DOLLARS & UNCOMMON SENSE; Basic Training for Your Money

Although, most of the books featured on this blog are geared towards children, I’ve recently read a book that I think parents can benefit from.

Dollars and Uncommon Sense; Basic Training for Your Money has changed the way I think about money. I am 42 years old. Both my husband and I work at good paying jobs but struggle each month to make ends meet. We also don’t have a savings account or at least not a significant one. I read this book a few weeks ago and already I’ve been able to put more in the bank than I have in the past year!

Author Steve Repak, a Certified Financial Planner, offers sensible tips on how to take control of your finances. Sensible is the key word since the title reads Dollars and Uncommon Sense. Repak suggests that the people who accumulate wealth just think differently about their money and his book teaches you how to analyze what you are spending, change your existing habits, and manage your budget in a more efficient way. Through this book, I’ve learned that I am spending too much on housing and transportation and not saving enough.

I highly recommend this book; with it’s easy to follow plan, worksheets and resources, I feel confident that it will lead the way to a better financial future.

Book Giveaway

ENTER TO WIN Froggy Boots Go With Everything

HERE’S HOW: Simply be a follower of this blog or become one! Then leave a comment to this post to add your name to the drawing. BE SURE TO ADD YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS SO I CAN CONTACT THE WINNER!

This giveaway will end on December 1st, 2011 The winner will be chosen by Random drawing from all valid entries submitted. The winner will be notified via email and will have up to 48 hours to contact me with their mailing address before another winner is chosen. Open world wide! No P.O Boxes please.

Little Nippers Review: As a Pre-School teacher, I am always on the lookout for new books for my classroom. I find that most of the books available in my Center just do not seem to capture the attention of my active little toddlers!

This month, I introduced Froggy Boots Go With Everything to my students and have been delighted to find a real treasure! We have been reading it consistently in my class for a few weeks. Today, I sat down with one student and began reading it. Once the other children heard which book I was reading, they stopped what they were doing and gathered around me to join in on the fun!

Froggy boots in rain.
Froggy boots in shine.
Froggy boots at your house.
Froggy boots at mine.

The book starts with short lyrical rhymes and ends with a fabulously fun game. On the last page the reader is invited to find a variety of objects on the preceding pages: A Froggy on every page; a boat blowing bubbles and a hose squirting water to name a few. My students love the repetition that this game provides:

“Is there a boat blowing bubbles on this page?” I ask.

“No,” they reply.

I turn the page and ask again, “Is there a boat blowing bubbles on this page?”

I continue in the same way until we find it. Then we look for the next item on the list. This is, indeed, their favorite part of the book. This afternoon, I observed one of my students holding the book and imitating me!

“Guys!” he said, “Can you help me find the froggy on this page?” Then he repeated his question over and again as he turned each subsequent page. It made me smile!

From a teacher’s perspective, this book helps build on Cognitive Skills, Language Skills and provides essential Social interaction. Conversely, the children listening to the story love the short rhythmic sentences, the soft illustrations and the interactive element.

BOOK GIVEAWAY

ENTER TO WIN Froggy Boots Go With Everything

HERE’S HOW: Simply be a follower of this blog or become one! Then leave a comment to this post to add your name to the drawing. BE SURE TO ADD YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS SO I CAN CONTACT THE WINNER!

This giveaway will end on December 1st, 2011 The winner will be chosen by Random drawing from all valid entries submitted. The winner will be notified via email and will have up to 48 hours to contact me with their mailing address before another winner is chosen. Open world wide! No P.O Boxes please.

Little Nippers Review: As a Pre-School teacher, I am always on the lookout for new books for my classroom. I find that most of the books available in my Center just do not seem to capture the attention of my active little toddlers!

This month, I introduced Froggy Boots Go With Everything to my students and have been delighted to find a real treasure! We have been reading it consistently in my class for a few weeks. Today, I sat down with one student and began reading it. Once the other children heard which book I was reading, they stopped what they were doing and gathered around me to join in on the fun!

Froggy boots in rain.
Froggy boots in shine.
Froggy boots at your house.
Froggy boots at mine.

The book starts with short lyrical rhymes and ends with a fabulously fun game. On the last page the reader is invited to find a variety of objects on the preceding pages: A Froggy on every page; a boat blowing bubbles and a hose squirting water to name a few. My students love the repetition that this game provides:

“Is there a boat blowing bubbles on this page?” I ask.

“No,” they reply.

I turn the page and ask again, “Is there a boat blowing bubbles on this page?”

I continue in the same way until we find it. Then we look for the next item on the list. This is, indeed, their favorite part of the book. This afternoon, I observed one of my students holding the book and imitating me!

“Guys!” he said, “Can you help me find the froggy on this page?” Then he repeated his question over and again as he turned each subsequent page. It made me smile!

From a teacher’s perspective, this book helps build on Cognitive Skills, Language Skills and provides essential Social interaction. Conversely, the children listening to the story love the short rhythmic sentences, the soft illustrations and the interactive element.



Below, author Jill Zabkar Martin guest posts on Little Nippers as she describes the inspiration for Froggy Boots Go With Everything:


Froggy Boots Go With Everything is a book about two fundamental ideas: what children wear and what they do. When children are old enough to pick out their own clothes, and even dress themselves, they tap into a newfound independence and wonderful form of self-expression. They put their outfits together with careful thought, using colors, layers and accessories in new and creative ways to get it just right.

More often than not there is likely to be a recurring theme, a favorite item that makes its way into every outfit, an accessory that goes with everything. For me it was a fuzzy pink poncho that my mom had knitted. It was a cozy sweater-like cover up but it became so much more. When I wore it on my head, it was the long beautiful hair I always wanted. When I wore it around my waist, it was a delicate tulle ballet skirt or a gorgeous ball gown. It was a pillow, a blanket, a hiding place, a treasure. It was a friend. This was my first inspiration.

I decided on froggy boots because they are designed for one purpose yet are also worn when there’s not a cloud in the sky. I also chose them because they are delightfully charming in a somewhat nostalgic way. Whenever I saw their happy little eyes and friendly smiles on my son’s feet (and the ladybug eyes and smiles on my daughter’s feet!) I couldn’t help but giggle to myself, remembering my own childhood.

Once I had this idea, I began to think about all the things my children loved to do and how their favorite things influence their play. That’s where I got my second inspiration: young children are very busy!

Young children are busy in wonderful, inventive and tireless ways. Their boundless imagination is a constant source of amazement, inspiration and joy. I thought about some of their games and activities and I created the words for the book. Then for each page I envisioned a moment filled with imagination and magic and this is what I discussed with my illustrator.

It’s the moment you have just landed on the moon and you’re taking your first steps, the moment you’re presenting a beautiful flower bouquet you made yourself to a very special someone, the moment you finally get the top block to balance or have discovered your boot holds more sand than the shovel.

Some moments are loud and free, like jumping in a puddle to see how high it will splash. Some moments are quiet, like watching a pink flamingo and wondering how it feels to stand on just one leg. Some moments are proud, like making it all the way across the monkey bars for the first time. Some moments are filled with love, like holding your mom’s hand.

Whatever the moments, there is one thing for sure. When you are a busy young child, there are many of them, and anything is possible, especially when you have a friend along.

Jill Martin
Jill Zabkar Martin spent her early career as a technology writer and publicist in the Silicon Valley. After becoming a mother of two, she began writing children’s books. Froggy Boots Go With Everything is her first published title. Jill received a BA in English from the University of California at Santa Barbara and an MBA from San Jose State University. She lives in Los Gatos, California with her husband, two children, a guinea pig and three hermit crabs.

Froggy Boots Go With Everything

Froggy Boots Go with Everything
By Jill Zabkar Martin
Illustrated by Kirsten Gaede Van Mourick

As a Pre-School teacher, I am always on the lookout for new books for my classroom. I find that most of the books available in my Center just do not seem to capture the attention of my active little toddlers!

This month, I introduced Froggy Boots Go With Everything to my students and have been delighted to find a real treasure! We have been reading it consistently in my class for a few weeks. Today, I sat down with one student and began reading it. Once the other children heard which book I was reading, they stopped what they were doing and gathered around me to join in on the fun!

Froggy boots in rain.
Froggy boots in shine.
Froggy boots at your house.
Froggy boots at mine.

The book starts with short lyrical rhymes and ends with a fabulously fun game. On the last page the reader is invited to find a variety of objects on the preceding pages: A Froggy on every page; a boat blowing bubbles and a hose squirting water to name a few. My students love the repetition that this game provides:

“Is there a boat blowing bubbles on this page?” I ask.

“No,” they reply.

I turn the page and ask again, “Is there a boat blowing bubbles on this page?”

I continue in the same way until we find it. Then we look for the next item on the list. This is, indeed, their favorite part of the book. This afternoon, I observed one of my students holding the book and imitating me!

“Guys!” he said, “Can you help me find the froggy on this page?” Then he repeated his question over and again as he turned each subsequent page. It made me smile!

From a teacher’s perspective, this book helps build on Cognitive Skills, Language Skills and provides essential Social interaction. Conversely, the children listening to the story love the short rhythmic sentences, the soft illustrations and the interactive element.

Next week, author Jill Zabkar Martin guest posts on Little Nippers as she describes the inspiration for Froggy Boots Go With Everything.

To purchase this great book, click on the link in the sidebar under Froggy Boots.

The Santa Club

The Santa Club
by Kelly Moss
Illustrated by Jim Keserich

Picture this… Your 10 year old daughter enters the house one sunny afternoon after playing with a neighborhood friend and announces that this friend told her that there is no such thing as Santa Claus! What do you do? How do you tell your baby girl that you have been lying to her throughout her entire life? I can still recall this exact scenario when I myself was just 10 years old and the uncomfortable smiles on my parents’ face, the stuttering of their words and the slump of their posture. If only they had a book to assist them with that very difficult conversation!

Well, fortunately Little Nippers has recently discovered the perfect book to help parents everywhere; The Santa Club by Kelly Moss.

With quirky illustrations, The Santa Club eases into the conversation with a lighthearted explanation of where the idea of Santa Claus originated from. It also explains briefly who St. Nicholas was and his relationship to Jesus Christ. Primarily, though, it clarifies why we give gifts on Christmas day and whose birthday we are indeed celebrating. In addition, it illustrates the importance of not sharing this information with younger children.

My own children are still young enough to believe in Santa, and until I discovered this book I was dreading the day when the conversation would arrive. However, now with the help of The Santa Club, I am more than ready and am eager for the opportunity to present a lesson in giving and the true spirit of Christmas.

To purchase this great book, click on Amazon Links for Little Nipper Favorites in the sidebar under The Santa Club.

A month ago Little Nippers posted a review on A Kid's Guide to Being a Winner, a book which helps teach the meaning behind words such as Respect, Responsibility and Thoughtfulness, to name a few. Below, C.D Shelton author of this great book, writes about a few more important words: Stereotyping and Generalizations, as he shares a recent discussion he has with his 13 year old niece:



Stereotyping and Generalizations
by C.D. Shelton

By listening, you can learn a great deal from young people. My niece is thirteen and lives with my wife and I. She is entering the eighth grade. And, as one can expect, she is subject to peer pressures, which shapes her thinking and interests.

On the topic of class selection, and our recommendation that she select “Orchestra” as an elective, her response was “Orchestra” is for “Nerds” ergo, not for her. Patience is required in these kinds of exchanges. We explained that the interpretation of some words go through a sort of evolution as time passes, based on the usage. We explained, that years ago, the word “Nerd” referred to a person that was not particularly athletically inclined, not as, in today’s usage, a person who is intellectually adept. Not finished with the topic, we pointed out that labels that stereotype people are usually wrong. It places people in categories into which they don’t necessarily belong, (like, women are bad drivers or blonds are dumb).

Like “stereotyping”, broad, sweeping “generalizations” are usually wrong. For example, this conversation on the use of mascara, again with my thirteen your old niece. “But Aunt Dani, ALL of the girls are wearing it and they have their parent’s permission.”

As I mentioned earlier, if you listen to young people you’ll learn. You’ll learn what they don’t understand. “Orchestra and mascara” were the operative words that stimulated a discussion centered around the uniqueness of each person. By stereotyping or generalizing we place individuals into categories, to which, they may not belong. In other words, stereotyping or generalizing ignores the uniqueness of the individual.

It’s a tough lesson, but one we all need to learn at some point in our life. It’s a lesson better learned early, than later.

C.D Shelton is a College Professor who enjoys writing Action/Adventure novels. A Kid's Guide to Being a Winner is his first non-fiction and inspirational book for kids. See below for a Little Nippers review:



It’s a fact; when you ask a child to define the word respect many will become tongue-tied, however, if asked what a brontosaurus is most of them can answer! This is an interesting observation that I cannot take credit for. Fortunately, my two children attend Tae Kwon Do with a very insightful teacher who has not only made this observation but has taught them the meaning of the word respect.

Nevertheless, it is a tough concept for young children to grasp. Recently, however, I’ve discovered a book that can help parents teach the meaning behind this very important word along with a few others. A Kid’s Guide to Being a Winner by author C.D Shelton is written for the young reader and is an excellent resource. C.D Shelton knows how to reach kids! This book is straightforward and easy to read. And although it is not your typical story book it successfully captures the attention of its targeted audience. My children have asked to read it quite frequently.

Every spread has an illustration that corresponds to the text and teaches the meaning of the words: Responsible; Thoughtful; Respect; Gratitude and Positive Mental Attitude.

At my house, we read this book in an interactive way. At the beginning of each chapter I asked my children to try to define the meaning of the highlighted word and after every page I asked them to describe the illustration and find the meaning behind each. For example; after we looked at an illustration that showed 2 children holding baseball equipment in their hands, knocking on the door of a house with a broken window, I asked “How is this child being responsible?” The responses that follow usually initiate many more discussions.

I honestly cannot say enough about this book. Parents and teachers, I urge you to seek it out for your youngsters! It can be found on Amazon.

Thank you C.D Shelton for writing such an inspirational book that addresses the values I’m trying to instill in my children!

The Trouble with Being a Horse

This month I'd like to introduce a great chapter book for tweens and young adults. The Trouble with Being a Horse, written by Emily Edwards, is about a young girl who has a passion for horseback riding but seems to be struggling socially at school and with her peers. To make things worse, there are financial troubles at home which make her responsibilities so great that riding every week becomes an impossibility. Life for 11 year old Olivia sure seems unbearable! However, one day after making a wish she finds that she has mysteriously turned into a horse! Unfortunately, she learns that even horses do not have an idyllic life.

This book gives us a refreshing look at the struggles all children go through and is full of magical charm that is sure to entice young readers. Below, please take a look at what author and equestrienne, Emily Edwards, has to say about writing for an adolescent audience:


How to Write an Eleven Year Old Character
by Emily Edwards

When I first came up with the idea for The Trouble with Being a Horse I didn’t have to give much thought to who the audience would be as it was a natural fit with the pony book genre aimed at middle-grade girls. It made sense for the main character to be of the same age as the readers and it wasn’t until I sat down to write the book that I really thought about how to create an eleven year old character. I wanted Olivia to be as realistic as possible – sure, her situation isn’t very realistic but I wanted her thoughts and actions to be those a girl her age would recognize and agree with.

Having not been eleven years old for quite some time, I still have vivid memories of that age, probably because it was a happy time for me. I also seem to be able to recall childhood memories far more clearly than many adults I know, and perhaps all my “research” of books in this genre has kept my inner child alive for longer than normal! Whatever the reason may be, I felt up to the challenge of writing the character of Olivia, although in her moments of crisis (and there are several) I had to take care to make sure her logic and reasoning were that of a child and not an adult. When Olivia first wakes up to find herself in a horse’s body, it’s natural that she would panic and not know what to do—and that her first instinct would be to go home to her family. In the beginning of the story, Olivia is a very passive character to whom things happen, but as the book progresses she grows and changes quite a lot. Her specific situation of being a girl in a horse’s body forces her to make decisions and take actions that she would never have to in her regular life, and it is these turning points that bring her to a greater maturity, one that is probably much more advanced than a typical eleven year old.

By the end of the book, Olivia has grown quite wise and I felt that writing her that way made sense after all she’d gone through. In the end, I suppose I didn’t write Olivia with her age in mind so much as the ways in which she would develop and grow as a character as a result of her experiences. And in keeping with a prevalent theme in the pony book genre, it is their adventures with horses that help bring about personal growth in the main characters’ lives, to which Olivia is no exception.

Emily Edwards is from the small town of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and has a PhD from Trinity College Dublin from the Centre for Gender & Women's Studies. She has wide-ranging writing experience and currently works as a Research Associate. The Trouble with Being a Horse is Emily's first work of fiction, and is published by Single Stride Publishing. She has been an avid equestrienne for over twenty years, participating in Pony Club and the Trinity College Dublin Equestrian Team.