Ting Morris

This book was different from what I thought it would be when I first picked it up. I thought this book would give more descriptions on types of music but it is more of a book for art. It gives creative ways to make instruments out of supplies you have in the home or classroom. It is a positive book for kids to read and to express their creative side but I wish there was more information offered for readers. The crafts are divided into easy steps. Each craft has the supplies needed listed at the top. Then the steps are written and drawn for children to read and view. For example, for making a drum, the first step says, "you can use any round container for your drum. A deep cookie tin will make a big drum and loud noise! If you want a smaller drum, a cocoa tin will work". This gives variety and a chance for children to use their imagination.

The main idea of this book is to direct readers on how to create a specific instrument with a step-by-step and visual process, Short descriptions about instruments are given if readers want to learn more about the background of the instrument they are making. Students should read this story if they are feeling creative or need to do a project on multicultural music!… (meer)

Whatever your delight, you'll find it here in The Golden Book of Baking: Over 300 Great Recipes. Filled with hundreds of scrumptious treats, you'll find recipes for classic sweets as well as something new. There's even a chapter on savory baking.

Recipes are organized into chapters by topic: Cookies, Bars, and Brownies, Small Cakes; Butter Cakes; Layer Cakes; Pies and Tarts; Pastries; Yeast Cakes; and Savories. There's also a detailed Index. Recipes that caught my eye include: Lemon Cheesecake Squares, Double Chocolate Pound Cake, Pineapple Upside-down Cake, Pecan Tartlets, Apple Crumble Kuchen, Spinach Quiche, Goat Cheese Parcels, & more.

This cookbook is fabulously illustrated with full color photos that will make your mouth water. Recipe directions are concise and clear; however, the steps are only separated by a dot. Numbered steps would have been a plus.

The Bottom Line: While this cookbook assumes previous baking know-how, everyone will want to pick it up, browse the recipes, and dream of sweet decadence. Highly recommended for bakers with intermediate to advanced skills. The only drawback to this book is that it does not lie flat while using it.

This review appeared in the Mini Book Bytes Blog first: http://minibookbytes.blogspot.com/… (meer)