I began my career with children as a preschool teacher and then as a pediatric nurse. In retirement, my love for kids and children's literature has led me to write stories that make kids laugh, feel loved, and inspire a sense of joy and wonder in the world. I especially love stories where animals, especially dogs, birds, and even fireflies are the main characters and tell the story. And, I believe that part of appreciating the world and making it a better place is celebrating cultural diversity. That's the theme of City Market! There's just no substitute for reading to children. The benefits are truly endless and will last their whole life long.
Kendal takes his friend, Sam, on a tour of his favorite place; City Market! Sam is a first-time visitor and enthralled with all he experiences in the market's intriguing international ambiance. They visit the Bakery, the Coffee Shop, The Italian Groceria, buy spices, listen to street musicians, and more! Come along with the boys as Sam discovers the world close to home. The City Market is a real market located in Kansas City, Missouri, as are all the shops and characters!
I love stories where animals are the main characters and kids do, too! Robert McCloskey's tale about Mr. and Mrs. Duck taking their ducklings across Boston to the pond in the public garden is sometimes harrowing, entertaining, and always charming. Published in 1941, it is a classic in children's literature that simply doesn't grow old, by one of my favorite children's authors. I remember Captain Kangaroo reading the book on TV to me, I read it to my preschoolers, and naturally to my own kids...more than once!
This brilliantly illustrated, amusingly observed tale of Mallards on the move has won the hearts of generations of readers. Awarded the Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children in 1941, it has since become a favourite of millions. This classic tale of the famous Mallard ducks of Boston is available for the first time in a full-sized paperback edition. Make Way for Ducklings has been described as "one of the merriest picture books ever" (The New York Times). Ideal for reading aloud, this book deserves a place of honor on every child's bookshelf.
This is another classic tale, originally published in 1933. Despite its publication decades ago, the story remains relevant which puts it in the classic category. It was read to me in kindergarten and when choosing what books to read to my preschool classes seventeen years later I fondly remembered Ping. Ten years after that, I was reading Ping to my kids. Its main characters are Ping, a young duck, and a Chinese boy who wants to save Ping from becoming the family's dinner. The plot occurs on the family's fishing boat as the boy is faced with a difficult dilemma that will save the duck's life. I think it's important that kids hear stories about children making difficult decisions who live in other cultures. The universality of such experiences unites children everywhere.
"Kurt Wiese and Majorie Flack have created in Ping a duckling of great individuality against a background (the Yangtze River) that has both accuracy and charm." -- The New York Times
The simplicity of the story and the collage illustrations are perfect for the youngest children. They will connect with Peter's experience of having to share something he values very much. They will experience how Peter works through his feelings with the help of a loving and supportive family. This is one of the first preschool books that I found to feature an African American family.
From the Caldecott Medal-winning author of The Snowy Day, Ezra Jack Keats, Peter's Chair is a picture book classic about a sibling rivalry.
Peter, the hero of many of Ezra Jack Keats' award-winning books, has a new baby sister. When she arrives, his parents paint his old baby furniture pink for the new baby. There's only one thing they haven't painted yet, though: his little blue chair. He'll do whatever it takes to save it-even run away! This is a gentle and reassuring story about sibling rivalry and a perfect gift for any family expecting a new baby.
As a child, I sang along with the song of the same title; the thought of picnicking teddy bears was totally enchanting! This book brings the haunting song to life with luminescent watercolor illustrations depicting fun-loving bear families in the mysterious woods. When I discovered this book I bought it immediately for my preschool daughter. Reading the story we both wanted to be part of it! The day ends as it should for bear children, making it the perfect 'before bedtime' read for human ones.
This true story is about the endearing and lasting friendship between two dogs who become separated when one is sold to a dear friend of the owner. Strangely enough, the dog who stays behind has never barked, and as time goes by it becomes apparent that he never will. That is, until he is reunited once again with his friend! The story will bring a smile to your heart and face. My own dog, her best friend, and this story inspired me to write a series of dog stories about friendship, also based on true events. The dogs show a model of friendship for us all.
"One nice thing about a country vet is that there are so many interesting things to see when I visit the farms..."
The captivating story told within these pages is certainly one of the most entertaining that this vet has ever encountered. Gyp is the sweet but silent sheepdog who is separated from his favorite puppy playmate at a young age. The two are reunited later-with a surprising response from Gyp.
Accompanied by the delightful artwork of Peter Barrett, James Herriot's Only One Woof will prove to be a treasured favorite with children and adults alike.
For decades I have volunteered in different capacities, helping the hurting and those living on the margins by tutoring and teaching literacy to the formally incarcerated or homeless, teaching parenting in a maximum-security jail, and teaching ESL to resettled immigrants. Because my own suburban father fell into homelessness at the end of his life due to depression, job losses, divorce, and more, I feel tremendous compassion for anyone in this situation. And as the mother of four grown sons, we filled our home with books—especially books that taught compassion so our sons would grow into men with big hearts towards others. I believe we succeeded.
Eleven-year-old Sierra just wants a normal life. After her military mother returns from the war overseas, the two hop from home to homelessness while Sierra tries to help her mom through the throes of PTSD.
When they end up at a shelter for women and children, Sierra is even more aware of what her life is not. The kind couple who run the shelter, Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin, attempt to show her parental love as she faces the uncertainties of her mom’s emotional health and the challenges of being the brand-new poor kid in middle school. The longer she stays at the shelter, the more Sierra realizes she may have to face an impossible choice as she redefines home.
Eleven-year-old Sierra just wants a normal life. After her military mother returns from the war overseas, the two hop from home to homelessness while Sierra tries to help her mom through the throes of PTSD.
When they end up at a shelter for women and children, Sierra is even more aware of what her life is not. The kind couple who run the shelter, Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin, attempt to show her parental love as she faces the uncertainties of her mom’s emotional health and the challenges of being the brand-new…
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