Special Children's Books.
Continuing with my posting of some of my book discussions, the following was a part of a column written for the holiday issue of phenomeNEWS, no longer published. I recommend two children's books that are wonderful for young children. The first I recommend as an English teacher because I love the "big words." The second I recommend as a spiritual mentor because it translates the psychological and spiritual lessons from Dr. Wayne Dyer into situations just right for children.

“Book Talk” is also delighted to recommend two wonderful books for the small ones on your gift list. This retired English teacher is ecstatic about the new book for children (ages 4-8): Big Words for Little People by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell, illustrator (Joanna Cotler Books, Harper Collins, 2008). Most people best know Jamie Lee Curtis as the actress daughter of actors Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh. Actually, this new and utterly delightful work is Curtis’ eighth book for children.

I love every page and every WORD of this book. Written in delightful rhymes reminiscent of Dr. Seuss, the author explores “big” words important to young children. She gives each word realistic contexts in children’s lives, accompanied by splashy and amusing illustrations by Laura Cornell. We find words like COOPERATE, RESPECT, PATIENCE, CONSIDERATE, INETLLIGENCE, RESPONSIBLE all presented in the most charming and entertaining ways imaginable. Using two big words from this book, I call it: “STUPENDOUS and SUPERB.”

Kids and parents will love this book.

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Another book to note for children (Ages 4-10) is one by a phenomeNEWS favorite author, Dr. Wayne Dyer. Readers can read chapters from Dyer’s most recent books in each issue. It may come as a surprise, or not, to some that Dr. Dyer, father of eight and grandfather of five, has written some books for children. Unstoppable Me! 10 Ways to Soar Through Life is co-written by Dr. Wayne Dyer and Kristina Tracy with illustrations by Stacy Heller Budnick (Hay House, 2006).

Dyer notes that Unstoppable Me! Is based on his book for adults, What Do You Really Want for Your Children? Using rhymes, the book for children provides messages to help them approach life in positive ways. Lessons in the book include “the value of taking risks, dealing with stress and anxiety, and learning to enjoy each moment.”

Ever the teacher, Dyer presents at the end of the book a set of discussion questions relating to each of the “10 Ways to Soar Through Life.” These questions can be especially useful to parents and teachers who might read this book aloud to their children or group. After they read each lesson in rhyme and enjoying the pictures, the use of the questions encourages children to relate the lesson directly to their own circumstances and experiences.

This delightful book is entertaining, educational, and inspirational at the same time. Wayne Dyer fans will especially enjoy and relate to this special little book.