Emotional Toxic Shock Syndrome, or PTSD, thought by many to exist only in situations where extreme conditions cause children to fall victim to the illness characterized by its now well defined symptoms, is now a nearly universal phenomenon that goes largely unrecognized in its many variations. The interests of children would be best served by making the connection between violence, neglect and trauma that forms the foundation of PTSD, the perpetual kind, that undermines adult potential and leaves its victims vulnerable to and the most probable outcome of any and all "emotional overload" setbacks in childhood we tend to ignore or dismiss as unfortunate influences. PTSD, rarely the first inquiry (and rarely examined) as the most probable diagnosis of children caught in domestic conflict, or those troubled, or in trouble, is a constant and continuous affliction in modern society where family conflict is "nearly presumed" as ordinary occurrences. Diagnosed with a myriad of "other" less likely performance-undermining illnesses, it is far easier to medicate, counsel, and address anything but the real source of their problems, the desperate situations out of which their troubles come. Medication, inappropriate ridicule or punishment and inadequate counseling insures circuitous examination that prevents the real diagnosis and the real resolution of their problems, often leaving us wondering why they "cannot be reached," or foolishly justifying the compounding of social and educational dysfunction laid upon them, and further crippling them for life ignoring all forms of social conscience due to our own neglect and ignorance. Failing to recognize that orphans, or orphan-like children are not likely to receive the remedial steps for recovery, and that adoptees are actually former orphans with unaddressed impact can only be detrimental to wellness. Continuing conflict among the almost-orphaned is little better. All reside in varying states and levels of PTSD which do not disappear with age but become buried within the makeup of the individual further complicating the healing and health of those who suffer, or once suffered the conditions that caused it. Recognizing the realities and necessities of treatment should be a first concern and the first step in diagnosis for any child, or any adult. Awareness is always the key to understanding how illness becomes health in the non-physical sciences, a.k.a., the world of emotional, mental and cognitive health. More discussion is needed, not silence.

This book is absolutely perfect for helping children who have experienced trauma understand their feelings, consciously and subconsciously. The story is straight forward about how sometimes we try to hide from the scary feelings created by trauma and how we may act out because of our trying to suppress those feelings. It also gives children an entre' into how to handle these feelings while not telling them that everything will go back to the way it was. Spectacular! Probably the best child's self-help book I've read in a long time.

This is a wonderful book for teachers or parents to use with younger children. It uses a fun character to show different emotions that children have after witnessing or being a part of something that is tramatic to them. This could be their parents fighting, divorce, abuse, etc. That is what is so wonderful about this book; it does not tell what the character witnessed. As a result of this, it can apply to a number of situations. This book also helps children to realize that it helps to talk about what is bothering them. This is a must read!

My 18 month old grandson loves this book. He insists on it being read to him, usually 5 times in a row at each reading session.

This is our third copy of this book. My children have literally loved this book to shreds. Even before children can speak words, they love to learn the sounds of animals -- especially easily identifiable farm animals. Thomas picks up cars filled with cows, pigs, horses, and ducks -- on each page, the child and I make the animal's sound. I am considering buying a couple more to save for the next generation of Thomas the Tank lovers

Thomas the Train has delighted babies and toddlers for years. But the real treasure is the zany illustrations and attention to detail that illustrator Owain Bell creates in his world. The illustrations are a source of humor for children and adults... but you must take care to point this out to your child. Trains ride by men falling from ladders, grandma's snoring in the back of cars, and all under the guise of "Mr. Topham" who is modeled after the Vanderbuilts. I love this book, it just keeps on going.

I first read to my boys the story of The Three Billy Goats Gruff which is just the way I remember it from when I was a child. I then flipped the book over and read to them the troll's point of view. What a cute and funny story. We all love this book. We will definitely buy other books like this one written with other classic stories telling both points of view.

I first received a copy of this book at the International Reading Association's 1996 conference when I was acting as a staff development assistant and enrichment teacher at an elementary school. It is hilarious. First, you read the traditional The Three Billy Goats Gruff to the kids and then you read the Just a Friendly Old Troll story which is told from the point of view of the troll. It is really funny. The troll says he was just misunderstood-he didn't mean he was going to eat the baby goat when he said," I'd like to have you for dinner?" but that he was inviting him to dinner trying to make friends and that when baby goat and medium goat each said wait for my bigger brother knowing that eventually big billy goat gruff would come to defend them that he thought they meant they didn't want to come to dinner without their brother.

I am a school librarian and I thought these "other point of view" stories were wonderful (not just the 3 Billy Goats). It gives you a chance to alert kids to the fact that sometimes you need to hear another point of view before you make judgments. It's too bad the Horn book reviewer didn't like it.

Champ of Champs is a wonderful, wholesome book for young readers. As a parent, I thought the message in the book is important. It teaches honesty and to value diversity. My kids loved the story. My 6 year old really identified with the characters and my 3 year old loved the illustrations. He frequently will set and look at the book on his own while I homeschool our oldest child. Camp of Champs is so popular in our family, it is on our all-time favorite book list for bedtime stories.

As a grandparent invested in seeing my granddaughter learn in a relaxed environment, it was a joy to see how much my granddaughter loved this book. The illustrations are exceptional, with vibrant colors and fanciful fruits gently teaching, in a simple but powerful way, the values of honesty and integrity. Faith loves this book and it is already one of her most treasured possessions. This is a wonderfully well written book, reflecting positive values through an enjoyable and fun experience. Looking forward to more!

Engagingly written by Jeana Thomas and brightly illustrated by Lisa Allen Triefenbach, Champ Of Champs: Why Was Blueberry Orange? launches a new series designed to entertain and teach young readers ages 4 to 8 some of life's lessons. This time it's about the virtue of honesty as Buddy Blueberry gets himself into a compromising position his first day at the "Camp of Champs". In the conclusion of this lively and engaging story, children are presented with questions which will ensure that the lesson about the value of telling the truth and the possible consequences of dishonesty reflected in the story has been understood. Champ Of Champs: Why Was Blueberry Orange? is strongly recommended for private school, parochial school, public elementary school, and home school library collections and reading lists for preschool through first grade students.

I don't know whom to start with, the writer or the illustator. The book is very funny and to top it the drawings add humor to it. My 8 and a half years old boy laughed and loved it. Because we liked it so, we bought winnie can fly which is just as great.
Ran to buy it or just klick it.

I found this book at the library. My 4 and 6 year old love it so much they asked for their own copy to have for always. Winnie's whole house is black and so is her cat Wilbur. This presents a problem when Winnie trips over Wilbur several times. She decides the solution is to magically turn him multi-colored but Wilbur is so unhappy Winnie changes him back and comes up with a much better solution. Any child will love this endearing story. Winnie the Witch is a great read anytime of the year.

A wonderful brilliantly illustrated book. It's impact has been so large in the UK, that children now draw their witches with socks the same colour as Winnie's.

Not just for Halloween.

I bought this book when my son was 2 months old, now he's 2 years old and he STILL loves it. I love the illustrations of the baby. This is a time when my son can appreciate what the words mean and not just how well they sound together. I'm going to find other books from this group to add to his collection. I'm looking now to purchase one for a friend who's having her first child.

This little book is our favorite. Our son is 3 months old now and we have been reading this book to him since he was just one week old. He loves to focus on the baby's face and wiggles all over. It's wonderful to have multi-cultural books to offer children. Our baby looks like the baby in the book :) We can't wait to collect the others in this series!

This book is a delight! My child loves to look at the bright illustrations of other baby faces, and loves it when I get to the part that says "You are my perfect baby!" The message of this books is unconditional, affecionate love. Great text! He quiets down whenever I open the pages!

The stained glass window illustrations and simple, straightforward text allow readers to learn about young King Arthur. This book is a staple for me each year, as I read it to my second graders. Each year they love it! Sabuda provides a cool author's note too! Sabuda is a gifted storyteller/book creator!

This is, quite simply, a beautiful book. I wish it had been a little longer! The story, as the author admits at the end, comes right out of the Malory version of the Arthurian legend, which is perhaps the best known. This story, therefore, comes as no surprise to those of us who love King Arthur. The surprise here is in the illustrations. He has put us into the medieval tale in a new way by illustrating the story with stained glass windows. Well, that's how they look, anyway. And we are drawn through them into Arthur's time. Sabuda admits that he wrote and illustrated this one especially for the boys, and I can see how it would appeal to them. But there's nothing here that would turn off a girl's interest, either.

Sabuda is well known for his amazing pop-up books, and I have copies of all of them. I'm glad I've added this book to my collection. Although it's not a pop-up, it's a very interesting concept, and it's beautifully executed. I know the kids will love it! END

This tpb collects Avengers Volume 1 issues 129-135 as well as Giant Sized Avengers issues 2-4. It is filled with origins tales (The Kree, The Cotati, Moondragon, Mantis, The Vision, The Original Human Torch, etc.), and a few good brawls. As another reviewer noted, there are many plot threads going on throughout, but they all converge at the end to form a cohesive whole. There are better Avengers tales out there, but this trade reeks of Marvel History and is necessary for any true Avengers fan. 5...

An excellent and nostalgic trip though Avengers past, with stories by Eaglehart and beatiful artwork by Sal Buscema. While centering around the enigmatic character of Mantis, there are numerous pearls in this collection such as the origin of the Vision (and his relationship to a certain fiery android from the Golden Age), as well as origin tales of Moondragon and Mantis. The collection also includes the death of a certain sword-wielding Avenger. The story lines wander and converge, yet in the end all come together in an issue including the weddings of not one, but two Avenger's couples. Numerous villians appear, the central being Kang which of course means lots of cosmic time travelling tales. All in all, an excellent and enjoyable collection for Avengers' fans..

I teach 3 to 6 year old children, and they (and I) love this book. We had several children in class expecting siblings or with siblings newly arrived when I brought in this book. The book describes preparing for the baby, including mom's shrinking, sometimes even kicking, lap, and all the furniture and clothes the new baby will get. It talks about twins, much to the delight of my student expecting two sisters. The baby's homecoming, routines, noise and initial immobility are all discussed. There are several very touching passages, especially the one about maybe being able to hold the baby. This passage evokes peace and stillness, suggesting that you may even feel the baby breathe as you sit with her.

My students were captivated by the stunning photographs and the narrative, by turns touching, funny, and serious. Reading this book caused may of them to share true stories about their own lives and interactions with siblings. Even the younger children thought about first memories with siblings now a year or two old. The photos also show children of many different ethnicities.

This was a great tool for stimulating conversation with the children and was a big hit in the book corner. I enjoyed the upbeat message of this book as well. Even though routines change and diapers are smelly, parents still love you. Even though your baby might seem a little boring at first, the big sisters and brothers will get to teach this little one what they know. I thought it very positive for the children, stressing their competency and the importance of their role as a member of the family raising a baby.

I would recommend this book strongly for any classroom or expectant parents. Or any child aware and interested in babies. (One of my children who loved this book is a little sister, but talked about her baby cousins!)

Great pictures of beautiful children help to tell the story of a new baby arriving at a child's home.

The narration and sound effects are fabulous. Keeps little ones interested. Great facts are included however, they will never realize that they are learning.

The illustrations in this book where fabulous. The details where obviously pain-stakingly done. You can tell David Kiehm puts his heart and soul into his work. I can't wait to see more of his work!