Book Description

Provides the reader with guidance for planning and documenting their educations and futures. Worksheets and activities take students through self-assessment, education and career planning, and portfolio development (including electronic portfolios). Shows how to create a unique portfolio that showcases performance, special skills, course accomplishments, and other successes. Students also learn how to begin a professional portfolio. New material discusses three options for portfolio organization: SCANS competencies and foundation skills, Multiple Intelligences, and Self-Exploration. The book tells how these options can be integrated into the student portfolio. ... Read more

Book Description

Imagine making your living by hunting, fishing, and collecting wild plants and insects. Imagine having to worry about being attacked by a jaguar or some other wild animal. This is how our ancestors lived for hundreds of thousands of years, but only a few peoples carry on this ancient lifestyle today. One of the few are the Ache, hunter-gatherers living in Paraguay, a country in South America. Magdalena Hurtado is an anthropologist who has been studying the Ache for fifteen years. She has spent years living with the Ache people: learning their language, observing their history. The photographs and text offer invaluable insight into the work of an anthropologist. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great book for kids and adults
I gave this book to my 3 yr old neice and 6 yr old nephew, and they were as fascinated by it as their mother and father were. The pictures are wonderful and the text really gives you the feel of what the lives of one of the last groups of hunter gatherers in the world are like. And it paints a detailed and fascinating picture of what it is like to be an anthropologist studying and loving a people whose lives are so different from our own. A really enjoyable book.

MARVELLOUS INTRODUCTION TO ANTHROPOLOGY
This biography of the young Venezuelan anthropologist Magdalena Hurtado provides a very clear description of her fieldwork among one of the world's last foraging peoples, the Ache indians of Paraguay. This beautifully illustated book provides the best available introduction for young readers of what it is an anthropologist does. Although the publishers recommend the book for ages 9-12, my guess is that students in junior high and high school --perhaps especially young women -- will find the book both informative and inspirational. ... Read more

Book Description

Despondent over their parents' pending separation due to financial problems, Gennie and Jeff Douglas encounter an ancient man named Mr. Mortimer.Mortimer reveals three massive pillars, representing the three secrets for acquiring wealth. Gennie and Jeff must travel back through time to unravel each of the pillar's mysteries in order to save their family.

But there's a catch! If they cannot unravel each of the pillar's secret in three days, Gennie and Jeff will be trapped in time forever!

Quest for the Pillars of Wealth is an engaging tale full of surprises in which young readers will discover the three time honored foundations for becoming rich! ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Good...even if you're not very young
I received a copy of this book as a promotion and, being interested in investing and active in educating kids about the stock market, I read through it in one night. I have to say, Mr. Pritchard has an excellent way of putting good money sense into the minds of kids. I encourage you to pick up a copy of this book for yourself or your kids...30 years from now they'll be thanking you when they pay for your retirement!

Right on the Money!
I really like what J. J. Pritchard has done. First, he has simplified what it takes for good personal finances (a good work ethic, thrift - delaying gratification today for tomorrow, and investing - particularly compounding.) That alone is valuable. But he has built wonderful stories around them. They're exciting and interesting.

The children in all my classes learn quicker when they enjoy the subject matter and this book does that. It's a very refreshing approach. DOn't be put off by the subtitle "A Children's Guide to Growing Rich." It presents a balanced approach and touches on the value of sharing once someone has attained wealth. A very good read!!

Foundation Level Lessons
I spent several months researching programs and books that explain wealth building. I was looking specifically for something I could use to teach children the fundamentals of building wealth when I came across this book using an Amazon search. I took a flyer and ordered it, and then read it through. I was pleased to find that the book takes the reader through a series of adventures that both boys and girls can relate to while imparting to readers the basic fundamentals of building wealth.

One of the best lessons comes as the children (who are searching for the pillars of wealth) are looking for the second pillar. Like our present society, the characters from the book who seem to have every extravagance actually live beyond their means and have borrowed themselves into near ruin. The man of wealth, an unlikely fellow living a quiet, reserved life, who through discipline has managed to hang on to his earnings- has actually accumulated wealth. What better a lesson to teach a child, before they get into a race with their peers for "stuff", than to illustrate that it's not always the fellow with the Rolex and BMW who has true wealth. Often it's the guy with the truck in the driveway that says "Hank's Plumbing", or the person in the jeans and sweatshirt shopping in Walmart.
If you're looking for tools to help you instill values in your children this is a great tool. When young people get to that phase where what you say is discounted because you're Mom or Dad, remember the power of having a book like this. The author can instill the lessons you want them to absorb even thought it doesn't come directly from you.

Wonderful story on money for children.
Ted Lea, author of "When I Grow Up I'm Going to be a Millionaire (A Children's Guide to Mutual Funds)". I read this over the holiday season and found it to be a wonderful story with a great message on money for children. The story is great, and the messages on money are right on target. Enjoy it.

Excellent Children Entertainment!
My two children loved this book! I bought it so they could learn how to better handle their allowances, but they really got into the story and said they couldn't put it down. The lessons about finances seemed to sink in also. My 12-year old has started saving more and spending less. "Quest" is an undicovered gem! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

OUR TODDLER BOYS LOVE THIS BOOK....BUY IT IF YOU CAN FIND IT
Our TODDLER boys love this hard to find book , If you have a child into GARBAGE trucks , GET THIS BOOK....check out the BRUDER GARBAGE TRUCKS also sold here on AMAZON.COM , Our boys love those too ! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Child-friendly Day with Firefighters
Filled with pictures of smiling, friendly firefighters, this book gives a nice "snap-shot" of what firefighters do. The highlights, of course, are on fighting fires. The illustrations are acutal photos of firefighters and their equipment. Some are cheesy and obviously staged, but they're charming nonetheless.

The firestation is obviously in a very large city and the equipment they use is impressive. Children from large cities will see something familiar; children from more rural areas will get to see the neat stuff that their local, small volunteer company doesn't have.

The words are simple and clear, suitable for the youngest firefighter enthusiast. The pictures tell so much more of a story, though, and definitely make the book.

For those children also interested in police officers. The companion Welcome Book is every bit as good.

Reinforces sexual and racial stereotypes
I bought this book for my two-year-old daughter, who is very interested in firefighters and fire trucks. It has great photographs, which I think make the book more interesting than an illustrated book. The text is simple and appropriate for very young children.

However, not only are all the firefighters shown are male, which may be representative of reality, but the only two women in the entire book appear on the last page, apparently thanking the firefighters for helping them. This perpetuates the stereotype of big strong men taking care of helpless women, which disappointed me. Also, every single person in this book is white, which definitely is not representative of reality.

This book would have been darn near perfect if it reflected some racial and sexual diversity, but as it is, I won't be sharing it with my daughter. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Vote for Betty Lou
Colorful and familiar muppet characters help introduce aspects of an interesting occupation.Here, Betty Lou wants to be President.As a non-WASP, I would have preferred a less "all-American" muppet aspiring to be President, but at least it is a she, and not really worth mentioning when taken in context with the other I WANT TO BE... books about being a doctor, firefighter, police officer, pilot, and cowboy. ... Read more

Book Description

When you grow up do you want to be adventurous? Maybe generous? How about confident? Or fair? In brightly colored collage illustrations filled with imaginative detail, artist Charise Mericle Harper celebrates some of the qualities most admired in people of all ages. A perfect gift, as well as a useful discussion starter on how we define ourselves and how we treat others, When I Grow Up gives readers a fresh perspective on an age-old question. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

excellent dose of good character
I loved this book! Charise has really hit the right note with a book like this. At a time when parents are busy enrolling their children in class after class, this book makes you stop and think. It makes you ask "What are the character traits that I can instill in my child?" instead of "what are the capabilities I can instill in my child." She doesn't preach or sermonize and still the message hits right home. Delightful !I could talk my kids to death on the importance of being good and humane people or I could read them this book.

A great book about what it takes to be a good person.
When I Grow Up - I want to be able to draw and have insight like Charise Mericle Harper! This is an outstanding book with the most original and captivating illustration style I've ever seen. My daughter finds something hilarious on every page and getting her giggles to subside is the only problem. A really smart message about what it takes to be a good person. Qualities and traits for us all to aspire to and find within ourselves. Already a family favorite in this house.

A parents guide for growing up
"When I Grow Up" by Charise Mericle Harper is great book for parents,grandparents and educators.This book is beautifully illustrated and the amusing examples make it easy for children to understand.As parents we all want our children to be responsible, kind and caring.This book illustrates these qualities in a delightful way, and the book can be used as a learning process for both parents and children.

Remembering the importance of imagination...
What a delightful book!I found it charmingly simple in its writing, and wondrous in its illustrations.And how refreshing to have kids read about and think about the qualities and traits one hopes to have as an adult as opposed to a specific profession.I loved the unique way she integrated real life photos/faces into her drawings.It made the book both more fanciful for me, as well as more "connected" to kids.And the children that I've shared it with have each been mysteriously drawn to the whole flavor of the book.I look forward to more offerings from this author, as I imagine her creativity will extend to realms that I will be drawn to myself!

Remembering the importance of imagination...
What a delightful book!I found it charmingly simple in its writing, and wondrous in its illustrations.And how refreshing to have kids read about and think about the qualities and traits one hopes to have as an adult as opposed to a specific profession.I loved the unique way she integrated real life photos/faces into her drawings.It made the book both more fanciful for me, as well as more "connected" to kids.And the children that I've shared it with have each been mysteriously drawn to the whole flavor of the book.I look forward to more offerings from this author, as I imagine her creativity will extend to realms that I will be drawn to myself! ... Read more

Book Description

Blast off into outer space with Byron Barton! Sleep in zero gravity, put on a space suit, help fix a satellite, and then come back to Earth. With lyrical text and glowing illustrations, this very satisfying story is sure to spark the imaginations of astronauts-to-be.

... Read more

Reviews (12)

Where's the moon????
I checked this book out after my 3 yr old preschoolers had done a theme week on space at school. My son looked at it before I had read it and the first thing he told me is "there is no moon in this book". Every picture of "space" shows the earth in a larger than life format (doesn't the earth look tiny from outer space??), yet not once is there a hint of the moon or stars or anything resembling "space", especially in the eyes of a child.

Aside from that annoyance, this book still has the great illustrations of other Byron Barton books. My guys' favorite picture is the shuttle blasting off. They also enjoy the pictures of activities that take place inside the shuttle - eating, sleeping, working and most of all, floating upside down! Now THAT's what we expect in a book about astronauts!

A must have for astronaut wanna-be's
Typical Byron Barton cartoon-illustrations with his typical simple text. This time around he uses phrases "I want to'" followed by various actions of astronauts who fly a space shuttle into space to do various astronaut tasks: working, eating, sleeping, etc. Simple text, adored by my son.

Barton's books are a staple in our family. There is just something about the illustrations that my children love. The words, although simple, still capture the and hold the attention of my four year old.

Female astronauts and people of various ethnicity's are represented.

Regarding the age recommendation that some reviewers are discussing, I want to add that since infancy, my son has loved Barton's books, whether they are board versions or regular paper versions. This book is loved by my less than one year-old son, and continues to enthrall my now 4 year-old son, who does have a fascination with space and astronauts. I would recommend this book for babies who don't rip regular paper books, and for 4 year-olds and maybe 5 year-olds who especially love space. If the older child is *not* especially interested in all things space they may be bored with the simple text.

Nice book for little kids
I bought this one several years ago for my oldest son, now my little guy loves it, too. It seems a bit sad to me now in the wake of the Columbia tragedy ("I want to be an astronaut, a member of the crew" sounds somewhat different now), but that doesn't really affect little kids. If you or your kids are space nuts, this is a good one to begin with.

I wanted to be an astronaut, but I'm nearsighted
Seriously, this is a great book. I came across it in a bin at my son's playgroup, and I ordered it as soon as I got home. This book is fun, and it appeals to my 3-yr-old as well as my 1-yr-old. Now my son (3) has a rough idea of what the earth looks like, what space is, what a space shuttle is, and what astronauts wear and eat. My daughter still just likes the high-contrast pictures.

Into space with Byron Barton
"I Want to Be an Astronaut" is another good entry in the series of young children's books by Byron Barton. This one opens, "I want to be an astronaut, a member of the crew." Such simple text is combined with Barton's distinctive illustrations. Bright, solid colors and heavy outlines combine to create figures that have an iconic feel; his pictures make me think of a sort of modern variation on Mayan hieroglyphics.

In the book we see the space shuttle taking off; astronauts working, eating, and sleeping in zero gravity; a cutaway view of the shuttle; etc. Nice touches include a view of earth from space and the portrayal of a multi-ethnic shuttle crew. Recommended for small kids. ... Read more

Book Description

A young bear isn't sure what he wants to be when he grows up, but one thing is for certain, he wants to live with his mom.As the two of them think up all the possibilities-will he be a pilot, a sheriff, a cowboy, or even a soccer star?-Zachary knows that whatever he becomes, he will always come back to live with Mom.Maybe someday you'll even be a daddy, his mom cleverly suggests.I might, says Zachary, "and then we'll all live next door to you!"Adorably illustrated in soft, warm colors, this gentle story is perfect for reading aloud as you snuggle up with your favorite little cub. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Warm, wonderful drawings and gentle whimsy
Zachary is quite definite that when he grows up he wants to live with his mother - but what if he decides to have a career or start a family? His mother poses many questions but Zachary refuses to consider any other kind of living arrangement - until a surprise twist at book's end. Warm, wonderful drawings and gentle whimsy.

My son loves it!
'When you grow up' is a wonderful book which my young son very much enjoyed. The book gave him a cozy feeling and it encouraged him to think about what it might mean to grow up while keeping the love of his parents. The illustrations are warm and greatly complement the the simple but engaging dialogue. I can strongly recommend this book to parents for their children. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

sweet teacher book
In this story we see a little boy who is writing a story about his teacher.He thinks that she is the best and can teach anyone!He starts off by saying that she can teach an astronaut to float in space.He goes through each letter of the alphabet naming a person that he teach could teach to do their job.

This was a simple picture book that can teach young children lots of things.They will see that teachers are important people.

This book is recommend for a story time read aloud.There are lots of fun things to look at on each page.Young children will learn the basic concepts of the alphabet and be introduced to lots of occupations through this simple picture book.
... Read more