BELINDA'S BOUQUET by Leslea Newman is a story of how a young girl named Belinda is teased for having gained weight. She and Daniel, both about ten years old, discover with the help of one of Daniel's mothers and a garden cared for by his other mother that people, like flowers, are different. All people have special needs which make each one quite beautiful and unique. Belinda comes to realize that her body belongs to her and that it is okay to look and be different from others. Although the focus of this story is Belinda's growing understanding of the beauty of differences (some people are short, some of us are tall, some are dark, some are light, some are fat and some are thin), other messages are communicated as well. The author has addressed sex-role stereotypes when Daniel describes some of the things they both enjoy doing, such as playing dress-up, hide-and-seek, playing catch and riding their bikes. Other messages communicated are: Daniel lives with two mothers; the importance of nutrition and growth; one's body, even those of children, are private and that it is unjust for adults to tease children because of their differences. BELINDA'S BOUQUET is one of a few books which doesn't use the parents' sexual orientation as the focus of the story. So, the fact that Daniel lives with his two mothers, that no father figure is part of the family, and most importantly, that his family structure doesn't seem to pose a problem for him, his friends, his school or the driver of the bus who tells Belinda she has gotten fatter, is a genuine plus. The beautiful house and garden which belong to Daniel and his mothers will resonate most personally to the child who either has or lives in what many children refer to as the "country house." BELINDA'S BOUQUET features color illustrations, is appropriate for children age three and older, and can assist adults who wish to discuss the various issues Newman raises in this book.

This was the first book I have read since high school. I was so engrossed with the stories and words that I just couldn't put it down. What usually takes me weeks to read only took me 4 days. I always look for more books by this talented writer.

Felicia's Favorite Story is a gentle paperback by the author of "Heather Has Two Mommies," about a young girl who loves to be told how she was adopted by Mama Nessa and Mama Linda, and both her mamas loved her from the moment they lay eyes on her. Felicia's Favorite Story is a lovely and warm picture book illustrated by Adriana Romo and written by Leslea Newman especially for young children in alternative families.

GLORIA GOES TO GAY PRIDE is a story about a little girl named Gloria's day at the Gay Pride Parade. Gloria begins her narrative with a description of some of the events that occur during such celebrations as Valentine's Day, Halloween, Hanukkah, and Mother's Day. She then recounts the events, colors, people and families who make up Gay Pride Day. She finds this celebration as enjoyable as the other holidays. Various issues are discussed throughout the book and several implicit messages are conveyed. One of the messages which may or may not be explicit to adults and children is that anyone can be gay. One of Gloria's moms, for instance, holds a more traditional woman's job as a nurse while the other is a mechanic. At the parade, Gloria sees many familiar faces, such as her female mail carrier, male music teacher and the male nurse who works with her mother and who is there with his toddler son. The primary message of this story is that "love is the most important thing of all." The book raises the issue of homophobia by including people by the side of the parade holding signs which says, "Gays go away." One of Gloria's mothers explains to her that some people don't think two women or two men should love each other, but that the parade is held to help ensure that people can have a choice. Although that message is appropriate and clarifies that being gay is an adult's choice, it somehow removes the issue from the direct experiences of a young child. It also does not acknowledge that youth may feel and be gay themselves. In addition, homophobic responses and attitudes may be experienced by children raised by gay and lesbian parents. As a way to counter much of the real-world homophobia, the author has included people in Gloria's life who, whether they are gay or not, are supportive of her family structure (the owner of a restaurant they frequent and their shoe salesperson, for instance). The book contains black and white illustrations and is recommended for children ages three to seven. The length of the book is appropriate for threes and the events Gloria experiences are familiar to many children who have gone to parades and, specifically, to the Gay Pride Parade.

This book really captures the essence of "butch" . I laughed out loud or smiled through each and every page. It also is a great read aloud book for lovers. If you love a good butch this book will put your feelings into words, if you are a good butch you will see yourself. Just like great lesbian humor ? You will love this book.

I feel funny writing this review, as the book was published 6 years ago, is out of print, and I am a contributor. I'm just very sad the book did not receive more attention; it is a beautifully-compiled collection of pieces which represent the broadest range of human connections with people with AIDS. Reading it is akin to wandering through an exhibition of the Names Project quilt--one is overwhelmed by the diversity of sufferers and their loved ones, and especially by the personal details which define each and every one of the now-missing. I hope if anyone reads this you might get your hands on the book. Leslea Newman is to be commended for the fact that she managed to edit a book about the dead and infuse every page with LIFE.

"The pigs are coming to play, hooray!/The pigs are coming today./We'd better take care to completely prepare,/A minute's too long to delay." The entire town is up, out, and busy cooking a marvelous gastronomic spread for their soon to be arriving porcine friends. "We're planning a feast for ten thousand at least,/We're cooking a fabulous meal./We're mixing and baking and fixing and making/A spread that will make those pigs squeal." And after eating all their yummy treats...fried green tomatoes, cheese tortellini, gooey chop suey, pastrami on rye, mashed sweet potatoes, buckets of apple brown betty, mountains of chips with fountains of dips, and coconut chocolate cream pie..., it's the pigs turn to thank their hosts. "They sing and they dance and they swing and they prance,/They light up the stage like the sun./Our hands get to clapping, our feet set to tapping,/And then we all join in the fun." A good time is definitely had by all..... The dynamic duo, author, Leslea Newman and illustrator, Erika Oller are back, and after singing the praises of cats (Cats, Cats, Cats!)and dogs (Dogs, Dogs, Dogs!) in earlier picture books, are now ready to take on pigs. Ms Newman's engaging, rhyming text is filled with rhythm, energy, humor, and fun, and is complemented by Ms Oller's playful watercolors, rich in warm, soft tones and expressive, eye-catching details. With a silly twist at the end to tickle your funny bone, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs! is a rollicking, fun-filled read little ones 3-7 will beg to hear again and again at story time. "We're tired and weary, in fact we're quite bleary,/But none of us can fall asleep./We've got to hold steady, we've got to get ready,/Our next guests are coming-the sheep!"

I read it to my 5 children ages 1 yrs to 17 yrs a lot. All of us girls cried as we can almost leap to the pages. Wonderful book!!! Worth so much to pass down!

give you the groundwork to use a pen instead of a fork, to rebuild your esteem, but also see how you came to the point where you are! I am in the process of doing the exercise, where i form two characters one fat, one thin. Fun exercises that give you a new twist on perceiving your view of food and your body

Leslea Newman has an incredible ability to write with passion and emotion. This ability makes her the exceptional author that she is. I have read some of her poetry from this particular book and I have throughly felt every emotion that she tries to portray. I hope she continues to keep up the excellent work! I look foward to reading more. Thank you Leslea!