright 3 when the friends attempt to save the Robie House, built by Frank Lloyd Wright, from demolition. The house seems haunted as strange voices are heard, shadows are seen behind the art glass windows and the roof moves!

Table of Contents  

Publisher: Millbrook Press
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 11/1/2007
ISBN: 9780822564744
ISBN-10: 0822564742

3-D ABC: A Sculptural Alphabet by Bob Raczka is a "museum without walls". 20th century sculpture in various styles (abstract, kinetic, relief) and materials (stone, scrap metal, light) delights, inspires and gives us a new way to look at art.

Publisher: Sirius Entertainment
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 10/22/1997
ISBN: 9781579890155
ISBN-10: 1579890156

This story is adorable with its creepy frights and spooky characters. Hannah Marie is going trick-or-treating for the first time without her parents. Her older cousin Jimmy, who is suitably dressed like a devil, is taking her out with his friends. Afraid she might slow him down and lessen his candy intake, he tries to scare her and ditch her. When Hannah Marie gets scared her Scary Godmother appears, and do they get Jimmy back for his mean trick. The illustrations are bright and beautiful. Jill Thompson comes from a comic book background and combines that style with a picture book storytelling. If you like this book there are more Scary Godmother tales!

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 10/1/2002
ISBN: 9780689852893
ISBN-10: 0689852894

This is a retelling of an old poem. The innocent fly is invited to dine with the spider. She knows of his evil ways but can't help falling for his flattery. There are wonderful black and white illustrations that add to the creepy noir feel of the story. There are lots of details in the illustrations as well, look for all the bug parts that have been used as household accessories: butterfly wing curtains, and a dearly departed bug candle holder. The ghostly insects try to warn her, but does she listen? No! Warning: This story does not have a happy ending!

Publisher: Harcourt
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 9/1/2004
ISBN: 9780152025281
ISBN-10: 0152025286

Boris is very clean, very very clean. Nothing is ever out of place and he can't help holding his nose in the air at his neighbor, Bella. Bella is very dirty. She stinks, she’s gross, and she can't stand Boris who is so very neat. They do not get along at all. But when a rockin' party unites them they each learn to be a little neater and a little messier. I love the gothic illustrations of the characters.

Publisher: Sony Bmg Music
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 8/4/1998
UPC: 00074646895429

Rasputina's CD is gothy rock music at its best with a cello twist! When I first heard this I thought it was interesting but wasn't quite sure if I would like it. It grew on my and now I think it's great! There is a remake of the song "You don’t own me" and they do it up Rasputina style. They have a melodic style with some sharp and snappy twists.

Publisher: Wea Corp
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 6/9/1998
UPC: 00617026008325

Can goth stuff be funny? Can goths actually crack a smile or is that against the rules? I don't know the answer but Voltaire manages to make a funny and sarcastic goth music album. You'll sing along to "When you’re evil," and laugh wickedly at the witty ending.

Publisher: City Hall Records
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 10/4/1994
UPC: 04001043550145

This is a compilation of ghoulish rock music from the 1950's and 60's. I love this CD. Whether it is October or not, I feel a need to sing along to all my favorites, "Zoo" and "Mummy's bracelet." Igor's ball and "Monster holiday" are reminiscent of the music from Tim Burton's Nightmare before Christmas. It is a definite must have for this Halloween season or all year round if you are that kind of person.

Publisher: Lectorum Pubns
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 8/1/2005
ISBN: 9788488342829
ISBN-10: 8488342829

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 6/15/2006
ISBN: 9780399241994
ISBN-10: 039924199X

Sophie the toad wishes she were as good looking as her brother, but she discovers that her talent lies in singing. Includes Spanish vocabulary.

Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 2003

A GREAT music album for children. The album not only includes the Macarena, the popular Spanish dance song, but also contains some well-known English party songs like The Chicken Dance, YMCA, and Achy Breaky Heart! This is a great find for anyone who wants to hear classic party dance songs with Spanish lyrics.

Publisher: New Line Home Entertainment
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 1/1/2005
UPC: 00794043784026

I have to admit that I missed the first fifteen minutes of this movie. However, what I did finish watching was just incredibly moving. The movie is based on the true story of Ramon Sampedro, a quadriplegic, that fights the Spanish government for his right to die. Once I saw this film I checked to see if the system owned the book of writings that Sampedro had published before his death. Of course, we do own a copy of Sampedro's writings.

Publisher: Planeta Pub Corp
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 3/30/2005
ISBN: 9788408056324
ISBN-10: 8408056328

Cartas desde el infierno by Ramon Sampedro offers a different glimpse into Sampedro's view of death. Both the book and the movie offer a glimpse into the life of someone who lived to fight for his beliefs.

Table of Contents  

Publisher: Universal Music & Video Distr
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 6/15/1999
UPC: 00028946286227

The Tallis Scholars have been one of the best choral ensembles for decades, and this compilation includes some of their greatest hits. Especially noteworthy are Josquin's astonishingly beautiful Missa pange lingua, the 40-voice Spem in alium, and Allegri's Miserere -- one of the most haunting choral works ever composed.

Publisher: Forge
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 6/12/2007
ISBN: 9780765318329
ISBN-10: 0765318326

For those ER fans who like mystery, meet Ben Dafoe, emergency room doctor and prime suspect in the murder of his former fiance. Ben knows there must be a scientific explanation why his DNA matches blood from the murder scene so he goes on the run to prove his innocence.

First Chapter  

Publisher: Bitter Lemon Press
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 4/1/2007
ISBN: 9781904738206
ISBN-10: 1904738206

A dark tale of suburban deception and psychological intrigue translated from the Dutch. Sharp writing, great setting (suburbs of Amsterdam), and a contemporary, European version of the desperate housewife.

Publisher: St. Martin's Minotaur
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 5/15/2007
ISBN: 9780312352561
ISBN-10: 0312352565

Penny's first mystery, Still Life, won awards and praise and her second book, A Fatal Grace, recently hit the library shelves. Quebec Chief Inspector Armand Gamache is wise and interesting enough in his own right to make these books delightful reads. But Penny has more than Gamache going for her -- she brings precise descriptions, strong characterizations, and intricate plotting to make these Canadian mysteries stand out.

Publisher: Ballantine Books
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 8/14/2007
ISBN: 9781400063680
ISBN-10: 140006368X

Nita, Lavonne, and Eadie are three spunky gals from the South who have shed their husbands and are entering mid-life with a vengeance and passion. Unfortunately, an ex-mother-in-law and her merciless plan for revenge get in the way.

First Chapter  

Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 3/1/2007
ISBN: 9780810909601
ISBN-10: 081090960X

Although this is a children's picture book, I feel that it has more appeal for adults, especially those who might have an appreciation for illustration. I was completely taken in by the beautiful subtle design and background patterns in this book. Not to mention, the beauty in its universal message that translates to all, no matter what faith a person may follow, or as the illustrator notes, it "unites many versions of a single truth."

Publisher: Universal Music & Video Distr
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 5/9/2006
UPC: 00602498531785

This is my music of the moment, getting the most play. Even though many of the songs have already had tons of airplay, I am still enjoying it now. Different songs hit me on different days with repetitive play until they are killed, this includes, "Shut Your Eyes," and "Open Your Eyes."

Publisher: Charlesbridge
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 2/1/2007
ISBN: 9781580893084
ISBN-10: 1580893082

Reading about young Naima was like taking a trip to another culture and country. It's a glimpse into how different life in Bangladesh might be for a girl compared to here. The story and characters held me captive, and had a simple beauty. The illustrations complemented the story nicely, and taught something of the traditional alpana art form. Additionally, I very much appreciated the illustrated glossary, and the author's final note at the end, both enhanced the reading experience for me. I liked this book so much that I actually wrote to the author after I read it!

Publisher: Genius Products
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 1/1/2007
UPC: 00796019802505

This bittersweet film weaves interesting characters and circumstances into some surprising outcomes. I thank Stefica for recommending it to me! It was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars earlier this year. A resonating moment in the film comes when Jorgen, an extremely wealthy businessman, is giving a toast and says, "Time is precious. Every acquaintance, every friend, every person who has a place in your heart -- it is time with them that really means something. Nothing else matters."

Publisher: Collins
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 9/1/2006
ISBN: 9780060891695
ISBN-10: 0060891696

I thought the concept behind this book was fantastic, for books can indeed have great impact on peoples' lives. Having had a personal experience in which a book helped change my life direction, I was interested to see how others have had similar life changing experiences from their reading.

First Chapter