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Marion
the Magnet's First Mission
By Sharon Hackleman (2001, hardcover, $14.95; see www.marionthemagnet.com)
This engaging
children's book by Soldotna resident Sharon Hackleman tells the story
of Marion, a young magnet, who has been chosen by the Universal Guides
Committee to travel to earth and teach children about the power of
magnetic thinking. With the help of a girl named Cassie, Marion shares
a simple formula that Cassie and her schoolmates use to attract
desired objects and situations into their lives.
All too often, we allow negative
thoughts to create obstacles to our dreams and desires. Children learn
early on to limit themselves by thinking "I can't" rather
than "I can." Hackleman writes that after studying the
universal laws of magnetic attraction for many years, the idea of
Marion the Magnet came to her in a daydream. She was inspired to
encourage children to shift to an "I can" mentality by
creatively using their own inherent powers of thought.
The formula (1. Think about what
you want; 2. Daydream and imagine it; and 3. Believe and be open to
possibility) is valuable for both children and adults. As parents, we
often need to be reminded of the power of positive thinking, and help
our children nurture and enjoy this awesome capability.
Sharon Hackleman's promising story
is nicely presented in a hardcover edition with bright, colorful
illustrations. As an extra plus, children can visit Marion's
interactive web site (see above address) to share "I tried
it" stories regarding their own powers of magnetic thinking, and
even win prizes. As Marion puts it, "It's easy as 1-2-3, think it
to be!"
~ Review by Dawn Brunke
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Marion
the Magnet's First Mission
By Sharon Hackleman (2001, hardcover, $14.95; see www.marionthemagnet.com)
This engaging
children's book by Soldotna resident Sharon Hackleman tells the story
of Marion, a young magnet, who has been chosen by the Universal Guides
Committee to travel to earth and teach children about the power of
magnetic thinking. With the help of a girl named Cassie, Marion shares
a simple formula that Cassie and her schoolmates use to attract
desired objects and situations into their lives.
All too often, we allow negative
thoughts to create obstacles to our dreams and desires. Children learn
early on to limit themselves by thinking "I can't" rather
than "I can." Hackleman writes that after studying the
universal laws of magnetic attraction for many years, the idea of
Marion the Magnet came to her in a daydream. She was inspired to
encourage children to shift to an "I can" mentality by
creatively using their own inherent powers of thought.
The formula (1. Think about what
you want; 2. Daydream and imagine it; and 3. Believe and be open to
possibility) is valuable for both children and adults. As parents, we
often need to be reminded of the power of positive thinking, and help
our children nurture and enjoy this awesome capability.
Sharon Hackleman's promising story
is nicely presented in a hardcover edition with bright, colorful
illustrations. As an extra plus, children can visit Marion's
interactive web site (see above address) to share "I tried
it" stories regarding their own powers of magnetic thinking, and
even win prizes. As Marion puts it, "It's easy as 1-2-3, think it
to be!"
~ Review by Dawn Brunke
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The Rainbow Feelings of Cancer: A
Book for Children Who Have a Loved One with Cancer
By Carrie and Chia Martin (Hohm Press, 2002, hardcover, $14.95)
Carrie
Martin, the 10-year-old co-author and illustrator of this book for
children, was only 7 years old when her mother, Chia, was diagnosed
with colon cancer. The author of several children's books as well as
"Writing Your Way Through Cancer," Chia notes that creating
this book was one of the best things she ever did with her daughter:
"It unfolded because we both needed it. I hope it can serve as an
inspiration for you, whether or not your lives have been touched by
cancer."
In sharing her personal experience and exploring the different
aspects of what cancer brought to her family, Carrie encourages the
reader to accept and express a multitude of feelings. As Carrie notes,
"Kids whose parents have cancer have lots of feelings… Maybe
reading about my feelings can help you with yours. Drawing my feelings
has been a big help to me and my mom. One thing I know for
sure--cancer brings out lots of feelings."
Accompanied by her drawings, mostly done in markers, Carrie's text
reaches out to children in a way that adults writing to children can't
easily do. In many ways, this may be the biggest healing potential of
the book: through Carrie's words, other children whose parents have
cancer might not feel so alone.
The Right Touch: A
Read-Aloud Story to Help Prevent Child Sexual Abuse
By Sandy Kleven; Illustrations by Jody Bergsma (Illumination Arts,
1997, hardcover, $15.95)
This book was developed by clinical social worker Sandy Kleven as a
teaching tool to help children express themselves against forced,
secretive or deceptive touching from adults or even other children. As
Kleven notes, most children generally sense when things aren't
"right." However, in a society where parents and adults
rule, and where verbal manipulation or threats may accompany abuse,
children are often afraid to express themselves.
Personally, I'm
saddened beyond words that as a society we have to deal with this
issue. However, sexual abuse does occur and books such as this play a
positive role in helping both children and adults clarify personal
boundaries. Through a bedtime talk, the mother in this story helps her
son explore different touching scenarios to determine what is
"okay" and what is not. The child asks questions and the
mother is forthcoming in her answers as well as suggestions of what to
do if such a situation occurred to him.
Both my daughter (age 8) and myself felt this was an excellent
book. It may be especially useful for parents who are uncomfortable
broaching this subject with their children. In addition to including a
guideline note to parents and teachers, the book helps children to
validate their feelings in general. The central message assures
children that abuse is not their fault and that there are adults who
will help.
~Reviews by Dawn Brunke
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Inside
Out
By Wendy Stofan Halley, illustrated by Roberta Collier-Morales
(Illuminations Arts, 2003) hardcover, $15.95
Karly and her
special friend Natasha jump on clouds, walk on the moon and bounce
on the bed like kangaroos. When Karly wonders why her mom and others
can’t see her friend, Natasha explains that she is a spirit,
“kind of like an angel without wings.” With a shining smile and
loving attitude, Natasha helps Karly remember her own inner spirit
and the reasons why she came to earth. Inside Out is a book
about remembering who we are. The presentation is lighthearted and
lively, and the illustrations are bright, playful and appealing. A
helpful teaching aid for parents who wish to explore spirituality
and spirit guides with young children.
~Review by Dawn
Brunke
Sonny’s
Dream
By Noriko Senshu (Hampton Roads, 2000; $16.95)
 Sonny
is a young grizzly bear with a scary dream. When he awakens in the
spring, his mother teaches him how to hunt for food – which includes
those red, monster salmon fish he remembers from his dreams! While
Sonny learns many things, as summer ends, his mother advises that a
big lesson is coming his way. Slumbering deep inside his winter den,
Sonny once again encounters the monster fish. Drawing upon his
mother’s teachings and his own strength, Sonny learns how to move
past his fears, marching out into the world that spring to become “a
master fisher in the Land of the Midnight Sun.” This is a lovely
story with bright, dreamy illustrations by Anchorage author and
illustrator Noriko Senshu. Dedicated to “all friends who have bad
dreams,” both children and parents will enjoy the gentle wisdom of
Sonny’s tale.
~Review by Dawn
Brunke
The
Turtle Saver
by Laurie Parker
(Quailridge Press, 2002) $16.95, hard cover.
Laurie Parker takes
us on a fascinating journey of everyday life, observing the small
things that happen to us and showing just how connected we all are.
From the tiniest “kerplop" to an old hat blowing over the
hedge, an amazing story unfolds. This book is full of curious
coincidences that will delight children while teaching them to
appreciate the profound impact that a random act of kindness can
have on the world. A small act of help from one man, the turtle
saver, sets in motion a series of events that reveal the
serendipitous nature of the universe. Illustrated by Parker in a
unique style of delicate collage, The Turtle Saver is
appropriate for children and adults, and is best read aloud to
appreciate the poetic quality of the story.
~ Review by
Sherry Stultz
Animals
in the Stars: Chinese Astrology for Children
Written and illustrated by Gregory Crawford
(Bear Cub Books, 2002) hardcover, $15.95
My daughter loves
to read the paper placements in Chinese restaurants – you know the
kind, where you look for your birth year to determine if you are a
Snake, Dog, Boar or Rabbit. While the placemats usually give only a
few hints of what it means to be born in the Year of the Tiger or
Monkey, this book offers much more. Not only will your child learn
about Chinese Astrology and how each year was seen by the priests of
old to be influenced by one of 12 animals, but enjoy Chinese fables
about animals that shed light on how their qualities are used in
guidance and teaching. This informative book for kids 8 and older is
also fun and fascinating.
~ Review by Dawn
Brunke
My
Name is Buddy: A Story for Children about Brain Tumors
Dave Bauer (National Brain Tumor Foundation, 2002) soft cover,
free.
(For a free book, call 800-934-CURE or email nbtf@braintumor.org.
Visit www.braintumor.org
for more information about the foundation.)
 This
little booklet is narrated by Buddy the dog who, at nine years of
age, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Buddy shares his story of
having a CAT scan (yes, I know, why would a dog get a CAT scan?),
surgery, and radiation treatments through a simple yet engaging text
supplemented with bright color photographs. Although Buddy’s
treatment was not holistically-oriented, this is a helpful book for
kids, especially those undergoing treatment for cancer and other
serious conditions. After recovery, Buddy met with numerous children
in similar situations and it is obvious that his story – along
with his smiling, tail-wagging self – really did make a
difference. Reading this book with your child and talking about it
will make a difference too.
~Review by Dawn
Brunke
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Vaccinations:
A Thoughtful Parent’s Guide
How to Make Safe, Sensible Decisions about The Risks, Benefits and
Alternatives
by Aviva Jill Romm (Healing Arts Press, 2001) $16.95, soft cover
Do the risks of
vaccination outweigh the benefits, or is it the other way around? Are
some vaccines worse than others? How do vaccines work on the body,
anyway?
Aviva Jill Romm, a professional midwife, practicing herbalist and
mother of four, has done a brilliant job answering these questions and
more. What is most appealing is that Romm presents the subject in an
objective yet empowering fashion. To educate readers on how vaccines
work, for example, Romm covers the basics of the immune system. For
each vaccine, she presents the disease symptoms, the risks and
complications, standard treatments and some additional food for
thought. Also included are summaries of many vaccination studies and
some of the problems inherent in interpreting the studies. Chapters on
natural approaches to health and immunity, and herbal medicines and
homeopathy in relation to childhood disease are a huge plus. This is a
very thorough, insightful and well balanced book that is of immense
value for making the right vaccination decisions for your family.
~Review by Dawn
Brunke
Sharing
Nature with Children (20th Anniversary Edition) and Sharing Nature
with Children II
By Joseph Cornell (Dawn Publications, 1998 and 1989)
Joseph Cornell’s
classic parents’ and teachers’ nature awareness book for kids has
sold almost half a million copies in over 15 languages. His 20th
anniversary edition updates some of the original activities and
includes several more. The sequel includes new games for children and
adults as well as Cornell’s novel method of putting activities
together for deeper insights. Each book has loads of events designed
for groups, pairs or even solitary action. From scavenger hunts to
bird calling, guided imagery to nature meditations, Cornell dovetails
the path of knowledge with the path of heart. Also included are
notations that show parents/teachers at a glance which games are good
for introspection, activity, group work, etc. These are excellent
summer books for you and your child – not only to deepen in
relationship with nature, animals and each other, but to rediscover
that learning really can be fun.
~Review by Dawn
Brunke
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Dandelion:
The Extraordinary Life of a Misfit
by Sheelagh Mawe
(TUT Enterprises, 2004, hard cover, $19.95)
 This
book is about a horse named Dandelion, who is very
different than other horses. Her owner, Mr. McCree,
hates her for being different, but Dandelion doesn’t
notice or care about her differences until she meets a
group of horses who laugh at her. Then poor Dandelion
becomes almost as unsure about herself as Mr. McCree
sees her. When her mother dies, Dandelion decides there
is nothing she wants less than to live any longer with
McCree. Thus, she sets off on her own journey that
changes her life and helps her to be proud of herself
once again.
I
enjoyed every second of this book. I liked the Irish
accents and the unique personalities given to the
characters. I also liked the wise horse who helped
Dandelion find what she wanted most—herself! I think
that all readers, young and old, would enjoy this book
because it is full of a variety of emotions and has much
wise advice about life.
~
Review by Alyeska Brunke
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