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Find new ways to greet major life changes with enthusiasm and energy. For those who are approaching a change in their career and life in general, Changing Course is a must. Management of change consultant Maggie Smith has designed a personal guide for individuals in the throes of major life transitions. ... Read more

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Colour illustrations, instructions and ideas for using plaster and paint to create surface texture for artistic and innovative works of embroidery. Practical hints and tips, variety of techniques for experimenting with textiles, explained by an experienced and talented tutor of art and design. ... Read more

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Unique food gifts for year-round giving ... Read more

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When Argo the dog wins the lottery, he finds out what money is and starts making decisions about how to spend his new wealth. ... Read more

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What's in the overstuffed overnight bag? Young readers will enjoy finding out in this lively alphabet book that captures all the delights of spending a night away from home. It's nonstop fun from A to Z. ... Read more

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This resource offers strategies for cultivating successful relationships with parents to ensure strong support for children with special needs. Includes a CD-ROM with checklists and reproducibles. ... Read more

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A gun, a flute, and an injured silver fox bring Max up against some difficult decisions regarding their relative values. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Original title: Blood in the Snow or (The Silver Fox)
I read this book when I was in fifth grade and at thirty-six years of age, I haven't forgotten it. This book touched me that deeply and actually forced me to confront my own issues as a young girl about doing what is right.The theme in The Silver Fox (underline), led to a few pivotal events in my life, namely the first time I had to stand alone for what was right. Now I am a seventh grade teacher in a high poverty, high-crime area and would like to introduce this incredible book to my students to help them confront issues of inner strength, compassion, and kindness toward all living beings.I absolutely love this book.

I really hope those who read it will develop an understanding of the power of love and respect for all life and find the courage to fight for those who can't defend themselves, be it human or animal.

An amazingly depthful children's book
I received this as a child as a part of the Scholastic Book Club. It was an emotionally wrenching tale that highlighted the concepts of "right" and "wrong" in very personal ways. The writing is poetic.

How friendship can cross the generation gap
This book was written about my aunt, Dorothy DeFalco.She was the crossing guard in Larchmont, NY that the book was based on.My Aunt Dot was one of the most caring people around, and she looked after the kids daily as if they were her own.She always made sure that the kids had rides home if the parents were late, or if they got hurt, she would care for them or bring them to the nurse.I highly recommend this book to teachers and parents of young men and women, especially in the 9-13 age range.It is a great story, and it teaches young people that you can trust and rely on those older than themselves in order to get through the tough "growing up" years.Every time I read it, it reminds me of her.She passed away 11 years ago, but the book brings her dedication to the younger generation right back to my mind.

A book you'll never forget
When I was 12 this book came out in a school book order club under the title Silver Fox. I was stunned by how powerful it was. It continues to be one of the best books I have read for kids aged 9 - 12. I teach elementarystudents now (grades 5 to 7) and every year I read it aloud to the class.They are riveted by the characters and the story. They love how at the endof every chapter the author makes you desperately want to read on. Even nowI cry at the ending! This book should definately be back in print. ... Read more

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A child loves to spend time in Grandma's chair. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Artwork, Story Fairly Quiet But Pleasant
The thing that made me buy this book after getting it from the library was the charm and complexity of the illustrations. They seem to suggest that the world is an infinitely interesting and involving place, and to encourage exploration of both geography and imagination. I wish that poster sized versions of the illustrations were available! I'd have one framed. ... Read more

Product Description
Getting this baby dressed is not going to be easy!

This is the diaper, often a mess,
that goes on the baby who hates to be dressed.
"No! No! Nooo!"

Take one toddler who can't stand getting dressed.Add a mother who is determined to dress baby.The result is a laugh-filled struggle as this mommy uses all her ingenuity and powers of persuasion to get baby into diaper, T-shirt, sweater, and many layers of winter clothing.But just when she thinks she's succeeded, baby peels everything off and happily struts, naked once again. Yes! Yes! Yes!

Witty pictures full of affection reinforce the high spirits of this comic battle of wills so familiar to parents --and toddlers -- everywhere.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Bringing Up Baby
The reviews above indicate that the technical name for the book's rhyming format is a "cumulative poem."As a mother layers dresses her tiny toddler daughter in cold weather clothes, each preceding layer is included in succeeding rhymes (as done in the poem, "This is the House That Jack Built.)"

Starting with the declarative "THIS IS THE BABY who hates to be dressed," an incredibly patient mother battles an uncooperative child and a well-meaning but obstructive dog on each page.Just four layers in, and the rhyme has recursively built itself into the following:

These are the jeans, stiff in the knee,
that match the sweater, itchy and hot,
that covers the T-shirt, wrinkled a lot,
that snaps over the diaper, often a mess,
that goes on the baby who hates to be dressed.

The cover illustration captures the girl's strong resistance, and author Candace Fleming's text describes the uncomfortable sensation of some clothes, a discomfort of which some adults may not be aware. There's a lot of fun here for toddlers old enough to recognize themselves among those who'd rather not put on all those layers of "itchy," "stiff," "pinchy," clothes.Every so often, a layer gets a "No! No! Nooo!" reaction, and the coup de grace occurs when the girl strips off every layer of clothing until she is completely naked again, and shouts, with a huge smile: "Yes! Yes! Yes!"

At this nudist conclusion, even the mother is smiling, and the book nicely portrays both competing points of view of mother and child.This, of course, is an idealized version of such conflicts, but with the right child, it may give both parties an opportunity to recognize themselves and laugh. For other adults, however, it may remind them of clashes that are much more fractious then this one.One other warning should be mentioned.I wonder whether tired adults are really going to enjoy repeatedly reading the cumulative rhyme to their young audience.That's the downside here, if your youngster really loves the book, you're may become as tired as the mother pictured here, and not be as cheerfully patient about it as she.The clothes' appealing patterns and textures, and the two characters' facial expressions highlight the colorful antics.If only the publishers had chosen thicker paper, a larger format book size, or both, "This is the Baby" would have been more enjoyable. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

sweet

Rhyming quatrains present sweetly a young child's love for his daddy, lyrically listing all the special things they do together. "Daddy is a fish with fins when summer heats the air. We splish and splash in crashing waves - a wiggling, wriggling pair." The watercolor and acrylic double spread shows an exuberant father and son splashing in the water. Another rhyme describes how "Daddy is my pillow where I rest my sleepy head. When camping far beneath the stars, he's better than a bed." There is a lovely watercolor and acrylic picture of the two on a camping trip with the father lying down with his arm draped around his son whose head is on his stomach. An owl watches from a tree and a dog snoozes by a large glowing campfire. These delightful and brightly colored pictures visibly illustrate the joy and love that exists between the father and son and will show up well for an audience. Pair with Asch's Just like Daddy for a heart warming story time.

... Read more

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There's a witch under the basement stairs and Frances knows it! She tries everything to entice the old witch to leave. But nothing works. Then Ellie, Frances' stuffed elephant, falls under the stairs. Mustering all her courage, Frances girds herself in kitchen armor and marches forth to the rescue. Full-color illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Love it!!!!!!
Love, love, love this book!It is/was a favorite of both my boys.My youngest son who is now four requests this one on a very regular basis.I first bought it as a Halloween book, but we read it much more often than that.And it's not really meant for Halloween anyway, it'sjust that it's about a witch and a little girl who is afraid to go down into the basement.The little girl eventually overcomes her fear of the witch and the witch moves out!The pictures are fantastic and my son often makes me wait while he examines pages.I enjoy reading this one, too.It's told completely from the point of view of the child - the witch REALLY is there and we see her every time the girl descends the stairs.Her coping mechanisms are realistic and humorous - taking her little brother with her, offering old Halloween candy, offering a new broom, special spells.... but what finally gets that old witch out of there is the little girl's ability to finally overcome her fear.Why would a witch stay is no one is afraid, anyway?!Highly, highly recommended!

One of my daughter's favorites!
This book delights my daughter over and over again! And I don't dread reading it over and over again! I like it because it subtly reminds us that the best antidote to our deepest fear is courage to face it. Once Frances finds the courage to confront the witch and venture into the basement alone, she sees that the witch is gone. It's is a very empowering message embedded in a fantastic kid's story. The illustrations are also very interesting to my daughter. She especially likes the one with the cross-section of the house. Frances imagines that the witch has captured her and everyone in Frances's family is looking for her all over the house. But she is tied up in the basement. My daughter likes to "instruct" the searching family, "Hey, look in the basement!!" And her eyes always get big when she sees the witch's hands coming out from the stairs to grab Frances. (This sounds a bit scary as I am writing it, but it's not at all. All this is handled with comic relief). A great story. It would make a great Halloween gift!

Thanks for the memories
When my now 14 year old son was a toddler this was his favorite book. We read this book literally dozens of times. Those were some of our best moments.

We love this book
I read this book to the younger classes that I substitute for. Their eyes are wide open and they sit very still; quietly listening to every words. Whenever we need a quiet time I get out this book.

If it's so good, why don't the publishers re-issue it
This book has gotten wonderful reviews from educators and kids alike.My preschool twins love it and request it from their teachers regularly.I'd like to get it from our local library but it's out of print.Why don't the publishers note the requests and make paperback copies? ... Read more

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"Cutting it Out" is a largely autobiographical account of a young woman's battle with self-harm. Carolyn's story documents her own challenging journey, offering unique insights into her feelings about self-harming and also her attitudes towards the therapy sessions commonly employed to help people who self-harm. It explores the complex nature of her relationship with the therapist, her initial resistance to recovery and her eventual progression towards self-knowledge and taking responsibility for her own actions. The first-person narrative offers a vividly honest voice to the feelings and compulsions that drive someone to harm themselves and explores the conflict between the desire to self-harm and the struggle to control and overcome this addictive, self-destructive behaviour. This timely book breaks the silence surrounding a difficult subject. It will provide valuable insights for therapists, counsellors, people who self-harm and their families and friends. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

Good book
This is a good book. My son is 6y.o., & if your child has experienced death or any kind of sadness (missing grandparents, friends, etc.), then this book is a great way to reiterate some of the lessons you've probably already taught your child.

A good book to start talking about sad
Our son's school lent this book to us after our dog was killed.This book, in addition to "Dog Heaven" helped us to discuss sadness with our son.

I would agree that this is not the most engaging book.I changed the name of the girl and our son identified the rabbit in the illustration as a dog (our dog had the same color combination.)

I think for a subject like sadness kids really respond to something simple, and even a little "preachy". This may not be a very entertaining book for adults, but our boy asked for it every night for the first two weeks after our dog was killed.

Not much talking
I bought this book to read to my children, ages 6 and 3. I assumed that it would be written on a child's level because it is illustrated and sold as a child's book. My children lost interest by the middle of the book. I lost interest. This book was preachy, not charming. It seems written more to the adult who is reading it then to the child it should be reaching.

This book makes me cry!
I love this book on Let's Talk About Feeling Sad on the Let's talk about series by Joy Berry & I like this book on Feeling Sad because I get sad sometimes & this book helps me get better.

I love this book!

A great way to open the discussion about feelings.
This books teaches about the many reasons why kids sometimes feel sad, such as leaving some place where they are having fun, or mourning a pet's death.Then it shows some ways to feel better, such talking with others orgetting involved in another activity.The book emphasizes that it is okayto be sad, but there are ways of feeling better when we are ready. ... Read more

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A heartwarming and cathartic book for anyone who has ever loved, and lost, a cat.

This is the story of a cat, told by the little girl who loved him best.

From his first plaintive mew to his last loving purr, Desser was an essential member of the family. And for the little girl, especially, he was a constant companion. He was the catalyst for her first steps, thrilled when she got her first big bed, and he was waiting for her after her first day of school. But as the girl grows bigger, Desser grows older. And eventually it is time to say good-bye. Still, by telling his story and remembering him well, the girl finds a way to keep him alive in her heart.

With the simplest words and truly adorable illustrations, Maggie Smith captures the special bond we have with our pets and offers a helpful method for coping with their loss.


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Excellent book for anyone who loves cats.
I recommend this book for anyone who loves cats.While recovering from the loss of my cat, I've read books for adults and for children.The ones that have helped me the most are those that are written very simply, in plain language and with a tender heart."Desser" certainly belongs in this group.The illustrations are excellent.They show Desser at all stages of his life.I was especially touched by the drawings of Desser as he aged.

OUTSTANDING book for preparing our 5 yr old....
for the death of our 14 year old cat. This book fits our situation near exactly. An unmarried young man didnt know who the kitten at his door belonged to, so he took him in. The cat was very playful, zooming all over the house. The man then gets married, and Desser the cat likes his new house. Then kids come along. He doesnt like the children at first, but grows fond of them. He gets old, and slows down. When he dies, they have a ceremony, and eventually, "because they are cat people," they get a new cat from an animal shelter. Our 5 yr old daughter tells many people that our cat's "kidneys are broken, and he'll be going to kitty heaven pretty soon. We'll get a new kitty because we are cat people." She even asked if she could help bury him, like the kids in the Desser book did. When reading the book to her, she likes to put in our cats name instead, every time it says "Desser." The pictures are very good too. OUTSTANDING BOOK, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!

One of the Family!
Dexter was an adorable little black/white kitty that appeared at a house one day. The man took him in -- and he stayed his entire life.Through a marriage and the birth of two children, Dexter loved his home and family. The little girl called him "desser"cause she could not say 'dexter'.The girl and kitty were inseparable --- except when she became old enough to go to school.He missed her and waited at the window everyday till she came home.
It was a happy life for all --until one day when Desser got sick.Story was sad when the cat left the family one night, and the girl lost her best friend!
But when she did get a new kitty, she told the little kitten all about Desser and what a wonderful friend he had been.Sweet little story!

Wonderful book for family going through loss of their cat
This is by far my favorite book for celebrating the life of a wonderful member of the family and dealing with the sadness of their death.I like how it encourages the family to make room for another cat that needs a home.Desser looks like my cat Sadie (pen name in honor of her)who is 84 in kitty years now.The illustrations are wonderful.I think the most important thing is to show your pet you love them everyday, be patient with their health problems as they get older, and that your cat, especially if he or she came from a shelter, would want you to give another cat a chance at a home with a loving family.I think it is a wonderful way to honor them.

Helped us with the loss of Luna
Our 14-year-old kitty died recently and for my two children, ages 4 and 7, the loss was devastating. I checked this out from the library (along with Cat Heaven, by Cynthia Rylant, another fantastic book) and I cannot believe how much this book helped soothe the pain of her loss. My four year old asked to read it several times a day, and we got to the point where we laughed more as we read it than cried. It's a touching, sweet story, worth every penny. ... Read more