Product Description
In a California garden on a rainy night, Cricket feels small and worthless. He hops up some steps and finds himself in a place filled with light and warmth and a tall, sparkling tree. He begins to sing but is scared into silence by two voices, one big and one small. It is then that he makes a marvelous discovery. Eve Bunting"s text is filled with her customary tenderness and charm, and Timothy Bush has captured its mood in his luminous illustrations. Together they create a memorable holiday book about a cricket who discovers that though he may be small, he is not insignificant. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Song of Angels.....
"It was cold in the garden.Cricket felt small and worthless in the bigness of night..."He hops up icy steps, under a big door, across sleek floors, into a warm room, "and over to a tall tree with stars clinging to it."He hopped onto a branch and began to sing.And that's when he hears the voices of father and child discussing the songs of angels."Did you know that angels sing in the songs of birds, and frogs and people and crickets?" the big voice asked..."The child didn't know that and neither did Cricket."He was small, then.But not worthless.What a great discovery!"Eve Bunting's simple, gentle text is poetic, and complemented by Timothy Bush's stunning and expressive illustrations.Together word and art celebrate the wonders of the holiday season in a warm and touching way.Perfect for little ones 3-7, Christmas Cricket is just right for quiet, read aloud cuddling, and is a sweet and lovely story to help ring in the holidays."And in his hiding place Cricket rubbed his wings, one against the other for his own joy, and sang and sang, and sang." ... Read more

Product Description
We all know the story of the Magi and the wonderful giftsthey brought that first Christmas Day. And we've all heard aboutgrumpy, old Scrooge...how his life was changed forever by the specialgift he received late on Christmas Eve. Settle back now...and enjoythe tale of little Toby Grey, a poor orphan boy who is granted one ofthe most special gifts of all time! "A Cricket's Carol", written byMark Kimball Moulton and illustrated by Lisa Blowers, is a classicstory for the young and young at heart. Focusing on the importance offamily ties between our friends and neighbors, it reminds us that wemust never lose hope for no one knows what special treasures may awaitaround the very next bend! Each Lang Book is encased in a charmingkeepsake sleeve. Size: 11-3/4"w x 10-3/4"h, 32 pages. ... Read more

Product Description
Follows the humorous activities of four friends and a dog as they find a name, meeting place, mascot, and purpose for their new club. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Cool, crazy and fun!
This was such an enjoyable book to hear my child read aloud to me. Just challenging enough to build confidence for the step from level 4 books, but full of kid humor. We can't wait to do Cool, Crazy Crickets to the Rescue. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

More than a chronology
For More Than A Game, John Major uses the same formula he used for his autobiography: he starts with a chronological account then switches to topical subjects.

In the first half he presents a chronology of cricket from the very early days when records reveal something called cricket was played but that was probably nothing more than hitting a ball with a stick, if even that. Major continues with successive chapters describing successive periods until he reaches the late 18th century by which time cricket had become something fans would recognize today.

Major then switches to topical chapters which are still in a loose chronological order but with considerable overlap. He has a chapter on the evolution of bowling from under hand to round arm to over hand. One chapter describes how troups of players began being paid to tour the country while another describes the slow controversial ascendancy of these professionals. Major even devotes one whole chapter to the people who keep game records, and manages to keep it interesting! The last chapter ends with how the Great War killed many promising young cricketers.

The book is wonderfully well written. Major's prose is clear direct and forceful; it's not perfect and he waxes a little too lyrical on occasion and quotes poetry that only a cricket lover could forgive. And the editor should really have insisted on a better title.

Again, John Major shows himself to be a pragmatic conservative. As he valued the Tory party above the issues that tore it apart (e.g. Europe) Major values the institution of cricket above any single characteristic. He sees the game isn't now what it was at the beginning of the 20th century, but he recognizes that the game needs changes like one-day cricket if it is to maintain its place among other sports. While his book is about cricket's past, readers may feel cricket has a great future lying ahead.

Vincent Poirier, Dublin ... Read more

Product Description
Whether you’re a weekend cricketer or aspiring armchair expert, Cricket For Dummies helps you make sense of this fascinating sport. Not just a jargon busting guide to cricket’s laws, techniques and tactics, it also contains advice on kitting yourself out and provides lessons on playing the game and improving your batting, bowling and fielding skills. For the budding fan, there’s a guide to the greatest players, the memorable matches, and a tour through the cricketing scene – both domestic and international – giving you the knowledge you need to fully appreciate this special game.

This book has been updated for the Ashes 2009, featuring revised information on new players, the Indian premier league, Stanford 20:20 and the latest coverage of past and future competitions.

Julian Knight is a BBC journalist, writer, and cricket enthusiast. He is a former youth coach and captain, and has been a club cricketer for over 20 years.
Consultant Editor Gary Palmer played first class cricket for ten years with Somerset before becoming a professional coach. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Cricket for Dummies
Transaction was very pleasant. Book was a birthday gift present, so I haven't read it.

Valuable - but has problems
This is a good book. However, it is not really a good first book. In fact, it is short on one of the most needed features for the beginner: an exhaustive index of all those nutty terms. Eg. try to find a "Chinaman".

Of course, this book has considerable information on many items that are really needed. e.g. the 'how-to' of bowling many of those strange throws.

I would suggest reading "Cricket Explained" by Robert Eastaway first. It is shorter and initially more useful. You will also want "Cricket for Dummies" as well. If there is an Amazon special for both - go for it.

Not dummy enough
While the author attempts to dumb down the rules of the game, it's obvious that the book is written by an Englishman for Britons, or those who have had at least some experience with cricket. (I live in Texas, and the only crickets I know are those noisy bugs or Buddy Holly's band.)

Some concepts are never fully explained, while others are covered in minute detail. For example, the batting section goes on and on, with numerous illustrations, while the section on bowling is comparatively brief. We could really use a step-by-step -- with pictures -- examination of the basic bowling process and less on different techniques.

Also, the book focuses too much on playing and coaching the game. I'd much rather read more about the history of cricket. The section on cricket controversies and great players is nice, but way too short.

Finally, while Mr. Knight's enthusiasm for the game is obvious, alas, his jokes are pretty lame.

Depends what you were hoping for
I was a bit disappointed in this book because I was hoping to learn about cricket so that I could better understand when I am watching a match. About half this book is spent on tips on how to play and practice cricket.

Great reference for US cricket enthusiasts
I fell in love with Cricket while deployed to Diego Garcia several years ago.We watched Cricket matches broadcast to on South African satellite TV.For anyone who hasn't a clue what the game is all about, this book is a FABULOUS read.Though most of the references to teams and County Cricket are obviously more meaningful to British readers, the level of detail and explanation is great for US fans.Breakdowns on the fielding, bowling, and batting aspects of the game flow smoothly and are extremely easy to follow.The history and current state of the game sections give you a real feel for just how very large Cricket is in the rest of the world and makes my sorry we can't embrace what is really the most civilized of sporting events still being played. (What 300 pound lineman would be caught dead taking "Drinks" or the "Tea Interval" at halftime at the Super Bowl?!)Pick up a copy and get a good handle on the great game that we turned into baseball! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

"Inspirational, Reflective 'Cricket Song' Worth Listening To
'Have You Heard the Cricket Song' is a timeless book that all of us ought to have in our libraries.Both simplistic and profoundly complex in its message, the author and illustrator together have created a respite, asafe-haven, for our souls.All we need to do is listen.Throughdescriptive, poetic images, and serene, gentle illustrations, Abbott andBossin capture the essence of the human spirit's unrelenting search formeaning and purpose and show us all how we can find it.To experience thefull richness and depth of the message, readers will want to ponder andsavor each page time and time again, and go on to share it with those theylove. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Very informative
If you are an American who wants to learn about cricket, this book is for you. I checked it out from my university libary and I liked it so much, I bought it. Could use more in-depth instruction on acual bowling and batting techniques.

I didn't like it
I tired of this book very quickly, it was so boring to read that I didn't even finish it.

His Enthusiasm Is Obvious, But Not Infectious
As one of this book's target audience, I can testify that it is a first-rate primer on the ancient game of cricket.After reading it, I now know that bowling a maiden over is not salacious, how to distinguish a silly point from a frivolous argument and why it is disgraceful to make a duck.While the Daily Telegraph's cricket columns are still not an easy read, they at least no longer resemble pages of Swahili.

Tom Melville, an Englishman transplanted to Wisconsin, is a proselytizer for his favorite sport.In expounding its tenets, he is clear and concise, explaining the rules of the game, its inbred vocabulary, its organization in its strongholds (England, of course, but also India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, the West Indies, South Africa - indeed, practically every former British possession outside of North America) and its history.For the thoroughgoing student, he reprints the complete Laws of Cricket, as promulgated by the venerable Marylebone Cricket Club, and includes an extensive glossary.

What is lacking in this exposition is a vision of what makes cricket attractive to its devotees.Mr. Melville proclaims his love of the game but fails to impart it.He comes closest in a chapter describing the twists and turns of a one-day "limited overs" match, which conveys some feeling for the opposing strategies and shows how tension can mount as small gains and losses accumulate.He does not, however, extend the picture to multi-day matches.The out-of-place chapter on how to give cricket lessons to neophytes could profitably have been replaced by, say, an account of a test match.

Anyone who knows nothing about cricket and has a reason to learn should track down this volume.No one else is likely to be interested.

The most boring book I have ever read
This has to be one of the most boring and uninteresting books I have everread.If the game is as boring as the book then at least it has helped andpersuaded me to take up hockey instead.

The best introduction to cricket that's been written.
This book is without doubt the best introduction to cricket for readers unfamiliar with the game. Not only does the author present a clear, easy to follow explanation of the basic rules, he does this from the standpoint ofa baseball familiar readership. But the book offers much more.It haschapters onbasic strategy, umpiring, reading statistics even termonology.Also has a chapter on how to watch a cricket match and how to teach it toAmericans.Can't imagine how anyone can do a better job than this. ... Read more

Product Description
Ovida "Cricket" Coogler was last seen alive entering a mysterious car driven by an unknown man in downtown Las Cruces, New Mexico, around 3:00 on the morning of March 31, 1949. Seventeen days later, her body was found in a hastily dug grave near Mesquite, New Mexico. The discovery of the eighteen-year-old waitress's body launched a series of court inquiries and trials that would reshape the direction of New Mexico politics, expose political corruption, and spawn generations of rumors that have polarized opinions of what happened to Coogler that windy March morning.

Containing elements of mystery, conflict, power, fear, sex, and politics, the Coogler case has outlasted the brief amount of attention that most local unsolved murders receive. In this exhaustively researched study of the murder and its aftermath, Paula Moore provides the first objective account to examine the infamous murder and the events that unfolded in its wake. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

NEW MEXICO'S "BLACK DAHLIA"

"Cricket" In The Web", by Paula Moore is a tale of murder, corruption, and tragedy.
The story relates to high-profile murder case that occurred in 1949 in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

The victim, Ovida "Cricket" Coogler ultimately became as famous (or infamous); to New Mexico History as the "Frohm" murder case of Sierra Blanca, Texas (1938?), or more specifically, California's "Black Dahlia Murder" of 1947.Ms. Coogler ("Cricket") appeared to have much of the same "free-spirited" persona as that of Elizabeth Short (Black Dahlia).

Caught in a tragic web of political and criminal strands, she quickly became a "plaything" for the toxic world of illegal gambling, white-collar crime, and political corruption.Obviously, she placed her self in a precarious position that held too many secrets...dangerous secrets.

The author indicates that Dona Ana County (encompassing Las Cruces) in 1949 had an amazing record of violent death every month. However, she does not elaborate to the gender of other victims, and if, "Cricket" was "E-Pluribus Unum" (One of many).In my opinion, Las Cruces (per capita), still has a very high violent crime rate.

The 1949 murder made national news. The investigative net was cast upon the dark waters of a corrupted sea and upon it's return snared no less than 16 "persons of interest" including the Sheriff, Sheriff deputies, State Police Officials, and high ranking Politico's from Santa Fe.One of the most interesting subjects who eventually went to trial for the murder (but was acquitted), was the professional football player, Jerry Nuzum of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

However, any investigation run by "tarnished badges" and backed by Draconian politicians with illicit funding simply makes for poor results.

It appears that poor "Cricket" was somewhat of a "sacrificial-lamb" that subsequently gave favor for the unraveling of corrupt politics and vice crimes, but unfortunately, did little to vindicate her own horrible death.

Paula Moore has done a superb job of capsulizing the events and evidence in this extremely complex case.New Mexico folk are notorious for "not talking" as Ms. Moore so perceptively indicates in her book.I have lived in the El Paso, Las Cruces area all my life and even familiar with many of the places listed in her book.However, I must admit that I had never heard of this gargantuan case until I ordered the book!

Ms. Moore's descriptive writing will keep you turning pages one after another until...
you wonder what happened to the rest.A great job of investigative journalism on a cold (?) case!

Scary reading
Book provides well researched information that state and national politicians and law enforcement officials were likely involved in the murder of a young girl.Those not directly involved probably knew what happened and chose to keep the information secret.It is true that knowing the Las Cruces, New Mexico area probably enhances one's interest in this book.However, the author provides maps and timelines and separate information on those involved which will make the book understandable to those who are true crime fans and lack knowledge of the area.The information about corruption in New Mexico in the late 1940's and 1950's is horrifying but I guess only different in details from what we have discovered has gone on in our country in more recent times.Highly recommended.

Great murder mystery
A must-read for anyone from New Mexico.

Even if you're not from the area, if you liked reading about other unsolved murders such as California's Black Dahlia case, you'll enjoy this one too.

Note:After you read this book make sure to seek out the book "Murder Near the Crosses" by Peter Sandman for a possible (maybe probable) solution to the crime.Sandman wrote his book based on notes from his father--one of the law enforcement officers in the case who died under mysterious circumstances.Paula Moore's book is a great starter for the detail it provides, and Sandman's book provides the name of the killer.

Cricket in the Web
A very interesting and a wonderful insight into history that has never been solved.Living in the same area truly brings history to life.
A great read with politics so involved. ... Read more

Product Description
A personal selection of Peter Roebuck's favourite cricket characters past and present, written in his own inimitable style and from his vantage point as both player and commentator. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

A thorough book covering all basic aspects of the game
The skills of cricket provides a very authorative guide to the basicskills of cricket. It includes all the major aspects of cricket such asbatting, fast bowling, spin bowling and less written about aspects such ascaptaincy and the mental approach to the game. The sections on'Frequently-Asked Questions' are also very useful. Whilst going intosufficient detail to satisfy all except those at the highest level of thegame, this book never manages to lose or confuse its reader. The perfectgift for any aspiring, young cricketer!! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent for the cricket fanatic!
Purchased for my 16 year old nephew.He thinks reading is a curse ... but he read this book!!!
I flipped through and it is filled with a wealth of information and it is well laid out.
The print is a bit fine though.
Great source of information on the much contended sport of Cricket.
... Read more

Product Description
Written from an American viewpoint of the sport. Designed for someone completely, unfamiliar with the sport. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

excellent, but SHORT,introduction to cricketfor yanks
As an American newcomer to cricket, I was looking for a book to introduce me to the rules of the game.And this one did it.In UNDER 45 MINUTES!This is an excellent book if you know NOTHING about cricket and want to understand what's going on on the TV screen.However, if you already know the rules you might want to look at something else.There's little in here in the way of strategy or any of the finer nuances of the game.But, as a general introduction, you can't beat it.The lovely hardbound book with green jacket makes it excellent to lend to friends!

Cricket primer
Finally, something that explains what the game is about for true novices.As an American who now lives in the West Indies and cricket is all the craze.I can now listen to the radio and watch it on television withlocals and understand the nuances of the game. Once you read this you'll beable to carry on a conversation with cricket fans all over the world andnot seem like an typical American when it comes to the game. ... Read more

Product Description
In the Ashes of 1981 John Emburey has come round-the-wicket and got one to pop: although Australian captain Alan Border has tried to play it with soft hands, the ball was dollied to Mike Gatting at short leg who is about to pouch it, watched by Ian Botham and Graham Gooch. These terms and more than 500 others feature in The Language of Cricket, traced from first mentions in the sixteenth century to the language used by today's commentators, writers and aficionados. The history of the game and how it came to England, how the Ashes started, the mysteries of swing and reverse swing, ball-tampering, the bodyline story, bouncing, are explained. The reasons behind such laws as lbw and how they are applied are clearly unfolded. `Cricket is an art,' says West Indian writer C.L.R. James. John Eddowes's ground-breaking book seeks to increase enjoyment of the art. A long-time player and a passionate advocate, Eddowes does not limit himself to first-class cricket: he explores picturesque and forceful archaic usage. He has discovered through the language of cricket a controversial new history of the game and its early development. ... Read more

Product Description
Chester Cricket--the famous cricket in Times Square--is homesick. When his friend Mario takes him to a sky show at the Planetarium, Chester realizes how much he misses seeing real stars at night.

Happily, he finds his way out of the subway into Times Square, where he meets a new friend, Lulu Pigeon. Lulu takes him on a trip beyond his wildest dreams. From Central Park to the top of the Empire State Building, from the Statue of Liberty and back to Times Square, Chester sees Manhattan in style--and even finds a little bit of country in the city!
... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great Pics
The plot is a little thin compared to the richness of The Cricket in Times Square. But the pictures are great, and worth the price alone.

Chester Cricket's Pigeon Ride
Haven't read the book yet, bought it for me and my friend to read together, so can't rate it as yet, but I'm sure we'll enjoy it, as we've enjoyed all the books with Chester Cricket that we've read thus far.The delivery of the book was very timely.

So, I rated it 4 stars, just figuring it would be at least that good

review for chester cricket
Chester crickets pigeon ride is about a cricket named chester who lives in a sub way in New York with a boy who cares for him and two friends that is a cat and a mouse and they are maried(The cat and mouse are the ones who are maried.)Also when Chester started to feel home sick from his origonal home in the country he began to smell some oak trees.(Their are barly any trees in New York.)So now Chester is tring to find out were the tree sent was coming from,but when he found out were the oak trees were their was a big problem Chester had to cross a bissy,bissy road called Park ave.(The oak trees are on the other side of Park ave,the trees are in a park called Central Park.)Now to get to the park Chester took a cople leeps to the other side and he jumped to the bigest oak tree he layed his eyes on.Next when Chester the cricket landed onthe tree he started to nibble on leafs,but then a pigeon flew right next to him and said,what is a cricket like you doing here in the city?(He is in Time Square,New York.)All Chester did was get scared,but then the pigeon saw that he was scaring Chester so he wanted to make it up to him by showing him the sights in New York like the Statue of Liberty.Also now every time Chestergoes to Central Park he has a new friend who is a pigeon.

review for chester
Chester Cricket's Pigeon Ride is about a cricket named chester who lived in a sub way with a boy who cares for him and two friends who is a cat and a mouse and they are maried (the mouse and cat are maried.)Also chester lived in time square were their are rarly any trees,but when chester was feeling home sick from his origonal home in the country he started to smell oak trees.So now chester is tring to figure out were the sent of the oak trees are coming from.When chester found out were the trees were he started to them,but he had to cross a bissy,bissy road.(The oak trees are in a park called Central Park.)Now that chester hopped accros the road he took a giant leep onto the bigest tree he saw and began to nibble on some leafs.But then a pigeon flew right next to chester the cricket and said,What is a cricket doing all the way in the city?All Chester did was get scared and the pigeon said don't be scared I'll show you something that will cheer you up(This is when chester is told to go on the pigeons back.)Since chester is on the pigeons back the pigeon takes off into flight to show chester the Statue of Liberty,then after that the pigeon and the bird become friends and every time chester goes to Central Park chester always sees the pigeon

Hi
This is a preety good book.I know it can have better details.All of his other books are great! I just love them! ... Read more

Product Description
Collins Gem Cricket is the ideal handbook for anyone interested in the game of cricket -- from the armchair enthusiast and the absolute beginner through to the village team member. It provides basic information and tips and aims to demystify the traditions and language of the game.This new Gem is published in flexibinding, providing the durability of a hardback with the flexibility of a paperback. In a stylish new cover design, this new Gem will provide an essential friendly introduction to Cricket.Collins Gem Cricket starts by examining the history of the game upto the present day, completely with details of the main national and international competitions and a selection of the greatest players of the game. The rules and vocabulary of cricket can easily be mystifying and full visual explanations are given. To encourage you to move beyond the armchair advice is given on starting to play, developing techniques and the equipment you will need.* An introduction to cricket both for armchair enthusiasts and players starting out* Well illustrated with photographs and diagrams* Cricketing terms, jargon and etiquette explained ... Read more

Product Description
Since its first publication Tom Smith's CRICKET UMPIRING AND SCORING has become the first reference book umpires and scores from Test match to club cricket levels consult.It contains the complete Laws of Cricket, help on interpretation and practical hints. Tom Smith's book has been revised under the auspices of the Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers.It is the only guide authorised by the Association. This new edition has been fully revised to take into account the new 2000 Laws of Cricket, the first major revision for a decade. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An excellent handbook for Cricket Umpires
This book is an excellent book for any budding or seasoned cricket umpires and scorers. The book has threadbare discussed the cricket laws as amended uptodate and the different ways of interpreting the same on the field of play and also the correct interpretation. This book is the BIBLE for all those who seek to become successful cricket umpires.

Definitive guide to umpiring and scoring
Tom Smith's "Cricket Umpiring and Scoring" is probably one of the most comprehensive guides to the skills of officiating in the game of cricket available. It is an indispensible companion for umpires and scorersalike. It not only includes the 42 Laws of the game with their notes (ascompiled and released by the MCC in the 1980 Code), but it has fulldefinitions and interpretations on each of the Laws. Knowledge of theseLaws and how to apply them on the field of play as an umpire (or indeed ascorer recording the events on the side of it) is integral to thesuccessful completion of any game of cricket, especially at the higherlevel. Smith's book gives umpires detailed guidance in field techniques anddiscusses possible problems and permutations in scoring. The book has threeparts to it and covers every aspect of umpiring and scoring from dutiesbefore the match to off-the-field training tips. For anyone attempting toenter the game as an umpire or scorer (and for players wishing to improvetheir knowledge of the Laws), this book is highly recommended. Both novicesand experts in the pursuits of umpiring and scoring will find the bookinformative and have regular use for it. ... Read more

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Product Description
THIS EDITION IS INTENDED FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Includes information on how to observe, document, and care for crickets, which could be used for science reports and projects. Includes large color photos of each featured animal, plus a colo ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Helpful Book of Bugs
(written by my 9 year old and authorized by me)

This is one of a series of books about animals that I am reading as a project for school.This book gave me information in a quick amount of time but not with impossible to read sentences.The Words To Know section (glossary) helped me to understand words I didn't know so I didn't have to have a dictionary right beside me.If you get confused writing your report, you can find the page on the subject you want to find in the Index.It's nothing special but it is helpful.In the Learning More section (reference), I liked that it had books, videos and websites for more information, not just books.There were wonderful pictures in color that really helped me understand what crickets, grasshoppers and katydids look like.I recommend this book to everybody because if you want to learn more about a North American kind of cricket or grasshopper all you have to do is look in this book for quick but good information.

Great overview for the layman
A short book of just over 40 pages but really great into to these insects!Each page has a big color photo of the cricket/grasshopper being discussed and the opposing page has text about it.The book is broken out into where you're likely to find the particular critter:desert, fields/meadows, woods, your house.Pictures are good and the text is interesting - often caught myeslf saying, "huh. I didn't know that."It might be written more for school kids but this 30+ year old kid learned a bunch :) ... Read more

Product Description
The 63rd edition of the PLAYFAIR CRICKET ANNUAL reviews England's 2009 Ashes series against Australia and their winter tour to South Africa, as well as the Indian Premier League and the Twenty20 World Cup. The book is packed with all the essential information required to follow events on the cricket field, with unrivalled up-to-the-minute statistical detail on all first-class players registered in the UK at the time of press and fixture lists for the coming season. It also features highlights of the 2009 summer and previews the 2010 Tests against Bangladesh and Pakistan, plus full Test match, first-class and limited-overs international records. ... Read more