Elyse April – författare

The statistics are shocking! Obesity has become an epidemic in the United States. Not only are American adults suffering the consequences of significant overweight, but massive numbers of our children are quickly joining the ranks of the overfed and undernourished! According to the latest National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), an estimated 16 percent of children and adolescents ages 6-19 years are seriously overweight, and this percentage is growing rapidly in younger children as well. This figure represents a 45 percent increase from the overweight estimates obtained from the same survey done for 1988-94. The National Institute for Health has made obesity-intervention one of its primary targets for increasing the health and longevity of all Americans by 2010. Without a turn-around, however, succeeding generations of children will suffer increased heart disease and diabetes and will, overall, be less healthy than their parents.

This picture book for children (infant to six) is aimed to promote self-esteem, and thus to help prevent bullying. In 12 playful and adventurous scenarios, young or baby animals take a stand that demonstrates courage in the face of a challenge, along with kindness and willingness to help others. At the same time, the authors approach the topic with practicality and gentleness, making it clear that sometimes the best thing to do in a scary or confusing situation is to walk away, get help, or say nothing. Short simple text makes for easy comprehension for both parents and new readers. The book can serve as a stimulus for lots of adult-child discussion of principles like courage, discernment, sharing and caring. Stand Up! is co-written by two former teachers of young children. Their dedication is to educate us all in the issues of power, responsibility and self-appreciation. Most of what we find on the market today are books for older children, addressing bullying after the fact. "Stand Up, The Courage to Care" is a preventative for the pre-school child. It makes a valuable contribution to anti-bullying literature without ever mentioning the word. Instead, it is packed with impressions to help encourage creativity, individuality and confidence, skills that can help combat the susceptibility to peer pressure that is so damaging to children. It is also a call to parents to be their child's centre of gravity and sanctuary. "A Note to Parents and Caregivers" opens the book, and a bibliography of resources (print and digital) is included at the end for further study.

The need for this book has never been greater. While reading has always been one of life’s greatest joys and the foundation for all learning, millions of people in the U.S. lack the skills to appreciate these benefits. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES): • About one in 20 adults in the U.S. is not literate in English. • 30 million adults may not be able to make sense of a simple pamphlet. • More than 85% of all juveniles who interface with the juvenile court system are illiterate. • More than 60% of all prison inmates are functionally illiterate. A vividly-colored picture book, We Like to Read provides a new look at how to teach and encourage reading by using play and “attachment parenting” – i.e., lots of physical closeness and learning by example. The upbeat rhyming format provides cues for parents and caregivers on how to provide a foundation for reading while enticing children with game-like activities. A Picture Book for Pre-Readers and Parents

The transition from nursing to weaning is a rite of passage. It can either be a time full of stress, regret and confusion, or a joyous celebration of growth. Ready to Wean is for mothers and nursing children, to help them both communicate their deep love and respect for one another. The author believes that it is never too early for moms and dads to talk to their baby with tenderness and dignity, and to explain that nursing together is a cherished and special time. Yet, when mother no longer chooses this mutual task, or for health or other reasons cannot continue, then it is better for parent and child to begin the weaning. There is no other book like this, although many adult books are devoted to the process of weaning, in depth. Ready to Wean is a children's picture book, designed to empower mothers in the weaning process. The friendly text reassures and prepares the child, in a confident way, for this new stage of growth, and bolsters mother's confidence that she will continue to grow with her child, beyond this particular form Already, national and state WIC (Women, Infants and Children) agencies are asking about the appearance of this book, calling it a crucial addition to the literature. Without making any general statement about how long nursing should continue, the book cleverly and gently allows each mom to insert her own deadline date, and encourages her to start planning for this date with her child. The author knows that parents and children will be sharing this bonding experience differently, and so she suggests many lovely, nurturing alternatives that babies and young children can relate to, as the date approaches. The emotions a woman feels in pregnancy and mothering are powerful. And with nursing, these emotions are transmitted to the child, consciously or not. Many women are troubled as weaning approaches. They sometimes feel guilty, holding themselves to an unrealistic standard of perfection. They know that generally their child loves to nurse. Preparing the child for weaning is an invaluable means to avoid any shock or trauma to either mother or child. The warm and playful illustrations of master artist Diane Iverson convey a mood of joyfulness and new experience for the child, and support to any mom.