http://www.ncreview.com/ 2476-1116 http://www.ncreview.com/childrens/childrens-spirit-animal-stories There is no better way to reconnect to the child within us than to listen to a well written and beautifully told children’s story by Dr. Steven D. Farmer. His latest creation, Children’s Spirit Animal Stories Volume 1, is a wonderful collection of 5 magical stories that take listeners on a journey to rediscover our connection with nature, animals and Spirit. With characters such as curious coyotes, a friendly hummingbird, a beautiful swan, and magical stuffed animals, listeners of all ages can enjoy these whimsical tales of kindness, trust, intuition and so much more. Dr. Steven D. Farmer does a magnificent job of weaving meaningful messages with magical storylines to create fairy-tales that can be enjoyed by all. With peaceful background music and entertaining narratives, this CD is perfect for parents, grandparents or teachers that wish to share in the joy of a lovely story before bed-time. This is one CD that I will definitely share with my children more than once. ]]> Mon, 13 Aug 2012 12:28:03 -0700 2361-1036 http://www.ncreview.com/childrens/seriously-just-go-to-sleep The “grown-up” version of this book—with its four-letter expletive in the text—tickled the funny bones of frustrated parents who battle their kids over bedtime, shooting it to the #1 spot on the New York Times bestseller list. Now moms and dads can actually read the story aloud to their dear ones, as the author has cleaned up the language in this G-rated spin. The only downside to this hilarious take on an all-too-familiar problem is the laughter it may provoke, making it impossible for any child to Just Go to Sleep. ]]> Mon, 28 May 2012 03:29:02 -0700 2028-944 http://www.ncreview.com/childrens/a-wrinkle-in-time-50th-anniversary-commemorative-edition-madeleine-lengles-time-quintet I adore the writing of Madeleine L'Engle. I read the Wrinkle in Time books multiple times as a child. When I reread as an adult, I was delighted with the beautiful writing and deeply mystical elements of the books. If you read these as a child and want more L'Engle, I recommend her Crosswick Chronicles starting with Circle of Quiet. See how an author, wife, mother, store-owner made it all work. ]]> Tue, 06 Mar 2012 01:43:34 -0800 1751-928 http://www.ncreview.com/childrens/snotty-saves-the-day-the-history-of-arcadia Snotty Saves the Day was mysteriously delivered to the Editor of Exterminating Angel Press who found it under a fir tree near his house. It was delivered as a parcel covered with strange stamps and inside it was a note that claimed it came from another world known as Arcadia. The Editor decided to publish the book including the notes it contained from Dr. Alan Fallaize, a scholar, working in St. Vitus's College, Arcadia. He believes the tale is the actual story of true events that led to the formation of his world and he wanted to share it with us. Snotty is a young boy who lives in the city of Megalopolis. He's not a very nice boy, and it's not a very nice city. He wants to do more with his life, and decides to run away, but he is chased into the seventh garden of six houses, and from there his world changes. Snotty falls down a rabbit hole into a world of fighting gnomes, talking sheep, and toys that have come alive. When his finger is chopped off by Aladdin, he is recognised by the Gnomes as their Sun God. He is to fight at the head of their battle, that is, until he is captured by the Teddy Bears. This historical and fantastical tale tells of how the weak can overcome the strong, how bad can turn to good, and how even the most evil people can be thwarted. If you want to know more about the world of Arcadia, you should read this book. Highly recommended for all who love fairy tales. ]]> Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:15:36 -0800 2028-901 http://www.ncreview.com/childrens/a-wrinkle-in-time-50th-anniversary-commemorative-edition-madeleine-lengles-time-quintet It’s hard to believe that A Wrinkle in Time almost didn’t make it into print. Madeleine L’Engle was ready to throw in the towel after receiving rejections from multiple publishers for over a year. She refused to take their advice to shorten the story, change the characters and make it more comprehensible to children. Thankfully, publisher John Farrar believed in the manuscript, and after receiving feedback that “…this is the worst book I have ever read. It reminds me of The Wizard of Oz,” he published it. Fifty years and generations of fans later, this anniversary edition includes Madeleine L’Engle’s Newbery Medal acceptance speech, and an afterword by the author’s granddaughter. Here is a story of compassion, knowledge, math and magic, featuring Mrs Which, Mrs Whatsit, Mrs Who and the three children who travel through time to find a missing father and defeat evil. ]]> Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:54:28 -0800 2027-899 http://www.ncreview.com/childrens/soul-searching-a-girls-guide-to-finding-herself Back when she was sixteen, before earning her master’s from Yale and becoming a war correspondent in Iraq and Afghanistan, Sarah Stillman wrote a guide for girls just like herself who were seeking an understanding and appreciation of themselves. Now updated for the current crop of teens, Soul Searching offers tools to help overcome the problems of parental expectations, betrayal by friends, pressures to fit in, violence, internet bullies, and the challenges of living in a technology-obsessed society. Through yoga, meditation, feng shui, volunteering, dream interpretation and more, young women learn to overcome the negativity from without and within. Includes quizzes for self-exploration, activities to tap into inner wisdom, and inspiring examples of girls from around the world working together to overcome tough obstacles and stand tall inside their own skin. ]]> Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:39:52 -0800 1744-872 http://www.ncreview.com/childrens/adventures-of-lumi-nary-light-a-fairy-tale-of-a-teeny-tiny-angel The Adventures of Lumi Nary Light is a wonderful tale for young children, especially little girls, who will fall in love with Lumi instantly. This tiny angel is given a quest in order to win her wings. Her journey is full of loving energy and spiritual storytelling that will brighten any child’s day. Lumi comes from Sunshinealot where she goes to Angel School and is asked to do the work of the Good Spirit. Lumi must give two special children a magical globe that gives them the gift of knowing what they are supposed to be when they grow up – something adults forget. Lumi’s adventures take her to the evil dark woods where she must help the children, Betsy and Sammy, who have gotten lost. Meeting fantastic characters to help her like the Sun and Moon, Twink, the star, and the Water Sprites, Lumi is aided in helping the children return home. This story is a great introduction to the concept of angels, meditation, and visualisation. It is full of a love of nature and an inherent belief in goodness. There is something in this book for adults and children alike. It can be read aloud and shared or given as an early reader to children who are beginning their spiritual path. It is not often that you read a book that is a pure joy – this is one of those special books. ]]> Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:06:28 -0800 1516-820 http://www.ncreview.com/childrens/project-happiness-handbook Project Happiness is more than just a project; it is a social movement. The project began with a group of high school seniors from across the world joining together to explore the meaning of true happiness and is captured in the documentary Project Happiness. Project Happiness Handbook by Randy Taran & Marian Lineger was developed to serve as a workbook that guides readers into discovering the meaning of their personal happiness. Through a combination of positive psychology, personal insights from the students involved in the project; and reflective exercises, this book invites readers to create more happiness for themselves that will in turn create a ripple effect in the world around them. This project is the beginning of a positive revolution that will give youth the right tools to change the world for the better. This book is the perfect start for such a revolution and would be a great addition to community and education programs for youth. Each page is full of vibrant colors and illustrations that will definitely keep young readers interested. It is the perfect workbook for innovative teachers interested in inspiring their students to change our world for a better tomorrow. Kudos to authors Randy Taran & Marian Lineger for creating such an influential piece of work that is more than just an interesting read, but something that will assist our youth in being an agent for positive change. ]]> Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:48:01 -0800 1589-774 http://www.ncreview.com/childrens/the-most-important-question Another book written and illustrated by H. Constance Hill, suitable for adults and children alike, this is a delightful, inspiring, and engaging book. I won’t give away what the most important question is, but I will say that Albert Einstein is the person who determines what that question is, so probably most of us have heard it before. But have we ever really considered the answer, or how we can arrive at it? Read this book and let the wisdom within “skip into your heart” with endearing curiosity. ]]> Sun, 25 Sep 2011 05:24:38 -0700 1548-712 http://www.ncreview.com/childrens/we-are-one A charmingly illustrated picture book for preschoolers that conveys an important universal message in simple but eloquent rhyme. It is the companion to the more recent, "We are Love." ]]> Fri, 15 Jul 2011 03:05:46 -0700