Leah Marie and Her Friends

In the times we are living in, we all need to be more aware that we should not be focusing on differences, but rather on how we are alike. All children want to have friends, especially in school. However, some children may worry that they will not be understood in their attempt towards friendship, as they have difficulty communicating.

In this story, Leah Marie, a little girl with Down syndrome who cannot speak clearly, wonders how she will make friends in school. The dilemma is solved when her school celebrates World Down Syndrome Day to help the children better understand how Leah communicates and how they can help her learn.

The moments shared in this book come directly from the experiences of Leah Marie, the great-granddaughter of one of the authors. This book is relatable to all families, caretakers and teachers who struggle to help children realize the many ways they can express their thoughts and feelings.

There is a positive message at the end about creative and unique ways to communicate with others. This is a must-read for a wide audience of those who live with and interact with children of all ages and abilities every day.

Leah Marie and Santa

In the times we are living in, we all need to be more aware that we shouldn’t be focusing on differences, but rather on how we are alike. Most children dream of the magical man in the red suit who visits them with gifts during the holidays in December. However, some children may worry that Santa may not know what they’d like because they have difficulty communicating.

In this story, Leah Marie, a little girl with Down syndrome who can’t speak clearly, wonders whether Santa will know what she wants for Christmas. She solves her dilemma by using her own way of communicating and learns that Santa understands all children.

The moments shared in this book come directly from the experiences of Leah Marie, the great-granddaughter of one of the authors. This book is relatable to all families, caretakers and teachers who struggle to help children realize the many ways they can express their thoughts and feelings.

There is a positive message at the end about creative and unique ways to communicate with others. This is a must-read for a wide audience of those who live with and interact with children of all ages and abilities every day.

Let's Be Kind Again

We are living through difficult times where children are being bombarded by bullying, name calling, and lack of respect and consideration for others. Let’s Be Kind Again is a fun and meaningful experience for children three to eight years old and their caregivers to explore creative ways to be kind.

Twins, Mario and Maria, thinking about what their mother told them about JFK saying to Americans, “Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country,” have an interactive conversation, almost a one-upmanship of who can think of ways to be kind to each other, their parents, and other people they interact with. They explore the many ways they can do that in the different aspects of life, from walking the dog of a sick neighbor to defending a classmate who is being bullied. The last pages are meant to be interactive. The reader is asked to recall the different ways suggested by Mario and Maria to be kind and to also think of other ways they and others can practice kindness. In this way, the reader is given an opportunity to assimilate the concept of what it means to be kind and how it can be practiced. Additionally, besides the acts of kindness being reinforced, communication is encouraged.  

Let's Have a Parade

The countdown begins, and the band strikes to play! Those famous words are announced: "Let's have a parade!" From the lead stars, the highly popular high-kicking Rockettes, and of course, the big guy in red, Santa Claus, we kick off the holiday season down 6th Avenue as people gather in the streets of New York City to give thanks at the infamous Thanksgiving Day Parade!

Let's Move! Let's Talk! Let's Go!

Why this book now? Children sit too much. They sit in silence, hunched over a cell phone, iPad, Kindle, or computer. Their fingers are the only body part moving, and only in repetitive motions—for hours on end. Technology has contributed to children moving their bodies and using their voices less and less. Let’s Move! Let’s Talk! Let’s Go! is an antidote for these current trends and describes games supported by original poetry and illustrations. This book provides easy-to-follow guidelines for the caregiver and child.

Who is qualified to be a leader of the games? Everyone! The game leader does not need to have any special training. The leader can be a teacher, parent, sibling, or babysitter.

Where can the games be played? Everywhere! All the games can be played without any special space or equipment requirements. A living room, basement, recreation room, classroom, or backyard are all useable spaces for playing the games.

Praise for Let’s MOVE! Let’s TALK! Let’s GO!

“This is a welcome book to the children’s market. The integration between movement in body and voice to convey expression is wonderfully accessible. Many texts deal with speech and movement separately; here we are presented with the fullness of both. And, as we are more fragmented via computer technology, this book gives budding learners a chance for clear communication and action.”

– Cheryl Clark, CMA, BMC®, RSME/T, Senior Faculty member at the Laban Institute of Movement Studies, NYC, and on the faculty at the College for Performing Arts at The New School.

“This book is a terrific resource for dance teachers, classroom teachers, music teachers, and families. It is a creative and practical book that provides ideas, teacher prompts, imagery and rhymes to introduce young children to the building blocks of expressive dance and dance-making through the lens of Laban Movement Analysis. Early childhood is a pivotal time for brain and body development and this book is a wonderful addition to the field of dance in early childhood.”

– Deborah Damast MA, Director and Clinical Associate Professor of Dance Education at NYU Steinhardt.

“This book is a useful tool to any pediatric occupational therapy practice. The book captures ways to teach clinicians, parents, and caregivers how to inspire and grow a child’s human potential through the connection to their bodies and emotions. The book’s poetry, games and fundamental use of breath are creative and playful additions to an occupational therapist’s sensory integration toolkit.”

– Carol Battistone, M.A., OTR/L, 29 years in private practice, NYC.

Lia Paris Sleeps in a Zoo

Five-year-old Lia Paris just moved into her own bedroom. Mama thought this was a good time since she was a big sister now. Although she was a bit lonely at first, Lia Paris still had her pink piggy to sleep with. One day, her mama found a sad-looking piggy at a toy store and brought it home, a little companion for pink piggy. Soon, other family members began to bring more stuffed animals for Lia Paris. She couldn't bear to stuff them in the closet, so every night she'd tuck them under her covers and onto her pillow. It wasn't long before her bed began to look like a zoo. And no matter how hard Mama tried to convince her to put some toys away, her little girl just cried and cried at the thought of it…until one night when everything changed.

Life's Emotions And Personal Care With Peanut

Read about Peanut the Dog as she tells her stories about everyday life. She tells about her emotions as she goes through different situations. Peanut also talks about how she takes care of herself. Everything is told from a dog’s point of view. You will also meet some of Peanut’s friends. As she tells her stories, she loves to give an educational lesson. Peanut gives this book a ‘ten paw’ rating.

Like a Champion

Champion did not possess the confidence to do what he loved – gymnastics! He thought he was too slow to master the flips and springs it takes to be a good gymnast. He was frightened to even try when others watched him practice. In this tale about patience, building confidence, and focusing on his own improvement, Champion learns to overcome his doubts by listening to every instruction delivered by his coach.

A story inspired by challenges so many young athletes face, the authors designed this book to help parents, teachers, and youth coaches talk to young children about fear and anxiety over competitive athletics. The book includes common core aligned questions that teachers can utilize with student.

Like Cats and Dogs

Get ready to join Hugo the cat and Jeremy the dog on a fun and musical adventure in Like Cats and Dogs. In this heartwarming children’s picture book, not only do Hugo and Jeremy get along, but they become the most dynamic singing duo in Tuckwilla, winning over the hearts of their fans. With captivating illustrations that bring their story to life, Like Cats and Dogs is sure to delight children of all ages and inspire them to celebrate friendship and teamwork.

Lindy Ladybug's Halloween Party

Have you ever really wanted to go

To a party full of bugs – oh you didn’t know?

That bugs have parties like you and me.

Or do they? Do you want to see?

Wait! Don’t open this book because if you do,

You might find a monster or maybe two!

It’s very spooky on Halloween night,

The witches and ghosts will give you a fright.

But if you just have to see what’s there,

Then open the book – if you dare!

Lindy Ladybug's Party

If you open this book what will you find?

Why a fun-filled party with bugs of all kind!

Who will be dressed in their very best,

Of hats and bows and glittery vests.

Some will come in dresses of red or blue,

How others will dress I haven’t a clue!

Oh wait! you mean you want to know more?

Then join the party to see what’s in store!

Little Money

How often do we talk to our children about money? We can guess that children know the words "money", "bank", "bank card", etc. At first, we tell them that for adults, it's too early for you, and then at 18 years old, the child starts to interact with money without having the right idea about it.
I want to correct this situation and tell the children in an accessible form, as well as to remind their moms and dads of the basic principles of communication with money, and the most attentive ones will find a few hints on the way to their future richness.