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
Humans, like all animals, experience a level of comfort and security when they feel included in a group that reflects who they are, how they behave and what beliefs they share. While such tribalism can engender a certain level of security, all
Mary Hoffman, author of the highly acclaimed Amazing Grace picture book series, has written a powerful book about families: The Great Big Book of Families. This book is big both in physical size and in scope. It depicts a comprehensive
Memory operates through a peculiar process. Some events burn indelibly into our brains while others prove more elusive. When the destruction of war forces a young child to leave her ravaged town, she embarks on a goodbye trek around her
The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates answers the question, Who is in and who is out? in a subtle yet persuasive way. The metaphor of a big, inclusive umbrella may be familiar to adults, however, to kids it’s relatively novel.
Kids will delight in discovering a holiday that provides the perfect excuse for drenching themselves and others in brilliant color, hurling buckets of water, exuberant dancing and, watching bonfires. While these elements will certainly grab their attention, children will simultaneously absorb information about the story behind the festivities. This knowledge will help build a foundation of awareness of and respect for, the traditions and beliefs from other cultures. This is a delightful and engaging book which help awaken interest in other cultures and will broaden their cultural awareness.
Americans celebrate many beloved holidays During February we mark Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, and Groundhog Day. Jewish people celebrate an additional holiday, Tu B’Shevat, “The New Year of the Trees or “the Birthday of the Trees.” In 2017, Tu B’Shevat is observed from sundown
teacher asks the class to share what each student feels makes their family special.
Told through the words of a little girl, the story begins, “I went last because…”
What a powerful opening. Who among us hasn’t wanted to go last because we feared not fitting in or felt our situation was something to be embarrassed by, ashamed of, or which others might find inferior in some way? I’m guessing as children we all had some of these kind of moments. (Perhaps even as adults, we’ve had times when our stomach clenched as we imagined how others might judge our looks, our homes, our families … us.)
Marisol rhymes with parasol which conjures images of brilliant sunshine. Marisol McDonald, the charming heroine of this series delivers a similar warm and sunny lift. She delights in her quixotic and colorful approach to life. She exudes confidence which provides her an umbrella
a fabulous tool for parents and teachers to share with kids. (And it offers a good reminder to the adults, that they too, have blind spots, biases and feelings of being an outsider.) It also emphasizes the benefit of valuing differences in ourselves and others because differences are precisely what make each person unique.