Litterbug Doug in the Missions of Michael Recycle by Ellie Bethel

I have to admit I was a bit hesitant when I picked up this book. Although the cover and the illustrations are enticing, a book on recycling didn't seem as exciting to me as Knuffle Bunny or Lunch Lady. But I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised.

Litterbug Doug is lazy. He is wasteful. He is messy. But worst of all, he hates recycling! The clean and green town where he lives is in danger from his lazy ways, not to mention suffering from the stench released by the mountains of garbage that Doug leaves wherever he goes! So strong is its stink that even the army of rats that follow Doug around are rethinking their friendship with him. It's up to Michael Recycle, planet Earth's green-caped crusader, to show dastardly Doug the error of his ways...before it's too late!

Bethel

Fortunately, Michael convinces Doug to "clean up" his act and with the help of others, the garbage is sorted from the recyclables- phew! Doug even agrees to a bath which helps him out on the friend front. Doug has such a turnaround, he's named the official Litter Police.

It's a fun story told in rhyme that offers an entertaining way to introduce kids to the three r's, and taking care of our environment. The back also offers a section with facts on litter and recycling that discuss the various aspects of environmental responsibility, the positive effects of recycling, and conservation issues relating to water, energy, and paper. But even the facts are fun (ex: "Americans recycled 33 percent of the trash they threw away in 2007. (Another third was thrown away, and the rest in on the floor of your closet.")

Additional Information:

Author: Ellie Bethel
Ilustrator: Alexandra Colombo
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 24 pages
Publisher: Worthwhile Books (April 8, 2009)
ISBN-10: 1600103928
ISBN-13: 978-1600103926

Litterbug Doug in the Missions of Michael Recycle by Ellie Bethel

Lori Calabrese is a freelance writer who specializes in parenting and children in both her personal and professional life. Lori's publishing credits include Boys' Life, Odyssey, Appleseeds, Focus on the Family Clubhouse Jr., Stories for Children Magazine, and The Institute of Children's Literature's Rx for Writers. Lori is a graduate of The Institute of Children's Literature, a member of The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and the National Children's Books Examiner at Examiner.com (http://www.examiner.com/x-7597-Childrens-Books-Examiner/).

To learn more, please visit http://www.loricalabrese.com

The Scenic Trail To The Bethel Ridge Road

The Bethel Ridge Road is a loop drive trail of 33 miles that has an elevation of over 5,000 feet on a volcanic ridge on the eastern section of the William O. Douglas Wilderness. Along this 2-hour adventure drive, the trail gives you the best views of the valleys and ridges of the east Cascades. Also expect to have an excellent sight of the Rattlesnake Creek's rock walls and canyons. The trail follows a gravel road and some asphalt driving road as it moves toward the Bethel Ridge. The trail is located between Service Road 410 and US Highway 12 which is northwest of the Yakima Wenatchee National Forest or near milepost 168.

The starting point of the trail is at US 12 where it then sets off to around 3 miles east of Rimrock Lake. Alternately at the same point, set to approximately 17 miles of SR 410 in a southwester direction. Then turn north on the Bethel Ridge Road (1500) that is west of Hause Creek Campground. Set your odometer to zero at the National Forest information kiosk. The rest stops on this trail are on the campground of US 12, the viewpoint on the south end of the trail, and the Timberwolf Mountain.

Bethel Woods

The road starts on a winding gravel road which steeply ascends to the Bethel Ridge Road. As you pass along the road, you will get to have a sight of the Tieton River's valley and the eastern high desert. Then turn right at 6.6 miles to the east and proceed to road 324. Make your through a zigzag road and across slopes where you will see fractured rocks until you approach a vista point barely over a mile. More stunning views of the forest and the river's rapids await you as you move along the trail.

From that point, make your way back to Bethel Ridge Road and then descend through a wooded forest on the north section of the ridge. At a junction with Road 324 which is about 3.5 miles, the road branches northwest on the left along the road to Timberwolf Mountain. You will then approach a vista point just a couple miles after where you will get an excellent view of Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams from afar. Around 6.2 miles further on the road you will approach another junction but just proceed further on the paved Road 1500 until arriving at Service Road 410.

Continue towards a slope of shattered rock formation where the horizon offers you a vista of mountains, valleys, and canyons. As you move further along the trail, you will then reach Nile Road where the Nile Valley affords a more stunning landscape of natural forests and some rural settlements on Nile and SR 410. This then marks the end of the scenic driving trail.

The Scenic Trail To The Bethel Ridge Road

No matter whether hiking, boating or camping if we have learned anything from recent tragedies its that an emergency can strike at any time. A reliable radio is simply a safety must. We carry a variety of uhf, vhf, marine and CB radios for sale. You can choose from the versatile handheld cb radio models all the way to the more powerful 10 Meter Radios

Spiritual Java - A Compilation From Bill Johnson and the Staff of Bethel Church Redding - California

Explore New Spiritual Vistas for Walking in God's Perfect Plan

"Spiritual Java" is a collaboration of effort made up of a compilation of the writings from members of the pastoral staff of Bethel Church - Redding, California. The book contains 40 powerful faith building chapters. Each chapter is designed to energize, inspire, and motivate the reader to new levels of experience in Kingdom living.

Bethel

The writing is motivated by a burning passion for Jesus, a passion resulting from a rich heritage in the Holy Spirit. The pages are filled with supernatural sightings of miraculous examples the gifts of signs and wonders, healing, evangelism, and prophecy in ministry.

Each chapter includes a meditation, a motivational message, and a section called "Points to Ponder." These thought-provoking questions are designed to guide the reader in discovering personal life changing application for their own life and ministry. Every chapter stands alone and can be read at random or in sequence.

The book is made up of 40 faith building chapters. The theme of the individual chapters can be used as the basis for a 40 day adventure in renewal and revival. Each meditation provides thoughts for focus, reflection, with suggestions for faith building action steps. Topics include thoughts on character building, gifts of the spirit, worship, divine encounters, and pursuing your destiny.

"Spiritual Java" is ideal for anyone wanting to discover new spiritual motivation for pursuing God's plan for their life and ministry. This is a compelling collection of power packed spiritual energy builders.

Destiny Image Publishers, Inc, 978-0768432855

Spiritual Java - A Compilation From Bill Johnson and the Staff of Bethel Church Redding - California

As reviewed for Midwest Book Review.

Richard R. Blake, Christian Education Consultant, Freelance Writer, Editorial Consultant