Queen Alice's Palaces
I wasn't sure how this book would go down with the littlies as it uses a lot of words they are unfamiliar with for the sake of rhyming. I tried it out on Miss Four, and she sat silently, listening intently. A few days later, I asked if she'd like me to read it again and, believing it had gone over her head, thought the answer would be no but she excitedly said yes! She took it all in and now asks for it every night. Surprisingly, the boys, who I hadn't planned on reading this to (being about queens and palaces) sidled over and also took it all in. Although Master Seven would never admit to it, I could tell it held his attention and he was quite taken by it, as was Master Four. Written by a kiwi and with great illustrations and a couple of funny/rude bits at the end, which is always a plus!
- Congrats to Lana Jennings for winning this book.
The Boy Who Cried Wolf
I’ve long been preaching this childhood story to my kids –
particularly my prankster Master Seven. Sometimes he’s learned the hard way
when something has happened for real and I haven’t believed him.
“You see,” I say. “That’s just like the boy who cried wolf.”
However, this all went in one ear and out the other – he needed
the hard copy.
I ordered this book online and all three kids sat transfixed
while I read.
It also helps that it’s interactive – each page has flaps
they can lift to show different scenarios.
It surprised me that it held their attention when they are
different ages (four-year-old twins and seven). Master Four was particularly
taken with this book and, each night after his bath, comes trundling up the
stairs with it clutched under his arm.
I would safely say that this is the most unanimously popular
book within my family I have come across to date and, with an important
message, it’s a win-win!
(This book was won by Jan Bryant)
Book review – by Marlie
Walker
The Politically Incorrect Guide to Teenagers (before your
teenagers drive you crazy – by Nigel Latta.
For those of you who haven’t heard of Nigel Latta, where
have you been hiding? Nigel is a New Zealand clinical psychologist
who specialises in working with children with behavioural problems. I think
that if Nigel decided to make a change in career then he would make a great
comedian as, boy, did he make us laugh. With his mixture of common sense, wit
and a smattering of swear words, he has lots of simple ideas that have helped
many families to overcome minor/major teenage behaviour problems.
As parents to three boys (nine-year-old twins and a
12-year-old) we are just starting to see the beginnings of the “crazy” teenager
bahaviour. Over the last couple of months we have had instances of dishonesty,
rudeness, temper tantrums, physical aggression and general unpleasantness. If
we don’t get a handle on it before it gets of hand then the teenage years will
become a war zone. So our children are now benefiting the skills learned from
Nigel. We are allowed to stand up to our children, show a bit of spine and set
the parameters of what is acceptable and what is not in our family.
I liked the way Nigel talks about setting a basic framework
of rules. You start by setting your family rules together and what the
consequences will be if they aren’t followed. This includes behavior standards,
internet usage, curfew, chores and any other bones of contention. His list of
punishments made me giggle. Punishment number 14 - take away their bedroom door
if they are rude or slam it; number 16 - if they won’t pick up their clothes
then hang them on the front fence (including smalls).
Nigel includes lots of information about what is going on in
our teenagers’ brains and what we are likely to expect in the next stage of our
parenting journey. His practical, simple and humorous ideas will make your life
easier but you have to be prepared to put in some hard yards in the beginning.
I love the titles of the chapters – 'Weapons
of mass destruction', 'Teenage boys and
the rise of the Neanderthal' and 'The
bitchy physics of the Girl-niverse!'
The book includes lots of examples, case studies and
information to help you navigate the tumultuous teen years. Check out www.goldfishwisdom.org
which is full of information. If you are able to join Nigel Latta for his
fantastic parenting seminars, you won’t regret it.
Enjoy,
Marlie Walker.
This book was won by Nicola Howson.
***
Storytime (www.storytime.net.nz) offered new release Fearless Fred and the dragon for review and giveaway. This competition was won by Clare Spicer.
See review below:
Fred decides to go on an adventure. He sets out on his trike
with his trusty companion, the dog. As Fred’s imagination takes over, along the
way he gets thrown off his “horse” into a dark swamp only to come face to face
with a “dragon”. Never fear, Fred has his bow and arrow with him and his trusty
canine friend to fight the dragon.
This Joy-Cowley-shortlisted story is told in lilting, rhyming
couplets and repetition by Northlander Maureen Sudlow, who combines reality
with Fearless Fred’s vivid imagination, while delightfully illustrated by Waikato ’s Kat Quin Merewether.
Although Master and Miss Four both found one page a
tad scary, the story held both their and Master Seven’s attention for the
duration and the over-all verdict from the three of them was “Cool!”
This book was won by Clare Spicer.
***
And family therapist/tv presenter and
author Diane Levy has kindly offered her (inscribed) best-selling Of Course I Love You... NOW GO TO YOUR ROOM! to review and give-away.
chance to win!
*Competitions are for NZ residents only.
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