Mama, If You Had a Wish

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Retail Price: $5.99

Amazon Price: $5.00

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.

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.

Guess How Much I Love You

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Retail Price: $10.35

Amazon Price: $14.22

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?

The Happiest Toddler on the Block, Vol. 1

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Retail Price: $25.95

Amazon Price: $24.99

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.

Edward and the Pirates

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Retail Price: $16.99

Amazon Price: $12.23

When Someone Very Special Dies: Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief

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Retail Price: $9.95

Amazon Price: $9.95

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.

Walking the Walk (w/DVD): Getting Fit with Faith

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Retail Price: $19.99

Amazon Price: $13.59

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

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.

The Japanese craft books, Sock and Glove presents thirteen delightful softy projects that are quick to make, and certain to amuse and delight. Full of individuality and mischief, these stuffed creations are all pieced together from ordinary socks, gloves, and mittens. Step-by-step illustrations and instructions make it easy to craft and dress a whole menagerie, including monkeys, elephants, piglets, bunnies, and fish.

Don’t let the projects fool you. The projects are addictive, fun, cheap to make; and they are full of personality and easy to customize. The book even has a gentle little story that weaves the reader through the menagerie of characters, far beyond your average sock monkey.

You will find that these stuffed buddies are easy to make and even easier to love.  Charming to adults and children alike, these unusual creatures make perfect gifts and inspiring companions. There is no way you can go wrong giving away these delightful beauties.

Sock and Glove is a winner in the eyes of many parents because it provides ideas for stuffed animal projects that are sure to be a big plus with the kids. Even Teachers and Bible School Instructors can benefit from having a copy of Sock and Glove.

Don’t hesitate to add this to your craft project book shelf. You will not be sorry. Now you really can so something with all those socks whose mates just disappeared.

“One of the prevalent features of life with an angry or controlling partner is that he frequently tells you what you should think and tries to get you to doubt or devalue your own perceptions and beliefs,” he writes. “I would not like to see your experience with this book re-create that unhealthy dynamic. So the top point to bear in mind as you read [this book] is to listen carefully to what I am saying, but always to think for yourself.”

Bancroft relates to the reader with empathy and sensitivity.

Each year in the United States, two to four million women are assaulted by their partners and that at least one out of three American women will be a victim of violence by a husband or boyfriend at some point in her life.

Why Does He Do That? Inside the Minds of Angry Controlling Men is a great resource that covers:

• Early warning signs
• The Abusive mentality
• Ten abusive personality types
• Problems with getting help from the legal system
• The complex process of change
• 17 myths about abusive personalities

This book is great for helping professionals, emergency shelters programs, and those who are around or live with angry and controlling men.

Here’s a book that I had the pleasure to review a few days ago. I must say this is a book that I recommend EVERY parent purchase for their children, because it’s that good!

The 4 Little Pigs is a book for children that discusses financial values. Recently winning a Moonbeam Children’s Book award in the non-fiction picture book category, Jeanette Ramnarine, author, mother and teacher for thirteen years, takes us on a journey with her family.

This gorgeously, full-colored illustrated book (illustrated by Franfou) tells the story of how Jeanette and her husband have been teaching their children about money.

Four piggy banks have their own particular role, Spending, Saving, Sharing and Schooling. By using the piggy banks, children can make financial decisions that will not only help them with math skills, but also give them the ability to think about the decisions they make and provide them with wonderful financial tools they will need in the future.

I’ve wanted to do something with my own children to teach them financial values, and after reading this book, I now have a solid plan in place that I think will work great for my family. At this point in my children’s lives they think money grows on trees. By using the concept discussed in The 4 Little Pigs, I know it will open their eyes and help them truly understand the value of money.

My oldest son is excited about starting this and we’re going to purchase his very own piggy banks to start him on his way. With the example that Jeanette provided near the end of the book, I am able to determine how to break down his weekly allowance.

To reiterate what I said in the beginning, I recommend The 4 Little Pigs to Every family that has young children.

To learn more about Jeanette Ramnarine and The 4 Little Pigs visit http://fourpiggies.com