Otto of the Silver Hand By Howard Pyle

Otto of the Silver Hand was originally published in 1888 - and I am amazed that the content within this novel continues to be relevant in today's society. This story is set in medieval Germany when castles, feuds, barons, knights, kidnapping, soldiers, and rescues were common. Violence, revenge, hatred are all themes that continue to permeate within our society. Yet, in both the past and present we can also find humility, gentleness, love, sacrifice and forgiveness. The traits that little Otto possesses will encourage children to see the good and evil in their world and strive to have a positive outlook on life, even when experiencing turmoil within ourselves. Otto's gracious and forgiving nature will inspire the best in all who read this novel.

Otto of the Silver Hand
By Howard Pyle
Publisher: Yesterday's Classics
ISBN: 1599151979

City Dog by Alison Pace

Who wouldn’t love a novel that is centered on a cute and funny White Terrier? My neighbors have two and they have such wonderful personalities but, back to Alison’s wonderful novel, “City Dog.” This novel is very unique in that Alison uses various view points to relay her messages throughout the novel. Even Carlie (the main character, Amy’s Terrier) has her turn at telling the story. These individual and unique viewpoints pulled me through Amy and Carlie’s experiences as I was interested in what each individual character thought about the events in the novel.

Our main character Amy, works through many real-life situations as she struggles with independence and finding herself and her direction in life. Amy is a very relatable character in which a young woman would easily share the very same interpersonal struggles. It takes Amy quite a while with many different experiences to gain self esteem and realize that she is a strong independent woman. At the conclusion of the novel, Amy is a confident young woman who has finally found her life direction and acts on her self-discoveries.

I truly enjoyed experiencing and working through Amy and Carlie’s situations, but was especially happy that Amy had found inner peace at the end of this novel.

As a side note for Alison - I hope the “Carlie” children’s books are in the works because I know for a fact my kids would love to read the adventures of Carlie and Robert Maguire!

City Dog
By: Alison Pace
The Berkley Publishing Group
ISBN: 9780425221433

All children should be raised to respect those who look and think differently

Shouldn't all children be raised to respect those who look and think differently? That is what Kahani magazine strongly believes in and they are asking you to help get the word out.

In playgrounds and classrooms, children constantly barter and negotiate to see who wins or who's first in line. But what if their classmate doesn't look or think like them? What if he wears a turban? What if there's a red dot on her mom's forehead? Does communication break down?

Answers to questions like that can be found in Kahani - an award-winning children's magazine you've probably never heard of. Told from the unique perspective of a South Asian child living in America, Kahani (which means story in Hindi) uses contemporary storytelling and very vivid illustrations to spotlight these children and their cultures.

And when our readers (ages 6-11) are ready to express their creativity - after discovering the diversity and richness of South Asian cultures from Nepal and Bhutan to Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka through the non-judgmental stories and features - children are invited them to take part In the exciting Annual Writing and Illustrating Contest running right now (deadline Nov 23). There's absolutely nothing more thrilling for a budding author or artist than seeing their work in actual glossy print!

Completely ad-free and dependent on subscriptions - an anomaly in the publishing world - Kahani has won several awards, including two from the Parents' Choice Foundation in the last two years. Of course, no ads means they make no money and pay no salaries - the writers and illustrators only receive modest honorariums - BUT the passion of their mission makes them feel truly rich.

Wouldn't the world be a better place if we could raise children with a deeper understanding of where "other" people come from? Please help and do your bit to educate future global citizens, spread the word on Kahani.

Visit Kahani

Sarah Palin's Debate Flow Chart

Obama or McCain- Why You Should Vote

Great video about making sure we all vote this election year...

Click on the following link:

Obama or McCain- Why You Should Vote

Science Center Wonders

We are ready for Pre-School

Elizabeth & Anthony's first day of pre-school... so cute and soooo excited :)