Book Review: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

by Gail Pruszkowski

I may not be a young adult but "Vampire Academy" is a book I could definitely sink my teeth into. It's the first in a series by Richelle Mead. The author puts a new and unique spin on the vampire legends of old. Forbidden love, friendship, loyalty, romance, intrigue, this one has it all.

St. Vladimir's Academy in Montana is no ordinary school. It's a boarding school for vampires where they are taught magic and teens who are half human, half vampire are trained to protect them. Lissa is a mortal Moroi Vampire Princess and her best friend and bodyguard is Rose Hathaway, a Dhampir, who is trained to combat the immortal Strigoi, who are dangerous rogue Moroi. Two years ago Lissa and Rose ran away but they were found and brought back in disgrace. The academy has become a dangerous place for them. Gossip, peer pressure and forbidden romance are the least of their problems. Lissa has secret powers that are growing and affecting her in different ways. Now she is getting anonymous warnings from someone who knows her secret.

Rose and Lissa have a great relationship and it's the focus of the story. The plot starts when the girls are caught and returned to the academy and it takes off from there. Good secondary characters and intriguing subplots make the pages fly. There's a forbidden romance between Rose and Dimitri which adds another dimension to the story. Mead doesn't talk down to her readers. She describes a dark contemporary setting and includes some strong language and sexual content that some readers might find offensive. It might be a supernatural tale but it deals with teenage issues that are relevant to most teens. If you like "Twilight" and "House of Night" you'll probably like this series as well. It's an engaging mystery with an unpredictable ending and it is definitely worth a read.

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Razorbill (August 16, 2007)
ISBN: 978-1595141743
Paperback: 336
Price: $8.99

Gail Pruszkowski reviews for "Romantic Times BOOKreviews" magazine and her work has been published in the "Cup of Comfort" Anthologies.

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Childhood Cancer Book Review - Where's My Hair?

by Terry Boser

As a special education specialist I have seen many books that children struggle with because the reading is too hard. Many books lack age appropriate reading. Let me tell you about a new children's book authored by Patti Block, of Minnesota, titled Where's My Hair? This book definitely has an age appropriate reading level and can be used for educational purposes.

Where's my Hair is about the days of a young cancer patient. It starts off with the news that a young boys friend is sick. He talks about how his friend needs to go to the doctor a lot. How there will be good days and bad days. He tells how he feels about his friend. He waits for the day where they can play again. This book is a great reading book for the young reader. The style of writing by this author is simple. The author does not use big words. She gets her points across by using simple words; words that young people, including young readers will understand.

This amazing book can also be used an an educational resource for any young person who is dealing with cancer, whether it is themselves that has been diagnosed or a loved one. The book can easily be read over and over again so the child can remember what will happen when their loved one goes to the doctor for their cancer treatments. Repetition while reading is an important factor for the child to learn and remember.

This pictures in Where's My Hair? are vivid and full of color. They too will help the child understand what is happening in the story if they are too young to read by themselves.

Bottom line--this book would be an amazing tool to add to your personal or professional collection.

Where's My Hair?
Author: Patti Block
Illustrator: Swapan Debnath
ISBN: 978-1-936046-12-6

For more information about the author you may visit: http://www.pagesofwonder.com/block

Children's Books and Their Importance

by Rita R Philips

The vulnerability of a child is a wonderful feat all on its own. One of the most important things that your child needs to learn is the habit of reading. With the digital age growing out of proportions, a lot of parents have neglected to educate their children with the use of the right reading materials. Most adults would allow their children to endlessly play video games or learn all their school lessons through the internet.

Unknown to a lot of people, there are a lot of things that your child can pick up from reading. Being immersed in various reading materials will help enhance the understanding and knowledge of your child, even at the early stage of pregnancy and childbirth. Parents are encouraged by experts to indulge their children to reading books that will help widen their understanding of different things in the world. Most children books also incorporate moral lessons that aid in the mentality of the child as he/she grows.

Being able to make a child feel comfortable in the habit of reading books will make it easier for them to achieve a lot of things while they are in school and as they go on with their life. Schools also hold book fairs that will increase their participation in several non-curricular activities. This will also give them an advantage over other children who may have not read as many books as they have. While you shop for children books, you might also want to bring your child along with you in the store.

Observe his actions and see which types of books he may be interested in. This will give you a brief knowledge on what books to buy him next. When your child feels at ease with the activity of reading, you will also be able to see a noticeable dedication in his learning for other things. Books tell stories of different kinds of people, and children will be able to compare and assess the diversities in the real world.

Opening up to a world that they barely know about will make it easier for you as a parent to educate your child. If your child is still a toddler, you can focus on board books that will make the idea of reading more interactive as he participates in different identification games. Most board books help in enhancing the child's identification in various shapes, colors and sizes. Colorful pictures also spark the interest of a lot of children. A lot of child experts believe that board books are always the best start to immersing kids to read children books. Constantly visiting the library with your child is also a healthy practice in nurturing their education. Sooner or later, you will be surprised to realize that your child can get into the habit of reading without having to be reminded by you.

Copyright (c) 2009 Rita R Philips

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The Hockey Sweater and Roch Carrier

Review by Matthew Proctor

Roch Carrier is a Canadian children's novelist who has published numerous books but his most famous work is the book related to a young man caught in the middle of a heated sports rivalry and a hapless purchase mistake.

The Hockey Sweater, originally written in French, is the story of a young French Canadian who plays hockey with a group of boys out on the pond. All of the children have Montreal Canadians jerseys with the red and white so the boy decides that he is going to buy one as well. Unfortunately, for some reason the wrong jersey shows up and it is for the worst possible team.

The Montreal Canadians are in a fierce rivalry with the Toronto Maple Leafs so any Canadians fan hates anything related to the Maple Leafs. Wouldn't you know it? The jersey the young boy receives in the mail is a blue and white Maple Leafs jersey. The rest of the story follows the boy as he tries to deal with wearing a rival team's sweater in the midst of some of the proudest fans out there.

The book, though recently published in 1979, has become an icon in Canadian literature. The story is read to every young Canadian in school and for bed time stories; it has become ingrained in the culture. A quote from the book can even be found in both official languages (French and English) on the back of the Canadian five-dollar bill. This children's book has already proved its worth.

Roch Carrier was born and raised in Quebec in the 1940's. The book he wrote is actually closely based upon an event that happened to him in his childhood. His mother bought him a sweater from Eaton's when his old Montreal Canadians sweater wears out and then refuses to return the sweater when the wrong one arrives and worse yet forces her son to wear the rival team's sweater instead of his old tattered favorite.

The story has since been made into a National Film Board of Canada animated short. There are no two teams that have worse history together than the Montreal Canadians and the Toronto Maple Leafs. They hate each other and on top of that, their jerseys are nothing alike. No one better understands what sports rivalry means than the boy in the Hockey Sweater and it is thanks to Roch Carrier's skillful presentation that all of Canada and the United States understand it better today.

Interested in more about hockey sweaters? Check out the related article Evolution of Hockey Jerseys and read more about hockey jerseys and their importance to the sport by visiting The Hockey Jerseys Guide.

"Twilight" Book Review

by Lily Andrews

Twilight is a wonderfully imaginative and believable fiction novel written by author Stephenie Meyer. Bella, a teenage girl hailing from Phoenix, makes the decision to leave her beloved home town and all of her friends. She heroically sacrifices her happiness for that of her mother, because her new and adored step-father Phil, is a professional baseball player. She moves to a town called Forks, on the dreary Olympic Peninsula to live with her father, Charlie, so that her mother can be free to travel with her new husband Phil.

The town of Forks is where the story truly begins. As it unfolds, we find Bella being highly agitated, annoyed and frustrated , but also extremely attracted and curious about the mysterious Edward Cullen, who attends her new high school. There is something strangely curious about Edward and his four other siblings. They are all remarkably beautiful. They always sit alone in the cafeteria, and never eat or drink anything. His hands are so cold, and his eyes dramatically change color.

Edward warns Bella that it is not safe for her to be around him, but does not heed his own warning. Edward realizes that the intensity of their passion could drive him over the edge and put Bella's life in danger. He lusts for her blood because he is a vampire! They share an irresistible attraction for each other, and cannot keep apart from each other, despite the danger. It is through this dangerously necessary relationship that Bella and Edward fall in love. She learns Edwards family guarded secret. They are all vampires! Despite the blood-lust that Bella arouses, she is safe with Edward and his family not only because of Edwards love for her, but because the family patriarch has sworn the family to renounce human prey.

Edward and his family become entwined in a desperate struggle to protect and preserve the life of the fragile human Bella, when a group of rogue tracker vampires fixate on her. They will do anything to taste her blood, and will stop at nothing until they have her.

Will Edward and the members of his family be able to control the instinct aroused within them? Will they be able to save Bella from the rogues?

This novel is highly suggested with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. If you enjoy reading Harry Potter, you will enjoy the imaginative brilliance of Stephenie Meyers' Twilight . It is a fantastic read that is hard to put down once you start!

By: Lily Andrews
To Get You Copy Of "Twilight", please visit:
http://www.healthybody.netne.net/1_12_BEST-SELLING-HARD-PAPERBACK-BOOKS-

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Book Review of the Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

by Bob Morse

Over two decades ago, Neil Gaiman truly revolutionized the comic book industry with his amazing work in the comic book industry. Roughly 8 years ago, Gaiman made the transition into novel writing and his work has been nothing short of spectacular. This is evidenced in the release of his novel, The Graveyard Book.

On the surface, this book appears to be a horror novel but upon reading the first few chapters, it becomes obvious this is more than a run of the mill horror yarn. This is an incredibly multifaceted work that is truly one of the more unique and interesting works of dark (and, for that matter upbeat) fantasy on bookstore shelves.

The plot of this work is one of the more original narratives to come down the proverbial pike in many years. The novel is the tale of Nobody Owens. When Nobody was born, his family was murdered by an assassin. Nobody, however, was spared in a very unique way: he found himself in a cemetery where he immediately fell under the protection of the ghosts that inhabited the cemetery. These ghosts not only protect Nobody. They raise him from a newborn through his adolescence. Of course, this makes for quite the unique upbringing since the dynamic between ghosts and humans is quite different.

Therein exists much of the allegorical components to the tale. The differences between ghosts and humans are a microcosm of the differences between people in general. The irony of the relationship between Nobody and the ghosts centers on the fact that humans share many of the same differences. From this, we can watch the interaction between the characters from a different perspective that allows us to examine human relationships within a framework that includes spiritual, astral beings. Yes, Gaiman is a creative author and that is what makes his work so engaging.

Of course, the ending of the novel yields a confrontation between Nobody and the assassin that murdered his family. While the confrontation does follow some of the conventions of a traditional revenge tale, there are enough "spins" present that the confrontation never becomes predictable or derivative. No, Gaiman is a far more talented author than one that would deliver little more than "the same old, same old".

What makes this an engaging work is that it harkens back to the days of gothic, grim children's literature. In time, children's literature - which was quite dark in previous centuries - began to soften and lose its bite. While this book is clearly written for and marketed to adults, Gaiman still is successful in bringing back the weird genre conventions of dark children's fantasy. This is why it stands out as such a unique work which further contributes to its popularity.

Those looking for a thoroughly original and engaging work of dark fiction will certainly enjoy reading The Graveyard Book.

Far too often, fantasy books are cut from the same mold. With Gaiman's work, this is certainly not the case as his innovative and visionary style is among the most original a reader could discover.

(The Graveyard Book which came out in October 2008 has won the Newbery Award which is one of the most distinguished awards for children's books. The book has also been nominated for a Hugo Award. First editions of the book should prove to be very collectible. Signed first editions have already appreciated considerably.)

Bob Morse has been collecting books for 11 years. His website http://www.book-collecting-tips.com contains collecting tips and a list of books he has been collecting recently. Also, each month a collectible Book of the Month book is selected for its appreciation potential.

The Pros and Cons of Digital Books For Children

by Jeanette McLeod


Children need to be exposed to books and reading to improve their literacy levels including their vocabulary knowledge. The wider variety of reading matter they are exposed to can develop these skills. Parents/carers play a critical role in exposing children to reading as well as providing the support and encouragement every child needs. However parents/carers can often be too busy to invest the amount of time needed reading with their children to develop these literacy skills.
 
So what about other formats available alongside paper books? There are a number of digital or ebooks that are available on the market that require less of the parent/carers time that can supplement a child's exposure to books and reading. They should be seen as complimentary not a replacement as nothing can replace the bond that is created between a parent/carer and child when cuddled up with a book. This article explores the pros and cons of digital books for children.
 
Here are the pros of why you should consider digital books for children;

·         A child can get exposure to left to right reading, modelled fluency, and the opportunity to associate sounds and letter groupings/words as the text is highlighted and the audio reads along.
·         A child can listen to a story they love time and time again without adult support and the repetition element for young children is vital in their learning process.
·         Emerging readers can read stories to themselves and if they do not recognise a word they can click on a particular word and hear it spoken without having to interrupt the story and wait for adult intervention.
·         Reading electronic books can be very engaging medium for reluctant readers.
 
Here are the cons of why you may not want to invest in digital books for your children.

• You need to be assured of the quality of the book before you purchase it. There are some sites that offer very poor quality books that are badly illustrated or are a PDF version of a hard copy book. Check that you can view inside the first few pages or better still a reputable site should offer free examples of books so that you can see the quality on offer.
• Some digital books do not have any functionality such as read along or click on a word. These digitals books will not support your child reading by themselves and will need much more adult intervention. Stick to paper books in this case.
• Digital books are not designed to replace cuddling up and having the human bond of sharing a book. You should not purchase ebooks as a replacement for this activity more that they are in addition to this activity.
• Do not purchase digital books where there is advertising on the site. If you leave your child alone with a computer then they may click through to inappropriate sites from these adverts.

Digital books are not meant as a replacement to paper books or the bond that can be created in sharing a book together. They are meant as an additional resource to encourage children to read more and instil a love of books that will last a lifetime and improve literacy levels. Be sure to check the quality of the product before you buy to make sure it has the functionality that can help your child to read independently. Try the books with your child before you buy to make sure they are suitable. Digital books can be a great medium for encouraging children to read more. In turn their literacy and vocabulary levels will improve.

 

Jeanette McLeod
http://wizz-e.com
Bringing the Magic of Books to Life

Recycle This Book - 100 Top Children's Book Authors Tell You How to Go Green

by Lori Calabrese

Albert Einstein said it best when he stated that "Example isn't another way to teach, it is the only way to teach." And let's face it, young people today learn from many influential people- the most important being their parents, but also teachers, friends and even athletes and celebrities. So when we teach kids about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling, they should be seeing and hearing it straight from the horse's mouth!

Recycle This Book: 100 Top Children's Book Authors Tell You How to Go Green is a collection of essays from renowned children's books authors. As the title indicates, 100 authors come together to compile simple tips for families to use to help save the planet and have fun while doing it. Some of the authors include Ann Brashares, Susan Beth Pfeffer, Bruce Coville, Daniel Pinkwater, Jack Prelutsky, Jane Yolen, Eve Bunting, Laurie Halse Anderson, Jon Scieszka, and Rick Riordan.

Did you know Gail Gibbons heats her Vermont home with solar panels? And Anne Brashares, author of "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants," doesn't own a car! There are so many gems in this book which make it a great tool to teach young readers how they can help make the Earth a greener place. I think it's wonderful that young readers can learn from their favorite authors.

For example:

Gennifer Choldenko, author of "Al Capone Does My Shirts," suggests buying reusable water bottles, putting each person's name on them and filling them with water from the tap.

Jane Yolen suggests eating leftovers for breakfast: don't throw food away.

Joseph Bruchac ("Buffalo Song") suggests to reuse and recycle paper and envelopes.

What I like about this book is that you'll find ideas you might not have thought of before or you'll realize that great minds think alike! Either way, it gives you the chance to peek into the lives of people that bring you your favorite stories, and the ultimate result is making a positive impact on Mother Earth.

Additional Information:

Edited by: Dan Gutman
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Yearling (March 24, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0385737211
ISBN-13: 978-0385737210

Lori Calabrese is a freelance writer who specializes in parenting and children in both her personal and professional life. Lori's publishing credits include Boys' Life, Odyssey, Appleseeds, Focus on the Family Clubhouse Jr., Stories for Children Magazine, and The Institute of Children's Literature's Rx for Writers. Lori is a graduate of The Institute of Children's Literature and a member of The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

To learn more, please visit http://www.loricalabrese.com

Spiritual Book Recommendations For Young Children

by Lisa Erickson

According to a recent Pew Research poll on religion, a growing number of Americans define themselves as 'spiritual but not religious'. Those of us in this group want to introduce our children to spirituality, but outside of any particular religious context. A good way to do this is through books. What follows is a list of picture books for children 3-9 years old that cover spiritual themes such as gratitude, compassion, connectivity, and contemplation, outside of any single religious tradition. Reading these to your children is a great way to open up discussion about spiritual themes. I have 'tested' them all out on my own daughter, and included her reactions.

The Golden Rule, by Ilene Cooper - "Treat others the way you would like to be treated", a grandfather explains to his grandson, in this lovely introduction to compassion and empathy. Grandpa goes on to explain how the golden rule is represented in six different religions. When I read this to my daughter, the real-world examples triggered lots of questions, particularly the picture of a sad little girl on her first day in a new school. "What would make her feel better?" asks the Grandpa in the book, and my real-life listener had plenty of ideas - "smile at her", "give her a toy", "show her the library", and more.

Thank You For Giraffes, by Vivian Husnik - A beautiful introduction to gratitude, told as a little girl's prayer of thanks. Spiritual but non-denominational, this book expresses thanks not only for things in the world but also for people, experiences, and joyful moments. The pictures are bright and unique, all in the form of handmade quilts. This book led naturally to a conversation with my daughter about everything in her life she is thankful for, and got her thinking beyond the usual 'my toys' and 'my birthday'.

Each Breath A Smile, by Sister Susan - This book is based on the teachings of Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh, and written by a nun in one of his centers. It introduces children to mindful breathing and awareness, but steers clear of any explicit religious teachings. The text uses simple, repetitive phrases to create a sense of calm, and the pictures are in soothing but cheerful pastel colors. Reading it was a meditation in itself, and both my daughter and I were noticeably more relaxed at the end.

All I See is Part of Me, by Chara Curtis - "All the plants, the animals and trees, Are in your light...and you are these." Told from the perspective of a boy in conversation with a star, this book highlights the theme of connectivity. The text is general enough to support any religious denomination, but it does have an explicitly spiritual message about valuing your own inner wisdom. Although I loved this book upon first reading it, I thought it might be too abstract for my daughter, but she loved it - the rhyming and bright pictures captured her interest.

God's Paintbrush, by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso - Written by the second woman to be ordained as a rabbi, and the first to become a mother, this book presents a series of scenarios and questions designed to help children explore different aspects of God. From watching clouds, to the changing seasons, to feeling lonely, this book uses experiences young children can readily relate to as springboards for spiritual questions. The vision of God that emerges is anthropomorphic in nature, and this may make it more appropriate for those with Judeo-Christian leanings, but it is most definitely non-denominational, and its exploratory nature left room for a non-affiliated believer like myself to feel comfortable.

What is God?, by Etan Bortizer - Designed to answer a child asking 'what is God?', this book provides both a poetic and open-ended vision, and introduces the idea of world religions by exploring the different ways each view God. It includes a page on each religion's holy books, and even touches on the concept of religious intolerance and disagreement. If you have a very orthodox view of God, this book might not be for you, but if you consider yourself more interfaith-oriented, it is perfect. It was a bit wordy for my four-year old, but I think she will grow into it.

A Child's Book of Blessings and Prayers, by Eliza Blanchard - Written by a Unitarian Universalist minister, this lovely collection is the perfect way to introduce children to prayer. It includes dozens of child-size blessings, poems and prayers, drawn from all the world's major religions, and many other cultural traditions. Ranging from mealtime to bedtime, birthdays, holidays and everything in between, you will find a little prayer in here to cover just about anything.

Honorable Mentions:

There are three books by contemporary spiritual teachers/authors that I enjoy, but they are geared for slightly older children (9-12 or so.) However, you can paraphrase them a bit for younger children, so they are still worth trying with younger chidren:

Milton's Secret, by Eckhart Tolle

Emma and Mommy Talk to God, by Marianne Williamson

The Little Soul and the Sun, by Neale Donald Walsch

Use these books as a way of spurring conversation with your children, and you can foster their spirituality while encouraging an interfaith or multi-cultural approach.

Lisa Erickson is a mom, meditation teacher, and writer. Visit her blog http://www.MommyMystic.wordpress.com for spiritual book reviews and information on meditation and spirituality.

Review: How We Know What We Know About Our Changing Climate by Lynne Cherry

by Lori Calabrese

We've all heard of global warming, but how many of us really know the facts behind it all? When our weather changes, how can we really tell that the Earth's climate is changing?

What I love about this book is that it presents all the evidence--evidence from flowers, butterflies, birds, frogs, trees, glaciers and much more gathered by scientists around the world. This non-scary (let's admit it- the whole global warming thing can be a little frightening) book is action-oriented, and is an inspiring look at how scientists do their work, what they're discovering about global warming and how kids really can make a difference.

The book focuses on students as an important part of the research teams assisting scientists in documenting the changes in our environment. Cherry explains how observation such as noting when birds first appear or when flowers begin to bloom can help bring about climate-change strategies. Students are featured gathering data about migrating birds and butterflies, the changing of the seasons, water quality and flow, tree growth, plant diversity and range, and frog populations.What a great idea to have your students or children learn about data and how they can help! She includes examples of how nature is changing such as migrations, melting ice caps and rising coastlines and how these changes have been observed. Then, she takes a look at what scientists do with their information. A great part of the book are the photographs that compare "now and then." What better way to learn about the importance of observation by seeing what the Athabasca Glacier looked like in 1917 and what it looked like in 2005.

It's attention to detail and the amount of text makes it best suited for young adults, but this hard to tackle information is laid out in a simple way for younger readers to understand. The combination of pictures and facts won't have you feeling as though you're reading a science book. It also won't have you feeling as though the end of the world is coming tomorrow, but instead it offers ways that you can help scientists in the "What You-and a Million Kids-Can Do" section. Projects are featured along with their teachers and students. Suggestions are presented on how to reduce your carbon "footprint" or impact on the environment such as recycling, using compact fluorescents instead of light bulbs, minimizing use of appliances and unplugging those not needed, eating less meat, buying less, and getting involved in the community.

Additional Information:

Author: Lynne Cherry
Illustrator: Gary Braasch
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 66 pages
Publisher: Dawn Pubns; Library Binding edition (March 3, 2008)
ISBN-10: 1584691034
ISBN-13: 978-1584691037

Lori Calabrese is a freelance writer who specializes in parenting and children in both her personal and professional life. Lori's publishing credits include Boys' Life, Odyssey, Appleseeds, Focus on the Family Clubhouse Jr., Turtle Magazine, Stories for Children Magazine, and The Institute of Children's Literature's Rx for Writers. Lori is a graduate of The Institute of Children's Literature, a member of The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and the National Children's Books Examiner at Examiner.com (http://www.examiner.com/x-7597-Childrens-Books-Examiner/)

To learn more, please visit: http://www.loricalabrese.com

Top 10 Board Books For Toddlers

by Cammie Moise

Looking for a great book to read to your infant or toddler? I have put together a list of my Top 10 Board Books.

1. Time For Bed by Mem Fox - This was my favorite book to read to the kids before bed. I probably read this to my kids almost every night when they were between the ages of 1 and 4. My son is now 8 years old and he asked me to read it again the other night.
2. Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt - My kids always loved this touch and feel book. Their favorite was always the pat the bunny page.
3. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown - We always loved to try and find the mouse on each page.
4. The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle - Fun book to read and to trace the spiders web with your finger
5. Guess How Much I Love You by Sam Mcbratney - I love the way they try to outdo each other when they describe their love.
6. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle - Another favorite that includes the life cycle of the butterfly.
7. Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown
8. Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? by Dr. Seuss - Fun book to read. We love to do the sounds over and over. Especially dibble dibble dop!
9. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. - My sons favorite! He loves for me to ask the question and then he answers on the next page. Great repetition book.
10. Silly Sally by Audrey Wood - Fun book to read anything silly is great with my kids. The pictures are funny.

We hope you enjoy the list

Cammie's blog site http://www.MomsMaterial.com gives moms ideas they want. She talks about books for kids and moms, party ideas, school, parenting, great gifts ideas and how to look good doing it all.

Mommy's Having a Watermelon by Danny and Kim Adlerman

by Lori Calabrese

"Mommy is having a watermelon.
I know it's crazy, but it's true."

In this laugh-out-loud story, children's book veterans Danny and Kim Adlerman bring to life that saying every expecting Mom dreads to hear, "You look like you've got a watermelon in there!"

Our main character, Zoe, knows something strange is happening to Mommy and this is the story of how she thinks it's all her fault. Early last summer at a family picnic, Zoe and her friend Madeleine had so much fun telling stories and jokes that a watermelon seed flew out of her mouth and landed right in Mommy's glass. A month later Mommy complains that she hasn't been feeling well and one day while her brother is patting Mom's growing stomach, he says, "You look like you've got a watermelon in there!" Zoe thinks it's all because of that seed she accidentally spit into her Mom's glass. Zoe spends a lot of time waiting and worrying, wondering where the melon would go after it came out of Mommy. Before long, the big day arrives, and the nurse lifts a bundle out of the cart. To Zoe's surprise, it's a baby girl- not a watermelon! Phew!

The story is in easy-reader format for children ages 7-10 and is told in six very short chapters, making it a quick and fun read. Halsey's art is a unique multi-media style that combines collage and watercolors. You really feel Zoe's dread and guilt as Mommy's belly is shown underneath a belly x-ray machine, and I enjoyed the 'science' picture of Mom swallowing the seed.

This is a great book to use as an introduction for "the big talk" and for those young readers who are curious as to where watermelons come from!

In addition to a wonderful story, there are bonus watermelon recipes in the back of the book, provided by the National Watermelon Promotion board, such as Frosted Watermelon and Watermelon in a Blanket.

Additional Information:

Authors: Danny and Kim Adlerman
Illustrator: Megan Halsey
Publisher: The Kids at Our House; April 15, 2009
Reading Level: 7-10
Pages: 44

Lori Calabrese is a freelance writer who specializes in parenting and children in both her personal and professional life. Lori's publishing credits include Boys' Life, Odyssey, Appleseeds, Focus on the Family Clubhouse Jr., Stories for Children Magazine, and The Institute of Children's Literature's Rx for Writers. Lori is a graduate of The Institute of Children's Literature, a member of The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and the National Children's Books Examiner at Examiner.com (http://www.examiner.com/x-7597-Childrens-Books-Examiner/)

To learn more, please visit http://www.loricalabrese.com

Review: Porkenstein by Kathryn Lasky

by Lori Calabrese

"Dr. Smart Pig was a famous inventor, but he didn't have any friends..."

This is a Halloween book that can be enjoyed all year long. Most kids are fascinated with The Three Little Pigs and The Big Bad Wolf. So if you've read The Three Little Pigs a million times and need a bit of a change, then this is the book for you. You'll be happy to have a little variety in your life, and your young reader will be happy to still be hearing about the Big Bad Wolf.

The story begins with Dr. Pig who feels alone ever since the Big Bad Wolf ate his two brothers. Then he realizes, he's a famous inventor, so he can invent a friend. He sprints to his lab where he mixes up concoction after concoction. Kids will love the illustrations of his results--a pig fish, a pig bat. He just can't quite seem to get it right until finally, he thinks he's picked all the ingredients and out comes the biggest pig you've ever seen. And he's hungry. News of the giant pig spreads fast (I loved the illustration of the paparazzi snapping photos outside their house window) and the Big Bad Wolf catches a glimpse of the pig on TV. Thinking the pig would be a tasty meal, he heads off to Dr. Pig's house for a feast. In classic Big Bad Wolf style, he disguises himself in a Halloween costume and rings the bell to trick or treat. The giant pig answers the door and after they size each other up, it's the Big Bad Wolf who gets swallowed up by the pig. Nothing like a little payback!

This is a mad-scientist story that stresses the importance of friendship-- sure to bring laughs.

Additional Information:

Author: Kathryn Lasky
Illustrator: David Jarvis
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Blue Sky Press (September 1, 2002)
ISBN-10: 059062380X
ISBN-13: 978-0590623803

Lori Calabrese is a freelance writer who specializes in parenting and children in both her personal and professional life. Lori's publishing credits include Boys' Life, Odyssey, Appleseeds, Focus on the Family Clubhouse Jr., Stories for Children Magazine, and The Institute of Children's Literature's Rx for Writers. Lori is a graduate of The Institute of Children's Literature, a member of The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and the National Children's Books Examiner at Examiner.com (http://www.examiner.com/x-7597-Childrens-Books-Examiner/)

To learn more, please visit http://www.loricalabrese.com

Review: One Wolf Howls by Scotti Cohn

If one wolf howls in the January moonlight, what do two wolves do, or three or four? Young readers will find out in this delightful, informative picture book written by children's author Scotti Cohn and illustrated by Susan Detwiler.

Using rhyming text that children will love, Cohn takes readers on a one-year journey - from month to month - into the world of the wolf. We learn what wolves do in the cold winter months, what they eat, and where they sleep. Children will want to howl right along with the wolves as the story is read aloud, and they'll learn important facts about wolves without even realizing it!

Beautifully detailed, realistic illustrations by Susan Detwiler bring the text to life, making it fun for children to count the wolves among the seasonal backgrounds and foregrounds that show wolves in natural settings.

As with all books published by Sylvan Dell Publishers, the book includes a "For Creative Minds" educational section with activities and fun facts. Additional teaching activities including coloring pages, before and after reading questions, and interactive quizzes are available at the publisher's website.

One Wolf HOWLS is perfect for the home or school library. Children will want to read the book over and over again. Teachers and parents will love the many interesting and challenging ways the book can be used to teach a variety of math and science content.

Title: One Wolf HOWLS
Author: Scotti Cohn
Illustrator: Susan Detwiler
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Sylvan Dell Publishing (February 10, 2009)
ISBN-10: 1934359920
ISBN-13: 978-1934359921

For more children's book reviews, find out about the National Writing for Children Center at http://www.writingforkidssignup.com and sign up for the weekly newsletter filled with articles, tips, and other information about the world of children's publishing.

Suzanne Lieurance is a fulltime freelance writer, children's author, and the Working Writer's Coach. She is also the founder and director of the National Writing for Children Center and host of Book Bites for Kids, a talk show about children's books that airs LIVE every weekday afternoon at 2:00 CDT on blogtalkradio.com

Guess How Much I Love You By Sam Mcbratney And Illustrated By Anita Jera - A Review

by Karen D. Haney

One of the most treasured childhood stories that has meant so much to so many children around the world is Sam McBratney's GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU? And interestingly, it also means so much to adults as some of us may remember the book from our own childhood. It is a perfect book to read at bedtime, even to very young children. If your child also happens to like bunnies, as most children do, then they will love this even more. The illustrations by Anita Jeram are lovely and look like gentle watercolor paintings.

The story itself is very touching as Little Nutbrown Hare tries to express to Big Nutbrown Hare how much he loves him. But every time Little Nutbrown Hare states an example, Big Nutbrown Hare can top it. In a way, it almost becomes competitive but it is such a gentle tale that I can't imagine any little one taking it that way. It is the kind of heartwarming bedtime story your child will want to hear over and over again. If you are able to get the special issue with the animated story time DVD that is included, your child will enjoy that as well.

However, do remember that nothing can replace a parent reading a good, loving story like this one to their child, especially at bedtime! When Big Nutbrown Hare says at the end "I love you right up to the moon and back", that's time for the goodnight kiss and a peaceful night for your little one!

Karen D. Haney, Author/Developer of BOOKIN' WITH BINGO (http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com), reviews books and interviews authors for her book blog. Reading and writing are her passion.

Review: I Ain't Gonna Paint No More by Karen Beaumont

by Lori Calabrese

A dab of blue here, a splash of red there, a goopy smear of green . . . everywhere.

Hopefully this book doesn't inspire any of your young readers to emulate the main character, but it will inspire creativity and laughter. Beaumont has rewritten the familiar song, "Oh It Ain't Gonna Rain No More," and turned it into a rebellious, colorful romp. When Mama catches her son "paintin' pictures on the floor/ and the ceiling/ and the walls/ and the curtains/ and the door," she sticks him in the tub and declares, "Ya ain't a-gonna paint no more!"

But a bath can't keep this spirited child down. After being told not to paint the walls, he rescues his hidden paint supplies and discovers something even better to paint--himself. "So I take some red/ and I paint my--head!" Subsequent rhymes move from one body part to the next as he adds gobs of color to different areas. The use of color, shapes, images, and rhyme scheme make this one fun book. There are so many ways to get young readers to interact with this book. Since the last word of each verse comes on the following page, readers can complete the rhyme with each page turn. You can also have them guess which body part is next to be globbed with paint! Kids will roar when you reveal the ending as our masterful painter declares, "But I'm such a nut,/ gonna paint my-/ what?!" You might even get a chuckle, too!

Author: Karen Beaumont
Illustrator: David Catrow
Publisher: Harcourt, 2005
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
ISBN-10: 0152024883

Lori Calabrese is a freelance writer who specializes in parenting and children in both her personal and professional life. Lori's publishing credits include Boys' Life, Odyssey, Appleseeds, Focus on the Family Clubhouse Jr., Stories for Children Magazine, and The Institute of Children's Literature's Rx for Writers. Lori is a graduate of The Institute of Children's Literature and a member of The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. To learn more, please visit http://www.loricalabrese.com

From Boomers to Bloggers - Book Review

by Dan Keller

I just finished reading "From Boomer to Blogger: Success Strategies Across Generations" by Misti Burmeister. As the owner of a job board that caters to teens and college students, I am always looking for new books to read in this niche. I was very impressed with this offering as it covers the topic in a unique and refreshing way.

As the title suggests, this book is about dealing with different generations in the workforce setting. I have worked with many different types of people from a variety of different backgrounds and ages and there are some real differences in how they communicate.

What I like about this book is that the author provides real solutions to help break down barriers and increase communication between more established workers and those that are just entering the workforce. This resource is written is a very easy to understand conversational style. When I picked up the book, I read it from cover to cover. Misti Burmeister is a great story teller and through her stories and real life examples she conveys important lessons and techniques. This book is inspirational and will help those that read it achieve better communication skills in the workplace. I learned a great deal from this book.

In closing, I would recommend this to all high school and college students as a great introduction to the world of work and how to effectively interact with co workers and managers. I would also recommend this to seasoned corporate managers as there are great strategies and insight into dealing with the new generation of workers.

Dan Keller is the CEO of the popular Teen Jobs site and also runs a site that focuses on blogging

Review: Buffalo Song by Joseph Bruchac

by Lori Calabrese

Who will ever forget when they saw a buffalo for the first time? I'll always remember the sight of them lounging in the grass on a hot summer day at the zoo, batting the bugs away, swinging their tails side to side. Joseph Bruchac's own interest in buffalo grew when he was a child, standing in front of a pen at the Catskill Game Farm in upstate New York. Because of it, he brings us this powerful tale about how this American symbol was saved from extinction.

For thousands of years massive herds of buffalo roamed across much of North America, but by the 1870s, fewer than fifteen hundred of these animals remained. Hunted to the brink of extinction, the buffalo were in danger of vanishing. Thanks to the efforts of a few individuals, we are able to gaze at these amazing creatures today.

The story begins as a confused, hungry, and frightened buffalo calf has lost her mother and the rest of her herd to white hunters. Rescued by two members of the Nez Perce tribe who happened to pass by and find her, she is taken to a small refuge for buffalo orphans started and run by Walking Coyote and his wife Mary. They nurse the calf back to health, and along with several other buffalo orphans, make the dangerous journey across a large mountain pass in order to deliver the buffalo to a larger sanctuary and pasture for grazing. The orphans ultimately wind up at the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana where, together with other buffalo that Walking Coyote and other like-minded individuals rescued, they prosper and grow into a herd of about seven hundred.

You can't help but feel close to the main character, Walking Coyote. You feel for his family who is poor and on a mission to save these creatures one by one. You're also pulled in by the story of the calf who loses her herd and eventually becomes a leader herself. The story reminds us just how important these animals are to America and it gives us an idea of the individuals who took on such a huge undertaking. If it wasn't for Walking Coyote and others, we wouldn't have our memories of watching those Buffalo bat their tails at the zoo. For that alone, I recommend everyone to read Buffalo Song.

Read Booktalk with author, Joseph Bruchac.
Author: Joseph Bruchac
Illustrator: Bill Farnsworth
Publisher:Lee & Low Books, March 2008
Reading level: Ages 4-8
ISBN-10: 1584302801
ISBN-13: 978-1584302803

Lori Calabrese is a freelance writer who specializes in parenting and children in both her personal and professional life. Lori's publishing credits include Boys' Life, Odyssey, Appleseeds, Focus on the Family Clubhouse Jr., Stories for Children Magazine, and The Institute of Children's Literature's Rx for Writers. Lori is a graduate of The Institute of Children's Literature and a member of The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

To learn more, please visit http://www.loricalabrese.com

Book Review: Punk Wig - A Children's Book With a Purpose

by Terri Forehand

Author: Lori Ries
Illustrator: Erin Eitter Kono
ISBN: 978-1-59078-486-0
Publisher: Boyds Mills Press, Inc

Punk Wig is an example of a beautiful and entertaining book for children as it not only entertains but educates the child about the side effects of cancer. The main character describes the cancer as "alien blobs" going through his mothers insides.

The book has watercolor illustrations that take some of the fear away as children can look at the pictures of the mother going through the treatment or chemotherapy. It shows mom tired and talks about when she feels better...time to get a wig.

The character and mom go to "Harriet's Hair" the best hair place in town. The delightful story takes the two on a wig hunt, finally settling on a Punk Wig... but not before they laugh and try on several silly wigs and hair pieces along the way.

The story cleverly shows the child the time line for treatment and recovery in a gentle way. This story is a wonderful presentation to introduce the young child to the subject of cancer, treatment, and side-effects without being doom and gloom or frightening.

As a pediatric critical care nurse, I recommend this book for any child who has an adult they love facing this disease. It is also a fun read for children to be introduced to the topic of illness and treatment for children who have never had to face something this serious.

Punk Wig puts a smile on your face and warm feeling in your heart with the simple, fun, and clever words in this story. The story will touch everyone who reads it over and over again.

For more information on children coping with illness or death and dying issues, or health and safety tips for children visit http://heartfeltwords4kids.blogspot.com

Visit Terri's professional website for your writing or content needs at http://www.terriforehand.synthasite.com

Terri Forehand is a pediatric critical care nurse and freelance writer. She has a passion for kids of all ages, especially kids who are fighting against tough illnesses and diseases. Visit her blog and website for more information. She is currently working on fiction for kids.

Book Review - My Body Belongs to Me by Jill Starishevsky

by Susan Heim

Sexual abuse. It's probably one of the last subjects we want to discuss with our children-or even think about ourselves-but experts say that it's essential to teach our children that certain parts of their body are private. Unfortunately, most children who are being sexually abused fail to tell someone, perhaps because their abuser says it's a secret, warns that someone will suffer if they tell, or convinces the child that he or she is at fault. So, how do we talk about abuse with our children without scaring them or giving them the impression that adults are bad?

Jill Starishevsky, an Assistant District Attorney in New York City who has prosecuted hundreds of sex offenders, has written a book to help parents bring up the delicate subject of sexual abuse with their children. My Body Belongs to Me combines simple, rhyming words with lovely drawings to help children understand, "This is my body, and it belongs just to me." The book also instructs kids to tell someone when they're touched inappropriately and reassures them that "they did nothing wrong" when abuse occurs.

In approaching the subject of sexual abuse with our children, the author suggests:

• Use this book as a tool to start a conversation and continue to address the subject periodically so kids remember the message.
• Teach children the proper terms for parts of the body so they feel comfortable talking about them.
• Ask your child "What if?" questions such as, "What if someone told you it was a secret?" Help them to get to the answer of telling another adult.
• Teach children that your family does not "do secrets." If someone encourages them to keep secrets, they should respond by saying that their family tells each other everything.
• Encourage your kids to talk to you whenever they feel scared or uncomfortable. This will help them to know they can always confide in you.
• Let your children know they should trust their feelings. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't, and they should tell someone.

In addition to these tips, My Body Belongs to Me also includes a letter to parents and resources for more information. The author has an accompanying website at www.MyBodyBelongsToMe.com through which you can order the book. I highly recommend it for all families with children between the ages of 3 and 10.

Susan M. Heim is a former Senior Editor for the bestselling "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series. Her published books include "It's Twins! Parent-to-Parent Advice from Infancy Through Adolescence"; "Oh, Baby! 7 Ways a Baby Will Change Your Life the First Year"; "Twice the Love: Stories of Inspiration for Families with Twins, Multiples and Singletons"; "Boosting Your Baby's Brain Power"; and, "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Twins and More." Her articles and essays have appeared in many books, magazines and websites. Susan writes a regular online column for Mommies Magazine called "Loving and Living with Twins and Multiples." She is also an expert on twins and multiples for AllExperts.com and ParentsConnect.com, and a parenting expert for SelfGrowth.com. Susan is the founder of TwinsTalk, a website about twins and raising twins (http://www.twinstalk.com).

Susan shares her parenting wisdom on her blog, Susan Heim on Parenting, at http://www.susanheim.blogspot.com. She is the mother of 4 sons -- two teens and twin preschoolers.

Books For Introducing Young Children to World Religions

by Lisa Erickson

In our increasingly multicultural world, many of us are interested in introducing our children to religions other than our own. And what better way to do it than through books? The following list is of books for introducing children ages 3-9 to religions other than their own. Included are two books for each of the five major world religions, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Christianity. There are a few honorable mentions related to other traditions, or geared for older kids, thrown in at the end.

Buddhism

Becoming Buddha: The Story of Siddhartha, by Whitney Stewart - This is an introduction to the main themes of Buddhism through a telling of the Buddha's life story. One of the few Buddhist offerings geared for children this young, the interesting artwork and fascinating story hold young children's interest.

Peaceful Piggy Meditation, by Kerry Lee Maclean - This book introduces children to meditation by portraying it as a tool they can use to help them deal with the difficult everyday situations they most often confront - getting teased by their siblings, falling down at school, or served a dinner they can't stand.

Hinduism

Lighting a Lamp: A Diwali Story, by Jonny Zucker - Geared for the younger end of this age range, this book introduces the Hindu festival of Diwali by walking through one family's celebration of the day. It is part of the Festival Time series, a collection of books introducing holidays from all the major religions.

The Little Book of Hindu Deities: From the Goddess of Wealth to the Sacred Cow, by Sanjay Patel - This is actually not a children's book, but children love it. The author is an animator with Pixar Studios, and has drawn hip, colorful drawings of all the major Hindu deities, along with brief descriptions. An entertaining way for anyone of any age to learn about the Hindu pantheon.

Islam

Ramadan, by Suhaib Hamid Ghazi - This book follows a young boy named Hakeem through the major rituals of Ramadan, including fasting, praying and visits to the mosque. The illustrations are exquisite, capturing children's eyes and minds.

Salaam: A Muslim American Boy's Story, by Tricia Brown - A profile of a real-life American Muslim boy and his family, depicted through simple text and photographs. This book introduces the five pillars of Islam, and cultural aspects of Islam such as hijab (women's headscarves) in an accessible way, as well as broaching the difficult topic of religious intolerance.

Judaism

What Makes Someone a Jew? by Lauren Seidman - With rhyming text and color photographs, this book introduces children to the diversity of Jews around the world. Focused on the basic shared tenets of loving and kindness, this book focuses more on a sense of inclusiveness than religious theology, but presents a powerful multi-cultural image of modern Judaism.

Beni's Family Treasury for the Jewish Holidays, by Jane Breskin Zalben - For a more informative yet entertaining introduction to Judaism's tenets, try this collection of five stories about bear Beni and his family's trials and tribulations while celebrating various Jewish holidays. These tales combine educational information and good storytelling in a way rare for children's religious books.

Christianity

Humphrey's First Christmas, by Carol Heyer - This adorable version of the nativity story is told from the perspective of Humphrey, a grumpy camel witnessing the event. As Humphrey begins to appreciate the value of what he is involved in, he puts his own complaints aside and learns the true meaning of Christmas - selfless giving and love.

The Easter Story, by Brian Wildsmith - The story of Easter is not an easy one to relay to children, with betrayal, suffering and death all prominently featured. This beautifully illustrated version does it justice, focusing on the deeper meaning of each event without glossing over the details too much. Like in the prior book, an animal features prominently, this time the donkey Jesus rides into Jerusalem.

Honorable Mentions

These books are geared for slightly older children, or deal with religions other than the ones covered above.

One World, Many Religions: The Ways We Worship, by Mary Pope Osborne - Survey of all the world's religions from children's perspectives, geared for 9-12 year olds.

Religion (DK Eyewitness Series), by Myrtle Langley - Another survey book for 9-12 year olds, from the well-known education series DK Eyewitness.

Meet Jesus: The Life and Lessons of a Beloved Teacher, by Lynn Tuttle Gurney - Accessible and universalist telling of Jesus' life story, appropriate for liberal Christians and non-Christians.

Aisha's Moonlit Walk, by Anika Stafford - Introduction to pagan holidays and celebrations throughout the year.

Zen Shorts, by Jon Muth - Introduction to Zen principles by a giant panda, targeted to children 9-12, but the pictures pulled my four-year old in as well.

The Elephant Prince: The Story of Ganesh, by Amy Novesky - Beautifully illustrated tale of Ganesh, Hindu deity.

Lisa Erickson is a mom, meditation teacher, and writer. Visit her blog http://www.MommyMystic.wordpress.com for spiritual book reviews and information on meditation and spirituality.

Book Review - Fab Girls Guide to Friendship Hardship, by Phoebe Kitanidis

by Susan M. Heim

Why won't anyone sit with me at lunch? Why aren't I in the popular crowd? These are the types of questions that cause tremendous angst for middle-school girls. When I was in junior high (our term for "middle school" back in the Stone Age), there weren't many places to go for the answers to the questions I had during those years. My parents had very few resources to consult, but today's parents are much more fortunate. The publishers of Discovery Girls magazine have developed a series of books called the Fab Girls Guides to help girls navigate the ups and downs of middle school.

So, who are the Fab Girls? They're fraternal twins, Carmen and Dallas Fabrulezziano. They may be twins, but they are totally different. They tell readers, "Discovery Girls asked us to help you through these crazy, confusing middle-school years. And who better to go through them with than a couple of fun Fab Girls who know exactly how you feel? We'll give it to you straight and tell you everything you need to know . . ."

I got hold of a copy of Fab Girls Guide to Friendship Hardship, by Phoebe Kitanidis, and it was filled with some great information for middle-school girls, such as how to tell the difference between good and bad friends, how to be the best friend you can be, how to meet new people, and how to find the friendships you truly deserve. Creative quizzes and sidebars make for fun and easy reading so that girls feel like they're chatting with a friend, not reading a lecture. The first four books in the series are:

Fab Girls Guide to Friendship Hardship (ISBN 978-1-934766-00-2)

Breaks down the solutions to friendship problems step-by-step, helping your middle-schooler identify poisonous friendships and showing her how to be the best friend she can be.

Fab Girls Guide to Sticky Situations (ISBN 978-1-934766-01-9)

What do you do when your deepest secret is blabbed to the entire school? Or when you tell your crush you like him and he doesn't like you back? By the last page, girls will be ready to deal with any situation.

Fab Girls Guide to Getting Through Tough Times (ISBN 978-1-934766-03-3)

True stories written by girls about their most private struggles--being betrayed by a friend, dealing with their parents' divorce, a death in the family.

Fab Girls Guide to Getting Your Questions Answered (ISBN 978-1-934766-04-0)

In this collection of real letters to Discovery Girls' advice columnist, girls will find answers to their most troubling questions about everything from family to friends to school to boys and more.

The books are $9.95 each or $29.95 for all four, plus shipping and handling. They may be ordered at DiscoveryGirls.com. There's even a coupon in the back of the book for a free issue of Discovery Girls magazine. This is a wonderful new series for middle-school girls (or those soon-to-be)!

Susan M. Heim is a former Senior Editor for the bestselling "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series. Her published books include "It's Twins! Parent-to-Parent Advice from Infancy Through Adolescence"; "Oh, Baby! 7 Ways a Baby Will Change Your Life the First Year"; "Twice the Love: Stories of Inspiration for Families with Twins, Multiples and Singletons"; "Boosting Your Baby's Brain Power"; and, "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Twins and More." Her articles and essays have appeared in many books, magazines and websites. Susan writes a regular online column for Mommies Magazine called "Loving and Living with Twins and Multiples."

She is also an expert on twins and multiples for AllExperts.com and ParentsConnect.com, and a parenting expert for SelfGrowth.com.

Susan is the founder of TwinsTalk, a website about twins and raising twins (http://www.twinstalk.com). Susan shares her parenting wisdom on her blog, Susan Heim on Parenting, at http://www.susanheim.blogspot.com She is the mother of 4 sons -- two teens and twin preschoolers.