posted November 26, 2007 05:47 PM         

The Way To Start A Day by Byrd Baylor

From Publishers Weekly
In this Caldecott Honor Book, the way to start the day is to go outside, face the east and greet the sun, as others in the past and present have celebrated the dawn. PW praised "the author's sensitive prose and Parnall's glittering paintings in this beautiful work."

A Book Review by Brian Sheehan,
K-5 Science Specialist (MacArthur Elementary) and Trail Teacher (Hi Hill Outdoor School)
Reprinted from the Spring 2002 Southern AEOE Newsletter

Every Byrd Baylor book is written beautifully for the outdoor science curriculum. Her books focus on conservation and appreciation for our natural world. Using her literature on the trails, I discover that my students become more aware of the experiences we embark on.

The Way To Start A Day describes how people all over the world celebrate the beginning of each new day. All over the world, the sun is honored in different and unique ways distinctly by anyone so in tune with the beauty around them. The book begins.... “Go outside and face the east and greet the sun with some kind of blessing or chant or song that you made yourself and keep for each morning.” One must sing, lift their hands, pray, and/or play instruments. Baylor takes us to Peru, Mexico, the Congo, China, Japan, and Egypt..

It is a well-written book that allows us to see diversity in different people in different ways. I have used it to teach biodiversity. After reading the book, we discuss different living things in the mountains where I teach in the summer and how each organism has a niche, a role to fill, in the cycle of life. I have used it on the first morning, Tuesday, of the outdoor forum. We discuss how we start the day at home in the city and compare it to how we start the day at the outdoor school. Sometimes I take the students on an early morning hike before breakfast and, after reading the book, we share through a chant, poem or song, how we would start a day. There have been some very powerful celebrations during these early morning rituals.

I love Byrd Baylor's style of writing because she is so AWARE of her natural surroundings. That's what I'm wanting my students to leave the outdoor science experience with, an awareness of who they are and what their role is in the grand scheme of our world.

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All I See Is Part Of Me - by Chara Curtis

A cosmic tale in all the best ways. This lovely, brilliantly colored book reinforces what children know but grown-ups have forgotten ? that all things are one. A valuable tool to help children retain contact with the higher-self.

Reviews

This warm, gentle, tender, trusting book is just what the world needs. -Gerald G. Jampolsky, MD., author, Love is Letting Go of Fear

An excellent work! It allows the ?inner child? in each of us, regardless of age, to integrate our daily experiences with our sense of Self. -William Sallenbach, Ph.D., Child & Development Therapist, Seattle

Seldom have I seen such simple beauty and truth expressed in both color and words at the same time. -Lindsay Wagner, actress

All I See is Part of Me should be required reading by prospective mothers and fathers, educators, mental health practitioners and their patients? This book is a prescription for child-rearing and the goal of psychotherapy. -Dr. Michael E. Ogle, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist

The child in his world shines forth with vibrancy and warmth. -Wendy Johnson Rossell, Montessori Life

?a living experience of goodness?One of those rare books suitable for children and adults, singing ancient truths in modern tongues. An experience to cherish. -Jay Bails, editor, The Book Reader

The path of self-discovery for children begins with All I See is Part of Me ? an all too rare discovery? a positive message of self-discovery and joy? never preachy?provides much opportunity for discussion between parent and child. -Sheila Grams, editor, The Leading Edge Review

Simple, powerful truth? My heart?s desire is that my children will grow to know the essential message of this book? that we all may hear this message. -Bob Mandrodt, Reviewer, Visions magazine

Every page of this charming book communicates the simple and enduring truths that children young and old need to remember. You will be warmed by its love ? as I have ? over and over. -Carol Wright, Reviewer, NAPRA Trade News

All I See is Part of Me is a much needed product for today?s child. -Dan Olmos, Associate Editor, Hay House Publishing

? contains Universal Truths which cross the boundaries of race and religion?easy to read?a delightful experience. -Jim Faubel, Editor, Transformation Times

?a sensitive and completely entertaining story of a young boy?s adventure with higher truth?beautifully illustrated?easy to read? a quality publication for the whole family. -William W. Koopman, Editor, The Light Body Mind Spirit Magazine, Award of Excellence, N/A, 1996

posted November 26, 2007 05:48 PM         

Everyone knows that dragons are fearsome, carnivorous, remorseless princess-consumers, right? Until now! Meet Herb, the Vegetarian Dragon, and learn how he brought peace to the dragons and people of Nogard.

A winning tale, warmly and whimsically illustrated, all about accepting others and being true to oneself. (And don't miss Herb's cookbook - Cooking with Herb!)

(9" x 10.5" / 32 pages. Hdbk)

Reviews:

I adore this book, and my five year old delights in it as well. The message is excellent -- some people (and dragons) like to eat meat, some people (and dragons) like to eat veggies, and no one should eat people. I like that it isn't the least bit preachy. I happen to be a vegetarian, and my husband and child are not, and it isn't about one kind of eating being better than another, just different. If you have a "mixed" eating family like mine, or if your meat eating child has vegetarian friends, or your vegetarian child has meat eating friends, or if you enjoy any well-written, well-illustrated children's book, then this book belongs on your shelf.

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We received this book as a gift and it has become one of my 4-year-old daughter's favorites. Rarely do we agree so enthusiastically about a bedtime story! She goes for Disney, I go for Robert McClosky. Further, it has stood the test of time (18 months). This is an eternity for a 4 year old. No other book has been such a perennial favorite. I think I have read this book to her about 250 times over the past 18 months. The crazy thing is I enjoy it every time. Because the pictures are so detailed, you often see something you missed on previous reads. It is a fairy tale, so I say to those who are quick to attack it as not having enough meaning for Vegetarians or being gruesome, they are missing the point. It is harmless and entertaining. Kids really enjoy it. And I teaches acceptance of others for what they are, which in my humble opinion is more important than preaching a particular view point on Vegetarianism.

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Editorial Reviews:

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3

posted November 26, 2007 05:50 PM         

Rainbow Crow is one of the most beautiful of all birds. This Native American legend is retold in lyrical language perfect for reading aloud. "Each picture is lovely, a pleasure to behold. Rainbow Crow is altogether charming." (New York Times)

This story of how the Rainbow Crow lost his sweet voice and brilliant colors by bringing the gift of fire to the other woodland animals is "a Native American legend that will be a fine read-aloud because of the smooth text and songs with repetitive chants. The illustrations, done in a primitive style, create a true sense of the Pennsylvania Lenape Indians and their winters." --School Library Journal.

posted November 26, 2007 05:51 PM         

Illustrated by Danuta Mayer
Hardcover, 32 pages
Reading level: Ages 4-8

Born beneath a brilliant comet, Tenzin is wiser than his years and holds the knowledge of many generations in his memory. When he discovers a wounded deer high up in the hills, he feels the creature's pain as if it were his own and tenderly takes it home to try and heal it. He names it Jampa, `loving kindness'. That night, as sleep overcomes him, he has a dream that shows him how he can cure his new friend. Day by day the deer recovers, but Tenzin has yet to understand one of the most important lessons of all: how to love enough to let go. Barbara Soros's narrative draws on the ancient wisdom of the Tibetan people, urging us to listen to our intuition and be courageous in the face of loss.

Quotes
"This beautifully illustrated story of a young Tibetan boy?s efforts to care for a wounded deer aptly reflects the compassionate and caring values pervading Tibetan culture." - H.H. The Dalai Lama

"Against an intricately illustrated backdrop of rugged peaks, scrolled clouds, and animals brushed with tiny strokes unfurls a tale of compassion, healing, and the guiding power of dreams. In the mountains of Tibet, a land where harshness meets exquisite beauty, lives Tenzin, a boy who is kind and wise beyond his years. When he finds a wounded musk deer, Jampa, he asks for guidance and he receives it, both from his inner voice (that hears the deer speak) and his dreams. Tenzin learns the art and science of healing through his experience with Jampa. Excessive detail makes this tender, spiritual parable somewhat dense and wordy. Nevertheless, the story flows smoothly. Each complex, gouache landscape is framed with a finely painted border of red with yellow filigree. The paintings are vibrant, expressive, and well suited to the story. While the book is lovely, it will have limited appeal. The afterword discusses compassion, dreams, healing and Buddhism."

-School Library Journal

posted November 26, 2007 05:52 PM         

Paperback, 32 pages
Reading level: Ages 4-8

This story of the death and reincarnation of a Tibetan woodcutter is a beautifully gentle look at one human being dealing with life's choices and possibilities. As a boy, he thought about other worlds that he would someday visit; as a man, he thought of other countries and people, yet ``he was always busy with his work and his wife and children.'' After his death, he is given the option of being part of ``the endless universe some call heaven'' or living another life, and he chooses another life. The choices which follow take him through all the galaxies, stars, planets, creatures, peoples, countries, and parents before arriving at the final twist in this journey back to where he had beenalmost. Thus, the story comes full circle. The quiet, rhythmic text is in perfect unity with the softly colored but radiant watercolor and gouache illustrations, leaving readers with a sense of wholeness and resolution. The golden borders neatly tuck the story in and add to its feeling of satisfaction and quiet joy. The real world scenes are in neatly boxed frames while the worlds of possibilities are displayed in mandala-like circular drawings. The main character, pictured in his small personal mandala, shows a range of emotions and dance-like movement. The kites held by the children in three scenes connect the multiple worlds of the story, providing both a grounding in the world we know and a means to soar beyond it. Children will appreciate the well-told tale and the joyous satisfaction of being one's own self in a large and magical world.

In a tiny village, in a valley, high in the mountains of Tibet, a little boy was born. He loved to fly kites. - from The Mountains of Tibet

"The Mountains of Tibet deserves a wide readership. It draws on all the potency of myth and symbol to invest a disarmingly simple tale (and highly original illustrations) with a depth of meaning which many more weighty tomes might envy." ? Times Educational Supplement

posted November 26, 2007 05:53 PM         

Based on a Fable Told by Paramahansa Yogananda

Softbound durable cover, 30 pages, 18 wonderful illustrations
Reading level: Ages 4-8

A lively and entertaining adaptation of a delightful folk tale often told by Paramahansa Yogananda. This engaging story is sure to amuse young readers while illustrating a valuable lesson?that courage and perseverance can win out even in the most daunting of circumstances. Filled with charming, vivid illustrations, it is bound in a high-quality soft cover to ensure years of reading pleasure.

Reviews

Great story for teaching courage and persistence
A big frog and a little frog are out frolicking on a fine sunny day when suddenly -- oops! -- they plop into a pail of milk. They swim and swim and swim until they are exhausted. The big frog wants to give up; the little frog warns him that to give up is to die. Will the big frog heed the little frog's warning? Will they make it out alive?

This book is the first in a series of inspirational children's books from Self-Realization Fellowship. It's a beautifully written tale that will hold the attention of young children. The illustrations are pleasing and add to the enjoyment of this tale, which was originally told by Paramahansa Yogananda, founder of Self-Realization Fellowship.

posted November 26, 2007 05:55 PM         

Can you keep a secret? If there is a plant near you, there is likely to be a fairy looking after it. Few people have ever been lucky enough to see a Flower Fairy, but this book offers a glimpse inside their special world. Learn about the clothing they wear to help them hide from human eyes, clothing made of seed pods, petals, buds and leaves. Meet the different Flower Fairies and learn about their jobs, their actual size, and how they spend their free time. For every child who has ever wondered about the Flower Fairies, here is a special look at a unique, old-fashioned, and magical world.

(7?" x 9?" / Hdbk)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 24 pages

posted November 26, 2007 06:02 PM         

A Victorian scientist, R.W. Greasebeam, presents the "original" correspondence of early explorers who encountered some of the world's most fearsome dragons. Base's fans will be delighted by his humorous stories and intricate renderings of these colorful creatures.

The Sign of the Seahorse: A Tale of Greed and High Adventure in Two Acts

Romance, mystery and intrigue revolve around the Seahorse Cafe, where the beautiful Pearl Trout falls in love with Corporal Bert the Soldiercrab. But Reeftown is in danger, and soon Pearl, Bert, and Pearl's brother Finneus must journey through the ocean depths to find the source of the deadly poison that is destroying the coral reef. Graeme Base's "witty rhymes (and) dynamic, radiantly colored illustrations...should keep both reader and audience immensely entertained" (Publishers Weekly)."Base will surely delight his many fans with this latest high-color, high-action, high-density composition...(with) a high-minded ecological message". -- School Library Journal

posted November 26, 2007 06:03 PM         

Best-seller Graeme Base is back with an all-new story filled with hidden pictures on every page! Little Ngiri is the Smallest Warthog in Africa. Tired of being teased by his bigger brothers and sisters, he wishes things could be different. When Old Nyumbu the Wildebeest gives Ngiri a set of magic drums, he is sure his wish is about to come true. But all the animals of the jungle are in for a BIG surprise as Ngiri's wish is granted in a most unexpected way. In the end, the gentle message that inner beauty and change is more important than outer beauty rings true. In true Graeme Base style, there is an added surprise at the end of the book. Everything seems to be normal in the jungle, but look closely and you will see that none of the animals or the other creatures watching from the trees are quite the way they were when the book began. Look even closer, and you will also find Old Nyumbu the Wildebeest hidden somewhere on every spread. "Jungle Drums is a book to be read over and over again.

Eleventh Hour: A Curious Mystery By Graeme Base

posted November 26, 2007 08:06 PM         

Some of my favorite spiritual books are children's books. Here are some classics...

The Little Prince by Antoine St. Exupery

A Wrinkle In Time by Madeline L'Engle

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

The Van Gogh Cafe by Cynthia Rylant

The Treasure by Uri Shulevitz

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

Great thread, as always Taurus!

posted November 26, 2007 11:09 PM         

Thanks for reminding me -- i've been wanting to pick up The Little Prince for awhile now. Can you believe I havent read it?

posted November 26, 2007 11:26 PM         

I owned a copy of "Wrinkle" as a kid, but didn't read it til I was in my 20's. I think that you can appreciate the deeper meaning behind most of them as an adult. They're all great reads no matter what the age!

8th