Read reviews of great books for kids or parents. Post a review of a book you've read. We love to learn from each other and books are such a great place to start. http://www.echoage.com/forum/list.php?7 Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:04:00 -0400 Phorum 5.2.7 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,288,288#msg-288 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,288,288#msg-288 Big or Little by Kathy Stinson recently put out a new cover and images. The book is now 25 years old.

To me, the story is brand new. As a mother of a 3 and 4 year old boy , this story is a gentle pat on the back to a child. Two steps forward, and then two steps back. The comforting text tells children that you are growing and learning. However, when you do "fall" you will be caught, picked up and held.

This book also serves as a gentle reminder to parents. Be patient, be aware and be there for your child. They need you. They need you to be realistic. You, we, need to be realistic with our children and our expectations.

Take time to be there, however it is you can be there. Let your child be themselves, however best they can do that.

Sometimes you'll feel little and sometimes you'll feel big.

Cindy Despins
[www.dressupandplayparties.com]]]> Cindy Despins Books to Inspire Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:17:36 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,260,260#msg-260 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,260,260#msg-260
Remember when the idea of crossing the yard to say hello to someone felt like trying to walk through a river of Jell-O wearing lead boots? Finding the courage to do something new is hard for adults, let alone little ones. So how do we help our kids find confidence in themselves? We introduce them to Martha the (confident) Mouse, of course. The story follows a sweet mouse living in a tree who longs to join the other mice residing in the rafters of the house below. But what if they don’t like her? This adorably illustrated tale, written by mom and Occupational Therapist, Karen Lang, is designed to help children understand the nature of shyness, and gives a fun resolution on how to tackle the problem. Martha will get your kids skipping across the yard to make new friends in no time. www.savvymom.ca]]> ECHOage Books to Inspire Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:38:22 -0500 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,259,259#msg-259 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,259,259#msg-259
The Association for Library Service to Children lists the medal winners of children's literature.

[www.ala.org]

I always get a little intrigued when I see a children's book with a round medal on the top right corner of the cover.

No matter what colour the medal is, or whether it is an honorable listing, I am always impressed with the dedication and talent of the writer and illustrator.

Support the book sellers, writers and illustrators. Keep books alive!]]> Charities @echoage.com Books to Inspire Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:24:32 -0500 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,234,234#msg-234 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,234,234#msg-234 The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
The Tale of Despereuax - winner of the 2003 Newbery Medal

Please, please, please read one of these books by Kate DiCamillo to your kids over the holidays. Her books are best read when you have the time to really enjoy them and sink your teeth into them. Her clever books use the most creative story lines to tell stories that will please adult and child alike. In one summer, I read all three of these books to my two kids (one boy, one girl) they both loved them.
I know Despereaux and Winn Dixie have been made into movies, but, as usual the book provides the story and the message that will stay with them for ever.
I should also point out that the illustrations in Despereaux and Edward Tulane are simply magical - they are perfect.
Here is something I took from her website:
Kate DiCamillo lives in Minneapolis, where she faithfully writes two pages a day, five days a week. "E. B. White said, 'All that I hope to say in books, all that I ever hope to say, is that I love the world,' " she says. "That's the way I feel too."]]> Roz Heintzman Books to Inspire Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:01:35 -0500 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,229,229#msg-229 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,229,229#msg-229 The Giving Tree the first 'word' book (vs pictures only) that I remember reading. The eternal love of the tree for the little boy and its selflessness are traits that resonated with me as a child. While this book has become controversial in some circles for me it is and always will be about love, generosity, consideration and understanding. And of course eternal friendship.

To learn more about The Giving Tree visit indigo.ca]]> Jennifer of the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation Books to Inspire Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:56:57 -0500 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,224,224#msg-224 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,224,224#msg-224 www.designtaxi.com]
please share your thoughts with us.]]> ECHOage Books to Inspire Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:24:48 -0500 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,206,206#msg-206 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,206,206#msg-206 The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay it is one of those few books that everyone I know who reads it LOVES it. The Power of One is an amazing read, inspiring, and you can learn about South Africa's history in the 30's and 40's at the same time! I was amazed that I had never heard of it when my friend chose it as our most recent book club pick as I think it is somewhat of a modern day classic. While the title makes it sound kind of new age, it is nothing of the sort. It is about a boy and the life he creates for himself and all of the facinating people he meets along the way. I feel that Peekay's life (the main character), has a Forest Gump-like quality in that Peekay has such fascinating life experiences that are influenced by the people he meets. In any case, if you are looking for a good book that won't waste your time, this is it! BTW, it was made into a movie in the early 90's and some of us rented it after reading it. Not only was it so off from the book it was BORING so don't waste your time on the movie version.]]> Ilana Rosenberg Books to Inspire Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:43:31 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,167,167#msg-167 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,167,167#msg-167
And, yes, as a matter of fact, I have! Not as many as I'd like - magazines and falling asleep mid-page can do that to a girl. As can watching a bunch of losers being batted into a pool by a mechanical arm. Or seeing how long a slew of idiots can stand being hung from the ceiling in their underwear..... But hey, that's summer TV. Which is why I'm talkin' bout books. Even if you're not a huge reader, in summertime it's hard to resist the lure of the page? After all, how many times can you go see The Hangover?

OK don't answer that. But when you've had your fill of Mr Chow and the boys, and you've admitted that Bruno was boring and that you actually liked The Proposal, then it's library time. Besides, 500 Days of Summer isn't out yet.....

Here's a small list to get you through the rest of the season.....Or at least a couple of weeks...

The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill - I actually read this one last summer. Maybe I blogged about it back then too. Whatev. It's worth a double take because it's awesome and devastating and impossible to put down - or forget. It's historical fiction at its most brutal - and most stunning. One of those books you read in two days. And you cry. And you discuss with everyone else who's read it. And rave about it to those who haven't. And then they buy it. And read it in two days. And cry. And discuss...And so on. Required reading.

The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway is another one. Historical fiction? Check. Well written? Check. Read in a weekend? Check. Brutal? Devastating? Brilliant? Check, check and check. Part character study, part thriller, part morality lesson, it's a love letter to a city torn apart during our lifetime... as we watched it on the news.

If you like deep and brooding, then The Outcast by Sadie Jones is for you. Set in 1950's England, join our anti-hero on his hellish journey to prison and back. Innocence lost. Troubled times. Terrible crimes. Or maybe not. Like our main man, you'll find yourself heartbroken as you look for love beneath the darkness. There's something familiar about this book, whether in the telling, or the tale, but in a good way. Think Ian McEwan....

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell isn't the most brilliant book of all time, but it's extremely readable. A young woman learns she is the only surviving relative of an aunt she never knew existed - a woman who didn't play by the rules, who was ahead of her time. While it's tempting to simply file this away under "women's fiction", it's much more than that...
And it's by the woman who wrote After You'd Gone, so how bad can it be? (If you haven't read that one, grab some kleenex and start)

Is this more like a winter reading list? Is it getting too heavy for you? Had enough of the depressing stuff?

Sunnier times can be found in I Love You Beth Cooper by Larry Doyle. The author was one of the writers on The Simpsons and Beavis and Butthead. Need I say more? The book opens with the class Valedictorian giving his graduation speech... and announcing his love for the most popular girl in school. School's out, so wat's he got to lose, right?? With snappy dialogue and genius coming-of-age moments, it's no big surprise that this one's coming soon to a theater near you. The book's hi-larious. The movie? Who knows...

The Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell is more of a conversation piece than a thumping good read. Those who like Mr. Gladwell, like him a lot. And no wonder. He dissects pop culture and makes you feel like a smartypants as he articulates things you never knew that you knew (does that make sense?) This is great for idle party chatter. Or dates.

10 Year Nap by Meg Wolitzer had all the gals talking last year. Except me who had to wait for the paperback version. Again, "women's fiction" to be sure, but resonated with, erm, some people as it's about a group of moms who ditch their promising careers to stay home with their kids. Of course, one day they "wake up" to find their kids at school and themselves... erm... lost in their own mundane lives. If that sounds at all familiar, then give it a whirl, if only for the "hey! I-know-her/she's-me" moments.

Last, but by no means least, make sure Bitter Sweets by Roopa Farooki is in your cottage bag. This one's an intricate, inter-generational story about an Indian family. A family whose very foundations are laid on lies and deceit. These folks aren't grifters exactly, more like "spicers", whose stretching of the truth will catch up with them, eventually. This one's a fun, clever, soap-opera of a novel. Perfect for summer. Or any time.

Enjoy......]]> Carolyn Books to Inspire Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:24:04 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,142,142#msg-142 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,142,142#msg-142
Through simple prose and vivid illustrations, this heartwarming book encourages positive behavior as children see how rewarding it is to express daily kindness, appreciation, and love. Bucket filling and dipping are effective metaphors for understanding the effects of our actions and words on the well being of others and ourselves.]]> Justine Books to Inspire Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:09:53 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,136,136#msg-136 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,136,136#msg-136
When I first started reading this book to my daughter I would stumble over the names –big nutbrown hare and little nutbrown hare, why weren't their names more basic, but the more I read it to my daughter and the more she enjoyed it, the more I loved saying their names. I would even sometimes as i read the book well up just thinking about all the love that I have for my daughter and how I love her up to the moon and back. As she got older, maybe 10+ months, when I would read I love you all the way up to your toes, she would point to her toes, and I love you all the way up to your ears, she would point to her ears. Which was just too cute. Now when I ask her or say to her how much does mommy love you, she stretches out her little arms to show me thiiiisss much.


Andy Franklin
ECHOage Ambassador]]> Andy Franklin Books to Inspire Tue, 05 May 2009 16:43:33 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,135,135#msg-135 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,135,135#msg-135
I owe it all to my 10 year old daughter. When she told me she wanted to read Twilight I have to admit I was taken aback. Wasn’t it too old for her?

The last thing I want to do is censor a kid who wants to read, but I wasn’t quite ready for teen sex and all that goes with it. When I asked a few moms, the responses were varied. Some moms rejected the idea altogether, while others could not see the harm in reading it. The I asked the librarian at her school, who said there is no real sex, but there is definitely passion. They are not smart books, but she'll read them anyways so you might as well let her read them. She did! All four books in about 6 minutes flat!

I don't regret letting her read them. They are definitely not Harry Potter and they are not going to win any awards for brilliant writing, but I like my kids to love reading - even if the topic isn't always perfect.

And now, back to me... if I had brought something to do while she was at her piano lesson, I would never have picked it up to read. I think it took 12 pages to suck me in completely. I read through book one and swore I would stop there...Now I am on book two and it is so cheesy that I swear I'll be able to stop after this book....

Roz Heintzman
ECHOage Ambassador]]> Roz Heintzman Books to Inspire Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:23:37 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,112,112#msg-112 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,112,112#msg-112 The Wish Trees is rooted in the idea that every child can help make the world a better place. Pre-readers and early readers will love turning the pages to reveal children planting Wish Trees and making wishes. Kids will discover the wonder of trees and enjoy searching for different animals and signs with each new page.

Thoughtful, empowering and beautifully written by Canadian writer Andrea Koehle Jones, The Wish Trees features adorable and engaging illustrations by talented Venezuelan children's book illustrator Alicia Padrón.

Purchase The Wish Trees along with My First Tree birthday party tree favours at lovetrees.ca or at [search.barnesandnoble.com]]]> Andrea Jones Books to Inspire Thu, 05 Mar 2009 20:56:25 -0500 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,98,98#msg-98 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,98,98#msg-98
Sometimes, being too proud of outside beauty can blind a fish, or a child to the beauty people hold inside. The Rainbow fish is a wonderful story about showing off your sparkling qualities within and the rewards it can bring to your life. The story follows the beautiful Rainbow Fish, who is covered in colorful shiny scales. Proud and vain, he thinks he is better than all the other fish and will not play with them. When one small fish asks the Rainbow Fish for one of his scales, he rejects him. The other fish then refuse to talk to the Rainbow Fish at all, so the Rainbow Fish visits the wise female octopus for advice. The octopus advises him to give away his scales to the other fish.

No matter how many times we read this book together, I'm always amazed at the response: Now everyone can sparkle!]]> Melissa Weber Books to Inspire Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:24:00 -0500 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,96,96#msg-96 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,96,96#msg-96
You would think this topic is too complex for kids to handle and after you read this short book to your little ones you will find how simple it all is and really easy to understand. The kids in the book feel 2 different, often opposing feelings about events like a new sibling coming home, diving off the diving board, going to a sleep over party, moving to a new house, having the chicken pox...

I can't read this book to my kids without sighing right afterward because it makes so much sense. I ask them if this ever happens to them - do they know how the kids in the book feel? If they say yes, I feel good. My kids are reflecting on how they feel.

This book is so powerful in such a subtle way that it helps kids identify the complexity of their emotions. Wow. Amazing. Get it - it will blow you away.]]> ECHOage Books to Inspire Sun, 08 Feb 2009 12:10:40 -0500 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,95,95#msg-95 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,95,95#msg-95
The story is interesting, the graphics hilarious and the ending profound enough for a short, or long, discussion with your kids about what might happen if you decide NOT to be yourself...

Being yourself. What does it even mean? Funny how these meaningful books for kids offer adults points of reflection about their own lives. I cannot even imagine how much better my life would have been if I had never worried about what other kids thought of me when I was in school. Of course, there were times I cared less and times I cared more, depending on my age and circumstances, but in general we all know what it means to place too much importance on the opinions of others. It is a gift to offer our kids even just the simple idea that their peers will have many varying opinions over the years about this and about that but NO opinion will ever be as important as listening to your own.

Debbie
ECHOage.com Co-Founder

What kind of examples do your kids come up with that parallel the experience of Camilla in this story?]]> ECHOage Books to Inspire Sun, 08 Feb 2009 12:01:25 -0500 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,94,94#msg-94 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,94,94#msg-94 Roz Heintzman Books to Inspire Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:22:24 -0500 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,89,89#msg-89 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,89,89#msg-89 Has anyone read the book yet?
If anyone has read Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollen - it sounds a bit like that. I loved loved loved Omnivore's Dilemma, but wondering if I need to read Bittmans.

Bittman also wrote two of my favorite cookbooks...How to Cook Everything and The Minimalist Cooks.

I'd love to hear what people think.
Roz
ECHOage Ambassador]]> Roz Heintzman Books to Inspire Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:15:47 -0500 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,85,85#msg-85 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,85,85#msg-85
A child plays with no toys, no puzzles, no craft materials, no electronics, no games, no equipment, no other kids, nothing except nature. The child experiences a range of experiences - excitement, intrigue, trepidation, taunting, testing, curiosity, creating, building, playing, learning, discovering, befriending - a child's way. Is this really possible?

The best books for kids send a delicious message straight to the heart of the parent who reads them while offering something new and interesting to the child. The message I get from Wave? I am not here to determine what kinds of experiences my kids will have in this world. I am here to sit back and watch and be their gentle guide. My kids will find their own way and if I back off just a little, we will all benefit. The mom in Wave is my role model. Check her out. My hero.

Can our kids really play without stuff and be truly happy and fulfilled? We all the know that they can but rare is the chance to let them.

Debbie]]> ECHOage Books to Inspire Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:29:21 -0500 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,84,84#msg-84 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,84,84#msg-84
Graceful Parenting offers wise advice for how to bring about an open and comfortable relationship between you and your child. All of us wish for a relationship with our children that is peaceful, respectful and mutually satisfying on both sides. Is it a dream or a reality? The pages of the this book make you see that it is truly possible to spend enjoyable, sweet and comfortable time with your children each day.

I have read the book over and over because it is short and to the point. For me, the point is that every day I wake and have an opportunity in front of me. That opportunity is mothering. Mothering can be done in so many different ways. If I approach it with the wisdom of the Graceful Parent, I am farther ahead and can actually feel it, and see it, in myself and in my kids.

Debbie

(ECHOage.com Co-Founder)]]> ECHOage Books to Inspire Sat, 17 Jan 2009 17:10:59 -0500 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,83,83#msg-83 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,83,83#msg-83
Ruthie is one of these characters you truly want to hug, hold and hang out with for a week. She is lovely. She is real. She is quirky. She is human. She lied. She lied without realizing the consequences and became plagued by it in the aftermath. Her parents are lovely, like Ruthie, and react to the lie when she confesses in precisely the way we all wish we would react to our child should they admit grief or wrongdoing. The parents are open, patient, compassionate and wise. Ruthie comes to terms with what she must do to right the wrong of the lie she told at school. The experience leaves her triumphant, proud and shockingly empowered.

How can telling a lie at school suddenly empower the child who told the lie? Get the book. It is a gem. It is one of the books I will save to read to my grandchildren - should i be lucky enough to have them one day - because it is that rare, expressive and timeless.

I hope you like it and I hope you'll comment on it here in our Books To Inspire Forum.

Debbie

(ECHOage.com Co-Founder)]]> ECHOage Books to Inspire Sat, 17 Jan 2009 16:57:17 -0500 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,74,74#msg-74 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,74,74#msg-74
The essence of the book is that judging someone, or something, at first glance, will likely get you into trouble. Mr. Peabody is the victim of gossip and lies that are unjustly spread about him. The book lets a child see in practical, real life terms what it means to tell a story about another person that is not true. A child, or even an adult for that matter, might think: What's the big deal...it's only words...i told a small lie but now it is over, i was only repeating what someone else said... Madonna's book paints a different picture, tracks the natural history of a lie from its birth to its death (if there is such thing as the "death" of a lie) and opens our eyes in the process.

The most powerful part of the book is the physical demonstration of gossip: Mr. Peabody never scolds the boy who first told the lie about him, nor does he get angry. He simply asks the boy to take a pillow, cut it open and wave it across the baseball field. Then, he tells the boy to go and pick up every feather. The boy says it is not possible! And Mr. Peabody says that is exactly right. When you tell a lie about someone, you spread gossip in a way that can never be taken back. A potent message. It makes my kids feel sad. Me too.

Madonna was inspired by The Baal Shem Tov who originally created and told the story in ancient times. Her version is perfect for kids of any age and for parents who want their kids to think about their words and, more importantly, the impact their words will have on others.]]> ECHOage Books to Inspire Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:35:25 -0500 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,68,68#msg-68 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,68,68#msg-68
Debbie
(ECHOage.com Co-Founder)]]> ECHOage Books to Inspire Fri, 09 Jan 2009 08:11:27 -0500 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,62,62#msg-62 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,62,62#msg-62 www.CelebrateGreen.NET and book, Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family.

In addition, if you have ideas for celebrating green, be sure to email us through the site and tell us about them. If you've got photos, all the better. We might feature you on the site, in our blog or newsletter or even in our next book.

And finally, be sure to check out the contests and freebies page. Lots of fun stuff there.

Warmly,
Lynn
www.CelebrateGreen.NET]]> Lynn Colwell Books to Inspire Sat, 03 Jan 2009 13:42:49 -0500 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,61,61#msg-61 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,61,61#msg-61
Enter a world of magical fantasy as you meet Princess Emily on what will be one of the most extraordinary days of her life. Having spent much of her time exploring her home Castle Clarion, Emily has yet to uncover even half the secrets the castle has to hold. The princess adores embarking on new adventures and seeking out hidden treasures. Today as Emily sets out on a new quest she has no idea what lies ahead.... a magic hidden in the castle for hundreds of years. A magic soon to be destroyed unless Emily can find a way to save it. And so the adventure begins.]]> Mary Balfanz Books to Inspire Sat, 03 Jan 2009 13:18:04 -0500 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,55,55#msg-55 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,55,55#msg-55
The book is one to treasure. There are few books for kids that explain how we mothers feel about the role of motherhood so beautifully. I think it is the illustrations, by Cyd Moore, and the words that make this book a favorite in our house. It is chosen by my children time and time again and we never get sick of reading it.

The premise of the book is unconditional love. What would a mother do to protect her child, be near her child, love her child fully with all her heart? But the book is light, funny and even hilarious at points. The son is clever and he challenges his mother giving her more and more difficult scenarios to imagine. The boy wants to know if the mother will be there for him, no matter what, no matter what the circumstances or situation, time or place, will the mother be there to love and nurture her child? The answer is yes and the mother comes up with creative and bizarre solutions in order to stay close to her child and accept him at every moment for who he is.

I would love to be this kind of mother. I actually believe that I will be. My kids are so young now so it is easy to love them unconditionally but the book challenges us to think about what would happen if our children made choices we did not approve of and lived their lives in ways we had not envisioned. That is of course assuming a mother has a vision for how her child should live once he/she grows up. Are we able to stretch our minds to the possibilities that lay ahead for our children? Will we be good at parenting a teen or an adult child? Would we be truthful with our kids about what we really think of their choices or bite our tongues to preserve the relationship? I wonder.

I truly believe that the choices my children will make in their lives will excite me and interest me because it will give me great insight into who they are and give me a chance to know them even better. I hope I am challenged as a parent (did I just say that?) to learn about new ways of seeing and thinking by my children because of their experiences and their chosen paths. We shall see.. You can always find this post in years to come and remind me that I felt this way when they were young...

Read I Love You, Stinking Face to your kids and tell me what it means to you...

Debbie

(ECHOage.com Co-Founder)]]> ECHOage Books to Inspire Sun, 28 Dec 2008 22:41:39 -0500 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,54,54#msg-54 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,54,54#msg-54
The Giving Tree was first published in 1964 and is incredibly relevant today. You would think after reading it 100 times I might have a sense of what the Tree symbolizes. But, I always wonder: Is the tree a parent who gives endlessly, a mother who willingly sacrifices for her child, or is the tree quite literally our planet and its resources that we deplete excessively at our own peril. I don't know. But reading it makes me reflect, along with my children I hope, on giving.

I hope my kids experience the book and its messages in their own way. But I cannot help but wish that my children somehow relate to the feelings experienced by the Tree when she is giving. Each time the Tree gives, she is happy. There is a benefit, a natural way, a beauty and a satisfaction from the act of giving that is repeatedly experienced and expressed by the Tree. It is giving that makes her whole; it is giving that makes her proud. Giving endlessly, in order to feel good, is not the answer. Taking too much from the Tree actually hurts the Tree which turns the whole story on its head and for older kids this would be a great opportunity for discussion.

One beautiful thing about the book - and there are so many truly beautiful aspects of it - is that years ago I read it to my baby and then again tonight and that baby is now 7. There is no recommended age with a book of this quality. I recommend it highly to parents looking for meaningful moments and opportunities to raise giving children. If you have read it, please offer your understanding of the story. I am sure I will read it again soon and would love to see it through your eyes.

Debbie

(ECHOage.com Co-Founder)]]> ECHOage Books to Inspire Sun, 28 Dec 2008 00:11:13 -0500 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,29,29#msg-29 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,29,29#msg-29
Maybe it was seeing "An Inconvenient Truth" when my twins, Ian and Samantha were just learning to crawl...or moving to L.A. and noticing the air quality when I took them out for afternoon strolls....or discovering the vast and overwhelming array of produce at the grocery store. Whatever it was, I am sure that motherhood switched on an energy saving lightbulb in my head. Suddenly, I was much more conscious of my impact on the planet. (I still shave my legs and you won't find me composting in the backyard just yet.)

But where to begin?

Let's face it, new motherhood doesn't leave much time for doing much more than adjusting to your new role. Going green seemed aspirational. That's why I have been heartened by the growing number of resources that provide some easy ways to get started.

For me, it's all about baby steps and bite-sized explanations. The new book Green Chic: Saving the Earth in Style by Christie Matheson not only fits the bill, it makes you feel super trendy at the same time. And what new mom, with her dark circles and spit-up stained wardrobe doesn't want to feel stylish?

The best part is that Matheson, a San Francisco writer, delivers her tips in a smart little guide that reads like you're chatting over herbal tea at some cool cafe. She takes on everything from greener beauty routines (go polish-free when you get a mani-pedi) to eco-friendly gifts (don't just by "things," give the gift of time or pampering) to sustainable shopping tips (shop like a celebrity stylist and edit your closet before you splurge). More than anything, her message is that simplifying your life and refining your habits may actually make quite a difference in both your carbon footprint...and your stress level.

Matheson's list of classics that have always been green sums up her approach to being mindful of the earth (see below). You wouldn't necessarily associate linen napkins, your great-grandmother's wedding band or beauty sleep with environmentalism. But she makes the point that a big part of greening up our lives is about appreciating simple pleasures. That's a message any busy mom can get her arms around.

A Few Chic Things That Have Always Been Green
- Going barefoot in a linen dress on the beach
- Beauty sleep
- Owning your own personal style instead of following every trend
- Eating lobster off the coast of Maine
- Your great-grandmother's wedding band
- A perfectly tailored, impeccably made wool coat
- Linen napkins
- Skinny-dipping
- A vintage Chanel jacket
- Giving thoughtful gifts you know the recipient will love
- An exquisite antique table
- A luxurious high-quality cashmere sweater
- Sharing oysters on Tomales Bay with a bottle of Grgich Hills Sauvignon Blanc
- Beautiful family heirlooms
- Keeping your clothes and furniture in perfect condition
- A table set with vintage white china lit by beeswax candles
- Moonlight (nothing's more flattering)
- Smiling

List reprinted with permission from Green Chic: Saving the Earth in Style by Christie Matheson,
Sourcebooks, Copyright 2008]]> Heather Cabot Books to Inspire Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:09:40 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,26,26#msg-26 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,26,26#msg-26 I'm Lucy: A Day in the Life of a Young Bonobo. Here's the scoop:

1. it teaches and inspires and connects kids to the environment and our closest ape cousins, the bonobos.

2. Jane Goodall wrote a stunning afterword for parents.

3. All profits from the book go to Jane Goodall's youth org, Roots & Shoots, and the Bonobo Conservation Initiative (when the book is bought through the website www.bonobokids.org.)

4. When you get the book, you receive a password that gives you access to the online Can Do Meter - which tracks your green activities. This is a great activity to do as a family or classroom! (Bonobo Kids is currently looking for corp sponsors that will turn the points you earn for green activities into eco-friendly products or cash for donations or bonobo adoptions - let me know if you want to be a sponsor!)

5. There is also a kids' blog on the site that is regularly updated with info on being green at home and school, news and inspiring activities.

I hope you'll check it out and let me know what you think!
Thanks,
Julie]]> Julie Roads Books to Inspire Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:13:21 -0400