Book Description

Good-bye, nasty germs! Good-bye, sore throats! Good-bye, tonsils! It is time for Juliana to have her tonsils taken out. Operations can be scary but Juliana is prepared. With the support of her friends, her family, books and toys, she knows exactly what to expect. Surgery doesn't seem so bad because Juliana knows that she has a lot to look forward to: presents and the ultimate cure-all-ice cream-are on their way!

Marilyn Mets's lively and amusing illustrations perfectly complement the engaging text. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Fantastic!
We bought this book to prepare our four year old for a tonsillectomy. This book was the most up to date and accurate book we have read. It helped very much to ease her uncertainty. She still reads it for a storybook a year later.
I would highly recommend it!

Excellent book!
... [It] is a perfect book for a child facing a tosillectomy. My 5 year old nephew, a child with a tendency to internalize all his emotions, was actually able to talk about his upcoming operation without being reduced to tears after his mom read him this book. It is very straight forward, honest, and written from a child's perspective. I highly recommend this book to parents and ENT's everywhere!

Perfect for Its Purpose!
When I searched for kids books on tonsillectomies, I was surprised to have such a small selection. Luckily, this book more than met my need! My 4 1/2 year old daughter received the book last night, and has already asked for two readings and has "read it" to herself repeatedly. It provided the perfect experience for talking about her upcoming operation. She uses the pictures to identify questions she has and things she is worried about. I don't know if she will need an IV, but after looking at the one in the picture, I think she will be more than prepared to accept it. My daughter immediately identified with Juliana and is interested in the things Juliana did to get over her fears (talk to people who had their tonsils out, read books, play with doctor's masks). I think that I may now be required to provide a cake that says Goodbye Tonsils, just like on the cover, but that is a small enough price to pay for my daughter's peace of mind! The professional reviews criticize the quality of the pictures -- and I pooh-pooh this. The last thing this book needs is "artistic flair." The pictures are clear and detailed -- down to the medicine cup of cherry liquid (a sedative), the gas mask, and the IV. They are completely appropriate for the purpose of this book. If your small child is facing a tonsillectomy, I highly recommend that you purchase this book. And if you are an ENT, (or know one), I recommend this for your waiting room.

Great book for preschoolers
I bought this book for my 3.5 year old. It covered all the details, including getting a bracelet, changing pj's, watching TV, doctors with masks, a very sore throat, how important it is to drink a lot, etc. She was thoroughly relaxed. We also had a Goodbye Tonsils party at her school, complete with a cake, like in the book. My daughter loved it, and it helped her say goodbye to her friends for a week. I was pretty impressed. ... Read more

Book Description

When it comes to puberty, boys don't ask their friends (who are as clueless as they are) and they won't ask their parents. So where can they turn to Michael Gurian's straightforward guide that answers the questions on every boy's mind. Why am I growing so much more slowly than my friends? Why do girls seem so different? Why do I suddenly care?Face it, adolescence can be awfully confusing. But help is only a turn of the page away with this reassuring, no-holds-barred book by the best-selling author of The Wonder of Boys that examines and explains the biological, physical, and emotional changes that make puberty so bewildering—and so exciting. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Good introduction for adolescents
I bought this book for my Little Brother (we're part of the Big Brother/Little Brother program.) when he began asking questions about voice changes and pimples, and using the word masturbation. This book covers all of that and more in an easy-going style. Basically, the book communicates that all of these things are natural and normal, but along with them comes gentle reminders of personal responsibility. Gurian speaks directly to the reader (intended to be an adolescent boy) and tells him all the changes that are happening or going to happen to him, including psychological such as anger, know-it-all-ism, and bodily changes like skin, hair, hormones, etc.

The book didn't spark much discussion between us, but I think that was because the book pretty much covered it all. The author himself recommends that you just give him the book. It's all pretty straight forward information that doesn't need much explanation. Tip: Get another copy for yourself to keep. It's helpful when your boy mentions something, then you two are working from the same source.

From Boys to Men
I was disappointed with this book. I was looking for a book to give information about the changes a boy goes through---not put inappropriate ideas into thier heads. This books suggests that touching each other, experimentation, etc. are normal. This goes against the teaching of not letting anyone touch you in private spots.

From Boys to Men
This book was concise, informative, and conveyed appropriate information in a respectful manner. I recommend this book strongly for anyone who has a son facing the adolescent years. My son learned a lot and it has opened the door for many conversations and questions.

Excellent book, opens the lines of communication to talk
I have been searching for a book that gives a clear concise explanation of puberty for my son. This book really is a great conversation starter. It gives just enough information for the preteen and encourages them to ask questions. It is a great place to start exploring the world of puberty. ... Read more

Book Description

While Ashley and her friends try to raise money for her liver transplant operation, she learns about the transplant and recovery process, including the knowledge that someone will die to provide the organ necessary for her to live.This children's book is lavishly told with 4-color drawings and includes a comprehensive glossary. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A great story about a child waiting for a liver.
I am not ready to read this book to my three year old daughter just yet. But she has the same disease as the child in the book and will eventually need a liver transplant someday. I am confident that this will help my child understand what she is going to face. The book is very forth right in its discussion of where the donor liver comes from and that is a very hard thing to have to tell a child... This will make it easier for me and I hope for my daughter too.

Wonderful Book!
As the parent of a 4 year old who is awaiting a liver transplant I would like to say a big thanks to the author for writing this book.My son loves it and I have read it to him several times since receiving it 3 days ago.His favorite page is when Dr. Tanner tells Ashley she can go home.I think it is very important that it shows Ashley all better and life after a transplant.Thanks again!
Peggy Sams ... Read more

Book Description

Mommy has a surprise for Caillou: a potty!Caillou learns to ask for the potty when he needs it. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Not a great potty-training book
My toddler loves Caillou, but this book doesn't do much to help facilitate potty training. My son never thought of wearing his potty chair on his head until we read it in this book. Ugh. It also isn't very clear about what Caillou is doing on the potty, and there is too much emphasis on his accidents. I think we read this book twice before I donated it to our library - I figured that way at least a parent could read through it to decide if it would help them before spending money on it.

What A Letdown!
I bought this book because my daughter loves the TV show. The illustrations don't look much like the animation on PBS (the book must be the original - before Caillou was "discovered"). The book is colorful, but longwinded and somewhat repetitious. My biggest beef with the story: Caillou ditches his diapers for underwear BEFORE he is potty trained. That's insane! As a result, Mommy ends up changing her son's wet pants often.

We have read almost every potty book available on the market as of 9/2003 (over two dozen!). Most fit into two categories: INSTRUCTIONAL books that introduce the skills needed to master the potty; and those that are primarily ENTERTAINING, for children who understand what is supposed to happen on the potty, but need extra time to make it happen.

I think Caillou - Potty Time fits more in the INSTRUCTIONAL category for the following reasons:

1) It identifies the purpose of the potty.
2) It specifies bodily functions such as "poop" and "pee."
3) Includes the important steps such flushing.

My advice - there are other instructional potty books on the market that are much better. Try What to Expect When You Use the Potty by Heidi Murkoff, You Can Go to the Potty by Martha Sears, or My Big Girl Potty by Joanna Cole.

Not helpful
This book did not help at all with the potty training. My daughter loves Caillou and I thought it might help her figure out the potty. It didn't.

This book is great! Just what we needed
My son has been doing well with potty training, but has gone back & forth. One week I think he's almost done with training all together & then the next he's having lots of accidents again. I have found, at least for us that pull ups promote laziness. We have used pull ups only at night now for a couple of weeks. Elijah is 2 1/2, & it has made a big difference. However, it wasn't until I purchased Caillou's book that Elijah really got the hang of things! It was like magic-since Caillou has accidents, Elijah could identify with the book. Mind you we have the Bear in the big blue house potty video & My Big Boy Potty book starring Michael, both of which are big winners, but this book was the 1st to really drive it home about the accidents. Caillou makes of few, but learns to get there faster next time & be successful. Elijah also gets to the potty on time now! I'm thrilled & very impressed with Elijah & this book. The only reason I didn't give this book the highest rating is because I believe you need a combination of a video, cloth training pants (They need to be able to FEEL the wet) & this book.

Not a step by step guide for your child
First of all, my 20 month old son loves this book. This is, of course, because he loves Caillou. And I think that it will be helpful in that he wants to imitate what Caillou is doing. If I say "potty" he says "Cai" and gets the book to read. However, if you are looking for a book to explain the potty process to your child, this is not it. It doesn't even come right out and say what Caillou is doing on the potty. It just says he has to "go". Go where, I ask? Timbuktu? The park? I have remedied this situation by adding in "pee" and "poo" where appropriate. It is a good book for him to identify with however, and combined with The Potty Book: Boy just may do the trick. ... Read more

Book Description

Twenty-five fictional stories that will entertain, enlighten, and ease a child's frustration about having diabetes.

Reviews (1)

Even older kids still need our help
This book is aimed at ages 8-13 or so. We read this book to our six-year-old son. If not for that, I don't know if I would have ever read it.

All the main characters in the stories have type 1 diabetes. The characters encounter different situations where they have to learn to control their diabetes or ASK FOR HELP.

I recommend that parents read this book. What struck me the most, was how many stories are about kids that "can" do their own care but still want/need their parent's help. Many of the kids in the stories stopped taking care of themselves until the climax of the plot when they finally admitted to their parents they needed help.

If you order this book for your child, read it. At the least, discuss the stories with him or her. We discussed each story with our son and I was amazed at how much he related to the kids in the stories already.

The stories were written before lantus and the insulin pump so my son did have trouble understanding why the kid wasn't allowed a cupcake or such. He doesn't remember being on NPH and regular. Diabetes care has come far! It would be useful if the author would update the book to include the new treatments.

I am giving it four stars, not five because the stories were not the best I've ever read. But this is a valuable book. ... Read more

Book Description

In her first novel, Kissing Doorknobs,Terry Spencer Hesser has written an inspiring, often humorous novel about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, a topic that merits discussion and compassion.

Fourteen-year-old Tara Sullivan has always been a worrier.On the surface, she has been able to behave like a normal girl.But when she is 11 years old, she hears a phrase that changes her life: Step on a crack, break your mother's back.Now, everywhere she goes, Tara must count every crack in the sidewalk.If she gets interrupted or loses her place, she has to go home and start all over again.As she gets older, her "habits" don't get better--they change and increase.She has to arrange her meals, recite prayers, and chat with her dolls, over and over again.

Tara does not know why she has these habits, she just knows that she has no choice: she has to complete the rituals.Then one day, before leaving the house, she finds herself kissing her fingertips and touching the doorknob . . . .

Terry Spencer Hesser is a screenwriter and a documentary filmmaker. Kissing Doorknobs is based on her personal experience with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. ... Read more

Reviews (68)

This was an AWESOME book!!!
Terry Spencer Hesser is an awesome author and she really knows how to make situations real. She made the novel "Kissing Doorknobs" a intresting story- also heartwarming. This book is about a girl named Tara facing OCD. Eveyone around Tara is falling apart because of her strange rituals-even her own family. Every time her mother swears she always prays and her mother hates it. Throughout the book Tara goes through many changes in her OCD.Such rituals include touching the doorknob and kissing her hand, countin cracks in the sidewalk and walking over every crack, having hideous thoughts that her mother or father were dead in a ditch somewhere. Whenever someone would make fun of Tara her little sister Greta would go beat them up for her. Greta got suspended about three time throughout the book.Tara has a bunch of friends. One of her friends is a evil person. Donna her friend smokes and shoplifts. Tara once tried to shoplift but she turned herself in. Towards the end of the book she meets a boy who has OCD too. She never knew anyone else had the same thing she had. Sam (the boy with OCD) introduces Tara to a therapist for OCD. Tara goes to therapy and stops her rituals. Sometimes she can't help but to them but other times she can stop herself. I think people of all ages should read this book because its has good facts in it. This novel also presents another exellent idea. You should never treat a person with OCD any different from another person. Tara's friends only treat Tara different when Tara was freaking out. If you want a good book to read go to your library and check out "Kissing Doorknobs" I guarentee that you won't want to put it down once you pick it up.

Kissing Doorknobs-Review
Kissing Doorknobs by Terry Spencer Hesser is an exhilarating novel. It shows you the life and world of a young girl with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Hesser incorporates two worlds in her book. The world Tara experiences as she is tormented by her unstoppable "quirks" and the world that the public sees, while watching, questioning, and treating Tara like an outcast. Tara's disorder in a way "forces" her to do things, such as counting cracks on a sidewalk, sometimes repeatedly. Throughout the book and throughout Tara's life, Tara starts to lose the relationships she once had with her family and friends before OCD. Kissing Doorknobs also describes the trials and tribulations involved in the fight to "depart" from OCD.
This book is a well-written novel with an easy to follow plot that keeps the reader attached. Hesser uses many of her experiences in the award-winning novel thus making, Kissing Doorknobs a realistic portrayal. Kissing Doorknobs by Terry S. Hesser is a must read, it can help you understand why people like Tara have these problems and that with determination they can overcome them.

Wish there were more.....
When I first saw this book I couldn't wait to read it until I realized it wasn't a true account. I wish there were more true accounts of OCD sufferers. I enjoyed the book, but did find at times it got a little stale and repetitive.

A Truly Touching Book
In the novel, Kissing Doorknobs, by Terry Spencer Hesser, a young girl becomes obsessed with the phrase "step on a crack and you'll break your mother's back". This phrase is the start of Tara's obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD. The phrase echoes in her mind every second until, in order to be normal in her own mind and to protect her mother, she must count the cracks in the sidewalk to and from school.
Life soon becomes a nightmare for her. To alleviate her fear and worry, she must count everything, from Kate Moss's eyelashes to window slats, rearrange her food so it is neat, and make sure that everything is balanced. For example, if she tapped her right foot, she would then have to tap her left foot. On the way to school she counts cracks and cannot be interrupted or else she must start again and vent her growing panic and frustration on the interrupter, even if it is one of her best friends. Soon this and her other odd habits, such as praying for people if they curse or do something wrong and her hours of confession, causes stress on her parent's relationship and the people she interacts with, straining friendships. In an effort to cure her daughter of these odd quirks, yet not knowing it is OCD, her mother tries to make her associate these habits with pain to help her daughter get over these rituals that dominate her life, her grades, and her happiness.
This novel combines humor with a serious disorder and a girl's struggle to overcome a disease that has taken control of her mind and her life. As she proceeds from her original state of counting cracks, people begin to make fun of her and even in her aloneness, her sister, Greta, defends her in an act of pure love without regard to the consequences. Tara thinks that she is absolutely going crazy until she meets Sam, a boy who is OCD about germs. Through therapy he has gotten his life back and it is then that Tara realizes that she is not alone and she can overcome this as well.
I would highly recommend this novel; it makes the reader aware that everyone is human and has thoughts and feelings. This book shows us not to judge others and includes lessons about life. This is the first book that I have read in a long time that actually makes you sympathize with the character and connects you to her life even if you are not OCD.
Read this book and let it teach you about the issues of a complicated disease from the eyes of the one who is suffering. The part of this novel that makes it outstanding is the time spent researching this disorder and making sure that Tara's feelings were accurate. Hesser truly gets you to relate to the character's feelings of distress and loneliness. This book will open your eyes to see that no matter how impossible life seems at times, there will always be a rainbow at the end of the storm.

Kissing Doorknobs
Kissing Dorknobs is the story of a young girl growing up with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Like many children with OCD, the narrator's symptoms develop and change over time. When Tara enters kindergarten, she acts like most five-year-olds, except that within her she hides unusual fears that cause her great anxiety. Slowly her fears become apparent to those around her. During fire drills she cries, fearing that she will die without her family. Even with the constant assurance and support of her friends and family, Tara's fears and obsessions grow. On the surface, she has been able to behave like a normal girl. But when she is 11 years old, she hears a phrase that changes her life: Step on a crack, break your mother's back. Now, everywhere she goes, Tara must count every crack in the sidewalk. If she gets interrupted or loses her place, she has to go home and start all over again. As she gets older, her "habits" don't get better--they change and increase. She has to arrange her meals, recite prayers, and chat with her dolls, over and over again. Tara also begins to pray any time anyone uses profane language in an effort to keep them from going to hell. The harder Tara tries to control her thoughts, the worse they get. Eventually Tara develops a habit in which she touches the doorknob and kisses her hand thirty-three times every time she goes in or out the door. They are a source of bafflement to herself, her friends and parents and become profoundly disruptive to her personal and school life. Tara does not understand what is happening to her and is ashamed and fearful that she is "crazy". She becomes secretive and tries to hide her rituals from others. Similarly, her parents worry that Tara is indeed crazy and make every attempt to prevent her from engaging in her rituals. This results in an escalating sequence of family arguments and occasional physical violence between Tara and her mother. Visits to several psychiatrists result in little or no benefit and Tara accumulates an assortment of "diagnoses." Finally, a teacher recognizes that Tara has symptoms similar to those of a student with OCD. Tara is introduced to the boy in question and to his therapist who prescribes exposure and response prevention, a form of behavior therapy. The story ends on a hopeful note for Tara who begins therapy and learns to take control of the "tyrants" in her head. But Tara's friend is simultaneously in the midst of a relapse, highlighting the ongoing battle that most individuals must wage against this illness. Since the author has suffered from OCD herself, the book includes a lot of factual information. It not only portrays the effect of the disease on Tara, but also on her family and friends. The author includes other issues (anorexia, pregnancy, and alcoholism) that affect Tara's friends. This gives the reader a needed break and shows that everyone has their own demons to battle. ... Read more

Book Description

What does it mean to become a Jewish woman?

Did you ever think that Judaism had any advice on how to deal with pressure from your friends? Arguing with your parents? Feeling stressed out? Well, this book shows you that Judaism can help you deal with all these things—and a whole lot more.

The JGirl’s Guide is a first-of-its-kind book of practical, real-world advice using Judaism as a compass for the journey through adolescence. A fun survival guide for coming of age, it explores the wisdom and experiences of rabbis, athletes, writers, scholars, musicians, and great Jewish thinkers, as well as lots of girls just like you—girls who share your worries and concerns, and your joys. Here’s a place to turn to for honest, helpful discussion about the things that really matter to you:

• Friendship • Eating • Health• Sexuality • Getting involved• Dealing with authority • Coping with stress • Self-esteem • Communication • Jewish Identity

Now’s the time when you are thinking: Who am I? What do I believe in? Who will I become? The JGirl’s Guide provides Jewish writings, traditions, and advice that can help. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Awesome is an understatement ! ! !
Thanks to the JGirl's guide, I finally understand my daughter and wife and all that touchy-feely shechina stuff........you can't go wrong with this book, and I mean this whether or not you are starting from scratch or studying talmud with the Baal Shem Tov !

Well written, Enjoyable and Easy reading
My daughter asked me to get this for her after she heard so much about it in school from her friends.I ended up reading it myself right after she finished it.We both enjoyed it immensely and I would definitely recommend it to anyone.It was insightful and has even helped me better relate to my daughter during this changing time in her life.

Enjoy!

Every Jewish Girl should have this book!
The JGirl's Guide is an invaluable book for young girls.If you would like your friend, daughter, student, cousin.... to getmuch more out of their bat-mitzvah, and so much more out of being a Jewish teenager - struggling with identity, as well as common teen issues such as food and peer pressure.What a wonderful idea to finally come out with something fun and interesting in an era where we sometimes need to be reminded that even though life can be a party, we must not forget how meaningful it is- and when we are reminded and taught, then it because that much more fun!

This book is an excellent coming-of-age guide
JGirls Guide is a fabulous blend of Jewish wisdom and frank discussions on modern issues facing all Jewish girls/women. The authors use Jewish stories, customs and passages from holy texts and really apply them to confront modern problems such as body image, self-esteem, tikkun olam and sexuality. Each chapter also includes suggestions for reflection and exercises to help the reader engage with the topic. This is an invaluable guide for all Jewish girls and women.

I really liked it!
I just got the book a few weeks ago as a gift.It was so good that I read it within 2 weeks.I wish I had it last year, before my bat mitzvah. ... Read more

Book Description

Discover the battle against epidemics -- from the Black Death and smallpox to the modern superbug.

For as along as people have lived together in communities, infectious disease has been a part of everyday life. The fascinating story of disease-causing microbes, bacteria, and viruses crosses every area of human existence -- from medicine, social history, and geography to art and natural history. This unique guide takes you on a compelling journey through time and into the future -- from the plagues of the Ancient Egyptians to the laboratories of the twenty-first century. Stunning, three-dimensional models of disease-causing agents and superb electron-microscope images reveal this microscopic and dramatic world in incredible detail. Written by science and medical expert Brian Ward and produced in association with The American Museum of Natural History, Epidemic is one of the few in-depth explorations of this extraordinary subject for the ordinary reader. ... Read more

Book Description

What child can resist imitating a chimp brushing its teeth back and forth? Or a shark that flosses every day? Youngsters will have lots of fun learning about proper dental hygiene in this delightful pop-up book.

Format: Pop-Ups

Dimensions (inches): 6 x 7 1/2 ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Brush Brush Brush
This is a fantastic way to get children to brush their teeth. My 2 1/2 year old daughter likes to brush her teeth but after we got this book she now LOVES to brush her teeth "like the lion!" This is a must have book!

Superb!
This book is simply amazingly done! I am very happy with it and I myself had some silly fun playing with it!

Great book for toddlers
My 2 year old immediately loved this book. We take it to the bathroom and he looks at it while I brush his teeth and he practices on the pop up pictures. He shows everyone who comes to the house this book and talks about the pop up animals and how to brush. I highly recommend this book to any parent having problems getting their small kids used to brushing and flossing.

proud of her teeth and smile
This is one of my daughter's favorite books. We started reading the book with her, after we started brushing her teeth. She loves to brush the animals teeth, will use the lion's brush to brush mommy's or daddy's teeth and her own, and proudly shows her own teeth and smile in the mirror on the last page.

It would be great if each child who is starting brushing his/her teeth could have this book for him/herself!

The best brushing motivator ever - encourages imitation!
The age range for this book should be changed to ages 2 and up. My daughter loves to brush like a hippo and floss like a shark. This is the best book on teeth brushing I've ever seen. This is a great book to give as a gift to every toddler you know. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The creators of George Washington's Teeth unhinge the jaws of history to examine the mouth of America's first president, tracking the poor man's dental woes as he gallops to war, crosses the Delaware, and, with only two teeth left, takes his place as leader of the country. Washington was plagued by black, rotting teeth from the time he was 22, losing about one a year until he was nearly "toofless" and had to have his first dentures made from a hippotamus tusk (that's right, not wood!). Poets Deborah Chandra and Madeleine Comora begin their quirky historical tale at a lively clip: "The Revolutionary War/ George hoped would soon be won,/ But another battle with his teeth/ Had only just begun..." Indeed. Evidently he was losing teeth even as he crossed the Delaware: "George crossed the icy Delaware/ With nine teeth in his mouth./ In that cold and pitchy dark,/ Two more teeth came out!" (Cleverly, illustrator Brock Cole mimics Emanuel Leutze's famous painting "Washington Crossing the Delaware," making Washington seem more uncomfortably tight-lipped than dignified.) The story ends happily ever after with the crafting of a nice new pair of ivory false teeth that allow George to dance around the ballroom through the night. Truth be told, however, he would be deeply troubled by his teeth until the day he died. A four-page, illustrated historic timeline of Washington's life (and mouth) completes this carefully researched, very funny, charmingly illustrated picture book that works to humanize a larger-than-life historical figure and in turn, history itself. Brilliant! (Ages 7 and older) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (4)

New Perspective
An intersting new perspective on George Washington. It makes him seem more human to children. Young children are intrigued to have the myth of wooden teeth squelched. Ther book provides a historical timeline in the back. This is a great book for children of ALL ages. Even I, an older child and teacher, learned some things. I had no idea our first president was so obsessed with his teeth and that he had such an active role in the solutions to his dental problems. Highly recommended.

Everything young kids will want to know about George's teeth
There are lots of ways of chronicling the change in the national temperament, and one of them is that when I was a kid it was the story of George Washington chopping down the cherry tree that was what stood out. However, the inquiring minds of the nation's youth today are now going to be more intrigued by the legend the first President had wooden teeth, which is precisely how Deborah Chandra and Madeleine Comora, aided and abetted by Brock Cole's pictures, manages to teach young readers a nice little lesson in the finer points of historiography.

Told in four line verse, "George Washington's Teeth" relates an imaginative set of encounters between General Washington and his dentist as the number of teeth in the mouth of the Father of Our Country decreases one by one over the years leading to Independence and the Presidency. Well, that is not entirely true since the authors have Washington losing two teeth the night be crossed the Delaware, but that left him with seven at that point in American history, which is a lucky number that fits the victory at Trenton. Eventually Washington is elected President, which is good, but has no teeth left, which is bad (especially when having your portrait painted). Fortunately, he comes up with a solution.

The first part of "George Washington's Teeth" is pretty whimsical, but then the last part of the book contains a time line of important events in George Washington's life from his own letters, diaries, and accounts. However, instead of dealing primarily with the highpoints of Washington's personal and political life, we learn about what historians have uncovered about his teeth: from having already lost two teeth by the time he was twenty two and the rest were all black and rotted, to eating pickled tripe because it does not hurt his teeth, and a letter requesting plaster of Paris to make some false teeth. These are the sort of bizarre historical details that can trick young readers into thinking history is fun.

There are even photographs of Washington's last sent of dentures. For the record, they were not wooden, but carved from hippopotamus ivory, the palate swaged from a sheet of gold, and springs made of coiled gold wire. Hopefully there are some other small nuggets of historical gold that Chandra and Comora, or like minded individuals, can turn to for books in the same spirit as this one.

WELL RESEARCHED AND WITTY
Here's the real truth on our first President's tooth! No, he didn't really have a set of wooden teeth. But, poor man, the Revolution wasn't the only battle he fought. We learn in this delightfully illustrated book that from the age of 24 he lost a tooth a year. Hence, by the time he reached the presidency there were only two teeth left. (Their whereabouts in his mouth seem to be unknown).

Based on historical records as well as Washington's letters and diaries this is a sprightly, fascinating account of the root of his problem (pun intended).

Youngsters will learn a bit of history as well as enjoy a rollicking good read. For instance, they'll learn about Washington crossing the Delaware, and that he then had only nine remaining teeth. He didn't have too many teeth to chatter during the frozen winter at Valley Forge as there were only seven left.

According to a letter Washington wrote he did at one time wear false teeth secured by wires hitched around his remaining teeth. His last set of dentures were made by a Dr. Greenwood, and carved from hippopotamus ivory.

This is a well researched book complete with excerpts from Washington's letters and diaries. Witty pastel illustrations enhance the text. For all ages.

- Gail Cooke

Fantastic fun, and history too!
Comora and Chandra have made a book to delight wordsmiths and history buffs alike. A verse narrative, each stanza informs by amusing. The great craft of the poem is never visible, but always in evidence -- none of the inane repetition that often informs such efforts is found here.
The whimsical illustrations are more than fine, and laid out to support and complement, rather than compete with the words.
A true delight for President's Day, and many others besides.
Bravi! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Based on the bestselling classic, What's Happening to My Body? Book forGirls, this workbook uses quizzes, exercises, personal stories,checklists, and other activities to help girls learn about the changes that willtake place in their bodies during puberty. What's Happening to My Body?explores these physical and emotional changes in greater detail, but theworkbook/journal invites more participation, so that girls can really getinvolved in the sometimes bewildering, wonderful, and scary transformations thattake place as they become women. Written in a peppy, fun style, with a strongemphasis on honest, straightforward discussions, the workbook covers such topicsas menstruation, acne, pubic hair, breasts, growing pains, and sex, with suchchapter headings as "The Big M," "The Female Sex Organs: An Owner's Manual," and"B.O. and Zits--Is Puberty the Pits?" The information provided and questionsasked are smart, sensitive, and highly relevant to girls entering puberty.Questionnaires ask girls to decide what they would do in different situations(Jan's breasts have started to develop, but she lives with her dad and isembarrassed to ask for a bra. What suggestions do you have for Jan?). Women, doyou wish someone had given you some remotely useful information when youwere an adolescent? Do a girl in your life a favor now and give her My Body,My Self for Girls. And don't worry, boys, there's a workbook for you, too: My Body, My Self forBoys. (Ages 8 to 15) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Best Book for Us!
I've looked at a lot of books and this one is great,! Unlike other books, it does not mention anything about boys, yet. I feel like for a young girl, "Let's learn about your body first" boys later. Also unlike other books, it doesn't go overboard with talking about a first trip to the gynecologist or anything explicit about sex.

I love the workbook idea so you can compare and see where your at and maybe have some fun at guessing what part of puberty is coming next and which order it is going to happen in. Whether, it's big feet, sweating, boobs, or periods.

I bought this for my 1st daughter in 4th or 5th grade. She's 14 now and she still looks at it every now & then just to see where she's at. Now I'm getting a second one for my other daughter who will be entering 5th grade.

I love it so much mostly because it's only about girls and puberty. I don't want to overburden my girls with more than what's going on with themselves at this age. Eduction about boys & girls starts in 6th grade. I've seen plenty of other books, mostly borrowed from the library, and some go too much into detail, including a few that actually talk about "the act" and exactly how boys & girls go together complete with drawings!

THIS BOOK IS PERFECT!

Lovely and Fruitful!
This was a wonderful. The bit about the horses running in the field of corn was my favourite! Sammy the Lamb was my best character. I hated snoopy the snoop, though.

What's Happening to my body?-It taught me alot!
I am 11 years old and I am not afraid of Puberty anymore! Now that I have read this book and completed the activities, I feel great! All girls that feel puberty is a drag, or if you just need to know more, get this book! I give it a perfect 10 for outstanding achevement by the excellent author duo.

Excellent all by itself!
I bought this workbook for my 11 year old daughter without the companion "What's Happening to my Body" book. The book is easy for a young girl to understand, interspersing medical terminology with common slang (nothing crude) and it is illustrated with lots of line drawings. It is extremely comprehensive, taking what is commonly taught about puberty one step further.

My daughter really enjoyed the activities in the book, from researching the 'female' history of the family to developing new family traditions. Due to that particular exercise I now have to celebrate 'first periods' by taking my girls out to dinner when the moon is full !!! I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Sally helps young children realize a doctor's visit doesn't have to be "Ruff!"

Stephen Huneck's irrepressible canine star, Sally the Black Labrador, returns in an adventure unlike any of her previous trips to the beach, farm, and mountains. Any journey for a dog with a spirit like Sally's is sure to be filled with new sights, sounds, and smells and Sally is always to eager to explore-except when the road leads to the vet's office!

But the intrepid Sally quickly learns that a visit to the vet doesn't have to be scary. In fact, it's just one more opportunity to make new friends! Sally Goes to the Vet, featuring Huneck's warm and winsome woodcut illustrations, will reassure any young child whose pet is due for a visit to the doctor.

Praise for Stephen Huneck's books: The Dog Chapel "If you're not acquainted with Huneck, this is the perfect introduction." -Seattle Times Sally Goes to the Farm A Society of Illustrators Silver Award winner "Dog lovers and children will recognize fun when they see it." -Booklist Sally Goes to the Beach A New York Times best-seller A Parent's Choice Silver Award Winner Sally Goes to the Mountain Child Magazine Best Books A Smithsonian Notable Books ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Give this book to your vet!
I loved the first three sally books, but this one really outdoes itself. Huneck's illustrations are worth framing and thew story lends itself so well to sharing with chilren who are taking their pet to the vet for the first time.

I read this to my daughter as we brought our pet bird in for a checkup and she felt much better. Then I showed it to my vet and he had never seen another book that does such a good job of allevating a child's fear.

Can't wait for the next one! ... Read more

Amazon.com

The birds and bees have never been so hip, thanks to Esther Drill, Heather McDonald, and Rebecca Odes, creators of gURL.com and authors of Deal with It! A Whole New Approach to Your Body, Brain and Life as a gURL. As their Web site blossomed in popularity, the gURLs noticed that today's teens have the same questions about sex, love, and growing up that they had as teens. "Hearing what they had to say convinced us that there was a need for a new kind of book about being a girl, one that's smart, funny, approachable, and tuned in to the things girls really want to know." With chapters such as "Boobs," "What's Up Down There," "To Do It or Not to Do It," and "Those Sucky Emotions," the gURLs have got everything covered--with the frankness, humor, and style frustratingly absent from the majority of similarly themed books. All topics are fair game: zit remedies; a dazzling array of hair removal techniques; masturbation methods; sexual positions and orientations; what to do if you are raped; how to deal with anger, depression, and anxiety; the physical effects of different drugs; how to get along with friends and family; and more. In addition to a cooler-than-cool, color-drenched layout and loads of detailed info, Deal with It includes a ton of questions, comments, and personal advice from teenage girls who frequent gURL.com. Reading page after page of these earnest, confused, and curious young voices drives home the need for a book like Deal with It and makes clear that the women of gURL.com have met that challenge with resounding success. (Ages 12 and older) --Brangien Davis ... Read more

Reviews (72)

Very Well Written and put together
ok, this book was informative and very fun to read. .... My parents didn't know what I was getting, and I sort of didn't either. It seemed mature because of its explicit ... material .... . My parents looked at it and were very uneasy with me. I was, of course, totally embarassed. If a daughter or girl wants to read this or you want to give this to her, I do recommend you be aware of the material first. Although some can be suggestive, the rest is very informative in a fun way. The authors put together advice and opinions ... from girls and there were many funfacts ... The information was very well put together and really helps the modern teen girl of today. And its not all about sexuality and body, there are spiritual, family, friends, and school issues,and mind and brain info that is discussed. ... I was mature enough to handle it. Because of that,I found it very fun and informative. I would recommend this book ...

For ages 13 and up, I'd say
Keep in mind that this book is not something to read cover-to-cover like a novel - it is much more of a reference book. Basically, it talks about sex, puberty, and changes in the body, as well as drugs, a bit of peer pressure, and certain kinds of mental illnesses. Still, parents need to know what they are buying their girls. My mom bought it for me while I was away at camp and for whatever reason, shipped it to me while I was residing up in the Pocono Mountains. The girls in my bunk went crazy and laughed hysterically over the pictures. Then, they proceeded to pass it around the bunk and read passages out loud. Every once in awhile, a counselor would find the book wide open on her pillow, flipped to a page with some diagram on it.

Yes, THOSE kind of diagrams. Body parts.

This is info every girl ought to know about, however. Nothing really ought to be deemed controversial here. This book basically talks about life, or something like it. What goes on in this book is happening, as I speak, to girls everywhere. If you've got qualms about graphic CARTOON pictures, then do not by this book. And for mothers reading this, I suggest your girl be in the eighth grade. Or if she's 12 and mature...what the hell. They'll find out everything here sooner or later!

Bought it For Myself
I bought this book when I was a junior in High School, and I love it. I've read it a number of times over the years and I think it's the best book of its kind that I've ever read. One of my friends goes as far as saying that this book should be government issue to every girl, and I agree.

That said... This is not a book that you just hand a 12 or 13 year old girl and say "Here, this is all you ever need to know." If you are a parent buying this book for your preteen/early teen daughter, READ IT FIRST. THEN discuss the book with your daughter. The book is about FACTS, and some of them you might not like. But one other fact is that YOU are responsible for telling your child your own values. If the idea of talking to your own child makes you uncomfortable, fine, but you're the one that is going to have to deal with the consequences of your own inaction.

This book is a wonderful tool for parents, if they are willing to open their minds to accept it.

(Most of this review is based on the 'Sex' part of the book. The rest of the book should be "tame" enough by most parents' standards.)

informal and informational
This book was excellent, and I found myself reading cover-to-cover, which is usually rather unusual for nonfiction books. It tells a girl most everything she needs to know about herself; knowledge is a powerful and important thing, and lack of it doesn't bring you very far in the real world. In the real world, anyone would rather be well-informed and alive than badly-informed and dead. A definite must-read for girls of most any age.

juz great
very helpful.....touches every subject.....ages about 10-16.....moms, dont worry, now u dont have 2 talk....jus buy this n it covaz ne thing u can think of. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Journal Of Self Discovery
The book is beautifully done. However, I was sort of disappointed because of the lack of information. There are a lot of things for me to fill out but not enough stuff for me to read. However, it IS a journal but I wish it was more detailed about what it wanted me to write and such. There are some things in here you can fill in once and if you want to fill it in again, you have to erase which is sometimes a pain.

I think this book is for younger girls. If you want a mature book with a lot of good information, I would suggest The Care and Keeping of You.

Although I'm disappointed, I definitely don't regret buying it but you should have the companion book (The Care of and Keeping of You: The Body Book For Girls) first before getting the journal.

Have fun!

VERY HELPFUL!!
This book was really great! It gave important imformation about "girl" things, and I really learned a lot about growing up, changes, and just my body. It explains how to stay healthy and clean. I enjoyed reading this book a lot! It's a good idea to look in it with your mother because you can understnad it more. This book probally should be for kids ages 11 and up!!!!!
If kids under 11 years old see it, well, you need to have plenty of matureness!! I am 12 and for all you 12 year old girls out theRe, BUY THIS BOOK! ! ! ... Read more

Book Description

Kimberly Kirberger, co-author of the best-selling Chicken Soup For The Teenage Soul books and a renowned expert on teen issues, addresses the topic of body image in Loving Your Body / Loving Yourself. Many problems in girls' lives stem from a lack of self-esteem and self-love: eating disorders, depression, drug use, and more. Through powerful stories and poems from real teens, as well as personal tales and advice from the author, this book strives to help girls learn to accept, love, and appreciate their bodies--and, in turn, to love themselves.
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Reviews (7)

This is an awsome book!
This book tought me everything a girl sturgels with and how to fix the problems! Every one should buy this book. It shows you how to handle your problems without exploding over every little thing. There are so many stories about girls who have had problems that i face in life and i learn from them mistakes instead of making them again. This book is the best book i have ever read. It talks about everything... including the serch for you intersoul and inner bueaty... ( seeing whats on the inside that counts) this book it tottaly worth your money!

Awesome!
This book is my bible! i love it to death. It shows you simple things you forget back into the light and can truly change the way you think about yourself. It makes you realise that you're not alone out there with either eating disorders, abusive relationships, heart aches, suicides, or any situations that are hard to held with emotionally and physically. I've never really got into the chicken books myself, but this book took only a second to love it! i recommand this book to everyone!

A disapointment
Well, I love the Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul books, which are coathured by Kimberly Kirberger, and so when I saw this book I lept at the chance to buy it. But I felt a bit let down; I think the Chicken Soup books were MUCH better. This book is filled with input and advice from Kirberger that at times seem too fake to actually appreciate. Yes, some advice is actually helpful, but I found myself gritting my teeth at the near cheesiness of Kirberger's words... I want to read OTHER people's stories, not Kirberger's souped up advice that isn't very original in the first place--most stuff I've heard time and time again.
AND... This book is pretty narrow-minded. Basically all of it is about weight problems. Either, the person was insecure because they couldn't stop eating, or they were fat and stopped eating all together. I can't really relate, because I'm UNDERweight and always hoping and wishing that I will gain some pounds. All these girls are blah blah crying about how fat they are... but not everyone is fat, what about them? They still have insecurities that need looking at.
Some of the stories were interesting, all by someone other than Kirberger. This book focuses on too much of the same thing though and I skipped a lot of Kirberger's blah pages. If you're an OVERweight teen and need comforting, go ahead and read this. If not, skip this book and try a chicken soup one.

SAVED MY LIFE
This book was the only place that I could go that I felt safe going. I have had an eating disorder for two years now, and I had no idea that other people suffered the way I did. It helped me to realize things about myself that made me feel good. If you know a teenager that is suffering this book will help them just like it helped me.

An excellent book!
I am an English teacher who recently bought this book . I put my book purchases on my desk...and before I even read it...it was borrowed by a female student. Months went by before I even knew who now had the book in her possession. It seems that each girl handed it to a friend to read...and it went on this way for months. I finally tracked my book down, now with dog-earred pages, and started reading it. It is excellent!!! Phenomenal!!! No wonder the girls loved it. Even as an older woman (43) reading the book, there are many pearls of wisdom to be found in it for females of all ages.

This book is well worth the money...and more importantly...wonderful for a girl's self-esteem and self-acceptance as she walks the path of life. ... Read more

Book Description

Recommended by critics from every industry including- entertainment, medical and literary!Such as The Rosie O Donnell Show – Entertainment, National Oncology Nursing Society- Medical, Today’s Librarian, Midwest Book Review, Against the Grain, Today's Dallas Woman and other literary reviewers across the country!

Told through the eyes of it's title character, Tickles Tabitha's Cancer-tankerous Mommy uses candor and comic reality to dispel stereotypes and acknowledge some moody truths faced by families LIVING with cancer.

"Mommy's wig was still attached to her head, but she didn’t look so good. The wig-hair stuck out like snarled rat-tails in all directions. There was a crooked horizontal line right where her smile should be. Worst of all she was in no mood to play Tickles Tabitha."

A poignant and humorous account of a Mommy’s moodiness, caused in part by the medicine she must take to cure her cancer. It's about a family that loves one another, minus the sap. Instead it reads like it could be your family; not the family you think you ought to be. Expect young readers to ask to be tickled until their faces turn pink! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

"a special book"
I really enjoyed Tickles Tabitha and how this sensitive topic was portrayed. It really hit home and helps children along during a difficult time.

Excellent children's book
This is a humorous book that deals not just with cancer but with family life. My favorite part is Tabitha's mental picture of Daddy sitting in the time out chair. I wish I had had this book when my children where presented with a close neighbor who had cancer. Wether a child has a parent, grandparent, friend or friend's parent in their life who has cancer, this is an excellent book to use to start talking about it. Because it portrays family life in general in a funny way, it is good for any child. ... Read more

Book Description

It's time for a routine check-up with Dr. Gert Grizzly. Sister Bear is brave

about her booster shot, and Brother Bear is fine, but--achoo!--is that Papa

Bear sneezing? "A light-hearted approach to the subject with straightforward

information."--Appraisal.




... Read more

Reviews (5)

Not All Doctors Are Bad.
Most children are afraid of going to the doctor (well a lot of adults are, too, but for completely different reasons). When the word doctor is mentioned to kids images of needles, blood, bandages, and strange looking objects come to mind. Reading THE BERENSTAIN BEARS GO TO THE DOCTOR may help relieve some of the fears that children have when they know they are going to the doctor.

In the story, Brother and Sister Bear have to go to Dr. Gert Grizzly to have a checkup. Brother isn't too bothered by the whole thing, but Sister is a bit worried. The next day Sister is able to help out some frightened younger cubs while she is in the waiting room and sets an example for all the children to follow.

Overall, a delightful little book that helps relieve children's fears of going to the doctor and gives them a broader perspective about life.

Check-up
Its the cubs time for their first check-up. Sister is VERy nervous, but both of them are worried because they thing that they might get a shot.

It is a good book to read to your kids if they are going to be going for their first check-up or anytime.

Book review for The Berenstain Bears Go To The Doctor
The berenstain Bears Go To The Doctor is a great book.I especially like how it has the cubs (brother and sister) going to the doctor for a check-up. They ended up not finding anything wrong with them and getting a shot anyway so they don't get sick. It turns out that papa, whose convises them that he never gets sick, gets sick. This is a really good book and fun to read. I would recommend this book to anyone.

They are the best books!!
I love the Berenstain Bear Book Series. They are interesting, exciting and fun to read. I learn alot of new things when I read the stories. Every kid should read the Berenstain Bear Books!!! I know that every kid will love them!!!!!!!!

I like the book.
It is fun. I like it ... Read more