Feature Articles: Bookworm

Bookworm

“Just Like You” Teaches Children to Value Differences

By Mari Gold

Reports of childhood bullying are in the headlines. Kids pick on others because they don’t act the same or have some distinguishing feature or attribute that singles them out as different. Children want to be like their contemporaries and, when someone isn’t, the temptation to bully often rises. Advocate against intolerance and give customers a way to do the same with Just Like You, a story that aims to explain what being “different” is about to young children. Stock this informative, easy to understand book and help everyone spread the word that we are each valuable in our own, particular way.

Bookworm

Meet Some of Nature’s Most Fascinating Critters

By Mari Gold

What do turtles and humans have in common? Why don’t jumping spiders need to look over their shoulders? Can squirrels really fly? These intriguing questions and many more are explored in Curious Critters, a picture book for kids by photographer David FitzSimmons. The book, published by Wild Iris Publishing, contains stunning images of animals that many never see, including the red flat bark beetle and the Eastern spiny soft-shell turtle. Each photograph is accompanied by information, told from the critter’s perspective, to educate and entertain young readers.

Bookworm

“'Butterflies In My Stomach” Cures School Daze

By Stephanie Hanlon

Parents will always remember their little one’s first day of school: picking out a favorite outfit, taking lots of pictures, and waving as their child sets off on new experiences. Few parents know what’s going on in their child’s head as they face the rather intimidating first day. Even though a child may beg every day to ride the big yellow school bus, actually looking up at it can be a daunting prospect. Even more nerve-wracking is going to a big building with new people, teachers, and authority figures. Butterflies in My Stomach and Other School Hazards by Serge Bloch helps to ease the fears of elementary school attendees.

Bookworm

“Shepherd” Tends to Little Lambs with Love

By Mari Gold

At one time or another, even the most-cherished child may feel he or she isn’t worthy of being loved. Maybe a big brother has been unkind to a younger sibling and been reprimanded. Or, a kid gets angry at the playground and is given a time-out under Mom’s not-too-pleased eye. For a story that helps build self-esteem while pointing out that everyone deserves love no matter what difficulties have transpired, consider Dorothy and the Good Shepherd, the first title in the Lamplight series from Cane Creek Publishers.

Bookworm

The “I Like Book” Keeps Thoughts of Love Alive

By Kelly Lee

“Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” Had Rudyard Kipling been one of the greatest psychiatrists of our time, he could not have distilled the essence of communication any more clearly. The words we use in everyday life are vital to building solid relationships with those around us. As parents of two growing boys, entrepreneurial couple Meredith and Lance Looney have developed their ideas on the most important way to nurture a close, joyful family life by letting their loved ones know that they are important, welcomed, and loved. With this in mind, the I Like Book was conceived and published in 2010.

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Bookworm

Explore the World with Bella and Harry

By The Giggle Guide

According to Lisa Manzione — mother, children’s book author and advocate for geographic literacy — if today’s kids are going to be well-equipped to thrive in our global economy, learning geography is paramount. Manzione’s most recent book, The Adventures of Bella and Harry: Let’s Visit Paris! relates the adventures of two Chihuahuas, Bella and Harry, as the pups and their family tour Paris and discover the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, French cuisine, and more. Illustrated by Kristine Lucco, the book won the coveted Children’s Literary Classics Seal of Approval and was also an International Book Award Finalist.

Bookworm

“Doodleday” Lets Imagination Run Amok

By The Giggle Guide

A childhood without doodles is like a childhood without creativity, imagination and laughter. What child hasn’t imagined their drawings coming to life, and what parent doesn’t proudly display a child’s doodles on the fridge? The book Doodleday by Ross Collins is perfect for art-loving kids, and makes an ideal gift when accompanied by a sketch pad and crayons. Doodleday stars Harvey, a young lad whose mother is leaving him for the afternoon. Little Harvey has only two instructions: do not disturb your father and do not, whatever you do, do NOT draw on Doodleday!

Bookworm

“I Love to Swim” Teaches Water Safety

By Kelly Lee

Summer has unofficially started, and families are gearing up for some hot times by the cool pool. Others are heading out to one of thousands of beautiful sandy beaches and lakes. Together with all the sun, fun and splashing good times, however, water can be dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control, drowning is the second highest cause of death in children under 15 years old. Rita Goldberg, a former national swimmer in Britain, provide families with much-needed advice and expertise that she brings from her years as a swimmer and an instructor in her fun, fascinating and informative book, I Love to Swim.

Bookworm

Usborne is On Track for Reading Fun

By Kelly Lee

Usborne Publishing has been in the business of popular, serious fun since 1973, and has lovingly nurtured its vast array of enjoyable, educational books. Usborne is known for its charming, hands-on “Fairies” book series that encourages play and learning as well as its beloved “Farmyard Tales” collection. Its newest addition, the “Books with Wind-up Toys” series, sweeps away the protestations of even the most stubborn young reader: these books have toys! Not only does each colorful tome come with a wind-up toy, but each toy can be used inside of the book as the story progresses, keeping little hands busy and eager minds occupied.