Product Description
A basic reading skills book, with sight words, that is fun to read. ... Read more

Product Description

Why do many good children treat one another so badly?
This is a question parents eventually face and most start thinking about as their children prepare for high school. But the hard truth is, high school is too late. The pre-teen years are actually when it begins, when the cruelty is even worse, causing more anxiety and stress for children already facing an enormous amount of change in their lives. Early adolescence is a phase of anxiety, of uncertainty, of insecurity. To make matters worse, although all kids are going through the same transformation, none of them share what it is like, each feeling alone, isolated, and unique. The result is that even fantastic kids will do and say harmful things. Why Good Kids Act Cruel is the first book to give you an understanding of why cruelty happens during these years and how to help your child through these difficult times.

Customer Reviews (1)

Must reading for all parents
I've been a teacher and education consultant for over half a century.No problem more perplexes school counselors than informing functional, concerned parents that their son or daughter engages in bullying behaviors.Most assumebullying to indicate family dysfunction.Pickhardt's newest book knocks this notion into a cocked hat.Other works deal with bullying in schools, but nothing I've encountered comes close to presenting crucial understandings and insights in so focused, usable a fashion.Every school in the nation should have a supply on hand so that any counselor can simply quietly hand a copy to a parent who needs to be aware of what constitutes often shocking and disturbing information to them.Every school should include at least onein-service a year built around this book.

David Weiner, Austin, Texas ... Read more

Product Description
Humorous poems and whimsical illustrations from this mother and son collaboration will delight even the most reluctant readers. You'll meet a cheerleader with no neck, a cuddly Cyclops, Siamese septuplets, a serpent hat, the King of Mud and dozens of other spirited characters. Corresponding poems tell their tales and celebrate the unique challenges they face. Silly and inspiring, this collection is ideal for children aged 9-13. Parents will enjoy it, too! Teacher's guide in back. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Quirky and Unique
What do you get when you team up a son who likes to draw faces with a mom who's a whiz at poetry? Coolhead Luke, which combines the best of both.

When Jennifer White saw her son's drawings, they sparked the idea to work on a book together. She then matched her own poetry to the faces with surprising results. A big nose on a pedestal is Ebenezer Nooze. Chef Mahoney has only some macaroni, but he needs to make up some Beef Bourguignoney - and that's no baloney! And the Freaky Bus full of strange passengers rides out every day at nine o'clock.

Most of these poems are written in some form of rhythmic meter, with some more unusual styles thrown in for fun. There is a glossary of terms included, as well as discussion questions about the overall messages and styles of verse.

These are fun and well-written poems, with quirky and unique drawings accompanying them. I admire what Jennifer White and her son, Colin, have achieved in Coolhead Luke. Not only have they created an interesting work of literature, but they've also nurtured the creative bond between them. Now that's about as cool as it gets!

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Discerning English Teacher Motivates Students!
It's not often that students, especially middle school students, ask their teacher to read poems from a selected book.It's even more unusual when adolescents write in response, unsolicited, to poems they've been exposed to.With Coolhead Luke and Other Stories by Jennifer Lasker White and Colin White, I am batting 1000!As an English teacher I am always on the look-out for engaging and entertaining poetry books, especially for boys.The entertaing illustrations and complimentary poems in Coolhead Luke are delightful, charming and fun!Students relate to the ideas presented in the poems.In addition, the vocabulary that White uses in her poems is stimulating and challenging.I have created a variety of lessons using poems from this book to teach students different literary devices such as alliteration, personification, similes, metaphors and imagery. My students have responded very favorably to this book and lessons related to the poems. It doesn't get much better than that!I'm looking forward to the next poetry/art book by the White Team!

Reina O'Connor
Middle School ELA & World Literature Teacher
Advanced Math & Science Academy
Marlborough, MA

Entertaining and packed with excitement
Entertaining and packed with excitement the compilation offered on the pages of Coolhead Luke is intended for the middle grade reader. Writer White is a media consultant who strings words together for pleasure. In the back of the volume she incorporate a Glossary of expressions relating to poetry along with a collection of optional questions for teachers to use with groups of children.

Laughable compositions having titles which include -Coolhead Luke-, -Ebenezer Nooze-, and -The Eyes Have It- set the tone for this work of verses and whimsical imagery. While aboard the -Freaky Bus- the reader will meet Old Baldy Bob, whose nose is gigantic, Stretch Joe whose neck is eight feet tall or so, as well as Bewildered Bill and Eraser Head McGee. Other verse lead the reader to a serpent hat, the King of Mud or even a cuddly Cyclops.

The commencement of the book includes the writer's notes to parents as poet White explains how at an early age her illustrator son Colin was interested in faces. Even as a very young toddler Colin started to become aware of faces in the outlines on curtains or leaves on trees. He began sketching faces at age two.

As his depictions progressed the writer noticed the representation seemed to have a tale to tell, thus the stanzas to go together with the illustrations was born.

Professor Bickle, we realize is in a pickle for the reason that he has a mouse who is fickle. A Motley Three is made of up of she, he and me. We have Lunch with the Mussies. And, we discover, nothing upsets Coolhead Luke.

Illustrator White is an upper middle grade student in Massachusetts where he goes on with producing drawings and other art work.

In concert, the White team of Mother and son, have created a characteristic and thought-provoking anthology of verse and art. Writer White tells the reader that the drawings set down on the pages of Coolhead Luke were fashioned by Colin when he was ten years old.

I have found my own class of students take pleasure in poetry. I like the addition of the glossary explaining Haiku, Rhyming Couplets, Rhyme Scheme and Structure along with Limericks. Following the glossary are helpful suggestions telling how to locate some of the poetic forms in the works offered on the pages of the book.

While my First Grade students are a bit young to truly understand the whimsy found in Illustrator White's work, they do take pleasure in the tempo and pulse of the poems themselves as they listen while I read the verses aloud. We often sing My Country Tis of Thee as one element of our daily opening exercise and after I read Coolhead Luke are learning to sing My Country's Teeth I See for the fun of it.

Target audience is middle grade and older readers. Interesting work produced by Mother and son White family members, happy to recommend for the personal pleasure reading collection, as well as classroom, school and public library collections.

Molly Martin
Reviewer

Coolhead for Cool Families
This is a great book! The illustrations by Colin White are original and sometimes profoundly insightful. The poems by his mother, Jen Lasker White, perfectly match the style, intent and wit of Colin's art work. Although this book is fun for everyone, books of poems that boys love are few and far between. This one truly delights and inspires my 10 year old son. And that ain't easy! Kudos to Jen and Colin!
Leslie O'Flaherty, writer, poet, singer, teacher

For every Mother who loves her son
I read this book with my 8 year old son who LOVED it.The pictures remind my son of the silly books he likes to read.The poems that go with the pictures could not be more clever.Seriously!!We have our favorites picked out but found them all to be great fun.



The idea that this was written by a mother connecting to her son's art work is what clinched it.Something about that bond that speaks volumes.

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Product Description
A nameless cat lives in a town of dry, unhappy people devoid of moisture, joy and creativity. How did the townspeople get this way? Who stole the moisture? And how can one crafty cat return moisture -- and life -- to his town? "The Cat That Made Nothing Something Again" tells the tale of how a feline hero discovers these answers. On his journey he overcomes obstacles with wit and determination, finds new friends in unexpected places and learns the simple joy-and transcendent power -- of helping others. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

The Cat
I read this book on a beautiful summer morning (it is a quick read), and it made me appreciate the day. It also made my cry. The "cat" takes you on a winding road to a message that is a simple lesson that we all too often forget and need to be reminded of.I'm passing the book around to friends and family and highly recommend anyone spend some time with "the cat".

Excellent story on many levels
On the surface this is an engaging story about a cat on a quest, who surmounts various obstacles and receives help from unexpected sources to accomplish a goal that seemed impossible. It is full of charm and humor. But then it also carries deeper symbolism that can be interpreted in different ways to teach important lessons about how to live. It is not moralistic. It is the type of story that I believe I could read again in a year or two and get a new meaning out of. It is about love, community, and how the more energy you use and share, the more there is available. It makes you look at the world we live in and see the vast difference between what our culture calls "wealth", and true wealth -- which is something we create, not attain or accumulate. A great book for all ages, truly.

Recommended for All Ages
I must confess that this is the first children's book I've read...well, since I was a child. Being that I don't have any children yet, and I'm hardly ever around kids (at least, long enough to read a book to them), children's books are just not something I normally read.

James Maxon's book The Cat That Made Nothing Something Again is a great book for either kids or adults. Throughout the entire book, I could visualize each scene as though I was watching a cartoon movie. I know that sounds corny, but that's just how I envisioned it. :o) In the first part of the book when the cat is on his way to see the king, I could visualize the ground being dried up from no moisture. Also, when he meets all the different characters along the way, I could hear the bird and the seed talking in a great "cartoon" voice, in spite of the world around them looking so dreary and dull. In the second part of the book when the moisture is returned, everything comes alive, and it's so easy to imagine all the colors of this new and changed world.

For a Christian children's book, I was actually impressed that it was not too preachy. Instead, it was heavy on the symbolism, but not something that would go over a child's head. Because of that, it provides the perfect opportunity for parents to help their kids with questions that they may have at a young age about becoming a Christian. For example, the "moisture" in the book, in my opinion, represents the love of God, and that if we let that love be sucked out of our lives, we're left with a very unhappy life. Also, without that love, we don't treat others as we should, and our hearts can become hard toward one another.

This is definitely a book I would recommend for anyone, regardless of your age group. The truths found in this book apply to everyone, and are easily understood. I look forward to reading James Maxon's future books, even if they are written for kids. *grin*

An enjoyable book for all ages
I just finished this book and I have to say I enjoyed every minute of it. The creativity of the story holds the reader's attention throughout. The cat's journey reinforces positive messages without being overbearing. Overall a good book for people of all cultural and religious backgrounds.

It would be a great book for a parent to read with a child. My stepson is too young, but I have put it on his bookshelf and we'll have to read it together in a year or so when he's a little bigger. Highly recommended.

Great faith-based book for children
Kids have so many activities vying for their attention these days that it's hard to get them excited about reading, but this book is a winner! The quick, easy-to-read chapters are obviously designed with younger readers in mind. Not only do they get a great story, but a few faith-based lessons as well. It's a perfect first quest novel for kids.
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Product Description
A Pre-Teen Novel Of Fantasy
But Mummy ... It’s For School!

When 10-year-old Ruthie tells her 12-year-old brother, Dan, that she has chosen “Noah’s Ark” as the topic for her summer project, he doubts the wisdom of her choice.

Cousin Jack, a student of ecology, agrees that the project is very ambitious. “Do you realize,” he says, “that the Ark had to be a closed ecological system, which you will have to describe, apart from telling how it could have been built?”

With cooperation and the help of her dreams, Ruthie completes her assignment. ... Read more

Product Description
Poems that are fun to read aloud (or not!) in classrooms, at home, and in other places.These funny, sometimes outrageous poems present stories about everything from talking mice who have to escape garbage cans to magical moccasins that fly a child with broken legs across the planet -- with a focus on ecology, family relationships, adventure, and travel.These poems are also recommended for use in drama and speech classes for all ages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A psychologist's viewpoint
I bought my copies to use as a "giveaway" for my clients. These are the parents of children concerned about steering them in a direction appropriate to their talents and interests. I give the conventional tests including a brief job interest inventory, and a copy of Dr. Mark Edwards' book for the child to work through at home. I have only heard compliments from the parents - and children. The book isn't just useful, it is motivating and fun to use. ... Read more

Product Description
In the Doghouse (Lizzie McGuire Mystery #5): To raise money for an animal shelter, Lizzie starts her own dog-walking and dog-sitting business with her two best friends, Miranda and Gordo. The idea is such a good one that cheerleaders Kate and Claire are seriously jealous-since their own lame pom-pom fundraiser is a total failure. Then someone lets the dogs out of the McGuires' backyard, and Lizzie is really in the doghouse. She not only has to track down the missing dogs, but she's also got to track down the guilty party before he or she strikes again! Could it be her jealous rivals? Her toxic little brother's idea of a prank? Or what about those two neighbors who wouldn't stop complaining about the barking? Time for snoop dog McGuire to sniff out the truth of this doggone mystery! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very cute chapter book - Detective Lizzie McGuire
Lizzie starts her own dog-walking and dog-sitting business.

The idea is so good, the cheerleaders are extremely jealous (especially since their pom-pom fundraiser is a total flop!).

Lizzie gets so much business she has to call Miranda and Gordo to help, but then somebody deliberately sabotages the business! Can she track down the lost dogs, and sniff out the guilty party? ... Read more

Product Description
Friendship is a fabulous, fantastic thing, but it can also be mysterious, unpredictable, and even painful. This book, based on "It's My Life," the popular PBS Kids Web site for tweens aged 8-13, tackles the big questions such as: "How can I make friends?"; "How can I help a friend in need?"; "What do I do when my friends and I get into fights?"; and "What if I feel like I need to end a friendship?" Filled with expert advice, comments from teens and tweens, polls, quizzes, journal pages, "Thinksheets" and more, "It's My Life: The Guide To Friendship" is a fun, engaging way for young people to explore the in's and out's, up's and down's of one of the most important parts of our lives. *DVDs are also available on over 50 other topics of critical interest to teens. For full descriptions, transcripts, video clips, discussion guides, lesson plans and more on this and other topics, please visit our website, inthemix.org. For one day shipping orders or volume discounts please call 800-343-5540. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Exactly what my daughter needed
I bought this book for my 11-year-old daughter because she is a fan of the It's My Life website on PBS and is starting to have some problems with fights with her friends. She really enjoyed the book and we filled out a lot of the activities together. She especially liked the comments from other kids. I think she feels like she has some good "tools" now, we'll see if she can put them into practice. There is a lot of info and I'm not sure she digested it all completely, but I'm hoping she'll use it as a reference for any future problems. My only problem with the book was that I thought the illustrations were a little weird, but my daughter thought they were cool...so what do I know?!?

It's My Life the Guide to Friendship
I am an elementary school counselor and I strongly recommend this book. This book really helps tweens deal with friendship issues, such as gossip/rumors, conflict and making friends. The book design, layout and illustrations are very appealing and the vital information makes this a must have for tweens. ... Read more