Mother’s Day From a Child’s Perspective

There’s a lot to be said about the value of Mothers. I heard an NPR report the other day that estimated that mothers work 100 hours a week, and if they were paid the current salary for all the jobs they performed they would earn $270,000 a year. But of course, mothers don’t get paid for being mothers, well except for a few fringe benefits—like the well timed kiss or hug from an adoring child.

Gratitude—it’s a gift that small children still value, yet somewhere along the way consumerism seems to seep in corrupt this still pool of satisfaction. I noticed this while reading a selection of new Mother’s Day books from HarperCollins. They desperately addressed the same issue: Mom doesn’t really want something for Mother’s day. What she longed for the most was love and appreciation.

In Daine de Groat’s book, Mother, You’re the Best! (But Sister, You’re a Pest!), Gilbert the opossum searches for just the right Mother’s Day gift. In this hardback picture book designed for ages 3-8, Gilbert’s little sister Lola keeps upstaging him. In the end, his quest to keep his sister preoccupied turns out to be the perfect gift. This adorable book not only suggests that the best Mother’s Day gifts are free, but address sibling rivalry as well.

Another humorous Mother’s Day picture book, T. Rex and the Mother’s Day Hug by Lois G. Grambling, pokes fun at the bigger is better mentality that tends to get so many of us in trouble. As T. Rex considers his gift giving options, his mother assures him that a big hug is more than enough. But T. Rex wants to do MORE: a strategy that hasn’t really worked out for him in the past. Although T. Rex goes overboard yet again, in the end he manages to get it just right.

However, the mother themed picture book favored by my three-year-old daughter was a cherished classic: Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother Too? (Spanish Edition). This fabulous book features Eric Carle’s timeless illustrations and embraces the simple premise that everyone has a mother giving young readers a moment to reflect on what it means to have a mother.

And that’s all we really want—to be appreciated. As I was writing this post today, my daughter woke up and brought me a simple card and gave me a big hug and kiss. Jewelers will tell you we deserve diamonds, florists will recommend flowers, and connectionists will tell you we crave chocolates, but gratitude is the greatest gift of all—both for the giver and recipient. Although we do deserve diamonds (about 270,000 dollars worth each year), love is priceless.

Does the Easter Bunny Need GPS?

Someone at HarperCollins must have read my post Put Books in Their Basket because a package of Easter themed books magically appeared at my front door—the Monday after Easter. Opps. Perhaps the Easter Bunny took a wrong turn somewhere between New York and Miami.

Even though the holiday is over, I think some of these books are still deserving of mention. Some of the titles transcend Easter (like the fabulous book How Big is God? by Lisa Tawn Bergren) and are worthy of full fledged reviews. Therefore, I will post individual reviews of those books in the near future.

Some of the other titles are representative of the creative methods used to engage young readers, and I will discuss them briefly here. Although, I will reference some specific titles, this posting is meant to bring awareness to learning styles rather than individual books. I’m sure you will be able to find a seasonal substitute for any of the examples mentioned below.

As learners, we all process information using a combination of three methods: visual, auditory, and tactile. Individual learners often favor one method over another; however, they are rarely aware of it. As an educator (and a mother) I am always looking for ways to try to engage all three of these methods simultaneously. Here as some books that help young children do that.

Biscuit’s Pet & Play Easter: This is one of those ‘touch and feel’ board books. Although my daughter is three, she still loves these books. The texture fully engages a child’s tactile response while the pictures stimulate the visual. By reading these ‘touch and feel’ books to your child, you can also engage audio learning as well, creating a three-fold learning experience. The textures are also great for stimulating conversation and, therefore, critical thinking skills.

Berenstain Bears’ Baby Easter Bunny: This is a ‘lift-the-flap’ or ‘peek-a-boo’ book. Again the movable flaps engage the tactile learner. It also encourages critical thinking as the flaps provoke a child’s curiosity and he considers what may lie underneath.

Bedtime Prayers/Everday Prayers: These two books are published by Harper Blessings. These two books use an image substitution method for young readers. Certain words repeated throughout the book are represented by illustrations–a key in the front of the book clarifies their meaning.

Here’s an example. The first prayer in Bedtime Prayers reads:

I see the moon,
And the moon sees me,
God bless the moon,
And God bless me.

In this prayer the word ‘moon’ has been replaced by the illustration of a little crescent moon, allowing young children to ‘read’ long before they have acquired letter recognition. Most parents can tell you that small children have a desire to read long before they have the skills. They will often memorize their favorite stories and ‘read them’ out loud to others. By utilizing image recognition, young children can ‘read’ much earlier, gaining a sense of accomplishment and encouraging a stronger relationship with books and reading.

As the example above illustrates, these prayers also utilize rhyme, which will help to fully engage audio learning. The rhyming makes the prayers easier to memorize and paves the way for future phonics skills.

Now that Easter is over, you may not be able to find all of these titles at your local bookstore, but as I mentioned, you should be able to find a seasonal substitute. You can also find holiday titles year round from online book retailers. I like to have a selection of holiday themed books that we rotate, since anticipation often creates greater interest.

If you have a favorite books that utilizes any of these learning methods feel free to share them in the comment section below.

Children’s Book Review: Fancy Nancy: Bonjour, Butterfly

Jane O’Connor. Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. Fancy Nancy: Bonjour Butterfly. HarperCollins. 32 p. Ages 4-7. ISBN: 9780061235887 (ISBN10: 0061235881) $16.99

Do butterflies speak French? “Maybe” says Fancy Nancy, the endearing character created by Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser, the bestselling team behind the 2007 Quill Award nominated Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy. Bonjour, Butterfly is the latest in the Fancy Nancy franchise, and a picture book triumph!

Fancy Nancy and her friend Bree LOVE butterflies. One might even call them exquisite (a fancy word for beautiful), especially if you’re a young girl with a penchant for glamour. With Bree’s birthday right around the corner, what better way to celebrate their love of butterflies than with a Butterfly Birthday Bash, complete with a butterfly birthday cake! But when her mom tells her she can’t go because of her grandparent’s very dull wedding anniversary, Fancy Nancy isn’t mad—she’s furious! Fear not, life sparkles with more surprises than an iridescent butterfly wing, and soon Fancy Nancy is having a fabulous time.

I absolutely adore this picture book. The artwork is lavish and the use of language is divine, making it a feast for the eyes and the ears.

Glasser’s technical ability is stunning as her detailed illustrations enrich the stories theme and adds depth to an already charming story. In one scene Fancy Nancy models her fancy butterfly costume for her younger sister. In the background three pictures (evidently drawn by Fancy Nancy herself) hang on the wall. The descriptive caption in the first picture reads “PLAIN Caterpillar,” the second reads “EVEN PLAINER cocoon,” and finally, the third reads “FANCY Butterfly.” In the foreground, Fancy Nancy stretches up on her tippy toes, a blanket puddled around her feet. Her little sister sits on the floor completely wrapped in another blanket, watching Fancy Nancy with an expression of obvious admiration. This adorable image suggests that Fancy Nancy is just starting to emerge from the cocoon that still swaddles her younger sister, adding a subtext to O’Connor’s narration.

O’Connor clearly understands the relationship children have with language. The author makes no attempt to talk down to her young readers. The story is liberally sprinkled with a plethora of fancy words, often defined by Fancy Nancy herself. Children love elaborate words and enjoy using them correctly. (I recall my kindergarten fascination with the word ‘obstinate’; a word that expressed so much more than just being ‘stubborn.’)

Along with the challenging vocabulary, O’Connor’s writing captures the ups and downs of pre-school emotion in all of its delightful detail and drama. Fancy Nancy is a character parents will recognize and small children can relate to. The theme of finding joy despite disappointment is one that will resonate with both reader and listener, and provides a platform for further discussion.

I highly recommend Fancy Nancy: Bonjour, Butterfly. It’s a delightful combination of rich art and literary expression.

Children’s Book Review: The Dog Princess Fairy Tails

The Dog Artist Collection. The Dog Princess Fairy Tales. HarperCollins. Ages 3-6. ISBN-0060783105 (ISBN 13-9780060783105) $16.99

Move over Paris Hilton, there’s a new pampered princess in town—a pampered puppy princess that is. This pampered puppy princess is far from petty though, she has her . . .  um . . . priorities straight (sorry—the alliteration is positively contagious).

The Dog Princess Fairy Tails is the latest book by The Dog Artist Collection. This modern fairytale is both empowering and endearing. The story of the pampered princess (with a pink limousine) is told through precious puppy photos. When the pampered princess begs her Fairy Dogmother to send a handsome prince to the grand ball, she gets “EXACTLY” what she wished for. Oops. What will a ballroom full of pampered princesses do with just one Prince? Well tell him to “go fetch,” of course. The pampered princess pals decide to play nice and have a slumber party instead.

Using unique angles and special lenses, The Dog Artist Collection captures the quirky humor of our favorite four legged friends. These dogs are featured on postcards, in calendars, and as plush animals world wide. They also appear in the picture book, board book, and paperback versions of The Dog From Arf! Arf! To Zzzzzz.

My three-year-old daughter loves this book. The photos keep her giggling from cover to cover, while the positive story reinforces the value of friendship, independence, and appreciating what you already have. The puppy photos are enhanced with illustrative effects that transform these adorable doggies into fair tale princesses. Although these puppies are bejeweled, they’re not afraid to break a nail. When they lay down for their beauty rest, they dream of things like soccer.

This simple story will really resonate with parents who want to foster female femininity and strength. The princess puppies are bedecked with boas and jewels, while demonstrating that style can have substance.

The world play and alliteration throughout the book makes the story fun to read out loud and enjoyable for young ears. The large print makes it easy to read while holding the book at arms length and the pink photo captions that accompany each photo are short enough for pre-school children to memorize, allowing them to read along before they actually master reading skills.

This picture book will be a fabulous addition to any child’s library, especially puppy loving princesses.

For more information on The Dog Artist Collection, visit their website at www.thedog-club.com.

Book Review: Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook

So how are those New Year’s resolutions coming along? Yeah I know. While some of us are struggling along, others have already given up. We always start with the best intentions, but well, then reality sets in and we fall right back into old habits.

Did you resolve to eat healthy or loose weight? Well if you did, I have a great book for you: Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook. Honestly, I can’t speak for the diet itself (featured in his New York Times bestselling book Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Diet), but I can say I love the cookbook.

As a mom who is always looking for ways to reduce the sugar intake of my family (we have a history of diabetes in the family), I jumped at the opportunity to try Dr. Gott’s new cookbook.

In Part I, Dr. Gott takes a moment to clarify the difference between simple and complex carbohydrates as well as some of the myths surrounding artificial sweeteners. The goal of the No Flour, No Sugar diet is eliminating the two biggest sources of empty calories—white flour and refined sugar. Part II contains over 200 recipes, with categories that included: Breakfast, Snacks, Appetizers, Soups, Salads, Wraps, Entrées, Side Dishes, and Desserts.

I was a little skeptical of the recipes at first, especially when I read the Banana Muffin recipe. Can you imagine? Dr. Gott proposes a Banana Muffin with absolutely no flour and no sugar. Made with egg whites, apple sauce, bananas, and oatmeal and a few other ingredients, the recipe conjured images of a heavy granola bar rather than a fluffy muffin. Let me tell you, I was pleasantly surprised with my first half batch. (I admit, I was too skeptical to even commit to an even dozen). The Banana Muffins are sweet and moist and certainly cater to my morning pastry craving.

After such a successful trial run, I was excited about the rest of the recipes, none of which have disappointed. One of my favorites—No Flour, No Sugar Pizza! With a crust made of cooked rice, eggs, and shredded cheese, it may sound like a soggy alternative, but that is far from the truth. This pizza rivals the gourmet thin crust pizza I’ve eaten in New York. Even my husband and picky three-year-old love it!

Although Dr. Gott does caution diabetics to follow their doctor’s nutritional advice, my mother (a diabetic herself) was my co-taster throughout my review and is so thrilled with the results she’ll be purchasing her own copy of the cookbook.

Dr. Grott’s No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook not only serves as an excellent complement to his already popular diet plan, it’s also an excellent resource for those of us who are trying to reduce their consumption of processed foods—like refined sugar.

Book Review: How Not to Look Old

Krupp, Charla. How Not to Look Old. Sprinboard Press.  232 p. ISBN: 0446581143 (ISBN-13: 9780446581141) $25.99

I admit, I’m part of that aging generation x. Like most moms, I often choose comfort over style, and my muscle tone resembles the firmness of an over ripe banana. Fortunately, many of the determined ladies of the baby boom generation are not buying into the “growing old gracefully” mantra, leading the charge on the new ‘how old is she?!’ revolution. Take a look at the red carpet and you’ll see how many women still manage to look young and hip into their forties and fifties. Of course, you may be thinking, with an expensive stylist—I could look fabulous, too. You’re right. We can all look fabulous. If you can’t afford that expensive stylist, try picking up a copy of How Not to look Old, by Charla Krupp.

Ok, some of you might think it odd that I, of all people, would endorse a book that focuses on the superficial. In an ideal world, image would not be an issue. But let’s face it, we don’t. As author, Charla Krupp points out, “Studies on attractiveness have shown that people who are better-looking, younger, and slimmer are more likely to get a job and keep it—as well as win friends and influence people.” Looking your best also affects your self-confidence, and ultimately your performance.

Charla Krupp is the former beauty director at Glamour, senior editor at Instyle, and beauty editor at People: Style Watch. Along with her current fashion column in More magazine, Krupp regularly appears on style segments for the Today show.

In How Not to Look Old, she dishes on industry secrets for looking young and hip at any age, from forty to sixty. The subtitle reads: Fast and Effortless Ways to Look 10 Years Younger, 10 Pounds Lighter, 10 Times Better, and pretty much spells out the objective. With nineteen chapters covering hair, makeup, skin, teeth, nails, wardrobe and accessories, information is organized in an easy to find format, with plenty of bullet points and photos.

Each chapter also has a section called ‘Brilliant Buys,’ listing effective products from various price ranges. Krupp doesn’t subscribe to the price equals quality formula. Krupp has personally tested each product and recommends a few that give you the biggest bang for your buck.

Don’t have time to make a huge commitment to your personal image? Fear not. Krupp has designed her book with high, medium, and low maintenance options. A quick quiz will tell you what level of investment is right for you. Yes, I used the word investment, because that’s what it is—an investment that pays of in self-esteem and first impressions.

We all have an image, one that is either consciously put together or one that we allow to develop by default. If you want to create an image that allows your inner youth and vitality to manifest on the outside, you’ll love How Not to Look Old. Krupp delivers her advice in a straight forward ‘girl, I’m going to give you the truth’ sort of way. She’s very frank about why baby boomers (and aging gen x-ers like me!) can’t afford to let themselves go: “For our generation, looking younger isn’t just about vanity . . . Looking good is about our personal and financial survival.”

If you want to age fabulously instead of gracefully, I highly recommend Charla Krupp’s new book. It’s one of the best was to make a proactive transition from your trendy twenties to young and hip thirties, forties, and fifties.

Book Review: Piece of Work

Zigman, Laura. Piece of Work. Grand Central Publishing. 304 p. ISBN: 9780446696005 (0446696005) $13.99

What a piece of work! Laura Zigman had me hooked from page one:

It was around ten-thirty that bright April morning and, as usual, Julia was allowing herself to be bossed around by a three-year-old. She liked to think of it as a choice since it gave her the option of maintaining a shred of dignity in the face of frequent humiliation and subjugation. Toddlers, she remembered hearing someone say, were like big tyrants of tiny countries . . .

Mom’s everywhere will relate to Julia’s bitter sweet joy of underappreciated servitude. Zigman’s humor is a salve for wounded female egos. Like many modern women, Julia Einstein left a flourishing career to stay at home and raise her child, but when her husband’s unemployment forces her back to work, Julia is faced with heartbreak and resentment.

In “Piece of Work,” Zigman captures the reality of contemporary motherhood. Torn between the love for her son and the need to provide for her family, Julia is forced to accept a job she would have considered a demotion three years earlier. The business world is unforgiving and a three year hiatus has cooled her résumé, but juggling the responsibilities of housework and childcare has kept her sharp.

Re-entering the world of public relations, Julia soon discovers that dealing with the self-centered ego of a toddler bares a striking resemblance to ‘has been’ celebrities. Stuck with a difficult client, Julia desperately tries to balance her personal life and work responsibilities.

Piece of Work is fast paced and entertaining, while maintaining the poignant emotions that women will relate to. Zigman has created a multi-faceted lead character that represents the very essence of womanhood. Julia Einstein is a complex mix of confidence and insecurities that is touching and familiar. Zigman beautifully captures the tension between a woman’s need to assert herself as an individual and the longing to connect with others.

The skill with which Zigman captures the everyday reality of a three-year-old is astounding, and the relationship between mother and child is so convincing that I feel like the author has been spying on me.

Thematically, Zigman does a superb job of illustrating the shifting realities of women. Career women, who choose to stay home and raise children, do not fall into a black abyss of non-existence, but merely step into an alternate existence. Many women (taking their cue from employers) often underestimate their value when re-entering the work force. Zigman draws a parallel between domestic and business responsibilities, with the transference of skills moving in both directions.

Zigman also manages to address these issues without being heavy handed. Piece of Work will pull you in with its snarky drama and endear you with its sharp wit. It’s a story that will be hard to put down and harder to forget.

Book Review: Eleanor Vs. Ike

Gerber, Robin. Eleanor Vs. Ike. Avon A. 352 p. ISBN: 9780061373213. (ISBN10: 0061373214) On Sale; 1/8/2008

The Iowa caucus takes place tomorrow, and the nation is a buzz with politics. In eleven short months we Americans will vote for the next President of the United States. With candidates like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, it could be a very historic event.

From George Washington to George Bush, forty-three citizens have had the awesome privilege of serving in the highest political office of our nation. Although you may not know all forty-three presidents by name, one thing is certain. They’re all men. Why?

Washington insider, Robin Gerber, tackles that very issue in her new historical ‘what if’ Eleanor Vs. Ike. An expert on politics and women’s leadership, Gerber crafts an ingenious novel about the presidential campaign of former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.

Eleanor Vs. Ike envisions a world in which the Democratic party actually nominates a female candidate for the President of the United States—in 1952. The election quickly becomes an iconic clash between Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt and the World War II General Dwight David Eisenhower, informally known as Ike.

In her run for president, Eleanor must navigate the tough foreign and domestic issues of her time: the unpopular war in Korea, the homeland security issues of communism, the demand for better health care, and growing racial tension. Then of course, there is the other issue: gender. Like any presidential campaign, Gerber’s historical fiction is laced with the scandal and innuendo that feeds political maneuvering.

In Eleanor Vs. Ike, Robin Gerber weaves a plot-twisting imagination with historically grounded facts to create a page turning novel and an entertaining civics lesson. Her premise is plausible and her characters feel authentic. This book is more than just a good read; it’s a catalyst for needed conversations. Why hasn’t a woman been nominated for the presidential candidacy? When will the country be ready to elect a woman for Commander in Chief? Do short term goals always trump long term goals in politics? As women, what is our political responsibility?

Gerber’s clear voice and bold vision makes Eleanor Vs. Ike a novel every registered voter should read.

Book Review: Merry Navidad

Ada, Alma Flor (Author), F. Isabel Campoy (Author) and Viví Escrivá (Illustator). Rayo.  64 p. ISBN: 978-06-058434-4 $16.99

We are more than labels: Caucasian, Hispanic. I’m American. My husband is Cuban. Yet, even those descriptions are superficial. Born in New England, I grew up on a rocky terrain of changing seasons, while my husband came into this world under a tropical sun on an island subjected to fickle Caribbean winds. Yet our homelands tell only of our childhood. Who we are goes back even farther. My ancestors sailed to the new world on the Mayflower, while his family tree extends back into Moorish Spain.

As adults, sights and sounds often trigger memories from our childhood, a childhood that does not stand isolated in time. It is a childhood influenced by the memories of those before us. It’s little wonder that language and holiday traditions are so fused with emotion.

My husband and I view the unique cultural make up of our family as a blessing, but it’s also a challenge, for we are emotionally invested in our language and in our holiday traditions. Just as our daughter is growing up bilingual, she is also growing up bi-cultural. When Audra Boltion of HarperCollins sent me a copy of Merry Navidad, I was thrilled.

Merry Navidad, is a bilingual holiday book for children ages 5-10. This book based on Spanish and Latin American Christmas carols is co-written by award winning, internationally published authors Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy, with English adaptations by Rosalma Zubizarreta.

Merry Navidad is not a musical songbook. The villancicos (as they are called in Spain), read like poetry and are adorned by the beautiful color illustrations of Viví Escrivá. Six of the songs include musical notations in the back of the book, but not full arrangements.

Obviously, the focus of this book is not musical interpretation but acknowledging and synthesizing the complexity of the eclectic nationalities that fall under the generalized North American term “Hispanic.” An introduction and nine brief holiday descriptions create a rich cultural context for nineteen poetic verses.

Merry Navidad makes a thoughtful gift for families steeped in the merging Spanish/English speaking world, promoting cultural awareness and understanding in a linguistically inclusive format. Whether your child speaks Spanish, English, or learning both simultaneously, this book validates the importance of linguistic heritage and honors the emotional tie that we have both to language and holiday traditions.

Book Review: Darwin’s Paradox

Munteanu, Nina. Darwin’s Paradox. Dragon Moon Press. 320 p. ISBN-10 189694468X (ISBN-13 9781896944685) $19.95

If you read the acknowledgements at the front of Nina Munteanu’s latest book, you’ll realize Darwin’s Pradox is more than just a fast paced eco-thriller. Among others she thanks her high school English teacher, A.E. Whittal, for teaching her “the importance of metaphoric writing.”

The Victor Frankl quote at the front of the book, “What is to give light must endure burning,” is the first indication of the numerous paradoxical references you’ll find throughout the book, as Munteanu sets the stage for a story on the verge of transcending its genre.

In Darwin’s Paradox, Julie Crane is civilization’s darkest pariah and only hope. The alpha patient who carries a highly evolved virus, she is blamed with the death of thousands and the murder of law enforcement officials who tried to detain her.

We first meet Crane in the wilderness where she ekes out an existence with her husband and daughter. However, her reoccurring nightmares and the desire to protect her family agitate her growing sense of restlessness. When her highly evolved senses warn her that they are being followed, watched, perhaps even hunted, Crane decides she has no choice but to face the past.

Returning to a populous devastated by the virus that still resides deep within her, Crane finds a civilization struggling in the grip of a new uprising. Proteus is not a passive virus but an intelligent one, and it has joined forces with the ‘artificial’ intelligence that keeps the city running. In order to save her family, Crane must join forces with the manipulative individuals who ruined her life.

Like any ambitious eco-thriller, there is a lot of science underscoring the plot, but Munteanu does a great job of breaking it down into bite size portions that even the uninitiated can swallow.

The page turning pace subtly weaves expositional elements through a storyline propelled by action and mystery. Blurring the line between good and evil, Munteanu creates characters as paradoxical as the storyline itself.

Darwin’s Paradox also boasts a cast of exceptionally strong and complex women whose relationships intertwine and evolve like the deadly virus that binds them together. From the chair of the governing body, to Julie’s daughter, each of these characters serve pivotal roles throughout the book.

To give it depth, Munteanu has built her eco-thriller on a solid foundation of natural philosophy and symbolic allusions that meld pulp fiction with literary sensibilities. In doing so, Darwin’s Paradox delivers a story that is both entertaining and metaphoric, creating a layered effect that will engage even finicky readers.

Allusions to the French utopian movement founded by Etienne Cabet and the 19th century anti-industrial movement in Great Britian, underscore the conflict between nature and technology, while references to cooperative rather than competitive evolution hints at possible resolution.

Munteanu’s vision of the future is both frightening and inspiring, embracing the dark/light dichotomy dominating Darwin’s Paradox. Icaria’s vee-set wearing society, with their mechanical movements and vacant stares, resembles the disconnected iPod population of today. The contrast between the sterile environments of glass towers and the rubble of the inner city mirrors our own growing economic tensions. But just as Prometheus stole fire from Zeus and gave it to mortal man, Julia Crane carries the key that can transform civilization as we know it.

Darwin’s Paradox is a fascinating look into the future where man ceases his attempt to subjugate nature, while embracing its ability to adapt.

Darwin’s Paradox is on sale now at leading bookstores and at amazon.com. Visit us tomorrow for a one on one interview with the author, Nina Munteanu.