review

Combining slapstick humor at the expense of lazy cops; international intrigue and espionage at the highest levels of government; and a dose of serious political commentary, the moral of Leif Persson's novel is simple. As Pogo said, "We have met the enemy and he is us."

As a storyteller who uses photography and text, I seek to discover masterful creators with similar visions. Shaun Tan is an Australian artist whose work combines excellent draftmanship, keen observation, and emotion.

Farming, music, and a dream: what a great combination for life. Albert Appel is a musician and farmer. His life, an example of nurturing growth, is celebrated with a glowing portrait and a lucid, sensitive biography by Lorelei Sontag. http://i.imgur.com/rsVln.jpg

As I read the last page, I was overtaken by a sense of loss and of homesickness for the people and the place.

My grown children amaze and delight me. I learn from them all the time. I am proud, though their achievements and wisdom are their own. I share with you an essay by my daughter, Elana; somehow each of her blog posts touches me. Perhaps you will also find inspiration from her.

Elana's thoughts on 9/11: "On a day like this" http://elanahalberstadt.wordpress.com/2012/09/11/on-a-day-like-today-re…

“I have always wanted to fly.” Thus Keren, a nine-year-old female Canaan dog who loves to tell stories (some are true), opens Dogged Flight. Keren tells the secret of how she realised her puppyhood dream of flying with the birds.

“...entertaining, educational & just plain fun”

“...a book which continues to grow along with a child as he/she journeys through life and will bear fruit all along the way.”