Ready for some fun? How about some arts and crafts built from a fun trivia story? Did you know that the teddy bear received its name from Theodor Roosevelt? If you did not know, probably the kids didn't know either. But they can surely remember the story if they build they own newspaper clipping of how this famous stuffed animal got its name. If you are still looking for even more fun, then some kids' boardwalk games are the perfect addition. Create some safe, at-home boardwalk games that... Read Full Story
The Hauser family in Minnesota has strong religious beliefs. In fact, the parents feel so feverishly about natural healing methods favored by Native Americans, they refuse to allow their 13 year-old son to receive chemotherapy to treat his Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Doctors say that, with the treatment, his chances of survival are around 90%. Without it, he has a 95% of dying.
The family believes that their son, Daniel, can make up his own mind. In their church, he's considered an elder... Read Full Story
Happy 200th Birthday Abe! There have been more books written about Honest Abe than any other historical figure. In honor our 16th President's big day, we have come up with a few ways to peek under his big hat and get to know him better. If Your Kids Read Only One Book about Lincoln: The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary is an exciting new biography for kids that combines photos, letters and text. Common Sense Media says "this is the way biographies for children ought to be done... Read Full Story
From Page to Screen 2009 The 2009 calendar is replete with book adaptations for all ages. We've scoured the press so you can put a stack by the bedside and be ready for some witty criticism when these tales hit the big screen. IN THE THEATERS: Inkheart The book by Cornelia Funke was our daughter's favorite book, bar none, when she was in sixth grade. Does the movie do the book justice? Read, watch and compare! The Tale of Despereaux Released over Christmas, the lovely animated movie based on... Read Full Story
Easter is such a great holiday which many Christians and non-Christians celebrate. However, very few of us actually know the story behind Easter, the Easter Bunny, the colored eggs, and all the rest. So get ready to answer all the questions kids will ask on Easter Sunday by reading through this article. Find out how the Easter bunny came into play, discover how the Easter eggs got to be painted and where the Easter baskets come from. Learn how to play the fun game of tapping the eggs. There... Read Full Story
Chasing Vermeer , a chapter book heralded as "The Da Vinci Code for kids," had our children burning the midnight oil, avidly following clues and secret codes to solve an art caper -- who stole Dutch master Johannes Vermeer's A Lady Writing? As our kids met up with fictional art experts, librarians and teachers throughout the novel, they learned a lot about Vermeer, and to our great delight, asked to see the real deal. In many cities, locating a Vermeer on exhibit is impossible -- there are... Read Full Story
Check out this clip from a show about the crazy world of kiddie beauty pageants, Little Beauties! This show is unbelievable! The show would be pretty funny if it weren’t for the fact that these fame-hungry stage moms can really push these poor kids to the brink, and often do so by doll-ing them up to look like provocative little adults and by teaching them to be coy and seductive. How sad that these little girls are learning that “success” for a girl (or woman) comes through excessive... Read Full Story
The book is not out yet ..... but do you need to Ask a Question now? Do you need the answer or solution to a one-time question or problem, such as: How do I choose a program that best fits my child's needs? Does my child need a program or is this normal adolescent behavior? How can an educational consultant help me and do I need one? How to I go about getting my teen to their program? Are all residential treatment centers the same? What happens after my child comes home from wilderness or... Read Full Story
Spinning through the air in a tree house, soaring on the back of a fuzzy Pteranodon, running from a trumpeting T-Rex, what better way to entice first time readers? Reading is an adventure for both boys and girls when Mary Pope Osborne takes children on a journey through time and space in the Magic Tree House series. Our kids loved Jack and Annie, two curious kids who discover a tree house that whirls them on one historical escapade after another. We celebrated our kids' new ability to read... Read Full Story
"Success comes from knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming." Today, the legendary UCLA Men's Basketball Coach John Wooden celebrates his 99th Birthday. A truly great sportsman who carried his team to a record-setting 10 championships in 12 years, Wooden may be best remembered for the Wooden-isms (like the quote above) that stand the test of time -- to learn more about the "Wizard of Westwood", check out 99 Things about John Wooden . Nothing could honor... Read Full Story
