Mommies Magazine

Book Reviews: Mama, If You Had a Wish

Posted on 16. Oct, 2009 by Angel Lynn Diamond.

This story featuring Mama and Little Bunny will tug at your heartstrings. Little Bunny puts Mama through a series of questions on if she wishes that Little Bunny were different in some way. Of course, Mama loves Little Bunny unconditionally and loves him just the way he is. As Mama reassures Little Bunny how special he is and how she loves him exactly as he is, Little Bunny is obviously content with this. Mama’s affirmation of love is exactly what Little Bunny was looking for.

This is a must have on your bookshelf. I remember the first time that I read this book to my child he smiled the whole way through it. The combination of Robin Spowart’s illustrations and Jeanne Modesitt’s story make this book gentle and touching. Even though we tell our children and show our children how much we love them every day, they sometimes need to know and hear that our love is unchangeable no matter what. They need to know that in the eyes of the people that are closest to them they are accepted and loved just the same. This story is best for ages 3-6.

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Guess How Much I Love You? By Sam McBratney

Posted on 21. Sep, 2009 by Angel Lynn Diamond.

This beloved book has been around for a very long time. I had purchased this book for my little boy and read it to him often when he was young. When nighttime came he knew it was time to read our bedtime story together and he often would pull this one out of the bookrack in his room. When I was finished reading it to him he had requested on numerous occasions to read it again. He never tired of it.

This story is about Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare trying to let each other realize the essence of their love and devotion towards each other through comparisons of their undying love. The father and son dialogue is tender and endearing as the younger hare tries to avoid his bedtime just for a few more minutes.

As this book is out-of-print and currently only available through sellers who currently own the book it would be a treasured item for your book collection to hand down through your future family generations. This book has received rave reviews and is worth trying to obtain. It is a book that children will want read to them over and over again.

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The Happiest Toddler on the Block: Has It Worked for You?

Posted on 18. Sep, 2009 by Sarah Valek.

Confused about how to handle my 19 month-old son’s newfound emotional outbursts, I picked up a copy of Harvey Karp’s book The Happiest Toddler on the Block. (Karp authored the popular The Happiest Baby on Block book, which brought swaddling and “sushing” into the mainstream and helped a slew of parents calm colicky babies.)

In his book, Karp compares toddlers to little Neanderthal cave-people, explaining that they’re prone to being selfish, needy and are the spitting image of Bam-Bam from The Flintstones. Toddlers are in the process of evolving from uncivilized cave-people to (somewhat) civilized children. In other words, they’re seemingly annoying behaviors are completely normal and to be expected.

But how do we deal with them? Karp advises talking in “Toddler-ese,” a way of talking using very short phrases and repetition, during a tantrum. At the same time, he says to repeat what your child wants (even if he can’t have it). For instance, if your kiddo wants a cookie but you want her to eat dinner, say, “Cookie? Cookie? You want cookie? Now? Cookie?” Talk reflecting 1/3 of your child’s emotions. In theory, your child is supposed to see that you “get it”—that her attempts at communication are paying off, even if you’re not giving in. When she calms down, you tell her, “No, no cookie. Dinner first.” And then distract her or offer her a compromise.

I started using this technique on my son. He wanted to stay outside and play but I wanted him to come in for a diaper change. As he was screaming to stay outside, I said in a rushed, anxious voice, “You’re mad! Mad! Mad, mad, mad! You want to play outside!”

He didn’t calm down. He just got more red in the face. Now, I’m not saying this disproves Karp’s theory. Hardly! Maybe I just have to perfect my Toddler-ease and be less self-conscious of myself.

So, what do you think? Does Karp’s theory work? Does anything calm tantrums or are they just par for the course?

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Edward and the Pirates by David McPhail

Posted on 14. Sep, 2009 by Angel Lynn Diamond.

Do you have a little boy, or perhaps girl who loves “all things pirate”?  I had one in my house years ago. I purchased this book for him knowing it would be a big hit. Having a craving for reading himself, he could relate to Edward in the book who also loved to read.

Written and illustrated by award-winning creator, David McPhail, the drawings are highly imaginative and creative. With just enough mystery and intrigue this book is a hit with most children, especially the little ones who cannot get enough to read and the young pirate enthusiasts.

The message of reading and library usage is clearly given here without insistence. The way that the message is sent through this story will encourage your child to further their reading adventures. This book is an excellent addition to your child’s book collection and may very well turn out to be a favorite. It became a favorite amongst my child’s books. This book is best suited for the approximate ages of 4-8. This book is great to give as a gift to your child or another child in your life.

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Helping Children with Grief

Posted on 28. Jun, 2009 by Angel Lynn Diamond.

When Someone Very Special Dies:  Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief by Marge Heegaard is an outstanding book to use to help the child that has experienced the loss of a loved one.  I cannot say enough good things about this profound book that made an impact on my heart while using it with a child in my life.  Ever so deserving of its rave reviews, Marge Heegaard, has helped countless numbers of children through her insight of what will help children to best express themselves.

It is known that children best express themselves through drawing their feelings out on paper.  This 32-page workbook gives children the opportunity to express themselves on paper in a non-threatening environment on a one-on-one type basis.  As you turn each page a thought provoking question is asked with plenty of available space for the child to draw out his or her answer to each question.  This workbook is best worked on over a period of time so as not to overwhelm the child.  As the child works through each page the opportunity to discuss each aspect of the deceased is wide open and available.  This wonderful book should be on the bookshelves of everyone who is involved with children.

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Getting Fit With Leslie

Posted on 21. Jun, 2009 by Angel Lynn Diamond.

Leslie Sansone, the remarkable and inspirational fitness expert, is the author and instructor of many books and fitness DVDs.  Leslie is the founder of the phenomenal indoor walking program that has been proven to be a success.  Leslie uses her Christianity to appeal to a wide audience.  She captures the hearts of others and guides those who are making the attempt to live a more fit and healthy lifestyle.

Walking the Walk:  Getting Fit with Faith is a truly inspiring book that tells you how to break free of bad habits that we all possess.  It also tells you how to become stronger and more physically fit using Leslie’s 30-day program.  Leslie speaks on nutrition and weight loss and uses scripture to inspire your walk to a healthier life.  This faith-based book gives you facts and testimonies from Leslie’s fans.

Many women have successfully lost weight through diet and walking with Leslie in her dynamic program.  Leslie speaks to millions with her encouraging words and no pressure instruction.  This book is a truly wonderful resource to the many women who are out there trying to take hold of their health and be in control of their bodies.

For more about Leslie visit her website at www.lesliesansone.com

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“Chicken Soup for the Soul: Twins and More” Is Coming!

Posted on 29. Jan, 2009 by Susan Heim.

If you’re a twin, a parent of twins or even just fascinated by twins, you’re going to love the upcoming book, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Twins and More. This is Chicken Soup’s first book about the growing world of twins and multiples. I had so much fun putting this book together. This wonderful collection of 101 stories highlights the special bond that twins share, the joys and challenges of raising multiples, the unique circumstances of their arrival, the double trouble that twins get into, the multiple blessings of being a twin or having them in the family, and adventures in raising triplets, too! Chapters include:

1. Expecting Multiples
2. Sleep Deprivation
3. Seeing Double
4. A Special Bond
5. Twin Trials
6. It’s Triplets!
7. Grandparenting Twins
8. A Different Path to Parenthood
9. Double Trouble, Double Fun
10. Lessons Learned

Here’s what people are saying about Chicken Soup for the Soul: Twin and More:

“Like the song says, ‘I’m So Excited’ that Chicken Soup for the Soul: Twins and More is here! I have always been excited about our twin boy, Conor, and girl, Ali. They are everything and more when it comes to raising both genders. They are the other music in my ears and my heart. They bring me life-changing melodies. Raising twins is a song I’m still learning to sing.”
—Ruth Pointer of The Pointer Sisters

“As a journalist covering breaking news around the globe and mother of two young daughters, I thought I was juggling a lot—until I had twin boys! Chicken Soup for the Soul: Twins and More is funny and moving, insightful and inspiring. Life with twins is a chaotic, wonderful, joyful experience—and this book captures it perfectly!”
—Soledad O’Brien, CNN journalist

“What a blessing Chicken Soup for the Soul: Twins and More is to our family. With Tom being on the PGA Tour, we don’t always have the gift of time to pause and count our blessings. Our two sets of twins sure do keep us hopping! When I do find the time to cuddle up and read, this is the book I grab. It allows me to laugh, cry and reflect on the beautiful gifts that twins give so effortlessly. Thank you for speaking for us all.”
—Tom Purtzer, PGA Tour Professional, and his wife, Lori Purtzer

“In countless nations, we have witnessed an insatiable fascination for twins. Even we, being identicals, marvel at the God-given uniqueness of our twinship. Dive into these intriguing first-hand accounts in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Twins and More. You will laugh. You will cry. Your heart will be stirred. Read and be doubly blessed.”
—Janice and Faye Rostvit, international singers, composers, recording artists, and co-authors of Twin Reflections

“As a mom of twins and owner of a greeting card line for twins, I can’t get enough of the subject of twins! So I was the first in line when I heard that Chicken Soup for the Soul: Twins and More was coming out! This is a wonderful read, and an excellent addition to the growing line of products available for families of twins and multiples.”
—Angelice Tyson, founder, Gemini Greetings

“As a child development specialist, I thought I knew all about bonding by studying the beautiful mother/child bond. But when I became the mother of identical twin girls, I learned about a bond that is unlike any other. I’m continually amazed by the unique connection shared by my girls. Chicken Soup for the Soul: Twins and More is filled with stories that showcase this mysterious and wondrous relationship between twins.”
—Holly Engel-Smothers, coauthor, Boosting Your Baby’s Brain Power

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Twins and More will be published on March 10, 2009, but you can pre-order it now for a great price on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online retailers.

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