Welcoming Spirit Home: Ancient African Teachings to Celebrate Children and Community 
 by Sobonfu E. Some

In Welcoming Spirit Home, Sobonfu E. Some imparts us with the traditional wisdom that honors children as the soul of the community, the view held by her native Dagara tribe in Burkino Faso in West Africa. She shares with the reader beautiful, yet simple, rituals focused specifically on children, which celebrate their birth, growth and place in the community. The cultural knowledge included in this book transcends cultural boundaries, giving you both soulful insight and practical knowledge about ways to honor children. And how much more perfect an author to share this wisdom than Some, whose name means "keeper of rituals."

Ophelia Speaks 
 by Sara Shandler

Catalyzed by Mary Pipher’s book Reviving Ophelia, which explored the challenges that girls face as they enter womanhood, Ophelia Speaks features the Ophelias (teenage girls) speaking in their own voice. Author Sara Shandler provides a thoughtful framework for the essays, poetry and commentaries from a cross section of teenage girls expressing their perspectives as they transition through this period of their lives. Exploring issues such as faith, parental expectations, body image, eating disorders and others, Ophelia Speaks is a wonderful book for both teenage girls as well as their parents who may be looking for insight into how to support them.

The Giving Tree 
 by Shel Silverstein

One of the classics for kids and adults alike, The Giving Tree features simple lines and simple line drawings that tells the story of friendship. It tells the story of giving. The story of unconditional love. The story of returning to our roots. Its meaning and lessons are interpreted by people as similar, and yet as varied, making The Giving Tree a parable that moves through time with each individual. This book is one that sits on the bookshelves of many people throughout their life, a childhood favorite that transcends various life stages.

Enemy Pie 
 story by Derek Munson, Illustrations by Tara Calahan King

Enemy Pie is a charmingly written book with colorful illustrations that evoke the larger-than-life quality of childhood. Geared towards children kindergarten through fourth grade, yet appreciated by kids of all ages, this simple and entertaining tale teaches children about conflict resolution and how to make new friends, and carries with it an important lesson. Through the guidance of his father and a delicious fruit pie, the protagonist learns that maybe those we view as our rivals are really not different from us, and can actually be our best friends if we just take the time to get to know them. The lesson is at once eternal as well as incredibly relevant today and Enemy Pie is a great way to guide children in this very important teaching.

Flower Essence Repertory  
 by Patricia Kaminski and Richard Katz

Flower essences are natural, non-toxic remedies used for balancing emotional energies first developed by Dr Edward Bach in the 1930s. While many people are familiar with the flower essence combination Rescue Remedy, which is renowned for its ability to deliver calm to children, adults and even pets in times of acute stress, there are many more individual flower essences that can be vehicles for intense emotional and soul-oriented healing. For those who want to extend their knowledge and use of these wonderful healing gems beyond Rescue Remedy, the "Flower Essence Repertory" is a great resource. The book covers 142 different flower essences, from Agrimony to Zinnia, complete with a detailed description of characteristics for use. The book is also organized by repertorized categories so that you can look up over 200 "emotional pictures" -- anything from abandonment to catharsis to parenting to will -- and find out the remedies that are best suited. Additionally, the book also gives a detailed overview on the background of flower essence therapy and how it is used.

In The Mind’s Eye: Visual Thinkers, Gifted People with Dyslexia and Other Learning Difficulties, Computer Images and the Ironies of Creativity  
by Thomas G. West

For many people, feeling like they are different can be challenging; yet, when it comes to the way that a person thinks and processes information, the experience is oftentimes frustrating at best, and debilitating at worst. In this wonderful book, Thomas G. West explores the thinking patterns associated with dyslexia, autism, ADHD and other "learning disabilities," showing that while those individuals may be challenged when it comes to verbal skills, they may have superior visual/spatial skills that set them apart. Taking a historical perspective, he offers that the equation of verbal skills with enhanced intelligence may not necessarily be objective but rather an artifact of a society which has more recently put literary skills above those of spatial/visual thinking. Using famous examples such as Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison, West shows how the skills of these visual/spatial thinkers were critical for their success. For anyone with a child (or loved one) challenged by being a "different thinker" this book can not only create better understanding but also can help you to create an environment for them where their talents can excel, creativity can be sparked and self-value can be better crystallized.

The Secret Universe Of Names: The Dynamic Interplay Of Names And Destiny
by Roy Feinson

Whether it be to find a name for your new baby or just understand some of the linguistic archetypal principles of your own name and that of other family members, "The Secret Universe Of Names: The Dynamic Interplay Of Names And Destiny" by Roy Feinson may hold the answer(s) you're looking for. This wonderful book reveals the connection between sounds and the emotions they invoke. Instead of just reporting meanings for individual names, the author has grouped names based upon the common sound thread throughout, illuminating the meaning and expression of their phonetics. Reading through names of friends and family turned out to offer spot-on, illuminating insights into these people, as if the author personally knew them. Its large coffee table book format and pleasing graphic design will make it a treasure and conversation piece for friends and family alike.

Feeding the Whole Family: Whole Foods Recipes for Babies, Young Children & Their Parents by Cynthia Lair

This is a great book for parents and caretakers looking not only for a recipe book for easy-to-prepare healthy foods but a resource book that will help to inspire kids to appreciate eating healthy. It includes sections on "Starting your Baby on Whole Foods" and "Attracting Your Children to Healthy Eating," the latter giving tips about being a good healthy eating role model as well as making participating in kitchen activities fun for kids. It features hundreds of whole foods recipes that are sure to delight the palate of all members of your household. The author’s most recent book, Feeding the Young Athlete, co-written with Scott Murdoch, PhD RD (to be reviewed in an upcoming version of PlanetWaves Parenting), focuses on nutrition for children engaged in sports activities.

The Body Project : An Intimate History of American Girls by Joan Jacobs Brumberg

As it is so entrenched in our culture that young (and not so young) women are obsessed with their body image, it seems that it has always been that way. Yet, as the author of "The Body Project: An Intimate History of American Girls", vividly points out, this concentrated focus on projecting a body image where thinness is the ideal, sacrificed at times to concerns of character and sometimes health, is relatively new from a historical perspective. Written in an engaging and intelligent style by historian Joan Jacobs Brumberg, The Body Project is a great read for parents and caretakers of teenage and pre-teenage girls as it may help to provide them with some guidance with which to share with their child when she interact with these compelling societal pressures.

The Ninth Month by Catherine Steinmann

The Ninth Month is an exquisite photography book that celebrates expecting mothers, the female form, and the beauty that is life. The book presents two series of images -- those taken in New York and those taken in Hawaii. The New York photographs show women veiled in gossamer fabrics that are at once revealing while serving as an elegant foil to their wondrous bodies. The Hawaii photographs partner the women with the sea, illuminating the uboric experience that they are having within and without. A perfect gift for the expectant mother or anyone who wants to revel in the majestical beauty of pregnancy.

Is This Your Child's World? How You Can Fix the Schools and Homes That Are Making Your Children Sick by Doris Rapp

More and more evidence supports the link between sensitivities/allergies to building materials, mold, pesticides and other environmental contaminants and physical illnesses and behavioral problems in children. If you are concerned that your child (or yourself) may have environmental sensitivities, then this book will serve as a very important resource. It helps you to identify children who may be prone to environmental illness by reviewing common symptoms, highlighted by the use of case studies. Yet, it is more than just didactic. Rather, Is This Your Child’s World? serves as a great how-to reference on assessing indoor air pollution's “dangers” and provides solutions to remedy home and school environments, including an extensive list of resources. Thoughtful and comprehensive, Is This Your Child’s World? is written by pediatrician Doris Rapp, and was the first comprehensive source book of its kind.

Ritalin-Free Kids: Safe and Effective Homeopathic Medicine for ADD and Other Behavioral and Learning Problems by Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman, MPH, ND and Robert Ullman, ND

If your child or a child you know has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or experiences challenges with learning or behavior, you may want to check out this book if you are looking for an alternative to the amphetamine medicines -- such as Ritalin -- that are usually prescribed for these "conditions." The authors, renowned homeopaths and naturopathic physicians, have written numerous other natural health related books and maintain private practices in Washington State (USA). The book provides an overview of ADHD including the conventional perspective and then reviews homeopathic treatment geared towards it as well as other behavioral and learning problems. As numerous families have claimed improvements in their child’s health using natural approaches to healing, including homeopathy, this book may offer important insight and guidance to helping our children to live a happier, healthier, and more balanced life.

The Natural Pregnancy Book: Herbs, Nutrition and Other Holistic Choices Aviva Jill Romm

In The Natural Pregnancy Book: Herbs, Nutrition and Other Holistic Choices, Aviva Jill Romm celebrates pregnancy and natural ways of supporting oneself through this wonderful time. Positive and inspiring, it includes information on nutrition, exercise and herbal remedies to help with the natural “discomforts” that may occur during pregnancy.

Natural Health after Birth: The Complete Guide to Postpartum Wellness Aviva Jill Romm

In the companion book Natural Health after Birth: The Complete Guide to Postpartum Wellness, Romm again celebrates the mother, and provides information on nutrition, herbs and yoga for new mothers. The book is uplifting and sweet just like new motherhood is.

Prenatal Yoga (DVD) by Shiva Rea

This DVD, by world-renowned yoga teacher Shiva Rea, is a wonderful way to enjoy prenatal yoga in the comfort of you own home. It includes a 50 minute series of asanas (postures) that are targeted for the needs of a pregnant woman, and three levels of exercises geared towards each of the trimesters. Relax, strengthen, and tone with this DVD geared towards yoga practitioners of all levels.

Herbs for a Healthy Pregnancy: From Conception to Childbirth by Penelope Ody

Written by Penelope Ody, the author of numerous other books on herbal medicine, Herbs for a Healthy Pregnancy: From Conception to Childbirth contains information on natural remedies for pregnancy, childbirth and beyond. The book includes information on herbs for conditions often experienced during pregnancy including backache, stretch marks, hemorrhoids and about a twenty others. It covers approaches to childbirth, issues that may arise postpartum, as well as breastfeeding. Yet, the book is not just for mom, but includes herbal remedies geared towards the infant as well. While the book is mainly focused on botanical medicine, it does offer some information on diet, exercise and massage as well.

Special Delivery: A guide to creating the birth you want for you and your baby by Rahima Baldwin Dancy

Written by a midwife and intended for all parents, (regardless of where they decide to birth their babies) this book provides complete information, including graphs, charts, and illustrations, about pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. It is simple in presentation and filled with honest, down-to-earth advice, as well as intimate stories of the births of individual children. Dancy leaves you informed, and thus, empowered, from the very beginning of your child's life.

Essential Exercises for the Childbearing Year: A guide to health and comfort before and after your baby is born by Elizabeth Noble

Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin

This book covers nearly every topic related to breastfeeding, including breastfeeding positions, help with breastfeeding problems, tips for the working mother, and current research on the benefits of breastfeeding. A must read for anyone who plans on, or is interested in, nursing her child.

The Holistic Pediatrician by Kathi J. Kemper, M.D., M.P.H.

This book gives you a comprehensive look at the full range of treatments for the top 25 childhood health issues. From standard medications to herbs and prayer, all aspects are covered. Kemper takes care to explain the causes of ailments, possible preventions, and advice on how to interact with doctors, making it very clear when medical action is necessary. Easy design of the text makes it a very useful reference for parents.

The Common Vision: Parenting and Educating for Wholeness by David Marshak

In The Common Vision: Parenting and Educating for Wholeness, David Marshak explores the teaching about childraising and education of three great spiritual teachers: Rudolph Steiner, Sri Aurobindo Ghose and Hazrat Inayat Khan. Readers will see how, despite their backgrounds in different traditions, they all shared the common vision that children are whole beings. The Common Vision reveals their insights into creating an environment for children where they can best flourish, grow and unfold. This book is great for parents, educators or anyone interested in helping children to evolve into who they naturally are. Marshak has studied the teachings of these three emissaries and their applications to education, families and school for over fifteen years and currently teaches in the School of Education at Seattle University (Washington State, USA).

No More Turning Away: A Revolution in Education, Solutions for a Violent World by Ronald Veronda

A book that stresses education as the most important way to change our world, explaining the problems and offering workable solutions to correct the dysfunction in our education methods, and thus, the entire planet.

The Single Girl's Guide to Marrying a Man, His Kids, and His Ex-Wife by Sally Bjornsen

The Single Girl's Guide to Marrying a Man, His Kids, and His Ex-Wife is a humorous honest look at making the transition from single and independent female to the challenges facing a new marriage with stepchildren. With humor and grace, Sally Bjornsen shares anecdotes from stepmothers dealing with the challenges and unexpected benefits of marrying a man with kids. There's a ton of books out there that help newlyweds deal with the challenges of learning to share personal space, bank accounts, decision making, and families but none that focus on the additional and unique challenges and benefits of becoming a stepfamily. Honest and resourceful, the book reassures the newly married stepmother as she moves through the various, and often unexpected, emotions of learning to adjust to the new role as wife and stepmother.

Touchpoints: Your Child's Emotional and Behavioral Development by T. Berry Brazelton, M.D. and Joshua Sparrow, M.D.

This is a series of two books that cover the first six years of your child's development. With chapters following four very different children through each year of their lives, through real-life events and the learning that comes from these, Brazelton, in his frank and delighted approach, shows how children deal with self control, making friends, learn to read, adjust to siblings, and master fears. There is also a large reference section which covers all manner of issues for parents, including adoption, childcare, chores and allowances, food problems, home schooling, loss and grief, sexuality, television, and toys, just to name a few. All of this is presented with understanding, expert perspective, and supportive advice.

The Yale Child Study Center Guide to Understanding Your Child b y Linda C. Mayes, M.D., and Donald J. Cohen, M.D.

Written with the goal of providing parents with insight into the many stages of child development, this guide leaves an understanding of the child's point of view, with a solid basis in science, and empathy for the parents' expectations and experience. Within the text lies information that gives parents the awareness, and the tools, to work with the ebbs and flows of their children's growth.

Your Child's Self Esteem: The Key to Life by Dorothy Corkille Briggs

“Step by step guidelines for raising responsible, productive, happy children” is the byline on the book, and it is true. This text is invaluable in the breaking of outmoded patterns in the way that we humans treat one another. It deals our entire perspective on human relations, with a focus on empathy, compassion, and the importance of high personal worth. There are wonderful sections on communication, discipline, and issues such as how self-esteem relates to sexuality. Excellent reading for all of us, parent or not.

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

First published more than two decades ago, this best seller still resonates with parents who want to communicate more effectively with their children. Using illustrations, sample dialogues and practical exercises, the book provides detailed instructions on how to improve relationships within the family. The updated edition includes new suggestions from the co-authors and feedback from readers.

The Child Whisperer by Matt Pasquinilli

This book aims to assist parents and those who work in childhood development in building a child's confidence and self-control. Pasquilnili, who has been teaching martial arts to children for more than 10 years, uses simple writing to share an uncomplicated message. The author advocates such straight-forward approaches as reminding the child to make eye contact when conversing and teaching the child to use deep, regular breathing as a way to cope with stress.

Building Moral Intelligence: The Seven Essential Virtues that Teach Kids to Do the Right Thing by Michele Borba

This volume shows parents how to overcome television, video games and the rest of pop culture in shaping a child's morality. Borba, an educator and nationally recognized expert, defines seven virtues (empathy, conscience, self-control, respect, kindness, tolerance and fairness) found in children and explains how parents can encourage moral growth in today's youth. The book also reminds parents that they must lead by example.