Meet Chester
"The Story of Chester" is a lesson in stick-to-it-iveness as readers follow the life cycle of a Monarch caterpillar. Author Susie Vanderlip, a motivational speaker and founder of the Legacy of Hope school assembly, incorporates not only lessons in science but also character-building in this heartwarming tale. The book comes with a DVD of Chester live in action, filmed in Vanderlip's backyard, as she narrates his story.
The determination of Monarch caterpillars to eat, grow and trek into the unknown inspired Vanderlip. "It is unlikely they have any idea that their life purpose is to become a beautiful butterfly," she says, "and doubtful they know they'll endure two difficult transformations to get there." The essence of Chester's story is hope.
Article Photos
Also available is Vanderlip's Monarch Butterfly Life Cycle Curriculum for second grade. Visit www.storyofchester.com
- - -
Do You Have an Alphabet Kid?
In "Good News for the Alphabet Kids, 3rd Edition," author Dr. Michael Sichel details his research into reversing autism spectrum (ASD), attention-deficit (ADD), oppositional defiant (ODD) and other "alphabet soup" disorders without medication. Sichel's research shows how digestive problems caused by gluten, casein, yeast, heavy metals and other substances effect behavior and neurodevelopment. The book goes into great detail about these connections, complete with history lessons, chemical chains, research tables and charts, but Sichel does it with a down-to-earth tone using simple language. Sichel includes patients' stories and best of all, nearly 40 pages of gluten-free, casein-free recipes in the back. Sichel is a member of the Global Autism Alliance and co-founder of the Fountaindale Clinic, Australia's first naturopathic hospital.
For information, visit www.adhd-specialist.com.
- - -
It's All Small Stuff
Kristine Carlson has put together a small tome of advice for moms called "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms," based on what she would have wanted to know when she first became a mother 22 years ago. The book is broken into short chapters with subjects ranging from perfectionism, dating for single moms, taking time to "breathe" and even talking to your kids about sex. This little handbook will help the most frazzled and isolated of moms feel she is not alone. Carlson is the husband of the late Richard Carlson, author of "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff and It's All Small Stuff," www.dontsweat.com.
- - -
280, 279, 278 ...
Starting with Day 280 of your pregnancy, authors Susan Magee and Dr. Kara Nakisbendi provide snapshots of advice, facts, quips and tips to ponder as you count down to delivery day. "The Pregnancy Countdown Book" is like the irreverent version of Clifs notes for "What to Expect." An index helps you find topics relevant to you, no matter what day it is, and the tone of the book is, for lack of a better word, chummy - like you're sipping tea (decaf!) with a friend who's been there, done that. Visit quirkbooks.com
