The Field Guide to Parenting

A Charming New Novel for Summer 2010
A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff
Phoebe not only has a passion for vintage clothes, she knows and
understands them as items of personal history that each tell a story.
Indeed, it is the stories of the original owners, new owners, and
prospective owners of the clothes that elevate this book into something
special. In particular, through the course of buying vintage clothes for
her shop, Phoebe meets an elderly, ill woman who touches her heart,
shares a similar heartache, and helps Phoebe find redemption. It really
doesn't matter if you love couture of the past or present, or if, like me,
you've never thought about it, because the clothes are only the vehicle
to get to the people behind them. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, but
you'll never want to put it down. Sure to be a bestseller!

More New Books for Parents, Child Care Providers,
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National Geographic Kids Almanac 2011
Do you know how many miles of blood vessels run through the human
body? Or which South American country has the largest percentage of
indigineous people? Or what contributes to global warming? This
irresistible volume packs a much bigger punch that it appears from the
outside. Including fascinating facts, photos, games, puzzles, homework
help, biographies, explanations of issues, information on cultures, ideas
on what the future holds, the 2011 Kids Almanac lives up to it's claim
that it includes "everything you ever wanted to know about everything!"

Attractive, easy to use with detailed table of contents and index,
authoritative sources, colorful, inviting, and links to find more
information on topics; school kids of many ages will not only find it
useful, but ENJOY reading, browsing, and perusing this almanac.
Parents of preschoolers will find it good to have on hand for all the
"what?" and "why?" questions and to share with their curious children.

Moon Bear by Brenda Z. Guiberson, illustrated by Ed Young
Henry Holt, Picture book
First of all, Ed Young's mixed media collage is beautiful, engrossing,
sometimes up close, from a variety of points of view, and simply
amazing! The bear wakes up from a winter sleep and readers follow his
life through the seasons. The call and response form of text works
perfectly to captivate readers while telling us about these Asiatic black
bears, who now have sanctuaries in China and Vietnam. More
information with photos of the real thing follow the story. A gorgeous,
fun-to-read aloud book for young listeners and early readers.

Only One Year by Andrea Cheng, illustrated by Nicole Wong
Lee & Low, Fiction for Ages 7 to 10
Mama is starting a job at the junior high, and says that to a babysitter, 2
year-old DiDi is just a job, but to grandparents in China, he is a
well-loved member of the family. And so, Sharon says goodbye to her
baby brother just before she starts 4th grade and struggles with the
differing cultures of her family and her friends. Having DiDi back turns
out to be more of a struggle than Sharon realized, but together they
become a family again.

Andrea Cheng manages to tell a big, heartwarming story in a short
space for young readers. Children will recognize some of their own
family struggles while learning about some in another culture. Well
done!

All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated byu Marla Frazee
Beach Lane Books (Simon & Schuster), Picture Book
From building sand castles on the beach to planting a garden, everyday
tasks, items, and the people involved are celebrated in this large format
picture book. From the specific like "butter, flour, big black pot" to the
bigger picture, "All the world is cold and hot," the repeating format and
gentle rhymes are great. The best-to-read-aloud text is accompanied by
pencil and watercolor pictures of soft colors and large two-page spread
paintings.