Mother Child Separation: You Weren’t with Me

Every one of us knows the pain of separation from someone we love. Children experience maternal separation with particular pain. From the moment of parting through to the long-anticipated reunion, their emotions spin. You Weren’t with Me by Chandra Ghosh... Continue reading →

Who Is A Worthy Mother

In the title of her excellent book, Who Is A Worthy Mother, Rebecca Wellington asks a pivotal question: Who is a worthy mother? Her well-documented research spotlights factors that usually remain unacknowledged or dismissed. A narrow and biased lens imbued... Continue reading →

The Joy of Discovering One’s Voice

What happens when the future king of the lions dreams of playing music instead of leading his pride? The young cub’s behavior scandalizes the inhabitants of the savanna. Instead of following in his father’s very large shadow, hunting stealthily and... Continue reading →

Aaron Slater, Illustrator

The stellar partnership of author Andrea Beaty and illustrator David Roberts deliver another winning and inspiring book. Kids will love “Aaron Slater, Illustrator. (My six-year-old grandson served as my test reader—he was impressed. He loved the colorful and zany illustrations—and... Continue reading →

Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol

Meet Desmond Cole, the lead character in a series titled Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol. He’s a charming, resourceful, and friendly boy who just happens to be a ghost hunter! In the initial book of the series, Andre Miedoso has moved... Continue reading →

Being “Liked” Should not be Scary or Humiliating

Maybe He Just Likes You is a remarkable, timely, and important book that highlights one of the difficulties of middle school relationships: learning to set and honor personal boundaries and the easy slide into harassment. As hormones flood their bodies... Continue reading →

Building Connections and Relationships

Firm foundations & solid connections make a great—& obvious—metaphor for the connection we strive to forge between ourselves & our children Continue reading →

Building Fun and Family Connections

Kids learn best when

an activity entertains as well as informs. These books present many ideas and projects that also get kids thinking about “what if” variations. They will move beyond rigid right/wrong solutions to the excitement and possibility of improving, redesigning, and reinventing the suggested project. Along the way, they will explore--and interact with--scientific concepts in a hands-on way that enhances learning and encourages discovery. Continue reading →

Monsters Can Make Great Friends

I thoroughly enjoyed The Monster in My Basement written and sung by  David Preson, and illustrated by Heather Lynn Harris Charming, delightful, and joyous! Will David be the monster’s dinner guest or his dinner? Does the monster consider him a... Continue reading →

Every Kid Has a Story to Tell

Young readers will easily discern the benefit of helping out their friends. They will also delight in the idea of creating their own books based on their individual adventures. This would be a great project for parent and child or as a classroom activity. Continue reading →