Faith Ringgold’s Books: Beauty and Historical Importance

Faith Ringgold has written and illustrated many important books. Some have won the Coretta Scott King award for illustration and one was named a Caldecott Honor book. They tackle a variety of important historical and cultural themes. Hers is a powerful and courageous voice.... Continue reading →

Trees, Roots and Branches Inspire Metaphors

Trees inspire us for their beauty, utility and rich possibilities as metaphor. These books offer trees for peace, as examples of the Circle of Life, as a point of view elevated above the fray and as a way of growing into our uniqueness. Continue reading →

Coexisting Viewpoints: Equally True, Wildly Divergent

Explore how co-existing points of view can be equally real and wildly divergent. These three books invite discussion, provoke curiosity & open minds to see beyond limited personal filters and experience. Continue reading →

Real or Fake? Far-out Fibs, Fishy Facts and Phony Photos

With the advent of the Photoshop era and the proliferation of exaggeration on-line, in print and in advertisements, truth competes with persuasive, authentic-sounding lies and fakes. Even adults can be fooled by these stories, "news" reports, photos, and zany factoids and find it difficult to discern the difference between what is real or fake. Continue reading →

Art Creates Beauty & Value in Unexpected Places

I enjoy reading children’s books that reveal the power of art and how we are all artists who can find and create beauty and value in unexpected places. We can transform the ordinary, the plainest scraps–of fabric, metal, paper and plastic– even trash... Continue reading →

Peace: Mindset and Heartset in Action

Peace grows from a respectful mindset/heartset in action. Even small gestures of kindness build relationships so all feel heard/accepted/valued. Creating peace is a group effort. Each of us, young & old, can choose to nurture peace. We’re all safer, happier & healthier when we live in peace. At home, school, or the world stage, peace benefits all of us. It’s the dream for which we can strive and worthy goal which can truly achieve. A blessing. Continue reading →

Boxes: Springboard Creativity and Connection

Boxes invite imaginations to soar. We've all watched kids opt to play with the box in preference to a gift because kids have an instinctual drive to create and fantasize. Check out this collection of books about boxes. They just may help you have fun together. Or, equally important, they may reveal thoughts and feelings they find difficult to express and share. These books invite conversation, connection, and fun. Continue reading →

Books Help Kids Handle Grief and Loss

Books helps kids handle grief and loss which are inevitable parts of loving others. Books that both validate the depth of a child’s feelings and ease them over life’s rough patches can help children process their powerful emotions. Their world is small, their life experiences limited,... Continue reading →

Easy as ABC Format Eases Learning

Introducing new information in alphabetical order allows kids to intuitively use this familiar sequence to help them store and retrieve data. It’s a built-in, subconscious organizational system which gives rise to our cultural expression, “easy as ABC.” Whether helping children learn how to care for the earth, explore the variety... Continue reading →

Right to Vote Earned Through Bravery

A child in South Africa is shocked by her frail grandmother's insistence that she vote a right now possible for the first time in her hundred-year life. Their tender relationship infuses this story with emotional resonance. Thembe understands the heroic effort required. Continue reading →