Tag Archives: assessment

Resources for Learning the History of Other Cultures

When I decided to adopt from Korea, I knew next to nothing about the culture. In what little mention of them there is in books, Korea, Vietnam, Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia are often presented as victim nations, poor and often governed by puppet regimes of other countries. This is not great for self-esteem. (Regarding self-esteem: I’ve always thought some women were too sensitive to non-inclusive language. I’ve always been fine assuming that “all men” included me. But as I get older I see subtle discrimination more than I ever thought I would, and I realize the power of hearing … Continue reading →

Book Review: Being Adopted

Like Why Was I Adopted, Being Adopted is a children’s book from the 1970s (and has black-and-white photos that look it). However, kids are always fascinated by looking at photos of real people, and this is a photo essay book, with large photos on every spread. The photos are mostly of adopted children doing ordinary things—making cookies with mom, playing music with family, playing soccer with friends, checking under their beds for monsters. A few photos and their accompanying words matter-of-factly show more unusual moments that are part of these kids’ lives: a long airplane flight with a group of … Continue reading →

Do You Read to Your Children?

If so, do you make the experience fun and exciting or do you act as though you’d rather be getting your wisdom teeth yanked out—-without anesthesia. If there is one thing a parent shouldn’t have to be told to do with their child it’s read. You would be hard pressed to find anyone who would not agree that reading to kids is one of the most important things you can do for them during their formative years. Not only does reading aloud to your kids help them develop critical language skills, it also strengthens the bond behind parent and child. … Continue reading →

Book Review: a Family for Jamie

Suzanne Bloom’s A Family for Jamie: An Adoption Story is a bit unique in that it talks not only about the child’s story, but about the waiting parents-to-be–their emotions, their preparations, their long waiting and dreaming. Softly colored illustrations—also done by Bloom—convey the warm yet wishful mood very well. The illustrations are also fun to go back to—many details can be found on a second or third look. For example, the expression on a rag doll’s face is lonely as she waits for a child to play with. Other scenes show children playing together with a few comical details, such … Continue reading →

Animals with Unusual Aspirations

Every once in a while odd notions pop into my head. (Okay, more than just once in a while.) The past few months, though, I keep having thoughts about animals with unusual aspirations. I’m not sure if they’re potential children’s book titles or just humorous musings meant to poke me when my subconscious thinks I need a laugh. Whatever they are –or may one day become– they make me smile. With all the bad news in the media recently, I thought I’d share them with you in the hopes perhaps they’ll bring a little levity to your life, too. The … Continue reading →

Who’s Who in the Book of Mormon – Brad Ballard

I always get excited when I discover an LDS-themed children’s picture book that I can enjoy with my children, that teaches important gospel principles and yet is presented in a way they find entertaining. I was so pleased to learn about “Who’s Who in the Book of Mormon” by new author/illustrator Brad Ballard. As we open the book, we first note the cute illustrations. They aren’t elaborate, but they’re effective and well-done. I especially liked the sheep, which look like kernels of popcorn with legs. Each page contains a full-length flap which is folded out to reveal more of the … Continue reading →

Henry’s Show and Tell – Nancy Carlson

“Henry’s Show and Tell” by Nancy Carlson is the cute story of a little gray mouse named Henry. He loves to go to kindergarten and listen to stories, learning his letters, singing songs, and painting pictures. He has a wonderful teacher named Ms. Bradley, and he really likes to go outside and play ball with his friends. But with all these things to love, unfortunately there’s something he doesn’t love . . . show and tell! He likes hearing what the other kids have to share. It’s interesting to hear them talk about their collections, their favorite things, and their … Continue reading →

I’d Really Like to Eat a Child – Sylviane Donnio

The title of this children’s picture book brought me up short when I saw it at the library, and then I just had to pick it up. I loved it. Little Achilles Crocodile has always eaten bananas for his breakfast, and every morning, his mother compliments him on how big and strong he’s getting. But one day, he decides he’s not going to eat his bananas. What he really would like is to eat a child. “But children don’t grow on trees!” his mother points out, and tries to get him to eat his bananas. He refuses. So his father … Continue reading →

The Tortoise and the Hare Race Again – Dan Bernstein

Have you ever wished you could go back in time and fix something that happened in your past? In the children’s picture book “The Tortoise and the Hare Race Again,” that very thing takes place. It all begins with a bad hare day. The hare feels mocked and belittled as the other animals laugh at his failure to defeat the tortoise. He did come in second, but in a race between two people, that’s really not saying much, now, is it? All the rabbits made it their business to tease the hare whenever they see him. In fact, Stu Rabbit … Continue reading →

Mystery at the Club Sandwich – Doug Cushman

I love corny jokes—well, most corny jokes, that is. “Mystery at the Club Sandwich” is just full of ‘em, and puns and all sorts of things that will probably make the parents laugh more than the children, but that’s okay. Our main character is hardened detective Nick Trunk, who is an elephant. He’s a private investigator who doesn’t charge much—he works for peanuts. One day, a lady who looked like trouble walked into his office and introduced herself as Maggie Trouble. She came on behalf of a lady named Lola who lost her marbles. She wants Nick to come investigate … Continue reading →