The Scent of Shadows (Sign of the Zodiac, Book 1)

Book Description

When she was sixteen, Joanna Archer was brutally assaulted and left to die in the Nevada desert.

By rights, she should be dead.

Now a photographer by day, she prowls a different Las Vegas after sunset—a grim, secret Sin City where Light battles Shadow—seeking answers to whom or what she really is . . . and revenge for the horrors she was forced to endure.

But the nightmare is just beginning—for the demons are hunting Joanna, and the powerful shadows want her for their own . . .

Customer Reviews:

3.5 Stars - Very slow to start.......2007-09-27

Scent of Shadows really didn't catch me until the last third of the book. In fact I skimmed through the middle and probably wouldn't have even finished it at all if I didn't already have the second book. The last third was good enough though that I gave it the extra half star.

I think that the problem was, that Joanna really starts out as a prickly wraith, dead inside and just moving through life and poking holes in anyone who tries to get close to her. Determined to turn herself into a weapon after being attacked and nearly killed when she was sixteen, she now prowls the streets making herself bait so that she can indulge the darkness inside her by taking out her wouldbe attackers. While the author was successful in portraying the bleakness of Joanna's existence, it didn't make Joanna very likeable. When Joanne meets up with Ben her childhood sweetheart, and rekindles the spark that has always blazed between them things started to perk up, but then her life takes a traumatic turn. Losing people she loves, one in a way even more permanent than death, her old life is such as it was is exchanged for a new one. In this life she can no longer be herself and she is surrounded by jealously, fear and distrust. This doesn't make for a very fun read. I realise that most of this time was setting up the world where superheroes are real and we were getting to know Joanna's new colleagues, but not being engaged with Joanna made this part of the books just something to just get through.

The last third of the book though, really showed a glimmer of what this series could be. Treachery and evil plots are exposed, and there are a couple good battles. Also we get a neat peak into Hunter, one of the more interesting side characters in the book.

I don't know that I would recommend going out and buying this book new, but if you are desperate for something a little different - a paranormal dark fantasy with no vampires - you might want to pick this up if you see it at a garage sale or book store.

Good Writing, Awful Story.......2007-09-19

If you include the truly awful title, The Scent of Shadows, is a pretty lame story about a girl with mysterious powers who comes into her own, after nearly being killed by the bad guys who can smell her psychically or some such hogwash. This was excessively violent and I completely lost interest when the heroine stops by a comic shop to do 'research'. I've done tons of research in my life, and none of it was gleaned from comic books. My recommendation is, don't bother with this. There are plenty of good books, or even just better books out there and you don't need to use of precious seconds of your life with this drek. I only give it two stars because the writing was good. Plot and storyline were ludicrous, even for fantasy--or whatever you call this stuff.

Nice change of pace.......2007-09-17

There's a lot going on in the novel and the pacing is fantastic - I never felt exasperated or frustrated either by the rules of the universe or the amount of work on the main character's plate. It's also nice to see a female lead in paranormal fiction who's not a sexually-focused caricature. I'll definitely be picking up the rest of the series.

great book!.......2007-09-12

What a great read! Good characters, well thought out background and plots. I haven't enjoyed a book this much in a long time.

Scent of Shadows.......2007-08-25

We met Vicki Pettersson at her book signing at the book store in McCarron airport in Las Vegas in July, 2007. She is so charming and beautiful - especially in her photograph with me - that we had to buy the first book. I was mesmerized by the thoughts which she put on paper. I really didn't expect such a clever tome. As soon as I finished the first book, I ordered the second one, which I just finished. I think this is a terrific series, and wouldn't be suprised to see it on The big screen. I'm an M.D., and usually read medical works, which are just slightly less intense than these books! Put me on the list for the future ones...

Sign Babies ASL Flash Cards, Set One: First Words

Average customer rating:

I love these cards - Great tool for learning sign language.
clear and easy
signing w/2t
ASL Flash Cards
Great cards! Try putting them in a 4 by 6 photo album!

Sign Babies ASL Flash Cards, Set One: First Words
Sign Babies
Manufacturer: Sign Babies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Cards

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Accessories:

ASIN: 0975329901

Product Description

Baby Sign ASL Flash Cards (set 1: First Words). We love these flash cards! Sign Babies Flash Cards introduce ASL signs to reinforce signs that your child is learning by watching Signing Time. Set One includes these 25 cards: Milk, Eat, Mom, Dad, Drink; Do

Customer Reviews:

I love these cards - Great tool for learning sign language........2007-04-05

These cards are very easy to use. My children and young nieces (ages 7-10) enjoyed learning from these cards. The pictures include instructions on how to move your hands to correctly make/carry out the sign.

clear and easy.......2007-03-11

I really like the flash cards because they are easy to follow and understand. You can quiz yourself since they are flash cards and it surely beats tring to learn sign out of a book. I bought all four sets!

signing w/2t.......2007-03-10

My daughter loves to learn new words/signs, however, these were not ones we used regularly, so it was not as useful as I thought.

ASL Flash Cards.......2007-02-20

We have a 6mo. old and a 3yr old. We are using these with both. Our 3yr old enjoys them very much.

Great cards! Try putting them in a 4 by 6 photo album! .......2007-01-25

These cards are wonderful! I have 5 children and have always taught them basic baby sign language to help them communicate before they could speak. I have always used the Baby Signs board books which I think are great. My youngest child is 22 months old and was just diagnosed with speech apraxia. Although he knew basic signs from the board books, his speech therapist gave me the first set of these cards to expand his signing skills. I bougth a $2 photo album from Wal-Mart and put the cards in the photo sleeves in order to protect them (they are a bit flimsy, unlike the board books) and my son loves to carry around his "book." I would recommend this product to any mom or dad that wants to teach their baby useable signs. Signing with your baby is fun and it is a great step in teaching your child how to learn.

History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Average customer rating:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers
Pants on fire?
Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed.
Very Interesting
History as Science Fiction

History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Anatoly Fomenko
Manufacturer: Mithec
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 2913621058

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Average customer rating:

Good book
not what I thought it'd be
unique idea
Good starter book
A Great Introduction To Sign Language

My First Book of Sign Language

Manufacturer: Scholastic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0439635829

Customer Reviews:

Good book.......2007-10-03

Got this for my daughter and she loved it. Was in good condition and arrived in a timely manner.

not what I thought it'd be.......2007-06-27

this is a great book for older kids, but I thought it would be good for my preschooler.

unique idea.......2007-06-14

This is a sign language ABC book.
On each page is the sign for a letter of the alphabet, plus two or three signs for words beginning with that letter.
In the back of the book are signs for pronouns, family relatives, interrogative words, numbers, days of the week, and routine courtesies.
In all, the book contains about 100 words.

Good starter book.......2006-01-05

My son is 2 and I bought this book for him because we are learning sign language together. He's deaf and I think that the colorful pages and pictures were great to keep his attention. I bought one for all the kids in the family so that they could learn some also, so that they can get a start on learning how to talk to my son.

A Great Introduction To Sign Language.......2005-12-24

I was learning sign language and saw this book at the store. I brought it home with me and later my 2-year-old cousin fell in love with it and whenever she came over would search the toy box for it. She would see the sign for baby on the front and then sign it herself. My 4-year-old sister loves to look at the pictures in this book. She only knows 1 or 2 signs though. I think when she is older she will actually be interested in learning the signs. It's a great book. But I think it would be best for kid's 5 and up.
Don't get this if you think it will teach you the whole language. It won't. Do get this if you or your kid is interested in an introduction to sign language. After getting started you can go to http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/aslweb/browser.htm for more signs!

Average customer rating:

Very Cute Book!
This is NOT American Sign Language!
Great book for infants!
Important signs are missing.
British Sign Language vs. American Sign Language

My First Signs
Annie Kubler
Manufacturer: Child's Play International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Board book

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ASIN: 1904550398

Product Description

Children are able to communicate by signing before they develop the skills necessary for speech. By teaching simple sign language to children from as young as eight months, we can help them to convey their emotions and their needs. 12 pages. By Annie K

Customer Reviews:

Very Cute Book!.......2007-09-11

My two year old Loves it. In just three weeks he has learned 10 signs.

This is NOT American Sign Language!.......2007-02-25

Without knowledge of real signs, a parent is fooled into buying this book! Many of my parents in my WeeHands classes are shocked when they learn the "REAL" ASL signs i teach them for sign depicted in this book! Panting is NOT the sign for dog, neither is sniffing the sign for flowers!!

Great book for infants!.......2006-09-07

I'm an occupational therapist and I absolutely loved using this book with my daughter. We used it from the age of 6 months to 17 months,when my daughter started to use more verbal language. I've read the other reviews and they state that the book is BSL, which I didn't even realize (not being a speech language pathologist, I'm not exposed to sign language as much). The book was great for what I think it's intended to be. It seems to be appropriate for infants to toddlers that are learning sign language as a precursor to verbal language. The children that would benefit from it won't communicate with other people who use standard ASL and won't use sign language as their main form of communication. My daughter learned approximately 20-25 signs to communicate to me things that she wanted and it cut down on a lot of frustration. I also noticed that if the word that she wanted to communicate wasn't in the book or wasn't something that I taught her, she would make up a sign...she even made up a sign for The Wiggles. This book is great for an infant/toddler because the pages are cardboard (they won't tear), the pictures are age appropriate for a baby, and it's easy to understand. I've seen several baby sign language books and none were appropriate to sit down and look at with a baby. This book was actually the first book that my daughter wanted to "read" before she went to bed, because she could "read" it. Again, a wonderful book for a infant/toddler who isn't going to use sign language as their main form of communication. My daughter is now 20 months old and has been talking for awhile and I really contribute it to her use of sign language prior to verbal language. Even if there's not a word that your baby wants to communicate in the book, just make it up. You're the only one that is probably going to use it with them...they won't be using the signs for long anyhow.

Important signs are missing........2006-03-25

What I like - This book is easy to understand. Large pictures and easy to understand illustrations are great.

What I don't like - Signs that I think are important, are not in this book. The sign for "hungry" is missing.

British Sign Language vs. American Sign Language.......2005-12-25

My children and I love the illustrations and size of this big board book, but were disappointed upon receiving it and noting the signs were based on BSL (British Sign Lanugage) not ASL (American Sign Language). Although many signs were similar, there were also quite a few that were different. We're in close contact w/many deaf friends, so its not acceptable for us to learn BSL, when we're trying to learn ASL. I wish that I had known in advance regarding the translation.

Average customer rating:

Disappointed...but OK
This book is "o.k." , if you don't want to teach your baby real sign language.
Great help for babies who can't speak yet!
Not What I Expected
Save your money, only 9 simple signs shown

My First Baby Signs
Linda Acredolo , and Susan Goodwyn
Manufacturer: HarperFestival
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Board book

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ASIN: 006009074X
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Book Description

Babies have a lot to say! My First Baby Signs introduces ten of the most popular signs and provides parents a place to begin. Once baby waves bye–bye, the possibilities are endless.

Baby signing is easy and natural. Infants and toddlers can learn how to say what they need, what they see, and even what they feel long before their vocal chords are developed enough to let them use actual words. Both books include the most popular signs and provide parents a place to begin 'talking' with their little one from the start. In this revolutionary breakthrough in parent

Customer Reviews:

Disappointed...but OK.......2007-04-16

I guess I should have looked a little further before ordering this Baby Signs book. I was looking for something that would help my daughter communicate her needs, such as "Hungry," "Thirsty," and "Tired." This is not that book. This book has signs for "Baby," "Flower," "Dog," "Ball," and other similar signs for animals and such. Nice, but not useful for our first venture into signing. On the plus side, the book is nice and sturdy, the pictures are great, and my daughter did enjoy it. I will try to find one that has the actual signs that we need in it.

This book is "o.k." , if you don't want to teach your baby real sign language........2007-03-20

I was interested in getting board books for my baby to learn ASL, since her uncle is deaf. We got the book in the mail, and a few of the signs are incorrect, or, "made-up" signs. I guess there isn't anything wrong with that, but the ASL signs are not that hard to learn, either. For instance, the sign "ball" is shown as a gesture of throwing a ball. The actual sign in ASL is to put your hands together to form a round, ball shape. "Dog" says to pant with your tongue out, whereas in asl, you pat your thigh as if to call your dog. Some other signs like "fish" and "flower" are just facial gestures, and not even sign language. I don't understand why they would mix asl with made up signs. It's like the authors don't really see sign language as a real language, or maybe they don't believe that the babies will continue to use sign language when they learn to talk. To me, it would be as if you said you wanted to teach your child english, but if you didn't know how to say the word in english, just make it up, and it would be fine, right?!

I would recommend Signing Time Board Books by Two Little Hands Productions, Baby's First Signs & More Baby's First Signs by Curt Waller and Kim Votry. These books are definitely true sign language AND easy to do and learn!

Great help for babies who can't speak yet!.......2006-11-10

I wasn't expecting much when I purchased this book, but b/c of the fun pictures and bold colors, both my non-verbal autistic 3 year old son and my 18 month old typically developing daughter picked up the signs displayed in the book quickly! It has helped greatly with the communication between me and my two children, especially since neither one of them really speak yet!

Not What I Expected.......2006-11-04

The pictures in this book are beautiful. I was hoping to share them with my daughter, but they are different from all of the signs we have been teaching her. We are using ASL or modified ASL signs and most of these don't match.

Save your money, only 9 simple signs shown.......2006-08-12

I bought this book after reading some of the positive recommendations, if you plan on getting other books regarding baby signs you can skip this one. Only nine signs are shown and the signs are so simplistic it is not worth the money. I do not know how this book compares to the ASL version of baby signs, but you don't need this book to do the signs offered here. For instance flap you arms at your side like wings to imitate a bird. Smack your lips together to imitate a fish. All the signs in the book we learned naturally in preschool, and you don't need a refresher on. At the book list price of $6.99 for 9 signs that's about 80 cents a sign to learn stuff you do naturally.

Could It Be Autism?: A Parent's Guide to the First Signs and Next Steps

Average customer rating:

A Must Read
The best book to read if you are wondering if your child has autism
Our family thanks you!
A good place to start for a young child
You helped me

Could It Be Autism?: A Parent's Guide to the First Signs and Next Steps
Nancy Wiseman
Manufacturer: Broadway
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Accessories:

ASIN: 0767919726
Release Date: 2006-01-10

Book Description

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s social, emotional, or behavioral development, you’re not alone. The number of children affected by autism—an umbrella term for a wide spectrum of disorders that includes “classic” autism, Asperger's syndrome, and Rett syndrome—is growing every year. Most children are not diagnosed until they start school. But developmental problems can be recognized in infants as young as four months old. Early intervention can vastly improve a child’s chances for a successful outcome and recovery. Could It Be Autism? provides vital information so you can recognize the red flags of developmental delays and begin treatment based on those first signs.

Nancy Wiseman is the founder and president of First Signs, the organization dedicated to educating parents, clinicians, and physicians on the early identification of and intervention for developmental delays. She is also the mother of a child who was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, and she draws on her own experiences as well as the latest research to present real strategies. Emphasizing warning signs, she describes the most important milestones at each stage of a child’s growth, including things parents and pediatricians often overlook. She also empowers parents to act on their instincts and initial concern, rather than to “wait and see,” which is often encouraged.

The book explains the steps parents can take to confirm or rule out a developmental delay or disorder. It details various diagnoses and show how sometimes multiple diagnoses may apply. But even more valuable is the information on how to design and implement the best intervention plan based on a child’s unique developmental profile. Different treatments and therapies are outlined so parents can explore and understand what may work best for their child, based on his or her particular strengths and weaknesses.

Ultimately, Could It Be Autism? is about giving parents hope--hope that they can know one way or the other where their child is developmentally and hope that they can give their child what he or she needs to have the best life possible.

Customer Reviews:

A Must Read .......2007-01-24

Recently my son was diagnosed with PDD NOS. In the search for answers I started to educate myself by buying some books on Autism in addition to seeking out other parents/professionals who were knowledgeable about this diagnosis. Could It Be Autism is an excellent resource to read if you are a parent who questions if your son/daughter may have a diagnosis that falls on the autism spectrum. It is comprehensive in terms of offering suggestions on how to set up a treatment team for your child. It also covers the need for you to become your child's greatest advocate, how to do this, and why it is critial in terms of getting him/her the help needed. This book is more than an intellectual exercise like so many written are. It is easy to read, offers hands on practical things that you as a parent can do to help your child, and it is written from the authors heart. In it she shares a piece of her story in terms of her own child's disabilities. This book is realisic and at the same time shows you that there is hope for all children on the Autism Spectrum to do better given the right treatment program be put into place. This author walks you through the steps. Reading her book added hope back into what felt like my world of darkness and despair discovering my son's diagnosis. It also empowered me as a parent with practical steps I could take to help him get the help he needs even in the midst of still going through the grieving process. This author has a great deal of insight and valueable feedback to offer other parents who have children diagnosed on the autism spectrum. She has walked in our shoes through her daughers diagnoses and how it has changed her life too. You get the sense that she cares for the parents and children out there who are experiencing the same trials and issues. I have found there are other good books to be found on the topic of Autism. There are also very bad ones to avoid. No book can cover every topic or concern a parent may have. However, this book is A MUST READ in that it lays out the foundation and map you will need to help get on the right track in terms of helping your child recover. I highly recommend it.

The best book to read if you are wondering if your child has autism.......2007-01-20

My granddaughter, now 20 months old, was found to have speech delay two months ago. While researching speech delay causes and treatment I became concerned that she might have autism spectrum disorder. My wife, daughter ,and even the speech therapist all believe that I am overly concerned. I truly hope that they are right and I am wrong,but after reading this book, I know that my granddaughter urgently needs a thorough developmental evaluation so that early intervention, if needed, can be started as soon as possible. If you have concerns that a child of yours or in your family is showing some of the signs of developmental delay, please don't just wait and hope for a change to occur.Instead, BUY THIS BOOK NOW BACAUSE IT IS THE BEST PLACE TO START. As stated in the preface, not all theories of etiology or treatment are discussed.It isn't titled "The encyclopedia of autism"It is, however,a SUPERB "Parent's Guide to the First Signs and Next Steps"for those wondering if their child is showing signs that might indicate autism.

Our family thanks you!.......2006-09-01

As a mother of four children, I have learned to trust my gut feeling. Do not listen to what others tell you, but trust yourself. I always thought my children were different. They had certain characteristics that I did not see in other children their age. But even though I knew that something was not quite right, I did not research further until my pediatrician mentioned the word autism. He said that my 15 month old son was showing some "red flags" for autism. To me, that was such a scary word, a word I knew nothing about. I pictured my son growing up in his own world, sitting in a corner by himself, banging his head against a wall. That is what I thought Autism was. It was not until I read this book that everything changed.

Not only did this book make me realize that my kids did show red flags for autism, but it helped me to accept that something was not quite right with them, and that getting a diagnosis would not be the end, but a beginnning. When you know what you are dealing with, you know how to get help. This book gave me the push I needed to seek screening for my children, and thank you Nancy, because my children needed this. 3 of my 4 children have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, and your book helped us not only recognize the signs, but to accept the diagnosis, and lead us on the path of what to do next.

If you have concerns about a childs development, then this is the book for you. Not only does it cover autism, but it touches on other developmental disabilities as well. The book is well written and very easy to read. It is not filled with a bunch of hard to understand medical jargon. It is clear, concise, to the point, but most of all informative. Thank you Nancy Wiseman!

A good place to start for a young child.......2006-08-03

Could it be Autism? is the only book on Autism that I have found that has addressed the signs in the early years. It is a good place to start if you have concerns about your child, however if you still have concerns after reading the book then I would deffinatly look at more comprehensive books such as the OASIS guide. As someone says she left out a lot of other good options such as OT and the gf/cf diet. It is also seemed to be geared towards the lower functioning end of Autism and does almost nothing to address those children who are on the higher functioning end of Autism.

You helped me.......2006-07-09

The book is exactly what parents should read. If you are concerned about your child, this book will help you identify if it is autism. If you want to know what signs to look for, this book is the one.

Signing Time! Board Book Vol. 1: My First Signs (Two Little Hands) (Signing Time! (Two Little Hands))

Average customer rating:

My daughter's favorite!!
A Very Useful Book
Perfect Start
Great starter book for new beginners
My kids love these books!

Signing Time! Board Book Vol. 1: My First Signs (Two Little Hands) (Signing Time! (Two Little Hands))
Rachel de Azevedo Coleman; Emilie de Azevedo Brown
Manufacturer: Two Little Hands Productions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Board book

ASIN: 1933543000
Release Date: 2005-11-01

Book Description

From the producers of the award-winning Signing Time! video series comes sturdy board books!

With this durable children's board book you can take your friends Alex, Leah, Hopkins, and Rachel with you wherever you go!

This board book was developed to reinforce all the signs taught in Signing Time Volume 1: My First Signs (available on DVD or VHS), but can also be used on its own.

Beautiful photographs, illustrations, and simple sign descriptions will keep you and your little one entertained as you continue to build your ASL vocabulary and develop word recognition through this easy-to-use format. Spot Hopkins throughout the book!

20 pages total. Printed on sturdy Duplex board with rounded corners and glossy lamination throughout. Dimensions: 6 1/4' Wide x 8' Tall x 5/8' Thick.

ASL Signs included are:

Eat, Milk, Water, Ball, More, Bird, Dog, Cat, Fish, Car, Airplane, Want, Shoes, Flower, Mom, Dad, Baby, Sleep, and Finished.

Parents, preschool teachers, early education specialists, speech-language pathologists, and pediatricians everywhere recommend Signing Time as the best sign language series for young children. Signing Time makes ASL fun for everyone!

The Signing Time board book series is specifically designed to be read in any order and does not require you to have read previous versions to be able to begin learning new signs. Sign language opens up a world of communication for pre-verbal infants, toddlers, and children with special needs - all of whom may be able to hear, but may not yet be able to communicate with speech.

SigningTime.com is the leading resource for parents looking to teach their babies and children American Sign Language. It features summaries of the latest research into the benefits of signing with hearing children, downloadable signing activity guides, parent's guides, discussion forums, coloring books and more!

Customer Reviews:

My daughter's favorite!!.......2007-08-03

My daughter (14 months) loves this video, along with Volume 2. She signs along and I'm amazed how much she picks up without my prompting. She even now sings to the theme song, singing "Baby, Baby" and signing baby as well. I have to agree with the reviewer who wrote their baby crawl/follow Rachel anywhere because my daughter would too!

The great thing about the video is that there are so many signing babies in it. Plus the songs are very catchy! The only down side is that I wish there was more pictures of the actual object along with the babies signing it.

We started watching this 12 month and think it's a great age for it. It might be too fast for babies younger than 12 months.

A Very Useful Book.......2007-01-11

I purchased this book (along with "Everyday Signs") for myself so I could learn enough to teach my six month old twins. This book contains 19 of the most important words for an infant (like milk, more, want, and ball). Now that I know all of these signs, I use them constantly with the babies and know that they will be imitating me very quickly. My three year old also really likes this book because it is very colorful and user-friendly. He is proudly using some of his new signs with the babies - which is such a sweet thing to watch.

Perfect Start.......2006-08-29

I have been looking at other books and videos to start teaching my 14 month old child. Tried others and they just could not hold his attention. The video musical approach both holds his attention and allows him to easily mimick the other children. Then in our reading time, he remember the signs as we read the book. A great combination! After about two weeks, I am noticing him using some of the signs and He definitly responds to sign when I do it. I love having a way to communicate at this early stage in his life.

Great starter book for new beginners.......2006-08-28

The Signing Times series is wonderful! I highly recommend the books and the videos. The pictures are easy to understand and very colorful for your baby to enjoy. My baby just signed his first word ("milk") after about a month of exposure to the books and us signing it with him. Very exciting to see your child communicate with you at an early age.

My kids love these books!.......2006-05-30

These books are the perfect companion for the Signing Time DVDs. My 2-year-old twins love to pick up and read these books. My 2 and 3-year-old nephews also love to read these books. There is the picture, the sign, and the word for the concepts on the DVDs. I have no doubt that these books will help my children as they learn to read words without pictures by them.

First Signs (American Sign Language Babies series)

Average customer rating:

Great books!
Charming and easy to understand
Worst Illustrations Ever!
Simple and easy to teach.
I am disappointed with American Sign Language Babies :-(

First Signs (American Sign Language Babies series)
Tina Jo Breindel
Manufacturer: Dawnsign Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Board book

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ASIN: 1581211511

Book Description

Using a selection of common signs, these enchanting drawings help parents and their children communicate in sign language. Sparking an interest in sign language, putting an end to communication struggles, and enjoying greater understanding between child and parent are just some of the positive steps reinforced by these guidebooks. Designed for ease of learning, all of the signs in these titles can be learned quickly by both children and parents.

With 14 essential vocabulary words—including baby, bed, dad, help, mom, please, and thank you—this guide helps parents and young children learn sign language and communicate more easily.

Customer Reviews:

Great books!.......2007-03-07

I love these books. I just bought 2 more (Let's Eat too!) for a baby shower. They have been my "go-to" shower and first birthday gift for 2 years now. My mommy friends are asking for them ahead of time now! I like that they are signing ASL. I also think the drawings are simple enough for people who don't know any signs to figure out correctly. I know deaf people who recommended them, as well as hearing people who didn't know any signs previously.

Charming and easy to understand.......2006-12-14

The drawings make this book. Plus, it's a true American Sign Language book, unlike others that just have made-up signs.

Worst Illustrations Ever!.......2006-09-08

These are the worst illustrations I have ever seen! Scared my kids, totally eerie having an adult big face on a babies body! Total waste of money and time.

Simple and easy to teach........2006-08-09

First Signs is an excellent, easy and fun introduction for parents who want to teach their kids a few signs to help them communicate. There should be more books like this out there!

I am disappointed with American Sign Language Babies :-(.......2006-07-27

The illustrations in this book are hideous at best. The baby looks like a man, and the actions of the signs are very confusing. If you want a Sign Language book for your baby, purchase "My First Baby Signs" and any other books from this series by Linda Acredolo, Ph.D, and Susan Goodwyn, Ph.D. You get actual photographs of babies making signs so you know exactly how to do them.

Average customer rating:

A Great Tool for Signing with Infants/Toddlers
Signing Smart Flashcards- First Signs
A Must-Have for Your Diaper Bag!

Signing Smart Flashcards: First Signs
Michelle Anthony , and Reyna Lindert
Manufacturer: Self
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Ring-bound
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0972890165
Release Date: 2004-09-05

Book Description

This Diaper Bag Dictionary is the perfect companion to take along with your signing baby or toddler. This collection of easy-to-read photographs of signing adults and chidren is simple to lear from and fun to use! Pull them out to remind yourself of relevant family-friendly signs at the mement you need them, or sit down on the floor with your child and let these adorable photos engage you both again and again!

Customer Reviews:

A Great Tool for Signing with Infants/Toddlers.......2007-04-04

We did not know many signs when we decided to sign with our daughter, so when we were working on a new group of signs, we actually put the cards for those signs right on our refrigerator. They were easy to see during the day and helped us to remember the signs and do them correctly.

It was helpful that these cards showed actual people doing the signs, and my husband liked the descriptions of the signs, which often explained what the sign was trying to show. He found this helpful in remembering the signs. This is a great product for anyone who wants a simple approach to teaching their child to sign (with ASL), and we recommend it to all of our friends interested in signing with their children.

Signing Smart Flashcards- First Signs.......2006-07-14

I originally got them for me to learn signs so when my son's speech therapist and special instructors taught him signs i knew how to do them correctly. I have since been able to teach my son signs without them as well. Its small and portable, easy to understand with very describable directions. Thank you

A Must-Have for Your Diaper Bag!.......2005-01-26

These flashcards are essential to a stocked diaper bag! Not only are these cards colorful and engaging to any child, but they are also a fantastic resource for any parent. I love that one side of the card shows a child making a sign and the reverse side shows an adult depicting the same sign so that you can learn how to do the sign yourself and learn what to look for when your child signs. What an ingenious feature! They are also very durable and easy to tote along wherever you go, ensuring that you can take advantage of wonderful signing opportunities on the go. These flashcards are a fabulous tool for any parent.

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