Product Description
Size: 6" x 9 1/4" with 394 pages - Autobiography ... Read more

Product Description
Selections taken from the King James Version of the Book of Luke with additional selections from Matthew, John, Acts, 1 John, Colossians and Revelations. ... Read more

Product Description
Lush, color artwork from Disney's new animated film--in all stages, from conceptual to finished, is accompanied by a narrative that retells the story of the film and an afterword revealing the inspiration behind the art. 25,000 first printing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Here are the production stills... and a maybe a lame sketch or two
I was very disappointed when I received this book.
It's almost all production stills, they have hardly any developmental art, and what they do show is rather lame story board art.
And instead of any sort of explanation for their choices, the making of the film etc. They tell you the plot of the film.
It's a children's book, which happens to contain a few story board sketches...

As someone who collects 'art of' books for animated films, this is by far and away one of the worst, which was a surprise considering the film itself.
I'm a bit afraid to get the large one, for fear I will get nothing but glossy production stills and a few tepid sketches.

Nice companion with lots of storyboard art
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R257CGS2OBK0AC The Lion King was the first movie I watched in the cinema. Although I can't remember anything about the movie today, I do remember that I liked it very much. I was 13 back then.

The Art of the Lion King is an oversized art book containing concept art, colour pencil storyboards and film stills. Some of the film stills when blown up over two pages still look fabulous. The concept art is amazing, specifically the stylized character designs and some of the background paintings.

The art is arranged according to story acts, and there are a lot of storyboards. Unfortunately, the accompanying text are only the plot lines.

Right at the end is the afterword, which is actually the production process of the movie. Here are stories on how Lion King was scripted, research done (including a trip to East Africa), things happening behind the scenes like the duties of the cleanup artists, using CAPS (computer software) to animate the film, creating special effects like rain or fire and other special effects.

It's a nice companion to the movie.

(More pictures are available on my blog. Just visit my Amazon profile for the link.)

Love for Lion King art
This piece shows what effort it took to make the film, its not the best "art of xxx" - book I read but definetely above average. The book is full of shots from the movie and some unpublished material of early process of the film. One thhing that I'm missing from the book is a little interview of the artists.

This book is a must for those who love the Lion King as an art or for the artist who are about to start their studies for professional film work.
I gave 4* for this cause of its lenght, the detailed scenes and cause its from a masterpiece of a film ever made.

A great book, I'll never regret this purchase.
I tend to do things without paying as much attention as I should, like buying this book without researching it's details.

I bought the book because my 5 year old daugher loves to draw, and because she's nuts over the Lion King at the moment. I figured it would be great for her to see not just finished work (like what winds up on television) but to also see sketches, concept drawing and paintings, and the like.

So I bought it. When I received it and saw it's pocket size I was so happy! It's absolutely the perfect size for a little kiddo like her, but the content is professional, serious and mature as I had expected. It's hard cover, totally full of pictures, and has glossy pages printed on high-quality paper. Some folks might have been put off by the size but for my purposes it was more than perfect!

We have great fun looking through it together and looking at all the different styles of artwork. If you or your kid likes to draw or paint, and likes this movie, You'll really be sorry if you don't buy a copy. No I don't work for Disney or Amazon. I just like to encourage and support my childs love for art any chance I get, and boy was this a great addition to her library.

AMAZING ART ANIMATION

"The Lion King," Disney's 32nd animated film proved to be a smashing success, appealing to young, old, and those in between.As it filled movie houses, Disney mania swept the country again.The breathtaking visual effects that fascinated so many are brought to stunning life in "The Art of the Lion King" by Christopher Finch.

This lavish folio-size volume traces the creative process utilized in making the film, from black and white sketches to glorious full-color reproductions and even splendid fold-outs, one exhibiting the surreal beauty of the African natural world.

Actor James Earl Jones, the voice of Mufasa the Lion King in the film, contributes the foreword, while the text is by Christopher Finch, author of "The Art of Walt Disney."

Those fascinated by the art of animation and those touched by the story of Mufasa, Simba and Scar will treasure this color and fact filled memento.

- Gail Cooke ... Read more

Product Description
This humorous and factual history of five lads who grew up to become founding fathers brings the early days of American history to life with sass and substance. Narrated by James Earl Jones, with music by Scott Huff and Robert Reynolds. Animation by MaGiK Studio. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (32)

Highly Recommend!
So many times I've purchased books for my son that I wish I hadn't! Not this time, this book was delightful. Yes, it's a bit silly and not entirely factual, but what a fun way to introduce the founding fathers to a six year old! We were both giggling through the whole book, thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend to anyone.

Student Review from Ms. Gehrke's Class
This book is very funny, and you can learn stuff too.
It's a hilarious picture book full of exaggerated stories about historical figures that never happened. If you're a class clown or someone who likes history, this is the right book for you!!!!!!!!

What a cool book!
Loved the book John, Paul, George & Ben. I first saw the book at a National Parks store in Boston and fell in love.This book is a fun way to get a little history into my granddaughters lives by introducing four important people in the history of our country. Students learn about these four VIPs in school and the boook reenforces that learning and makes these men come alive. I especially appreciated the fact check page in the back because fun needs facts too.John, Paul, George & Ben is a great children's book which will be loved and read many times.

Fantasic book, excellent for children and adults
I enjoy reading this book just as much as my daughter enjoys me reading it to her.It's full of humor and is an excellent introduction to American history.I even learned a thing or two from reading this book (there are several interesting facts at the end of the book).The illustrations are fantastic and go together brilliantly with the story.I've already purchased additional copies of this book for friends and family that have young children.

exceptionally witty & well-illustrated, for kids & adults
This book is equally appealing to both me and my five-year old.There are a couple of of Beatles references for us old folks (the credits begin "I get by with a little help from my friends", the first page parodies the Abbey Road album cover), a little American history for all of us, and plenty of fun for the kids; the funny stories (Paul Revere using his loud voice as a store clerk selling pink breeches & extra-large underwear) actually help the kids remember what is important -- that Paul Revere had a loud voice to announce "The Redcoats are coming."In addition to the American History angle, the story shows that some traits that can be very valuable on occasion can also be terribly annoying on occasion.Nothing is all good or all bad.At one point, after listening to Ben Franklin spout off a pithy saying after pithy saying, the townspeople shout at a young Ben "Please Shut Your Big Yap!"Ben's response?"I like it" . . ."work a fox or turkey in there, and I think you've got something."

The book doesn't spend much time on John, Paul, George or Ben -- just a few pages each.It also touches on the contributions of Thomas Jefferson -- but he was independent, always off doing his own thing, so he didn't make it onto the cover.

Overall, very clever, well-illustrated, fun for all ages. ... Read more

Product Description

In February 2003, a remarkable event took place in New York, a celebration of the millionth copy sold of Howard Zinn's great A People's History of the United States. Zinn drew on the words of Americans -- some famous, some little known -- across the range of American history. These words were read by distinguished people in the arts: Alice Walker, Alfre Woodard, Kurt Vonnegut, James Earl Jones, Danny Glover, Marisa Tomei, Harris Yulin, Andre Gregory and others.

Customer Reviews (7)

Misleading
Having watched Zinn's documentary, "The People Speak," my main problem is that while everything he says is technically true, he cherry picks facts and leaves out those which either add complexity to or radically change the moral standing of the historical figures he criticizes.

The first example of this in his documentary is when he told of how Columbus and his men treated the natives on that Caribbean island. Zinn gave all the gruesome details of the torture they suffered at the hands of Columbus and reported that the population dropped from 3 million to 200. He left out the part where at least 90% of these fatalities were due to small pox which the Europeans brought unwittingly to America. While this doesn't justify Columbus' mistreatment of the natives, it goes to show that Columbus wasn't exactly practicing a systematic genocide.

Another example of this is the part where Zinn listed a few of our founding fathers who were against the creation of the Bill of Rights. Again, he is correct, but he implied that these founding fathers were against the freedoms listed in that document. However, contrary to what he wants us to think, these men were against the Bill of Rights for fear that our rights would be limited to those listed and there would be loopholes which would allow the government to find new ways to oppress people. Anyone who is familiar with the Bill of Rights would know that this issue was resolved with the 9th amendment which protected those rights not listed.

My advice to those who follow Zinn is to take everything he says with complete skepticism. While his facts as far, as I can tell, are accurate, he loves to leave out information which could get in the way of his agenda making America seem to be the land of Satan. Zinners need to change their ways and reevaluate the basis of their views of American history by revisiting their high school level textbooks.

It's like you are there
I was struck by how much I like these performances. Most of the readers do such a good job dramatizing speeches, letters and experts. It really is as if you are there listening to the original speaker and can't help but laugh, cheer, get angry, and sad.

Amazon lists this as both abridged and unabridged. On the back of the disc says unabridged. But you must know that only excerpts are performed. So don't think that you are going to hear a dramatization of the entire "Grassroots" speech by Malcolm X.

Get the book "The People Speak" too for when you want to read along and listen at the same time.

Are Americans Learning from Their Past?
A short, quick, poignant read written by people from across the span of American history - though reads like something written yesterday. Are American's learning anything from our past?

Great content, poor index
The content and performances are excellent.Unfortunately, the index just gives names, and not the dates or incidents that these speeches or documents were created for."Voices of a People's History of the US" has an index that gives all of that information.

~ basic freedom and dignity ~
The Frederick Douglass speech read by James Earl Jones alone is worth the purchase. The People Speak is a great collection of speeches and words (read by others) of the men and woman throughout our history who fought for basic freedom and dignity. An inspired record of community and the power of remembering our past. ... Read more

Product Description

In February 2003, a remarkable event took place in New York, a celebration of the millionth copy sold of Howard Zinn's great A People's History of the United States. Zinn drew on the words of Americans -- some famous, some little known -- across the range of American history. These words were read by distinguished people in the arts: Alice Walker, Alfre Woodard, Kurt Vonnegut, James Earl Jones, Danny Glover, Marisa Tomei, Harris Yulin, Andre Gregory and others.

Customer Reviews (7)

Misleading
Having watched Zinn's documentary, "The People Speak," my main problem is that while everything he says is technically true, he cherry picks facts and leaves out those which either add complexity to or radically change the moral standing of the historical figures he criticizes.

The first example of this in his documentary is when he told of how Columbus and his men treated the natives on that Caribbean island. Zinn gave all the gruesome details of the torture they suffered at the hands of Columbus and reported that the population dropped from 3 million to 200. He left out the part where at least 90% of these fatalities were due to small pox which the Europeans brought unwittingly to America. While this doesn't justify Columbus' mistreatment of the natives, it goes to show that Columbus wasn't exactly practicing a systematic genocide.

Another example of this is the part where Zinn listed a few of our founding fathers who were against the creation of the Bill of Rights. Again, he is correct, but he implied that these founding fathers were against the freedoms listed in that document. However, contrary to what he wants us to think, these men were against the Bill of Rights for fear that our rights would be limited to those listed and there would be loopholes which would allow the government to find new ways to oppress people. Anyone who is familiar with the Bill of Rights would know that this issue was resolved with the 9th amendment which protected those rights not listed.

My advice to those who follow Zinn is to take everything he says with complete skepticism. While his facts as far, as I can tell, are accurate, he loves to leave out information which could get in the way of his agenda making America seem to be the land of Satan. Zinners need to change their ways and reevaluate the basis of their views of American history by revisiting their high school level textbooks.

It's like you are there
I was struck by how much I like these performances. Most of the readers do such a good job dramatizing speeches, letters and experts. It really is as if you are there listening to the original speaker and can't help but laugh, cheer, get angry, and sad.

Amazon lists this as both abridged and unabridged. On the back of the disc says unabridged. But you must know that only excerpts are performed. So don't think that you are going to hear a dramatization of the entire "Grassroots" speech by Malcolm X.

Get the book "The People Speak" too for when you want to read along and listen at the same time.

Are Americans Learning from Their Past?
A short, quick, poignant read written by people from across the span of American history - though reads like something written yesterday. Are American's learning anything from our past?

Great content, poor index
The content and performances are excellent.Unfortunately, the index just gives names, and not the dates or incidents that these speeches or documents were created for."Voices of a People's History of the US" has an index that gives all of that information.

~ basic freedom and dignity ~
The Frederick Douglass speech read by James Earl Jones alone is worth the purchase. The People Speak is a great collection of speeches and words (read by others) of the men and woman throughout our history who fought for basic freedom and dignity. An inspired record of community and the power of remembering our past. ... Read more

Product Description
Newbery Medalist Virginia Hamilton tells 24 stories that kept her ancestors' culture alive during slavery, from spirited animal trickster tales and robust tall tales to spine-chilling tales of the supernatural and moving narratives of slaves in search of freedom. Twelve of these tales are on the 78-minute CD, including the hauntingly beautiful title story, "The People Could Fly." Booklist praised the recording as "an outstanding and most welcome production that both complements and extends the original work."
Amazon.com Review
Virginia Hamilton, Newbery Medal winner and recipient of the National Book Award and the Hans Christian Andersen Award, teams up with two-time Caldecott Medal winners, Leo and Diane Dillon, in this classic collection of American black folktales, winner of the Coretta Scott King Award. By turns droll, grisly, and spine-tingling, the 24 stories celebrate the indomitable human spirit, surviving under the most crushing circumstances of slavery. Traditionally, storytelling has helped people to push through sorrow and pain, especially when the stories are saturated with magic, mysticism, and fantasy. Bruh Rabbit, He Lion, Tar Baby, and other animals populate many of the stories. In others, John, the traditional trickster hero, outwits the slave owner time after time to win his freedom.

Included with this very special edition is a CD featuring the commanding voices of Hamilton and actor James Earl Jones. Eleven selections, including "The Peculiar Such Thing," "John and the Devil's Daughter," "A Wolf and Little Daughter," and "The People Could Fly," bring to life the rhythm and lyrical energy of Hamilton's text. Leo and Diane Dillon's strikingly beautiful black and white illustrations continue to mesmerize and haunt the reader. (All ages) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

These characters are as memorable as fairy tale characters such as Cinderella, Red Rose, Jack and the Beanstalk, etc
This book is full of many intriguing sort stories. You can read them all at once, or maybe once a day. This book would be great for bedtime stories if you have kids.

Here's the breakdown:

Hook/Setting: Out of the many stories the setting is are good and you are drawn into the stories each time.

Character(s): This book has numerous characters from Bruh Rabbit to Jack to Bruh Alligator. These characters are as memorable as fairy tale characters such as Cinderella, Red Rose, Jack and the Beanstalk, etc.

Events/Plot: This book is full of various plots and events, each one as good as the last.

Reader Excitablility/Overall Presentation: I liked that the way stories were worded because it was as if someone was telling the story to you directly. I recommend this book to fans of folktales and fairytales.

Review by N.C., 15-yrs old, [...]

great bedtime reading
This book was in great shape upon arrival.
Just as noted.
I would buy from Bearington and Amazon again.

Imagination/Wonder
I own this book as well and in reading it to my grandaugther it brought memories of when I was young as well as seeing the excitement in her eyes.You have to read this aloud and it was truly a great experience for her.She always want to hear a story.I do believe we have to keep the stories alive in our children, the tones, the simplicity of life....a history.

A wonderful & timeless book
I first heard of this book when I was in 5th grade (about 10-11 yrs. old)...I'm 28 now. My African-American teacher would read us stories from it. I remember enjoying the stories so much that I bought this book for my son about 2 yrs. ago. My son is almost 3 now & while he can't read yet, I know he will enjoy the stories as much as I have. This book comes with a CD & is narrated by the author & James Earl Jones...the narration was well done. I listened to the CD & I felt as if I had gone back in time. The narrators are so vivid & they really get your attention. The CD is definitely a plus & the book was well written. I really like that the stories have morals & life lessons that we can learn from. I recommend buying this version of the book because it comes with the CD. I also recommend this book for children 9 & up. This book would be a great addition to anyone's book collection. I hope my review is helpful.

A wonderful means of saving an art form
As a storyteller and folklorist/historian, it saddens me that so few children today know anything about the joys of hearing a good tale from a wise elder. In Black America in particular, generations of children (including my father, thank God) had the wonderful tales of Brer Rabbit, Little 8 John, Raw head & Bloody Bones, Wiley & The Hairy Man, and the People Who Could Fly (title story) told to them as today's children are familiar with Kim Possible and the Proud Family.

I bought this for my beloved niece when she was eight and pretty soon, she began entertaining the children of the neighborhood with these tales just as I did after listening to my dad and I still do during storytelling gigs today.

Virginia Hamilton (RIP) did a masterful work in leaving this beautiful legacy to a generation where it is fast disappearing. She does a good job in interpreting the likes of Wiley the Hairy man, Raw Head and Bloody Bones (the PC crowd occasionally complains about this being too scary for kids as well as Brer Rabbit-let these crybaby fools go ahead with that sickening Barney the Dinosaur and the care bears). The edition that I bought for my neice was before the CD with Miss Hamilton and voicemaster James Earl Jones came out, but I have younger neices and nephews (and hopefully my own children in the future) that I will certainly look out for this for.

Another reason why this collection is in such need is that often, African-American parents (rightfully) complain about the lack of wholesome entertainment for their children in particular. Unfortunately, most parents of today were not exposed to these stories as I was and this often leads to well-intentioned but foolish recent activities such as the NAACP here in Charleston (SC) complaining about the lack of Black Santa Clauses in the local malls. As Miss Hamilton and those of us raised in the folklore tradition know, we have enough good things of our own culture to pass down to children than to worry of the color of Santa Claus.

Buy this, reconnect with your children, and enjoy. ... Read more

Product Description
The greatest voice of our time reads the greatest book of all time. Cassettes digitally re-masteres with beautiful music soundtrack. ... Read more

Product Description

A best-selling Christmas classic - for five years running - is now available as an irresistable gift set!This beautifully-packaged gift set includes the award-winning hard-cover edition and CD recording of James Earl Jones reading the story, with full orchestral accompaniment.Also included is a custom-crafted special edition ornament from The Cat's Meow - the leading source for authentic wooden collectibles.Quantities will be limited, so order now while supplies last.

Customer Reviews (62)

Beautiful, touching story about the spirit of Christmas
This is a holiday classic that will be an enriching experience for your entire family. The story is a touching tale about how the carving a nativity set for a widow and her son heals the heart of a gloomy woodcarver. It truly reflects the spirit of Christmas and will put a tear in your eye. Set aside a special time each holiday to read it aloud with your family. It is the most inspiring children's book I have ever read!

The meaning of Christmas is love
My mother introduced me to this beautiful story years ago, and I have re-read it many times.

All of the characters in "The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey" have experienced pain and loss.A kind, patient widow and her son slowly bring the message of love, renewal, and Christmas to a woodcarver who has become lost in grief.

Not a Santa story-- a story of what Christmas should mean, in our hearts:loving our neighbors as ourselves, and holding onto faith, hope, and charity as the keys to salvation and the path toward peace and joy.

Beautiful, sympathetic, and historically sensitive illustrations bring this story alive.Highly, highly recommended!

"On the 24th Day of Christmas.......May the True Meaning of Christmas Be Your Experience!"
Looking at the 1995 edition of this story, one could say that Susan Wojciechowskicarved this story from memories in her heart.How does a painter choose the right colors to lay small brushstrokes on the canvas?I believe, from a memory in his heart.How does someone sew fabric into a dress using the right texture, carefully chosen trims, and simple stitches to hold the pieces in place?More than likely, this dress is sewn from a memory in her heart. Well, if you are an emotionally balanced person, you will read this thoughtful and tearful story to a child who is learning life's lessons of compassion, kindness, courage, love, and a whole lot more of life's beatitudes.

The story takes place in a small village where the lives of three people come together.There's Jonathan Toomey, the middle aged woodcarver, who is teased and called Mr. Gloomy.And, there's the widow McDowell and her son, Thomas who live in the village.

Years earlier, Mr. Toomey was a happy man full of life, with a wife and baby; at that time, there were no medicines to help them when sickness came, and his wife and baby died within three days of each other.For Mr. Toomey, his life as it was, ended.With a few belongings, he left that town and "traveled till his tears stopped", settling in this village.His face was mostly covered with his long hair and beard, and you hardly noticed his eyes, the "clear blue of an August sky".

As the snow fell and Christmas was soon on its way, the widow McDowell and Thomas stopped at Mr. Toomey's shop to ask him to carve a set of figures for their nativity set, replacing the ones that were lost over the years.Thomas' Mother asks Mr. Toomey if he will take the job, and he accepts.Thomas asks when the figures will be ready, and Mr. Toomey says, "they'll be ready when they are ready".As the days pass, widow McDowell and Thomas stop by Mr. Toomey's shop, asking if he would allow Thomas to watch him as he carves the figures.

At first, Mr. Toomey is unwelcoming, but over time and many visits, where Thomas watches, and his Mom does some knitting, or preparing of food, Mr. Toomey opens up his heart gradually to Thomas' many questions, and to widow McDowell's kindness.The relationship between Thomas and Mr. Toomey begins to develop.The questions keep coming from Thomas, and gradually, Mr. Toomey gently befriends Thomas.

Will Jonathan Toomey have the figures carved by Christmas?If so, how does he carve into the figures such realistic looking details, and how might the carving of these figures heal his painful memories?

This story will touch your heart, and more than likely, you will recall memories in your own heart.I will leave the details of the story....... for you to read.May you blessed to read this story with someone at your side.

Because few stories touched her Christmas heart, Susan Wojciechowski, wrote this story to bring out the real meaning of Christmas.P.J. Lynch, the illustrator, previously illustrated fairy tales, but in this story, he uses watercolors applied with small brushstrokes so vivid that you can see the creases on Mr. Toomey's knuckles, Thomas' softly blown haircut, the widow McDowell's smiling cheeks, as well as the carver's tools, and the curls of wood, which when removed,helped form the figures.

And if you can, try to find the edition with an accompanying Audio CD; it's great to be read to.

Great book
This is a great book but a little long, so make sure your little one has a longer book attention span. :-) Also, this book could arise some questions re: sickness and death due to the story line. Love the book, though!

Wonderdule story...Inspiring message
What a wonderful book!I had heard about it for some time...Friends had said to me "You've got to read it!"And I finally got around to reding this wonderful story.It's a children's book, but I recommend it for adults as well.It's a great story no matter what your age is.

What makes the story great--in myopinion--is that it leaves many things implied rather than explained in detail.It's the kind of story you could read to a young person, and then dicsuss the implications of the story...What is the meaning of the drawer? the chair....?

The character of the boy is very sweet and touching...

This is a classic story about redemption and a perfect story for the holidays.

Also recommended: Christmas Oranges (Christmas Books) Another wonderful children's book for ALL ages...

Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices: A Holiday Novel of Hope and HealingA book for older readers that celebrates the true spirit of Christmas. ... Read more

Product Description
High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The Sandlot is a 1993 American comedy-drama sports film about young baseball players. The film was directed by David Mickey Evans and was released with the title The Sandlot Kids in Australia and the United Kingdom. The film is told through the perspective of Scott Smalls, who is reminiscing on his first summer in Los Angeles. In 1962, Smalls moves with his mother and stepfather to a new neighborhood, and struggles to make new friends. One afternoon, he decides to follow a group of neighborhood boys, and watches them play an improvised game of baseball at a small field, which they call the ?sandlot.? Smalls is reluctant to join their game because he fears he will be ridiculed on account of his inexperience. ... Read more

Product Description
In this wonderful compilation, an incredible array of stage and screen stars lend their voices to the works of the world's finest poets. Among the classic performances gathered here are James Earl Jones reading "The Stolen Child" by W.B. Yeats, Rod Steiger's rendition of e.e. cummings' "pity this busy monster, manunkind", Jeremy Irons reading "Snake" by D.H. Lawrence and Emily Dickinson's "Hope is the Thing with Feathers", read by Julie Harris. 2 cassettes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Word-music
This is a wonderful collection of poetry readings by some of the bestactors in the world. If youallow yourself only one tape of poetry, Iwould recommend this one. The rendition of Lawrence's "The Snake"is spellbining, and the reading of Macneil's "A Death in theFamily" is quietlly gut-wrenching. And you will be surprised how wellBill Shatner recites about whales. Buy this tape, and you will listen to itagain and again. ... Read more

Product Description
Video Tape. 1995. Produced by the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG). An informative video that introduces you to the world of coin collecting from its birth to present day. Hosted by award-winning actor & collector James Earl Jones. The video provides a fascinating look into art, culture, religion and politics as it guides the beginning collector through time and space to view faraway places and events - all captured forever on coins and paper money. ... Read more