The book is an accounting of one young girl's brave ride for freedom during the American Revolution. Sybil Luddington is a true life heroine. The story is easy for young people to understand and demonstrates the role women (girls) played in our country's history. As a native of Connecticut, it was fun to read and share with my daughter a story about the important role a young girl played in the history of Ridgefield and Danbury. A fun way to learn about the American Revolution.

Drollene Brown gave a fascinating account of Sybil's ride for Independence. (Sibbell is the correct spelling which is on her grave stone.) She is a national heroine and has had very little recognition. There have been great women who have not been given credit for their accomplishments throughout history. Sibbell Ludington is a wonderful example of a brave (soldier) who was willing to sacrifice her life for the independence of her country. All teachers should read the story of Sibbell Ludington to their students to bring interest to the American Revolution. I know I am biased since I am a descendant (Henry James Ludington III) however it is a wonderful account of a 16 year old girl's bravery and loyalty for her country

A realistic look at how your older child's world will change when the new baby arrives. This book will also remind you of the importance of making a priority of spending time one-on-one with your older child--even just 10-15 minutes snuggling and watching the birds!

This is a nice book to add to your reading time for a soon-to-be older sibling. I found it suitable for my 2 yr old, yet it is not too young for a 4-5 yr old.

The story shares the fears and concerns of a little boy whose mother is pregnant. The author skillfully manifests the boy's concerns into a surface worry that he doesn't have room on his mom's lap as her pregnancy progresses. Obviously, this is a manifestation of his fear that she won't have time and/or attention for him, but it's not played up. I really liked this approach, as most pre-schoolers have an indirect way of expressing or understanding their fears. It helps me as a parent remember that my child's concerns might show up in subtle ways.

Very well illustrated. I also liked that the characters weren't white. It's hard to find children's books that aren't about mainstream white families. (We're caucasian but try to stock a diverse book stash so our kids learn about other cultures.)

Highly recommend this book.

You have a learning experience and it's an a none stop adventure book

This book is absolutley wonderful! I used it in my classroom on Grondhog's day, and we had the greatest activity with it. It is an up-dated and fun way to view this holiday. Students loved it, especially when Gretchen recieved support letters on her e-mail account. The illustrations are also beautiful, and the groundhogs look very believeable. The best thing about this book is the letters Gretchen recieved from past groundhogs who also looked for their shadows. Goody Groundhog, the early colonist, talks about her fears. Gloria Groundhog, the movie star also provides insight for Gretchen. It is my opinion that there is no other book to use but this one for Groundhog's Day

A refreshing, insightful look at a day in the life of a homeschooler. The photography enhanced the lively style (and country life) of author, Julie Voetberg and her children. These are fortunate children, whose education includes the discovery of owl pellets (small blobs of bone and fur that the owl burps up after eating an animal) along a country path--the trail leading on to the library for books and science videos about owls. Fortunate children, indeed

I bought this book to explain my son's severe CP to my daughter. She is only 3, so much younger than the recommended age. However, the text is pretty simple to understand. But...the illustrations are excellent. The little girl in the book really looks like she has CP and they don't really sugar coat things. I like that because it's relates to my daughter's real world (as opposed to idealizing the CP child). Also, the book talks about good things and bad things so it has an evenhanded treatment.

All in all, I think this is a great book for explaining severe CP to siblings and others.

My almost 3 year old loves the Virginia Mueller "monster books". Monsters are not scary when you see them as a family - a little boy with two younger sisters. Monsters are no longer frightening when they get the hiccups or are sent to bed when they aren't ready. We love these books and are dissappointed that the older ones are out of print.

Saying Goodbye to Daddy is a good resource for when a child has lost a parent suddenly. It starts off with breaking the news to the child. The feelings of confusion, saddness and anger are well described in this book. It gently discusses the finality of death in a way that mimimizes the fear. It also discusses the funeral home and the funeral. The child is given the opportunity to deside if she wanted to go to the calling hours and the funeral. The child was allowed to be angry. She was allowed to discuss her fear that she had somehow caused the accident because her father was upset with her breaking a cup. She was supported by a sensitive and loving family. She was assured that she would always be taken care of. The story showed that the adults were also grieving but they were able to provide the needed support this child.. There was an adult always present with the child and the adult was supportive, kind and loving. Overall, the story shows the need for a child and their family to talk openly about death, reminissice about the person who died , discuss the rituals following the death...ie calling hours, funeral and to discuss feelings after a significant loss. Due to the support given by the family, the child has a degree of peace by the end of the book. Good book for schools, churches and other community resources that might be tapped by people in the community who may be faced with having to provide some support to a child who has had a parent die. I will be adding this book to our Hospice library.

When Spence finds himself too small to reach his box of crayons on the refrigerator, he comes up with imaginative ways of getting them down. From eating vegetables to using a broom, none are successful until his mother offers to help him. Her earring falls off while she is reaching and it is up to Spence to retrieve it from under the couch. He says, "It's a good thing you are big and I am small." His mother agrees.

Preschoolers and moms will love Spence and his mom. Together they enjoy the challenges of being a child in a world filled with grownups. I highly recommend all the Spence titles for sharing one-to-one or with groups.

While books on the subject of reading are few, books on the difficulty of learning to read are even more scarce. I have used this book with many reluctant and challenged readers who are inspired by the character's determination to read. We need more books which describe the arduous process of learning to read!