Reviews (1)

Clifford is always a winner...
Clifford and his adventures are always very popular in my classroom. Some may argue that many of Clifford's adventures are a stretch, they are nonetheless captavating to a young audience. In this edition, Clifford after being introdcued to the role of firefighters and the importance of fire safety gets a chance to be a fire rescue dog is his own right. The book is a great seque into fire safety and prevention. ... Read more

Book Description

Listen to your body when it's time to use the potty! When Tutter, Ojo, and Treelo have questions about going to the bathroom, Bear provides the reassuring answers and guidance that they -- and readers -- need to hear. Pip and Pop also have a great idea that will delight Bear fans who are just starting to use the potty! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A solid, but not excellent, choice
Our son is just beginning the process of toilet training. This book brings forward familiar characters. The pictures are colorful,the word choice is good and the story is good for youngsters. It gets a bit long, but my son stays with it.

I always prefer books that are board pages and not paper so we can let him have the book for his own parousal without supervision. I see this as the only drawback on what is becoming a favorite for my son.

Great for older toddlers!
If, like me, you have an older toddler, who understands the concept of using the potty, but isn't fully trained yet, this is a GREAT book! My 3 yr old daughter just loves the idea of becoming a Toileteer. We read this book every day. So far, no other book has motivated her the way this one has. However, if you are just starting potty learning, you might want to get another book to go with this one, a book that would explain more about how to use the potty. I don't think this would be an effective book for a child who had no clue what the potty was. But for a child who has the basic idea down, and just needs a little reassurance, this is an awesome book. My favorite part is the end, where Luna reassures kids that they can still be kids, and Mommy and Daddy will still take care of them, even when they use the potty.

Great Introduction to Potty Concepts
If your child enjoys books a little on the longer side, than this one might be for him/her. The story is nearly identical to the "Potty Time" video, if you have seen it. The only difference I noticed is that it also includes a brief discussion by Bear to Treelo about where it all goes (through the plumbing).
The story also includes the idea that accidents do happen sometimes (as they do with Ojo in the story), as well as what to say when you're not at home and you have to use the bathroom, and remembering to flush (along with the other processes of using the potty). Included is a special "toileteer" sticker with Pip and Pop on it.
My (just-turned) 2 year old has just begun the potty training process, and she asks me repeatedly to read this book to her while she is sitting on the potty.

reassurance rather than training
This is not a terribly effective book for training a youngster to use the toilet, but it is very reassuring and answers questions about the process. While I think it is too wordy for little ones, I like that handwashing and flushing are mentioned several times and the picture of the pipes taking the pee and poop away is interesting. Tutter, Ojo and Treelo all use the big toilet, and Pip and Pop induct them into the Toileteers. (A Toileteer sticker is included with the book.) In conclusion, Bear and Luna discuss how growing up doesn't mean you won't be cared for and loved.

Not the best book for teaching -- for that use Sears' excellent 'You Can Go to the Potty' -- but a gentle reassuring book for kids who might be a little skeptical about the whole process. Good luck, Toileteer parents!!

Great toilet-training book for parents and kids
You or your child(ren) do not have to be fans of "Bear in the Big Blue House" to use and appreciate this very helpful book. (I'm lucky that it's my 2½ year-old's favorite show). The pictures and words are uncomplicated and easy for children to understand, and I like that when covering the basic bodily functions, they used the words "poop" and "pee" rather than cutesy names. It's not really gender-specific, since it doesn't cover or show genitalia/ differences between boys and girls, but it handles everything else in a fun and educational manner. Parents may also like how it emphasizes wiping and hand washing after using the toilet, and it shows (with a clever illustration) where poop and pee go when flushed away. There's even a Toileteers Club that the characters form at the end, and the book comes with a Toileteer sticker as a bonus. There are plenty of reassurances along the way: that accidents happen, and that's normal and OK; that it's alright to leave what you're doing to go to the potty, and your things will still be there when you come back; and that giving up diapers does not mean that the other great things about being a kid--like cuddles and hugs and love from mommy and daddy--go away. The episode this is based on is also available on video, and is equally good. Very highly recommended, along with "Once Upon a Potty" (separate books and videos for girls and boys) and "The Potty Book," also separate for boys and girls. ... Read more

Book Description

Puberty can be a pain. Who needs acne? B.O.? Stinky feet? Just when you're moving from childhood to adulthood—a time a huge social, emotional, and physical changes—parts of your body betray you. Why does puberty have to make kids feel (and smell, and look) so bad?

Actually, it doesn't. Good hygiene can make a big difference in how kids feel about themselves—and how others feel about them. DON'T SWEAT IT! covers self-care from head to to—from dandruff to breakouts, bad breath to germ hands, body odor to the parts "down there," and finally, smelly feet. Fascinating facts, friendly tips, and funny illustrations combine in a lighthearted approach that kids find appealing. As they smile at the illustrations and laugh at the jokes, they learn the basics of hygiene and why it matters. Recommended for all upper elementary and middle-school students, their parents, teachers, coaches, counselors, and anyone else who cares about kids. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Yeah for Marguerite Crump (my high school b-ball coach)!
This is an excellent book for kids who may be afraid to ask questions about stuff they really want to know!I am so happy this book can be found on here.If you want your growing kids to get in the know about their health this book is for both of you!

Great book!
This book is wonderful for parents and teachers.Keep it on the shelf and allow the child to read it and discover things on their own.Very kid-friendly! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Relevant for toddlers
My 2 1/2-year-old grandson loves this book. He likes the illustrations and the simple wording. He asked me to read it over several times.

I appreciated the message because he is told to wash his hands after he goes potty, after he pets the cat and after he comes in from outdoors--and of course, before eating. I think he liked this book because he could see that the princess had to wash her hands throughout the day just as he does!

Kid Friendly and Fun!
I'm surprised that no one has reviewed this book yet, since Amazon has sold lots and lots of copies ... my guess is that most teachers (like myself) are simply too busy to stop and write reviews :o)

I received my copy of this great book in the mail today, and my kinderkids are going to love it! It's the story of a little princess who is constantly being told "Wash your hands!" The princess is playing outside in the mud ("The little princess LOVED getting dirty!") and comes inside to eat a piece of cake. Her mother, the Queen, stops her and says "Wash your hands before you eat that." "Why?" asks the little princess. "Because you've been playing outside."

The little princess dutifully washes her hands, then stops to dance with the dog and cat on the way to the kitchen. Next the cook tells her to wash her hands, and of course the little princess asks why. This is repeated several times, with delightful illustrations, to remind the little princess (and all the children who will hear and enjoy this story) that she needs to wash her hands after playing with animals, using her potty, playing outside, and sneezing.

A humorous discussion of "germs and nasties" follows, and the little princess learns that if she doesn't wash her hands, the germs and nasties "can get into your food, and then into your tummy ... and then they make you ill."

Like Tony Ross' other books ("I Want My Potty" and "I Want to Be"), this one will be a big hit with my students while sharing an important message in a way they'll enjoy and remember. ... Read more

Book Description

The picture-book branch of the acclaimed Sears Parenting Library makes its debut with these two informative and helpful books for young siblings-to-be.Baby on the Way speaks to every child expecting a new brother or sister, guiding him or her through the waiting process.What Baby Needs tells soon-to-be older siblings about a new baby's needs and demands and suggests ways that they can participate in the new baby's care.With concise, simple, and reassuring text and warm and lively illustrations, these two books by the foremost authorities on attachment parenting are must-haves for every child ready to welcome a new baby sibling. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

just right for brand new brothers/sisters
We bought theis for our 4 year old son. He loves sweet yet informateve book which I think contains just the right amount of info for young children. It also describes pregnancy and birth from children's view point such as "mommy's feet hurt just like when you squeeze into last year's shoes". This sweet book is a must for attachment parenting style families who do not want to give too much biological details to their children, say about cenception.

A must for big brother/sister
We got this book for our 4 year old daughter when we were expecting her brother. It really helped her to understand what was going on with mommy. I loved it because it was a great tool to help explain what was going on in terms she could understand.

At storytime, she always wanted this book read to her. I highly recommend this book

So-so and not for little ones
I bought this book for my 2 year old because it shows the new baby nursing, and I really want her to get used to the idea that her sibling will nurse like she did. Unfortunately, it contains way too much information for a little one and is geared too much towards what is happening to mama while she is pregnant. I mean, yeah, my stomach was upset but it's not my two year old's job to worry about it. I would have appreciated less information about pregnancy and birth and more about the actual arrival of the new baby.

I also thought it was odd that the gurus of attachment parenting put so much in this book about how mommy and daddy will be expanding the house, buying new stuff, making a place for the baby to sleep, etc. Part of the beauty of attachment parenting is (in my opinion) that all of that isn't so necessary. I am trying to get my daughter to adjust to the idea of a new baby in the family bed and this book does not address that at all.

I do read it to her occasionally, but I have to change most of the wording in order for her to understand it and I skip whole pages that just aren't relative to our lives.

You might like this book if you have a much older sibling and a big house with a nursery and a crib and all that jazz, but I don't find it terribly helpful in preparing my daughter for her new sister.

The perfect book for preparing older siblings for the baby
"Baby on the Way" is a superb book for preparing older siblings for the arrival of a baby in the house. Written by pediatrician William Sears, registered nurse and certified childbirth educator Martha Sears, and author Christie Watts Kelly, cofounder of the Memphis chapter of Attachment Parenting International, this book does an amazing job of adapting to young readers. The idea is that while the new baby is growing inside mommy's belly, her other children are also growing up and becoming an older brother or sister. Realizing that kids might be afraid to ask questions, this book compares what mommy is feeling to similar feelings children will certainly recognize. Of course there is a young boy and a young girl, so young readers will have someone to identify with throughout the book.

The major strengths of this book is that it provides both basic information on what is happening and how things are going to change with the arrival of the new baby, including "Answers for the Very Curious," as well as practical tips for having the older siblings involved. Every few pages there is a "What You Can Do" box that suggests things like visiting the doctor with mommy to listen to the baby's heartbeat, seeing if there are any toys or clothes to be shared with the new baby, and planning the baby's Birth Day part while you are waiting for the baby to come. The illustrations by Renee Andriani are well-suited to the task and the back of the book includes a short course on Attachment parenting and a list of resources, both written and on-line.

We did okay with preparing our son for the arrival of his sister, emphasizing how this was going to be "his" baby and how he had to be careful because he was so big and she was so small. Of course, she fully exploited this advantage and when we had our third child the first two were not too sure about it. Having a book like this back then would have been a thing of good because preparing the old ones for the new one is a big deal. "Baby on the Way" is a very impressive, loving approach to this age old problem.

Expecting another child? This book is for you!
When parents bring a new baby home to their family, there will be many sleepless nights, midnight feedings, lots of dirty diapers... These changes will no doubt affect mom and dad's world. But if they already have children, their world will change as well...especially if they are still young. How can parents help their children adjust to havng a new baby in their home?

The book, "Baby on the Way," from the famous Sears Children's Library, is a wonderful way to help children understand everything about their new baby brother or sister. The book begins with some helpful tips for parents and caregivers, and then tells the story of the new baby's beginnings...in the mommy's belly. The book "talks" to your child, and explains what it will be like before and after the new baby is born. There are ideas throughout the book that tell children "what they can do," and shows them ways that they can be involved in the new baby's life. The end of the book contains information about "Attachment Parenting," and helpful resources for the new parents.

My ParenTime highly recommends "Baby on the Way" - it's written so that even very young children will find it easy to understand; the illustrations are colorful and descriptive; and it makes it easier to explain to children, how this new life will be changing theirs forever. My 6 year old really enjoyed this story :-). ... Read more

Book Description

Blue, Steve, and all their friends are making treats for a special snack party, and there is a lot to do! Preschoolers can help count ingrediens, follow recipes, and play a delicious round of Blue's Clues. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

lift-the-flap and recipes make a winning combination
Blue is having a snack party. All her friends are bringing snacks. We discover what each is by lifting flaps that show the ingredients and recipe with the finished dish underneath. These are healthy snacks made by Steve, Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper, Mailbox, Tickety Tock, Shovel & Pail, and Magenta. In the meantime we help Steve solve Blue's Clues to discover what snack Blue will bring. A final picture of everyone with their snacks suggests the upcoming party will be festive indeed.

A nice addition to the Blue's books. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Itchy, Itchy Chicken Pox
My daughter and I have enjoyed reading this book numerous times. The theme was very appropiate recently when there was an outbreak of chicken pox in her school. The story highlights different aspects of chicken pox and help to prepare or soothe a child who has been exposed and/or fighting the "itch" battle. This is a good book for beginning readers because of the repetiveness and flow of the text. I would strongly recommend this book to beginner and not-so-beginner readers. ... Read more

Book Description

What does an elephant do? It stomps its foot. Can you? From the creator of such beloved classics as The Grouchy Ladybug and The Mixed-Up Chameleon comes this interactive story that invites kids to imitate animal movements. Watching giraffes bend their necks or monkeys wave their arms is fun, but nothing could be better than joining in. From their heads down to their toes, kids will be wriggling, jiggling, and giggling as they try to keep up with these animals!Alligators wiggle, elephants stop, gorillas thump, and giraffes bend. Can you do it? ‘ I can do it!’ is the confidence-building message of this fun-filled interactive picture book. A variety of familiar animals invite young children to copy their antics, and as they play, they will learn such important skills as careful listening, focusing attention, and following instructions. Just as alphabet books introduce the very young child to letters and simple words, From Head to Toe introduces the basic body parts and simple body movements. And in the same way that children progress from understanding simple words to reading and writing sentences and stories, so they will progress from simple body movements to dancing, gymnastics, and other sports and activities, with confidence and pleasure.

Eric Carle's colorful collages have delighted children for more than a generation. Each book provides hours of fun while encouraging them to stretch their imaginations. His matchless words and illustrations now send out a new challenge:
Are you ready?
Here we go!
Move yourself
From Head to Toe.

A Main Selection of the Children’s Book-of-the-Month Club ... Read more

Reviews (17)

What an entertaining book...!
My 16-month old daughter loves to turn her head, wave her arms, raise her shoulders, with the colorful animals in this book. Excellent book to teach children body parts, movements and animals. (She surprised us one day by thumping her chest when she saw a gorilla picuture somewhere else.) I also read this book to her classmates in a play group and they all loved it, too. Have fun "bending your knees" with your kids!

One of Eric Carle's best!
This is a fantastic book! The large, colorful pictures and the simple, clear text keep children bending and stretching right along with the animals! Still, unlike many of the reviewers who loved this for their one-year-olds, we found that this book didn't work for my active, not very verbal daughter when she was one (even though she sat for other books). We pulled it out again around the time she turned 2 and she LOVED IT. This book was a huge hit. Now at almost 4 it is still one of her favorites. Even if she's tired at bedtime she gets on the floor to do her donkey kicks along with the donkey! My older daughter also reported that this was one of her preschool teacher's favorite storytime books. I would say that for many children this book, despite it's deceptively simple pictures and text, is more appropriate for older children (age 2-4). This is a book I buy all the time for 2nd birthdays - It's always a hit! (especially good for active kids who prefer being "active" listeners!) This is an excellent choice for a book that will last kids for years!

A surprise favorite!
OK, I admit it. This book was a gift, and not one I would have bought for my son. I completely failed to see its charm.

That is, until I read it with my one-year-old son!

"From Head to Toe" was an instant hit and the first book that made Jack laugh out loud! He asks for it over and over again, and before too long, he was making the signs along with me as we read. And shortly after that I had to laugh out loud when I saw him "reading" the book to himself, making the signs and saying "I Can Do It!" on each page!

I highly recommend this book for older babies and toddlers. Mamma may not be enchanted at first -- but I'll bet your little one will shwo you just how much fun this book really is!

Gets kids who won't sit for books to ask for this one
This book worked wonders for my children when they were about 15 months old up through 24 months old. At that time neither were interested in sitting and listening to stories but this book was terrific -- it gets them up and moving while learning different body parts. Awesome!! They thought beating their chests like a gorilla was hilarious. Head to Toe was a wonderful introduction for our children on following a book from beginning to end and opened the door for bedtime stories and more.

Great book
Though I don't recommend it for bed time, this book is great fun for the kids to do the things asked of them in the book. They move their heads, kick feet, etc. My kids really enjoy it. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Makes children's hospital visits easier
If you have a child who is apprehensive about going to the hospital, this is a good book. It teaches children about how a hospital functions and why we need it.

Children's tale
My little neighbor used to hate going to the doctor's but when I went to babysit her, and read her this book, she exclaimed that she wanted to go there more. I truly am touched by the fact that she wanted to go then. I reccomend this book to little kids because they are normally the most afraid of going to the mean old doctor's office. "Enchanting"

A fun loving childrens book.
My brother used to hate visting the docter, and now after he has read the book he can't wait to go and see him again. This book helps little children like me go to the docter with no worries and know that it is for our own good. I recomemd this book to every little kid from a toddler to bigger kids. ... Read more

Book Description

Sensitive and encouraging, Puberty Survival Guide for Girls is an easy-to-read resource for young girls who are anticipating the many physical and emotional changes that accompany puberty.

Author and practicing gynecologist Dr. Eve Ashby, offers practical and reassuring answers to the many questions that a girl will have as she enters this often confusing and tumultuous time of her life. A veritable “owners manual” for the young female body, Puberty Survival Guide for Girls deals with the issues of self-image and hygiene in a tactful and supportive manner. In a question-and-answer format, Dr. Ashby approaches a variety of topics, including:

· Acne
· Menstruation
· Height and weight spurts
· Female anatomy
· Diet and exercise

Interspersed with quotes and questions from girls Dr. Ashby has met through her medical practice, Puberty Survival Guide for Girls gives voice to the uncertainties faced by adolescent girls. With clear explanations of sensitive and sometimes embarrassing issues, Puberty Survival Guide is an excellent educational tool that will help any young woman gain a better understanding of the changes she will encounter during puberty.

Reviews (3)

mother and daughter quality time
My daughter and I loved this book.It has quality information in a great question and answer based format.Dr. Ashby has very good insight into the questions a young lady has, as well as, the information that a Mother wants to tell her little girl about puberty and the changes her body is going through.

Couldn't put this one down!
What a great mother/daughter book!I showed this book to my daughter and before we knew it, we had read the entire book together! We then spent hours talking! I am going to buy a bunch and give them to friends!Loved it!

This book helped me understand my body.
My father gave me this book and I wished I had it sooner because it explained alot of things about my body and how I am changing. I haven't had a period yet but this book explained how it happens and why being a woman is so special. ... Read more

Book Description

In her long-awaited new novel, Newbery medalist Karen Cushman assembles a cast of unforgettable characters in a fascinating and pungent setting: the medical quarter of a medieval English village. To Blood and Bone Alley, home of leech, barber-surgeon, and apothecary, comes Matilda, raised by a priest to be pious and learned, and now destined to assist Red Peg the Bonesetter. To Matilda"s dismay, her work will not involve Latin or writing, but lighting the fire, going to market, mixing plasters and poultices, and helping Peg treat patients. Matilda is appalled by the worldliness of her new surroundings and yearns for the days at the manor when all she did was study and pray. Lonely and misunderstood, she seems destined for a fate as tragic as that of any of the sharp-tongued saints she turns to for advice.

Filled with the witty dialogue and richly authentic detail that Karen Cushman"s work is known for, Matilda Bone is a compelling comic novel about a girl who learns to see herself and others clearly, to laugh, and to live contentedly in this world. Author"s note. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Not what I would call a "MUST READ"...
Matilda lives in Blood and Bone Alley, where she serves Peg the bonesetter. Matilda is very unhappy in her new life as a bonesetters assistant. Before moving in with Peg, Matilda lived in a manor where her life was filled only with prayer and study. In Peg's home she is expected to go to the market, tend the fire, and help treat patients. Surrounded by people who laugh and joke instead of pray and study, Matilda feels alone and misunderstood. She longs for her former life at the manor. But she cannot return to that life, and thus Matilda struggles to find contentment in her new one.

While I enjoyed reading about life in Blood and Bone Alley, I did not like Matilda as a character or a person at all. While the setting and story are interesting, the overall disgust I felt with Matilda often overshadowed my enjoyment of the novel. This is a good book for someone who is interested in medieval times, medieval medicine, or in historical fiction and has a few hours to while away.

Life lessons
Father Leufredus has taught Matilda how to read, speak, and write Latin, how to read and write in English, information about various saints, how to pray in different positions and at several times during the day, how to judge, all about the countless things that are wrong and bad for her, but he hasn't taught her how to listen, to love, to laugh, to dream, or to give of herself. He hasn't taught her what a friend is, or what it feels like to belong. But when he drops her off to apprentice to Red Peg the Bonesetter on Blood and Bone Alley, Matilda's journey to learning how to LIVE life, to find her talents, her heart, her friends, her home - where she belongs - has finally begun.

Light reading
Matilda Bone brought me mixed emotions. I loved the medieval setting, and the lessons on medicine, but that's about as far as it goes. Matilda is, to put it plainly, a spoiled brat. She is rude, narrow-minded, and very tedious to trudge through the story with. Her change of heart at the end is more of a relief than heart-warming. If not for the setting or a fairly humorous band of characters, I probably would have given the book up. I didn't, and I'm somewhat glad.

Matilda Bone is good for light reading, but don't expect to be sitting at the edge of your seat or fighting back tears. The book is still but a seed in a field of ever-growing fantasies.

Life on Blood & Bone Alley
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I have read two other books by Karen Cushman (Catherine, Called Birdy & The Midwife's Apprentice), both of which I have loved. This book has also gained the same special place in my heart.

Matilda, who was used to a fairly easy lifestyle following the teachings of a priest (she takes her religion very seriously); arrives at Blood and Bone Alley (the community where you can find Bonesetters, Bloodletters & Barbers)and she is more than disappointed and offended. Desperately awaiting her most respected priest's return, she starts to find herself thrown into the life of a bonesetter's helper. Through this she experiences what she had never experienced before - people, and people different from herself.

I found Matilda's journey of self-discovery and realization of the human heart entertaining, thoughtful and at times, funny. It's a good book.

Entertaining, Relevant, and Educational
As done before in The Midewife's Apprentice, Karen Cushman again creates a historical fiction novel for young adults called Matilda Bone. She constructs a young, female protagonist, Matilda, who is struggling for identity and companionship all the while showing historical facts. She develops a beautiful integration between the fictional plot and the historical facts, which are nearly inseparable. While learning about medieval times and medicine, the reader will become entwined into the story and will connect with Matilda even though she's in a completely different time period.
Throughout this novel, the reader will gain knowledge and information about the practices and culture of Medieval England. Cushman uses a variety of techniques to integrate historical facts. First, she uses setting as a way of showing the reader what it would be like to be on 'Blood and Bone Alley,' a fictional street in this medieval town. "And so many buildings: Houses and shops crowded together, leaning higgledy-piggledy against each other and away, to the left and to the right; taverns and inns, dark and crowded and ominous; churches with their bell towers pointing up to heaven" (Cushman 21). After being sent here, Matilda is left to work for the bonesetter, Peg. This is quite culture shock for Matilda from the proper life that she had living under Father Leufredus. She'd been educated in Latin, and Cushman includes some Latin words throughout the text to add more historical aspects to this novel. For example, Cushman will use Latin words with English translation following close behind. "[M]isericordia, distress of the heart" (82). Cushman also presents factual information through terms that are relevant to this time period. Bleeders, leeching, apothecary, bonesetting, and many tonics and potions are just a few of the terms included throughout the novel to show and explain what medicine and life were like in Medieval times. Some of these terms might be unfamiliar to the reader, but these terms give an opportunity for research. Learning about these facts will add to the reader's understanding of the times and practices.
Even though the reader is learning about bleeding and leeching, he/she will be able to connect to the story and identify with the main character. Matilda is a girl who feels abandoned and alone. Due to her mother's desertion and her father's death, Matilda is left in the hands of Father Leufredus. He's now left her to be of help to the bonesetter, Peg, while he is away in London. Matilda's loneliness is portrayed so that the reader can understand and sympathize with her. "Never had she felt so alone. If only she could talk with her holy priest, she would be comforted, but she could not" (40). Another way that the reader will connect with Matilda, even though they are in two different time periods, is Matilda's search for her own identity. She had been told what to believe, so she had never considered what she thought. Anyone who thought differently than Father Leufredus was in the wrong, and she was unable to accept any other perspectives. Matilda's own view and thoughts develop throughout the story and show her awakening to her identity. "Love brightens and purifies the heart? Never had she heard such a thing from Father Leufredus. She was beginning to think there was much she had never heard from Father Leufredus that she would like to hear now" (119-120).
Overall, this book is accurate and a wonderful piece of historical fiction. The only aspect of this book that might be a deterrent is the negative portrayal of religion and the church. Cushman uses Father Leufredus as a figure that Matilda modeled herself after. Her own identity comes when she realizes that there is more to life that what he's taught her and that different types of knowledge are possible. Other characters in the book tell her to forget about what he's told her because it's not all true. But, the reader might get confused with these negative comments. It is important that the reader sees that it's not religion or the church that is incorrect but that it's Matilda's unwillingness to accept anything but that of what she's been taught.
For example, when Peg was treating a cat, Matilda didn't want to be involved. "Truly you should not be treating cats, Mistress, Peg. Father Leufredus says a cat is cane pejor et angue. That means worse than a dog or a snake" (39). Obviously, the reader is going to realize that treating cats is all right. But, if the reader assumes that Father Leufredus (and the church) are incorrect, this could develop negative views toward the credibility of religion. Cushman tries to somewhat counteract this through the character of Walter, a young man around the same age as Matilda, but this might be a bit unsuccessful. He tries to show that there is more to God and faith than what Father Leufredus has taught her. " 'What about God's love?' God's love. Walter must know a different God than she did, remembering Father Leufredus's warnings about Hellfire and punishment and God's anger" (136).
This novel would be a great asset to have children read when studying the Mideval times. Not only will the children learn historical facts and practices, but also they will be able to identify with the main character and the people of that time. The story line keeps interest, while teaching new terms. ... Read more

Book Description

Armed with the wisdom of both specialists and those who have "been there" themselves, readers with ADD can approach the prospect of college with confidence. This concise handbook is packed with practical information and advice for the smoothest possible transition to college life. Substantially expanded and revised, with chapters written by physicians, psychologists, and educators with expertise in ADD, this new edition of ADD and the College Student provides a wealth of information including:

· Getting in to the college of your choice
· Locating and making full use of resources on campus
· Personal commentaries from college students with ADD
· Securing learning accommodations that highlight your abilities
· Your legal rights as a student with ADD
· Working with an ADD coach
· Life-style habits for your success ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great book!
this book is great! It's like it was written special for me!
now if i could only sit and actually read it ...............

VERY HELPFUL RESOURCE for STUDENTS!
Patricia Quinn, MD has put together a helpful, concise, easy-to-read book that addresses the problems which may develop for students in high school and college. Each chapter is written by a different specialist who offers information on their specific topic. I recommend this book to all my ADD teenaged clients whether or not they want to go on to college. It is an extremely helpful resource.

Very helpful for student and parent
This book helped identify gifted students with ADD who were not doing well in college. The checklist included was helpful for the student in his consultation with the physician who was treating his ADD. The physician liked the checklist so much that he asked to copy it for his files! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Balto: not just for kids
We purchased this book after seeing the real Balto (courtesy of the art of taxidermy) at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Our quest in Northeast Ohio, where Balto enjoyed his senior years, was prompted by my seven year-old daughter's love-affair with the animated film about this dog, who navigated a lost sled team carrying life-saving medicine through Alaska in 1925. I hereby confess publicly that, after myself reading the book, which is aimed at the 9 year-old set, I cried, much as I had done 35 years before after reading "Lassie Come Home." This account, however, is much more compelling than "Lassie" or "Old Yeller," because it entirely factual (possibly excepting the subjective thoughts imputed to the protagonist).

The author did her homework researching this story about a sled dog who was just one of the pack facing poor odds against daunting weather and unrequiting expanses of blinding snow and ice. When the alpha dog loses the trail, and another refuses to lead, the team turns to Balto to bring them and their cargo safely to rest in Nome.

Perhaps Balto deserves an authentic, grown-up biography, but this one will serve in the meantime. It appears to be the definitive account.

A teacher in PA
This is an excellent book if you are interested in the Iditarod race in Alaska.The book helps young children understand the importance of perserverence and is a great introduction to history for the very young (6-8).A true story that inspires people to understand the bond between animals and people. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Preschool perfection!
A beautifully illustrated book. Accurate and colorful. My class of preschoolers related to it wonderfully, using it as a guide for their own Yoga poses. They invented several and we took pictures to add to this stunning book. This Yoga work interested and calmed some of my more challenging students. Well worth the investment of money and time. Highly recommend.

Took it out from the library, then bought my own copy.
This book is *truly* worthwhile. I took it out from the library (along with a number of other children's yoga books) and found it superior to the rest.

It contains very clear pictures of an object/animal on one page, alonng with a brief comment/question to ask a child, and the other has a child in a similar pose, wearing similar coloured clothing.

There is also suggestions for yoga poses for various aliments, headache, etc.

I am on a *tight* budget, but ordered this book after my first reading of it. What better recommendation do you need?

Buy this book, and everyone at work will think you are cool.

Won a national award from the School Library Journal 1998
This is a fabulous book visually; with large color photos of the animal/object and children in the pose. It is also full of new information and poses created by the author. It won a national award for one of the best children's books of 1998 from the School Library Journal. I highly recommend it!!

excellent
This book is now available. It is a beautiful book with color photos throughout and new poses and games to play. Many poses were created by the author. Children ages 3-12 will enjoy learning new poses from this book. There is also information for teachers and parents. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Commonsense guide, appealing to a variety of ages
This book gives clear, concise descriptions of how a child or young adolescent might handle the unexpected--embarassing, frightening or even life threatening situations.

Each situation is briefly stated on a single page in large type. The next page gives clear instructions on how to get the situation under control and when to call for help. Some of the situations include: dealing with an electrical blackout, being followed by a stranger, finding an injured animal, and what to do when a friend appears to have sustained a head injury.

I showed this book to children of varying ages. It elicited interest from children as young as six and as old as high school. One bright six-year-old buried himself in the book, sounding out the hard words because the information made him feel empowered. Older children picked and chose which situations they read but liked the straightforward approach.

This book would be good for a general population of children and young adolescents. However, it would be especially helpful to children who have social skills deficits.

Great choice for special education teachers and SLP's
This is a good tool for a special education teacher or Speech language pathologists' bag of tricks. It works great with small groups of students and can be adapted for classroom discussions. It is especially useful when working with children who have pragmatic difficulties.

Good book, but some parts are more appropriate for older kid
I thought it was good book, giving guidence to kids in some common and not so common situations. However, I believe some parts are more appropriate for older kids.

This was a good common sense book for kids except page 116
This book is part of our school's family peace backpack along with a video, popcorn, and info on how to get along. There is an error on page 116 of the 1990 version. It mentions that you should put petroleum jelly on ticks to make them get off you. It does not work, the tick has plenty of oxygen, it will not suffocate. It may delay a person using tweezers to get the tick off and the person could get a disease from the tick. I have not seen the 1991 version to see if this has been corrected. Thank you ... Read more

Book Description

Little Bunny has a brand-new purple potty! Kids will love lifting fun flaps to help Little Bunny with each step of using the potty, then delight in picking out their favorite reward stickers for giving it a try themselves! There are also stickers for extra toilet paper and -- what else? -- big kids' pants!

Lisa McCue's adorable fuzzy characters and wonderful, childlike text make this book a warm and welcome introduction to using the potty. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Good for my kid!
My daughter loves this book and she has really bought into the reward system with the stickers. She loves the flaps and wants all of the same rewards that the Bunny receives (clapping. lollipops and stickers). Little bunny and her baby sister are helping her to realize that she is not a baby anymore. The visuals of the diaper changing, trash can, toilet and sink have also peaked her interest. She has been bringing us the book and asking to use the potty. She's not trained yet, but she went from balking to trying.

entertaining for tots
My son loved the book, even though the book suggests that the charecter is a girl (I read it as boy). Opening the flaps kept him entertained. Stickers were a good incentive.

Lift the Lid, Use the Potty
This book was absolutely wonderful. I wish I'd had it when my own kids were little. My granddaughter learned potty training very fast. She loved the stickers for rewarding her progress.

Only for little-potty users
It's great having a lift a flap book for toilet training. However, we plan on having our daughter use the big toilet (with a seat adapter), and not a child's potty which is what this book is written for. (It describes the mommy emptying the contents of the potty into the big toilet.) Good book if this is what you're going to use for your child.

A reward system for using the potty...
This is a cute book. There are several flaps on each page, so if your child likes this type of book, it will keep them entertained. Not for hours, but they won't want to get off your lap halfway through. The pictures underneath the flaps are good. However, we have a little boy that is learning to use the potty. There is a reference that the bunny character in the book is a girl. It hasn't been a problem at our house, but it might be for someone else. The stickers are a bonus. Put them away from the book so each sticker is a reward. Otherwise you will use all the stickers at once! ... Read more

Book Description

Look at me --
I'm growing!

With her trademark simple words and delightful pictures, Aliki explains how and why we grow. Our arms and legs, our hair and toenails, our muscles, bones, and skin all grow from the moment we are born.

Some people grow faster than others; some people grow more than others. With the help of good healthy food, we all grow in our own way and at our own speed.

It will happen to you, too!

Reviews (1)

Good Lesson
This book was about how and why children grow. There are great pictures, charts and diagrams to help the author explain that children's bones, organs and even teeth grown and change. She explains that correct nutrition and proper care is needed in order to allow your body to grow and for you to be healthy. The book goes on to say that when you are older your bones may stop growing. However, your hair and nails keep growing. Brandenberg explains very simply what the young readers can expect as they grow.
The main reason why I liked that book was because in the story the author tried to get the point across that everyone grows at different rates. Some people's hair grows faster or they may lose their baby teeth before all the other kids. Also, boys may be shorter than girls when they are young but soon they will be taller than their classmates. It would have been nice to be reassured when I was the littlest in the class that soon I would grow, it will just take time and care.
The author highlights the importance of eating healthy if you want to be big and strong when you are older. She shares with the young readers why their bodies are changing and what they can expect in the growing years to come. ... Read more