We’re All Afraid of Something Sometime

Posted on January 7, 2011 by viviankirkfield

Image via Wikipedia

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
-Winston ChurchillWinston Churchill, prime minister of England during World War II, wanted to inspire his countrymen and motivate them to continue their fight against a formidable enemy. To learn more about this courageous man, go to

www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winston_Churchill

What he said applies to our young children who often are beset with many different fears: fear of the dark and going to sleep, fear of monsters, fear of separation and getting lost, fear of new experiences and new places and fear of illness and death.Do you have a young child who is afraid of something? Is that fear keeping him or her from joining activities or socializing? Sitting down and talking to your child is a good step to take to try to help your child overcome that fear. But sometimes it’s hard to start a conversation about difficult topics. That’s why picture books are so valuable because they set the stage for a relaxed discussion about almost anything. For this situation,

a wonderful choice would be Frizzy The Fearful by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat. This little tiger is afraid of EVERYTHING, but with the help of his friends and mother, he learns that he can cope with those fears.

THE STORY: FRIZZY THE FEARFUL
Written by Majorie Weinman Sharmat
Illustrated by John Wollner Poor Little Frizzy Tiger! He is afraid of everything…high places and low places, the dark, loud noises, and pits in pit-less fruit. He avoids going places with his friends and he misses out on many fun-filled activities because he doesn’t want anyone to know how frightened he is. When he climbs a tree to help a friend, even though he is terrified, Frizzy realizes that everyone has fears and he begins to feel a little better about his own situation.

As you read the story with your child, you will have an opportunity to talk about it. When you are finished, ask your child to relay to you what happens in the story. You can share with your child about times that you were afraid of something and how you overcome your fear.

Participating with your child in a simple craft project is another great way to open a discussion. The following easy instructions

will produce a badge of courage that your child can wear with pride.Perhaps your child has just been to the dentist for a cleaning and went without making a fuss. Maybe he has finished his first week of nursery school and, even though he was anxious about being separated from you, he managed to enjoy his time there. Here is a badge of courage you can pin on your child that affirms his willingness to overcome his fears and accept life’s challenges.

THE CRAFT: A BADGE OF COURAGE

You will need: 2 pieces of construction paper (1 light and 1 dark), aluminum foil, ribbon, paste and a pair of scissors.1. Cut a 3-inch circle from dark paper and a 2-inch circle from aluminum foil and help your child paste the aluminum foil circle on the dark circle.
2. Cut a 1-inch circle from the light paper, write your child’s name on it and help him paste it in the middle of the aluminum foil circle.
3. Paste the ribbon at the back of the badge so it hangs down a few inches.
4. Pin the badge to your child’s shirt with a small safety pin.

Never Too Busy For Your Child

Posted on January 5, 2011 by viviankirkfield

Sometimes it’s really hard to juggle all we have to do as parents…home, family, work, social and/or athletic pursuits. Yesterday I offered a few simple suggestions that will save time.

So what should you do with that extra time? If you have a young child, why not read a story with him or her and do a little eco-friendly craft project and a child-friendly healthful cooking activity? The time we spend participating positively with a child leave a lasting impression on him and help build self-esteem and a life-long parent-child bond.

THE BOOK: The Very Busy Day written by Diana Hendry and illustrated by Jane Chapman

Big Mouse is busy working hard in the garden and constantly grumbles that Little Mouse should help him instead of continuing his seemingly useless daydreaming. Little Mouse, however, has not been wasting his time, and has actually prepared a picnic for Big Mouse.

The story stresses the importance of spending time with your loved ones. Perhaps you and your child can tackle the task of simplifying and organizing together.

THE CRAFT: HOMEMADE STORAGE BOXES

You will need: Shoeboxes and/or boot boxes (with lids) or other size cardboard boxes, self-adhesive shelf paper (or gift wrap…you will have to glue this on), labels made from a blank piece of paper.

1. Decide what toys or supplies will go in each box.

2. Cut the shelf paper to wrap around the outside of the box and lid and press in place.

3. Write the name on the label (and draw a picture) of the toys or supplies that will be stored in the box and attach to the box.

THE RECIPE: NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER BALLS

You will need: 1 cup peanut butter (health food stores often grind various nuts fresh daily and the cost is comparable to the leading brand peanut butters…for a little more money you could request cashew or almond butter for a different taste sensation), 1 cup honey, 2 cups non-fat dry milk powder, 1 ½ cups crushed cornflakes or shredded coconut for rolling the balls in, 1 large bowl, 1 cookie sheet lined with wax paper.

1. Mix the nut butter, honey and 2 cups of non-fat dry milk powder in a large bowl till well blended.

2. Roll mixture into small balls…about the size of a walnut.

3. Roll the balls in the crushed cornflakes or shredded coconut.

4. Place on waxed-papered cookie sheet and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.

5. ENJOY!!!!!

6. Place uneaten balls in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to a week.

7. This recipe makes about 18-24 pieces, 150-175 calories each…the more you make per batch, the smaller they will be and fewer calories each, of course.

Top Ten Children’s Picture Books for 2010

Posted on December 7, 2010 by viviankirkfield

TOP TEN CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOKS OF 2010

Every year, thousands of new picture books are published. Many are excellent. Some are outstanding. And a few are in a category all their own…to be read and savored, over and over again, by adults and children alike. These are the books that will be the classics in the decades to come. These ten books are my choices for the must-read children’s picture books published in 2010.

1. SHARK VS. TRAIN written by Chris Burton and illustrated by Tom Lichtenhedd

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers – ISBN9780316

A boy with a toy shark faces off against his companion who is holding a toy train. Awesome cartoon illustrations depict the distinct personalities of the two competitors and will have young children cheering from both sides. In some of the battles, the shark has the upper hand and in others, the train. And neither is very good at keeping quiet in the library.

2. THE QUIET BOOK written by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Renata Liwska

Houghton Mifflin Books for Young Children – ISBN9780547215679

Exploring the many different kinds of quiet with understated text and subtle yet engaging illustrations, this book will soon become a favorite with little ones. Various young animals – bears, rabbits, mice, owls and others – are placed in situations that will strike a chord of recognition with young children. In the “first one awake quiet” a young rabbit is doing his morning stretches. In “right before you yell, ‘Surprise’, quiet”, three animals hide behind a couch. This is a book that will rank right beside GOODNIGHT MOON as a perfect book to read before bedtime.

3. CITY DOG, COUNTRY FROG written by Mo Willems and illustrated by Jon Muth

Hyperion Books for Children – ISBN9781423103004

This beautiful book is a journey through the seasons and through the natural cycle of the emotions of a friendship. When City Dog ventures into the country one spring, he meets Country Frog who teaches him “jumping and splashing and croaking”. Summer finds the two companions together with Frog learning “sniffing, fetching and barking”. In the fall, because Frog is tired, they play remembering games, recalling all the things they did in the spring and summer. When winter arrives, City Dog goes looking for Country Frog, but cannot find him. When spring returns, City Dog meets a chipmunk who asks him the same question he had asked Frog – “What are you doing?” And City Dog gives the same answer Frog had given him, “Waiting for a friend…but you’ll do.”

4. ART AND MAX written and illustrated by David Wiesner

Clarion Books – ISBN9780618756636

Max and Arthur are friends who share an interest in painting. Although Arthur (Art) is an experienced painter, Max is just a beginner and his first attempt at painting has unexpected results. This is a wonderful book for all young children who may question their ability as they grow up to master certain tasks and skills.

5. THERE’S GOING TO BE A BABY written by John Burningham and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

Candlewick Press – ISBN9780763649074

A young boy learns that he will soon have a new brother or sister. Young children will identify with his conflicting emotions over the next several months as he and his mother talk about the new baby while walking in the park, visiting the zoo and going to the bank. The author and the illustrator are husband and wife in real life and have created a wonderful book for siblings-to-be.

6. LITTLE PINK PUP written by Johanna Kerby

G.P. Putnam’s Sons – ISBN9780399254352

This is touching and true story of Pink, the runt of his litter and Tink, a new dachshund mom who adopts him as one of her pups and nurses him back to health. Simple text and full-color photos will make this book a favorite with very young children.

7. FARM written and illustrated by Elisha Cooper

Orchard Books – ISBN9780545070751

The author brings a farm to life with lyrical writing and beautiful illustrations. The book takes readers through a year of farm life with planting, chores and good and bad weather. Young children will enjoy the involvement of the farm children in their daily tasks and perhaps gain an appreciation for the hard work that results in the food we eat every day.

8. THE CHICKEN THIEF written and illustrated by Beatrice Rodriguez

Enchanted Lion Books – ISBN978159700929

When a fox runs off with one of the hens, bear and rabbit interrupt their peaceful lunch in the garden to join rooster in his chase to recover hen. The fox seems always to be a step ahead, tenderly clutching the pretty white hen. Is the fox intending to eat the hen or does he have something else in mind? This wordless book will be enjoyed by children and adults alike, especially the surprise ending.

9. OLIVIA GOES TO VENICE written and illustrated by Ian Falconer

Atheneum Books for Young Readers – 9781416996743

Olivia is back – on a trip to Venice. She has to dodge pigeons in the Piazza San Marco and barely stays afloat on a gondola ride. Full of curiosity, Olivia appeals to the very young, but even parents will appreciate the comic ending when Olivia finds the perfect souvenir – a stone – and a bell tower collapses.

10. BIBIOBURRO: A TRUE STORY FROM COLUMBIA written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter

Beach Lane Books – ISBN9781416997788

Luis, a schoolteacher with a passion for reading, shares his over-abundance of books with the children in the remote villages of Columbia. With two burros, he makes the trek across mountainous terrain and perseveres, even when challenged by bandits along the way. Spreading literacy one child at a time, Luis reminds all of us of the pleasures books bring and the difference one individual can make.

Do you agree? Any favorites from 2010 that I missed? As soon as I can, I’ll post my choices for the top ten all-time favorite children’s picture books. What would be your top choice…the book you loved as a child and want to read to your children and grandchildren?