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| Family Matters |
5/1/2006 |
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| Family Matters: One-Minute Parenting, Book Reviews and more |
| Written by: |
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Compiled by Eve White |
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Q: My 7-year-old came home with some pretty detailed sexual phrases courtesy of an older child on the school bus yesterday. What should I do?
A: Get ready, because this won't be the only time your children "learn" lots of stuff from the real world that you wish they hadn't. Remind your children that they may hear phrases from others, but that your family uses the approved words you've developed. You cannot stop the flow of information your children will hear and see, but you can help direct them toward appropriate phrasing and understanding of what they share with you. Be thankful your children are letting you know what they've heard, since it's an indication that you've made their home a safe place for them to learn about sex.
— From "Talking to Your Kids About Sex from Toddlers to Preteens: A Go Parents! Guide™" by Lauri Berkenkamp and Steven C. Atkins, Psy.D (Nomad Press, 2002)
Local Arts Educators Honored
Three Charlotte middle school teachers receive the 2006 League Educator Apple Award encouraging ongoing development of theater education programs around the country. Elizabeth Brooks-Gordon of Kennedy Middle School, David Jester of J.T. Williams Middle School and Kim Hotchner of Northwest School of the Arts were recognized for their leadership and creativity, dedication in bringing arts education into the classroom.
A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. ~ Chinese Proverb (pic in folder)
Last month, Charlotte debuted a new community reading garden at Independence Park, the city's first and oldest public park. Charlotte is one of nine cities selected for creation of community reading gardens by Troy-Bilt?, a leader in lawn and garden equipment and a national sponsor of the Keep America Beautiful?'s Great American Cleanup? program.
South Meck Principal Receives Top Honors
Marian Yates, principal of South Mecklenburg High School, has been named the 2006 North Carolina Wachovia Principal of the Year. Yates, who served in public education for 36 years, was selected from eight regional finalists. Dr. Frances Haithcock, superintendent of schools says of Hayes: "She is a dynamic leader who believes in creating a nurturing and academically challenging environment for those around her."
CONTEST (Wade – use clip art of "clapper" – chalk-write "Action" on it… see folder with example)
Lights! Camera! Action!
Are you the next Steven Spielberg? Asheville is looking for you! Dust off that camcorder and enter the "Anyway You Like It" video contest and see your idea in Asheville's next TV ad. Deadline for submission is June 1. And the winner will receive $1,000, an Asheville area vacation and see their idea produced into a TV spot. Log on to www.anywayyoulikeit.com for contest rules and details.
Parenting Pick
Nanny to the Rescue: Straight Talk & Super Tips for Parenting in the Early Years
Michelle LaRowe
2006, W Publishing Group
$15.99
This practical guide to pre-school parenting offers easy to read chapters from 2004 Nanny of the Year, Michelle La Rowe. Her parenting straight talk is illustrated with "wrong way vs. right way" scenarios and her strongly rooted faith shines through with Bible verses and spiritual insights. This no-nonsense nanny covers all the bases with advice on how to handle discipline, potty training, sleep issues, biting, pacifiers and more. "Nanny Tips" sidebars offer helpful hints for child-based challenges from birth to kindergarten.
Books
By Kate Marley
since the beginning of time, animal stories have been a way for people to tell stories and lessons that others would do well to copy, or as cautionary tales meant to mirror and/or warn of human habits. Aesop is only the most famous of many; for people sometimes find it easier to swallow a lesson in behavior when the protagonists are animals. Such anthropomorphism gives writers great scope, and readers (of all ages) seldom tire of this theme. And of course, there is always the way that pets, or working with animals brings out the best — or funniest — in us all.
Picture Books
Chicks and Salsa
By Aaron Reynolds
2005, Bloomsbury Publishing
The chickens have had it with boring chicken feed, and while looking for something with more pizzazz; find possibilities on a cooking show seen through the farmhouse window. With some help from a few resourceful rats, the food rebellion soon spreads to other animals on the farm. It only starts with salsa! The clever and very colorful illustrations are by Paulette Bogan.
Anna Aphid
By Christine Goppel
2005, North-South Books
Being curious, Anna wants to know for sure what lies beyond the aphids' green world. When she grows wings, she launches herself into outer space and finds all sorts of strangeness and dangers, too. Zoom out illustrations (well done by the author) show that Anna's moon is really a baby's head — and kids will love guessing what all the strange objects Anna encounters really are. Older kids will recognize the themes of courage, as well as the value of changing perspectives.
Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies
By Carolyn Crimi
2005, Candlewick Press
Henry is a huge disappointment to his father Captain Barnacle Black Ear, because instead of all the usual pirate stuff, Henry likes to read. But this comes in handy when a huge storm maroons them on an island and Henry's book learning becomes a lifesaver. Cute illustrations by John Manders highlight how being different can sometimes be good for everyone.
Kidogo
By Anik McGrory
2005, Bloomsbury Publishing
Little Kidogo is tired of being the smallest in the elephant herd, and wanders off to find someone smaller. After a few slightly scary encounters, he finds termites and ends up helping them. Coincidentally, Kidogo helps them do all the things the adults in the elephant herd helped him with, and finds that's he's not so small after all. Sensitive watercolor illustrations by the author capture the beauty and wonder of big and small.
Learning to Fly
By Sebastian Meschenmoser
2006, first American Edition, Kane Miller
Readers could see this as a straightforward story — a penguin crash-lands and is befriended by a kind man who tries to help him to learn to fly. Naturally, this is stymied because, well, everyone knows that penguins can't fly. And so, all efforts fail until the day they see a flock of penguins overhead, and he just lifts off. Underneath, the story is about the power of believing in yourself and not letting others tell you what you can and cannot do. First published in Germany, and with expressive pen and ink drawings by the author, this tender and uplifting story is beautifully done, and could be, among many possibilities, the next great graduation gift book.
Transitional Books
Lucky Days with Mr. And Mrs. Green
By Keith Baker
2005, Harcourt
Two alligators and their three humorous stories about finding lost pearls, entering a gumball contest and being in a talent show will encourage kids ready to venture past picture books. Large and colorful illustrations by the author match the easygoing tone.
Houndsley and Catina
By James Howe
2006, Candlewick Press
A cat and dog explore the bounds of friendship in this charming story with short, easy-to-read chapters. Kids will recognize some of their own situations as the two figure out: How honest can I be? Cute pastel illustrations by Marie-Louise Gay are a perfect complement to this sweet book.
Rosalie, My Rosalie
By Jacquelyn Mitchard
2005, HarperCollins
A father saves a duckling from culinary death to give his daughter Harry a pet. And she loves her duckling, taking very good care of Rosalie. But with all wild creatures, there comes a time when living with humans is no longer good for either, despite all the love. This tender and appealing story is further enhanced by John Bendall-Brunello's lively pen-and-ink drawings.
Next-Door Dogs
By Colby Rodowsky
2006, Farrar, Straus & Giroux
Poor Sara Barker! She's morbidly afraid of dogs ever since an overenthusiastic greeting many years ago. So when her new next-door neighbor shows up with two young, big dogs, Sara does her best to avoid all contact. But her astute and sympathetic neighbor, as well as the dogs' good manners, proves hard to avoid. Yet when there's an emergency, can Sara overcome her dread? A believable and heartwarming story that will resonate with many youngsters, it also has charming illustrations by Amy June Bates.
For Older Kids
A Dog's Life
By Ann M. Martin
2005, Scholastic
Born a stray from a stray, Squirrel and her brother are well cared for till the day their mother doesn't come back. From then on, it's a hard and tough life on the go, where she meets humans and dogs, both good and bad. Some parents might be relieved that sex of any kind is never mentioned, but this detracts from the authenticity of trying to show life from the dog's point of view. The book is strongest when describing how some people's small kindnesses or carelessness can have a large impact on an animal's life.
Room With a Zoo
By Jules Feiffer
2005, Hyperion
Julie just loves animals, but her family lives in a New York City apartment. A dog is what Julie really wants, but her parents will only agree to a cat. But somehow it escalates to include a hamster, fish, a hermit crab, a rabbit, a turtle . . . and pretty soon, Julie and her pets, and all their problems, start to take over the whole family's life. Very funny, and based on the author's own daughter with his own illustrations, too, this comedy of pet errors will have folks of all ages in stitches.
Pond Scum
By Alan Silberberg
2005, Hyperion
This is an improbable, but very funny, book about a boy who accidentally discovers a mysterious gem in the attic of his new house. With help from a recuperating crow and shy salamander, Oliver finds that the gem allows him to change into whatever animal he is touching. Before, Oliver had always seen himself as a loser, but his forays into the animal world lead him to discover new worlds and abilities within himself. He also discovers the strange animal alliance around his house that is trying to drive his family out. Despite a strange sub-plot toward the end involving Oliver's father, this is still a fun read.
Isabel of the Whales
By Hester Velmans
2005, Delacorte
She's always been fascinated by whales, so when Isabel's class takes a whale-watching tour off Cape Cod, she's excited when lots and lots of whales arrive. Then Isabel falls overboard, and discovers she's turned into a whale. The other whales tell her she is a Chosen One, one of the special humans who can change back and forth. Her mission is to learn about whales and help spread changes when the time comes to go back. Isabel has a magical, sometimes dangerously adventurous year learning about a sentient whale society, and about herself as well.
Polo's Mother
By Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
2005, Atheneum
For years, Polo's had a fantasy of a soft and motherly mom coming back to find him. He's given a rude awakening when streetwise and tough Geraldine actually shows up, and turns out to be quite different. She challenges Texas Jake, helps with solving mysteries and leaves. Yet Marco and Polo find they prefer being treated as adults instead of coddled kittens. Billed as the conclusion to the Cat Pack series, this is another winner by an award-winning author.
Spy Mice: the Black Paw
By Heather Vogel Frederick
2005, Simon & Schuster
First of a series, and set in Washington, DC, this spy spoof includes intelligent mice, loner kids and vicious rat gangs. Anyone who likes plenty of action, interesting characters and lots of humor will enjoy this page-turner animal thriller. Melodramatic black-and-white illustrations by Sally Wern Comport also add to the atmosphere.
Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
By Kate DiCamillo
2006, Candlewick Press
Detailing the inner life of toys is a time-honored tradition — and now there is Edward, a self-centered china rabbit that has one adventure after another, and is enlarged by them all. It was very interesting, watching him change and mature. Beautiful artwork by Bagram Ibatoulline give exquisite detail to what really is a sweet and miraculous read.
— Compiled by Kate Marley
DVDs
"Napoleon Dynamite: Like, the Best Special Edition Ever!"
Fox Home Entertainment
Available May 16
$26.98 DVD
Tweens and teens flipped for this hilarious story about an unlikely hero who helps make his high school student body's dreams come true. Napoleon Dynamite (Jon Heder) spends his days drawing mythical beasts and fighting with his brother Kip. Then Deb and Pedro enter the picture and the trio launches a campaign to elect Pedro class president. Now you know what those "Vote for Pedro" T-shirts are all about.
"High School Musical"
Disney DVD
Available May 23
$26.99 DVD
This Disney Channel original movie musical grabbed viewers and spun them around the dance floor big time back when it aired in January. And the soundtrack? Well, it has done pretty well itself, shipping Gold and selling like crazy ever since. I have to admit all the hoopla is deserved. The movie offers a tween-relevant plot about two kids bucking the social order when they try out for the high school musical. The songs rock, the dances kick booty and the performances hit all the right notes — you can't ask for more.
"Cheaper by the Dozen 2"
Fox Home Entertainment
Available May 23
$29.98 DVD
Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt return as heads of the Baker clan, a wild group prone to comic antics. As our story opens, we find the Bakers heading to the lake house for summer vacation. But, drat, an overzealous rival family (led by Eugene Levy and Carmen Electra) has competition in mind. Let the games begin.
MOVIES
"Akeelah and the Bee"
Lions Gate Films
Now playing
Rated PG (for some language)
Take "Bee Season," exchange the Jewish family for an African-American one, exchange some angst for some precociousness and you have the general gist of this family drama. Akeelah Anderson (Keke Palmer) loves words and enters various spelling contests, even though her mom (Angela Basset) discourages her. Akeelah finds a kindred soul in her tutor, Dr. Larabee (Laurence Fishburne). As Akeelah advances to the National Spelling Bee, her courage inspires pride in her South Los Angeles neighborhood. All together now: T-r-i-u-m-p-h.
"Goal! The Dream Begins"
Touchstone Pictures
Opens May 12
Rated PG (for language, sexual situations and some thematic situations including partying)
What's a poor Mexican-American boy from Los Angeles doing trying out for Newcastle United, one of the world's best professional soccer clubs? Living his dream. Santiago Munez (Kuno Becker) knows the life of an immigrant — he watches his father work hard just to put food on the table. When Santiago gets a chance to show his talents and join the world of international soccer, it's almost too much for him to comprehend. David Beckham makes a cameo appearance in this inspirational sports drama.
"Over the Hedge"
DreamWorks Animation SKG
Opens May 19
Not yet rated
You go into hibernation one winter and everything's fine. You awake in the spring, and nothing's the same. What's the big green thing that has all the animals in an uproar? It's the hedge. Is it a barrier to beware or a gateway to the good life? Bruce Willis, Garry Shandling, William Shatner and a gaggle of other great voices animate this animal foray into suburbia.
"The Da Vinci Code"
Columbia Pictures
Opens May 19
Not yet rated
This adaptation of Dan Brown's huge bestseller likely will be the hit of the summer. The premise that Jesus Christ married Mary Magdalene and fathered a child will intrigue some and offend others. Think of this as a perfect opportunity to talk to your children about religion and how beliefs can develop and change through history. Tom Hanks stars as Robert Langdon, a symbologist drawn into a mystery that begins with the murder of a curator at the Louvre. Audrey Tautou co-stars as the victim's granddaughter and someone who may hold the key to the secret of the ages.
— Compiled by Carolyn McAtee Cerbin
MUSIC
Every Day is a Birthday
Brady Rymer
Bumble Bee Records
$15
Award-winning recording artist Brady Rymer has accolades from NAPPA and Parent's Choice to his credit, but he wasn't always singing about birthdays and dinosaurs. Rymer and his rockin' former band, "From Good Homes," toured with Hootie and many others before he made a place for himself in children's music. His fourth independent release is a foot stompin' mix of rock and folk that keeps you singing along. Highly recommended for kindergarten through grade school age, the tunes feature laughable lyrics, guitar grooves and just plain fun. Favorite tunes include "Mama Don't Allow" and "Keeping Up With You."
What A Way to Play
Debi Derryberry
Need name of record company here
$12
If the singer's voice sounds familiar, that's because she is the voice of Jimmy Neutron. This uniquely jazzy collection of tunes is sweet and endearing. Debi's first independent release shows promise with songs that offer a playful take on old favorites, including a snappy rendition of "Wheels on the Bus" and a few new melodies like "Raisin Fingers" and "What a Way to Play." This is a nice departure from the big studio releases.
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