4 comments about Pythons (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

1. Helps in choosing a species, but offers little care advice relating to the care of specific species. Still, I consider this a must-have for its basic information on sexing snakes, helping them shed, and ensuring a proper feeding schedule.



2. Since I don't have a pet python yet and i don't want to have an accident so I bought this book in order to familiarize everything before buying one or two if possible.

   For me, this is the most comprehensive book about pythons on how to select, care, breed and medical nutrition and behavior on such lovable snakes.

   So, hobbyist or the like... buy this book first in order to be a more effective and good caretaker of your own python... =)




3. 9 main topics about 95 pages , understanding pythons , acquiring your python , caging , general husbandry , medical problems , breeding , incubation , species , useful addresses . A good book for the beginning python owner and a good source of general information . Full-color photos !



4. This is a good book for the beginning python owner and a good source of general information from choosing, housing, breeding, and caring for pythons. It also has a section describing the care and characteristics of different species. One great section actually illustrates rather than decribes the sexing of pythons, which is impressive for a book this size. I have herp books in my collection costing 15x as much that do not illustrate this process. For the cost, a very good book.

1 comments about Angelfishes of the World (Oceanographic Series) (Oceanographic Seies).

1. To put it simply, I ordered this book on a whim, recommended from a fellow marine aquarist, and since then I haven't been able to put it down. I have never seen a more comprehensive and affordable review of Saltwater Angelfish, including many images of extremely rare species and hybrids. The images of Angelfish Aquariums maintained by aquarists in Asia is a unique section that really makes you think about how we keep our own aquariums. The only section I found lacking was the section which covered the current captive rearing of marine angelfish - I believe the author could have done more in-depth research, especially into the farm-raised Pomacanthus currently being produced in Asia.

5 comments about Dream Horses: A Poster Book.

1. I purchased this along with the Breeds poster book but was disappointed in the quality of the photos. You could so easily tell that they had been altered mechanically. In the style of Robert Vavra but way behind in quality. I was sorry that I bought this one for my horsemanship camp students. The very young set 6-8 did like the magic and the unicorn but the older kids found it corny. High quality paper and the possibility of tearing out the pages as posters are why I gave it two stars. This is nice for decorating a room with if you have a younger child but like I said the alterations are too visible for an older child.



2. My horse loving 8 yr old daughter got this from santa for christmas and loves it. The pictures are beautiful and are printed on nice photo type paper. Also the pages are very easy to take out without ripping the pictures. For now we are keeping the book together, until we buy some picture frames for them. Once they are framed we will display them either in a collage on one wall of her bedroom or display them as a border.



3. This book is gorgeous in its layout and pictures of horses ready to be framed and displayed. There is a great variety in both the horses and the environment -- some pictured singly and others in a group. Very nice! My granddaughter was ecstatic!



4. The first customer, Luan Gaines wrote a perfect review. I too bought this for my one of my little girls who loves everything & anything horses. She looks at each & every page over & over.The rest of the world just melts away when she & I have this book open. This poster book of horses was beautifully put together. Sheer genius!!! Stunning photo after photo! Your horse lover will treasure this gift forever.



5. This picture book is full of beautiful pictures of horses. All of them are amazing and beautiful. All of them, however, are pictures of horses in motion. A lovely sight, undoubtedly, but I also enjoy pictures of horses in stillness, and in this regard, the book comes empty.

5 comments about The Artful Dog: Canines from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

1. A great gift for the dog lover on your list. Great art, great quotes. An excellent coffee table book. Easy to pick up, dip into and put down. An appropriate gift for most occassions.



2. This book is a jewell. My husband and I keep in on our table and read from it every day. The quotes inspire us for the entire day. Each one is endowed with great wisdom and humor. The art is exquisite. Shari Thompson has accompished an amazing body of work. Her research and choices have produced a rich and beautiful little book.



3. I have just received the six new copies of The Artful Dog which I intend to give to all the dog-people on my list, (and some cat-lovers, too). Shari Thompson has discovered a splendid canine collection in the MM of A and matched them to an assortment of most appropriate quotations from a wide range of dog-lovers - St. Bernard (the human) to Ogden Nash. It is a visual and verbal delight.



4. This makes a delightful gift for every dog lover on your holiday list. It's also a much better host/hostess bring-along than a bottle of wine, for it lasts much longer, providing enjoyment each time the reader opens it. Dogs in art and clever quotes are superbly matched by the editors!



5. This beautiful little book, which I received as a gift, is pure joy with it's delightful reproductions of paintings and photographs of dogs of all types from New York's Metropolitan Museum. Each work of art is accompanied by an enchanting quote or short poem that miraculously reflects the art...how did the author ever find these? Dog lovers and art lovers alike will be totally charmed, as I am. It was a great gift.

5 comments about Beagle Handbook, The (Barron's Pet Handbooks).

1. Certainly an informative book, although I would like to see more suggetions on how to handle beagle-specific behaviors.



2. Having had a beagle before I had a little experience, but felt I should probably do some reading again before getting my next. It's a must have book for current beagle owners, but it's even more worthy if you read it beofre obtaining your beagle. Very well laid out book and a pleasure to read.



3. Information is ok, but the writing is clunky and the index needs work.



4. As the owner of a beagle, I thought this was a mediocre book. The grammar is poor, but it does offer good factual information about the breed. The author, in an effort to be "equal opportunity" uses the names "Sam" and "Rosie" as generic male and female beagles. It seems that a more effective approach would be to say "beagles" without using names.
   
   Kraeuter's book entitled "Training Your Beagle" is a much better book and was very helpful. Beagle owners will no doubt love her book.



5. I'm a beagle owner and was happy to receive this book as a gift. That was until I started reading it. While it does an adequate job of covering basic information about the breed, the writing is bad enough to be a constant annoyance to anyone with a grasp of grammar or style. Most egregious is the author's incomprehensible choice to substitute the proper names of dogs for indirect references and even pronouns. So instead of saying something like "your beagle may be difficult to toilet train" or "beagles are difficult to toilet train," we must read "Rosie may be difficult to toilet train." Multiply this by thousands of references, and you may slowly be driven insane; certainly I was. I have since bought "Training your Beagle" by Kristine Kraeuter and found it includes even better research and breed information without the fanciful and disastrous prose.

5 comments about A New Owner's Guide to West Highland White Terriers (JG Dog).

1. For someone who know little or nothing about West Highland White Terrier but is considering one, I recommend this book. It's easy reading and the pictures are very good. The author is obviously very positive about the breed, maybe a little too much, but overall it give you a strong start at what to expect when you go looking for one.



2. This is a very informative book. Lots of pictures.



3. As a breeder and exhibitor of this fine breed. I recomend this book to all perspective westie owners. What a better way to explain what a versital dog this little breed can be. From therapy dogs right on to working in the feild, Ms. Martin does a great job letting the informed buyer be aware of all the attributes this breed can bring to any home.



4. First time and old time owners alike will love this book. It gives a wonderful overview of the West Highland White Terrier. It includes good puppy selection and training tips as well as breed health care, grooming, and temperment information. We particularly like her coverage of the breed's versatile involvement in canine activities such as agility and tracking. It is also a good book for people who are trying to decide if a Westie is right for them. We recommend Ms. Martin's book to everyone who obtains a Westie from us.



5. Good tips for training and knowing what to expect. Good pictures. Not always written well, and some parts are a bit hard to follow.

5 comments about That Yankee Cat: The Maine Coon.

1. A lot of ueful and interesting information in a compact book. A pity that more of the photographs were not in colour rather than B & W.



2. We recently purchased a Maine Coon kitten and found this book to be very informative. It has given us not only information for the care of our kitten, but gave us background info and info on what to expect as our kitten grows. I highly recommend this book to anyone who owns or is considering getting a Maine Coon.



3. This book was very informative for Maine Coon owners and lovers. The history and background of this breed was informative and impressive in detail. Maine Coon owners will learn a lot and give them more to admire in their very special cats. A winner of a book.



4. I bought this book due to the great reviews given by readers, but I cannot see what they are so excited about (Maybe they were the author's friends). The photographs are really poor (blurred, poorly lit) and only a few are in colour. I would have expected at least a clear description (with images) of the different colours Maine Coons available, but again here were only written descriptions. The text runs on an on with no apparent point to make. This was clearly written for purple haired ladies who attend cat shows and go on and on about standards, not a cat enthusiast who would like to learn and appreciate a specific breed.



5. A wonderful reference book on Maine Coon cats. I loved learning so much about this breed.

4 comments about A New Owner's Guide to Boxers (JG Dog).

1. I recently became interested in the Boxer. After doing some preliminary research on Boxers, Mr. Tomita's name came up as not only the best resource on this breed of dog but also as the Boxer's best breeder. I went to his home in New Jersey to talk with him about his boxers and to see the six generations living with him, so that I could get a real feeling for the breed and see if they are right for me. As his litany of works suggests, Mr. Tomita is a veritable wealth of information; too, he is extraordinarily nice. As I was leaving---after three and a half hours of getting to know the dogs---Mr. Tomita gave this book to me and suggested that I read it as soon as possible, in order to acquaint myself with this breed that I am recently so enamored with. On a plane flight the next day, I picked this book up and only put it down when I had finished it, several hours later. Tomita is neither verbose nor too brief; he is perfectly succinct. I have read an enormous amount of literature in all sorts of disciplines, and this is, literally, a consummate introduction to a subject I knew little about. That is not to say, however, that brevity is this text's only virtue. It is thorough, approachable and poignant. And as an added bonus, the author's historical and fact-based accounts are buttressed by wonderful anecdotes, such as his personal solutions to common problems and his incisive reasoning behind them. Did you know that if your dog ever breaks your grip and runs away, that you should run in the opposite direction or lay on the ground pretending to cry? Counterintuitive to the novice, perhaps, but Tomita explains this method's efficacy. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in The Boxer.



2. I have been breeding Boxers for over 15 years and I only give out this boxer book to clients. It is written by a man who knows and lives with boxers and has for many years. He breeds and shows and has a great record and reputation. I tell all my clients that this is the only boxer book they will ever need.



3. Our family was looking into the breed to research if Boxers were for us. This book was helpful and the information was clear. I also ordered Boxers - A complete Pet Owner's Manual by BARRONS. When both arrived together in the mail I was more inclined to pick up the book by Barrons first. The photos were more inticing and the layout and text was less inhibiting. I found myself picking up the book by Richard Tomita after I completed Barrons book. I would have to say I gathered information from both. If I could only select one - I would select Barrons.



4. This book, having been written by a breeder, tells you alot about the breed. It is full of valuable information, that can be used everyday. The pictures are great, along with the complete background about the breed. Thanks for a wonderful book.

5 comments about There are No Problem Horses, Only Problem Riders.

1. Twelveponies falls for the oldest mistake in the book. Since she is a trainer, she thinks all problems can be solved by training.
   
   I've "retrained" many problem horses. In many cases, the problem was not the former rider/trainer. It was a physical problem. I always start with a farrier and vet, and look for conformation problems that call for a specialty saddle. It is so rewarding to give a problem horse a rest and treatment to heal sore muscles, arthritic joints or a damaged spine. It's so easy to get proper corrective shoes, fit the right saddle, and then all is well. Once in a while the problem is more serious, but still is fixable by a vet. Example: a retained testicle. No amount of training will get an apparent gelding with a hidden testicle to stop acting like a stallion.[...]



2. Mary Twelveponies provides excellent advice to riders on all levels. Her approach is practical and takes into account the importance of respect in the relationship between a human and a 1,000 lb. animal. I sent a copy to my neice to help her learn the necessary assertivness skills to deal with her typical "new horse-owner" type problems. A well-behaved horse is a joy to ride. Getting and keeping one that way takes some work. This book will help. Those who have called these techniques harsh should note that John Lyons wrote the forward. I found her approach balanced and clearly that of an experienced horsewoman.



3. I bought this book thinking it would be full of wonderful advice, but I really did not gain a thing from it. I get much better results from communicating with my horse, rather than threatening him. Also, the advice on mounting a tied horse is outright DANGEROUS! DO NOT DO THAT! When I started my horse, he was hard to mount, so I just taught him the verbal command of 'stand' (which I use for all kinds of other things too, not just mounting) and now he knows to stand quietly when I ask. I agree with another reviewer, Pat Parelli and John Lyons have much better advice.



4. The worst thing you could do to horses is to follow the advice of Mary Twelveponies. This book and her philosophies are based on the principle: eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth. She often refers to the holy book. Maybe she seeks an excuse when she hit horses with nails if they bite. She likes to punish horses with a whip if they don't obey. She says serveral times: you have to be the boss. So you whip a horse on the foreleggs firmly if he does'nt listen? When I finished the book I was alsmost shaking because of disgust. Unbelievable that these kind of people may spread their word in print. This book should be put into a huge bonfire. I am relieved that there are other authors like John Lyons and Pat Parelli. Those persons deserve respect.



5. .
   "With all of the great books for horse people and horses out there, there's no reason to buy this book." That's what respected trainers told me. I wish I'd listened and saved having to throw it in the garabage, but I liked the (misleading) title and it was on sale, so I learned the hard way.

4 comments about Tarot for Cats: Unlock the Mysteries of Your Nine Lives!.

1. This deck stole my heart long ago, I have not regrets
   buying it tho it's only the major and not the full major
   and minor arcana set... It's unique speaks kind of from
   the cat mind but I get answers when I use this deck.
   Yes this one stole my heart.......



2. I love this book. A longtime fan of odd tarots, this is one of my favorites -- my MOST favorite being Kipling West's Halloween Tarot. The Tarot For Cats' art is more studied and careful than some of West's more vivid monsters and demons, but it is just beautiful. Sometimes even more beautiful. I love the faces of the cats -- there is so much depth there! Fans of cats and of the Tarot will love this. Bring it back into print!



3. Certainly not Regen Dennis and Kipling West, creators of the purrfectly delightful "Tarot for Cats." There have been hundreds of Tarot decks over the past decades, some serious and usable, and some not -- this one is outside the (litter)box! You can certainly use the deck for real Tarot readings if you are familiar with the Major Arcana meanings, but the sheer giggle-factor of the book and the card designs hold up on their own. And if you own cats (as I do), you will find yourself shaking your head in amazement at just how accurately Dennis and West translate cat-thought into this charming effort!

   Extra kudos for the Maine Coon as the Emperor. Oswald, my twenty-pound version, agreed completely -- and promptly napped on the card.




4. Tarot for Cats might seem like a gimmick, but it is a very charming and original turn on conventional tarot decks that will please cat lovers and tarot enthusiasts. This inventive set features exceptional artwork and clever text.