As parents in a harried, hurried world, we often rely on antibiotics and other drugs to mend our sick children back to health. These chemical quick fixes, however, often suppress the immune system, thus subjecting our children to both short-term side effects and long-term consequences. In our search to find the latest medical 'cures,' we often forget that there are many safe, reliable and effective remedies that were used at home only a few generations ago.

Herbalist, lay homeopath and mother of three, Kathy Duerr has complied a well organized and easy to follow compendium of natural remedies for treating minor childhood problems and illnesses. From acne and asthma to teething and warts, Duerr offers many suggestions on how to incorporate herbal teas and tinctures, homeopathic remedies, supplements, common household ingredients, and basic healing techniques as part of your home-healing treatment.

When my 6-year-old got the sniffles, we decided to try Duerr's suggestion of the "wet sock treatment," designed to jump-start the immune system. This first entailed a soothing, warm footbath followed by a thorough drying of the feet. My daughter then put on a pair of ice-cold, wet (but well wrung out) cotton socks, followed by a layer of wool socks, and off she went to bed.

On waking, we were surprised to find both pairs of socks totally dry, along with a distinct absence of any sniffles -- just as Duerr had promised. My daughter promptly declared this to be "good medicine." I agree. This is a great little book with sensible -- and sometimes surprising -- advice on how to treat minor illnesses at home using natural remedies.

The Bonsai Bear
By Bernard Libster/Illustrations by Aries Cheung
For children ages 4 and up.
(1999, Illumination Arts Publishing, $15.95; www.illumin.com)

Bonsai master Issa and his wife Kyomi are given an orphaned baby bear. They fall in love with the playful cub and name him Doukeshi (the "jester"). Knowing it is illegal to own a bear and fearing neighbors may inform the Emperor, Issa decides to use bonsai techniques to keep Doukeshi small. By adding clippings from the branch of a rare bonsai, Issa fashions a tail and ears to make Doukeshi appear as a cat. Though Kyomi wants Doukeshi to stay with them, she knows a bear's place is in the wild. Should Doukeshi stay small like a bonsai tree and live with Issa and Kyomi, or should he grow and follow the path of his ancestors to the forest?

One night the God of Bears came into Doukeshi's dream. "Now Doukeshi, in the way of animals, knew patience. He remained content to walk under Issa's hand and be petted, and to snuggle close to Kyomi and feel her heart beat. Yet at night, rivers roared through his dreams, and he tasted salmon and wild berries. In the morning he would wake as a cat, but at night he dreamed as a bear."

This is a lovely story that both kids and parents will enjoy. The illustrations are bright, humorous, magical and beautiful. Not only will young children learn something about the link between freedom and love, but they will have fun doing so.

Dawn Baumann Brunke is the Editor of Alaska Wellness magazine. If you would like to do book reviews or have a book to suggest, please e-mail her at brunke@matnet.com.