Elizabeth Verdick

"Words Are Not for Hurting" is an excellent book that illustrates that what we say to other people has an impact on them. It teaches a very simple concept that many adults do not understand either. I feel this book is excellent in teaching social skills, community, responsibility, and kindness. I loved the illustrations as they showed a disabled child in a wheelchair as well as many different cultural groups. They portrayed a very important idea that really needs to be shared with young and show more old alike in the world we live in. show less

This is a book written in an appealing easy-to-digest format intended for children to read in tandem with their caring adult(s), it covers topics for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and explains in a format that's accessible and structured for various reading levels. For instance, color-coded chapters make sections easy to navigate to and the topics are structured by function such as Home, School, Community, Body and Brain Basics, and an introductions specifically targeted for show more both kids and their adults, as well as a section in the back for sharing the diagnosis with your child for parents. One of the authors, Dr. Elizabeth Reeve, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist with a child (now an adult) on the ASD spectrum and Elizabeth Verdick also writes from the perspective of having her own child on the ASD spectrum. The both note that this is the book they wish they had while raising their children and learning to advocate with and for them to help them not just survive but to thrive in life. I feel it will be a great reference book for families to read together. show less

Well, here's a book that would be hard for me to pass up. First, I love Wood Ducks. They are one of my favorite birds. So unusual, and colorful.

Second, I love to share book-time with a book that has nature to discuss. And if it's got numbers and rhymes... well, how much more can you ask for?

John Bendall-Brunello's artwork, by the way, is charming. The colors are gentle and attractive, and the little ducklings come alive with gleams in their eyes.

The story is also well conceived. The show more ducklings hatch and face the big leap. Most manage it right off, but the smallest duckling, number 10, is a little more intimidated.

I loved that there is hatching and Wood Ducks to talk about with little ones. I also love that it's possible to work a little practice counting into a reading session. The rhymes generally work, although I wouldn't put them in the 'Great Read-aloud category'. Good though. And enjoyable.

A very nice alternative to other counting books.

Recommend. show less

This isn't the first Small Walt book I've read, and it (hopefully) won't be the last.

Small Walt is a snowplow with tons of heart. While he does have a driver, Gus, it's Small Walt who stars and steers these tales. In this one, the two are plowing away when they discover something unexpected—a puppy! This poor stray pup can't survive in the snow all by itself. So, Small Walt is there to do his best and help as he can.

The illustrations in this book are fun, detailed and give tons for young show more listeners/readers to watch and follow. They colors are bright and bold, and the images portray exactly the scenes and emotions. In other words, this is the type of book which kids will want to pick up on their own and flip through the adventure again and again.

This isn't only a book for truck, tractor and snowplow fans, but is simply a warming tale. It's hard not to feel for the puppy as they find it...and what a lovely dog it is! The problem will be something kids can relate to and sympathize with. The solution comes with thought, a little adventure and tons of heart. It's simply a lovely tale and just right to read during the upcoming, colder months. show less